5 out of 5 stars *****
This devotional nourishes my soul every morning. Dr. Charles Stanley has a natural way with the Word as he refers to Bible scriptures appropriate for the daily lesson. I have, yet, to read a Stanley sentence that is not applicable to the teachings of Jesus Christ. The life lessons have nothing to do with political correctness but everything to do with me in the midst of all events secular and spiritual.
5 out of 5 stars *****
What a timely read/listen. Napoleon Hill writes this book during the rise of Hitler and it publishes in 2011. The subject matter is as controversial then as it is now. This book displays the author's worldview without any reference to any established religions. The interview style is an excellent format that allows both protagonist and antagonist to elaborate on deep psychological issues.
Mankind's struggle with temptation causes a drifting away from a moral path and eventually into a natural hypnotic rhythm of permanent negative thoughts, e. g., failure. Napoleon Hill asserts that the moral compass exists in men who are successful giants in their industry. Disciplined learning, even from failure, is essential for success, along with perseverance. Self-control maintains emotional balance to prevent distortion of will and reason. Once one betrays the moral code, that individual starts to drift. Staying focused requires Definiteness of Purpose or Intentional Purpose. Hill claims that success is almost guaranteed if one has Definiteness of Purpose with Definiteness of Plan.
So why adopt Definiteness of Purpose as a daily practice? Hill states that it is a fundamental step toward a spiritual, meaningful life. He suggests one follow seven principles: 1) Definiteness of Purpose 2) Mastery of Self 3) Learning from Adversity 4) Controlling Environmental Influence 5) Time; giving permanency to positive rather than negative thought habits and developing wisdom 6) Harmony 7) Caution: Thinking through plans before acting.
5 out of 5 stars *****
This is a wonderful study about sound advice given by Solomon, the sage of his day and probably all time. His best advice is for his sons who are heirs to his throne. Wisdom is the theme throughout so Proverbs begins with God's wisdom which is graciously given when God sees fit.
Success depends on one's relationship with the Creator. Solomon stresses that if one follows God's laws then a life without fear is possible. Such obedience and trust praises and glorifies Him.
This Bible study also covers Solomon's Song or the Song of Songs. This is a beautiful explanation of a perfect marriage that is revered by both husband and wife. Their love is mature; not simply physical but emotional, and psychological as well. Solomon's wisdom also refers to the time when friendship between two lovers becomes more significant than physical attraction.
Proverbs and Song of Songs warrant revisiting time and again. Mankind's fallen nature causes straying from divine providence which can obstruct God's gentle lovingkindness. Foolish pride and arrogance is enough to ruin what could be a most successful and enjoyable life. King Solomon does his best to teach his children the grave responsibilities that come with leadership. Proverbs contributes to the moral compass necessary to steer a nation by solid, foundational principles.
4 out of 5 stars ****
First chapter intrigues as it begins inside a toad's head. Metamorphosis later, the protagonist emerges out of a seven year marshland curse. This beginning is actually the middle story of a young, talented Vine Witch, one who sees beyond the normal scope of people to enhance nurturing vineyards. How this young girl proceeds from her predicament is the story that eventually reveals all.
Luanne G. Smith creates a wonderful story in writing The Vine Witch. Imagination and a different twist on the genre of witches, magic, and the supernatural allow readers to escape into this fictional realm. Audible affords this listener the opportunity to continue mundane tasks, while wearing headphones, and coexist in another world through different characters. The writing transports, the narration entertains while there.
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In Touch
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5 out of 5 stars *****
Dr Charles Stanley has a gift explaining scripture and its application in the real world. In Touch Daily Readings for devoted Living is an uplifting, sober connection to our Creator on a daily basis. What better way to start the day than with Good News that nourishes the soul.
5 out of 5 stars *****
This is an excellent book, guide, program about the differences between five popular worldviews, what makes each different from the other, and, unlike many of the apologetic literature, intentionally directs the participant in this body of work toward Christianity. In fact, Jeff Myers calls all other worldviews toxic, as a virulent disease.
Christianity teaches that there is only one way to Heaven and that is through faith in Jesus Christ, who states, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me." - John 14:6 (NIV) A Christlike walk in life is a righteous one, one that demands obedience to God's will. This worldview also teaches that God can be wrathful, when necessary, but wants to shower mankind with His benevolence, "That in the ages to come he might shew the exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness toward us through Jesus Christ." - Ephesians 2:7 (KJV) All other worldviews either deny God's existence or deny His loving interventions with mankind.
The author describes misleading worldviews as an Idea Virus, each idea full of despair because they separate mankind from the One, true God, Creator of Heaven and Earth. Secularism teaches that there is only the material world and no life after death. Marxism (Atheists) believe that the wealthy need to be overthrown and their wealth redistributed. Post-Modernism thinks that humans are devoid of meaning and hope because only the material exists. New Spirituality believes that mankind's problems are all spiritual and all else is an illusion. Finally, Islam preaches submission to Allah with rebellion against those who are not Muslim. Islam is a Totalitarian worldview. Muslims must follow Muhammad, its prophet, and Allah as slaves. The history of Islam and Western Civilization is rich with jihad, blood, and atrocities of war.
As participants, the author wants Christians to have true hope. Their faith and trust in Jesus Christ blesses them with joy, a gracious gift from the Holy Spirit. Their hope is joyous, awaiting eternity with Jesus, one day, in Heaven. This lesson informs Christians not to hope in themselves but to involve themselves in God's work, spreading His Good News, the gospel, restoring hope in others. People become agents of life, that precious gift of God that other worldviews regard differently.
Myers knows that the way of the Christian is fraught with persecution and resistance. He brings out the resiliency of Christians because they are, once more, blessed by the Holy Spirit's fruit of longsuffering, restraint in the face of turmoil, also known as patience. Christians bring stability in volatility. Genuine faith saves Christians who receive the Holy Spirit as a great companion, counselor, and comforter.
Human beings are full of faults. Christians are, too, since they are not different from anyone else, in this regard. Other worldviews can lead followers to a life of fear and regret. These bind them to toxic ideas that enslave them. Christians must face their mistakes, overcome obstacles, and remain loyal to God, through it all, with fearlessness. They are confident in their hope and faith. If not, they are prey to counterfeit worldviews, no hope, and a contagion of despair, the Idea Virus.
5 out of 5 stars *****
This paperback workbook outlines 30 principles for communing with God. In this process, using video online with a group of fellow Christians, citing scripture by chapter and verse, and applying each principle to our daily lives, this book engages us introspectively and outwardly by our fellowship and discussion. Charles Stanley writes this book for this purpose, A Study for Growing in Knowledge and Understanding of God, the subtitle of this book. I become closer to God as I read and study Stanley's gifted presentation on the logically sequenced principles over 30 chapters.
