Awaken: 90 Days With The God Who Speaks by Priscilla Shirer | Daily Devotional Review

Awaken: 90 Days With The God Who Speaks

Priscilla Shirer

Nonfiction / Daily Devotional / Christian Living

The choice of a devotional book is more personal than most. This kind of reading is not merely for the purpose of leisure and enjoyment. No, with this kind of resource you’re expecting and praying for something more. You want to hear from God, receive His direction, and be refreshed in the depths of your soul. Only God’s Word can do that.

So you need to choose wisely.

With her first devotional book, Priscilla Shirer makes your choice easy. For even though she’s written multiple best-selling books and Bible studies, including the 2016 ECPA “Christian Book of the Year” (Fervent), even though she regularly speaks to thousands at conference venues and churches around the world, even though she was the lead actress in a #1 box-office feature film (War Room) . . . It all starts for Priscilla where it all starts for you.

Alone with God. Alone with His Word. Eager to hear His voice. Prepared to humbly and obediently respond. She hopes, more than anything else, that the daily insights you receive in these pages will challenge, encourage, and strengthen you in every way.

These ninety devotions from the heart of a mom, wife, encourager, and friend will Awaken you each day with fresh insights gleaned from the Spirit of God. Ready to help you mine the treasures of Scripture and fortify you for the day ahead.
This devotional is . . . a good choice.

My Thoughts
I tend to like in depth Bible study so I don't do many daily devotional type of books. But I have done several of Priscilla's Bible studies and decided that I'd give this one a try. So glad that I did. I know it's cliche to say that I was hooked from the beginning, but I was. The very first daily devotion is still resonating with me weeks later.
The set-up of the book is simple. There are ninety different devotions that start with a small portion of scripture and then follow with thoughts by Priscilla. Then there are questions to contemplate and and area to journal your thoughts if you desire. 
As I said earlier I'm not usually drawn to this type of reading but I liked Priscilla's style in this. She presented each day's reading in a way that made you contemplate what it means in your life. The stories are hers but the situations are common to women so it was very easy to relate to the readings.
I thought that this would be a great morning and evening reading. It would also make a great gift to a friend. I thought it would be especially nice for that young mother that doesn't have gobs of time to do in depth Bible study but desires to stay in the Word amid the chaos of raising young children. Whether you decide to give it as a gift or use it yourself, I'm pretty sure that you won't be disappointed.

Other Reviews For This Author

God Is Able

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

The Prince Warriors

The Prince Warriors and the Unseen Invasion

The Prince Warriors and the Swords of Rhema

Connect With The Author

www.AwakenDevo.com

www.GoingBeyond.com

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The Prince Warriors and the Swords Of Rhema (Prince Warriors Trilogy #3) by Priscilla Shirer | Juvenile Fiction Review

The Prince Warriors and the Swords of Rhema

Prince Warriors Trilogy #3

Priscilla Shirer

Juvenile Fiction

In this third book of The Prince Warriors trilogy, the Prince Warriors finally receive their last piece of armor—the swords they were promised when they began their adventure in the unseen realm of Ahoratos. And none too soon, for they must face the ultimate enemy, one who is gathering his Forgers and creating unthinkable new evil to stop the Prince Warriors from winning any battle ever again.

My Thoughts
Every good epic trilogy should come to a climactic ending. That's exactly what you can expect from The Prince Warriors and the Swords of Rhema. Our warriors have fought battles and learned to wear their armor but now they are looking forward to the ultimate weapon . . . their swords. 
On the surface this has been a spectacular story that fans of Tolkien will enjoy. But just like the Lord of the Rings trilogy there is a major storyline going on underneath the surface. The whole trilogy centers on learning to put on the armor of God and fight the battles through Him. The forces that come against the young warriors are from the unseen realm and they are big and fight nasty . . . but God is bigger and through Him the warriors can prevail.
If you have a tween you should get them this series. I think it appeals to girls and boys even though the main characters are boys. We've been reading it together as a family and even the adults are enamored with it. I would say that you need to read all three books in order. The adventure builds on itself and so if you read the books out of order you'll have major spoilers. 
Other Reviews For This Author
The Prince Warriors The Prince Warriors and the Unseen Invasion Fervent God Is Able
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www.ThePrinceWarriors.com

www.GoingBeyond.com

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The Prince Warriors and the Unseen Invasion by Priscilla Shirer | Juvenile Fiction Review

The Prince Warriors and the Unseen Invasion

The Prince Warriors Trilogy #2

Priscilla Shirer & Gina Detwiler

Juvenile Fiction (ages 8-12)

A stream of blackness began to climb from a hole in the ground, swirling in a vortex like a lasso being whipped in circles. It took a moment for Levi to understand what the blackness was.

Ents.

A mass of Ents, spewing forth from under the earth. They made a horrific noise, an ear-splitting buzz like a squadron of amped-up killer bees, as they spiraled up into the sky. There they began to gather, forming a dense black cloud, hanging ominously over the playground.

Levi looked around--the other kids were still skateboarding, still playing their games on the playground, unaware of the danger at hand. Apparently, they could neither see nor hear what was happening.

The unseen invasion had begun.

In the second book of Priscilla Shirer's epic fiction trilogy, the Prince Warriors encounter mysterious creatures and evil weapons designed for their demise. Equipped with new pieces of armor and empowered with Ruwach's instructions, they must battle bravely to stand firm against the deadly threat of the enemy.

My Thoughts
I purchased the first book, The Prince Warriors, for my oldest grandson. He loves sci-fi and I thought that this trilogy would be a perfect fit. I was right, he loved it. In fact he not only loved it but his younger brother and dad did as well. After reading it myself I am also of the opinion that girls will love it too.
The Prince Warriors and the Unseen Invasion is book two in the trilogy and we have all eagerly anticipated it. The story picks up where the first left off and still centers on the theme of Ephesians 6:10-18 (putting on the full armor of God). In the first book the enemy's schemes had been defeated and truth prevailed.
In this second book the enemy is furious and is coming back at our warriors with a vengeance. New creatures, weapons, and even characters are introduced. Never fear though, our warriors will receive more of the armor they need to ultimately defeat this enemy. I felt like this story was even more intense than the first. I'm pretty sure the next book will ratchet it up another notch. As with any good trilogy the tension just builds and builds. In this instance the tension is building but so is the warriors confidence, knowledge, and skills.
I cannot possibly recommend this series enough. It is designed specifically with middle-grade kids in mind. The humor and situations will appeal to them and the lessons that are presented are put forth in a way that will make sense to their growing minds. If you have an 8-12 year old you should definitely get this for them. The third and final book, The Prince Warriors and the Swords of Rhema, is set to be released on February 1st. I can promise you I'll be snatching it up for my grands. 
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www.ThePrinceWarriors.com

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The Prince Warriors (Prince Warriors Trilogy #1) by Priscilla Shirer | Action & Adventure Juvenile Fiction Review

The Prince Warriors

Prince Warriors Trilogy #1

Priscilla Shirer with Gina Detwiler

Juvenile Fiction / Action & Adventure (ages 8-12)

The battle is real.

As brothers, Xavier and Evan are used to battling each other. But now they’re discovering that there is a much bigger battle going on all around them. And it’s their turn to fight. Based on Ephesians 6:10–18, The Prince Warriors is the first book in Priscilla Shirer’s epic new series that brings to life the invisible struggle ensuing in the spiritual realm. Xavier, Evan, and their friends have typical lives until they enter a mysterious land called Ahoratos. There they meet their guide, Ruwach, who offers wisdom and direction as the kids’ initial adventure begins—an adventure filled with armor and danger and a very real enemy.

Written by New York Times Best-Selling author Priscilla Shirer, The Prince Warriors series was created for middle-grade readers and will include the fiction trilogy as well as Unseen: The 365 Prince Warriors Devotional and the Unseen app.

My Thoughts

The Prince Warriors opens with brothers Xavier and Evan being typical brothers, which means sibling rivalry on steroids. There is an age gap and personality difference in the two that makes them sometimes appear to be like oil and water. Their conflicts are an ongoing thing until one day they are mysteriously transported into the unseen world. There they must learn to not only work together but fight side-by-side using the armor that they have been equipped with.

This novel is a must read for middle-grade boys (and girls too!). It is a fast-paced epic saga that captures the adventurous essence of boys while subtly teaching the importance of fighting the true enemy.  I enjoyed the overall story. I found it entertaining and even downright funny at times. (I loved the momma!) But what I appreciated the most was the spiritual focus of putting on the full armor of God to fight the ultimate battle.

So many times we get caught up in fighting with those that aren't really our enemy. We see our kids in constant battles with each other. We see fellow Christians battling it out over doctrinal differences. All the while there is a more important battle being waged in the unseen realm that truly is life and death. The Prince Warriors uses those very facts to remind the reader of the importance of standing strong.

I would recommend this to any family that has boys. It is written to appeal to their need to be warriors. I do think that adventurous girls would enjoy it as well. I did. I think it would be a wonderful book to read aloud as a family. It would be entertaining and also teach a very valuable life lesson. That's a win-win.




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www.ThePrinceWarriors.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.

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GoingBeyond.com

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God Is Able by Priscilla Shirer ~ A Book Review & Giveaway

God Is Able

Priscilla Shirer

Nonfiction/Bible Study

Back of the book:

Nothing Is Impossible with God. Nothing.

Not even that thing. Your thing. The one thing that seems to defy all attempts to defeat it, restore it, heal it, change it, overcome it, undo it, or just to get through it.

If you've lost even an ounce of confidence in the power and loving attention of God--if experience has told you that faith must simply acquiesce to impossibility--it's time somebody told you different.

Bible teacher and best-selling author Priscilla Shirer explores two power-packed verses of Scripture, displacing your doubts and rebuilding your assurance--not in a blind attempt to deny life's adversities and troubles, but to show you that God is always up to great things. Amazing things. He's a God who cares, and a God who CAN!

Believe it.

Experience it.

God Is Able.

My thoughts:

In her plucky down-to-earth way, Priscilla Shirer takes us through a phrase by phrase journey of Ephesians 3: 20-21. Yes it is only two verses, but those two verses pack a whole lot of truth in them.

I had the privilege of watching a simulcast from Lifeway Women where Priscilla spoke on this topic. It was a powerful presentation so I was especially looking forward to getting my hands on the book. I looked forward to delving deeper into this particular portion of scripture.

Priscilla begins by introducing us to this portion of scripture by reminding us that it was written by Paul when he was in prison. Talk about thinking things seemed hopeless! But of course that wasn't the case for Paul nor is it for us.

Through the use of humorous as well as serious stories Priscilla guides the reader on a journey of understanding that nothing is out of God's reach. No matter what your particular situation, God knows about it and He is able to bring about a result that is best for you. One of my favorite lines from the book is this, "Just because God can doesn't mean He will. But just because He hasn't doesn't mean He won't. The bottom line is that He is able."

I know that I will personally never think about the ability of God in the same way again. I came away from this study with not only a deeper understanding of the scriptures but also an assurance that no matter what, GOD IS ABLE!

Connect with the author:

www.goingbeyond.com

Twitter ~ @PriscillaShirer

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Giveaway:

The wonderful people at B&H Publishing have partnered with us to offer you an opportunity to win a copy of God Is Able. For your opportunity to win it use the following Rafflecopter form to enter. Giveaway ends 1/13/2014 at 12:00 am EST!

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