Category: Archived Book Reviews

Book Reviewed by Theresa Harvard Johnson
Book Written by Dave Earley

Never has a book impacted my life the way PRAYER: The Timeless Secret of High-Impact Leaders by Dave Earley has in the area of prayer. I’ve read many books on this subject over the years that were all filled with biblical truths and powerful revelation, but this one was strikingly different. As I journeyed through the pages, I felt as if I was sitting at the feet of a spiritual mentor who walks in a similar wisdom of the high-impact leaders whom he highlights – all giants in my estimation for their uncompromising and passionate stand concerning those things that are on the very heart of God. I actually thought to myself: Simplistic, Holy Spirit led teaching does get better than this.

 

What’s even more amazing to me as I type this is that Earley is presently one of my graduate school seminary professors. The classroom instruction and interactions have been as powerful as the book as the man who speaks between the pages is a godly reflection of the man conducting the spirit-filled course. Many of you know this isn’t always the case.

Book Reviewed by Theresa Harvard Johnson
Author Nabiyah Baht Yehuda Mattocks

 

Over the past decade, prophetic dance has reached amazing heights in the midst of worship and the arts in some congregations. Yet, statistics from Faith Communities Today and other church data finding agencies report that interactive or contemporary worship – especially through drama and dance – make up less than one percent of main stream worship services across the nation. This isn’t that hard to believe when you consider that the largest religious groups in the United States remain among the oldest, and longest standing Christian organizations in the country – many of whom still retain some very conservative positions on expressive liturgy.

Book Written by Gaspar Anastasi
Book Review written by Theresa Harvard Johnson

I’ve read many books on healing from emotional pain over the years. Some were required reading through varying classes or workshops; and others were recommended by leaders and mentors. While each book was biblically rooted and had value in their offerings, I often found myself thinking that if a person has read one of them then they’ve read them all. I would secretly say to myself, “Same message. Different author.” After all I thought, discussions on healing in book form are about as refrigerated as it gets within the Christian community.

 

This personal, opinionated summation almost caused my eyes to glaze over the true, hidden treasure inside “Stop Hurting, Start Healing” by Gaspar Anastasi. The beautifully designed book cover captured and held my attention as I reflected on the huge oak tree planted in an ocean of snow skirted beside a frozen river – half alive, half dead.

Book Written by Bernard Boulton
Book Review Written by Theresa Harvard Johnson

Isaiah 41:10 CJB, “Don’t be afraid, for I am with you; don’t be distressed, for I am your God. I give you strength, I give you help, I support you with my victorious right hand.”

If there is one thing the remnant of the Lord has need of on a consistent basis, it is encouragement. God-inspired encouragement gives life and offers fuel for the continuation of the journey. It blows into dry bones and clears away the fallen trees, mud-slides and rocks that block the road. It pours fresh, healing oil on open wounds and it sutures them. It renews our joy in the Lord as we are strengthened in its presence.

 

The Picture by Steven Haner
Book Review by Theresa Harvard Johnson

Side Note: In Voices of Christ, we refer to fiction novels as spirit-breathed “parables.”

As a mother with a child diagnosed with a disability, I was instantly captivated by the parable, The Picture by Steven Haner. In the spiritual environment that I had grown accustomed to over the years, diagnosis of sickness and disease bordered around a belief that acknowledging the situation, seeking treatment or assistance indicated a lack of faith or trust. This religious approach offered little if any practical advice, insight, compassion or understanding for parents, like my husband and I, who face real and relevant challenges with their children. Challenges that require faith and wisdom, and medically directed guidance. I am hereby thankful to God for occupational therapists, speech therapy and other services provided to my son.