Overcomer (8 Ways To Live A Life Of Unstoppable Strength, Unmovable Faith, And Unbelievable Power) by Dr. David Jeremiah

I have read all of Dr. David Jeremiah's books. I have his penned devotionals, and I have the Jeremiah Study Bible. They have all become favorites in my arsenal of tools that aide me in  growing closer to Jesus. 

I must tell you that if there is only one book you read this season, this closing year, let it be this choice! Powerful in every way. My copy is highlighted and underlined on almost every page. It took me longer to read this book than any other I've read this past year. I would read only to go back and reread. This is certainly one I will keep on the shelf and go back to again and again. 

The focus of this book is Ephesians 6:10-18, the armor that should cover us daily, moment by moment. "Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the spirit, which is the word of God; praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints."

In ten chapters we go through overcoming weakness and strength, falsehood with truth, evil with good, anxiety with peace, fear with faith, confusion with wisdom, temptation with scripture, everything with prayer, and death with life. Through Christ we are overcomers! Too often we miss out on all of this protection because we skip the practice of praying our way through putting on the armor. 

This book contains such truths, such beautiful stories of Biblical people who overcame, and those in our lifetime who are overcomers. This book is encouraging and inspiring. It is heart moving and ground shaking. Every day we battle something, every moment is different. We are not immune to the tragedies of life, the unexpected battles. They will come sooner or later in our life, but there shouldn't be any fear in us because we can overcome with Christ! That's what these pages hold. This book is a valuable tool in growing us in our Christian walk. 

This would be a fantastic book for a study group, a youth group, a few friends over for coffee, and perfect for you and me today in this life that seems to bombard us until we are no longer moving forward in hope, but stagnant in our fears. I've been there. I have battled anxiety and still today walk that journey, but within these pages I have been reunited with a new focus to living with an overcoming attitude, knowing for certain that wearing the armor, putting it on daily, will make a difference. 

Within these pages I have learned more about the armor than any past studying I have done. This isn't just a book of what we should do, but how it is possible. Stories how others have overcome this life journey. Scripture to guide us. Explanations to each of the pieces of armor, why they were chosen, how to use them, and what each mean to us. 

Masterfully written with such intention and heart. Also easy to understand. Everything shared is explained so well. This is one of those books to take your time with. Yes, it's that's good! I am so thankful I chose this book and decided to fervently read it. It has caused me to open my Bible and study all that Dr. David Jeremiah has shared. 

I absolutely love it! 💗💗💗💗💗

This book was a gift from Thomas Nelson for sharing my review with you. 

Dr. David Jeremiah is the founder of Turning Point, an international ministry committed to providing Christians with sound Bible teaching through radio and television, the Internet, live events, and resource materials and books, including A Life Beyond Amazing, Is This the End?, The Spiritual Warfare Answer Book, David Jeremiah Morning and Evening Devotions, Airship Genesis Kids Study Bible, and The Jeremiah Study Bible. 

Dr. Jeremiah serves as senior pastor of Shadow Mountain Community Church in San Diego, California, where he resides with his wife, Donna. They have four grown children and twelve grandchildren. 

Freedom's Light by Colleen Coble

I chose this novel for two reasons. The author and the cover. I am a huge fan of Colleen Coble. I have read most of her penned works. I always walk away moved in some way and eager for the next in the series to be released. She's one of those timeless authors who can pen a novel of any genre and touch the heart in a powerful way. 

The cover is beautiful. What I really love is the lighthouse and the title. So telling of this story. He is our Lighthouse and it is through Him that we will forever find freedom and a safe harbor. 

We travel back in time to the Revolutionary War. America at that time was torn. Seems relevant to our world today. There is much going on in this novel. We have love and hate, loss and gain, faith and trust, believing in God or believing in self, family honor, staying true to one's convictions or swaying to the other side, obsession and forgiveness. We meet characters battling many emotions of the heart. 

This is well written and Coble brings these characters to life as if we were there walking this story with them. We see the good in these characters and their struggle. Some characters are strong and likeable while others are not. But that is life, right? The struggle of finding truth and where we need to be, and remaining true to who we are, not losing sight along our life's journey of what's most valuable.

I really enjoyed this novel. I admire Christian writers who remain true to themselves writing faith-centered novels. Freedom's Light is unlike anything I have read penned by Coble. Although different, very enjoyable. I cannot wait to see what's next to come. That is very telling of a happy reader. 

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This novel was a gift from Thomas Nelson for sharing my review with you. 

Colleen Coble is a USA TODAY bestselling author and RITA finalist best known for her romantic suspense novels, including Tidewater Inn, Rosemary Cottage, and the Mercy Falls, Lonestar, Rock Harbor, and Sunset Cove series. Visit her website at www.colleencoble.com. 

Catching Christmas by Terri Blackstock

This afternoon I sat down with this novel in hand. A few hours later I closed the last page being moved greatly from this unexpected blessing. 

So different from anything penned by Terri Blackstock. I have been a fan for years of her gifted writing. Loving her thriller and suspenseful novels and series. But this novel, for me today, exceeds them all. I love when God does His thing in His perfect timing. 

I wish I had a copy of this novel to give to every friend and family member. A wonderful read for now, before Christmas when all gets crazy and overdone. A novel for the heart to be moved to change. That makes this a standout novel. 

A faith-centered read with three characters that stole my heart. I could relate to the cab driver and the granddaughter. The grandmother, she could be my mother. Placing myself in the part of the granddaughter. My mother is in the early stages of dementia. For me, there are times I feel less like a daughter and more so a nurse, a grocery shopper, a driver, fill in the blank. All the while trying to find myself in my own busy life. With all that being said, this novel made me stop and think. A last Christmas? Maybe. We never know, but that is what these three characters help us see through their transparent lives. 

A cab driver, living with guilt, is changed forever when he is called to the house of a sweet old lady. This is his second chance. A granddaughter, caught in the life of a job that has taken over her life and trying her best to care for the grandmother who she loves so much. The sweet Callie, she wants to make it the best Christmas ever. These three lives are intertwined as God intercedes and brings them together for a time that will bring unexpected blessings. 

I love the sweetness of this story. Such a simple message, but one we easily forget. Beauty fills every page of this novel. I too love that Terri shares how this story was brought to black and white. I am so thrilled she shared it. A story my heart needed and words I needed reminding of today. 

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This novel was a gift from Thomas Nelson for sharing my review with you. 

Terri Blackstock has sold over seven million books worldwide and is a New York Times and USA TODAY bestselling author. She is the award-winning author of Intervention, Vicious Cycle, and Downfall, as well as such series as If I Run, Moonlighters, and Cape Refuge.