Unexpected: Leave Fear Behind - Christine Caine

The unexpected, by its very nature, can have a tremendous impact. Sometimes it even shakes our faith, causing us to become defensive and fearful of living out our life fully trusting God. However, that does not have to be your reaction. In Unexpected: Leave Fear Behind, Christine Caine uses compelling stories along with practical advice to offer encouragement. Leave behind the anxiety and move forward in faith, knowing that the unexpected WILL happen, but you can be confident that God is fully in control and will see you through anything. 

Christine Caine website 

MY REVIEW: Each of us has unexpected things occur in our lives and we are seldom prepared. Christine Caine received a diagnosis of cancer that rearranged plans she had made for her life and this book opens with her story. She doesn't offer easy steps of dealing with these changes but does tell the reader how she trusted Jesus during the ordeal.

But this is more than Christine's story. She also shares many other stories of people who have had their lives turned upside down. We are given a peek into how God used circumstances and other people to help each during the difficult times and, even to prepare for their future. Caine gives many examples of the hope to be found and the restoration of lives to a 'new normal' that is meaningful.

I highly recommend this book to all. No one goes through life without facing the unexpected, whether minor or major, and we all need the reminder that we have a God who is with us at all times. The message of comfort, strength, hope, and healing reminds us to face our fear by trusting God as He leads us through the trials we face. What is unexpected by us is known by God and Christine will help you fight the fear you are facing and move forward.

I received a copy of this book from Icon Media Group for review purposes. I was not required to write a positive review.

Passion by Louie Giglio

What exactly is it that instills passion in a person’s soul? What brings the fire to make a difference, the desire for significance, the power to live a life that matters? And who will lead us in this quest toward the future of the Church? In this remarkable book, some of today’s most gifted communicators highlight the dedicated generation that is rising up to show us how to lean toward the centrality of Jesus Christ and His bright light of glory that brings purpose to our own lives and proper glory to God the Father.
Since it first began in 1995, Passion has had the privilege of encountering millions of believers under the age of 25, a sea of men and women whose lives have been transformed by the power of the Holy Spirit. Their voice is getting louder as they rise, united as a generation, bringing hope and light to the world.
Author and general editor Louie Giglio has brought together these incredible authors to share their thoughts on what it means to burn with a passion for Christ.  As delivered to Passion Conferences, the book includes contributions from Giglio himself as well as multiple chapters from:

• Francis Chan
• John Piper
• Beth Moore
• Judah Smith
• Christine Caine

The wave is growing into a global awakening. Join the movement. - (publisher's description) 

 

My Review: Passion: The Bright Light of Glory by Louie Giglio starts out as a brief history of the Passion Conferences. Since the target audience of Passion is for college aged people, I have never attended one, but the music that is introduced is part of the background of my daily life and the speakers are people who have had an impact on my spiritual growth. I also love the core verse: "Yes, Lord, walking in the way of your laws, we wait for you; your name and renown are the desire of our hearts." -Isaiah 26:8.

This book has key messages that have been presented by some of the best Christian teachers there are. Each speaks the truth found in God's Word to a generation who wants to do more than live a passive life, but to also follow Jesus passionately. But the message is not just to the youth; I have grandchildren old enough to attend Passion and I still eagerly absorb and am refreshed by the words of these speakers. This isn't a book to just sit and read through, but one that has multiple chapters that need to be savored one at a time.

I received this book free as part of the BookLook book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255