"Playing with Holy Fire" is very practical and helpful and easy to read
343694
As an insider within the Pentecostal/Charismatic movement since 1971, the baby is preserved while the bath water is thrown out in "Playing with Holy Fire" by Michael L. Brown PhD.  Brown has been described as "A theologian who knows how to dance".  "Playing with Holy Fire" is very practical and helpful and easy to read. If you are seeking to worship God in Spirit and in Truth, this book is for you.
1306165
Excellent! This book does a very good job of addressing the "gap between our love for the gospel and our love for holiness" (pg 21). He covers some very challenging topics that are difficult to understand and some that simply challenge your way of life. This is a culturally relevant book that makes many references to the current state of the church and the challenge of Christians living holy lives in our current time. The real thrust of the book, in my opinion, is helping the Christian understand that "God wants you to be holy. Through faith he already counts you holy in Christ. Now he intends to make you holy with Christ" (pg 146).

I usually don't like too many stories in my theology books, but he includes a short and usually funny story at the beginning of each chapter that he then works it in to the theme and message of that chapter. They are not generalized but real (I would assume) stories about the author that are quite personal and help to understand the chapter topic in a more practical way. This is good in a book on sanctification. What is the point of knowing the theory of it if there is no practice of it in your life?

Finally, I think my favorite aspects are the bluntness of the approach and the Biblical references sited throughout.
2308788
This book caught my eye at a book table and was then recommended by someone I respect. The idea of celebrating a subject that often makes me groan (discipline) sounded enticing and the chapter headings were about daily aspects of spiritual life that apply to a crossection of religions. Two things I realy like about this book are that it is written in simple, direct language despite the author's rich knowledge base of theologians throughout history. He can grasp themes and summarize them into meaningful and readable prose. The other thing I like is that the wisdom in this book translates to daily life. There are practical suggestions and guidelines as well as theological premises. I recommend this for anyone who seeks a positive and intimate guide for practicing disciplines like prayer, simplicity, and service in their spiritual journed.
681200
I'm a pastor.  People are often asking me, "How do I know what God's will is for my life?"  They think of God's will as path that is difficult to find and easy to wonder off once one is on it.  In truth, God's will is to share life with us.  Discernment is how we recognize God near us, nudging, guiding,healing, and enriching us. The whole Companions in Christ series helps us to recognize God sharing life with us, but The Way of Discernment is particularly helpful in how to recognize and then respond to the leadership of the Holy Spirit in one's life.  I have done a lot of reading in this area and the Way of Discernment is intensely practical and accessible while not skimping a bit on this life long journey of learning how to recognize God beside us.  Can't recommend it enough.  It is a good resource for group study of anyone desiring how to sense the leading of the Holy Spirit in their lives, as well as for leadership teams endeavoring to follow as Jesus leads their church.
2049929
This book is very informative and has practical steps to help you understand the the different ways God may lay something on your heart. The emphasis on allowing prayer to guide you to obtain the full meaning and what to do with what God places on your heart is very good. The message of unity between believers and growing close to God permeates throughout the book. The closer you get to God the more He can trust you more and start to reveal things to you on a more regular basis. I really like the way the author explains things in a simple and easy to understand wording. You must get this book! It will help you to grow and learn. Very good book!
3938850
Brother Lawrence has given us a very practical approach to experiencing the presence of Christ moment-by-moment.  He desribes in wonderful simplicity what it is like to walk in constant awareness of the love of God.

Lawrence writes, "If I were a preacher, I would preach nothing but practicing the presence of God... I would urge everyone to be aware of God's constant presence, if for no other reason than because His presence is a delight to our souls and spirits."

Lawrence shares of practical exercises that he found ushers him into the daily presence of God.  What might seem ritualistic and unnatural... should become very natural and fluid.  He covers the topic of effective prayer and helps us to break away from our religious concepts of the spiritual life.  It is time to draw near to God as Person instead of the distant Father who demands work to gain favor.

This little book will aid you in your pursuit of experiencing the depths and riches of Jesus Christ.  It will help to bring about the much anticipated spiritual revolution that the church so desperately needs in our day.  If you are ready to leave religion and are looking to find the natural faith of Christ... Brother Lawrence will help in that journey.

I also recommend reading:

<a data-hook="product-link-linked" class="a-link-normal" href="/EXPERIENCING-THE-DEPTHS-OF-JESUS-CHRIST-VOLUME-2/dp/B000JJTCEC/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_rvw_txt?ie=UTF8">EXPERIENCING THE DEPTHS OF JESUS CHRIST  VOLUME 2</a>
<a data-hook="product-link-linked" class="a-link-normal" href="/THE-SPIRITUAL-MAN-VOLUMES-1-2-3/dp/B000GSPYHK/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_rvw_txt?ie=UTF8">THE SPIRITUAL MAN  VOLUMES 1,2, 3</a>
<a data-hook="product-link-linked" class="a-link-normal" href="/The-Release-of-the-Spirit/dp/0935008837/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_rvw_txt?ie=UTF8">The Release of the Spirit</a>
<a data-hook="product-link-linked" class="a-link-normal" href="/The-Centrality-of-Jesus-Christ-Works-of-T-Austin-Sparks-Volume-One/dp/094023260X/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_rvw_txt?ie=UTF8">The Centrality of Jesus Christ (Works of T. Austin-Sparks) Volume One</a>
914168
In Resolving Everyday Conflict, Ken Sande and Kevin Johnson offer very biblical and very practical counsel for helping believers deal with life's inevitable friction. Sande is well-known from his work with Peacemaker Ministries, and his skill is on display in this helpful little book.

Positives

 Sande and Johnson make conflict resolution seem very simple. They helpfully call on readers to first focus on the glory of God and to repent of their own personal sin in the conflict before gently confronting others with the intent of restoration and reconciliation. In my own experience as a pastor, the first two major points, calling individuals to focus first on God's glory and to act first to repent of their own sin before accusing others, are life-savers when it comes to bringing conflicts to resolution.

 In the book, Sande also shares seven keys to an appropriate confession of sin. These seven principles, all beginning with the letter "A", are themselves worth the price of the book. Without giving away the list, I found the call to avoid words such as "if", "maybe", and "but" when making a confession to be vital.

Negatives

 My only negative here is that I would happily have read more. Readers might find themselves disappointed that this book does not delve into issues of the deeper hurts of life. But, as the title suggests, this book is intended to help us resolve everyday conflicts, not the kinds of crushing hurts that some might want to solve. For help in healing deeper wounds, looking at a bigger and more thorough work will be necessary--though this book could certainly be a help too.

Conclusion

 I would eagerly recommend Resolving Everyday Conflict to any pastor, counselor, or everyday believer who wants a helpful system to apply to normal, human struggles. This book is easy-to-read, helpful, and practical.

Audio

 I Listened to the excellent audio version of this book from ChristianAudio.com. Maurice England read the book in a very clear and engaging way. I received my audio copy for free as a part of the ChristianAudio reviewers program.
2711197
I really enjoyed this book, each chapter is so easy to read and with practical advice in every page. Since reading it I went back to Journaling and it is making a difference in my Spiritual life. Highly recommend it.
3777625
For years Ive listened to Dennis Rainey on Family Life Today. I was eager to read his latest book, and reading it was just like listening to his practical, biblical advice on the radio.

Dennis writes with an engaging down-to-earth style. This would be an excellent gift book for a graduating senior, whether a girl or boy. This book would also make a great group discussion guide for youth ministry. I may use it as a one-to-one Bible study springboard with my own children.

Here are a few of my favorite quotes from his book:

Our hearts were made to hunger, which is one reason temptation can pull us so easily along.

Wisdom is a godly skill for everyday living. It is the application of knowledgein how to do life the way God designed it. Wisdom takes the raw components of life and skillfully crafts them, makes them beautiful and purposeful as God intended life to be.

Seeking God requires a determination, a commitment, a wholehearted pursuit. We won't wish our way into it; theres no such thing as an ambivalent God seeker.

Dennis illustrates the book with real-life stories of his own childhood, his marriage, and his intentional parenting years. I enjoyed his humble spirit and friendly, yet firm, advice. He also includes many different reading references which would be a blessing to explore. Full of sound advice, this book is a gentle and kindhearted inspirational read.

Netgalley was gracious to provide me a free review copy of this book.
2671789
this is an invaluable little book, both as a guide to those to who are new to the idea of listening to God and those who have experience but want to know more or want refreshing or a new approach. It is easy to read, full of practical ideas and tips

and fills a gap in the market- a beginner's guide if you like. Liz has a very down to earth and easy to read style and is very real about her own struggles to take time to listen. This honesty is part of what makes this book so relevant to the reader. One of the best books she has written.
3942655
Creative Visualization is definitely a helpful book when it comes to practical tips and techniques on how to set goals and objectives and how to use meditation and visualization to achieve or - as the suggested terminology goes - `manifest' them.  I found the book easy and entertaining to read and consider the practical techniques explained in Chapter IV particularly useful.  For those who believe in and practice the Silva Method this book is certainly a recommended reading since it provides useful tips on how to make the method's mental programming exercises even more effective and successful.  If the number of books allowed to be taken to that proverbial deserted island would be limited to one in every topic then this would certainly be the one on visualization...
4049197
I loved this practical, easy-to-read book. Darrin Patrick does an excellent job writing to every man without diatribes in Christianese. I feel like I could (and I will) give this book to a committed Christian, as well as someone who isn't a believer. One of the best parts of this book are the questions to ask your spouse after each chapter. All made me think deeply and really hit the root of the matter that the chapter discusses.
4531378
This is a very practical book that can be applied by anyone. I can tell the writer respects Muslims and encourages his readers to act in love and good will while showing the way to the Kingdom. Finally, there is a good balance between contextualization and the Gospel message.
3881768
By the time I put Love Does down, I felt inspired to take a few leaps and maybe do a few crazy things with my own life.  Goff wrote in such a practical and encouraging way, leaving the reader feeling like this "secretly incredible life" he wrote about was within reach and not some far-off, unattainable way.  Love Does was simply about taking those small measurable steps to loving Jesus and others in very practical ways.  His anecdotes were refreshing and encouraging, and I often found myself laughing out loud at how absurd some were.  I love the idea of taking my children on a ten-year-old adventure some day.  I love the idea of having "really successful bake sales to get rid of the bad guys."  I love his stories of outlandish involvement in wedding proposals and trips taken around the world with his children to meet numerous  world leaders.  Goff writes in such a way that makes me want Jesus more and makes me want to "leak Jesus."  This book got added to my all-time favorites list by the time I got done.
2737836
This book teaches practical skills to support missional living. It's easy to follow and doesn't take much preparation, just a willingness to try it out. Walks you step by step on how to listen well and understand where people are coming from, and then imagine with them what their faith journey might look like. It helps people who love Jesus overcome barriers and misconceptions that keep us from doing what we want and should do: sharing that relationship with others.

Everyone in my community group learned and grew in this process. And even better, we have new relationships outside the group as a result. And that has breathed new life into our group.
1317594
My opinions:
I have been in the midst of reading this book, and I love the wonderful organization of topics, and how it's quite easy to read. Furthermore, it contains very practical, spiritual advice which I found very inspiring, if you are looking for ways to live daily life as a better Muslim, to feel closer to God, and to achieve more spiritual inner peace. It is written in a very engaging and good way. It's one of those books that's good to purchase and keep reading consistently, because it helps you to reflect on God's guidance in a day-to-day fashion.
3236601
The 4:8 Principle is an interesting mix of spiritual truth and practical wisdom. I've never read a book that has so many ideas that you can really use and would want to use. It's easy to read and you even feel better as you are turning the pages. The best part of the book is probably the two chapters on managing negative emotions. Newberry identifies what he calls really awful thoughts (RATs) and how you can eliminate them by changing your perspective about them. Almost anyone could relate to this material and it is very helpful for anyone, but especially for couples. The other thing that I liked is the end of chapter prayers which summarize the main ideas from each chapter. Overall, it is a book to use with a highlighter. Given all the negativity in the world, this book comes at a great time.