Christianity Books

Mark and Patti Virkler's book, Dialogue with God: Opening the door to two-way prayer, explores the place of intuition, imagination, and journaling in the process of one's spiritual development. The Virklers, writing from a conservative and charismatic perspective, argue that Christians should be able to discern God's voice in their own hearts.

After an introductory chapter, the authors explore four keys to discerning the leadings of the Holy Spirit in the midst of daily life, giving a chapter to each key concept. First, one should become aware of spontaneous thoughts and feelings, especially when one is in times of prayer and meditation. Second, one should learn to quiet the mind through exercises such as deep breathing and meditative music. Third, one should make use of visualization techniques by imagining a scene from the Bible or making an effort to remember one's dreams. Fourth, one should keep a journal in order to keep track of these efforts and chart one's spiritual growth over time.

After these chapters, the authors offer an allegorical interpretation of the Tabernacle furniture in the Hebrew Scriptures for the purpose of focusing one's meditations. Next are two chapters on the nature of prayer and how one can be sure that she or he is hearing God's voice clearly. Chapter 9 presents excerpts from the journals of several students who have made use of the Virklers' teachings on this subject. The final chapter summarizes the contents of the previous ones and brings them together under the overarching goal of deepening one's personal relationship with God. The book has several useful appendices giving biblical references and excerpts from Christian mystics and saints throughout history who have had experience with seeing visions during prayer.

I found this book to be highly useful and instructive in the process of learning to keep myself open to the movement of the Spirit in my own spiritual life. Their advice via the four key concepts is practical and simple, which I appreciated. However, the book is not without its faults.

Ironically, my primary criticism of the book is that it does not treat Scripture seriously enough. The exegetical technique used by the authors is haphazard at best. The authors tend to make use of Scripture in quips and verses, rather than in terms of the Canon as a whole, individual books, paragraphs, or pericopes. They completely ignore questions of genre, socio-historical context, and narrative structure. Their use of the Bible seems to treat it more like a book of magic spells rather than a collection of inspired texts.

That being said, I would still recommend this book to readers as a text on personal spiritual development. I have implemented their four key concepts in my own life and have found them to be useful. I have had more success in discerning the voice of the Spirit and I plan to continue to follow some of the Virklers' advice. If one is able to bear in mind that this book is not intended as a work of exegesis, but is rather a resource for spiritual growth, then one can easily excuse some of the liberties the authors take with the biblical text itself. Sections such as the authors' treatments of the prophet Habakkuk or the allegorical interpretation of the Tabernacle furniture bear a resemblance to various monastic texts such as John Cassian's Conferences or the Philokalia of Eastern Orthodoxy. As a devotional text on Christian spirituality, I highly recommend it.

This is the best book to start a relationship with God by journaling. I really feel the presense of the Lord after doing the exercises demonstrated in this book. I would suggest it highly.

I'd recommend any book by the Virklers! But this is my favorite. I've read many books on hearing God's voice but this was the only one that truly made sense and truly worked. The concepts taught in this book revolutionized my relationship with God. I'm sure God has always wanted to talk to me through His still small voice. Reading this book pointed me in the right direction.

For 30 years of my ministry I would occasionally receive a word of knowledge from God. In a prayer counseling seminar they recommended "Dialogue With God". I bought it and read it and I said to myself "I can do that" and I did. Since then I have taught others in three parishes with outstanding results. If you read this book you will find out that "you can do it" too.

I have read many "how to hear the voice of God" books,
and this is the first one that actually helped me.
And it helped a lot. This book goes through all the
ways God communicates, dreams, visions, and conversation
in prayer. I have read better stuff in the dreams/visions
category and Mark himself recommends other authors in this
category also. But in the dialog part this book beats them all,
and is the only one I have read to date that really helps.
There is a lot more out there than we realize, daily dialog
with a loving God who is your best friend is not just possible,
but is desired by all (God and us), so step into a new dimension
in your walk and read this book!

If you enjoyed Persuasions then you will aslo enjoy Easy Chairs. This is a book for those who are learning to enjoy a challenge. Easy chairs although easy to read is more difficult to follow than persuasions. You will need to stay awake and follow the conversations as they unfold, and really think about the answers being given. I have read this book more than once and I enjoy it each time that I read it.

The premises are those related to reform theology.Mr. Wilson writes that these are questions that he asked as he studied. They are very good questions indeed. The answers are offered in a way that causes the reader to formulate his or her own answer. As an Adult Bible teacher I am pleased to have found this book. Each chapter causes the students to think, evaluate, contemplate and discover Biblical truths without being given easy answers from a teacher at the front of the room.The answers are not always the easy ones given half-heartedly and without serious thought.

I purchased an additional copy for a friend who is deep thinker and she was thrilled with this book. WARNING: If you don't like to think on your own this is not a good book for you.

This is a truly impressive work. It is a penetrating, but yet sufficient simple and "reader friendly" introduction, defense, and reflection upon the doctrines known to many as "Reformed Theology".

Wilson does a fine job of integrating theological ideas into the conversational story he weaves. He relies upon clear and simple analogies and writes in a convincing and effective way.

Highly recommended for those who are seeking to understand (or defend) reformed theology!

I have been able to use this book as a great evangelism tool on numerous occassions. I have been able to lend it to Christians who go to Liberal churches so they can see how they are following short in their reasoning and presumptions of what God requires of man and I have been able to use it with non Christians so they can see clearly how God's eternal plan works in our lives.

Sit down, and pull up a chair. Pour a cup of coffee; we have to talk.

Truth alone, sets us free. Truth is timeless, and is above culture....truth never changes.

This is a solid book. Doug Wilson explains many of the common questions about Calvinism and Reformed thinking (beginning, of course, by stating his reticence to use these terms) in an engaging, informative manner. I have read assorted other books on Calvinism, and Doug Wilson here answers some questions in ways I've never seen them answered before, and gives great analogies to help understand what he's talking about. The whole book is written in a dialogue format, which makes for an occasionally stilted read (there are only so many ways a character can say "I see" or "I don't understand" before it gets kind of old). But overall, I think the format works great, illustrating how down-to-earth these principles are, and following the natural logic when thinking through these things. It's a stellar book.

I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. God has annoited this man for such a time as this. There are very few men especially preachers who will allow themselves to be transparent. Bishop Long "keeps it real." It's one thing to be able to preach a sermon but it's something totally different when you practice what you preach. I thank God for Elect Lady Vanessa Long. Her chapter in the book was refreshing. Today's first ladies really aren't interested in the people. It's about what you can do for them. I thank God for this man and woman of God.

Like every other book I have read by Bishop Long, The Elect Lady has enlightened me to the Truth. This book is an excellent choice for anyone who felt like their life was interrupted at some point. It caused me to look back at some dreams that I once had, but were interrupted. I thank God, however, that my dreams were interrupted. The outcome was/is better with His plan in action! The Elect Lady encourages readers to keep moving forward in what God has elected us to do no matter what obstacles show up. It reminds us that what God has for us is for our good and it is not to destroy us. I may not have done a great job writing a review on this book, but Bishop Long has done an excellent job writing this book in the Spirit of God. I have recommended this book to several people since I read it. I even purchased it for others as a gift:-) Go pick a copy of The Elect Lady today!

This is a wonderful book created by one of the greatest Pastors in the world! This is a book for every woman. It is inspirational and empowering.

I have begun to read "The Elect Lady" by Bishop Eddie Long. What I have read, is not only inspiring, but also gives women hope for what their futures hold. I enjoy listening to Bishop Long, and now, I am enjoying his book. I hope to read more of his writing.

Bishop Long has out-done himself! I plan to buy more copies for my friends!!! To GOD be the GLORY!!!

I bought this book when it was first published because I had worked with the author. I expected to find insights but I didn't expect that it would change my life, after all an expert MUST be from at least 50 miles away and I knew the author. Now years after it was published I have realized I need to read it again. Things the book taught me have stuck with me during my changing life and my relationships with my family, and how I view myself as a wife, mother, daughter, co-worker and friend. Since I gave my copy away to someone I knew needed the book, I am coming back home so to speak to read it again and examine myself and love in my Christian life and the love that surrounds us. I am going to recharge my batteries.

This book has totally changed my life. Jim is a great guy with an evident passion for God and the things He is about. Jim speaks straight to the heart though this book. It is a great, fast read but also carries a ton of depth. I would recommend this book to anyone and everyone. But fair warning...don't be surprised if Embracing the Love of God completely changes your life!

I would highly recommend this book to anyone struggling to understand and receive God's love and forgiveness. This book is written especially for believers who are honest enough to admit they have a problem in this area. James Bryan Smith writes in a way that is simplistic and yet profound based on truths from the Word of God. He shares about his own struggles and how he came to a place of acceptance of God's grace and love for him. If you have a desire to be transformed by the love of God, take the time to read this book.

This book was sooo good...Please don't hesitate to get it! Take your time, and drink in the love of God that comes through the pages...
Nothing can separate us from the LOVE of GOD! That is what James Smith explains so well in this book. I just finished it, and know I will read it again. This book encouraged me and lifted me up. He definitely has a gift from God...to teach, help, and encourage...with references throughout, to the Word of God. I look forward to reading more of his books. As another reader said, this book will probably become a classic.

Embracing the Love of God is thought provoking and is,in my opinion, a potential "spiritual classic". Mr. Smith's extended essay is organized around three topics: Knowing God's Acceptance, Receiving God's Forgiveness and Experiencing God's Care. Read it, and keep it to re-read, when you need encouragement. Embracing the Love of God was a blessing to me, and I recommend you buy it.

This book is absolutely incredible.I have recently finalized my divorce and I was at CVS when I saw this book on a rack.Flipping through the pages I knew I had to read it.This book was really the catalist for my healing.I have since ordered another 25 copies and have given most of them away.Friends have come back to me and said "Wow. I needed that". And all of them know at least 5 other people who need to read it.I belong to a circle of sisters that reads a book together.This is the next title we will be reading.You will not regret reading this book!

Buy this book today. It will help you understand and answer the key question facing you: "Are you in an abusive relationship?"

Especially helpful for wives whose husbands are verbally abusive, manipulative, or controlling, this new book helps you recognize your situation more clearly and take action accordingly.

Here's how to notice, identify and stop the patterns of abuse. Here's how to stand up, take action, and move forward. Exceptionally well-written and informative; the author demonstrates a clear heart for those who are being victimized or controlled.

Know someone in this kind of relationship? Buy this book for them.

Dr. David & Lisa Frisbie
The Center for Marriage & Family Studies
Authors of: Moving Forward After Divorce: Practical Steps to * Healing Your Hurts * Finding Fresh Perspective * Managing Your New Life

"Seeing It, Stopping It, Surviving It". What a Spiritual & Practical approach to difficult relationships. Helped me to identify what a healthy relationship is - I thought I knew, but this really shed light and why I feel like I do with certain people in my life. There are different degrees of destructive relationships, and Leslie acknowledges that. Great resource for those in the "Helping Fields" as well. A definite recommendation for a church library and for personal library.

Leslie's most recent book is perhaps her one of her most important. (And I've grown from each one!) Here is a practical, easy to read and understand, yet deeply biblical approach to knowing whether your relationships have crossed the line from being human--where we all hurt one another at some time or another and need to apologize and/or forgive--into being abusive.

Many don't understand they are in an abusive relationship and therefore continue to be abused, feeling to blame. Leslie gives hope: "growth, healing, and restoration are possible, no matter how much hurt we've experienced." Then she gives our best example to follow--the life of Christ, who modeled good communication and boundaries.

I love her scriptural explanation of "Why Stand Up?" to an abuser in our lives and "What is Genuine Repentance?" with, once again, Jesus' model of "stepping back." Having survived and thrived myself, I can say from experience, the "Surviving It" section will be helpful to anyone.

This insightful book only confirmed much of what I've lived through, had to live out, and continue to stand firm in--the truth of what is mine to "own" and what is not. I will be recommending this book far and wide and reading portions of it when I speak to audiences!Soar Unafraid: Learning to Trust No Matter What

I absolutely loved the way Leslie Vernick included all the scripture verses and references in her book. I used my reading time for my devotions and thoroughly enjoyed it. It was so good to have all those verses to balance scripture with scripture my husband quotes. I also loved the examples, the stories of her clients, and especially the dialogues I need to memorize and use. She has given me so much hope through her fantastic book.

Her "Resources for Additional Help" has given me even more hope. There are several more books from her list I want to read, especially her other book "How to Act Right When Your Spouse Acts Wrong". The first book I read on this subject and also highly recommended to others was "The Verbally Abusive Relationship". Another excellent book I read was "You Can't Say That to Me! Stopping the Pain of Verbal Abuse--an 8-Step Program" by Suzette Haden Elgin, Ph.D. She is the author of "The Gentle Art of Verbal Self-Defense" series, which I would also like to read. I do not know if these authors are Christians or not as the books I read are secular, so I especially love the way Leslie Vernick's book leaves no one wondering if she is a Christian or not!

As soon as I started reading her book, I knew it was going to be an excellent book and started recommending it to people after only reading a couple of chapters. I have been recommending it to our counselors as the best book I have read on the topic. It has given me hope and confirmed the steps I have been taking are in the right direction. I feel like I am finally getting some direction and guidance as to what to do rather than feeling so helpless and trapped without a clue what to do besides pray and wait on God for direction. I believe God is going to use this book to help give direction for those of us desperately seeking it.

First, I do not like mystery novels. No way - don't read 'em...not interested, thankyouverymuch (this to anyone who tries to loan me one). I vastly prefer (I thought) theological treatises. Tomes. You know. Dry as old bones? (What was I thinking?!)

I couldn't put these books down. They will have to be pried out of my cold, dead hands before I give them up. I operated on just a couple of cylinders for a few days, thanks to staying up all night two nights in a row, reading them. Readers, beware! Before you sit down to read them, make sure you have meals pre-cooked & your laundry caught up. You'll need to call in sick to work, too :-). Homeschoolers - might as well give your kids the day off - you won't be in any shape or mood to teach!

Our Traditional priest went nuts over them, too, and HE operated on fewer cylinders than normal for awhile, the poor dear. These books are just...well, in Father's words: "PERFECT!" "Treasures!" and so on... He will be carrying them in his little Catholic book store.

Mr. Biersach is a FIRST-RATE story teller! "Move over, Rice" my foot (ala Mr. Rose). Move over, TOLKIEN, is more like it. Rose may've pegged the genre rightly, but the comparison between Bill's writing and Rice's is an insult to Biersach. I know, because I've read Rice.

The Endless Knot (TEK) and The Darkness Did Not (TDDN) books have incredible, intricate plots-within-plots, combined with characters so perfectly fleshed-out that I felt I knew them personally and by sight, long before I half-finished The Endless Knot.

This, combined with wondrous Traditional Catholic knowledge that I thought had been lost forever, and it's all wrapped up in ONE book! Well, two actually (TDDN being the 2nd offering). As Amazon doesn't carry all 4 books, they can all be ordered at TumblarHouse.com.

This is the first book in a series that I intend to read all of. This book is a fantastic murder mystery in the genre of the Rabbi Small books. For those of us who follow traditional Catholicism, this is an outstanding trip, however, anyone will enjoy the story and may even learn something.

A friend of mine to whom I had loaned my copy of "The Endless Knot" once noted how odd it was to get to know fictional characters so well that when the book is over you miss them terribly. I know exactly how she feels. The characters become like very dear friends to you and it is hard to lose them whe the book is over.

In "The Endless KNot" we are introduced to Father John Baptist Lombard, a former LAPD Homicide Detective turned Latin Mass priest. Lombard's stance has made him the mortal enemy of LA's vindictively liberal Archbishop, Morley Psalmellus Fulbright. Fulbright is so far gone that he considers death to be "an expansion of mind" and promotes Neo Pagans and radical feminists to high positions in his Arch-Diocese. Lombard is assisted by Martin Feeney, the arthritic gardener at St. Philomena's Traditonal Catholic Church. When Fulbright's cronies start getting knocked off one by one, the Archbishop has no choice but to order his most despised priest to get to the bottom of the murders. With the help (and hindrance) of Feeney and the cops he once trained, Father John Baptist goes on the trail of one of the most bizarre serial killers in US history. Along the way, William Biersach irreverently skewers the highly liberalized institution that the Catholic Church has become. As well as dragging Wicca, Neo Paganism, and Voodoo over hot coals. At one moment the reader is on the edge of their seat with suspense, at another they will split their sides with laughter. In closing William Biersach deserves a 26 gun salute. In addition, I should be very much interested to see Mel Gibson sponsor this book for PBS's "Mystery!"

WOW! The plots were so complicated that just when I thought it was all figured out, another shows up. The characters are so real that I want to visit them again. Hungry for more! Even though I have about 30 books on my shelf that are calling to me,I could not put the Endless Knot down. Every reading unveils more details. Still untying. Underlined a novel for the first time.MORE!MORE! I beggin for more. Ya hear?

Endless Knot starts out slow (okay, the first few pages are sluggish) but I stuck with it until page 52 and I'm glad I did because after that the book takes off like a roller coaster. You won't want to put it down. I read through lunch, dinner and stayed up late to finish it.

The mystery is complex. The characters are very good. Father John Baptist is calm amidst the whirlwind, whip smart and doesn't mind offending people if it means hiding the truth. His Watson, Martin the gardner, altar server, assistant cook, driver and leg man (despite a nasty case of arthritis) is loud mouthed, cranky as as wolverine and devoted to Father Sherlock. He's also a smart guy in his own right. The other characters, the hard drinking, party loving Knights of the Tumblar function as Father Baptist's Baker Street Irregulars. The cops are nicely written and so are the colorful, fiesty and sometimes crazy group of folks who make up Father Baptist's parish.

The villains are well done too and their particular vices were timely. About ten years ago I would've thought there was no way such people could exist in their positions. Today, nothing shocks me.

Endless Knot is a mystery in the Arthur Conan Doyle/Agatha Christie mold but it ends with a bittersweet note. The killer is caught but not without cost to the detectives. I'm off to find the next book in the series.

This book was a tremendous encouragement to read, as it championed the role of a man as adventurer and leader. It wonderfully challenges the typical gutless advice of balancing your responsibilities. I've never thought that passion was well served by limiting everything. This book retells the rediscovery of a man's calling with the real and allegorical view of mastering a mountain, not as a loner but as a team leader. The bumpersticker, media, and movie catch phrases are far from timeless, but this is today's challenge.

Reading this book didn't completely negate the wise advice of my mentor, who, when I first arrived at Harvard Medical School, holding up his hand to count fingers would say you could, 1. Be a doctor, 2. Teacher, 3. Professor, 4. Make money or 5. See your family, but you could only have two. In reality it is only in part true that we can have everything, but not all at once. Like Jim Elliot, `Wherever you are, be all there' (pg 26)... you can't be elsewhere.

It is absolutely true that we have to shake off the drive to succeed and take on the call to purpose. What is written on your heart? (pg 20) Can you acknowledge God as its true owner? (pg 26) Will you pursue it to the end, and live a life worthy of that calling [Eph 4:1] (pg 115). I pray, as I'm sure Rich does, that you will ask for the necessary courage, as you face the tasks that only you can do. You are irreplaceably made in God's image, as you.

Richard Penson

I have been a leader of Men's Ministries for over 10 years and I'm delighted to recommend this book. 'The Expeditionary Man' addresses many of the issue facing men today. Rich brings adventure and excitement back into the fatherhood arena. This book is a must read for all dads Christians and non-Christian, every dad needs to understand his powerful role in leading the family. Discovering the purpose and passion every dad needs as he directs and distills wisdom & leadership to his family. Every father will shape and mold the destiny of the next generation. Rich, motivates and illustrates the unique role of the dad, guiding fathers to keep the main thing the main thing. THANKS RICH!

This book will challenge and motivate every man as they look at "structure" of their life. Rich's book has challenged me to examine my life and what I place as my priorities.

Contemporary illustrations (ranging from hillarious heights to the depths of serious reflection)mixed together with sound Biblical wisdom on manhood made this book captivating. I loved the adventure theme and excellent quotes from a variety of sources. You can't avoid finding yourself opened for examination at some point in the book. You also can't avoid having your heart returned to your family. I've read multiple books for Christian men and this one is unique. It speaks to men who are trying to do the right thing, know they need to do the right thing, but find it difficult to keep it all together. This book is meant for all men who want to be great husbands, fathers and providers.

I would highly encourage every christian dad to read this book. Many of us lose perspective along the way about what it truly means to be a husband and a father. Rich's book challenges us to re-think career, hobbies, and even ministries in light of the greatest priority and adventure God has placed before us - our family.

Rich's writing style is rich in metaphors and stories that most men will be able to immediately relate to. I loved his use of movie quotes throughout his writing. Yet the most significant and appealing aspect of Wagner's book is that he writes from his own experience.

A timely, refreshing and bold challenge for 21st century christian dads. Highly Recommended.

Fearless by Tom Stephen and Virginia Starkey-Stephen is a lovely book, well written and beautifully illustrated with photos by Hank Foto of Hawaiian surfing. Written with the reflections of a peaceful day ahead, it is truly inspriational that can be used again and again. Wonderful!

This book looks like a coffee table book on surfing. In truth, it is packed with insiteful guidance on how to navigate through life. Using surfing and extreme sports metaphor, the book walks the reader into a much better understanding of what drives us - good or bad - and what God wants. I find myself reading one or two pages every few days, putting it down and chewing on the content. Worth every penny.

This is an awesome devotional. It connects on so many levels and is applicable whether you surf 7 days a week or live 1500 miles away from the ocean. Whether you are a committed follower of Christ, new believer or anywhere in between, or you just like great surf photos, this devotional is great for you. We have been using Fearless in our youth Sunday School class and the kids have been loving it. They love the pictures, the scriptures are relevant, the short readings are really easy to follow and connect with and the questions really spark thought and conversation. In a world that's pretty scary and messed up, the idea of fear and God's answer to that fear is so important. Buy this book. Read it. Use it.

I thoroughly enjoyed the book and benefited from it. The writing is excellent, the photos are terrific, and the messages are truly inspiring.

how often do you find a great devotion and coffee-table book in one? the cover caught my attention and i started flipping through this book to look at the (fabulous) pictures. before long i found myself reading the insightful, surprisingly personal questions and great scripture excerpts. i've really enjoyed dwelling in the devotions and i look forward to more books by these authors.

I LOVE this book! I encourage you to pass this along to mothers, daughters, sisters, friends...everyone will love it and be enriched greatly just by reading this sweet, funny, thought-provoking book by the incomparable Beth Moore!

I'm a parent of 2 little ones, and I've been reading one of her essays each morning. They're sweet and real and funny (just like Beth Moore always is) - and they're a real encouragement to me to see the long view of godly parenting, rather than getting stuck in the preschool weeds. I also gave it as a gift to my mother-in-law whose chicks are long gone from the nest, and she loved it too.

Very touching...touches all emotions. I bought three more to share with other family/friends who are mothers. Great choice as a gift for moms whose children are leaving for college.

This wonderful little book about Beth and her husband going thru empty-nest made me feel a wide range of emotions. She is a brilliant writer and always amazes me how she can be a faithfull follower of Jesus but still have so much FUN!! What a refreshing christian woman..Buy the book.. you won't be disapointed.. Beth allows you a 'peek' into her private life. If you have taken a bible study that she wrote you will get snapshots of her life.. this book fills in the holes a bit..Great reading!

I read Beth Moore's book after experiencing two miscarriages and trying to get pregnant for the third time. Her Godly approach to motherhood made me realize that God gives us children as gifts and blessings - regardless if it is for a few months in utero or for decades on earth! She gives a personalized insight on how to try to raise children to love Christ - in a world that often makes that difficult! I would highly recommend this book to any woman - moms, daughters, moms-to-be, or as I was when I read it, a mom wanna-be!

It never really made sense to me until after I started reading this book. God really does love us. He's the only one that we can always count on and our focus should always be drawn back to him.

"Finding Peace" is yet another great book by Charles Stanley. The book's focus is on realizing that our peace rests on our personal relationship with Jesus Christ instead of circumstances. Dr. Stanley challenges the reader to take responsibility and be proactive in finding peace through a relationship with God instead of fuming and fretting over the situations we find ourselves in.

Among the great points mentioned in the book are:

1. Issues that can cause destructive conflict.
2. God is larger than our challenges.
3. Four clear signs of God's peace.
4. Why we lose our peace.
5. 5 essentials beliefs for a peaceful heart.
6. 7 categories of peace-destroying thoughts.
7. 5 vital questions to ask yourself about regret.
8. Results of anxiety.
9. 7 steps to overcoming fear.
10. 4 keys to living in contentment.

I also appreciated Dr. Stanley describing his own struggles when his wife filed for divorce and yet was able to obtain peace through the trial.

Read and be encouraged to seek peace in the Lord instead of yourself, others, or your circumstances!

Highly recommended.

Dr. Stanley has a wonderful talent for putting such a complicated ideal into laymans terms. He's definitely set me on course towards finding peace. The book isn't about answers, but rather a process.

~Finding Peace : God's Promise of a Life Free from Regret, Anxiety, and Fear~ is a helpful guide to seeking peace and overcoming anxiety in midst of stressful circumstances. Charles Stanley gives practical and sound Scriptural exhortation on facing life's problems. We can find our peace in midst our trials and tribulations by recognizing that God is sovereign. Sometime, it is a lot easier said than done, which is why we need reinforcement from others. We have to continually set our sights on God's promises. Few Christians want to peer into book of Job, much less have their faith tested like Job. Taking a hit professionally or financially, suffering persecution, enduring slander, or relationship friction can strain a person. However, we can come out stronger enduring hardship if we seek peace of mind through God. God's pruning can often be painful, but we have to set our sights on Romans 8:28, and the promises of God. Life is a vapor.

Anyhow, Stanley offers a lot of prudent exhortation on seeking stability, peace of mind, discerning between productive and destructive anxiety, and living at peace with others. Too many Christian pastors these days, miss the mark and neglect addressing that life has its pains, and preach blissful optimism. Turn on Joel Olsteen for example, and he will be rambling about having a "better house, a better car," etc. and preaching the health and wealth non-sense. When life on the flying carpet of bliss doesn't come people get more discouraged and disappointed. Charles Stanley, however, isn't one of those errant teachers... Stanley will be the first to say tough times will come. Likewise, he offers sound advice on enduring those times and finding peace through acknowledging and trusting God. "You therefore must endure hardship, as a good soldier of Christ Jesus" (2 Tim. 2:3). Hardship endured in God's strength produces the peaceable fruit of patience, makes us more dependent on God, and breaks us of our stubborn self-centered thinking.

"What shall we then say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?."
-Romans 8:31

If you have not read this book by Dr. Stanley, you need to read it. You owe it to yourself. I continue to be amazed at his use of Scripture as it applies to the human soul.

I highly recommend this volume.