BOOK REVIEW: YOUR 100 DAY PRAYER by John I. Snyder

John I. Snyder has written an excellent book on prayer entitled “Your 100 Day Prayer”.  As an intercessor and a firm believer in prayers based on a personal relationship with Father God through His Son Jesus I recommend this book. This is one of the better books on prayer that I have owned.

This book does not present an exact formula for prayer yet it does help guide the individual into praying with sincerity. I have often heard people pray using “Thees and Thous” as if God did not understand modern English.  I have also heard people pray “Lord if it be your will” because he or she was not sure what Father God would do.

Taking 100 days to meditate on the word while personalizing scripture will lead the individual to a closer relationship with Father God.  This close relationship will lead to personal conversation which is what prayers from the heart are.  Furthermore the participant will hear from Father God.

There are five sections to this book of 100 days. The first 25 days serve as an introduction.  THE POWER OF PERSISTENCE cover days 26-50,THE SIENT HEAVEN  are days 51-75; WHEN GOD SAYS NO are days 76-100; the book concludes with GOD OF THE LAST MINUTE. Each
area allows the reader a time of introspection and an opportunity to evaluate Father God’s faithfulness in today.  Marsha L. Randolph

This book was provided to me free of charge by Book Sneeze in exchange for my unbiased opinion.

BOOK REVIEW: LAVINA by Author O. Wright

If I wrote I love “Lavina” one hundred times it would not describe how much I want you to purchase and read this book nor how much I believe you will enjoy reading it.  The right blend of biblical stories, Black history and romance this novel raises the bar in the standard for historical fiction.

The revised version of “Lavina” (the first one was written in 2005) was released June of 2011, written by Author O. Wright it chronicles the life of two people from the shores of Africa to the colony of  Virginia. Please do not say “I watched or read “Roots” and therefore there is no need to read this book. Whereas “Roots” describes the horrors of slavery and the struggels black people endured this book personalizes these struggles while incorporating Christ centered responses to the horrors endured..

“Lavina” addresses topics that are near and dear to my heart: integrity, family and faith. Among many of todays issues that are addressed, it defines how a man should behave when confronted with temptation and why it is important for a woman to be virtuous.  Integrated within the story is the ancestral rites of passage, something most cultures once took pride in doing. Contrasting how it was done then and how it can be done now it is one of the many nuggets Mr. Wright has provided for the reader to glean. As I read the mellifluous words  corresponding biblical passages came to my mind which added to my personal enjoyment of the book.

Though written about a black man and a black woman it is a book to be enjoyed by people of all
races. From a feminine perspectiveI loved the romantic backdrop and I am sure most women will find this book a page turner.The question thus becomes will a man read this book?  I asked the author I was impressed with his response:

“Above all, black men should be encouraged to read this book. This novel was written principally to teach the young black man, (and woman), the values embraced bythe people of Africa before they were robbed during their slavery experience.Therefore, the idea of the strong black man embraced among the men in this novel is tremendously cherished, i.e., the leader of the family, provider for the family, and protector of the family. Indeed, the true God-given image of the black man is generously expressed throughout this novel. To date, a large percentage of the readers of this novel are black men, and particularly, young black men. “

Mr. Wright is a well educated well traveled man who enjoys life as a husband, father, and grandfather. Retired he continues to work as an Elder with the Church of God In Christ. A lover of the Truth he has read the New Testament in English, Spanish and Greek. He has also written: “Ruth of Moab: Triumph of a Daughter’s Love”. I am sure there will be more coming from this very blessed man.  To my readers I recommend this book.

This book was provided to me free of charge for my honest opinion of which I have given.

BOOK REVIEW: fresh-brewed life by Nicole Johnson

Just looking at the cover of “fresh-brewed- life”,  by Nicole Johnson, made me want a cup of coffee! As I began reading the book I wanted to curl up in a corner of the Miami Vineyard Community Church and drink
a cup of their fabulous coffee while I read. As I turned the pages (is it technically page turning with a kindle?) I so enjoyed every word just as I enjoy every sip of Vineyard coffee.  This book is just as comforting.

“Fresh-Brewed-Life: A Stirring Invitation to Wake Up Your Soul” is an excellent book that gently guides the reader to a non-threatening place within where he or she can address faith as
it pertains to life. Reaching past religiosity the author walks the reader through various topics that are a part of everyday including: self-esteem, sexuality and relationships.

Often times we get caught up in the minutia of life, overwhelmed by stuff and we forget we have help. There are suggestions in this book, questions to ponder and a workbook available to aid in the personal growth and development of one’s soul. I recommend this book.

This book was provided to mefree of charge courtesy of BookSneeze for my unbiased review.

BOOK REVIEW: WITH by Skye Jethani

In Skye Jethani’s book “With” he examines how God fits in the life of believers. Life from God; life over God; life for God; and life under God are four of the five ways a believer adapts faith within his or her life. Seeing how faith which is based on our understanding of who God is dictates our ctions.  The challenge in reading such a book is possessing the ability to open ones heart and mind to the realities of one’s own relationship with God while realizing that the views presented in this book are those of the author.

“With: Reimagining the Way You Relate to God” is the full title of the book, a title that describes in a nutshell what this book is about. As one reads the book you will not be able to avoid evaluating
how personal religious instruction has impacted your life. Upon completion of this book it is possible for the reader to develop a better understanding of what God means to him or her and what is needed to add to this very important connection. An open mind and a receptive heart is very much needed while reading, it would be very easy for someone to reject the words written if he or she is not willing to examine his (or her) self. I recommend this book.- Marsha L. Randolph

This book was provided to me free of charge by BookSneeze in exchange for my honest review.