The Purpose Driven Life Devotional for Kids by Rick Warren {Children's Nonfiction Review}

The Purpose Driven Life Devotional for Kids

Rick Warren

Juvenile Nonfiction (ages 9-12)

GOD CREATED EACH OF US

WITH A PURPOSE IN MIND . . . 

IT'S TIME TO START YOUR 

JOURNEY TO FINDING THAT REASON.

YOU ARE NOT AN ACCIDENT. Even before the universe was created, God had you in mind, and he planned you for his purposes. The Purpose Driven Life Devotional for Kids includes 365 scripture-based devotions meant to help you discover who you are in God's eyes and help you find your purpose in relation to Christ.

Based on the themes from the bestseller by Rick Warren, The Purpose Driven Life.

My Thoughts
Way back in 2002 our whole church body from the youth group to the senior adults spent 40 days studying The Purpose Driven Life. All these years later the truths that I learned still resonate within me. At the time I only had teenagers and above and they were participating in the study so I didn't give much thought to the little ones.
Now I have eight grands and I want them to learn the same principles that we did all those years ago. I want them to know that they were created for a purpose. Their existence was never a mistake but rather a God ordained blessing bestowed upon their parents (and their grandparents!). 
When The Purpose Driven Life Devotional for Kids arrived at my home I was thrilled to be able to share it with my kids and grands. The book is broken down into 365 daily devotions that cover the same six purposes in the original book. The language is designed for nine to twelve year-olds but we are finding that the younger kids are doing well with listening in. 
I have to tell you about one other thing that caught my eye. The very last chapter is entitled Why So Many Translations? Of course I had to flip back there and read it. Pastor Rick gave three reasons to answer that question but it is the second one that really stood out to me:

"Second, and even more important, is the fact that we often miss the full impact or meaning of familiar Bible verses, not because of poor translating, but simply because they become so familiar! We think we know the message of a verse because we have read or heard it so many times. Then we find it quoted in a book, we skim over it, and miss the full meaning." (pg. 382)

Isn't that the truth! In my personal studies I like to look things up in different translations so I was pleased to see this same technique employed in this book.

As I said before The Purpose Driven Life made such an impact on my life. If you are looking for a way to impart these same principles into your children's lives I highly recommend this book. Not only will you be teaching your children how important they are in God's eyes but you will be reminding yourself of that truth as well.

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www.RickWarren.org

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Prayers That Changed History: From Christopher Columbus to Helen Keller, How God Used 25 People To Change The World by Tricia Goyer {Children's Book Review}

Prayers That Changed History

From Christopher Columbus to

Helen Keller, How God Used 25

People to Change the World

Tricia Goyer

Juvenile Nonfiction (ages 8+)

One Prayer - Your Prayer - Can Change Everything

Martin Luther, Sojourner Truth, Helen Keller, St. Patrick.

You've read their stories in history books, and you've heard about the amazing thngs they did to change the world. But one part of the story is often left out; each one of them wouldn't have accomplished what they did without prayer.

In this book from bestselling author Tricia Goyer, the stories of twenty-five notable people are presented along with the major prayer that changed their lives, and changed history. Following each historical example is a biblical story that ties to that person's life and actions, as well as ways you can use the power of prayer in your life. Because God isn't done changing the world yet, and he would love to use you to make history.

My Thoughts

In Prayers That Changed History Tricia Goyer uses her exceptional talent as a historical fiction writer to take you and your children on a journey through time allowing you to see through personal prayers how historical events were changed.

She begins with Polycarp and shares a bit of background surrounding the eventful prayer and then shares the prayer itself. Knowing about the events that are going to lead to Polycarp's ultimate death and then reading the prayer that he spoke just before the event is powerful. Following the story of Polycarp are twenty-four more testimonies of people throughout history that turned to prayer during a turning point. 

While I liked the information and prayer by the person I really appreciated the other applications that were made about each person. Tricia includes a section that talks about how the prayer changed history and then she concludes with a section that draws a parallel to a segment in the Bible.

This book would make a great addition to a family devotional time on the importance of prayer. Of course if you are a homeschooling family this would be a great add in as you study each of these figures throughout history. I think that your family will find the book interesting while they are learning facts that aren't always covered in common textbooks. 

I would note however that some of the subject matter is a little graphic (some are put to death and other more mature subject matter is discussed) but it is all presented in a very tasteful way. I agree with the age recommendation of eight and above. 

I look forward to using this book over and over again in our studies and family devotional times. If you are looking to enhance the practice of prayer in your family I recommend this book highly.

Connect With The Author

www.TriciaGoyer.com

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Fervent: A Woman's Battle Plan for Serious, Specific, and Strategic Prayer by Priscilla Shirer {Book Review}

Fervent: A Woman's Battle Plan for Serious, Specific, and Strategic Prayer 

Priscilla Shirer

Christian Life / Prayer

YOU HAVE AN ENEMY.

And he's dead set on destroying all you hold dear. He does it strategically. He does it specifically. He's doing it right this minute, in fact--aimed at personally drawn targets on your heart, your home, your mind, your life.

And this book, this battle plan, is your chance to fight back. With a weapon that really works. With prayer.

New York Times best-selling author Priscilla Shirer brings her role from the War Room movie into real life, addressing the topics that affect you the most: your identity, your family, your regrets, your pressures, your temptations, your fears, your attitudes, and more. Each chapter exposes the enemy's cruel, cunning intentions against you in all kinds of key areas like these, then coaches you in crafting your own personalized prayer strategies on included tear-out sheets--ready to post them and pray them, anywhere you can put them into active deployment. Because the truth is: Victories don't happen by accident.

Fervent is a hands-on, knees-down, never-give-up action guide to practical, purposeful praying.

My Thoughts
If you have seen the movie War Room and are longing to implement what you saw on the screen through Priscilla Shirer's character then you need this book. I loved the movie but this book just takes it over the top. If you've ever experienced a Bible study by Priscilla you already know what I mean. If not let me give you a little glimpse of what is to come.
The opening of the book sets the stage so you will have no doubt about what is expected. Here's the opening paragraph to prove what I'm saying:

"Just so you know what you're getting into . . . 

By the time you've finished reading (and working) through this book, the front cover shouldn't be able to close neatly back over on itself. It should be noticeably disfigured. Ski-ramping up from the spine at such a scooped angle that even if you laid an old-school telephone book on top, you still couldn't smooth out what's become so harshly, permanently misshapen. From heartfelt use. War torn. An impossible option for regifting at Christmastime." (pg. 1)

Now that's the type of study I'm interested in. One that compels me to dive in and dig deep. One that I beg the Lord to ingrain upon my being. This study is all of that and more.

You'll be walked through the process of beginning a plan to commit your life to prayer, for yourself and those around you. Once you've reached the end I think you'll feel empowered to take on the difficult situations in your life on your knees.

This is one of those books that if I were independently wealthy I'd buy by the caseload and hand it out to my loved ones. (And probably total strangers as well!) If you are looking for a way to take your prayer life to the next meaningful level get yourself a copy of this book.

Connect With The Author

GoingBeyond.com

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The Stress Cure by Linda Evans Shepherd ~ Praying Your Way to Personal Peace {Review}

The Stress Cure: Praying Your Way to Personal Peace

Linda Evans Shepherd

Nonfiction / Prayer

We live in a world filled to the brim with advice, and when it comes to dealing with stress, there's plenty of advice to go around. Sleep more, eat better, avoid this, seek out that. But more ideas about how to cope are not necessarily what we need if we're stressed and anxious.

What we need is a cure.

The true remedy to stress, Linda Evans Shepherd says, is prayer. In this inspiring book, she shows you how to recognize God's continual presence in your life and yield your troubles to the Prince of Peace. Through captivating stories, explorations of fascinating biblical characters, and examples of deeper-than-ever prayers, she brings within your grasp the peace that passes understanding. If you are overwhelmed by all of the urgent demands on your time, this book offers you a lifeline to true peace.

My Thoughts
Every once in a while a book comes along at just the right time. For me The Stress Cure arrived right in the midst of a situation that had me in knots. Once I picked the book up and started reading I began to realize that even though I had been praying about the situation with my mouth, my heart and mind remained detached.
From the beginning of the book Linda reminds us that stress comes in all shapes and forms. Not all stress is a big life-changing event. Sometimes it is several little things that just seem to build up. No matter what brings the stress on, it can certainly be changed by diligently conversing with the Father and allowing Him to speak peace into the situation. 
I first became acquainted with Linda's work in her series  The Potluck Club. She has brought her wonderful storytelling skills to this book to help you understand all the aspects of stress and how to deal with it. She uses Scripture for the basis but then fills in with her imagination to make the point. 
We all have stress of one form or another. The Stress Cure is the answer to how we can manage that stress and live our lives in the peace and freedom that God intended for us. This is an encouraging read that will surely bring you into a closer relationship with the Father.
Connect With The Author

www.sheppro.com

www.gotopray.com

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A Dad's Prayers for His Daughter: Praying for Every Part of Her Life by Rob & Joanna Teigen ~ A Parenting Book Review

A Dad's Prayers for His Daughter: Praying for Every Part of Her Life

Rob & Joanna Teigen

Nonfiction/Parenting

Back of the book:

From the moment your little girl was born, you knew you were going to be doing a lot of praying. But you may wonder, What exactly should I be praying for?

Now the authors of 88 Great Daddy-Daughter Dates show you how to pray for every area of your daughter's life. Rob and Joanna Teigen give you a strong foundation to build a lifelong habit of prayer for your daughter with a collection of specific prayers you can use to get started right now. They include engaging stories from well-known authors like Joe Stowell, Bill Farrel, Ted Cunningham, Jim Samra, and others. And they explain a bit more of what girls go through growing up, including stress, purity issues, social pressure, modesty challenges, spiritual growth, and more.

Remember: just because you don't always understand your daughter doesn't mean that God doesn't! Start asking for his guidance, protection, and blessings today.

Read An Excerpt!

My thoughts:

This book is not only a great resource but it is also an inspiration to fathers. There are eighty-eight different situations in which your daughter would need prayer. Each of those sections begin with a verse or two of Scripture and then it is followed by an in-depth and heart-felt prayer.

My favorite part of this book was that as I read through each portion I automatically had to stop and pray for my girl. I know that this was the intention of the book, but I'm just here to tell you that they accomplished it. 

Throughout the book there are personal stories from Rob and Joanna and other fathers. These stories are openly honest and thought provoking. After reading through the book I was left with a sense of gratitude that we don't have to shoulder the whole load of raising our daughters. Our Heavenly Father has promised us again and again throughout Scripture that He is there to help us and to sustain us.

This would make a wonderful addition to any father's library. Pick up a copy for yourself or for the favorite dad's in your life!

Connect with the authors:

www.strongerdads.com

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Whispers of Hope: 10 Weeks of Devotional Prayer by Beth Moore ~ A Review and Giveaway

Whispers of Hope: 10 Weeks of Devotional Prayer

Beth Moore

Nonfiction/Prayer

About the book:

Do you ever wonder whether or not God hears our prayers? Do you question whether or not you really know how to pray? And how about praying ceaselessly, as scripture instructs?

Best-selling author and world-recognized Bible teacher Beth Moore addresses these practical and pervasive matters in Whispers of Hope by walking readers through an easy to remember and apply method of prayer, coupled with 70 daily devotionals and followed by prompts to put this prayer method into practice.

No greater priority exists for the believer than knowing Christ through the study of His Word and the intimacy of prayer. ~ Beth Moore

Are you ready to revolutionize your prayer life? Whispers of Hope teaches the process of powerful Word-saturated prayer in response to daily Bible reading. In turn, you will better understand how devotional reading and prayer are central to a stronger relationship with God.

My thoughts:

I'm a fan of Beth Moore's work. What I appreciate the most about it is that she addresses areas that we all need to work on and continually points us to what the Word says. In Whispers of Hope she addresses the topic of prayer. 

If you are like me you tend to do well in your prayer life by fits and starts. Some days I find myself in a continual state of prayer. Other days it is more like a lick and a prayer! My desire would be to become more consistent about my prayer life.

Whispers of Hope lays out a very doable format for going deeper with your prayer life. Each day begins with a Scripture reading followed by a short devotional thought from Beth. Then you are encouraged to spend time in prayer using the P.R.A.I.S.E. format.

Praise - Begin your morning prayer time with praise.
Repentance - After you've spent several minutes in praise and worship, enter a time of confession and repentance.
Acknowledgment - Having praised Him and been purified by Him, you are ready to submit to God's authority. Acknowledge His right to rule and reign in your life every day.
Intercession - Pray for others!
Supplication for self - Now enter into a time of prayer for yourself.
Equipping - Supplications for self helps us KNOW God; this step assists us as we grow in our capacity to SERVE God. Conclude your prayer time by asking Him to equip you in every way for a victorious day.

The book has two pages for each day that is dedicated to an area for you to journal your prayers. In the very back of the book is a section for recording answers to prayers. 

This study is designed to be done as an individual or as part of a group. A Group Study Plan is included in the back of the book.

If you are looking to take your prayer life to the next level I would encourage you to get a copy of this book and spend the next ten weeks sinking deep into the type of prayer life that we would all benefit from.  

Connect with the author:

www.lproof.org

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Twitter ~ @BethMooreLPM

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Giveaway:

The wonderful people at B&H Publishing have partnered with us to host a giveaway of this delightful book. For your opportunity to win a copy for yourself, use the following Rafflecopter form to enter. Giveaway ends 1/22/2014 at 12:00 am EST!

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