Book Description
Updated with a new 12 week companion Bible study, Joanna Weaver's popular book shows women how to blend intimacy with Jesus and service for Him.
An invitation for every woman who feels she isn't godly enough...isn't loving enough...isn't doing enough
The life of a woman today isn't really all that different from that of Mary and Martha in the New Testament. Like Mary, you long to sit at the Lord's feet...but the daily demands of a busy world just won't leave you alone. Like Martha, you love Jesus and really want to serve him...yet you struggle with weariness, resentment, and feelings of inadequacy.
Then comes Jesus, right into the midst of your busy Mary/Martha life-and he extends the same invitation he issued long ago to the two sisters of Bethany. Tenderly he invites you to choose "the better part"-a joyful life of "living-room" intimacy with him that flows naturally into "kitchen service" for him.
How can you make that choice? With her fresh approach to the familiar Bible story and its creative, practical strategies, Joanna shows how all of us-Marys and Marthas alike-can draw closer to our Lord, deepening our devotion, strengthening our service, and doing both with less stress and greater joy.
Customer Reviews:
Great for today's fast-paced women.......2007-10-01
I'm only in chapter 2 but I'm enjoying the parallels from Mary and Martha's life to my busy, fast-paced life. It's a good reminder to slow down and I think this is a message many women need to hear today. I highly recommend this book!
Not very Mary.......2007-09-21
This book should maybe have been written by co-authors, a Martha and a Mary.
I've always identified more with Mary, and for me the author didn't really capture her spirit. Ms. Weaver comes across as a struggling Martha trying to be more Mary, writing down Martha-esque strategies and tips for being more Mary. Perhaps she captures a mid-struggle Martha well, but she never gets very far into the heart of Mary.
An example from the book:
"You've known the Lord your whole life, and yet you haven't found the peace and fulfillment you've always longed for."
That's a very Marthaesque statement; it speaks to working very hard to live a Christian life without recognizing what God really wants from you. I don't even understand or relate to that experience (as a Mary, my struggles are in different areas). How do you know the Lord and not know peace? A Mary might have said it like this - "Peace and fulfillment found me and I was powerless to resist; I'm not sure how it happened, but his name was Jesus. Hallelujah!"
The author also gets overwraught with her struggles as a Martha. I'm not sure Jesus was condemning Martha for being task-oriented. Society can't function without task-oriented people. All he seems to be saying is that when God shows up at your door, spend the time being present with him. I'm not sure he's asking Martha to change who she is - he just seems to be saying "I'm here. Take a load off and spend some time getting to know me, Martha heart and all."
It appears that a lot of women who have enjoyed this study identify with Martha. If you identify with Martha and are looking for a book that will help you articulate your frustrations, this might be a good book for you. I'm not sure it has any great answers. I agree with other reviewers who commented that Ms. Weaver wasn't old enough to write this and offer mature wisdom.
Best Devotional Commentary on a Popular Passage.......2007-09-17
I've read a lot of commentaries over the years that deal with the Martha and Mary passage in Luke 10:38-42. None of them enable the reader to apply the truths there as this book does. While this title is directed primarily toward women, men can learn much from it as well. What Joanna Weaver does here is to promote a balance between the productive Martha and the pensive Mary. She describes the value of both, although acknowledging that most of today's women have far more problems with the Mary side of the equation than with the Martha side. This book would make a great women's Bible study -- in fact, several ladies in my church are using it for that very purpose. This title is excellent -- I recommend it highly!
Inspirational .......2007-08-30
We have been using this book, A Mary Heart in a Marth World", in our bible studies on Wednesdays and what a blessing it has been! It is aimed towards women but men will enjoy it just as much. And you won't believe the conversations it sparks! It's an excellent source of information and inspiration that you can use again and again!
Grew our personal relationship with God.......2007-08-01
We did this as a 6 week summer Bible Study (two chapters a week). We met in the evening at different public locations and prayed and discussed the study guide questions. All of us REALLY enjoyed the study! It has made us want to have a more intimate relationship with our Lord. We feel convicted and rejuvenated.
Amazon.com
In The Sacred Romance, authors Brent Curtis and John Eldredge inspire readers to enter into the greatest romance of all time--one with God. Many Christians have tried to satiate the hunger of their hearts by substituting the love of God with things from this world. Since "our heart is the key to the Christian life," this often leads to spiritual stagnation and unhappiness, while God, the "Great Lover," attempts to lavishly adorn us with His perfect love. Doubting God's goodness coupled with fear of trusting Him blind the believer and prevent him from being wooed by God into a rich relationship. Life can soon become empty, cold, and worthless. Through personal narrative, Curtis and Eldredge take turns convincing the reader not only that God is good, but that recklessly abandoning oneself to Him results in a fulfilling life of abundance and awe. In this portrayal of God's character, the obvious error lies in believing that He could need anything from His creatures, or that He could be "hurt" by their unrequited love. On the whole, however, this is a call to a more passionate relationship with the lover of our souls. A follow-up book, The Journey of Desire, was written by John Eldredge after Brent Curtis's tragic death. --Jill Heatherly
Book Description
The God who saves is also a God who woos His own to a relationship primarily of the heart. As we draw closer to Him, we must choose to let go of other "less-wild lovers," such as perfectionistic driveness and self-indulgence. Eldredge and Curtis identify the lies offered by "false loves" and instruct us on the journey back to the Lover of our souls.In carefully crafted words and images, the authors entice the reader to his or her own journey of the heart, promising, "It is possible to recover the lost life of our heart and with it the intimacy, beauty, and adventure of life with God."
Customer Reviews:
Highly recommended reading for any Christian.......2007-06-18
See my review for the study guide because this is a great study to do with a group of people. Eye opening to say the least.
Fulfilling.......2007-03-30
This book really spoke to me and opened my heart to a whole new world: that perhaps God really wants to know us deeply and to love us as a lover does. The idea that we are His children, created by Him, and that we are glorious creatures marred by sin, that our hearts are new and good things once we accept Christ, are crazy ideas in the modern church, but these ideas hold up in scripture. This book has really helped me become closer to God, and closer to His true desire for my life: to live a great adventure with Him. I HIGHLY recommend it.
The Sacred Romance.......2007-01-05
I first read the book, which has profoundly and positively affected my spiritual life. In all of my readings on this subject over the years, nothing ever has put the love of God in such a relevant context. I am now re-reading the book and doing the accompaning workbook which I recommend as well. I highly recommend the book especially for those who are interested in developing a or strenghening their personal relationship with Jesus Christ.
Wildly Profound and Inspirational.......2006-11-20
All of us spend our lives with a desire for something more, either buried deep within our hearts or just below the surface. This book reveals what that something more is and how we both draw close to it and away from it. The authors' insights into the causes of both our joys and our miseries are nothing short of revelation. This is not a "feel good" kind of book. It does not tell us that everything will be all right if we just have faith. It explores the harsh realities of life and the glorious possibilities of our God given destiny of a life in communion with Him.
I found myself moved to the core of my being, both laughing and crying at the same time as the words of this book cut straight to the center of what my life has been missing all along. This book is not a straight-forward outline of premises though. It is a journey with God. If your heart is not open to mystery of that journey, if it is not hungry for that something more, if it does not feel something missing, then it will not be open to the message of this book. I recommend picking it up when you are at a point in your life when you find yourself hurting, lonely, lost or numb and wondering where God is and why He doesn't just make the pain go away.
New revelation, new spirituality.......2006-10-30
First of all, this book mentions "the heart" and strays from the truth of scripture terribly. God's word says the "heart is deceitful above all things and who can know it?" There is nothing good in our hearts, apart from Christ, and whatever "good" there might be in there comes from Him. Scripture tells us that in the last days the church will go into apostasy. This time has come like no other time before. There is a move to to throw out scripture and move past it, ignoring what God has already told us. What we need to know is in scripture--especially those things we need to know about Him and what He requires of us. This move in the church today to "feel" God and go "to a deeper level" is a reawakening of mysticism which does not belong in the body of Christ. The truth and objectives of scripture are not mystical, for a reason. Jesus Christ was and is not a mystic. This movement is called "contemplative spirituality" and it is subtle and dangerous. Sadly, even Eldredge has taken this route. How many more good authors and great men of God are going to forsake the completeness of God's word to turn inward to "self" and think they will find something new? Solomon said, "there is nothing new under the sun." The devil wants us to think we can reinvent and invent "new" outside of God's marvelous confines. We need to stick to scripture and stop reading books like these written by men who want to offer us something more than the Lord commanded us. We are treading on shaky ground, but all we need is His glorious word and to do what He said: "Keep my commandments."
Book Description
A Leadership Network Publication
Spiritual leaders must become experts in matters of the heart. They must learn to discern God at work in their own lives, shaping their hearts to embrace the particular ministries to which they are called. A Work of Heart shows how God prepares leaders today just as he did in biblical times-and how God creates these leaders in order to share his heart with his people.
Customer Reviews:
A Work of the Heart.......2007-09-12
It is said that before one can address a problem - or opportunity - one must understand that problem (or opportunity). McNeal certainly has understood the opportunity offered the Christian Church to reach out to a pre-Christian (not post-Christian) North American culture. This work presents a passionate appeal to transition to a missional, externally focused approach to ministry by gaining insight into how God shapes the hearts of spiritual leaders through six distinct shaping dynamics in the Christian life. These spiritually formed leaders will have drawn closer to the heart of God, thus recognizing their call to serve in Jesus' name and in His way. Excellent book. Highly recommend.
The Best.......2007-08-21
Absolutely the best book on spiritual leadership and development I've ever read! I have bought and sent numerous copies to friends involved in spiritual leadership positions. I'm sold on Reggie McNeal and the powerful scriptural insights he shares.
Outstanding book on leadership.......2007-07-16
One of the best books on leadership I have ever read. The four brief biographies (on Moses, David, Paul and Jesus) that make up the first part of the book are extremely insightful and practical. McNeal writes with authenticity and clarity. There's not a lot of "fluff" or stuff that's rehashed from one leadership book to another. Every chapter is well worth a slow read. His dry wit also adds some spice to the read. Very good stuff.
Very clear writer - Easy to understand - Deep thoughts.......2007-05-14
Great content - I learned a lot
What is a Call from God?.......2006-08-05
Are you wondering if God is calling you to something? Are you stuck on the idea that "calling" is something reserved for ordained ministers and that's just not you? I think this book can help.
A Work of Heart is broken down into two main sections. The first section follows the lives of Moses, David, Paul and Jesus. It's written in an easy to read narrative style. The second half of the books presents the more concrete nuts and bolts.
I really think the book will help people answer for themselves, "What is a call from God," "Do I have a calling," and "What is it I'm called to be."
While the book is applicable to any Believer, it's a must read for any one even considering going into Seminary or religious studies with the intent to serve in vocational ministry.
Book Description
In The Sacred Romance John Eldredge told readers, "It is possible to recover the lost life of our heart and with it the intimacy, beauty, and adventure of life with God." Now, in The Sacred Romance Workbook and Journal, Eldredge shows readers how to do that. This highly innovative workbook features Eldredge's profound writing style and guides readers through an experience of personal assessment and soulful reflection. Readers will gain a more passionate and personal relationship with God through interactive exercises that help them apply material from The Sacred Romance, a journaling section to document personal reflections on the thought-provoking questions raised in the workbook section, and even recommendations of film, music, and art to help them make emotional connections with the material. Readers will be guided away from a religion of duty and obligation toward a more deeply felt relationship with God.
Customer Reviews:
Highly recommend this study.......2007-06-18
It was quite eye opening and was inspiring to even the most stubborn people in my bible study. Gives a whole new perspective to our relationship with God which often becomes a chore and sometimes a burden if we don't see him accurately... Well written, a bit repetitive, and thorough.
Amazing.......2007-04-13
So much better than the book. I was confused after many of the chapters in the book, and the journal helped clear it up. Very glad I bought it- such a fan of John Eldredge, he had completely changed the way I view God.
Indispensable.......2004-10-13
I can't recommend this book highly enough. I read the original book, and loved it, but knew there was more that i was missing. The workbook asks detailed and sometimes confronting questions, and acts as an aide to hearing God. I found once i started asking God these questions, i had the insight i needed to break through so many of the walls i'd put to God, myself, and others. As a result, my relationships are healthier, and i am a less defensive person.
Couldn't relate.......2002-03-08
I found myself reaching to answer these questions, in the spirit of being cooperative....almost making mountains out of molehills as I viewed my life.
Sacred RomanceWorkbook review.......2001-11-06
This is one of the most spiritual liberating books that I've read so far. It helped me to recognise a lot of hidden truths in my life and the embark on the journey of liberation and enter into the bigger part that God created me to play in the drama of life.
Book Description
A beautiful new woman's gift devotional Bible filled with encouraging words of wisdom from Nanette Kinkade, wife of acclaimed artist Thomas Kinkade. This compact, slim-sized Bible includes 56 uplifting devotional spreads and 56 prayers that touch every area of a woman's life. Also included are 6 section introduction articles. Each devotion gives insight into the wisdom God provides for us in His "Book of Light," the Bible, and closes with a prayer of promise to help you through the week.
Unlike any other Bible in the devotional category, this gift edition features 32 pages of incredibly beautiful images inspired by the light of God's unconditional love. Reflections from the Heart of God is the perfect combination of a full Bible, heartwarming devotions, and collectible Kinkade art creating an exquisite gift for women.
Customer Reviews:
a good choice-a pretty nkjv even the kids will read!.......2006-09-22
i think the most important step in choosing a bible is the version. this is an nkjv, and i'm very pleased with how easy this version reads.when others pick it up, i am usually asked if i could get them a copy, and even my kids find this version understandable, and therefore enjoyable.
that aside, this is the most beautiful bible i've seen. with paintings from thomas kincaide, and the words of his wife, i have found a new beauty in grabbing and READING my bible.i have had the juniper(dark)green leather bound copy for two yrs.i am pleased with how good it looks, and i do not have a delicate hand! i have also given them as gifts.my local bible shop charged just a few dollars to personalize, which should be a considaration in price. reading this pretty bible feels like a treat!
A beautiful "take anywhere" Bible.......2005-11-18
Thomas Kinkade fans will not be disappointed! I have only had this Bible for a week and am just delighted! This Bible is absolutely beautifully illustrated. My words do not even do it justice.
This NKJV is sleek and put together very well. It is not too large or heavy making it easily portable, yet the size of the print is still large enough for comfortable reading. (For the record, I have very bad vision corrected with contacts.) I have seen reference Bibles larger than this one with smaller size print!
The devotions are also very inspiring, but I have not read them all yet. While the devotions I have read are very good, there are not that many of them as compared to other more in depth devotional Bibles. (About one per week, plus a few more.) This is not a bad thing. It is just not that type of Bible. All of these devotions, as I understand it, were written by Nanette Kinkade, and I appreciate her sharing them very much!
The overall quality of this edition is exceptional. To be fair, I am not sure about the hardback edition as I have never seen one. I realize this is a matter of preference, but I believe, the bonded leather edition is the way to go. It may cost a bit more, but it is well-worth the difference in price. I say this as it seems Kinkade's pictures just seem to belong in a leather bound Bible. Again, this is a matter of opinion. His pictures are certainly beautiful any where.
The only real complaint or disappointment I had was that this is not a red letter edition of the Bible. It was put together so well and so beautifully, however, that I didn't mind it as much as I thought I would.
Book Description
Courageous Souls explores the premise that we are all eternal souls who plan our lives, including our greatest challenges, prior to birth for purposes of spiritual growth. The book contains ten true stories of people who planned physical illness, having handicapped children, deafness, blindness, drug addiction, alcoholism, losing a loved one, and severe accidents. Because very different life challenges are often planned for similar reasons, readers who have not faced these specific challenges will nevertheless see themselves - and their motivations as a soul - in these stories. As readers come to realize that they themselves planned their lives, suffering that once seemed purposeless becomes imbued with deep meaning. Wisdom may be acquired in a more conscious manner; feelings of anger, guilt, blame, and victimization are replaced by acceptance, forgiveness, peace, and gratitude.
Customer Reviews:
Karma is more than payback.......2007-10-11
This book really changed my perspective on my current life situation. I was quite negative about the situation I'm dealing with, feeling it was just the result of past lives in which I had incurred very bad karma and I would just have to live through it. But, after reading this book, I believe I am living this life because of contracts I made in the pre-birth planning. That changes everything for me - if I agreed to the challenges I'm working with because I wanted to help one I love, there can be no resentment, just gratitude for being able to help, and love for the one I'm struggling with. Thank you, Robert Schwartz, what a gift!
So that's why . . ........2007-10-08
If you ever want to get into the backside of your pre-birth planning of your life challenges, read Courageous Souls by Robert Schwartz. Want to know why you attract illness, accidents, birth defects? Want to know why you chose a life of alcoholism or drug addiction, or are around someone who has? Read this book. The stories, while may start out slow at first, are powerful and insightful. Just stick with them. Robert uses mediums who are able to access multiple guides at one time, and your primary guide and listen in on conversations between you and your soul group.
not credible.......2007-09-30
I got to p. 300 and started reading another book. I found this book painstakingly slow to read, the information provided by the mediums: farfetched, and the conclusions drawn by the author, hard to swallow. Often, when mediums are tired, their accuracy rate diminishes. I never heard of any of the mediums used in this book. Robert Schwartz makes everything so complicated when the subject matter is really quite easy to understand. The book just doesn't flow easily and it's not a page turner in my opinion. I'm a believer, but this book really is a waste of time and money. Read Journey of the Soul by Michael Newton, PhD. Instead of using mediums, he enters the superconsciousness of his clients and elicits information from them directly about their experiences on The Other Side.
An Empowering Way to Reframe Painful Challenges in Our Lives.......2007-09-17
It has been said that asking oneself the question, "Who was I before I was born?" can teach us the most about our true spiritual identity -- yet few of us have been so enlightened as to have heard the full reply. COURAGEOUS SOULS takes this starting point one step further by exploring just how we may have crafted our entire life around all of our life circumstances -- both the high and the low points.
What sets Robert Schwartz's book apart from other books about spirituality, reincarnation and the afterlife is his organized use of intuitive readings as companion pieces to accompany the various life stories he includes. These intuitive sessions provide a deep sense of interconnectedness and unconditional love shared in our lifetimes which we sometimes lose sight of, as well as insights into how we continue learning life lessons from one life to the next. The stories include descriptions of people who have experienced tremendous suffering who are greatly inspired and relieved to see an underlying sense of purpose and meaning to all they have gone through.
COURAGEOUS SOULS is an exceptional book for anyone interested in exploring the true nature of their spiritual identity, who is willing to keep an open mind regarding the value of some of the most painful challenges we humans face in our lives on Earth; this is highly recommended reading for anyone seeking to reframe and find deeper meaning from the painful challenges, setbacks or hardships in their lives.
Some of life's challenges explained........2007-09-06
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Before I even finished reading this book, I ordered more and had them sent to my friends. This book is amazing.
Told through many soul journies, Robert Schwartz brought in the talents of true mediums who were able to discover decisions that these people made before they were born - again. He did not use just one medium, but several, and they are listed in the back of the book. The individuals who shared their stories are also listed with email addresses -- and if they are able and have the time they will answer your questions.
This book came to me at a time I really needed to be reminded of my own experiences through many lives and the time between our next life. The stories are beautiful because they are able to explain why certain tragedies happen to a person.
I highly recommend this book, especially to those with open and searching minds.
Book Description
God delivered Israel from Egyptian bondage to captivate them for Himself. In the arid wilderness He planned to reveal His nature and ways to them, but they drew back. How different are we today? Many confess the Lordship of Jesus and acknowledge His saving power, yet like Israel, they've drawn back. Rather than pursuing His heart they have cleaved to this world's form of worship-the worship of self. As a result we have changed the image of Jesus to be like us. Fire can alter these images. The fire we need is found in the Holiness of God. God is calling us to draw nearer still…to tremble on Mt. Zion…transformed to touch others.
Customer Reviews:
a thirst for God.......2007-06-04
A great guide to spiritual growth and easily digested. This author is a blessed man of God who has made me want to to know God intimately, faithfully and passionately.
Fantastic Book!.......2007-05-11
This is another book by John Bevere that really hits home. John goes into much depth on living a life of holiness unto God, and the poor state of the current "church" of the Lord. This book gives a serious call to all believers for REAL revival in this country. I could hardly put this book down!
Everything John Bevere writes about in this book is scripturally sound, and there's a great deal of information concerning how we are able to re-ignite our passion for the Lord Jesus Christ. If you're someone who longs to return to that "first love" you experienced when you first met God, this book is for you. A definite "must-read!"
A Heart Ablaze: Igniting a Passion for God.......2007-04-18
As usual, John Bevere can show me I'm missing the mark. I thought it was o.k. to go to church, read my bible, and pray. John showed me where the most important time should be spent; in intense prayer with God. Listening to hear His voice, because prayer is a two way conversation. And lately I haven't given God much time to talk,and if I don't I'll never be able to have a stronger relationship with God.
John does a great job without beating you over the head with his message.
I'd highly recommend it.
A must read, LIFE CHANGING book!.......2007-03-30
I have read many, good, Christian books in my life, and this is by far, #1 on my list. So many of us Americans are deceived, thinking we are one of the elect, yet live our lives in typical overindulgence and self service. God commands us to live holy, obedient, lives and to serve the least in society. We are supposed to be disciples of Jesus in our works and in our hearts. Please read this, you will be so glad you did, and you will ensure your eternal salvation.
a humbling experience..........2006-12-18
one I will never forget. Jesus has renewed me and cleansed me and set my heart with joy because He always has me read just the right books. John Bevere is a "truth teller" and the "truth will set you free".
God the Father uses this man.
Book Description
Discover the tools to create a new kind of church and move from merely surviving to thriving.
Drawing on an extensive two-year field study of 200 churches from a variety of denominations and geographic regions, Milfred Minatrea--a missiologist, urban strategist and practioner in minister--presents the best practices for re-energizing Christian spirituality in a congregational setting. He provides readers with the tools for assessing their congregation’s position on the continuum between maintenance and mission and for determining the actions that will move them toward becoming a missional community. He also outlines key strategies that successful churches have used to become relevant in a postmodern society without losing what is distinctly Christian in their spiritual practices.
Milfred Minatrea (Irving, TX) is Director of the Missional Church Center for the Baptist General Convention of Texas.
Customer Reviews:
A great summary.......2006-04-04
I have been looking for a single book to give to church leaders that explains what it means to be Missionsal. I have found it in this book. I'm ordering some additional copies to give away.
useful, but limited.......2006-02-13
Minatrea proposes to show us what missional churches look like. While his characteristics seem to be useful and would make a good sermon series or introduction to leadership class, he largely draws on 3 or 4 Baptist churches for examples, with an occasional nod to Adam Hamilton @ the United Methodist Church of the Resurrection and Brian McLaren and the emergent conversation.
Formatted in short chapters it is a useful starting place if you don't want to wade thru Guder's Missional Church
Fills a Void.......2005-11-18
One of the criticisms most often levied against the larger body of Missional Church writing (i.e. the GOCN series) is that the writers fail to give "concrete" examples of what a missional church "looks like." Minatrea has attempted to fill that void.
There are some legitimate problems with his effort. Nowhere does he explain his research methodology, so one must assume that his research was primarily personal interviews with pastors and church leaders. Neither does he explain the criteria used to identify the churches included in the research as "missional".
Some of his argumentation is convoluted. One example is when he asserts (I'm paraphrasing) that missional churches don't get bogged down in theological matters that distract from mission. Then, a few pages later in the same chapter, he argues that missional churches will have clearly defined doctrinal statements. One is left wondering, "Which is it?"
Also, in several places it seems as though he and his subjects are creating a straw man of sorts out of "traditional" churches. And the churches he most often cites as examples--Gracepoint (San Antonio), Ecclesia (Houston), Antioch (Waco, TX), and Mosaic (Los Angeles)--while diverse, are all at least loosely assocaited with evangelical Baptists. He tells us in the introduction that missioanl churches can be anywhere and in any denomination. So one wonders why he didn't find some to include in his book.
So it isn't a perfect effort. But...it DOES fill a void in the body of Missional Church literature. Beyond simply identifying nine commonalities of practice among missional churches, he leaves readers with the impression that their church can be both missional and faithful to its current local context at the same time. He also presents a few suggestions for moving a church towards a missioanl ecclesiology.
As stated, this is not a perfect effort. But in addition to practical considerations, Minatrea proviides an appropriate basic introduction to the Missional conversation for those not already familiar with the names Newbigin, Guder, or Hunsberger.
A Must Read for the Missional Christian.......2005-09-14
Minatrea is right on target. He has obviously been thorough in his research and his conclusions are stellar. Minatrea delivers what is needed for the North American church today. This book is an easy read but is packed with great information. Minatrea was able to get to the heart of the issues and translate them into practical action. You will not be disappointed by this book.
Book Description
A new cover and fresh updates enrich Elizabeth George’s bestselling A Woman After God’s Own Heart
® (over 735,000 copies sold). This very popular selection for personal and group study is filled with rich advice, spiritual wisdom, and practical applications.
With passion and personality, Elizabeth George shares how a woman can follow God and seek His heart in every area of her life—
- her husband
- her children
- her home
- her walk with the Lord
- her ministry
There is peace and purpose for the woman who prepares her heart and mind to embrace God’s plan every day. This new look will complement the other bestselling Elizabeth George titles loved by millions of women.
Customer Reviews:
TRANSFORMING!!!!.......2007-10-06
This book has been life changing for me. Elizabeth Gearge inspired me in a way like never before. She prioritzes the things in our lives that matter most. I absolutely believe she aligns with God's word and teaches women how to be the GODLY women we long to be. By breaking down each area of our lives and giving practical, realistic ideas for living each of these areas in a way that glorifies our God, Elizabeth gives truly applicable and easily obtainable thoughts and direction for daily living.
If you would like to become a woman who has a passion for God's word, a daily prayer life and a truly blessed walk with God, this book is for you! I am now going through the accompanying study guide and am continuing to grow spiritually.
This book should be a MUST READ for every christian woman!!!!!!!
I have felt more fulfilled with my daily life after reading and applying this book........2007-06-18
This book is a wonderful resource for putting things in perspective in an increasingly busy world. George has a fabulous system for organizing your daily to-do list: start with ordering your priorities and then schedule them in every day. First is time with God, second is your spouse, third is your children, fourth is your home, fifth is your own personal growth, sixth is your ministries, and seventh is anything else that doesn't fall into those categories (errands, movies, etc.)
Now, I tweaked the system a bit to personalize it for my life. I don't have children, and I schedule TV time in with my husband almost daily because it's something we enjoy. And the realization that the time I spend talking to and uplifting my friends, family members, and church members is actually a ministry-it's something important to me and God-made me realize I am spending quality time on Earth doing a quality job for Heaven. Plus, it's given me the push to make sure I contact people more regularly because it's worth the time.
I've read the other reviews and realize some people think the book is archaic for stating that women are on assignment from God to help their husbands, but according to the Bible we are: we are here to help everyone we know do their best to get to heaven and do the most to further His kingdom. I don't know of a better way than to spend our time serving anyone we can, most especially our husbands.
I have read this book several times now, making notes and lists of tips to take for my own life to improve my servitude. I have felt the change. As a twenty-something, I have given this book to friends from 29 to 64 to help them make the most of organizing their own time to work for God in all facets of life.
Be aware of what you're getting.......2007-05-24
If a woman decides to follow Elizabeth George's advice, that will be the last decision she will ever need to make--from then on her husband will have that responsibility. Whatever the husband says, the dutiful wife, truthfully or not, will reply, "Sure," as Elizabeth did when her husband suddenly asked if she wanted to move to Singapore. The author proudly recounts her advice to a young woman (married to a non-believer) who wanted to attend Bible college: "After telling me her heart's longings, I asked her, `Well, Sue, what does your husband say about this?' She quickly answered, `Oh, he doesn't want me to do it.' `Why, Sue,' I exclaimed, `God has spoken!'" In the author's world, men speak for God and women should practice not speaking at all. The author stresses that a wife should never say an unfavorable word about her husband--yet in a section ironically subtitled "Avoiding the negatives," Elizabeth saw no problem with quoting John Wesley's harsh and lengthy criticisms of his wife. This book was given to me by someone who judged the book by the title--if you believe that God expects women to use the minds He gave them, you would be wise not to make the same mistake.
A WOMAN AFTER GOD'S OWN HEART.......2007-05-15
It's a great book. If you read chapter one you will definitely complete the entire book.
Updated and expanded.......2007-04-29
Reviewed by Kelli Glesige for Reader Views (4/07)
This is the great book for women we have all read so much about, but this edition has been updated and expanded with new insights and practical applications from the original version. Elizabeth George wants women to read and reread this book, carry it along with their Bibles, take it to share with friends, and leave it on their nightstands to refresh and refer to often. A woman after God's own heart wants to truly know Him, love Him, and follow Him. Achieving such a committed relationship, George explains how this will enrich the lives of others.
George offers many wonderful ideas about following what God wants for all of us, praying constantly and consistently, and living the life that God wants us to. George advises women in areas of caring for and raising children, being the wife God intends and offering praise to our husbands, and making a house a home. There is just such an abundance of information shared here that so many women will find insightful. In George's opinion, setting priorities and goals while practicing time management can offer help to those struggling with knowing what is truly most important. When pursuing God is the ultimate goal, all else can fall into place.
I found the section entitled, "The Pursuit of God's Priorities," most intriguing. It is here that George presents her ideas concerning what a wife should be to her husband and children. So many women today find themselves so overbooked with things to do. It is refreshing to see how calm things can be if we keep our priorities in line. George then explains how making a house into a home is beneficial for all family members. To achieve her strength to meet challenges, George explains the importance of spiritual strengthening for a woman. This strength will allow the woman to use herself to minister to others.
Biblically-based, George has done an outstanding job of presenting her ideas in a very readable format. I believe reading this book is time well spent for all women seeking to please God. George presents what has worked well for her and how these changes have had a positive impact upon her life, on her relationship with her family, and in her spiritual journey with God. I highly recommend "A Woman after God's Own Heart" to all women who desire God.
Customer Reviews:
Indispensable tool for the Christian counselor.......2007-01-19
You will learn more about human psychology in this one volume than you will ever learn in years of studying Freud, Skinner, Rogers, or anyone else for that matter. Grounded in scriptural teachings like Ezek. 14:3-5, James 4:1-3 and Jonah 2:8 (among many others), this exposition of the idolatry that is rampant in the hearts of humans of every stripe (including Christians, sadly) will provide invaluable insights into what's REALLY going on inside the head and heart of your counselee.
The doctrines laid out in this book have such broad application in so many areas of life, and to such a wide range of counseling issues, that it has become integrated into the standard counseling curriculum for many nouthetic counselors regardless of the counselee's specific presentation problems. If you want to become an effective Christian counselor, you really need to have a grasp on these issues and incorporate them into your counseling practice. Even if you're not a counselor, these teachings are insightful for understanding your own life, thoughts, actions, family, etc. I cannot recommend this book highly enough!
Soul-Searching.......2006-11-10
This is an excellent study!!! You need to be wearing steel-toed shoes while reading it, though! It is very convicting and the author tells it 'like it is'
I recommend this book highly if you want a closer walk with God!!
A Theology of Sanctification.......2006-06-25
Elyse Fitzpatrick has written one of the most helpful books in recent years on practical sanctification. In the tradition of the Puritans, "Idols of the Heart" exposes the true nature of the battle for our desires.
Often a book like this can come across as either heavy (too deep to be practical) or hard (so attacking that people are turned off). Fitzpatrick skillfully avoids both extremes. Her writing is relevent and her focus is positive, even when discussing the negatives of sins of the heart.
Her explanation of desires, idols, and heart sins is thoroughly biblical. She also provides the biblical counseling process for helping oneself or others to put off sin and to put on righteousness. Highly recommended!
Reviewer: Bob Kellemen, Ph.D., is the author of "Beyond the Suffering: Embracing the Legacy of African American Soul Care and Spiritual Direction," "Soul Physicians," "Spiritual Friends," and the forthcoming "Sacred Friendships: Listening to the Voices of Women Soul Care-Givers and Spiritual Directors."
Understanding Idolatry and Developing True Love for God.......2004-07-07
Our women's group embarked on the "Idols of the Heart" study about a year ago. We found within the pages the words of a woman who struggled with the same things we all did. One who was transparent, and who told us there was no reason for us to dwell in the temple of self any longer.
I encourage anyone who picks up this book to throw themselves wholeheartedly into the study, and not merely read the chapters and plug in answers to the questions.(which would be difficult to do the way Mrs. Fitzpatrick designed the study)
Where the author refers to the people mentioned in the Bible, find out all you can about their lives, what their idolatry was about, and how it relates to your own life. One thing we all learned was that we can never "lay our weapons down" we must always be on guard because as John Calvin said our hearts are perpetual idol factories.
Mrs. Fitzpatrick shows us the two prong attack the enemy of our souls uses to prod us along the path of idolatry, and gives us the tools we need to bend those prongs back so that when the prong is jabbed towards us it has no sharp edges.
Self-examination is crucial, we must be willing to look at our lives honestly and to lay aside all those things that come before God. There is victory, peace and hope when we do. While our hearts will continually try (notice I said TRY) to resurrect those shatterd idols from the broken shards, or create new idols to replace those that were destroyed; WE MUST bind ourselves to the throne of grace in humility and cling ever tighter to the mercies of God recognizing His unchanging nature, and finally acknowledging our own inability to do or be anything without Him.
What (or who) must you have to be happy?.......2004-06-04
This book shows you why answering that question will reveal the true object of your trust, your hope, your worship. If the answer is anything but the God of the Bible, then you have named the idol of your heart (more likely idolS, if you're honest). The lie of the enemy is that we need something other than God for our happiness. Overcoming this lie with the Truth that ALL of our happiness rests in the Lord of Life is the essence of sanctification. Elyse Fitzpatrick does a great job of explaining these truths. I found her thoughtful questions at the end of each chapter very helpful in applying this crucial material. Why crucial? Because learning to love and enjoy Jesus Christ above all else is training for heaven, the place where we will spend eternity perfectly happy. The reason we will be perfectly happy is because we will finally know that our happiness is in Jesus alone. Heaven is not joy apart from Christ, but perfect joy in Christ, "I say the joys of heaven are not the joys of heaven without Christ; he is the very heaven of heaven." (Richard Sibbes) The quicker we crush the idols of our hearts, the quicker we will experience a measure of the Joy of heaven.
Books:
- He and I
- His Princess: Love Letters from Your King (His Princess)
- History: Fiction or Science? (Chronology, No. 1)
- History: Fiction or Science? (Chronology, No. 1)
- History: Fiction or Science? (Chronology, No. 1)
- History: Fiction or Science? (Chronology, No. 1)
- History: Fiction or Science? (Chronology, No. 1)
- History: Fiction or Science? (Chronology, No. 1)
- History: Fiction or Science? (Chronology, No. 1)
- History: Fiction or Science? (Chronology, No. 1)
Books Index
Books Home
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Having a Mary Spirit: Allowing God to Change Us from the Inside Out
At Jesus Feet: A Bible Study for Women Based on the Story of Mary and Martha, Learning to Draw Near
Calm My Anxious Heart: A Woman's Guide to Finding Contentment
Martha to the Max!: Balanced Living for Perfectionists
If You Want to Walk on Water, You've Got to Get Out of the Boat
![Reflections from the Heart of God: Devotional Bible for Women [New King James Version]](http://g-ec2.images-amazon.com/images/I/21MTQQWK5KL.jpg)
