Tag: book reviews

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BOOK REVIEW || The Answer to Anxiety by Joyce Meyer

In 2025, the months of January, May, August, and October have five Fridays. I use those Fridays to publish media reviews: books, music, movies, blogs, podcasts, etc. These will be primarily, but not limited to, Christian media sources. Today we are highlighting a book by one of my all-time favorite ministers: Joyce Meyer.

 

 

The Answer to Anxiety: How to Break Free from the Tyranny of Anxious Thoughts and Worry

by Joyce Meyer

Published March 2025

160pp

💗 Peace Is Possible—Even Here

“Be anxious for nothing…” That’s easy to read, but hard to live. For many of us, anxiety has woven itself into our days like a constant thread of tension, worry, and what-ifs. But what if that thread could be pulled loose? What if the peace Jesus promised wasn’t just for heaven, but for today?

Joyce Meyer’s latest book, The Answer to Anxiety: How to Break Free from the Tyranny of Anxious Thoughts and Worry, meets us right there—in the middle of our mental mess. It’s scripturally rich, refreshingly honest, and full of practical ways to step out of fear and into freedom.

🕊️ What This Book Offers

In her signature style—warm, wise, and deeply rooted in Scripture—Joyce Meyer shares how we can overcome anxiety by renewing our minds, trusting God, and choosing peace every single day. This isn’t a lofty theological treatise; it’s a life-giving guide for anxious souls who long to breathe again.

✨Key Takeaways

1. Trusting God Is the Path to Peace

The most impactful chapter for me was Chapter 4: Trust God. It’s here Joyce anchors us in the truth that God is not just able—He is willing to carry our burdens. Learning to truly trust Him, not just in theory but in practice, is the key that unlocks peace.

“You don’t have to live like this.”
That’s the whisper of the Holy Spirit through these pages.

2. Your Mind Is the Battleground

Joyce explains how anxiety takes root in our thoughts and how we must renew our minds daily (Romans 12:2) to evict fear and make room for faith. She shares tools and Scriptures that helped her overcome years of toxic thinking.

3. Peace Is Not Passive—It’s a Daily Decision

We’re not victims of anxiety. With God’s help, we can choose differently. Joyce teaches how to interrupt the worry cycle with prayer, gratitude, and truth. It’s not magic—it’s maturity in motion.

4. Philippians 4:6–7 Comes Alive

These familiar verses become a roadmap:

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God… will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.” — (Philippians 4:6–7 ESV)

This book helps you live that promise instead of just quoting it.

đź’¬A Personal Note from My Heart

I didn’t pick up The Answer to Anxiety by accident. I believe the Holy Spirit placed it in my hands at just the right time. I’ve been navigating some deep emotional waters lately—old wounds, unexpected stress, and the kind of weariness that doesn’t go away with a nap.

One morning, while reading Chapter 4, I felt God whisper, “I care for the birds, and I care for you.” That moment stayed with me. It led me to meditate on Matthew 6 and imagine a life where I trust God the way the birds do—without striving, without hoarding, without fear.

That’s the kind of faith I want to walk in.

That’s the kind of peace this book helps nurture.

đź“š Final Thoughts

If anxiety has been your unwelcome companion, let this book be your invitation to peace. Joyce doesn’t just offer advice—she points us to Jesus. And in Him, we find the peace we’ve been searching for.

This is a book I’ll return to again and again.
And if you let it, it might just change everything for you.

🎶 Worship Companion: Goodness of God 💖

To close, I invite you to watch / listen to this beautiful lyric video of Goodness of God by CeCe Winans. The lyrics appear over a peaceful shoreline, with gentle waves washing them into the sand—just like God’s presence washing over our anxious thoughts.

“With every breath that I am able / Oh I will sing of the goodness of God…”

Let this song be your prayer of release—and your reminder that God’s goodness is always chasing you, even here.

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BOOK REVIEW: “Think This Not That” by Dr. Josh Axe

In 2025, the months of January, May, August, and October have five Fridays. I use those Fridays to publish media reviews: books, music, movies, blogs, podcasts, etc. These will be primarily, but not limited to, Christian media sources. Today we are highlighting Dr. Josh Axe’s latest book: Think This, Not That: 12 Mindshifts to Breakthrough Limiting Beliefs and Become Who You Were Born to Be.

 

 

 

 

 

 

What if the most powerful change you could make this year didn’t start with your diet or your to-do list—but your thoughts?

In Think This, Not That, Dr. Josh Axe offers a powerful reminder that what we believe drives how we live—and even how we heal. This faith-filled, science-backed book walks through the toxic thoughts that keep us stuck and invites us to exchange them for truth rooted in God’s Word.

Two mindset shifts especially resonated with me:

🧠Think Faith, Not Fear – Fear steals our peace, wrecks our health, and whispers worst-case scenarios. But faith? Faith anchors us in the truth that God is in control—even when we’re not. We can train our minds to trust, even in the storm.

🧠Think Forgiveness, Not Bitterness – Bitterness binds us to the past, while forgiveness releases us into freedom. Letting go doesn’t mean it didn’t hurt. It means we’re choosing healing over holding on—and that’s where God meets us.

Dr. Axe skillfully blends Scripture, neuroscience, and holistic health insights to help us reclaim our peace and renew our minds—one thought at a time. If you’re looking for a resource that speaks to both the soul and the body, this is a must-read.

Victory begins in the mind. Let’s choose our thoughts wisely—and invite God into every one.

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BOOK REVIEW :: The Jordan River Rules by Robert J. Morgan

REACHING HURTING WOMEN MINISTRIES OFFERS FOUR TOPICS FOR CONTEMPLATION EVERY MONTH. EACH TOPIC IS A 12-MONTH STUDY ASSIGNED TO A SPECIFIC FRIDAY OF THE MONTH. IN MONTHS WITH FIVE FRIDAYS WE REVIEW INSPIRATIONAL CHRISTIAN MEDIA.

 

 

 

The Jordan River Rules: 10 God-Given Strategies for Moving Forward

by

Robert J. Morgan

 

 

 

The Jordan River Rules: 10 God-Given Strategies for Moving Forward by Robert J. Morgan is the second in a series by the author.

Having come recently from a wilderness experience, this was a perfectly timed book for me personally,

As the book description reads: ” The same God who led you in, will lead you on.” states, this is exactly what happened for my husband and myself these last few years.

The Jordan River Rules is a lovely book, with brief but power packed chapters. I’m still reading it and look forward to doing a book study on it in 2023.

I highly recommend The Jordan River Rules  by Robert J. Morgan!

 

 

 

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BOOK REVIEW :: THE RED SEA RULES by Robert J. Morgan

The Red Sea Rules: 10 God-Given Strategies for Difficult Times

by

Robert J.  Morgan

 

 

 

Difficulties and challenges are not strangers to most of us. And during these trying times it’s helpful to have a voice of experience that can help walk us through. This is what The Red Sea Rules by Robert J. Morgan does for us.

A dear friend recently introduced me to this simple, yet profound, little book. She’s been through trying times these last few years and told me that this book has helped her make it through. Because it was so important to her she kept her copy of The Red Sea Rules on her night stand so she could read it regularly.

After I was able to look at my friend’s book I quickly ordered my own copy. I’ve been going through it as a devotional on the weekends for the last couple of months.

Using the Exodus 14 story of the Israelites as an example, Robert Morgan shares 10 God-given strategies for walking from fear to faith during difficult times. Here is a sampling:

Red Sea Rule  #1:  Realize that God means for you to be where you are.

Red Sea Rule  #2:  Be more concerned for God’s glory than for your relief.

Red Sea Rule  #3:  Acknowledge your enemy, but keep your eyes on the Lord.

Red Sea Rule  #4:  Pray!

Red Sea Rule  #5:  Stay calm and confident, and give God time to work.

Red Sea Rule  #6:  When unsure, just take the next logical step by faith.

Red Sea Rule  #7:  Envision God’s enveloping presence.

Red Sea Rule  #8: Trust God to deliver in His own unique way.

Red Sea Rule  #9:  View your current crisis as a faith builder for the future.

Red Sea Rule #10:  Don’t forget to praise Him.

I’ve really been enjoying these sweet inspirational readings. The chapters are short which makes The Red Sea Rules perfect for a devotional reading time. Each chapter offers a few questions for reflection at the end.

I highly recommend The Red Sea Rules by Robert J. Morgan. This book is one I’ll be reading over and over again. I hope you will consider getting copy. It’s a great gift idea for the upcoming Christmas season. Another wonderful thing… The publisher has provided a discount for bulk purchases. If you want to give them away as gifts you can buy them here in bulk for less.

Enjoy this brief video of Robert J. Morgan telling about his wonderful book: The Red Sea Rules.

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BOOK REVIEW: ANONYMOUS by Alicia Britt Chole

 

 

 

Anonymous:

Jesus’ Hidden Years… and yours

by

Alicia Britt Chole

 

This book has been a life changer for me. Anonymous by Alicia Britt Chole is one of the most applicable books I’ve ever read. I first read it when her series on the TBN network began airing in October 2018. Once I began reading I was blown away by how much it spoke to this season of life I’ve been in for more years than I care to count.

In this groundbreaking book, Alicia teaches us about the 30 Hidden years of Jesus Christ’s life before his ministry went public. A topic I’ve never read or heard anyone teach about before. Here’s a snippet from Part One:

…Consider the growth of a plant. Before a gardener can enjoy a plant’s fruit, she must tenderly and strategically attend to its root. So a plant’s birth begins with its burial. The gardener commits a generally unremarkable seed to the silence of the soil, where it sits in stillness an sightlessness, hidden by the smothering dirt. Just when it appears as though death is imminent, its seeming decay reveals new life. The seed becomes less and yet more of its former self, and in that transformation takes hold of the darkness and reaches for the sun. All that is to come rests greatly upon the plant’s ability to tightly and sightlessly develop to roots in unseen places.

As with a child in the womb and a seed in the ground, God’s unanticipated move of hiding Jesus granted him protected, undisturbed room to be and become. From God’s perspective, anonymous seasons are sacred spaces. They are quite literally formative, to be rested in, not rushed through and most definitely never to be regretted.

Unapplauded, but not unproductive:  hidden years are the surprising birthplace of true spiritual greatness. ~ Alicia Britt Chole

If you’re in a dark season of waiting. If you have a dream in your heart that you want to share with others, yet the perfecting time fails to appear… this book is for you.

I highly recommend Anonymous by Alicia Britt Chole!

Watch Alicia Britt Chole on Praise introducing her book and then watch Anonymous series on TBN. Here’s a sample of one of her interviews… enjoy!

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BOOK REVIEW :: Addiction and Grace by Gerald G. May, M.D.

 

ADDICTION AND GRACE: 

Love and Spirituality in the Healing of Addictions

by
Gerald G. MaY, M.D.

 

Gerald G. May, M.D. (1940-2005) was a psychiatrist, spiritual counselor and Senior Fellow in Contemplative Theology and Psychology at the Shalem Institute for Spiritual Formation in Bethesda, Maryland. He wrote many books and articles blending spirituality and psychology. (Excerpt taken from book cover.)

The Shalem Institute is grounded in Christian contemplative spirituality yet draws on the wisdom of many religious traditions. As a result Dr. May references various religious traditions in his writing.

This may be off-putting to some. However, I’ve found far more of his content valuable than not. I’m not a theologian, philosopher nor am I one to argue doctrine. My personal practice when reading different books is to take what I can use and leave the rest.

There is much to praise Addiction and Grace for. Especially being written in the late 1980’s, I believe many of May’s ideas and psychological thoughts on addiction were ahead of his time and may still be.

Addiction and Grace isn’t a quick read. Each sentence, paragraph and chapter will provide you with much to contemplate and ruminate on. You will find an in-depth study of the psychological layers of addiction, as well as how they effect our mind, body and spirit. Dr. May shares personal struggles and stories of several people he counseled with different types of addictions.

For me, having read this book twice, the best take-away was and continues to be in the last paragraph of the book:

“The specific struggles we undergo with our addictions are reflections of a blessed pain. To be deprived of a simple object of attachment is to taste the deep, holy deprivation of our souls. To struggle to transcend any idol is to touch the sacred hunger God has given us.” ~ Gerald G. May, M.D.

Blaise Pascal wrote about the God-shaped vacuum that we all have. This deep longing in our souls can never be satiated by anything created in this world. Dr. May is teaching us that we aren’t supposed to re-direct that longing to anything. He suggests we not only make friends with the empty place, but come to fall in love with it. Scripture teaches it is possible to be comfortable with and live with the pain. The Apostle Paul learned and accepted that God’s grace is sufficient!

I highly recommend Addiction and Grace by Gerald G. May, M.D.  I hope you’ll consider reading this power packed book to deepen your walk with God as you continue to press through your own personal pain and struggles.

Contemplate your emptiness. Sit in the empty place. Bring your emptiness to God. Let God’s Holy Spirit and grace fill that empty place. Because no matter what we try to put there, the emptiness will never be fully satisfied by anything in this world. God’s grace truly is the only thing that can satisfy our souls!
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BOOK REVIEW: LIVE THE LET-GO LIFE by Joseph Prince

LIVE THE LET-GO LIFE:

Breaking Free from Stress, Worry and Anxiety

by

Joseph Prince

 

 

With beautifully applicable stories and a fresh look at some familiar Scriptures, Pastor Joseph Prince challenges us to take a different walk through our daily life.

Rather than allowing the worry, stresses and challenges of life to choke the flow of God’s grace; we must relax and let go of situations that are ultimately out of our control and allow God’s amazing grace to flow as He intends it to to the needed areas of our life.

 

“God is always supplying by His grace. Our part is to let go and let His supply flow.” ~ Joseph Prince

 

Pastor Prince tells us, as long as we are worried and in strife, we preventing the flow of God’s grace to come where we need it the most. While we are so caught up in the worries and trying to solve issues, we are actually preventing God from doing the work we are asking for.

“If it’s a miracle you need, a miracle you will get— if you remain in peace.” ~ Joseph Prince

 

The teachings in LIVE THE LET-GO LIFE  go against everything in our human nature. It takes committed determination to persevere to the peace that God wants us to have in our lives. We must labor to rest, to believe in the promise that Jesus made,  that the peace He left us is ours. It’s up to us to accept it and keep accepting it each and every moment of every day.

I highly recommend LIVE THE LET-GO LIFE by Joseph Prince. If you struggle with stress, worry and anxiety, this is God’s answer for you today!

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Book Review

When a book continually hits my radar it means I’m supposed to read it.

2018 was my year for Streams.

There are almost as many types of devotionals as there are people and issues. Formats range from monthly to yearly. Some have short daily readings with a Scripture reference and a simple encouraging word for your day. Others are dedicated to specific topics or people groups. Streams in the Desert is for everyone.

With its pinpoint Scripture references, relevant stories and beautifully supportive poetry this devotional is perfect to help us make it through life’s daily challenges. One might be hesitant to read  Streams in the Desert since it was written in 1925. But because humans still struggle this book is completely applicable to life in the 21 Century. 

Lettie Cowman and her husband were missionaries to the Orient in the early 1900’s. When her husband became ill in 1917 they returned to America where she cared for him until his death in 1924. It was during those trying years that Mrs. Cowman penned this touching devotional. For me knowing this history of when it was written gives it much more meaning and insight.

With the new year just ahead, now is the perfect time to get your copy. I highly recommend Streams in the Desert! It’s one of the best devotionals you will ever read! I’ll be returning to it again and again.

Our capacity for knowing God is enlarged when we are brought by Him into circumstances that cause us to exercise our faith. So when difficulties block our path, may we thank God that He is taking time to deal with us, and then may we lean heavily on Him. ~ Lettie B. Cowman 

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Book Review

 

New Seeds of Contemplation

by

Thomas Merton

 

A 20th Century Christian mystic, Thomas Merton is far and away one of my favorite authors. Although I haven’t read all his books yet, New Seeds of Contemplation is in my mind his greatest work. Without a doubt a modern spiritual classic.

The depth of Merton’s spiritual understanding is difficult to grasp. His words are soothing as a pool of cool water. I want to swim in them for hours.

“Every moment and every event of every man’s life on earth plants something in his soul. For just as the wind carries thousands of winged seeds, so each moment brings with it germs of spiritual vitality that come to rest imperceptibly in the minds and wills of men. Most of these unnumbered seeds perish and are lost, because men are not prepared to receive them: for such seeds as these cannot spring up anywhere except in the soil of freedom, spontaneity and love.” ~ Thomas Merton

In New Seeds of Contemplation Merton takes us to deeper levels in our spiritual walk, teaching us about faith and humility, thoughtfully helping us to find our true identity in Christ. If you are on a serious spiritual growth path, seeking a clearer understanding of your relationship to God, this is the book for you. 

My feeble words fail when trying to describe the magnificence of Thomas Merton’s writing. Poetic, transcending, life-changing, mesmerizing, core-cutting, astounding, incredibly perfect, a true gift from God. It leaves me almost breathless… Always wanting more. 

The highest of recommendations from my bookshelf. READ THIS BOOK!

 

09.24.14

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BOOK REVIEW

 

Deep-Rooted in Christ: The Way of Transformation

by

Joshua Choonmin Kang

In January 2008, I was introduced to Joshua Choonmin Kang when Renavare` suggested their followers read Deep-Rooted in Christ together that year. Because I am such a fan of Richard Foster and the Renovare`organization, I was confident the book would be amazing. I was not disappointed. In the tradition of classic spiritual writers, Joshua uses the spiritual disciplines to show us the path to Christlikeness. Written with 52 short chapters it is perfect for a weekly devotional. There is so much life changing wisdom that once through barely skims the surface. I’ve read this sweet book several times since I first got it. If you are looking for a new devotional for the upcoming year or perhaps a Christmas gift, I would highly recommend Joshua Choonmin Kang’s beautifully written book Deep-Rooted in Christ: The Way of Transformation. I’m looking forward to reading it again myself.

11.27.13