Andrew Smith's Blog

My name is Andrew. Come and have a look inside my life and watch me share what is on my heart.

Change Your Words, Change Your Life: Understanding the Power of Every Word You Speak By Joyce Meyer Book Review



In Change Your Words, Change Your Life, Joyce Meyer demonstrated the importance of controlling your tongue and speaking life enhancing words about yourself and others. Joyce Meyer pointed out that social media has introduced a whole new concept of us having to watch what we type/say to others. Cyberbullying has spread vicious words among children and teenagers. This is an important area that we have to watch what we say or type. We can choose to share positive words or negative words it’s up to us. Many times we criticize ourselves or others and we don’t realize the damage we’re causing. Joyce stated that many believers claim to believe in God but they aren’t in agreement with the promises he has declared he would do. They listen to the devil and his lies that they aren’t loved and forgiven. The word says they are loved and forgiven for their sins!

One of the stories that Joyce Meyer shared was about a freshman in high school named, Kyle. Kyle was walking home from school and he had all his books with him. This other young boy noticed this and thought to himself that he must be a nerd. A few seconds later he saw a group of kids knocking his books out of Kyle’s hands. The young boy befriended Kyle and reached out to him. On graduation day, Kyle revealed the truth in a speech. Kyle planned to kill himself that very day and he cleaned out his locker where his mother wouldn’t have to. I paraphrase the story from pages 14-16. This story hit home to me and helped me to realize the importance of reaching out to others despite how others may criticize us for doing so. Words had such a huge impact for Kyle and it changed and saved his life. What if the young boy hadn’t reached out and became Kyle’s friend.

The book included a personal list that Joyce Meyer wrote in 1976 concerning the truth of what God’s word and what she wanted in her future. One of my scriptures was: “As a man thinketh in his heart; so is he. (Prov. 23:7). This reminded me to control what I believe about myself. If it doesn’t line up with the word of God, I have to reject it as lies. She also believed this, “All my children have lots of Christian friends, and God has set aside a Christian wife or husband for each of them. (1 Cor. 15:33). When she began confessing this life changing declaration, her oldest child was only fourteen years old! All of her children are currently married! I’m believing for the same thing over my life and my children and grandchildren lives! The list was around five pages long and I am so glad she shared this personal details. It was a huge encouragement to remind me to write down some of scriptures verses that I need to declare over my life.  

I would recommend this astonishing resource to anyone who is longing to figure how to make process in taming the tongue. Words have incredible power and when used wisely can bless or we can choose to curse others. This book has the potential to change your life if you put into practice the lessons and get in agreement with speaking God’s word. The book reminded me to keep my word when I tell someone I will do something I need to follow through, stop complaining, and listen to others and only share my opinion when I need to. Speaking encouragement and building up others is how mature Christians act. This is an area that I see that I must work actively to find areas to communicate to others much needed encouragement.

I immensely enjoyed the “Dictionary of God’s Word” included in the back of the book. It covered scriptures to speak over your life when you’re depressed, angry, seeking healing, afraid, rejected, lonely, needing financial help, and much more.  There is so much power in this book that will benefit readers seeking to improve their daily life. I would highly recommend this book to anyone who struggles with saying the right things about themselves or others.

“I received this book free from Hachette Book Group/Faith Works.”

 



For more info about the book check it out on Hachette Book Group.com:

 


 

If you would like to purchase a copy of Change Your Words, Change Your Life, then check it out on Amazon.com:

 


 

Book Trailer:



The Purpose Driven Life: What on Earth Am I Here For? By Rick Warren Book Review



In The Purpose Driven Life, Rick Warren discussed the importance of living a life that brings glory to God. We have to focus on God’s purposes for our life not our own. This book is a journey of 42 days to lead readers to reach their God given purpose for their lives. This book is a new edition for a new generation and it has been ten years since the first edition was released. The book contains new QR Codes for readers to scan with their smart phones. They can watch videos to assist them in their study for purpose. A critical concept that we must learn to understand is that we exist because God wanted us to be born for his purposes. No one is a mistake or an accident God loves each one of us. Rick made an interesting point about how parents love their children and they don’t have to even do anything. They enjoy them at each stage of their lives. God is the same way he loves us where we currently are. This doesn’t mean we don’t need to strive for becoming a mature Christian. It just means accepting God’s unlimited amount of love. Rick Warren goes on to explain that this is only our temporary home there is so much more awaiting for us in Heaven. The book covered the need of belonging to a local church where believers can grow to become like Christ. Many of us take the road of thinking we can be isolated and become disciples without other believers but this is a false idea.

 

I would recommend this magnificent book to anyone who is struggling with discovering God’s purpose for their lives. I haven’t read the first edition so this was completely new for me. Rick Warren has an excellent way of clarifying your SHAPE-Spiritual Gifts, Heart, Abilities, Personality, and Experience. The experience point was very helpful because he expressed that you must look back at what you have been through. It’s important to remember that God will use your bad experiences for your good. This brought me great comfort that nothing in my life will be wasted. I especially enjoyed the last two chapters that Rick Warren added in the new edition. One of the chapters was warning readers against becoming envy of others. This chapter opened my eyes about not being jealous about others appearances, gifts, talents, money, relationships, and children. The last two are really tough for me seeing everyone you know getting married and having children and you’re praying to be blessed in that way and still waiting. Yes, I’m only twenty-two but I still want it and dream of leading and loving my future wife and kids. This book taught me that I must celebrate what God has bought together for my family and friends. This book will guide you to figure out what His special purposes are for your life. You will be encouraged and I strongly recommend it!



"I received this book free from the publisher through the Book Sneeze book review bloggers program."



If you would like to purchase a copy of The Purpose Driven Life, check it out on Amazon.com:


Resurrect By David E. Stevens Blog Tour and Book Review


 
My Review:
Resurrect is an excellent debut novel in a new action packed series. I enjoyed the thrilling concept of the novel. Josh Logan, the main character is a Navy Commander and he has to perform an emergency ejection out of his aircraft. Then he is offered a second chance at life by a voice named Jesse. The requirement is that he must live in another man’s body. And he has to leave his old life behind for good and move on apart from his beloved wife. In his new body, he knows that a comet is headed towards planet Earth. The problem is he has to find out a way to stop the comet from destructing Earth and save billions of people from dying. The apocalypse vibe that the novel portrayed will give the readers chills and they will be yearning for more. The book contained a mixer of science, technology, and suspense to convey the frightening adventure.

 

I would recommend to this exhilarating novel to anyone who enjoys military, fighter planes, adventures, and action. Men especially would benefit from from reading this action filled novel and they would be sucked into the action from the very first page. Josh Logan is a likeable gentleman that captures every woman’s fantasy.  And every man would want to be him! So women would also enjoy reading this new series. I would also recommend this to teenagers, who are into science fiction and they like the heroes who are trying to save the world. The book is also being made into a movie, which I am curious to see what parts they include in the movie and what parts gets removed. David E. Stevens is a brilliant writer who knows how to demonstrate and explain the story in vast details. I can’t wait to see how the other two novels in the series turn out! If you’re looking for a new series to dive into, then this book is for you!

 

"I received this book for free from Litfuse Publicity Group/ Monarch Books for this review".

About Resurrect:
Book 1 in the Resurrect Trilogy.

Preventing his burning fighter from crashing into a neighborhood, Navy Commander Josh Logan ejects ... too late.
Critically injured, he's offered a new life and mission exploit highly classified military technology to stop a global cataclysm. The price? He'll be dead to everyone he knows.
He wakes in a city hospital with a genetically enhanced body and no identity. With the help of his brilliant, Neuro ICU nurse, and guided by nothing but a voice, he must infiltrate the military-industrial complex to develop the world's most powerful weapon ... to protect humanity?
Link to buy the book: http://ow.ly/faaOD


Meet David: 
 
 
A Navy fighter pilot with hundreds of aircraft carrier landings, Commander David E Stevens holds degrees from Cornell and the University of Michigan with graduate work in astrophysics. He test piloted new fighters and received an aviation patent. With a Top Secret clearance, Dave served as Strike Operations Officer for the Persian Gulf during Desert Storm and led classified defense programs. He's traveled to over two dozen countries.

 


Find out more about David E. at http://www.resurrecttrilogy.com/.

 
Check out what other readers are saying:

Resurrect is an apocalyptic thriller based on real world threats from cutting-edge science. A Colorado Gold finalist for Best Action Thriller of the Year, it’s been optioned for a major motion picture by Producer Fred Miller (When Angels Sing starring Harry Connick Jr.).

To celebrate David has teamed up with his publisher, Kregel Publications, for a Kindle Fire Giveaway and Facebook Author Chat Party {12/4}.


One “thrilling” winner will receive:
  • A Kindle Fire
  • Resurrect by David E. Stevens
Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on December 3rd. Winner will be announced at the “Resurrect” Author Chat Facebook Party on 12/4. Connect with David, get a sneak peek of the next book in the Resurrect Trilogy, try your hand at the trivia contest, and win some great prizes – gift certificates, books and a Book Club Prize Pack to be won (10 copies for your book club or small group)!

So grab your copy of Resurrect and join David on the evening of the December 4th for a chance to connect with David and make some new friends. (If you haven’t read the book – don’t let that stop you from coming!)


Don’t miss a moment of the fun, RSVP todayTell your friends via FACEBOOK or TWITTER and increase your chances of winning. Hope to see you on the 4th!

 
For the duration of the blog tour you and your readers will be able to get Resurrect on Kindle for $5! Don't miss this great steal!
AND

ONE DAY PROMOTION FROM DAVID E. STEVENS - NOVEMBER 20TH ONLY

Author David E. Stevens is offering a Kindle HD Giveaway and a chance to be on set during the filming of the movie!

To enter all you need to do is order Resurrect
HERE on November 20th to be entered.

All orders of the book will enter buyers into a Kindle giveaway and a chance to be on set during the filming of the movie!
 
 
 

Surfing for God: Discovering the Divine Desire Beneath Sexual Struggle By Michael John Cusick Book Review


 
Surfing for God is about the hidden struggles men are facing almost on a daily basis. Men feel the need to hide and suppress their deepest needs and desires. Many men have a hard time displaying intimacy and showing non-sexual affection to a woman. Out of feeling alone, worthless, and insecure we turn to lusting after a woman and watching porn. Regularly as men we turn to masturbation to comfort us and to relief ourselves with an orgasm. But it only makes us feel better for a little while, and then we want more. This book explored the core beliefs men believe about themselves. These beliefs are “I’m A Bad Person”, “Nobody Would Love me as I Am”, “I Can’t Get My Needs Met By Depending on Others”, “Sex is My Most Important Need”. The beliefs were formed early and the big issue is that we have believed them to be true. When we get done viewing porn, we still feel empty and ashamed that we have committed this act.

 

Michael John Cusisk knows firsthand the effects of viewing porn and lusting after woman. At only twenty four years old, he was going to adult bookstores, visiting strip clubs, drinking alcohol to numb his shame, and paying prostitutes money for sex. Eventually he revealed his secret life to his wife and she was devastated and heartbroken. He also shared a personal story about never going on a date until he was twenty-three years old. He had to face the truth of his brokenness in order to gain healing.  Throughout this book he will guide readers into breaking free from the strongholds placed on their life regarding porn.

 

I would recommend this astonishing book about dealing with the triggers that makes men lust towards women and view porn to ALL men! Satan is bombarding us with many more sexual images than ever before. I’m twenty-two and never been on a date so I connected with Michael’s story. This book has shown me the truth about my own struggle with viewing porn and masturbation. I will admit that I turned to porn when I was feeling lonely and broken from my past. Really I was looking for affirmation that I was a real man, acceptance, and affection. This book helped me to know that I wasn’t alone in my struggle. It was comforting to know that other men were going through the same type of things I was dealing with.

 

I also realized that I believed the deadly lies from the enemy. I believed in my core that no one would love me for who I truly was. I especially enjoyed the hope that Michael shared in overcoming the temptations of lusting and porn. This book assisted me in believing that I was pure and clean in the eyes of Christ. When I received Christ as my personal Savior, he took my sins and forgave me for all my sins. This book has helped me to identify the triggers that caused me to look at porn and masturbate. I truly believe that this book would benefit men if they will take to heart the concepts and deal with their feelings and brokenness. Being vulnerable is something that most men hate, me included, but it leads to our healing no matter how painful it might be.  If you’re struggling with viewing porn, then this book is written just for you!
 


"I received this book free from the publisher through the Book Sneeze book review bloggers program.”
 

If you would like to purchase a copy of Surfing for God check it out on Amazon.com:

 

When to Speak Up and When to Shut Up: Principles for Conversations You Won’t Regret By Dr. Michael D. Sedler Book Review


 
When to Speak Up and When to Shut Up was written to direct readers on learning when to speak up about certain situations and when you should keep quiet. One of the many issues we have in speaking up and stating what we are thinking is we make excuses. We often allow fear to dominate our lives and we hold back when we need to use our mouths. Sometimes we even go so far as to remind ourselves that we have nothing to contribute to the conversations. The book gave tips on how to converse our concerns and problems to people in authority.

 

Dr. Michael D. Sedler explored the Biblical background of Adam and Eve, in vast depth. Satan tricked Eve into compromising and eating the forbidden fruit. He told her that she wouldn’t die and she would become like God and have all knowledge of good and evil. Eve handed the forbidden fruit to her husband, Adam. He also consumed the fruit knowing he shouldn’t have done so. This is a classic example, beginning at the beginning of time, and it still occurs today. Many of us stay silence when we need to speak up. Then when God confronted Adam he blamed his actions on Eve. How many of us try to place the blame on someone else?

 

The book covered “Conversation Guidelines” which I personally thought was very beneficial to readers to take a look at. He told business leaders to be open to engage and listening to their employees concerns. Next, he discussed the importance in marriage and having effective communication regularly to prevent unnecessary hidden hurts and resentments from occurring.  Many times children complain that we weren’t listening to them fully. When our children are sharing their hearts we must stop what we are doing and listen. He also shared about letting your children have their own opinions about life and be willing to listen, even if you disagree with their stance on some certain things. I think this is a magnificent concept I must follow when I have my own children.

 

I would recommend this brilliant book to anyone who struggles to state their opinions because they are insecure and afraid of what others might think of something they say. They are allowing fear to control them and this book will show readers how to break free. This book is also for the readers who have a hard time not being quiet and letting others speak and share what’s on their heart. If readers put these life principles into their lives, they will be able to communicate more freely and effectively with their spouse, children, parents, supervisor, church members, and relationships with others. This book has taught me how to handle and discuss concerns with authority figures. If you’re looking to enhance and improve how you communicate with others, then this book is for you!

 

 

“I received this book free from the publisher through the Bethany House Publishers/ Chosen book review bloggers program.” 

             

           

If you would like to purchase a copy of When to Speak Up and When to Shut Up then check it out on Amazon.com:

 

Accidental Pharisees: Avoiding Pride, Exclusivity, and the Other Dangerous Faith By Larry Osborne Book Review


 
Accidental Pharisees is about radically extreme believers who are strict on others who aren’t living up to the notion of being a true follower of Christ. The based their whole demeanor on the passages of scripture and they expected others to follow the rules. The Pharisees were addicted to legalism and they condemned people who weren’t as zealous at following the law. Pride is a big factor of an accidental Pharisees. We must avoid making comparisons with other believer and thinking we’re living the more Godly life than they currently are. It’s important to deal with the log in our own eyes instead of focusing on someone else’s speck in their eye.

 

Larry Osborne explored the concepts that some of us are still Pharisees. Many churches are struggling to accept people who they consider still sinners and they believe they haven’t changed yet. One of the biggest problems areas, Larry Osborne has seen are the popular preachers, authors, and radically Christians attempting to convince their followers that they must step up their game, and become a Christian who is serving and becoming a disciple. His point was that we have to be careful to not exclusive others, who the accidental Pharisees claim are struggling to arrive at that high level of being a committed Christian.

 

I would recommend this fundamental resource to anyone who is feeling like they can’t measure up to the high standards being placed on them. Many are feeling pressured to be a hard core Christian who helps and serves everyone. If you’re feeling like a failure because you can’t be all things to all people and you can’t devote a lot of time to join every single mission, then this book is for you. This book portrayed the real effects of being an accidental Pharisees and looking down on others who aren’t at the level, you believe you’re at. An important thing to remember is we can’t judge others who aren’t just like us. This book will open reader’s eyes into shunning all the legalism in religion.

 

“I received this book for free from Cross Focused Reviews / Zondervan for this review”.

 

If you would like to purchase a copy of Accidental Pharisees, then check it out on Amazon.com:


 

Through Nov. 5, Accidental Pharisees is only $3.99 for Kindle for a limited time:

 


 

Check out the Book Trailer:



http://youtu.be/SEiGajd43JM