Help is Here: Finding Fresh Strength and Purpose in the Power of the Holy Spirit by Max Lucado

Rating: 5 of 5 stars 

Pages: 234 pages
Published: September 2022

Help is Here: Finding Fresh Strength and Purpose in the Power of the Holy Spirit by Max Lucado was one of the last books I read this year and the very last Online Bible Study hosted by Proverbs 31 Ministries. This short but powerful book focused on who the Holy Spirit is as part of the Trinity and why we were given such a gift in the Holy Spirit by God. 

I enjoyed learning more about the Holy Spirit and the gentle reminders the author gave to simply ask Him for help when I am in trouble. The book was written in a clear and practical way making it easy for any reader to understand no matter the level of his or her knowledge of Christianity. I also appreciated the examples that Lucado shared about his personal life, make application seem relevant to everyday life. 

“The word intercede simply means to stand in the gap. The Holy Spirit becomes our advocate. He knows exactly the right words to say to the Father at just the right time to meet our unspoken need.” -Max Lucado

Something that I appreciate about all of the studies facilitated by Proverbs 31 is they are soundly-based in Biblical Scripture. One can go to the Bible (or an online version of it) and cross-reference the teaching from the study book. Additionally, while the Ministry is targeted toward women, I find great value in the organization choosing good books regardless of the author’s gender. We can learn from anyone whose work in based in Scripture. 

Lucado serves at a church in my home state of Texas. Through his writings, I find him to be a Biblically-based and Spirit-led leader of the good news, or Gospel as we Christians call it. 

Recommendation: I highly recommend this book to anyone at any time of year, but I found this one especially timely as I reflected on the year coming to a close and things I wanted to change (e.g., resolutions) for the new year. And if you decide not to pick this book up at all, the title alone offers a huge inspiration, Friend, Help is Here, indeed! 

Until next time ... Read on!

Regardless of whether I purchase a book, borrow a book, or receive a book in exchange for review, my ultimate goal is to be honest, fair, and constructive. I hope you've found this review helpful.

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Fighting Words: 100 Days of Speaking Truth into the Darkness by Ellie Holcomb

Rating: 5 of 5 stars 

Pages: 248 pages
Published: October 2021

Fighting Words: 100 Days of Speaking Truth into Darkness by Ellie Holcomb is the latest study book I completed with Proverbs 31 Ministries Online Bible Studies group. This book provided 100 days of effective verses from the Bible with commentary from Ellie Holcomb that served as a bite-sized, daily devotional. 

While the content each day was a quick read, it did require some reflection on how the greater message could be applied to one’s life. In addition to being an author, Holcomb is also a songwriter, and she included some of the lyrics to her songs in the book. I though this added value for people who enjoy music and are auditory learners. Holcomb did note early on in her book that she would be including the information about her songs but didn’t want to come across as trying to push album sales. I certainly did not get that feeling by reading her book as the tactic was not overdone. 

As with most books I read via the free P31 OBS program, I gained so much more by having a community of women who were learning alongside me. Being part of the Facebook group added another layer of depth for this study. 

Recommendation: As always, Proverbs 31 picks powerful, life-changing books, and Fighting Words did not disappoint. Whether you read this book in 100 consecutive days or pick it up as time allows, you will be changed. Go snag your copy of this Bible-based today! 

Until next time ... Read on!

Regardless of whether I purchase a book, borrow a book, or receive a book in exchange for review, my ultimate goal is to be honest, fair, and constructive. I hope you've found this review helpful.

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Get Out of Your Head by Jennie Allen

Rating: 4 of 5 stars

Pages: 256 pages
Published: January 2020

Earlier this year, I participated in another Proverbs 31 Online Bible Study centered on my fellow Texan's book, Get Out of Your Head: Stopping the Spiral of Toxic Thoughts by Jennie Allen. I am active in this Proverbs 31 Ministry and you can visit any of the previous study books I've reviewed by conducting a simple search for "Proverbs 31" on my website. As someone who can be overly analytical and held captive by my anxious thoughts, I was very interested in the premise of this book. Allen posits that a person has an average of 9,000 to 60,000 thoughts per day and those can often be negative. She opens her book explaining that "the greatest spiritual battle for our generation is being fought between our ears." Her book is a form of spiritual self-help on how to take those negative thoughts captive so that one doesn't suffer from paralysis by analysis. 

Her writing style is contemporary and light. She shares a lot of examples, including personal experiences. Because I studies with the Proverbs 31 Ministry, I had access to her teaching videos. While these videos supplemented the book, I found them quite challenging because of Allen's voice (sorry!). But I did very much appreciate the nuggets of wisdom she shared throughout the book. Some of my favorite quotes are listed below. 

"...yet we have allowed our minds to have outright meltdowns with zero corrections (page 38)."

"Tell me what you're thinking ... and I'll tell you who you are (page 43)." 

"We are made to experience life and peace as we begin to think less about oursevles and more about our Creator and about others (page 56)." 

"In the stillness and quiet, not only do we connect with God but we are also able to more clearly identify what is wrong. Recognizing our spirals and naming them is the first step in interrupting them (page 70)." 

"Father, help me see things not as they seem to me but as they truly are (page 81)."

"Loneliness can make us thing that everything is a threat, even if there is no real threat to be found (page 92)."

"When you're looking for intimate friendships, you've got to start with emotionally intelligent friends (page 99)." 

"But our tool for defeating 'what if' is, found in two words: 'Because God (page 109).'" 

The Bible tells us that we are not to conform to the ways of the world but rather be transformed by the renewing of our minds (Romans 12:2). Or more simply put: Quit your stinkin' thinkin'! This is a perpetual battle which requires the constant equipping and preparing of one's mind, and my personal belief is that I can overcome the negative thoughts through the reading of God's Word and improving my personal relationship with Him. 

Recommendation: I think some books resonate with some people more than others. This book definitely resonated with me. Allen's down-to-earth approach backed by scientific facts and Scripture offered a well-rounded thesis on a very important and prevalent issue that many people face daily. This is a relatively short read, and I would definitely recommend giving it a shot. 

Until next time ... Read on!

Regardless of whether I purchase a book, borrow a book, or receive a book in exchange for review, my ultimate goal is to be honest, fair, and constructive. I hope you've found this review helpful.

Read More