Slings and Stones: How God Works in the Mind to Inspire Courage in the Heart by Mike Rakes Book Review

                                                                                      

In Slings and Stones, Mike Rakes explored the Biblical story of David and how he conquered the gigantic giant Goliath. A little background from the story of David. Goliath was a member of the Philistines and he very intimidating and overpowering and the Israelites feared their powerful enemy. Goliath challenged a duel between him and an Israelite and whoever won the losing tribe would become the other tribe’s slaves. King Saul, the leader of the Israelites couldn’t find anyone to face Goliath. They lived in fear for forty days and they just waited around. David was the son of Jesse and he was the youngest of eight brothers. David was a young shepherd boy and he decided to step up to the plate. He had already killed a bear with a sling shot and stones and he eventually used those same weapons on Goliath. He declared that the Lord was with Him and he believed that He would assist him in defeating the giant. God was with Him and the giant was killed and David became a great leader and a king. In this book, Mike Rakes goes into great detail about how we can apply the knowledge from this story to our giant in our own lives.

 

Mike divided the book into three sections: thinking, speaking, and living. He began the book by revealing the importance and the power of our thoughts. The Israelites were tremendously living in fear because they kept rehearsing what the giant was saying and they heard it for forty days straight and they believed he was undefeatable. David on the other hand knew God had the power to defeat the giant and he dwelt on God’s thoughts. Mike Rakes encouraged readers to actively mediate and think about how big God is and how powerful He is.

 

I would recommend this astonishing book to anyone who is struggling and living in fear of their giant and they feel like they will never be free. I liked how Mike Rakes torn apart the whole story of David and Goliath and revealed the content in a fresh way that helped readers to break free from their past and fears and to courageously face and conquer their personal giant. I really liked how he discussed how critical archaeology is and that we must begin digging up all of our incorrect thoughts and hurts and dive into the Word of God and believe what He has declared about us. This book has led me into looking at my own giants in my life. One of my giants is negative comments that people have said about me that I have believed. This book has helped me get set free from what others think and say about me. If you’re dealing with a massive giant in your life, then please read this book!

 

“I received this book for free from The Booketeria/ Charisma House for this review”.  

 

If you would like to purchase a copy of Slings and Stones, then check it out on Family Christian.com or Amazon.com:

 

http://www.familychristian.com/catalog/product/view/id/303172/

 

http://www.amazon.com/Slings-Stones-Works-Inspire-Courage/dp/1629980323

The Spirit of Python: Exposing Satan’s Plan to Squeeze the Life out of You by Jentezen Franklin Book Review

 

In The Spirit of Python, Jentezen Franklin exposed the numerous strategies and tactics satan uses to hinder and harm Christian believers. He compared satan to a dangerous python. He revealed that satan loves to suffocate us and he is actively trying to squeeze the breathe of the Holy Spirit out of us. In the book, Jentezen Franklin shared there are signs that we are under the attack of the enemy, for instance, “weak prayer life”, “lack attack”, “old habits and lifestyle resurface”, and much more. He guides readers on how to break free from the attacks of satan and the strongholds he has placed in our lives. He also discussed the power of prayer, faith, and praise and how critical this is in dealing with satan and his maneuvers.

 

I would recommend this eye-opening book to anyone who is ready to stand up against satan and his schemes with their full armor of God on. This book is one of my favorite book that I read concerning spiritual warfare. I liked how Jentezen Franklin wrote very vividly in describing the way satan works and how he tries to choke the believer out of the amazing life God wants us to live. One of my favorite chapters is “Get the Snake Eggs Out” because this one talks about how satan uses our eyes, ears, and our mouths against us and he tempts us to fall into his destructive trap. Jentezen revealed that satan likes to lure people into looking at pornography, falling into sexual immorality, and being in bondage. I was amazed at the statistics he shared about the effects of pornography and how it controls so many people. I also loved how he shared how to silence the voice of satan and how to fight back against him. The Word of God is mightily strong in fighting against satan and this revealed to me the importance of speaking blessings and talking to our mountains. If you’re looking for a life changing book on spiritual warfare, then read this one!

 

“I received this book for free from The Booketeria/ Charisma House for this review”. 

 

If you would like to purchase a copy of The Spirit of Python, then check it out on Family Christian.com or Amazon.com:

 

http://www.familychristian.com/the-spirit-of-python.html

 

http://www.amazon.com/The-Spirit-Python-Exposing-Squeeze/dp/1621362205

The Harbinger Decoded DVD Official Documentary By Jonathan Cahn Review

The Harbinger Decoded DVD is a documentary based on the book, The Harbinger written by a Jewish Rabbi, Jonathan Cahn. The DVD featured highlights from the bestselling book and was presented to teach some of the main points. The idea to write the book came when Jonathan Cahn was standing in New York after September 11^th when God pressed upon him to notice the sycamore tree lying at Ground Zero. The book was written as a fictional book but had factual information in it. The DVD demonstrated the nine harbingers that a prophet gave to a stranger named Nouriel. Cahn explored the Biblical concepts found in Isaiah 9-10 and how they relate to today’s times in America. Jonathan Cahn shared that one of the nine harbingers was the fallen bricks of the Twin Towers and he compared this to ancient Israel and their destruction. Some of the other nine harbingers was about the sycamore tree that was discovered at Ground Zero, the new stone build in defiance, and the truthful statements from American leaders about our allegiance against God.

 

I would recommend this unbelievable DVD to every single believer because we truly need to be aware of what is happening in the world around us. This DVD taught me so much about the end times and hidden secrets concerning the attack on September 11^th, 2001 and the aftermath that we have followed in Israel’s rebellion actual footsteps mistakenly. This is the first time, I have heard about the book or Jonathan Cahn. I immensely was shocked about what our key leaders in America professed unknowingly and they had no idea what they even said. They declared publicly America’s rebellions against God. I was deniability horrified in watching the DVD and what America as a whole, we have allowed to occur. The nine harbingers stunned me and I learnt about the sycamore and the stone we have designed at Ground Zero and so much more. I also liked how Jonathan Cahn shared how he got published by meeting a random stranger at the airport! I also really enjoyed the special features that included Jonathan Cahn’s personal testimony. I haven’t read the book yet, but after seeing the DVD, I want to read it! If you’re looking for a book on the end time prophecy, then read this book!

 

 

“I received this DVD for free from Charisma House for this review”. 

 

 

If you would like to purchase a copy of The Harbinger Decoded DVD, then check it out on Amazon.com or Christian Book.com:

 

http://www.amazon.com/The-Harbinger-Decoded-Jonathan-Cahn/dp/1621365239

 

http://www.christianbook.com/the-harbinger-decoded/9781621365235/pd/365232?item_code=WW&netp_id=1139431&event=ESRCQ&view=details

 

 

Movie Trailer:

 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y0ykqZ6HpOU

 

 

You Are Anointed for This!: Walk in Confidence, Boldness, and Authority By Judy Jacobs Book Review

 

In You Are Anointed for This, Judy Jacobs imparted readers with the importance of building the foundation and knowledge of the God given anointing on believers lives. Judy Jacobs explained the critical area of understanding the phrase, “Then, God said, “Let there be” (Genesis 1:3). When God spoke the world into existence, He was basically commanding the angels and the world to form in the precise way and design that he envisioned. Next, God made Adam and Eve and gave them authority of every animal and the land. God instructed them to also multiply and reproduce. Through Jesus, we have God given authority and the same power that raised Christ from the grave lives inside of us. Judy Jacobs pointed out that our words have implausible power, as God illustrated, in the beginning of Creation. Preceding, Judy Jacobs reminded readers to recall when God declared to Abraham and Sarah that they will have many descendants and in the natural, they were both too old to have children. When Sarah overhead God telling Abraham, she laughed and doubted the spoken Word. But God… Ultimately, we know that in the end, God fulfilled this promise and they had a son and countless descendants. Judy Jacobs used this story to describe to readers why they must not laugh at what God has spoken over their lives. Believers must be ready and they must proclaim like Mary, let it be.

 

Judy Jacobs has had her own share of personal anointed and let it be moments in her ministry and her recording career. She revealed a story about how fear almost stopped her from ministering to 600,000 people in Nigeria. She was terrified and she believed that Israel Houghton, Mary Mary, and other artists had more influence and more anointing on their lives. But all of this was lies from the devil, trying to make her stop preaching and singing God filled praise songs. She had to declare that she was anointed because of the power of Christ living inside her. It’s also important to note and remember that anointing isn’t just for popular artists and preachers, we are all anointed to perform in the area Christ has called us to reach people for His Kingdom.

 

My favorite story that Judy Jacobs publicized was the announcement of expecting their first baby after a year of hard trying. They were later dismayed to learn that she had a miscarriage. They were beyond devastated and heartbroken over the loss of their child. They were lying in bed weeping and holding on to each other, when her husband decided they need to watch Christian programing. Bishop T.D. Jakes was on TV, and he declared he had a word for someone tonight that. He said, “something had died…and your enemy has told you that you will never sing again, preach again, or smile again. But God wants you to know that death is not the end” (Page 174). They were changed and they believed the word and Bishop Jakes stated that they must stand up and praise God. They walked around the house telling the devil that it isn’t over and praised God’s Holy name. They decided to plant a seed and they started giving to ministries. Six months later, they were expecting again and they had a healthy baby. They also have two children. The devil didn’t win! This is also something that I am believing God for right now, that I would meet my spouse, and we would be blessed with having and adopting children. It’s not over!

 

I would recommend this astonishing book especially to anyone who is doubting that they are anointed to do extraordinary things for God. This book has shown me that I am in fact, anointed with gifts and talents to enrich the Kingdom of God. I would also recommend this book to every adult who is seeking a book that will engulf your life and change your perspectives on anointment. I loved the story about how when Marilyn Hickery was preaching, and God gave her a Word for Judy Jacobs and a few others. The Word changed Judy’s life and everything that Marilyn spoken years later, it has come to pass. This was inspiring in learning about the gift of prophetic words. One of my favorite things presented in the book in the form of a list was about the many different Biblical characters and how they were anointed. I immensely connected with the features at the end of each chapter that was entitled, “let it be to me…” This facet was enlightening and encouraging and gave me tremendous peace of my anointing. I am anointed for this! You are too! If you are longing to comprehend more about being anointed, then look no further and read this book!

 

 

“I received this book for free from The Booketeria/ Charisma House for this review”.

 

 

 

If you would like to purchase a copy of You Are Anointed for This!, then check it out on Amazon.com or Christian Book.com:

 

http://www.amazon.com/You-Are-Anointed-This-Confidence/dp/1621362825

 

http://www.christianbook.com/anointed-this-walk-confidence-boldness-authority/judy-jacobs/9781621362821/pd/362821?item_code=WW&netp_id=1127044&event=ESRCG&view=details

Stand Up and Fight Back: How to Take Authority Over Satan and Win By Ken Abraham Book Review

 

In Stand Up and Fight Back, Ken Abraham guides readers into fighting against the schemes of the enemy and our adversary, satan and his demons. He pointed out that satan isn’t going to bow down and get scared and leave us alone just because we articulate him to back off. He publicized that Christians must reply fully on God’s assistance and seek him first. Then we have to take our direct position and comprehend our authority in the power and blood of Jesus Christ. Only then will the devil tremble and flee. To try and conquer the devil without God’s presence, power, and strength is one of the foolish things that we can do. One of the devil’s favorite schemes is to deceive believers into sinning and eating the forbidden fruit. Because once we eat the forbidden fruit this unlocks the opportunity for satan to advance a stronghold over our lives.  
 

One of my favorite quotes was, “Multitudes of Christians admit to being in bondage to feelings, thoughts, and actions they know are incompatible with their faith. They feel strongly, irresistibly drawn toward evil, often compulsively repeating sins that repulse them, yet against which they feel powerless. Often this bondage can be traced to one of two area: sexual immorality or rebellion against spiritual authority (especially parental authority). Frequently it involves both” (Page 7).  
 

One of my favorite stories shared in this book was the story about a young woman named Beth. At the young age of thirteen, she was the kind of girl that was determined to have an active dating. Ultimately this lead to her engaging in having multiple sexual partners. Next, she also became addicted to drugs and drinking alcohol. When she turned sixteen, she was abused sexually, physically, and verbally by a young man and he would repeatedly play with her emotions and her mind. He would dump her one day and then be begging her to take him back and she willingly would. Like most parents, watching their beloved daughter being mistreated, they were beside themselves and confused on how to handle the situation. They took advanced measures and grounded Beth but she belligerently kept rebelling against her parent’s authority. She would sneak out of the house and go to her boyfriend’s house and she would return high and bruised. One day when her father was dropping her off at school, her boyfriend and a gang of boys surrounded the vehicle and threaten to kill him if he didn’t leave his daughter alone and let her live her own life. What happened next was truly heartbreaking, one night after her boyfriend was extremely wasted, he passed her around to his buddies and they all forcefully raped her. In the early morning hours, they dropped her off at her house and drove off laughing about what they had done to an innocent young girl. Her father was furious and he ready to take action against the boys and call the police. But Beth refused to press charges against the boys. She finally agreed to follow her parent’s guidance and she talked with their minister, Pastor Reynolds. The pastor had a vast knowledge in understanding spiritual warfare and demon oppression. He claimed that Beth’s sexual immorality opened the door to allowing demonic presences to gain a stronghold in her life. Pastor Reynolds gathered a team of prayer warriors to assist in delivering Beth from the demonic influencing in her life. Everyone was instructed to repent for their actions and sins that they have committed and to ask for forgiveness and to receive grace. They began to rebuke satan and his demons in the name of Jesus and her facial expressions changed. Beth declared that they couldn’t have her and the demons stated that they wouldn’t let go. As we all know that was a demon uttering that he wasn’t leaving without a fight. They also found out she was wearing a necklace and bracelet that her boyfriend gave her that had demonic spirits living in it. The demons fought harder when she tried to remove them. Finally, she was incredibly set free after she told the devil that she didn’t want him, sex, drugs, or alcohol, and his evil ways. This is only one amazingly story displayed in this book and there are many more shocking examples of demonic forces in someone’s life. This story had me on the edge and it made me realize that we must be extremely careful to not let satan set up a stronghold in our lives.  
 

I immensely loved how Ken Abraham reinforced that believers should be aware of the devil and his army of demons, but it’s also crucial to keep it in balance. Christians don’t have be looking for the devil in every corner of the street and be obsessed that everything could be a symbol of satan. I liked how he reminded readers to remember that the devil isn’t omnipresent or omniscient. Lucifer is a fallen archangel and he isn’t God. Our loving Creator is the only one who is omnipresent, omniscient, and omnipotent. It’s viral to recall that God is in complete control and He has the final authority and He has the immeasurable power and He will one day defeat all the demons. Shout unto God with a voice of triumph! Praise be to God!  
 

I would recommend this life changing paperback book to every single Christian professing believer. Be prepared that this book, as you can tell, isn’t a nice light reading, it’s going to change your perception on spiritual warfare. I encourage readers to mindfully read the pages of this book and let the concepts of this book to impact how they fight against the demonic influences that they encounter. I learnt numerous ways in which we allow the devil easy access to gain a stronghold in our lives. It was very informative in how to recognize the hidden effects sins can unknowably have on us and we could be opening the door to demonic forces and inviting them into our lives freely. The predominant area that caught be off guard was the massive effect that sexual immorality has distorted and restructured our generations into believing that pornography, multiple sex partners, affairs, homosexuality, rape, and premarital pregnancies aren’t destructive. When we know in God’s written Word that sex is meant for marriage and when we follow God’s instruction remarkable things occur. Ken Abraham cultivated that sexual sins is the area that permits satan an easy admission into building a stronghold in our lives. The book also taught me a prodigious deal about cults, the occult, witchcraft, and satanic trinkets. I immeasurably appreciated how Ken deliberated the background of Eve’s three mistakes in the Garden of Eden and the six consequences of Adam’s and Eve’s sins had on our every person since then. This book will greatly transform how you engage in spiritual warfare and it will strengthen how you fight the demonic adversaries present in your life!  

 

“I received this book for free from The Booketeria/ Charisma House for this review”.

 

 

If you would like to purchase a copy of Stand Up and Fight Back, then check it out on Amazon.com or Christian Book.com:

 

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1616389648

 

http://www.christianbook.com/stand-fight-take-authority-over-satan/ken-abraham/9781616389642/pd/389642?item_code=WW&netp_id=1020372&event=ESRCG&view=details

Master of the Impossible: How Our Extraordinary God Conquers Overwhelming Circumstances By Tish Hagee Tucker Book Review

In Master of the Impossible, Tish Hagee Tucker, the daughter of Pastor John Hagee has written an inspirational book to encourage readers in whatever storms of life they may currently be in. Tish Hagee Tucker writes about her compelling miraculous healing from cancer and how she overcame the numerous odds stacked against her. It all begin when she went to the doctor for having bronchitis and they ran some regular tests. A few weeks later when she was driving in her car her cell phone rang. The doctor called and told her the dreadful news that she had a type of cancer called leiomyosarcoma. Satan started planting the lies in her head and declared to her saying, “You just received a death sentence, so now what? I can control you through fear. Your life is over” (Page 3). She held onto the promises of God found in Psalm 27 and they brought her great comfort. These verses reminded her that God is her main strength and there is no need to fear the enemy. God decreed that He will set us on a firm solid rock to protect us from the schemes of the evil one. Leiomyosarcoma is a very rare form of cancer and the doctors stated, “If you survive the first five years of sarcoma treatment, your chances of living will drastically increase to 20 percent” (Page 37). Many family members and friends prompted praying and interceding on her behave to be healed from cancer. She had two small children at home and like most parents, she was very concerned about what the future held and if she would be there to see them grow up. That night she repented and confessed her sins and asked for forgiveness. Then she proceed to pray protection of her two girls and she asked God to grant her an execution to stay on earth if losing their mother would cause her daughters to miss their destinies. The book will take readers through her struggles and triumphs and you will see how God incredibly healed her from cancer and what is impossible for man is possible with God.

 

I immensely felt encouragement and I was awestruck when Tish shared a personal story about after she was diagnosed with cancer a divine person influenced her life in unlikely place. The person spoke a word from the Lord and she had no idea who this person even was. This part of the story is truly powerful that it will give you cold chills and it was a magnificent reminder that God cares so much about His children and what they are going through. I was fascinated by the appendix of the book that contained about thirty pages worth of scriptures from every book of the Bible where readers could conquer whatever situation that was their impossible in life. If readers will speak out these verses and mediate on them, they will have an effective defense strategy against satan and his lies.

 

I would recommend this phenomenal book especially to anyone who is seeking healing from a terrible diagnosis and maybe even the doctors have given you a zero percent survival rate, this book would be a fantastic encouragement to you! I loved how Tish reassured her readers that God is no respecter of persons and He can certainly still heal you from whatever sickness you may be up against. I would also recommend this book to anyone whose marriage is on the verge of a getting a divorce, God is more than able to mend your broken hearts and you can recover what the enemy has stolen from you. If you’re recently lost your job or you’re having a hard time making ends meet, this book enclosed a few examples of how God came through and unexpectedly provided for families who needed God’s provision and they will persuade you to look unto God. The book did an outstanding job on witnessing to readers on the importance of trusting in God and remembering that He is all powerful and whatever storms we have to encounter in life, He is always there. If you’re looking for an astonishing book to assist and guide you on your transition through the difficult storms of your life, then you need to read this one!

 

“I received this book for free from The Booketeria/ Charisma House for this review”.

 

 

If you would like to purchase a copy of Master of the Impossible, then check it out on Amazon.com or Christian Book.com:

 

http://www.amazon.com/Master-Impossible-Extraordinary-Overwhelming-Circumstances/dp/1621362175

 

http://www.christianbook.com/Christian/Books/product?item_no=362173

Mission of Mercy: Allowing God to Use You to Make a Difference in Others By Nancy Alcorn Book Review

In Mission of Mercy, Nancy Alcorn was very transparent in sharing the details of her rough childhood and what lead her to founding Mercy Ministries. Nancy Alcorn minored in social services, psychology, and criminal justice in college. At the time, she didn’t know that she would be using all of these background skills in helping young women in an organization that she began. Mercy Ministries helps thirteen to twenty-eight years old women that struggle with eating disorders, cutting, sexual abuse, drug addiction, suicidal victims, and pregnant teenagers. They take in young women for a period of six months in their homes around the United States and they have a few homes overseas. They guide them in learning about God, and they assist them in healing from their past, and they instill hope back into these young women’s lives. An enormous point Nancy reminds readers of there is a story behind every single person and we’re not called to be the judge over their life. Instead we’re supposed to love them and display compassion. The book included many personal transformation stories that Mercy has contributed to in the journey of freedom of these women.

 

Nancy Alcorn has to endure pain in her own life. One day at school, she remembered being called out of class by the principal assistant. She noticed that her one brother and her three sisters were all heading down the hallway to the office. They were all waiting to be picked up from school by their aunt. She recalled that thirty minutes early, she heard sirens and it was very rare for their small town. She felt that something terrible has happened and she worried it was her parents or her little sister, Beverly. While she waited for her aunt to arrive, she kept replaying in her mind how she treated her little sister the night before. She was practicing basketball and didn’t want to be bothered and she called her sister a brat and told her to get lost. She heard Beverly crying herself to sleep. Little did, Nancy know the horrible events that would unfold the next day. When they finally got home, her mom’s sister explained to the children what happened. Her dad was on the tractor and it got stuck and her mom helped pull the tractor with the truck. Her dad had Beverly on the tractor with him. The tractor and the truck jackknifed and her body was crushed between the steering wheel and his chest. Beverly was killed instantly and her dad broke all of his ribs due to the dramatic force. Nancy Alcorn revealed her struggle with her fears of losing more people that she truly cared about. During the next few years, she also lost her pastor and his wife in a car accident, then her boyfriend was killed because he was drinking drunk. Lost was following her around and she had trouble coping and she didn’t understand why God was allowing all these bad things to happen to the people she loved. Her past gave her the building blocks to where she is today. She also admitted to receiving Christian counseling to help her process her emotions and feelings.

 

The book also had an additional appendix in the book that contained more stories from Mercy Ministries graduates. Throughout the stories, the readers get to read and experience in their own words what these girls have been through. The stories are very real and eye opening in the healing process and the hope they found in Christ.

 

I would recommend this magnificent life captivating book to anyone who is needing some inspiration and encouragement from others people’s stories. This book will help readers to understand that judging others in their struggles and challenges they have encountered in their life isn’t supportive. There were countless stories about women who struggled with depression, had suicidal thoughts, were bulimic or anorexic, some were raped, others grieving, drug addictions, and some were pregnant and alone. The stories the young women presented in this book has been through is truly heartbreaking and appalling. I immensely enjoyed reading about how Mercy Ministries is serving our teenage women in discovering the freedom that Christ offers and they show them the love of Christ. I also believe that they should be a ministry like Mercy Ministries for young men as well that is needing extra help in obtaining liberty. Nancy Alcorn is an astonishing writer and I loved how she described her own personal pain especially when it was difficult. If you’re looking for an excellent book written to help teenagers and adults, then this is a great one on showing mercy to others in dealing with their pain from their past!

 

“I received this book for free from The Booketeria/ Charisma House for this review”.

 

 

If you would like to purchase a copy of Mission of Mercy, then check it out on Amazon.com or Christian Book.com:

 

 http://www.amazon.com/Mission-Mercy-Allowing-Difference-Others/dp/1616389621  

 

http://www.christianbook.com/mission-mercy-discovering-behind-help-hurting/nancy-alcorn/9781616389628/pd/389628

 

Book Trailer: