Spirituality Books

Great book, a MUST read if you're trying to discover more of how much God loves you. This book explains an in depth explanation of God's love for you. Brilliant book.

This is a wonderful book that really depicts God's love for every individual. A must read by John Ortberg!

This book is amazing. I've read it slowly because I want to savor every word. I've been a Christian for a long time and usually I don't like sugar-coated Christianity, but the way this book talks about God's love really humbled me and made me realize the vastness of God's grace. This book discusses God's tremendous unconditional love and encourages us to have that same kind of love for others. One thing Ortberg said that stood out is, as I grow closer to God, am I becoming more approachable (more loving) or less approachable (legalistic and judgemental)? Really made me think about how gracious I am (or not) toward others. I've recommended this book to all my friends.

After having read several of Ortberg's books, I would have to say this is the one that really touched me.

John's gift for storytelling is simply wonderful. He starts the book by discussing our raggedness - but that is hardly the end of the story. He goes on to tell us how the greatness of God heals and redeems us - again and again. He uses biblical depictions that are rich in detail and apply to our lives today.

My favorite chapters were "The Lord of the Second Chance" and "The Roundabout Way."

In "The Lord of the Second Chance," Ortberg gives a detailed account of Peter's great failure and how Jesus restored him. It is a very touching depiction, rich in detail and emotionality.

In "The Roundabout Way," he explains that God is not as concerned with the journey as he is "who" we will be when we arrive at our destination. He discusses the possible reasons for the roundabout way, suffering and how this journey can bring us into a closer relationship with God. From my own experience in the "roundabout way," I can honestly say that I see things much more clearly now.

Another chapter that I found very provoking was the chapter on Grace and how even we, as Christians, sometimes forget that we need to extend grace to others as freely as God has extended it to us.

I have read this book over and over and plan to give it as a gift to several of my friends and family. I highly recommend it!!!

We are all rag dolls. As the previous reviewer says, there is vast power in these titles by John Ortberg for the new Christian. Recent converts will be able to grasp concepts about love, both Our Father's love for us and our love for each other, stated in a dynamic and powerful way. It is hard to love everyone and some people in our life are really difficult. It could be our boss, a family member or a friend that doesn't pass the "easy to love" test. But Mr. Ortberg tells us why this is exactly what we need to do, so we can be in harmony with our Father's vast and unthinkable love for us. Mr. Ortberg's talent is that he explains these concepts in a way that will make sense to a newby or a seasoned believer.

Having been interested in independent Catholicism for many years, I rejoice that a contemporary scholar (and an IC bishop) has made the movement a subject of his academic study. This is an approachable book on a fascinating subject, one that has resided too long in the shadows.

Pastors: This is a good book for your personal library. It shows the many kinds of catholics that are today working in our society. It will help you to identify the people that is coming to your church and how to address what they believe. Let me tell you, you will be horrified by some of them and their new age doctrines. Beware: the author believe that lesbians and homosexuals can be normal christians. This is contrary to the biblical truth, but the book is only a resource, REMEMBER IT!

Excellent groundbreaking work by a scholar of the history of Christianity. As an academic working in the same field and also writing my dissertation on independental sacramentalism, I deeply appreciate Dr. Plummer's extensive research and fresh insights on this subject, which has long been ignored by the academy. The book is well crafted and fascinating. Highly recommended for those interested in exploring the subculture of independent sacramental churches and communities.

if you enjoyed this book, you should also read Dr. Plummer's "Living Mysteries: a handbook for the independent priest" available [...]

Dr. Plummer, a bishop in the Independent Catholic Christian Church, has done something quite laudable in his new (2005) survey of the independent sacramental movement—he has brought together elements of the amorphous, constantly changing periphery of sacramental Christianity into a coherent if somewhat schematic whole. Covering history, liturgy, theology, and leadership in significant detail, Plummer brings a number of other sources up to date while providing an insider's view of the movement.

Among the book's strong points are its scrupulous fairness to communities whose views, it is clear from the appendix, the author does not share, as well as its clear organization and extremely readable style. At 134 pages (plus bibliography and endnotes), it is somewhat short, but you feel like you have read 50 pages and gotten 300 pages worth of information. That it was published so recently makes it even more valuable for a movement that has received infrequent and shallow attention until now.

From my own perspective as an independent catholic seminarian, the greatest service The Many Paths does is to provide a rich bibliography of sources for further study, especially articles and books available on the web. There are some 360 endnotes compiled mostly in 2004, filled with citations and further information about the clergy and jurisdictions involved in the contemporary independent movement. Dr. Plummer's account is indispensible for all those interested in this growing segment of the American church.

For the individual more interested in Christian living than philosophical arguments this is the Schaeffer book for you. This book is very short, I finished in two nights of easy reading. It is basically expanding his thoughts on John 13:34-35

"A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another."

I think his main point is that God has given the world a litmus test for whether Christianity is the truth and whether we are truly followers of him. If the world can OBSERVE that we love one another they will know, if not, then they have the right to judge us accordingly. How we deal with conflict within ourselves is the true test. Loving each other through harmony is easy, loving each other when there are disagreements is much harder.

This is an oversimplification of his work, and reading this short book is well worth the effort. Light and short reading with maximum impact.

Though may easily be overlooked as something Christians are and should be familiar with, I still take Dr. Schaeffer's encouragement seriously to love like Jesus loves according to what he commands his disciples at the Last Supper; both those "in the household of faith" and those who are outside, that the world may know that Christians are Christ's indeed. I can not agree more that cold, uncaring, indifferent, unloving, narcissistic Christianity; something that I'm liable to as well; is not only an oxymoron, but also ugly, as Dr. Schaeffer puts it. On a similar subject, pursuing Christian unity; what it is and what it is not; is something that he claims as the other mark of a Christian, and though intuitively is natural when there is a genuine love to one another, but is still worth studying in this little yet practical book.

Schaeffer writes a book here that is challenging and very needed. He simply takes two statements of Jesus on how we should love one another and strive for peace and unity instead of discord and pride, and demonstrates the crucial need to follow these verses. A Christian is supposed to be a bearer of love and peace to every other human being (Christian or not; you can promote peace and show love without sacrificing truth). This book along with his "True Spirituality" are both on the top of my list of messages that have made the most impact on me. All of Schaeffer's work is good but this book is one of my favorites. I second the motion that this is a must read for any Christian.

As with most of Francis Schaffer's books... though written in the 1970's it seems like it was written yesterday. A short but powerful book looking at John 13 & 17 and what he calls is the "Final Apologetic". He basically asks "How will they know we are Christians?" And expounds on that. A highly reflective book. A book we need today. A Must Read.

I first read this book as a young Christian and now am impressed with how many of the concepts I have adopted in my own creed. I detest pop Christian symbols and the urge to define a Christian by market forces. Schaeffer attempts to challenge the reader into not only glimpsing in the mirror, but to really make changes accordingly.

This is a "can't put it down" read with something for everyone. There is the husband/father, Scott, dealing with the responsibilities of his families farm, his wifes illness, and raising two teenagers alone. The Grandmother, Catherine, with her own losses and bitterness, and Celeste, a single woman with a promising career, and yet still searching. The teenagers in the story, Tawnya and Ty,are working thru real issues that face teens today. This is a book that most anyone at any stage in life, from teen to grandparent, would enjoy and find relevant. There is such a message of hope and truth woven throughout the story! What a great book. I wish Julie Eller much success! And I hope there are more stories to come from this author.

The book was wonderful and so expressive. The insight Julie has into a teenager's world, the characters all so well defined, the scriptures and wisdom given when confronting a difficult situation and the evidence of God's grace, along with the smooth flow of words and descriptions of inner turmoil or overflowing joys of life...well, I don't know why we couldn't see this one on the best seller's list. Julie Eller is good at what she does. I look forward to reading more and hope to see her books in all the book store shelves!

"A New Promise" is a beautiful tale of forgiveness and hope for a family shattered by sickness. This novel portrays the journey of each family member as they deal with the fear and despair that comes from dealing with a mother/wife stricken with Huntingtons disease.

Julie Eller invites her readers to cheer, cry, and laugh right along with the Parnell family as they struggle to find meaning and faith in an otherwise hopeless situation. Julie's words serve as a flashlight shining the truth of God's comfort and peace in dark times, and is an inspiration to all.

If you're looking for a good read with realistic, three-dimensional characters that takes place in the heart of a beautiful farmland, look no further. "A New Promise" is just for you.

Reviewed by Lori Plach for Reader Views (10/07)

Promises, promises. Everybody knows what a promise is and has probably made hundreds of them throughout their lifetime. When you get married, in a Christian ceremony, you are promising your spouse a lifetime commitment. The notorious words "till death do us part" are a part of this oath taken at the wedding. Scott Parnell has made his wife, Rachel, a lifelong commitment. They had fallen in love when in high school. They have been blessed with 2 children, teenage Tyler and 12 year old daughter Tawnya. How were they to know that Rachel would be stricken with Huntington's disease? Would Scott be able to remember his promise of "no tubes or wires to sustain life" they had talked about years ago? Would he be able to let go when the time came?

Letting go is never easy. It's not an easy thing for Rachel's mother to let go of her daughter. She is a well meaning grandmother who tries to help Scott with the kids but is out of touch in raising children in these troubled times in the 21st century. Tyler is in a rebellious state. He doesn't want to lose his mother but doesn't want to show that her health condition bothers him. His best friend, Dwight, is dealing with some family problems of his own. But, will Tyler go as far as Dwight's actions to escape from reality? Tawnya is at a difficult time in her life. She is dealing with her adolescent problems and a grandmother who insists that she is too fat. She turns to a destructive lifestyle. Celeste is Rachel's younger sister who always wanted to trail along with Rachel and Scott during their courtship. Celeste has a successful career in Seattle and agrees to give Tawnya a female role model, yet, she has never been a parent much less in a serious relationship. As Tawnya and Celeste become closer, will Scott be able to keep from growing closer to Celeste too? They have both made promises to Rachel, but will those promises be broken even as Rachel's life is deteriorating? Just how far will these promises keep the Parnell family from telling all the issues of their life?

"A New Promise" is an excellent book by a very talented new author, Julie Eller. "A New Promise" encompasses many issues of the 21st century. The book is a must read for anyone who enjoys a great storyline and seeing how God works in people's lives for His purpose. Sometimes when faced with adversity, it's easiest to blame God rather than see His blessings throughout your trials. Julie Eller has certainly used her God-given talents in order to show Christ's providence. I hope she writes more books in the near future. Pick up "A New Promise" soon, you certainly will enjoy it.

Inspiring. Addiction, death, disease are all part of what makes A New Promise a book that will open your mind to the weakness of the human spirit and the strength of the will of God.

First saw this Prayer Book at an Anglican church in Taupo while on vacation. Especially like the format and the multitude of voices, the Daily Devotions, and the clean, twenty-first century English.

great liturgy, eloquent wording, a must for all who worships in the anglican tradition, this is highly recommended by priests in the episcopal church, a change from the book of common prayer, this is rich with beautifully bound prayers.

The 1989 English translation of the canticles and psalms in the New Zealand Prayer Book are a work, of which Archbishop Cranmer would be proud. I've seen and used the NZPB canticles printed in other, unofficial prayer books. The settings for Morning and Evening Worship, (to be used mainly by small groups and individuals), are organized by day and time. In addition, these "abbreviated" services mark a return to the cathedral office, which was superceded by the monastic office about 1500 years ago. The New Zealand Prayer Book includes several settings for Eucharist, (Holy Communion), as well as a treasury of traditional and contemporary prayers. One caveat; if you prefer traditional English, the 1662 English Prayer Book, or the current American Prayer Book, ( Rite 1), this Prayer Book will most probably not interest you.

I purchased this book as a gift for my husband, who was impressed by its contemporary version of The Lord's Prayer. Once we received it, however, we found has much more value than just one expression.

While we don't speak the Maori language, we're delighted that the New Zealand Prayer Book, for the Anglican Church in New Zealand, includes translations of many worship resources in Maori. It's also instructive to read such things as the list of saints whose lives are observed in the church calendar. And the black-and-white ink drawings that illustrate the sections are evocative and intriguing.

What we find most important, however, is the beauty of the language. It took nearly 25 years of consultation to produce this prayer book, and in our reading it was worth every minute. Rarely do we find humanity's spiritual longings, along with its praise to God, so masterfully composed. It's a delight simply to read the prayer book, and even more to use its resources in one's spiritual observance. We highly recommend it.

The language is fresh and really makes the Book of Common Prayer come alive. Even though it is written for the New Zealand Church and I am American, I find it very useful with extremely beautiful wording. I love how the words, "Eternal Spirit, Living God" is used. In the evening prayers, one of the prayers is:

Eternal Spirit, living God,
in whom we live and move and have our being,
all that we are, have been, and shall be is known to you,
to the very secret of our hearts
and all that rises to trouble us.
Living flame, burn into us,
Cleansing wind, blow through us,
fountain of water, well up within us,
that we may love and prase in deed and in truth.

Simply beautiful! Buy it, you won't regret it.

This is by far the best mother's devotional I have ever read! I just can't get enough of this book. Once I'm done reading it I find myself reading it all over again a few months later. I love how I can relate to Mary in her readings. This book was just what I needed this last month! Her book is such an encouragement to me and I am so thankful that I bought this book. Thank-you Mary! I am planning on buying more books from this author.

Before you buy this book, know it is a DEVOTIONAL. I thought it was a parenting book. It's not. It's still a fantastic book, just not what I expected.The author is funny and down-to-earth. She highlights the divine in the mundane, drawing readers into a more personal awareness of God in the midst of everyday chaos of parenting. It's a drink of cool water to a parched soul.

The chapters are short, most just three pages. Each begins with a personal story then evolves into an applicable reflection of what God wants for us. It's the perfect format for busy moms.

Final Thoughts: Intellectual, witty and relevant. Definitely recommended.

This book has made a huge difference in my outlook. It gives me encouraging words to think about the entire day as I embark on the challenge to be the best mom, wife and person I can be. I highly recommend it!

When I first read this book as a young Christian, I found it convicting and encouraging in a way that truly challenged me to call upon the Lord to transform me into the mom He had called me to be. I was very touched by the honesty with which Mary DeMuth writes with. She sincerely shares her struggles as a mom and how she finds strength in the Lord to fulfill this blessed calling. I was really able to relate to her and found myself nodding my head again and again as I recalled very similar situations with my own children.
I found this book to be such an encouragement and such a challenge to be a better mom (through Christ who strengthens me) that I wanted to share it with other moms. Now, my friend and I have begun a Mom's Helping Mom's ministry, in which we get together with other young moms and we all use Mary DeMuth's book as a devotional at our meetings to discuss the issues relating to being a mom and to encourage each other as we fulfill this high calling and find strength in the Lord to raise these precious gifts that He has blessed us with in a way that glorifies His name.

I highly recommend Ordinary Mom, Extraordinary God...and I recommend that once you read it - you don't hold on to it - but pass it on to another mom that you know will be touched by it!

There's nothing ordinary about this book! I truly LOVED reading it! I just bought it a couple of weeks ago and have already ordered two more copies to give as gifts. It's just too good not to share. Mary speaks from the heart with humor and passion as she shares her real-life experiences in raising her family under the guidance and grace of God. As a mother of two young children, I will undoubtedly turn to Mary's encouraging and inspirational words again and again in the years to come.

For those of us who have experienced the loneliness, embarrassment, and stress of hearing or speech defects in our professional and social lives, Kiril Sokoloff's book is a deeply moving description of his personal suffering and its impact on his marriage and family. His description of his dear fathers speech problems, and the letter he would like to have written to him to express his love and understanding, moved me to tears as did many other incidents described in this remarkable book. Despite the sadness and pain this book is ultimately the story of one mans triumph over adversity to become one of the most respected and widely read individuals in the financial world today. Thank you Kiril for your example to us all.

Kiril Sokoloff has written an incredibly honest story, chronicling his journey from self-consciousness and a sense of unworthiness to a personal transformation embracing the power of compassion, gratitude, and love. This is not a "self help" book drawing inspiration from others, but a powerful story of self-examination, self-acceptance, and ultimately self-love arising from the pain of his own life experiences. It is a moving reminder of the power within us to rise above our personal demons and embrace the richness of life.

Kiril Sokoloff's "Personal Transformation" is a real blessing. There is no other way for me to describe this amazing book. "Personal Transformation" touched my heart in a way that few books can or do. It is very difficult for me to put my thoughts about this remarkable book into words. Words do not even begin to capture the love Mr. Sokoloff shares with us. His heart-wrenching tale of darkness to light should be required reading for Business and Wall Street executives as well as all those in search of The Truth. We should all be extremely grateful to Kiril for sharing his heart and mind with us. "Personal Transformation" is a timely reminder that where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.

Kiril Sokoloff's book is a powerful and poignant sharing of his life-altering experience of losing his hearing as an adult. It is deeply personal and most moving. He willingly relates in detail the gamut of his emotions when confronted with this crisis. His description of the isolation and loneliness that came to pervade his everyday life in ordinary situations was a revelation to me. I can only admire his courage and determination to cope with, deal with, and live with his deafness. This volume can provide inspiration for any of us.

Kiril Sokoloff's Powerful story of his life and the tribulations he has gone through to achieve peace with himself, is one of the most awsome books I have ever read.
It should be required reading for anyone looking for more meaning in his life, I for one am sending it to my four children.
It can not fail to help anyone who is fortunate enough to read it.
What a terrific and inspiring experience!
Barrant V. Merrill
Gulf Stream, Fl.
33483

Larry King is humorous. I read this book in 1 day I couldn't put it down! If you want to understand prayer from a wide range of people from different faiths and beliefs then you should get this book. I read it free from the library years ago and for some reason I just thought to myself maybe I will buy it. lol....hope you enjoy this book as I did.

This book is going on eight years old as I write this review, but I suppose it will always seem timely. Larry has quite a knack for just telling it like it is. As an admitted agnostic he has no agenda in passing along this delightful collection of tales and interviews with those who [mostly] have belief in God. And mind you, this is not a book on religion. True to its title, the book relates prayers - moments - that have moved others to prayer. In some instances it is the circumstance which catches your attention, and other times it is the prayer itself that provides the power. And Larry's personal asides are even more delightful.

All in all I was always interested in reading on to the next page, person, or prayer. This is an "un-fussy" book and a wonderful read.

This book will open your mind if you are agnostic, and it may make you angry if you are set in your conventional religious beliefs. This is not a politically correct book, and King takes some risks, but it is worth a good read whether you are spiritally inclined or somewhere in the middle.

Jeffrey McAndrew
author of "Our Brown-Eyed Boy"

Mr. King delved into the foundation of Spirituality and Religion and made simple an otherwise complex and controversial issue. The book focuses on the individual and his or her communication with God, while setting aside religious beliefs. I would like to recommend to friends who are too formal about prayers and to those who maybe agnostic such as Larry King in his book.

Mr. King delved into the foundation of Spirituality and Religion and made simple an otherwise complex and controversial issue. The book focuses on the individual and his or her communication with God, while setting aside religious beliefs. I would like to recommend to friends who are too formal about prayers and to those who maybe agnostic such as Larry King in his book.

Sometimes we hear someone say something really profound that hits home with us and we think, "I wish I'd said that."

That's exactly how I feel about Prayer Walk--"I wish I had written that."

In the mid 1980's, I lived in Southern California where the temperatures were mild. From about 1984-1986, I got up early six days a week for prayer walking and singing praises to God. Many days it was just me and God. Other times a friend or two would join me.

It was during those years that I looked and felt my best, and felt close to God and in tune with my surroundings.

Now I live in a place where winters have ice storms and summers bring extremely high humidity. I still walk a little in the spring and the fall, but it's just not the same as it was during my prayer walks in California.

Reading PrayerWalk has caused memories to come rushing in about a time when my body and spirit were nourished and healthy.

One of my favorite lines in this book is, "prayer walking is not an easy way to 'take care of prayer' while you get good exercise. It is a call to spend rich time with God, carrying others' loads. The walking is only a means to make it all happen."

Janet Holm McHenry then encourages the reader to pray for your own church, law enforcement, military, public servants, the christian community, business owners, schools, family, friends, and community. McHenry has walked through tears of remorse, tears of joy, tears of suffering, victory, and answered prayer.

She relates the physical benefits of walking as reduced risk of dying prematurely from heart disease or developing diabetes, it helps build and maintain healthy bones, muscles, and joints, reduces the risk of breast cancer, and combats obesity.

McHenry has convinced me that it's high time for me to get back to prayer walking. The focus here is twofold--praying and walking. This book is definitly motivational. I am now motivated to becoming a woman of prayer, strength, and walking.

In this review I've talked about the prayer and the walking, but you'll have to read the book yourself if you want to hear about McHenry's interesting walking and praying escapades.

Written in a very warm and engaging style, the author managed to convince me that I should begin Prayerwalking without making me feel guilty or overwhelmed. Studies show that those who take a spiritual approach to weight loss are the primary group to keep the weight off so this book fits in perfectly with my weight loss goals.

I actually stayed up until 5 a.m. reading this book, although I don't recommend doing that, I highly recommend this book. I had never thought of combining exercise (walking) with spending time in prayer/with God. Walking outdoors has always felt like a spiritual experience to me, but I never thought of how many prayers I could be sending out on my journey. This book is not only a book on prayer, but gives excellent advice on walking for health as well. Including statistics, shoe recommendations etc. The authors writing style was so inspiring that I can't wait to start walking again after a long abscense, and experiencing my walking in a new way, time with God. What a wonderful combination!!

In Prayerwalk, Janet offers encouragement, inspiration, Biblical support, and productive fitness helps to challenge anyone's health and prayer life. Janet doesn't have to persuade you to change your spiritual disciplines--her example gently but convincingly nudges you in the right direction. She covers it all: the necessary spiritual, physical, and mental tips for growing deeper in this vital exercise and privilege of prayer.

If you want to make a difference in the lives of others and your own wellness - read PrayerWalk. I read the book out of curiosity not expecting to actually do what Janet Hom McHenry was suggesting. However, I was pulled in by her story and the facts she offered. I now PrayerWalk!!!!!

Beth Moore's inspirational words and accompanying scripture "raise me up" on a daily basis. I don't know how she does it, but her writings always seem to hit me where I live. Excellent daily devotinal!

The book is very thoughtful and stimulating. Helps one to actually think about Christ, your moment by moment gift of life, and most of all, to be thankful and humble, if you read the words with your true heart.

This little devotional is a wonderful little book. It is dated of course by the day. So you can use it year after year. The mighty wisdom of Beth Moore is such in inspiration to keep you close to God. I admit some days I don't get my devotional in, but its easy to catch up on or pick up where the next day begins. Love it!!!!!!!

I enjoyed the book very much. There are features that can be used daily.
I'm so glad I found an almost new condition copy on Amazon.

Love the short, quick, but truth-filled pages. Another way to "be in the Word" on a busy day.