Reviewed by Astrid Iustulin for Readers' Favorite

It is easy to be confused and fail to figure out who we are nowadays. If you, too, are a Christian woman who no longer knows which path to take to live a rewarding and purposeful life, Your Identity in Christ: Who You Are and Whose You Are by Robin Revis Pyke Ph.D. is the perfect read for you. The author shares a 31-day devotional with her readers in which they will be guided by the only words having an authentic message — the words of God. Readers will reflect on why Jesus is their light, shepherd, and everything, and why they should read the word of God daily. They will also discover they are loved, adopted, free, and powerful. Are you ready to find out who you are?

What I liked most about Your Identity in Christ is that it is a short but meaningful read. Robin Revis Pyke does not dwell on complex issues but gives readers what they need to find their way and thrive. Her explanations are not superficial but highlight details that we do not always grasp. Revis Pyke guides her readers wisely by choosing the most appropriate passages from the Holy Scriptures and inviting them to answer the questions at the end of each chapter. I liked to stop and answer these questions after the author's enlightening explanations, and I am sure other readers will love it, too (some answers are revealing). I recommend this devotional guide to all women who want to find the right path for their life. Here is the roadmap they are seeking.

Reviewed by Edith Wairimu for Readers' Favorite

Reminders of God, Winter/Spring: Daily Inspirational Messages by Ted Rogers is a timely, thought-provoking work with profound lessons. It invites us to ponder and apply biblical wisdom in daily life. Rogers draws from the scriptures, decades-long pastoral ministry experience, and anecdotes to remind us that we can positively impact the world around us. He examines commonly held beliefs and customs practiced by the church and compares them to biblical teaching. He challenges our perception of failure, wealth, and relationships, revealing eye-opening interpretations concerning each of these concepts. Rogers derives impactful and encouraging lessons, drawn from his personal experiences in Mexico. In a world marked by constant change, the work teaches us to remain anchored in the love and hope we find in Jesus Christ.

Packed with powerful and uplifting messages told using wisdom and humor, Reminders of God, Winter/Spring is a practical devotional with empowering messages for handling common challenges. I appreciated that the work is organized in a day-by-day format with a lesson to think about each day and that the entries are straightforward and have life-changing insight. The work is refreshingly original and it helped me see many important aspects of life and faith in a new light. I enjoyed the anecdotes and found them hilarious and encouraging. The work also motivated me to see God in the simple and mundane aspects of life. Ted Rogers inspires readers to find practical faith that they can apply in every facet of life.

Reviewed by Philip Van Heusen for Readers' Favorite

As a pastor with over forty years doing marriage counseling with hundreds of couples, I highly recommend this book to any couple seeking a closer walk with God and a deeper love for each other. Many people will be enraged with Ginger Taylor and her book—The Woman’s Curse: The Lies of Submission and the Truth that Will Set You Free—because of its solidly biblical stance. Ginger explains what submission is and why God requires it in this book. A woman’s submission to her own husband allows her unbelievable freedom. God is responsible for changing the husband. I had to remind my counselees to get out of the way and let God do His job. Lack of submission is either a lack of faith in the love and power of God or downright rebellion against God’s order for marriage and society. Ginger speaks the truth, and many people today don’t want the truth.

Ginger Taylor is not just a great writer but also a wonderful example of what The Woman’s Curse is about. She shares her life experiences that apply to following Christ and living in submission. Ginger is the mother of seven children, a Bible study leader, a submissive wife, and a godly example for women. While this book is not infallible or inspired in the same manner as the Bible, God encouraged Ginger to write it. As you read how God changed Ginger from a rebellious female to a godly, submissive wife, you will realize that submission is not only possible but also preferable. God’s Word is used throughout this book and is the basis for submission. A life based on biblical principles is a life worth emulating. I highly recommend this book be read by both women and men. When we understand what submission means, we can practice it better. Note to men: Ginger does not go easy on men either but calls on them to submit to the leadership of God and love their wives as Christ loves the church.

Reviewed by Edith Wairimu for Readers' Favorite

He Is! Knowing God Through Fifty Scriptural Meditations by Mark R Worden is an uplifting and profound devotional that guides readers on how to relate to God and know Him. It is based on Hebrews 11:6, “But without faith, it is impossible to please Him: for he who comes to God must believe that He is and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him” (NKJV). It begins with an encouraging account of Worden’s faith journey and how it all began. Each meditation included focuses on an attribute of God. In the first meditation, the book explains that knowing God begins by acknowledging His existence. It examines scriptures and explains more about God. Meditations describe Him as forbearing, loving, unchanging, righteous, and more.

I loved the personal anecdotes included which help expand the work and show how knowing God applies in everyday life. The reflection questions included at the end of each meditation allowed me to pause and internalize the messages. I also found the scriptures included for further reading and meditation helpful in learning more about each attribute of God. Ultimately, the work guided me in developing a more intimate relationship with Him and reminded me about who God is. I loved that the work is backed by biblical passages that support its discussions. I also found the work uplifting as it shows God as personal, all-knowing, and merciful. He Is! Knowing God Through Fifty Scriptural Meditations by Mark R Worden is a powerful and hope-filled work that expands on who God is. Recommended to any reader who wants to grow in their knowledge and relationship with God.

Reviewed by Doreen Chombu for Readers' Favorite

Being a military spouse is physically and emotionally challenging. In You Are Not Alone, Jen McDonald gives tips and uplifting words to help military spouses cope with this new way of living. She discusses the merits of maintaining your individuality, career, and identity. She encourages spouses to be grateful and accept their circumstances because they will not be in control of everything that happens. Having a positive mindset can help you adapt. She gives tips on how to overcome loneliness and create joyful memories with your family. The book also covers friendship, volunteer work, parenting, how to keep in contact with extended family, and how to handle physical and emotional baggage when moving. Fear, worries, and anxiety are normal reactions of a military spouse. The author encourages talking to friends and seeking help from a counselor. Get a copy of this book to help you navigate the highs and lows of being a military spouse.

You Are Not Alone is a perfectly titled book that will help military spouses realize that their feelings are normal. Jen McDonald addresses the various aspects of being a military spouse and shares her personal experiences. The book is mainly for female military spouses but can also apply to males and anyone with a similar lifestyle. Military life ensures that you have no permanent roots, but the author used kindness to make friends and her home a safe haven for her family and neighbors. This and her love for fun and volunteer work showed the author's cheerful and kind personality. The author has given Bible verses and prayers that help her in tough times and addresses the reader directly, making the book engaging. The book has a smooth flow and is easy to follow and understand. I enjoyed this book and hope to read more from this author because I loved her honesty and authenticity.

Reviewed by Leonard Smuts for Readers' Favorite

End Times prophecy has been with us for millennia and, in that regard, the Christian Bible has a rich tradition. For example, the Old Testament prophet Daniel gave a vivid account, while the enigmatic New Testament book of Revelation is even more graphic. All of this has been the subject of wide interpretation. In writing Living in the Last Days, Carol McCormick seeks to provide clarity and guidance by linking the predictions of the past with current events. The underlying theme behind the prophecies is well known. It symbolizes the final clash between good and evil, with the return of Jesus heralding a new golden era. There will be a time of Tribulation, a Judgement Day, and the final battle of Armageddon. Despite the hope provided by the Rapture, which will uplift Christians, it will not be an easy journey. Even committed Christians will be tested and may be subjected to humiliation, hardship, and even death during the Tribulation. The rise of the Antichrist and the Mark of the Beast is dealt with in detail, with new insights provided. A stern warning is sounded that a new world government is being formed with a 2030 target date to impose what the author refers to as The Great Reset, which will require the digital chipping of individuals and the erosion of freedom. Signs that humanity is entering the Last Days abound and are evaluated in detail, with advice on how to achieve eternal life through Jesus.

Living in the Last Days is an in-depth analysis of the available Christian literature on the subject, backed by considerable research and some fresh interpretations of the scriptures. Internationally acclaimed author Carol McCormick underlines the traditional wisdom of Christian teachings while relating them to present worldwide political and spiritual trends. There will be false prophets. The information regarding The Great Reset and its sinister agenda is a significant departure from the conventional approach to End Times predictions. This is highly relevant as digital technology, smart bank cards, and a host of electronic devices already enable intrusive surveillance and allow the tracking and control of individuals. Further danger threatens in the form of a one-world government, a single world currency, and combined religions, which will undermine traditional Christian beliefs and suppress opposition. These modern phenomena are compared to biblical predictions and a remarkable match is apparent, sounding an early warning of troubled times ahead. Christians will have to stand by their beliefs and preparation is essential. The book is aimed at a wider audience than practicing Christians and the author reminds readers that it is for all people, particularly the lost.

Reviewed by Natalie Soine for Readers' Favorite

In The Prisoner's Cross by Peter B. Unger, Don Campbell returned from his summer job at the Ford plant in May 1993. Don’s father Jim, a Ford mechanic, and his mother Alberta came from a working-class background. Don and his sister Sue had been witness to Jim’s lifelong relationship with alcohol addiction and abusive behavior. A tragic accident brings pain, sorrow, and anger to the family. Don’s years of being bullied and traumatized cause him to become detached from people. After studying at a seminary, Don meets Jop de Vries, a bookstore owner and Japanese POW during the Second World War. Don had agreed to interview Jop who also grew up with an abusive father until he obtained a college degree, and then went to Indonesia in 1938. Jop shares with Don his experience in the POW camp and how it impacted on his life as a Christian.

Author Peter B. Unger produced The Prisoner's Cross based on his father's experiences in the Japanese WW2 POW camps. Peter shares how God's love and grace - uncorrupted by politics, sectarianism, and church institutionalism - could transform lives for the better. The story is professionally researched and beautifully written with an interesting array of characters from all walks of life including students, professors, POW soldiers, and their captors. The scenes and locations come to life in the story as Don joins the seminary and interviews Jop about his time in the POW camps. The Prisoner's Cross is a remarkable story, highly recommended to young and old.

Reviewed by Edith Wairimu for Readers' Favorite

Resurrected Faith: The Heart of a Contender by D. Greg Ebie is a profound work that inspires Christian believers to look to God to reawaken their faith. The work explores a process it refers to as faithing. Faithing is defined as a journey and a lifestyle that involves living by what one believes. It is submission to the Holy Spirit who enables us to live and become more like Christ. It examines symptoms of dead faith which include spiritual pain and numbness. It encourages believers to contend for the faith and defines a contender of the faith as one who takes a firm stand for biblical truth and wholeheartedly strives to seek and know Jesus as he is. It explains the process of contending as a demanding journey of knowing and believing God’s doctrine revealed through Jesus.

While reading Resurrected Faith, I appreciated its emphasis on not only learning biblical doctrine but living it out in daily life. In an often challenging and chaotic world, D. Greg Ebie’s words reminded me I have constant help and counsel from the Holy Spirit in becoming like Christ. I also loved that the work helped me remember that contending for the faith is a continuous journey and not an instant event in an age that demands instant results. Resurrected Faith by D. Greg Ebie is a powerful book with crucial advice for any Christian seeking inspiration to know Jesus and make him known. Its truths are countercultural, reminding us of biblical doctrine and guiding us on how to live our faith in a practical way.

Reviewed by Susan Sewell for Readers' Favorite

Do you feel overwhelmed and frustrated with your life? Do you feel like you should be more fulfilled as a Christian? You Can Hear the Voice of God Through All Your Spiritual Senses (The Awakening Christian Series: Book One) by Sallie Dawkins teaches us that God gifts us all with supernatural spiritual senses. Encouraging us to release our old ways of thinking, outdated beliefs, and practices, we become more open to allowing God's miracles into our lives. By letting go of antiquated doctrines and limiting beliefs, we can learn how to activate our spiritual senses and, by taking every thought captive, we fully align with God's voice. Complete with frequently asked questions for clarification, application challenges, and prayers at the end of each chapter, this study guide will increase your spiritual knowledge and enhance your love of yourself and Christ.

The non-fiction spiritual book, You Can Hear the Voice of God Through All Your Spiritual Senses by Sallie Dawkins lovingly reveals what's truly broken in the belief system of the Church. I'm impressed with how the author, Ms. Dawkins, gives her testimony. Her eloquence speaks to the reader, her writing shows glowing heartwarming honesty and humor. Incredibly intuitive, Ms. Dawkins teaches us how to experience God's incredible love through faith and belief. Unconditional love from the Divine Source can potentially transform the world. A must-read for those who long for and are seeking more from their relationship with Christ. It is a powerful read and a splendid and uplifting tool for those who wish to enhance their spiritual lives.

Reviewed by Dr. Jordan Alexander for Readers' Favorite

I was curious to see how meditation was blended into Lawrence Keller’s book, Guided Ignatian Contemplation: Meditations on the Gospels to Come Closer to the Heart of Jesus. I have tried on more than one occasion to read the Bible and believed that meditation and this book could help me come closer to the ‘heart of Jesus’. I’m so glad I gave it a try! First off, Ignatian contemplation as a ‘form of prayer’ was not something I had ever tried. It involves the reader using their imagination to bring the stories of Jesus to life. Here’s the best part, Keller gets you started as a fantastic guide using warm scenes and colorful passages to take you to different experiences and points in time. Guided Ignatian Contemplation takes you through fourteen other stories right there with Jesus. I found myself appreciating more about the different characters – all real and depicted with their full gamut of human emotions and foibles like pride, humility, and arrogance. Keller’s story choices in Guided Ignatian Contemplation are presented in the order that Jesus lived them. For me, the book was like a crash course in the Bible. The author has done all the heavy lifting, peppering scripture and Old and New Testament references.

I highly recommend Guided Ignatian Contemplation: Meditations on the Gospels to Come Closer to the Heart of Jesus to those that study the Bible as a reference to quickly put yourself into different scenes that you can meditate upon and grow your relationship with Jesus. It is simple but powerful and integrates what you know with more color and diverse perspectives. The book is also great for those with a bit of fear around Bible stories – especially if you've tried and failed on earlier Bible texts that were too hard to follow. Trust Lawrence Keller to take you to delightful new places, leaving you there to mingle with the key actors, including Jesus, and to reflect on passages and verses, where you’ll learn more about the Bible. Keller has found a way to bring peace and calm while learning and reflecting on some of the most famous stories of Jesus’ life. A must-read.