Unholy Boldness

This is a re-post of this article first written in 2015. How sad is it that all we need do is to change the name of the Church or Synagogue and it is as relevant today as it was three years ago.

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My heart hurts today.  The news on every channel is filled with images from South Carolina and the senseless killing of nine precious saints in the AME Church in Charleston.  My heart weeps for the destruction.

satan has stepped up his unholy boldness; he is no longer lurking in the shadows. Oh no, he is taking his evil right to Main Street America.

his pervasive evil now invades our homes to steal our children right from their beds only to rape, maim and murder the innocents – all done in the name of evil.  And satan laughs.

Evil now walks upright in the full light of day directly through the front door of our schools and opens fire on the innocents – killing all in its path; leaving a trail of destruction and tears that can never be repaired, never be forgotten – all done in the name of evil.  And satan laughs.

Evil now boards our airplanes – unafraid and undaunted. It takes control and three thousand innocents are murdered – all done in the name of evil.  And satan laughs.

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AHA – Awakening Honesty Action

AHA: The God Moment That Changes EverythingAHA: The God Moment That Changes Everything by Kyle Idleman

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

“We’ve all had “aha!” moments in our lives, times when a sudden revelation surprises us with insight. According to pastor and bestselling author Kyle Idleman, we can experience this same kind of “aha!” in our spiritual lives. With everyday examples and trademark testimonies, Idleman draws on Scripture to reveal how three key elements can draw us closer to God and change our lives for good.

Awakening to the reality of our true spiritual condition, we see ourselves and our need for a Savior with renewed honesty. This realization leads to action, obeying God’s commands and following the example set by Christ. As we see in the transformation of the prodigal son, the result is a life-changing, destiny-altering collision—an AHA moment that leads us home to our loving Father.”
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The Battle Plan for Prayer

The Battle Plan for Prayer: Attacking Life's Struggles Through PrayerThe Battle Plan for Prayer: Attacking Life’s Struggles Through Prayer by Stephen Kendrick

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

“Inspired by the Kendrick Brothers’ new movie, War Room, this exciting new resource from the #1 best-selling author team behind The Love Dare and The Resolution for Men is designed to help anyone learn how to become a powerful person of prayer. The Battle Plan for Prayer begins with prayer’s core purpose, its biblical design, and its impact throughout history. Readers will be guided scripturally through the fundamentals of how effective prayer works, inspired towards a closer, more intimate relationship with God, and shown how to develop specific prayer strategies for each area of life.

Prayer can accomplish what a willing God can accomplish. It should be your first plan of attack in all of life’s battles, not your last resort. If you want to experience the joy of mightily answered prayer, then it’s time to engage with God at another level.”
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Praying the Prayers of the Bible

Praying the Prayers of the BiblePraying the Prayers of the Bible by James Banks

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

“My heart has heard you say, “Come and talk with me.” And my heart responds, “Lord, I am coming.” (Psalm 27:8) It can be hard to wrap our minds around the fact that the all-powerful, all-knowing Creator of heaven and earth wants to talk with us. What can we tell Him that He doesn’t already know? The thought can leave us speechless. At other times, we’re speechless for other reasons—the sorrow is too much, the pain is too strong.

An amazing thing about our God is that He will never leave us trapped within ourselves, without words or hope. He’s given us His Word, which is full of prayers from His people. When we pray the prayers from God’s Word humbly and expectantly, we open our hearts and lives to deeper faith, renewed strength, fresh blessings, and God’s power to do “immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine.”
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Red Letter Prayer Life

The Red Letter Prayer Life: 17 Words from Jesus to Inspire Practical, Purposeful, Powerful PrayerThe Red Letter Prayer Life: 17 Words from Jesus to Inspire Practical, Purposeful, Powerful Prayer by Bob Hostetler

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

“You’re invited to sit at the feet of Jesus Himself and listen—and learn (and yearn)—as He prays. Seventeen chapters share the exciting, empowering, and enlightened Red Letter Prayer Life as Jesus spoke it, lived it, and shared it with His followers. Jesus uncovered secrets of prayer that could make the lame walk, open prison doors, and break down barriers between people. He did it for His followers then, and He does it for you today.

For some time now, it has been burning in my heart to really renew my prayer life. Take it from the rote and new and fresh. After reading The Red Letter Prayer Life, that burning in my heart has only grown brighter and more intense. Continue reading

Fasting God’s Way

Fasting God's WayFasting God’s Way by Francis Epps

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

“Are you ready to throw in the towel because you feel defeated or because you just don’t know how to fight a spiritual battle?

If so, it’s time to learn how to discern the mind of God through fasting and praying.

In the process of pursing these principles, God is going to teach you how to fight your battles. God created fasting so we can walk in the Spirit. When we abide in the spirit, we begin to discern the mind of God. Fasting allows our thought process to change so we can see life from God’s perspective”

I thoroughly enjoyed reading Fasting God’s Way by Evangelist Fran Epps. It is not really about the “mechanics” of Biblical Fasting. This book is more about Evangelist Fran’s own walk of discovering the true purpose and blessing of Fasting… Fasting God’s Way. Continue reading

A Rushing Mighty Wind

This is a remarkable TRUE story – watch the video and read the story.  Oh that this would happen the world over!


A Rushing Mighty WindA Rushing Mighty Wind by Angus Buchan

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

“When well-known author and evangelist angus Buchan was invited to speak at the Feat of Tabernacles, a yearly celebration held in Israel’s Ein-Gedi Desert, nothing could have prepared him for the miraculous events that were about to take place.”

In A Rushing Mighty Wind the Author, Angus Buchan, brings us the story of the events that surrounded the Feast of Tabernacles Celebration that was held at Ein-Gedi Desert in Israel on September 30, 2012. But it’s not just a story, it a re-telling of actual events and the manifestation of the Holy Spirit at that event and ushering in the tangible presence of God during that time. This presence of God helps to remind all of us that God is not just an historical figure that we read about… no, He is more than that. He is real, and alive and at work in each of our lives day in and day out and He is with each of us always. Continue reading

Praying Through Hard Times

As I am writing the review of this book…  I am trying to keep myself from thinking about the appointment that I have tomorrow morning for a breast biopsy.  I’m not sure that this book could have come at a better time.

With an ovarian cancer diagnosis 4 years ago…. and Praise Jesus, no reoccurence… I have been struggling with this appointment – playing out all of the worst case scenario’s over and over in my thoughts

But after finishing this book this morning… all I can do is take my heart and my fears to Him.  To take them to His throne, and at that throne… I find my strength.

I found solace in the words of this book… I pray that you do too. Continue reading

To Heaven and Back

 I hadn’t had the chance to read this story when it first came out.  This is a true don’t miss.  I can’t wait for the movie to be released, which I understand is to be in April 2014.

 Heaven Is for Real Movie Edition: A Little Boy's Astounding Story of His Trip to Heaven and BackHeaven Is for Real Movie Edition: A Little Boy’s Astounding Story of His Trip to Heaven and Back by Todd Burpo

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Heaven is for Real – a Special Movie Edition by Todd Burpo

The cover of this book says it all… “A little boy’s astounding story of his trip to Heaven and back.

I had heard bits and pieces of this young boys (Colton Burpo) story from interviews on the 700 Club and other programs, but I had not had the chance to read his story. I was excited to get the chance to review this book. To say that this story is “astounding” is an understatement. This book took my emotions on a roller coaster ride and didn’t let go until the last page. The author, also a Pastor and Colton’s father, has an ability to relate his story as Colton’s father from his son’s near death illness, to the discovery of Colton’s trip to Heaven and back that is truly a gift. I was totally drawn in by this story and I did not think it implausible. It is a simple and heartwarming story that just might answer some questions for those who wonder if Heaven is real… In the wide-eyed innocence of a 4 year old, yes it is. And in Colton’s words…”He had to have Jesus in his heart! He had to know Jesus or he can’t get into Heaven!” (page 57) That should give us all something to ponder. Continue reading

Organizing Your Prayer Closet – A Review

Organizing Your Prayer Closet: A New and Life-Changing Way to PrayOrganizing Your Prayer Closet: A New and Life-Changing Way to Pray by Gina Duke

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

“A recent survey revealed that 48 percent of the Christians surveyed were unhappy with their prayer life, 34 percent admitted that they did not know how to pray, and 31 percent were not sure that God ever responded to their prayers. The truth is we all want to grow our prayer lives, to be closer to Christ, to see prayer change things, and to make a difference. This books help you begin.

Organizing Your Pray Closet is part organizer and part record-keeper; it’s a new approach to revitalizing your time alone with God. Using Scripture, inspirational quotes, and space for journaling, author Gina Duke highlights the importance and power of prayer as the best connection to the source of all strength.”

I was intrigued when I read the title of this book. I have kept a journal for many years; nothing fancy, mostly a spiral notebook where I drop my thoughts, prayers, problems and blessings. I’ve never really found a way to organize my thoughts, until now.

Ms. Duke has brought it all together for me in a clean, concise and organized manner. There are 10 sections that are covered in the book with each section/chapter building on the last, culminating in a wonderfully organized plan. As each section is defined and discussed, Ms. Duke offers suggestions and helpful advice to make the most out of your newly organized prayer closet and your one-on-one time with Jesus.

I would recommend this book to anyone that wants to take their precious alone time with Jesus to the next level; to really witness and understand His hand at work in their life and to see the real effects of their petitions and prayers.

*Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book through the “For Readers Only” group at The Book Club Network, in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are my own, and no monetary compensation was received for this review.

*Reviews of this book were posted at the following locations:
Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Deeper Shopping,  and Goodreads.

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