Book Review: Unity Under the Trinity

Chosen Books provided a complimentary copy of the featured book in exchange for an honest review.
      All Heaven Will Break Loose: When We Make the Priorities of Jesus Our Passion by Joy Dawson is a book that calls for the body of Christ to unite under the authority of the Trinity in the name of Christ. There are far too many divisions that plague the church across the globe for petty circumstances. Author Joy Dawson implores each believer to contribute to the church setting aside ego and encouraging one another to use our gifts for His glory especially within our ministries.
     It sounds simple enough,  but pragmatically uniting in humility can be difficult. Dawson using biblical references models for us the workings of Trinity unity in the church and the subsequent blessings. Following the definition and workings of this unity she also provides circumstances that may hinder unification and the solutions to overcome.
      I love Joy Dawson's message without a doubt. I have seen too many people criticize others in the name of righteousness, meanwhile they are perverting the Word of God. This is a timely message to unite under the name of Christ for the sake of spreading the gospel. Great things can abound when His Good News is shared in love with all, particularly with brothers and sisters by our side.
     However, I did find the writing a tad dry at times. Some chapters moved very slowly for me in general. The transitions between subtopics seemed rough and frankly, I found it disruptive to the chapter at large. Yet, I would not want to discourage you to not pick up this book based solely on my opinion of her writing style. The content of this volume greatly surpasses the minor writing flaws.
     All Heaven Will Break Loose may be the book you need at the moment to persevere in your area of ministry. The book is 143 pages long and provides solid, biblical teaching. May His glory be seen in your life.

 

Book Review: Living in Faith

BookSneeze graciously provided a complimentary copy of the featured book in exchange for an honest review.
     We are all born with potential. Yet, many lead quiet lives of discontent never stepping out in faith and wondering when life passed by. That's the bad news. But, that is where it ends. For today is another day waiting to be embraced for all its worth.
     Pastor and author Terry A. Smith encourages people to not only envision their preferred future, but also to create it in practical terms bringing it into fruition in this engaging book, Live 10: Jump-Start the Best Version of Your Life.  Using biblical references and personal accounts Smith guides the reader to see what they want and to subsequently take steps to attain their goals.
     Smith really hones in on leading in whatever realm you work in, whether you are a businessman, stay-at-home mother or a teacher. We all have realms of influence, people to help, people to encourage. Whatever future you have planned can help bring others up along side you and that is where our futures have the greatest potential for impact. Taking an active role in our lives is what will create our preferred futures.
     I am very grateful to have read this book. As a stay-at-home, homeschooling mama my days can seem rote and a tad monotonous at times. (Please don't misread that as any disdain for motherhood. I love it.) So, Live 10 really helped me to realign my day with my ideals and goals for my family and myself. It also has created a spark in me to envision my life after homeschooling. If this book can speak to me I really believe it has the potential to reach many others.
     Smith has a way with words that flows naturally and hits home. He is very poignant and intentional with each word written. His questions at the end of the seven parts dig into the heart of the matter and help you align your intentions with your actions. Though he spurs you to dream big, the path he lays to guide you makes it all seem attainable.
     The greatest strength of Live 10 is that Smith includes God. Often God can be pushed aside out of our equations. We create plans without our Lord. Smith makes it a point to include God, to know Him and what those implications can look like in light of our preferred futures.
     In 207 pages you will have gained tools to go from the mundane to living the extraordinary. The question is: What does a "10" in your life look like? Dare to dream. Dare to do. Live 10!