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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The Dream of You by Jo Saxton

Rating: 5 of 5 stars 

Pages: 240 pages
Published: January 2018

I first met professional author and speaker, Jo Saxton, at a women’s conference hosted by a local church. When my favorite online ministry, Proverbs 31 decided to facilitate an online Bible study in the fall based on Saxton’s book, The Dream of You: Let Go of Broken Identities and Live the Life You Were Made For, I hurriedly registered to participate. 

In this short book, Saxton has offered concise yet powerful information on how to see yourself differently, specifically focusing on how God sees you. Each chapter begins with a thoughtful, heartfelt letter to the reader from Saxton and is then followed with practical applications based on Biblical principles. The non-fiction book is somewhat autobiographical in that Saxton bears her soul by sharing some of her most vulnerable moments with the audience. Additionally, the piece is targeted toward Christian women; however, as with most motivational literature, anyone can benefit from the overarching themes and message. 

Saxton’s writing style is educational and simultaneously conversational. Many of the ideas she presents are done in such a way that any reader can relate and understand. Having heard her speak and following her on Instagram, I would say she has a bubbly personality and that definitely comes through in her writing. 

Recommendation: Overall, I would say that Saxton has a way with words and is a Biblical scholar. I would recommend this book to any of my friends seeking to rid themselves of negative self-talk and improve on self-perspective and reflection. This book is a must read! 

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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Flooded by Nicki Koziarz

Rating: 4 of 5 stars

Pages: 208 pages
Published: March 2021

This past spring, I participated in another Proverbs 31 Online Bible Study with Nicki Koziarz's latest book, Flooded: The 5 Best Decisions to Make When Life is Hard and Doubt is Rising, at the forefront. (If you're interested in previous study books I've reviewed, just do a simple search for "Proverbs 31" on my website.) I previously read an earlier book authored by Koziarz, 5 Habits of a Woman Who Doesn't Quit, and it was very powerful. Likewise, Flooded did not disappoint. 

As the title indicates, the Flooded book offers five decisions when life is tough. The decisions that Koziarz has crafted come from her intense study of the Biblical Old Testament figure, Noah, and his calling by God to build an ark. Themes in this book include persistence, trust, and hope.  

The thing I like most about Koziarz's teachings and writings is the practical way in which she applies, the sometimes, complex Biblical teachings. As an author and teacher, Koziarz is talented, and as a person she is truly gifted. In her latest book, she experienced many crises while writing it including the death of not one, but two, family members. Couple that with COVID and the current state of affairs in the United States while she was writing this, she is truly blessed to have delivered such a comprehensive and cohesive teaching book. 

As with all books, I think they meet you where you are. And not all books are for every person at every moment. I don't know that I read this book at the right time in life. That is not to take away anything from the author, but more from me, as I might not have been prepared to receive all it had to offer at this point in my life. However, it is a timeless book that I am thankful to keep on my bookshelf for when it might speak more strongly to me. 

Recommendation: If you are going through a difficult time, this book is a treasure and one that can be referenced again and again. I strongly recommend this book as well as the Proverbs 31 Ministry. It is currently available through the ministry as well as Target department stores.  

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