Tuesday, March 31, 2015

Womens Bible Cafe™

Womens Bible Cafe™

Miracles A Karen Kingsbury Devotional | Book Review

Posted: 30 Mar 2015 10:47 PM PDT

MiraclesMiracles: A 52-Week Devotional  by Karen Kingsbury is a book that brings comfort and courage. From the first miracle story to the last, you’ll be warmed with the testimonies of a Living God working in the lives of His people. 

While the book is structured to read one miracle each week, I found the book so fascinating that I read a few miracles each day. It was impossible to put the book down! Many of the stories later became topics of conversantion with my best friend at a local coffee shop. This would be a great gift for your Bible study friends, Book Club or small group discussion.

The book was especially comforting to me during a season of hardship, and while reading it I felt the boldness to pray and ask for my own miracle. Nothing is impossible…as you’ll discover when you study these real-life miracle stories.

This devotional draws from five of Karen Kingsbury’s most inspiring books, including A Treasury of Adoption Miracles, A Treasury of Miracles for Teens, A Treasury of Miracles for Women, A Treasury of Miracles for Friends, and A Treasury of Christmas Miracles. This is a devotional worthy of any Christian library and home!

My Amazon Rating 5/5

To order this book in Kindle format CLICK HERE

To order this book in print format CLICK HERE

Wisdom From Women in the Bible | Book Review

Posted: 30 Mar 2015 10:21 PM PDT

Wisdom From Women in the Bible

If you could spend a few minutes with biblical heroines what valuable lessons would you discover? Wisdom From Women in the Bible by John C. Maxwell is built upon stories of Ruth, Sarah, Rahab, Hannah, Abigail, Miriam, Mary the mother of Jesus, Martha, and the Samaritan woman at the well. These women are identified by Maxwell as “giants of faith” and each has a strong message on faith and leadership.

In this book, Maxwell uses a narrative format as the reader imagines herself in face-to-face conversation with each of these historical women. Using an imaginary encounter, he walks through the pages of Scripture and examines the hearts of nine women. Through this encounter, they “speak into our lives” by bringing application into everyday life.

Each book chapter includes a heart-summary, lessons learned, leadership lessons, and a prayer. A unique feature is the “Woman-to-Woman” revelation, where Maxwell includes a female reflection on these nine women. At the end of each chapter is a topical reading assignment with discussion questions for small group, personal study or journaling.

This is not a complicated book overflowing with theories; rather it’s simplified to the easiest method of understanding. In spite of the simplicity, the concepts are strong and rooted in Scripture, such as:

  1. Comparison drives you to seek positive attention for yourself’
  2. Comparison damages your relationships with others
  3. Comparison undermines your usefulness to God
  4. Just because you are capable doesn’t mean you are called

Discover a useful set of core concepts for leading at home, at work or in ministry. This is another John C. Maxwell book worth reading!

 

My Amazon Rating 4/5- To rate my review please CLICK HERE

To order a Kindle version of the book- CLICK HERE

To order a Printed version of the book- CLICK HERE

 

I received this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review and the opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255 : "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.

Breaking the Strongholds of Money

Posted: 30 Mar 2015 11:44 AM PDT

40 days financial fastMoney can become a stronghold in your life when Satan uses it to destroy God’s people. Dr. Elmer Towns reminds us that the enemy of our souls used greed to attack the early church (read Acts 5:1-11) and the consequences for Ananias and Sapphria were death. With hearts blinded by money, they lied to the Holy Spirit (Acts 5:3) and died. In the Old Testament, Satan attacks the wealth of Job and Dr. Towns cautions us, “While the account of Job looks like a story about money..it’s about one man’s relationship with God. And our financial problems are not about money. They’re about our relationship with God.” That’s a heavy concept to grasp!

We tend to dissociate our money problems from our relationship with God. We hide behind debt, we turn a blind eye to spending habits, we cave into temptation to feed an empty heart and mind. The Bible tells us to turn to God, not money or things.

Perhaps you know the woman who is dissatisfied with her income, house, appearance and things? She feels defeated by her wants, not allowing God to fill her needs. Like a  toddler with a temper tantrum, she demands more and prays less. “I want, I need, I deserve, I will…” are her language of self-interest. She wants, when she cannot afford. She needs, because she didn’t plan ahead. She deserves, because she associates money with love. She will ignore the Holy Spirit in order to fill her dissatisfied heart. Satan will sidetrack her, convincing her to buy the good things she deserves so she will not miss an opportunity to be happy and satisfied. Does this remind you of a woman named Eve and a tempting apple?

As you continue to fast and pray, ask the Lord to reveal those people in your life who encourage you to divert money away from the work of God. Perhaps it’s a spouse, family member…or even you.

We’re in the final days of our 40-day fasting, and I’m reminded that the enemy tempted Jesus at the end of his 40 days.

You’ll experience spiritual warfare intended to pull you apart from God; resist the enemy.

You’ll experience negative words, frustration, perhaps anger in the days ahead; recognize the enemy.

You’ll experience a deeper and closer relationship with God.

You’ll experience a better understanding of God’s purpose for your money.

You’ll experience a new peace over your budget, finances and debt.

You’ll experience freedom in Christ.

Stand firm my friends! The greatest experience is yet to come.

Scriptures to Study or Memorize

For the love of money is the root of all kinds of evil. And some people, craving money, have wandered from the true faith and pierced themselves with many sorrows. 1 Timothy 6:10 (NLT)

"The master was full of praise. 'Well done, my good and faithful servant. You have been faithful in handling this small amount, so now I will give you many more responsibilities. Let's celebrate together! Matthew 25:21 (NLT)

Tip: using your cell phone, snap a photo of these verses so you can find them easily

Steps For Spiritual Growth

  1. Fast and pray continuously. Fast and pray to be cleansed of sin barriers
  2. Continue to expand your knowledge on money. Explore website and books as the Holy Spirit leads you.
  3. Book: “Fasting For Financial Breakthrough” by Dr. Elmer Towns, read chapters 7 and 8, epilogue (optional)
  4. Join us on Facebook for daily prayer and community support: http://www.facebook.com/events/383159871864197

With love,

christine abraham

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