The Encounter Sometimes God Has to Intervene By Stephen Arterburn Published by Thomas Nelson Though the story related in The Encounter is fictional, Arterburn explains that he developed the story through a compilation two true stories. The book is basically divided into two parts, the first being the fictional story itself of The Encounter. The second part is the brief retelling for the two true stories, followed by a few “questions and concepts” Arterburn has included to help the reader in dealing with their own similar personal issues. The storyline is centered around the life a man named Jonathan Rush. Rush is returning to his hometown of Fairbanks, Alaska in…
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The Blessing
The Blessing Giving the Gift of Unconditional Love and Acceptance By John Trent & Gary Smalley Published by Thomas Nelson In 1986 authors Gary Smalley and John Trent first published their best-selling book entitled The Blessing. In 2011, Trent has now revised and updated The Blessing. I originally read The Blessing a few years ago and was introduced to the concept of the importance of receiving and giving something they call “the blessing” particularly within a family. I enjoyed re-reading this book with a my own fresh perspective, as a parent now myself. The authors list five elements essential to “The Blessing”. These five elements consist of: 1. Meaningful and appropriate…
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God’s Love Letters To You
God’s Love Letters To You A 40-Day Devotional Experience By Larry Crabb Published by Thomas Nelson A 40-day devotional centering around forty of the sixty-six books of the Bible. God’s Love Letters To You consists of forty brief chapters, each focusing on an idea from one book of the Bible. Though not every book in the Bible is referenced, the idea is implied that the author is attempting to span the entire Bible starting at Genesis and ending with Revelation. Author Larry Crabb shares his insights on Biblical themes such as trusting God, persevering, God’s faithfulness, authentic love, obedience and brokenness. Each daily devotion also includes a few points to…
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A Place Called Blessing
A Place Called Blessing Where Hurting Ends and Love Begins By John Trent with Annette Smith Published by Thomas Nelson In 1986 authors Gary Smalley and John Trent first published their best-selling book entitled The Blessing. More than two decades later, Dr. John Trent has published a companion book to The Blessing in A Place Called Blessing. Great as either a stand alone read or in conjunction with studying The Blessing, A Place Called Blessing succinctly illustrates in story format how to live out the concepts presented in The Blessing. Though the story related in A Place Called Blessing is fictional, Trent explains that he developed the story through a…