Forgiving the Unforgivable Regal Books, 2003) Dr. David Stoops begins this book with these words: “Forgiveness doesn’t come naturally to anyone.” Forgiveness doesn’t come naturally, the author states, because our thought processes cannot comprehend why we need to forgive when we’re the ones who have been injured. In addition, forgiveness creates an internal conflict because […]
Let It Go (Atria Books, 2012) I believe Bishop T. D. Jakes would agree with Dr. Stephen Viars (Putting Your Past in Its Place) that we need to turn our past struggles into stepping stones for growth in order to move toward healing and hope. In Let It Go, Bishop Jakes states that our fixation […]
When Life’s Not Working (Baker Books, 2011) No one is immune from adversity. So author Bob Merritt asserts that we face 2 options- the hard life or the harder life. Essentially life comes down to people, and our choices must be fused to our relationships. In Part I, Bob establishes the foundations necessary for the […]
If You Want to Walk on Water . . . (Zondervan, 2001) John Ortberg’s book is based on Matthew 14: 25-32, when Peter waited for Jesus’ command before he walked on water to meet Jesus. The author states that Matthew’s account is not just a story about taking risks, but primarily is a story of […]
The Peace God Promises (Zondervan, 2011) Ann Spangler begins her book by first defining what peace is not- finding the perfect relationship, job, etc.; solitary or selfish; wistfully “if only” (situational). In order to truly experience peace, we must embrace the One who brings it (Jesus) and live as His disciple. The first step in […]
The Calling (Concordia Publishing House, 2010) Author Kurt Senske divides his book, which combines Biblical wisdom with secular strategies, into 3 major parts and a short concluding section. He sets the stage in Part 1 by defining significance as that which must flow from our Christian faith, involves the need to discern the role God […]
A Better Way to Think (Revell, 2011) How many thoughts do you have each day? Depending on how active your mind is, you may have more than 45,000! In large part, those thoughts shape you. When your first response is emotional, that emotion is designed to alert and focus you rather than direct your actions. […]
(Zondervan, 2008) John Ortberg introduces Know Doubt (previously titled Faith and Doubt) by emphasizing that “when we take seriously the reality of faith and doubt, the most important word in the phrase is the one in the middle. While faith and doubt often are considered mutually exclusive terms, philosopher Michael Novak suggests that doubt is […]
How to Handle Adversity (Thomas Nelson, 1989) In his introduction to this book, Dr. Charles Stanley tells us that adversity is handled in one of two ways- either people are committed to the process of spiritual maturity and growth or they put themselves in what the author calls a “spiritual coma”, unable to change their […]
True Courage (David C. Cook, 2011) Author Steve Farrar bases this book on the Biblical Book of Daniel, specifically the true courage Daniel displayed in every criswis he faced. The bedrock of Daniel’s true courage was that he knew God rather than merely of His existence. True Courage has two unique traits: (1) it enables […]
Trusting God (Navpress, 2008) Author Jerry Bridges introduces his expository Bible study on the sovereignty of God with one question requiring a two-fold answer from the reader: “Can you trust God?” In other words, is God dependable (worth of trust) during times of adversity and do you have a strong relationship with God so that you […]
Second Guessing God (Standard Publishing, 2006) Brian Jones begins his book with a foundational quote from Spanish philosopher Miguel de Unamuno (1864-1936) in which the philosopher states that authentic belief in God consists of a passionate heart mixed with anguish, uncertainty, doubt, and despair. Without those elements, one simply believes in the idea of God. In […]