FINDING FAVOR WITH THE KING by Tommy Tenny

I have purchased books by Tommy Tenney in the past because I think he is a gentle man who loves God. I have found that he writes the same way he talks, gently and lovingly thus I agreed to review: FINDING FAVOR WITH THE KING. As I began to read the book I remembered why I stopped purchasing his books.

FINDING FAVOR WITH THE KING  Preparing for your moment in His presence discusses concepts on entering the presences of God in order to receive. Based on the book of Esther (yes, he wrote a book about her and there was a movie) Tommy Tenney explains the importance of preparation, worship and protocol. I am sure many people will love this book and be able to incorporate the steps suggested in their prayer life.

In reading this book my first impression was: he relies heavily on Old Covenant procedures. One of the things Believers who study the New Covenant understand is that Jesus is the reason we have “favor” with God the Father.  It is because of what He did that we are able to go “boldly to the throne of grace that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.” (Hebrews 4:16 NKJV)
I like Tommy Tenney and I did want to like FINDING FAVOR WITH THE KING I had so many “issues” with some of the things he said that reading the book became a chore- I don’t like that.
Even as I write this review so many areas of disagreement are going through my head, for example: Esther did not have the Holy Spirit.  As New Covenant believers we are saved by grace not works but Esther had to work. Esther was granted an opportunity to go before the king our King never leaves us (Hebrews 13:5)
So how can this book benefit me? Or a reader? If you are doing a study on Esther this is a great book. However, if you want to have a deeper relationship with Father God read your Bible start with he book of John.
I gave my review copy to a friend and she loved the book she thought it was a great story of Esther.

It is with deep regret that I cannot recommend this book.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BETHANY book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 <http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html> : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

THE LEADERSHIP HANDBOOK by John Maxwell

Chapter one Lesson one: “If It’s Lonely at the Top, You’re Not Doing Something Right” and so goes John Maxwell’s book “THE LEADERSHIP HANDBOOK- 26 CRITICAL LESSONS EVERY LEADER NEEDS”. John Maxwell is a well respected motivator in business circles as well as within the Christian community, his books are helpful to both leaders and leader wannabes. The title of chapter one caught my eye right away and I skipped the introduction to discover what he meant; most of us were taught ‘it is lonely at the top.” It does not have to be lonely at the top - lesson learned.
This book is, as its’ title suggest,  a text book on leadership. THE LEADERSHIP HANDBOOK has 26 excellent lessons every person (even if you do not think of yourself as a leader) should study. Each chapter includes application exercises and a “mentoring moment.”
“Mentoring Moment” is similar to “Minute with Maxwell,” a one minute coaching video sent free to subscribers via email. The paragraph found at the end of each chapter encourages the reader to assume responsibility for the information presented and to apply it to their lives.
Most of the books on leadership that I have personally purchased (this one is a review copy) are by John Maxwell. His books make sense, the information is presented in such a manner that the reader will not go into information overload or walk away feeling incompetent. I do have a few leadership books by other authors but Mr. Maxwell’s conversational style of writing fits my personality better.
THE LEADERSHIP HANDBOOK contains 26 lessons which makes it a great tool for teaching leadership. The principles taught in the book are appropriate for ministry and business as well as personal growth and development. I recommend this book.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookLook Bloggers <http://booklookbloggers.com> book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 <http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html> : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Garden Books for South Florida?

Almost an hour long this YOUTUBE video is well worth the watch even if you do not live in South Florida.

AUTHORITY IN PRAYER by Dutch Sheets

Prior to being a book reviewer I purchased quite a few books by Dutch Sheets, I have always found his books on prayer to be easy to read and understand, Biblically based and practical. At the time of my purchases I wanted to learn more about intercessory prayer I was not disappointed then thus when the opportunity presented itself to review “AUTHORITY IN PRAYER” I could not refuse.

I struggled when I first began reading “AUTHORITY IN PRAYER” so much so that I was ready to write a negative review, instead I stopped reading it for a few days and then started again. Lesson learned: No matter how easy a read a book may be if your mind is not on it you will not appreciate the words within the pages.

The second time was the charm; Dutch Sheets once again provided valuable concepts regarding prayer.

Why read AUTHORITY IN PRAYER? Because you are not sure your prayers for yourself or for others are being answered. The full title of the book is AUTHORITY IN PRAYER - PRAYING WITH POWER AND PURPOSE. It is important for believers to understand how God defines authority and who has it. It is important that intercessors know how to exercise authority which will lead to purposeful and powerful prayers. By reading this book there will not be any doubt in a Believers mind that whatever he ask according to the promises of God he will have.

I recommend this book.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BETHANY book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 <http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html> : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

BELIEVE NIV

BELIEVE LIVING THE STORY OF THE BIBLE TO BECOME LIKE JESUS- Selections from the New International Version th book is just as the title implies. Published by Zondervan with Randy Frazee as the General Editor this is, surprisingly, a good book.

What I expected was a NIV Bible but once I received my review copy and began reading it I instantly saw the need for such a book. BELIEVE is divided into three main categories or topics of study: 1) Think- What Do I Believe?; 2) Act- What Should I do? and 3) Be- Who Am I becoming? Each category has 10 chapters and sub chapters. There is also discussion questions for each chapter located at the end of the book which makes this book perfect for Bible Study groups. BELIEVE LIVING THE STORY OF THE BIBLE TO BECOME LIKE JESUS answers the very important question: What does it mean to be a follower of Jesus.

I like the topics that are addressed as well as how the Bible is weaved into the dialog It is as if you are actually reading the Bible even though you are only reading sections. For example: In section 2- Act, Chapter 12- Prayer subchapter “A Way to Find the Direction We Need (pages 194-201) The story of Gideon is discussed and Psalm 25:1-22 is quoted. A person can learn a lot from reading this book and prayerfully be motivated to read the entire Bible.

I found this book very interesting and I recommend the purchase of this book.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookLook Bloggers <http://booklookbloggers.com> book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 <http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html> : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”