Joyce Meyer is a well know beloved teacher of the Word and a well written author. I think I have at least a dozen of her books, I would have to say she was a big influence on my early years. I have referenced this information many times over the years. 

Joyce writes that the enemy uses our minds to divert us away from the things of God. In helping with the condition of our minds to pointing out different types of mentalities, the author gives practical and applicable information to win over our thoughts.

​With its 25 chapters it is a good read allowing you to take time to process and apply each chapter. I would suggest that you keep a journal and jot down notes, thoughts, prayers, and even progress.  You will be victorious with this information in use. 

Who doesn’t love Francis Chan?!  He tells it like it is with love and unique illustrations.

 In this book the author challenges Christians to fully live the life that God intended. By Stepping away from the status quo of comfortable Christianity, being 100% sold out for God, not just loving God but, being IN love with God.

When we come to the point of understanding and recognizing the Relentless, Extravagant, Unconditional love God has for us. It deepens our love and Service for Him.

​My Favorite part is when Chan likens our surrender of salvation to Christ to a marriage proposal from God. That one hit me hard!. God declares His extravagant love for you, and asks you “will you spend the rest of your life with me?” Think on that for a moment
 For me, marriage is a life time constant commitment of an evolving growth that strengthens one another, using the principles of love and service that has been penned out in the word.
God desires a one on one with each of us, yet, He can be Omni-present. Christ died for you personally. Yet He died for all.  He is not too big to be personal. Although, He is a Big God!

This book, very well written from a knowledgeable scientific assessment, focuses on controlling Toxic thoughts and emotions. Linking the scientific principles of the brain to emotional and intellectual issues in a practical way.

The negative thoughts that we have; can have an effect on our physical and emotional well-being. These toxic thoughts, such as fear, can trigger chemical responses and activates more than 30 different hormones.

Dr. Leaf, is engaging and down to earth, explaining "the anatomy of a thought" - to - teaches us "13 ways to detox our thought life", rewriting and our brains. You will be surprised how this book will change you and your thinking.
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She also has other books that are just as captivating and informative. You won’t be disappointed in reading her books. 

​Have you ever felt anonymous; unknown, unseen, unnoticed, or unappreciated?

This book brings to life the thirty silent years of Jesus. During this time He was shaped and formed with an unshakable character for His three year Ministry.

​Very well written, drawing you into it words and soaking in the visual lessons prorated within the pages. With eleven sections and over fifty little chapters you can take one at a time as a devotional or as a meditation with scripture.  
The Author encourages each of us to evaluate our lives paralleling the similarities during the silent years in the life of Jesus.

I love this book; it came to me at a perfect time; A pastoral friend recommended this book to me when he recognized my unsettledness during my waiting season. Anonymous gave me comfort, hope, purpose, and value to my waiting.

“Anonymous season’s s are the surprising source of enduring Spiritual strength. Savor the Season! Respect its potential. When graced with hidden years, wait because He is worthy, keep the waters of your spirit sweet, be still… and grow” ​

“Many Christians have experienced pain, loss, and heartache at the hands of other believers. To those believers, this compelling story offers comfort, healing, and hope”

It’s A Wonderful book on brokenness. This tale is written in play format in two acts, based on three of the Kings in Israel - David, Saul, and Absalom.;

The Author communicates the differences between these three kings and their approaches to the throne. One accepted brokenness in his life, giving us the true meaning of the power of humility. The others took different methods.

Thought these lessons learned in the lives of these kings, we are reminded That God is truly in control.  Our response can make all the difference in these situations, in us and in others. David’s response leads us to a healing and a Hope.
At the end of the last chapter it sums up David’s heart. "The throne is not mine. Not to have, not to take, not to protect, and not to keep."….”The Throne is the Lord’s so is the Kingdom”.  
​We all should have the heart of David. 

  Both books point us to a time of intimacy with God and a time of personal growth.

I love the story of Mary and Martha, one a doer, a worker the Adult-ing reasonable one. The other letting the Big sister do the work, the one who saw the importance of spending time at the feet of Jesus.

Many of us, including me, have the heart of Mary, yet we struggle with the Martha side, the Adult-ing side. Daily life and responsibilities seem to over take us making it hard to find that much needed quiet time only focused on Him. 

​The author encourages us to be teachable and pliable in the hands of God. To find and schedule time to have an intimacy with Him. Allowing God to lead us to the Potential that He sees in us. There is a beauty in dwelling with and Trusting God to change us. Let Him dwell in you.

What is God's greatest Passion?...YOU!
​When you read this book your heart will soften as you begin to understand God’s love for you and His love for people. To Love Him means to peruse His greatest Passion; His people and their souls.  

Within these 30 plus chapters, each with its own stories, testimonies, and illustrations, you will be captivated by its content. Appling how we get out of the inward Christian agenda to the outward Christian agenda, bringing His word to others with confidence.

​Chapter seven has far more highlights than the other chapters do. So, I’m thinking that’s the one I enjoyed the most. The title for this chapter is “Famous Last Words” Here is a snippet: “The bible in its totality ascribes only one intention to God: to save mankind. Every task of the church makes sense and has a purpose only as it leads to the mission”. “You can be certain that Jesus had carefully determined His last statement. It was “Go!”… All of us are given this charge. 

Another oldie but goodie original © 1985; I first read this book more than 25 years ago, back when I viewed myself much differently.

​I learned that my self-worth is based on the love God has for me and not the worth others put on me. Understanding who I was and the potential that God has for me was a place of huge growth.

The author also identifies the potential pitfalls of different behaviors as well as leading us to allow the truth to set us free. This is an excellent study for a group of believers as well as an individual study, be sure to include the workbook for practical application. 

    This book is a repeated read for me.  It is defiantly a book to read, ponder, and study with. I love the depth these authors bring with exciting and challenging information.    
​Interestingly enough this book is written by two men and one woman associated with YWAM (Youth with a Mission).

Why Not women, explores and includes scriptures on the subject of God's calling of women to the Ministry. Along with myth busting the long taught subject of the suppression of women in ministry and leadership roles. Bringing out the relevant, logical and, historical information to light. A fantastic and energetic read for anyone wanting to understand God’s true intent on the matter. 

     Here are two books that every Christian should read. The Fear of the Lord brings an awareness of how Awesome  our God is and the Reverence that He deserves from his creation, bring us into a more intimate relationship with God. 

​ In the book; The Bait of Satan the author is exposing deceptive traps the enemy uses on us to draw us away from Christ and our God given purpose. We must be prepared in and out of season as our response will                                                                                                             determine our Future. ​ 

​vjb

  ​A small book with 126 pages could be a very quick read.  However, I invite you take each section slow, draw in  and  meditate on each Secret of the Vine. 

This book is based on John 15. Speaking to the lesson that Jesus gave to His disciples, on that last night walking through the vineyard to the Garden of Gethsemane. 

  " I am the True Vine and my Father is the Vinedresser"

He's telling his disciples and us today about our role in bearing fruit, in loving one another.

We desperately need to capture the essence of Jesus's teaching here; Standing in the vineyard at night with his disciples- He stresses the importance of a relationship with Him is Vital to Life and also to Love One Another. 

No mater what season of Fruit Bearing you are in, this book will inspire you to step closer, and deeper into that relationship. 

vjb

With all our differences in our personalities and lifestyles, feeling loved and appreciated can be tricky. Even with good intentions, others may not perceive being loved in the same way as you.

"People express and receive love different ways"

Dr. Chapman speaks of filled love tanks when our love language is met. Identifying 5 types of love languages. Words of Affirmation, Acts of Service, Gifts, Quality Time and Physical Touch.

All of us struggle in relationships from time to time. This book helps us to not only understand how we express and receive loved but also to help us see how others do the same.
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Although this book has been around for a while, it is still very applicable to everyone and every relationship you have, not just to your spouse.

The Five Love Languages is a good book to use one-on-one or as a group study. It has several companion books, such as; for teens, children, singles, study guides, charts, and you can even find an online quiz with a simple web search, and more.
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In the words of Mother Teresa; Loneliness and the feeling of being unwanted is the most terrible poverty.

​Fill someone's tank today.
vjb​

​Don’t let the title throw you off. Yes, Jesus is completely beautiful in all he is and does and  yes he was an Outlaw! 

​Only as Jesus was fulfilling the Law and bring it back what God intended, Relationship over Religious attitude.

The author draws the reader into a different and deeper way of examining who Jesus (the Son of Man) really is, without diminishing the deity of Jesus, (the Son of God). Keeping a necessary balance of how we view him and our relationship.

As you venture through the chapters you will experience His captivating personality, His authentic humanity and His true nature. Along with an understanding how people have created an unbalance of religious attitudes (a religious fog) when we think of Jesus. Which leads to a limited love relationship with Him.  
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​Our Teaching Team recently spent 18 weeks in an Adult Bible Study exploring each chapter and thinking outside the box of the usual status quo.  I have gleaned  from this book each time I’ve gone through it and each team member expressed the same sentiment. You will laugh, cry, think deeper and feel truly loved by this Beautiful Outlaw.

vjb