Bible Secrets Revealed by Donald Vaughan

4 of 5 stars  ****

Bible Secrets Revealed informs the reader of some interesting facts and discussions concerning what has been written about events and what can be surmised based on all known clues about Biblical claims. Much of the book's content is not necessarily secret but little known points of contention among theologians. 

Bible study groups and families who read the Bible regularly are more likely to experience the other type of secret mentioned in the book's title. The secret reveals to its reader the particular awakening ascertained from a certain passage. 

The Bible, written by many authors over thousands of years, is unique in transcending time with the wisdom, knowledge, and understanding that humans glean from its pages. The secrets are hidden by neither man nor woman but are part of a divine design. The secrets are the discoveries each individual can experience in a timely fashion that are profound and meaningful. Their message, assimilation, and application are customized to guide one toward His will by His word. 

Grace for the Moment by Jeffery Scott Wallace

5 of 5 stars  *****

There are many examples of God's benevolence when He sheds His grace on mankind. His blessings are not what many expect, however. The reason so many lose their faith in God rests in their blindness to these moments when God hones His children. The trouble may be that their own thoughts about their well being does not align with God's plan. In fact, many blessings are curses to an individual who refuses to have faith in God. Adults fail to listen to their inner wisdom and stop praying, altogether, when they fail to see God's grace in any circumstance that is uncomfortable.

Grace for the Moment opens one's eyes to the reasoning behind the circumstance. The goal of hardships is to bring one closer to God using Jesus Christ as the One to imitate. Jesus Christ is God, Himself, demonstrably showing mankind what it should strive to be. Knowing mankind, God blesses everyone with His grace when they work toward this goal because mankind is not perfect. Perseverance is an easier task for the ones who have faith as they have His Holy Spirit within them producing its fruit of Joy. 

Without God in one's life, strife may accompany that life even though turmoil is overcome. This leads to a sense of pride and self-accomplishment. It is written that such people do not receive God's grace until they humble themselves: "God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble."..."Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will exalt you." - James 4:6, 10, NRSV

Grace for the Moment reminds the reader that the purpose of mankind is to worship God by being the image of Christ in word, work, worship, and play.

Heavenly Gifts of Wisdom by Jeffery Scott Wallace

5 of 5 stars  *****

Wisdom is the fear of God, meaning that God, the Creator and only Power, wants all to obey His will in order to be with Him for eternity. Wisdom is the blessing that only comes from God and that guides us in a world where free will offers choices that can lead men and women astray. This book is full of prayers, poems, and quotes that explain and draw a person closer to God using Wisdom. One quote, by William Cowper, draws the distinction between Knowledge and Wisdom, "Knowledge is proud that he has learned so much; Wisdom is humble that he know no more." This reader ponders how Lucifer, the one-time greatest of angels, loses favor with God because of pride, which is associated with Knowledge. It is the fruit from the Tree of Knowledge that God forbids Adam to eat, and it is Adams wrong choice to eat that fruit that condemns him and his offspring to the world where Lucifer (Satan) dwells. It is the will of God that mankind be humble, like Jesus Christ, while existing in the world. It is Wisdom that humbles mankind living in awe of God. This book points out that it is God's Wisdom that comforts, encourages, and guides those who read His word. God's Holy Spirit dwells within those who receive God's Wisdom. This heavenly gift is surely greater than anything the world has to offer.

1001 Little Known Things About Well Known People by Charlie Bennett

4 of 5 stars  ****

This is an interesting book about celebrities and famous people around the world without delving deeply into their biographies. The few fun facts about their personal habits, pre-notoriety occupations, forgotten histories and other statistics makes for enjoyable reading. This is not a book to sit and read like a novel. It can be put down and left alone for a while without losing a plot line or theme when one eventually resumes reading.

A memorable line from Bob Hope, on his deathbed, comes to mind: When asked by his wife where he wanted to be buried, he replied, "Surprise me." This response describes him perfectly. Other tidbits of information about big stars, like Lady Gaga, reveal how different her offstage persona is compared to her wild and zany onstage antics. Relationships between stars and politicians, choices between job opportunities, and little-known talents by those famous for one role in the public eye fill this book of intriguing gossip to be shared with others. 

Powerful Prayers of Courage by Jeffery Scott Wallace

4 stars out of 5  ****

This book talks about the courage that is experienced through prayer. A virtue, courage is described by C. S. Lewis, "Courage is not simply one of the virtues, but the form of every virtue at the testing point."

The courage to pray to the Creator of everything, even in a state of shame, guilt, or regret, is the power of His Holy Spirit within those who pray. The grace that is bestowed by God upon those who pray are enriched with a strength and regeneration of vitality when one is sincere. God is very pleased when anyone wishes to converse with Him.

A virtuous man or woman is one who prays, unashamed to proclaim from where the source of their courage comes. One's life is enhanced because of this courage to walk with Christ, to face any adventure, and to enjoy a full life, a life which incorporates daily prayer. 

Living Your Faith: Patience by Jeffery Scott Wallace

5 of 5 stars  *****

This book explains the great gift that patience is, a gift from God, a fruit of the Holy Spirit, and a gift that praises God. What power one possesses over anxiety, suffering, and frustration when one discovers through faith that patience confirms one's commitment to God. The result is always for righteousness and good. It just isn't convenient for an individual's time schedule. 

The need for patience is always evident in the world. When it arises, one must step back to see how self-centered one is in that circumstance. Distraction blurs the true reason for patience when one is living only for this world and for his or her own purpose.

Therefore be patient, brethren, until the coming of the Lord. See how the farmer waits for the precious fruit of the earth, waiting patiently for it until it receives the early and latter rain. You also be patient. Establish your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is at hand. - James 5:7-8, NKJV 

Fascinating Facts About the New Testament by Jeffery Scott Wallace

5 of 5 stars  *****

The good word is the teachings of Jesus Christ as written by Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John, and spread by the apostles and disciples. The rest of the New Testament tells readers about Christian beginnings, including the church, and the letters written to its followers throughout the Roman Empire. The New Testament also contains the Book of Revelation which describes the end of times. 

The interesting facts surrounding these books enhance one's understanding by relating their messages to the times and circumstances under which the authors write. The lay of the Holy Land is different today but some towns and geographical landmarks still exist. Questions that arise unravel by reading Fascinating Facts About the New Testament as a grasp of the writings unfold the Biblical lessons that teach and inspire generation after generation.