Unity minister helps people use prayer to help them prosper
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Catherine Ponder's books are a wealth of insights about prosperity consciousness. A lot of people think the Bible preaches poverty as a virtue; but the Bible is also a manual for prosperity. Ponder skillfully guides readers to a new way of thinking about prosperity as a birthright for everyone, not just a chosen few. Well worth reading.
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The Jesus Prayer brings an ancient prayer tradition to the awareness of modern Christians. John Michael Talbot teaches Christians how they can pray without ceasing as they master this form of contemplative prayer. More than that, Talbot explores the individual words and phrases of the prayer both for their depth of meaning and as meaningful points of meditation.
In his ministry, Talbot easily crosses boundaries between Catholic and Protestant worlds, as well as between eastern and western traditions, breaking down barriers between them. This book is a good example of how that can be done, although some Protestants might still think it "too Catholic." I expect that this book might well serve as a helpful step toward Christian unity as well as a resource for enriching our lives of prayer.
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With One Cry is a powerful, quick read, of the importance of prayer and the most powerful ways of directing our prayers.
Many important key points are addressed with quotes from several "founding fathers, to the changes in our country and government since then up to our present day. With the upcoming elections, it is most important we unite our prayers together, asking for wisdom and direction for not necessarily a righteous person but one whom God can lead.
Author, David Butts, suggests one needs to put trust in God not in the country nor a human being. He discusses various "awakenings". I particularly like the way he suggests Christians approach his/her nation not as Christian culture but as a missionary-minded nation where we do not force Christian ways on others, but strive to understand their attitudes and views without judging them.
If we can unite in prayer - regardless of what our religion is - great things can again begin to happen and the Constitution and greater peace will abound because of it.
In addition to the "Prayer Points" throughout the book, The book ends with a National Prayer Accord  - a prayer guide for specific times Quarterly, Monthly, Weekly and Daily.
This is an inspiring, well written book.
*This book was sent to me in exchange for an honest review, of which I have given.
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Ryan Romeo has been a point person in organizing a series of large-scale worship concerts featuring some of the biggest names in Christian music.  His book OUTCRY: New Voices Speak Out About the Power of the Church could have been a promotional puff piece for his concerts and the artists.  It is that, to a limited extent, but it's actually much more than that.

The OUTCRY artists, including Crowder, Bethel Music, Rend Collective, and others, play the "big rooms," sell lots of records, and get plenty of radio airplay.  They could easily see themselves as aloof from the local church, existing on a plane superior to the weekly ins and outs of average congregations.  Far from that, both Romeo's text and the shorter selections written by the artists wholeheartedly embrace and endorse the local church, large and small.

Romeo write that OUTCRY isn't a movement in itself.  "The next big thing is here.  But it's been here for two thousand years.  It's the local church."  He calls us to love Jesus by loving his bride.  He calls us to service to the church in order to make a "meaningful impact on friends, family, and community."  The local church is "a worthy and significant calling to give your life to."

Beyond that, Romeo calls on the church to enjoy our unity.  He acknowledges that there are theological differences among denominations, but that our similarities should drive us toward communal worship and fellowship.  The OUTCRY worship concerts are a perfect setting and expression of unity: drawing diverse Christians together for worship, while affirming the many expressions of worship and varied theological perspectives in local churches.  I like his take on Jesus' prayer for unity: "Will we see a perfect unity in the church one day?  Yes, because Jesus prayed for it.  Do we have it yet?  No, because Jesus prayed for it."

OUTCRY challenges readers to embrace the local church and pour themselves into it.  Romeo also tells stories of the unity and fellowship the OUTCRY artists enjoyed while on tour, a model for our interactions with other Christians.  These artists play on a big stage, and lots of people know their names, but they are playing for an audience of one, glorifying the name of the one who knows all of our names.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the complimentary electronic review copy!
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The book "If My People" guides believers on a 40-day prayer journey in the spirit of 2 Chronicles 7:14. "If My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land."

In the days prior to the election, this prayer booklet guides believers through 40 days of prayer, plus providing prayers from past presidents, inspired during some of our country's darkest days. This book is just right for a devotional focusing on our nation and the coming election. This book is getting me into the habit of turning to God daily and trusting HIM no matter what.

I highly recommend this book and setting aside 40 days to seek God's will for our country. The side effect of doing so will be setting your heart and mind on HIM and his will for your life. Throughout the book there are quotes from various Presidents that acknowledges Gods sovereignty and hand on America from George Washington to Ronald Reagan. I found this book very inspiring and this is what I call a NOW book.

I received this book free from the publisher through the BookLook Bloggers book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.
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An inspiring look at how one very unique church is reaching out to those that feel left out and don't fit in with the average church.

  The story is told how the pastor felt God calling him to start a church for the `left out and right brained'. He describes his frustration as he waited many years for his dream to come to fruition. He often worked in jobs that he had little passion for, all the while having a tremendous passion to reach out to young people. Finally at one job in sales, his boss prayed for him and decided to support him in ministry and as a result Scum of the Earth Church in Denver was born.

  Every Sunday morning his church (Scum of the Earth Church) will cook breakfast in their kitchen and eat together before the service. It's a pretty unique thing to walk into church and have this delicious smell of bacon wafting thru the air. The people there just wanted to have a regular home cooked meal together. It is a place where they could take some time to be real with each other and share their lives, as opposed to how a lot of us that grew up with `surface talk' with coffee and cookies in the fellowship hall.

  Because of the love that's been shown by this church to those in the neighborhood, many have come to "Scum" who would have never darkened the doors of a church. Many have been hurt throughout their lives, and for the first time have found a church where they can come just as they are. Here they find hope, healing, acceptance and a place to belong in the family of God.

  If you are looking for a story of how one church re-writes the redemptive narrative of the marginalized, then this will paint a picture of what that looks like.
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'Something always happens when we pray" This is one of the first statements I recall hearing, from Fr. Nigel when I first met him a few years before his illness. I encourage you to read this book, read his story, and see how the importance of prayer from any level by any person who aligns themselves with God will be heard.

This book is an amazing story of a man pulled back into this earthly world by the multitudes of prayer warriors who by Gods grace had the privilege to pray.  God will meet you where you pray. I knew his wife Lynn had requested no visitors "inside the hospital", but I had the privilege to pray in the parking lot, or on my long drives for work, daily, hourly or minute by minute as we were updated of his prayer needs. God is the ultimate healer, but anyone of us can be a conduit.

I hope this book encourages you in your faith, and gives you the courage to step up your prayer life, or even to begin one. God is listening, and remember something always happens when we pray.
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This little book was recommended by a long time, good friend whom I respect highly. He and I have similar views on organized religion, especially the Christian religion and all its many denominations. Rarely does the Christian church speak clearly and timely. In this day and age people are looking for spirituality, a deep spirituality, which involves a genuine way to talk/pray to the Higher Power we call God. Most prayers I've heard prayed individually or corporately in a public setting always seems to be a mini sermon lifted up to God but intended for those gathered. People, especially unchurched, young people as well as many of the young people who are churched and seeking want to know how to pray. God demands no loftly nor flowery language, especially with the 'thees' and 'thous'. Anne Lamott gives us the essentals of prayer in her book which comes out of her life experience. It involves 3 things, saying help, saying thanks, and then saying wow! This book is refreshing and an open door for those seeking to deepen their spiritual life, even for someone like me who can't a place to light on on the spectrum of belief.
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I would encourage all Christians to read Count To One. Jesus's prayer in John 17 was for the church to be one as He and the Father are one. Jesus longed for His Body to be united in the proclamation of the "Good News" to a world that is bruised and in chaos. The "Church" needs to hear and receive this message. The "Church" not only needs to hear the message, it needs to act on it. God's heartbeat is unity in His Body. Bishop Robert shares, in a very profound way, God's heart for His "Church!"  The Apostle Paul said, "There is one body and one spirit... one Lord, one baptism; one God and Father of all!!! Jesus is coming back for one bride. His bride!

Pick up the book! Read it and meditate on what Bishop Robert is saying about unity and the message of John 17. But don't only read it and then put it on the shelf. Act on what Bishop Robert has said in his book. Set aside all your pre-conceived notions about other believers (denominations) and listen to God's heart. Be a catalyst for unity in your community, city, state, and nation. God is on the move in this world and he needs all who believe that Jesus is the Christ and that you are saved by grace alone unto good works to come together to advance His Kingdom. This is a book that will change your life. Your friend. Bill Pezzutti

Passion for God - Compassion for people
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For prayiing and thoughts and direction for pastors and Christians to add vitality and depth to a congregation or classes.
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This book is a faith building account of the ministry of John G.Lake.  Mr. Lake had a very unusal ministry in the area of Praying for the sick.  He was a man of faith and purpose.  Very encouraging and scriptural.  I would recommend this book to any one that is burden with illnes and pain.
Thomas Wall
Jackson, MO
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This distributor considers it a blessings to serve their follow Christians. It is evident the pride they take in their business. Their ministry is a blessing in so many ways. They care for the common man. Their faith in God are reminders to all of us of what is really important in life.
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This little book is packed with key insights about prayer. Under the guidance of theologian Ron Cole-Turner, we are guided to thinking of prayer in a way that may be new to many. We often think that prayer is something we generate, or that the effects of prayer rest on our human actions. But Cole-Turner invites us to recognize the New Testament perspectives which show us that theologically, prayer is the work of the triune God. Father, Son, and Holy Spirit are active in the work of prayer--the Son and the Spirit intercede with the Father on our behalf. With this divine conversation already underway, we are prompted--by the Spirit, to enter into the conversation; and we hear Jesus Christ already praying on our behalf.

These perspectives can provide new energy for prayer. It is the energy that rests in what God in Christ and through the Spirit is already doing for us. We are participating in the life of the Trinity. As part of the community called church, we pray in the context of the relationships we have with others in Christ. The community of faith brings us into connection with all others who pray.

I highly recommend this book as a thoughtful theological guide to prayer. It can put new energy and vitality into our lives of prayer and draw us into the incredible joy and power of prayer.
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Offers many of his experiences that have help the author in his pastorial duties. Prayer has moved out of the closet and is being used by more people besides those praying for victories on the football field.
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Ophelia's inspiring story tells how something so hurtful can be used to minister to others facing the same situation.  I would recommend it for anyone facing a difficulty of any kind in life.  God can use everything for His Glory.
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Our family do not live on the streets of Springvale or the slums of Thailand. I do not work with Urban Neighbours of Hope. But I am challenged by UNOHs church planting and community development among some of the poorest neighbourhoods in Australia and Asia. They have helped open my eyes to the urban poor where UNOH works but also in my own neighbourhood. UNOH friends have modelled opening their lives to neighbours and have inspired me to see myself as a missionary and community development worker and pastor to my neighbourhood.

Jon Owen is an activist and practitioner in urban mission. With his wife Lisa he has worked with UNOH since 1997, for a decade in Springvale in Melbourne and now in Western Sydney. He does not just write theory or ideas of what should be done, but reflects on his own grassroots stories of overcoming prejudice, advocating for East Timorese refugees, mediating violence, praying for the oppressed and being open to Gods surprises.

The books eight chapters intersperse Owens stories with fresh readings of gospel accounts of what Jesus did in ministering to people on the margins. It connects the gospel with issues of Australian culture, transcending gender expectations, overcoming consumerism and violence, and welcoming asylum seekers. How does the gospel address our society and its power and affluence, apathy and marginalisation? What spirituality helps sustain urban missionaries working in neighbourhoods notorious for their poverty, drug use and violence? These are critical questions for mission in contemporary Australia, and Muddy Spirituality grapples with them honestly, biblically and with a dose of humour.

The writer warmly introduces his readers to the compassion of A God who has a dream for this world, a dream that is not based on domination, but one that requires, desires and yearns for our participation (p19). I especially appreciate his warning not to mistake information for transformation, or radical discipleship action for conferences and books. Spirituality is not down to earth if it does not model and emphasise the social aspects of faith and help the church minister in places where the world hurts the most (p. 164).

Muddy Spirituality is an inspiring grassroots book ideal for anyone wanting to explore radical discipleship, missional spirituality and urban mission from a grassroots perspective.

This review was originally published in Australian Journal of Mission Studies, 6:2 (December 2012), 78.
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Ron Camerrer is a passionate promoter and encourager of the use of Bluegrass Gospel jam events to bless people. This book stands as a record of his distilled wisdom, born of experience, in starting, promoting, leading, and maintaining a Gospel jam. Its about inviting and encouraging people of all ages to come together (singers, players, both, and neither) around music.

Ron is not afraid to share his weaknesses and mistakes as a leader as well as his triumphs. But over and over he emphasizes that you don't have to be a perfect leader to lead, just as you don't have to be a polished musician to make music. Its about participation and sharing.
Words that come to mind after reading the book are music, singing, kids, inviting, encouraging, peace, and participation. He has a clear vision of what hes trying to do and how he has learned to do it most effectively. In the final chapter he shares his testimony as a broken man coming to find peace and purpose through this unique ministry.

As a pastor and a Bluegrass musician, I resonate with what Ron is teaching and what he is passionate about. It really is a kind of evangelism that is inviting, welcoming, winsome, genuine, and joyful. This summer I also had the opportunity to read Mary Robinsons book, My Journey in His Story about her ministry with her husband as Missionaries to the Bluegrass Community. Both the Robinsons and Camerrer use Bluegrass Gospel jams to reach and minister to people, but whereas Camerrer has built a local ministry with an on-going jam, the Robinsons travel the Bluegrass festival circuit and create jam events (often on Sunday mornings) as a way to minister to those attending the festivals. Both ministries are unique and exciting ways to connect with people for the sake of the Gospel.

The audience for Camerrers book is, understandably, very small, so instead of being retained by a publisher, Camerrer self-published. Im glad he did, because this was a good way to get the information in the hands of people who could use it. That being said, the book suffers a bit from not having an outside editor to help streamline it. The information is good, but is presented somewhat repetitively. It tends to read like a web log (blog) with ideas recurring as if the reader hadnt already come across them two or three times before in previous chapters. Still, I would highly recommend this book to anyone interested in starting, leading, or even maintaining a Bluegrass Gospel jam. His insights are spot-on and his experience is invaluable.