Synopsis

While Psalm 118:24 states, “This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it,” we often find that life gets in the way of our being able to rejoice in it. This book is a step-by-step guide that helps us unlock the door and tap into how to embrace gladness in our days. The focus of the “how” is centered on understanding Ecclesiastes 5:20 where it is said of Solomon, “He seldom reflects on the days of his life, because God keeps him occupied with gladness of heart.”

Comments

Julie’s personal insights, testimony and writing style combine to make this book both informative and touching.  Her experiences and stories are those that many, especially young mothers, will find familiar.  Not only does she share how to find and embrace gladness in the midst of our lives, but she shares how to protect it and ensure it is enduring.

Recommendation

HIGH

Synopsis

Matthew 22:37 tells us to “love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.” This book focuses on six key scriptures that tell you how to train your thoughts by thinking only about what is truth, how to win the battle over worry, how to trust the Lord in all things even those your do not understand, how to live one day at a time, and how to accept that which seems unacceptable.

Comments

This study would be particularly helpful to anyone who struggles with speculation about what others are really saying about them, worries about what tomorrow may bring, or allows their past to keep them from moving forward toward their prize. This encompasses most all of us, doesn’t it?

Recommendation

HIGH

Synopsis

Each study is a series of 12 lessons drawn from the book of focus. A series of “Discovery” questions follows the scripture to challenge the students to think more deeply about the verses. A section entitled “Inspiration” provides an uplifting thought or quote from various sources followed by “Response” questions for the student. A prayer and space to journal is provided along with a few additional questions and related Bible passages.

Comments

These are excellent studies to enhance understanding of various books of the Bible. Max’s questions are pertinent, and the “Inspiration” aids in application of the lesson to our daily lives. These were very helpful studies and are good choices for either men or women.

Recommendation

HIGH

for increasing knowledge  & understanding of books studied.

Synopsis

The book is structured in two parts — Part I presents 15 reasons to praise God now and Part II presents 15 Times when praise is crucial. You learn that praise is the prayer that changes everything, because when we praise God, His presence comes to dwell in us transforming us and causing changes in our hearts, lives, and those around us who see Him living in us.

Comments

This book reminds us how wonderful and worthy of our praise God is. Since none of us are immune to having difficulties in our lives, relationships that fall on hard times, a need to forgive others, or need deliverance, protection or strength to deal with life, this book has good news for all who study it. Truly, spending more time in our prayer life praising God brings change.

Recommendation

HIGH

Synopsis

This study focuses on the relationship of sisters, Mary and Martha, with Jesus and how their encounter with him transformed them. It shows how we can draw closer to our Lord and be more devoted to him while strengthening our service to him and experiencing less stress and more joy in the process.

Comments

One of the best studies we have undertaken, this book is a jewel. Joanna incorporates humor, personal testimony, remarkable insight, and faith in a way that gives a fresh breath of life to a story we all know by heart, but probably have never understood with such clarity.

Recommendation

VERY HIGH

Synopsis

Quoting the back of the book jacket, “At our very core, every one of us is a ‘twisted sister’ within whom the flesh and spirit battle constantly for control.” In the sequel, Joanna “directs our gaze past our own shortcomings to the God who stands ready, willing, and able to make a new woman out of you. She equips you with biblical insights and practical tools fo partner with Christ, inviting him into the hidden places of your soul and giving him full permission to redeem and renovate.”

Comments

Study is IN PROGRESS

Recommendation