God Reads presents The Arsenal of Grace: Confidence Out of Suffering by Nigel Bird

The Arsenal of Grace: Confidence Out of Suffering by Nigel Bird is a collection of articles and perspectives from the author written at different dates and pertaining to his experiences, reflections, perspectives - all written at different times in his walk with the Lord to help others and inspire others as they are willing to read his writings. 

He states his book is “A collection of articles fleshing out a considered Christian viewpoint respecting the Bible but based on relationship with God and other people arising from intelligence, learning, and mental suffering.”

Further stating he is inspired by the grace of God, he offers readers a glimpse of the cross, the free gift of salvation, and of the arsenal of grace that he calls ammunition from the foot of the cross.  His writings serves as autobiographical giving insight into his early college years, his health, and his sufferings. Written all to bring encouragement to others to learn to listen, pray, and keep a Biblical perspective as it pertains to godly relationships.

He is an author that has taken time also to write letters giving feedback as to his experiences at a particular church for them to reflect upon as “positive criticism” to come up higher in the attaining to unity within the Christian theme of unity in churches, what the Bible calls a healthy church, and what being evangelical looks like from his definition, to include, as such he describes, perspectives of others as mentioned in his bibliography.

The author shares in this book that God’s greatest gift to humanity is that of “salvation and eternity with Him. But that God’s greatest earthly gift must be that of prayer, such that we can approach the throne of God at any time, without any fear, knowing that He yearns to engage with us…” Therefore, his letters, stories, articles, and words are a culmination of his writings that endeavour to reveal the grace of God and the beauty of God to inspire whosoever chooses to read his book. He also emphasises that the art of listening to one’s heart, not judging, and having empathy serves as a catalyst to relationship as a Christian.  

With that said may the beauty of the Gospel and that of prayer give insight and share the beauty of the Grace of God in loving each other. His hopes are that others would be inspired, encouraged, and helped in whatever state life finds them in. A CBM Christian Book Review ~ 10.0 out of 10.0 stars

You may get your copy of The Arsenal of Grace at Amazon and in Kindle as a download. Be sure to visit the author at The Arsenal of Grace for more information.

Humorous, Nostalgic and A Blessing To Read - Earthly Stories with Spiritual Meaning

Available At Amazon and
In Kindle As A Download

Danny Dodson’s book releases gives us a collection of his own life experiences that offer “lessons learned” insight to uplift the spiritual condition of readers while giving them a bit of entertainment along the way. 

Some of the stories are humorous, and some are nostalgic, as the author points out. However, all involve the application of life experiences that teach us valuable principles we need to learn from the Holy Scriptures. We travel along our earthly journeys in preparation for an eternal home; but, in the meantime, while on Earth, our earthly stories can have deep spiritual significance. This is the purpose of the book – to teach some spiritual lessons learned from real-life events, and to give readers a deeper understanding of their own walk with God.

Deeply insightful, the author starts off with the book’s first section being entitled “Walking Worthy.”  Does this not say it all?  Then he delves into chapters that offer really wonderful insights with teachings that one cannot lay aside. Chapters within Section 1: “Walking Worthy” include: How’s Your Eyesight? The Servant Attitude, The Power of Working Together, and Lacing Up Your Gospel Shoes.  Section 2: “Overcoming Satan” includes: The Devil Sounds A Lot Like God, Unable to Walk, The Jericho Road, and Christian Superpowers and Kryptonite. Section 3: “Looking to the Goal” includes: Heaven Will Surely Be Worth It All, Keeping Your Eyes on Jesus, and Christ and the Church. And Section 4: “Final Thoughts” includes: Uncomfortable Joy, and Mother’s Last Message.  All these chapters give deep meaning and understanding to the valleys and mountaintops we all experience.

I find his book a fantastic read to help understand that there is victory on the other side. His teachings are truly invaluable, life-changing, and a blessing to read. As a long-time Bible student, teacher, and preacher, his writings are sermons that one will not forget.

Filled with Scriptural insight and much teaching, this book comes as highly recommended to those in need of spiritual direction, Biblical encouragement, and inspiration!

Earthly Stories with Spiritual Meaning:
Spiritual Lessons Learned from Real Life Events
Danny Dodson
A CBM Christian Book Review
10.0 out of 10.0 stars

You may get your copy of Earthly Stories with Spiritual Meaning at Amazon and in Kindle as a download.

God Reads Presents The Shepherd: Experiencing Psalm 23

Wonderful insight and Biblical integrity envelope the book, giving readers hope, inspiration, comfort, courage, and hope. All will see that walking with the Lamb of God as the Good Shepherd is the way to peace, contentment, and hope in this dark world. It is the Good Shepherd who gave His life for the sheep. 

Experiencing this book brings a deeper appreciation for the Cross and a greater understanding of Psalms 22, 23, and Psalm 24 as well. It was David who penned these psalms, which are still incredibly relevant for today. They also reveal the magnificence of Jesus Christ, the Messiah, who came to save the world and to die on a Cross for all who would receive Him. This is an exemplary book!

James Collins takes readers through the 23rd Psalm – giving readers the experience of one of the most popular Psalms in the Bible. He describes Psalm 23 as a psalm for all of life. When faced with trials, tribulation, sorrow, and death – the Psalm gives comfort to all. When in need of hope – Psalm 23 gives comfort and courage to all who would seek to understand that we are His chosen people and we are the sheep of His (Christ’s) pasture. And He is the Good Shepherd, the Shepherd who cares for the sheep. There is no other Psalm like the 23rd Psalm to help one understand the care that the Shepherd gives to His sheep.

Within that the author endeavors to help readers understand the deeper meaning of the contrast between saying that Jesus is My Shepherd. The line that struck me was there are no wild sheep. If sheep run they will die in the wild. As such, he defines the absolute care and protection that the Shepherd brings to His flock. The Shepherd cares for each and every one, as a shepherd in the field cares for the sheep. He also mentions that even though Psalm 23 is often read at funerals, Psalm 23 is a psalm for all the days of our lives – to give life and hope.

With such chapters as: That’s Enough, The Right Path, Through the Valley, Behind Enemy Lines, The Best is Yet to Come, I Am the Good Shepherd, Shepherds and the Lamb with a chapter on How to Receive Christ – making this book an experience of Psalm 23 and a life-changing Psalm.

I love the interludes, the thought-provoking stories, and the way he summarizes what he writes in a simplistic way without too much theology or long-winded preaching. The author speaks from the heart as a Biblical counselor and pastor that comforts.

A highly recommended read for those looking for hope and encouragement amid fear, anxiety, worry, and depression – Psalm 23 is a lifetime Psalm for all.

A CBM Christian Book Review
10.0 out of 10.0 stars

You may get your copy of The Shepherd: Experiencing Psalm 23 at Amazon or in Kindle as a download. 

Intriguing Commentary, Alongside Sometimes Humorous Experiences

Reading Devotions from a Friend is similar to sitting down with a trusted friend and discussing various topics with a treasured friend over a cup of coffee or a meal. The author suggests making a routine out of sitting down and ingesting the Word of God, stating, “…remember, while scheduling time with God is a great spiritual discipline, the most important thing is that you spend time with Him.”

I loved reading Devotions with a Friend, by Ken Tatum. The book is a 21-day daily devotional, stemming from Ken’s time hearing from God and his life experiences. I like that Ken shares the thoughts and expressions that God put on his heart in regards to each subject that he shares which includes a scripture verse, a daily devotional, and ends with a Prayer Emphasis. 

This 21-day devotional relates to subjects such as Grace, The Great Choreographer, Good King Bad King, Dry Bones: A Mystical Vision, Who is My Enemy and so much more which makes this an enjoyable book to sit down and read.  

Intriguing commentary, alongside sometimes humorous experiences, from the author that challenge, uplift, teach, exhort, and encourage. All his commentaries come from a life seeking God, and daily striving to hear and follow the commands of Jesus. Very nicely written.  

The Dreaded “C” Word - Healing, Hope, and Health for Others

An amazing read - Jeff Schmiedel writes his love story with Kris, his wife of only 3 short years, and her untimely diagnosis of brain cancer. Jeff starts at the beginning of meeting Kris, their journey to falling in love to their wedding, and their plans for the future of family. 

She was the love of his life he stated. Then one fatal day when she had a seizure at work their lives were turned “upside down.” Lovingly sharing fond memories and the terrifying rollercoaster of events that ensued, until the final day. 

Every day was a step into the unknown and they took it together and also as a family. His book is written to help reveal to readers the availability of other medicines, what helped them, and what they found that did not work. In addition, he advises other healing treatments that are available, including letting the readers know the benefits of natural health. 

From the moment one embarks on this journey, I knew this book would be a difficult one to endure. This is a touchy subject – the dreaded “C” word, on top of that, a brain cancer that came back with a vengeance. What struck me most is his strong faith in a loving God. He states that this faith carried him through, although he doesn’t pretend to know the “why” of it all. Clearly, his faith has increased, not decreased, which is what I really want to point out. 

Compassionately he has compiled this book to bring healing, hope, and health to others. Each chapter shows the arduous journey and the trials that not only affected Kris, but engulfed an entire family. Each person, each opportunity reveals a husband committed to his love and also the never-ending support of family that helped carry the couple through their darkest hours. This book will bring tears, I guarantee. 

This is a tribute to the “Jeff and Kris Story” that readers will find captivating, heartbreaking, and soothing. He shows that one can let go after such a tragedy; however, most certainly his landscape of life is forever changed after Kris. Hearts and hugs go out to him and the entire family! This is one of those books one will always cherish and find memorable.  

This book is highly recommended for those who are searching for hope and health, and also for those who are going through the dreaded diagnosis of cancer. The author again offers other pathways to healing, rather than conventional medicine. 

A highly recommended, heart-touching read.

Persevering with Brain Cancer: 
A Search for Hope and Health
Jeff Schmiedel
A CBM Christian Book Review
10.0 out of 10.0 stars

You may get your copy of Persevering with Brain Cancer at Amazon 
or in Kindle as a download. 

New Release - The Magnificent Jesus: The Christ of Heaven Revealed (Vol.1) by Johan den Hartogh and Ken Gott

 

The Magnificent Jesus: The Christ of Heaven Revealed (Vol.1) by Johan den Hartogh and Ken Gott is the first book in a trilogy that guides readers toward a deeper relationship with Christ.

The Magnificent Jesus - Walking in Intimacy

The Big Picture - Gospel Basics

 

“In order to build a biblical-theological framework for understanding God’s mission, the church’s mission, and the church’s mission to the nations, one must first understand the unified biblical narrative, including its four major plot movements—Creation, Fall, Redemption, and Restoration.”   David Nelson: The Story of Mission: The Grand Biblical Narrative

 

The “big picture” or grand narrative of the Bible is vital in understanding the basics of the Christian faith.  We need to understand why God created man, how man fell from God’s favor, why God initiated his secret plan of redemption to allow man back in His fellowship, and how (and where) God and man will spend eternity together once this restoration is accomplished.

 

CREATION:  God, the Father, created man in order that we may fellowship with Him now and forever.  Here is the WHOLE truth as to why we were created. Man was created to:

  • Worship God for who He is

  • Honor God for what He owns

  • Obey God for what He promises

  • Love God for what He does

  • Enjoy God  for what He provides

 

FALL:   Adam and Eve disobeyed God’s command in the garden “not to eat of the tree of good and knowledge.”  As a result of this first sin by man (also called the fall), Adam and Eve became immediately alienated from a perfect, holy God.  Adam’s dominion over the world was legally handed over to Satan and they (as well as every subsequent generation) were forced to die both physically and spiritually.

REDEMPTION:  Thankfully, the loving Creator who, by His just nature must punish all sin is determined to turn this sin and its consequences into good that will be His ultimate glory, through His secret plan.  In the person of Jesus Christ, God Himself came to renew the world and restore His people through their faith (alone) in Him and His redemptive purpose.

RESTORATION:  Thankfully, the story doesn’t end with redemption.  God has promised to renew the whole world to Himself.  There will be a final judgement for all mankind.  Those who put their faith in Jesus will spend eternity in the glories of heaven with God, the angels, and fellow believers.  All those who reject the free gift of salvation will spend eternity in the torments of hell, without God, forever.


The Big Picture - Gospel Basics

Wars and Rumors of Wars - God's Timeline


  In Genesis God declares that He created the sun and the moon for signs. 
On April 8, 2024, is the Great American Eclipse that crosses over the United States on the first day of the Hebrew month of Nisan (Passover). This was the same first day of the three days of darkness that occurred during the original plagues in Egypt. This solar eclipse is a HEAVENLY sign from the Creator which will be the starting gun for a series of wars over the next several years, including the final war against Amalek which is represented today by Radical Islam - Iran and its Hamas, Hezbollah, Isis, the Islamic Jihad, the Houthis and, some of which, are already attacking US soldiers and facilities in Iraq and Syria almost daily. In this book you'll find every Shemitah Cycle and Jubilee Cycle from the Creation of the World until today. 
You'll see the timing of major biblical and important historical events.

Available In Kindle As A Download

Pre-Deployment Guidebook from a Christian's Perspective
Author: Brad D. Nelson PhD

Whether you and your family are experienced deployers or first-timers, deployments are arguably one of the most challenging and unsettling experiences you’ll ever have. As exemplary of a job the military does to prepare servicemembers and their families for both the knowns and the unknowns, only God, who knows the end from the beginning, and the best and safest route for us to take, can bridge the gap between human limitation and the miraculous, from unbridled anxiety to a peace that surpasses all understanding.

Walk with me through this unrestrained guidebook as I share mine and my family’s journey from fear to faith, from skepticism to divine perspective and awe. Suggestions are provided on how to process the announcement, informing loved ones, understanding the cycle of emotions, getting one’s affairs in order, and a host of other invaluable insights. Bottom line up front: Don’t leave home without Christ!

Brad D. Nelson, Ph.D., is from Hillsboro, OH, and is a 2023 Marquis Who's Who Listee and active-duty Air Force officer assigned to Wright-Patterson AFB, Ohio. Mr. Nelson is active in his church and community, a "Big Brother" for Big Brothers, Big Sisters of America, and an impassioned advocate for improving the plight of Returning Citizens. His favorite Old Testament scripture is, "The fruit of righteousness is a tree of life, and he who wins souls is wise" (Proverbs 11:30). Mr. Nelson and his wife (Amanda) call the Dayton, Ohio, area home.

You may get your copy of Pre-Deployment Guidebook from a Christian's Perspective at Amazon or in Kindle as a download. Be sure to visit the author at God's Guidance on the Battlefield.