I have always loved to read. Even as a young girl, learning to read quite early, I spent most of my time at the library. I'd browse for hours and hours and then come home with a wagon-load of books.
There are many ways that God speaks to us...through His spoken word directly to us, through His prophets, through His written Word, the Bible. I love to read my Bible. The Lord never fails to teach me exactly what I need for that moment whenever I pick it up. As you'll read more about the Word of God in my "Bible" section, it's not merely history (although it IS HIS-story), it's not merely a story, it's all true, and it is God-breathed, God-inspired. It is alive.
God also speaks to us through His anointed teachers...people who seek God's face and hear God's voice and write down what He says to them. There are those in the Body of Christ that have said to me something like, "I don't read Christian books...I want to hear what God has to say first-hand". Bless you. There are those who (myself included) the Lord has allowed to read the writings of those He's chosen to share His message with. Why would the Lord appoint amidst the five-fold ministry (Prophets, pastors, evangelists, TEACHERS....) teachers, if we were not to then be taught? I agree whole-heartedly in discerning whether someone is or is not gifted/anointed to teach what they're teaching, and Holy Spirit will reveal that truth to us. I would speak to the baby Christians, new in the faith, to use wisdom or seek counsel about what you read...for as with anything else (unfortunately) you can't always believe what you read just because it is written down. Meaning: just because you see a book in your favorite Christian bookstore doesn't mean it's God-inspired, with God's seal of approval. Holy Spirit is our teacher, our mentor, who speaks God's truths to us...ask Him to reveal to you what is true.
THAT said, I want to share with you a list of awesome books, inspired by God, that have changed my life in some respect or another. You can pray and ask God what He would have you to read and hopefully something here will be a blessing to you as well!!
(NOTE: I don't know any of these authors personally or even casually; I am not being paid to recommend their works, nor am I selling their works. My sole purpose is to share profound truths that the Lord has shown me via other works by our brothers and sisters in Christ).
UPDATE DECEMBER 27TH, 2007: Greetings in the matchless name of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. I have not added to this link for a very long time - the Lord has kept me quite busy. I trust you have been reading as He has led you! I am delighted that He is permitting me to work on this again - there are so so so so so many so-called "Christian" books out there yet so very few that encourage you to walk in death to self, to walk fellowshipping in His sufferings, the crucified life. For too long the norm in books has been "name it and claim it"; "happy happy happy all the time, no trials, no testing just BLESS ME BLESS ME BLESS ME"; "prosper me all the way to Wall Street, I deserve to be rich"...all IDEAS OF THE FLESH and NOT OF THE KINGDOM. There are VERY FEW who are writing according to Holy Spirit. They are writing what makes YOU FEEL GOOD - it's called "ear candy" and it sounds sweet and loving but pushes you right into compromise and complacency and a place that is NOT CHRIST but FLESH. THIS entire website is for those who want the REAL DEAL - His truth and only His truth. YES even here - these books WILL encourage you - but into the DEEPER LIFE IN CHRIST NOT a superficial one.
I've tagged the new entries with "NEW". There are so many - He has blessed me with hundreds of obscure, anointed books...I pray that you will seek His perfect will about finding these and growing in HIM as He reveals His perfect will for your life in Him.
P.S. PLEASE BE PATIENT with me - I ask HIM to make the commentaries for each selection so that you will hear why He approves of these selections...thank you!
In His Unfailing Love,
His Messenger
"Master Potter" by Jill Austin
(from back of book):
"Forsaken is a broken clay vessel in Comfort Cove, a quaint 19th-century fishing village. This is a story about the struggle for her soul as she is discarded on the Potter's Field, the town's garbage dump. The cosmic war for humanity is brought to vivid reality as Master Potter finds her there. You may see yourself as you read about Forsaken and her struggle toward wholeness. Through many trials she develops intimacy, receives healing from her past pain and brokenness, and learns that Master Potter desires her even in her weakness. No one is too broken to be healed and used by God. Heavenly and satanic forces battle for Forsaken's soul until Master Potter rescues her, giving her a new name and new hope for her life. Supernatural encounters, visits fromt he spirit world, and her personal struggle for hope blur the line between allegory and reality. "MY" COMMENTARY: The Lord has had me give this book to so many people - I used to have stacks of this one and also book two until FINALLY I ran out, then He started having me buy them on an individual basis. This book will take you apart and put you back together again. I've seen some Christian sites advertising this as "God's answer to Harry Potter." WHAT A LIE. Harry Potter is witchcraft and make believe. THIS BOOK was penned by HOLY SPIRIT through Jill, and there is no 'fantasy' about it. True it is allegorical, however it is ALIVE - a living and breathing TRUTH that EVERY PERSON trying to walk with Christ will see themselves in. A MUST READ.
"Master Potter And The Mountain Of Fire by Jill Austin
(from back of book):
"The first book, Master Potter, began in Comfort Cove, a quaint 19th-century fishing village. A young woman named Forsaken, portayed as a broken clay pitcher, met Master Potter. He changed her name to Beloved. Her journey from brokenness to divine destiny continues in Master Potter and the Mountain of Fire. Beloved and her friends are loaded on a pottery wagon and taken to the dreaded Mountain of Fire. In this mountain kiln they struggle with heartrending issues of unforgiveness, suffering, sickness, needing miracles, and a friend's moral failure. In the midst of the raging fires, Beloved travels through eternity in a crystal chariot. Ushered into astounding places - the Heavenly Library, the War Room, and a warehouse called Miracles Unlimited - Beloed's heart is transformed by the passionate love of Master Potter, the Bridegroom King.
"MY" COMMENTARY: The first time the Lord had me read these books was in 2004. To this day (December 27th, 2007) I have never ever forgotten one chapter especially. In order for that one to make sense, first I must let you read this one (as per the Lord): - from book 2, the first is chapter 45, titled, "The Cup Of Suffering":
THIS IS THE SECOND CHAPTER AND THE ONE I'VE NEVER FORGOTTEN (THE ABOVE CHAPTER IS NECESSARY TO UNDERSTAND THE DEPTH OF HER CHOICE) - From book 2, the second is chapter 52, titled, "Will You Drink This Cup?" :
"Though None Go With Me" by Jerry B. Jenkins:
(from back of book): "Though None Go With Me" is a gripping love story about a woman who determines to make her life an experiment in obedience to God. Born at the turn of the century, Elisabeth Grace LeRoy longs for something more in her life. Her defining moment comes when, as a young teen, she promises to deepen her commitment and follow Christ, NO MATTER THE COST. So begins a remarkable journey of resolve, winding through valleys of loss and deserts of testing toward a legacy of faith. Two world wars, the Great Depression, and devastating personal loss for the backdrop for a lifetime of walking with God despite all odds. Depicting one courageous woman's determination to stand faithful in all circumstances, here is a portrait of the far-reaching impact of a life that fully embraces the steadfast promises of God.
"MY" COMMENTARY: This is yet another book like "Master Potter" in portraying the depth of suffering we must willingly allow, surrender to, in order to partake of His cup. MAKE SURE YOU HAVE THIS VERSION (as pictured above)...there is a newer version with a different cover, and it matches the cover of the DVD movie that was made from this book. THE MOVIE IS HORRIBLE. It is watered down and more of a made-for-TV-let's-not-offend-anyone version - very hollow, very shallow and does not give the viewer the true sense of surrender and obedience the main character submitted to for God's glory. HORRIBLE (the movie, and if the book is an adaptation of the movie, DO NOT READ ANYTHING BUT THE ORIGINAL - THE ORIGINAL IS BREATHED BY HOLY SPIRIT, THE MOVIE/ADAPTED NOVEL FROM THE MOVIE ARE NOT BIRTHED BY HOLY SPIRIT...the movie was an utter disappointment).
"Falling In Love With Jesus: Abandoning Yourself To The Greatest Romance Of Your Life" by Dee Brestin and Kathy Troccoli
(from inside front book flap):
Approaching Jesus as your Bridegroom may sound foreign to you, but it's a language you as a woman were designed to understand. Jesus, through His Spirit, His Word, and His creation, is singing a love song to you. Romance means absorbing the beauty of life, increasing awareness, seeing the signature of God on His creation, keeping love alive. In Falling In Love With Jesus, Dee and Kathy use examples from love songs, romantic stories, and their own lives to discuss the three stages of intimacy:
First Love:
The euphoric courtship and honeymoon time.
Wilderness Love:
The painful time of questioning and doubts.
Invincible Love:
The deep abiding confidence that all is well.
No matter where you are in your relationship with Jesus, there incredibly fresh approach will walk you through these stages so that you CAN know a tender, mature, and invincible love. It will make you laugh and cry, but most of all it will awaken your soul and give you a hunger to go deeper, to truly know the greatest Love of your life.
"MY" COMMENTARY: This is yet another one of those books - it was a forerunner - published in 2000 hardly anyone had released the revelation of Jesus as Bridegroom and this book was probably THE first book that the Lord put into my hands regarding that subject. It was in 2001 that He called me out of the world to sit at His feet, where I have been ever since, and THIS book was like a soft lovely kiss - after reading THIS book I had my first encounter with Jesus coming to my room and taking me into the supernatural realm to dance with Him...I don't ever remember seeing this book advertised anywhere or on the shelves of the local Christian bookstore. When He had me working for the Christian radio station (also a TV station) many publishers sent books hoping to get their authors on the daily TV program - and the TV people piled the books in the staff break/lunch room for us to take and keep. This was one special treasure that I was blessed with from those stacks. A MUST READ. (He wouldn't have me put any of these books on this list if they were not a must read)...
"Kissed The Girls And Made Them Cry" by Lisa Bevere: (from back of book): "Women are admitting promiscuity isn't really getting them what they wanted after all--because as women we always stand to lose so much more than men when we give in. Men love adventure and intrigue while women crave intimacy, romance, and passion. We were created for so much more than a sexual outlet for men, and as women, we want and deserve more than just sexual release for ourselves. It is time to restore dignity, honor, strength--and yes, even power--to generations of women, young and old, who are no longer willing to lose". "MY" COMMENTARY: This book was a God-send and an eye-opener for me. There have been many 'church ages' and right now we're in a time when Jesus Christ is wooing us as His bride. We're in a time of intimacy and this is the book that started me along that path (now the move of the Holy Spirit has EVERYONE starting to speak on intimacy with the bridegroom). Actually the previously mentioned book, "Falling in Love With Jesus" was the true start...this one however gave me depth. Lisa talks about 'breaking the curse': "In order to walk in purity, we must be whole, and only God can restore us to wholeness where there has been brokenness. Only God can restore honor to our sexuality when there's been violation and dishonor. Only God can take the impure and defiled and make it holy and pure again. Only God can give us beauty for the ashes we bring Him." This is found in Chapter 9, where she also offers an amazing prayer of confession, breaking off curses, soul-ties, and brings restoration. It's offered one of the most powerful experiences and I can't recommend it strongly enough. As I scan the book for more quotes (I'm a book-marker and this book is full of yellow highlighted passages) I think I'll end this recommendation with this from Lisa: "Your enemy wants to strip you, make sport of you, and merchandise your body, but your heavenly Father wants to clothe you with beauty, strength, dignity, and honor that will endure".
"The Final Quest" by Rick Joyner: (from introduction) "In early 1995, the Lord gave me a dream, which was the first of a number of prophetic experiences tied together. I published a condensed version of the first dream in The Morning Star Prophetic Bulletin and The Morning Star Journal, under the title of The Hordes of Hell Are Marching. As I continued to seek the Lord about this great spiritual battle that I had seen, I had a series of visions and prophetic experiences that were related to it. I published condensed versions of these in The Morning Star Journal as The Hordes of Hell are Marching, Parts II & III. This series became probably the most popular writings we have ever published." "MY" COMMENTARY: In Acts 2 Peter proclaims that dreams, visions and prophecy are signs of the last days and the outpouring of the Holy Spirit. When someone receives something as profound as this, the Body of Christ needs to pay attention. The Lord put this book into my hands in February, 2003. It was published in 1996. The Lord told me, "Rhonda, this is for today". And so anywhere I go where the Body is assembled I would ask people if they'd read it. Most people said 'a long time ago'. I urged them to get it out and read it again, as I felt that was what the Lord was saying. I can't begin to describe this book. It is for the warrior, for those in the Body who are sold-out believers, who hate the enemy, who want to know God and do things HIS way, who don't mind being humble and walking in true humility, who seek wisdom and eat up the truth with total hunger, always looking for the real of God. This is the book, my friend. As early as the opening scene where Rick is shown the enemy army and how demons were RIDING ON THE BACKS OF CHRISTIANS AND NOT HORSES your righteous anger against the enemy of our beloved God rise to the surface. In this hour of unity it exposes how we, the Body are part of killing the brethren and opening the door for satan and his minions to come in and attempt to destroy them. You will gain fresh insight, a fresh hunger to allow God to work through you for HIS GLORY!. This is a must-read, friend.
"The Call" by Rick Joyner: (from book jacket, back cover): "The Call continues the message introduced in "The Final Quest" which challenged Christians around the world to begin living the truth with which they have been entrusted. The Call is a call to life; a call to live in the unprecedented glory of the Son of God; a call to sacrifice to do all things for the sake of the gospel. The darkness will soon be over, and the day of our Lord will soon dawn. Now is the time for us to take a stand against the great darkness of our times for the sake of the Light Who is greater and is surely coming, for as it is written: "And it shall be in the last days," God says, "That I will pour forth of My Spirit upon all mankind; and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams;""Even upon My bondslaves, both men and women, I will in those days pour forth of My Spirit and they shall prophesy" (Acts 2: 17-18). The "last days" are here. These are the days of dreams, visions and prophecy for the young and the old, the sons and the daughters--the days that the great saints of old longs to see and in which we are priviledged to live. This book is a call to seize an unprecedented opportunity and to live in a manner worthy of...THE CALL". "MY" COMMENTARY: What can I add? Also falling into my hands in 2003, published in 1999, this is actually the book I read first. (I then went and bought "The Final Quest"). Actually the Lord just reminded me about the chapter about worship. I am a worshipper and spend much time worshipping the Lord in song. Rick Joyner had a vision of Jesus, sitting at the right hand of the Father. The Lord gave ME that vision (showed me what that looked like) as I saw Jesus, turned toward His Father, looking intently at His face with great hope and expectancy. See, all of heaven worships and honors God around the throne, always. It has to be the most beautiful sound imaginable or unimaginable (although I've heard heart-felt worship amisdst the Body that had angel echoes, and that HAD to be sort of close or at least a small glimpse) and yet Jesus told Rick Joyner that when we on earth are still able to worship the Father from a heart of Love, in the midst of trial, darkness, opposition, etc, that it makes the Father cry with joy. That we in our smallness and imperfection could touch the Father in this way really gave me tremendous joy. Jesus even commented that when the Father experiences joy that He (Jesus) feels that His suffering on the cross was worth it...for the sake of the Father's joy. Wow. This book, like "Final Quest", would just leave me stunned time and time again. I would read something, stop and let it soak into my Spirit, weep or rejoice...I'm telling you, friend, it will move you beyond words. I encourage you...read both.
"Worship Him" by Dr. Fuchsia Pickett: (from book back cover): "Would you like to go where you've never been before? This unique book will help to take you there--into a deeper, fuler, more satisfying relationship with God. Your heavenly Father wants you to learn how to embrace Him in worship--where you can feel His fullness and all that He has for you. Discover how a worship-filled life will set you in place for a blessing filled life! Find out how worshiping God: *Positions you to receive God and His blessings for you; *Enmpowers you for God-filled action; *Protects you from the attacks of the enemy; *Prepars your heart to receive God's heart; *Guides your steps victoriously; *Opens doors to His glory". "MY" COMMENTARY: This book was published in 2000. Again, ahead of it's time, but then Fucshia Pickett is a prophet. This book is awesome. She explains the divine longing in our spirit that is empty without fellowship and intimacy with God. If you are hungry to walk in the fullness of all that God has for you, and want to do all that you can do for God, this is an awesome tool!
Secrets To Exceptional Living: Transforming Your Life Through The Fruits of the Spirit" by Joyce Meyer: (From book jacket, back cover): "God has made available to us the means for leading an exceptional life when we recognize and focus on the things that He tells us are important. It is important to God that we have more love, joy, and peace in our lives--more patience, kindness and goodness--more faithfulness, humility and self-control. Developing these attributes of God's nature, the fruit of the Spirit, empowers us to become all that God created us to be. Bear fruit and give it to others to taste and see that the Lord is good! When you apply the Word of God and cultivate the fruit of the Spirit, you will begin to lead the exceptional life that God has planned for you". "MY" COMMENTARY: I love Joyce. She and I have shared many similar experiences in our lives, and in our early Christian walks. I can always read her works and say, 'Hey, that happened to me too!'. I don't watch television or Christian television unless the Lord tells me to...and sometimes He'll say, "Turn on Joyce". And she'll always be speaking to exactly what I'm going through as I'm going through it. I believe her to be a sister of integrity, hopefully without compromise. All I can say is that Holy Spirit witnesses to me that she loves God and speaks truth. In that I like to be REAL, to speak truth without condemnation but instead so that others might learn, I'll tell you that one part of this book really spoke to me...from the chapter on "Inspecting Fruit and Discerning Deception". Since I started seeking fellowship in the local Body for the last couple of years, I've seen things that have disturbed me. I've met prophets and people with major gifts or people that God has put in much authority. And they'd speak the Word or a specific Word into my life, and that always rang true. But then after that moment, when not in the Spirit, or when in 'the flesh', behind the scenes or in normal everyday life I'd see and hear things that really hurt and bothered me. Like profanity. Or breaking promises. Or there was one person who told my teenage daughter who has been struggling for years with changing her life to one of Godliness that 'it's ok with God if you smoke pot' or another told her something about her sexuality that goes against the Word of God itself. Just life stuff...one person promised to be a father-figure to my son...only to act inappropriately, or break promises, etc...and my spirit would be so grieved when I saw these things. I'd cry out to God and say, "Lord, how can their words be so right-on and then their actions be less than holy or righteous?" It was during our worst moments...of dealing with people who said and did these things that really hindered me and my children, that my mom said, "I have this book - do you want it?" It was this Joyce book. And in the above mentioned chapter, Joyce talks about discerning intent. She said, "...it is important not to be so awed by a person's gift that we forget to judge their fruit". IF WE FORGET TO LOOK AT THE CHARACTER AND MOTIVATION OF A PERSON BEHIND THE GIFT, WE MAY BE LED ASTRAY. I MUST REPEAT: DON'T BE SO AWED OR IMPRESSED BY A PERSON'S GIFTS, THEIR CHARISMATIC PERSONALITY OR THEIR ABILITIES IN ANY AREA THAT YOU BECOME WILLFULLY BLIND TO WARNING SIGNS THAT SOMETHNG IS WRONG." WHOA. There's more (and I hope she doesn't mind my using this as an example for not only will it help many but it's just quotes from two pages of a 222 page book): "...we must always look to the true character of an individual in judging the real fruit of their life." "Another big warning sign that a person has character problems is when they don't keep their word...if we cannot trust people, how can we form real relationships with them?" As I read this I said, "Lord, that helps, but what about how they speak truth and act not in a like manner?" God replied, "Turn the page". So I did and Joyce continued, "You might be thinking about someone you know who seems to have many character deficits, YET THEIR LIFE OR MINISTRY STILL BEARS GOOD FRUIT. That may be true to an extent, but it is really the Word of God that is bearing the fruit. God's Word does not return void no matter who speaks it. However, eventually this type of individual will cause real problems, and many people will be hurt". I still get emotional when I talk about this, because there were some people that were really hurting us. I was trying to walk in love and forgiveness, and it was a major battle. And then God gave me the answers I was seeking, exactly when I was seeking them. You will find much more that can change your life in this book. It is another must-read.
Pigs In The Parlor: A Practical Guide To Deliverance" by Frank & Ida Mae Hammond: (from back cover): "This book contains a wealth of practical information for the person interested in, planning to engage in, or actively engaged in the ministry of deliverance. It is a practical handbook, offering valuable guidance as to determining: How demons enter; If deliverance is needed; How deliverance is accomplished for others and self; How to retain deliverance; Groupings of demons (listing those demons that are often found together). The book also includes a chapter presenting a revelation on the problems of SCHIZOPHRENIA which could well revolutionize the way this subject has been traditionally viewed by the medical profession!" "MY" COMMENTARY: I like this book a lot. I received a prophetic word that God was going to use me in Healing & Deliverance ministry, and I was like, O-kay...um...what does that mean and what do I do? (I knew about healing but not deliverance). This book was awesome. It defined terms found in scriptures like "possessed", "unclean spirits", "principalities". You see, I BELIEVE the Word of God. It says God is the same yesterday, today and forever. If He is the same, then everything He does is the same, including healing, and delivering people. All four gospels - Matthew, Mark, Luke and John - talk about Jesus cleansing the temple. It was Herod's temple but it was also a type and shadow (example) of cleansing of OUR BODIES (the temple of the Holy Spirit). What about becoming a 'new creation' when born again? What about 'old things pass away, behold all things become new'? That is our SPIRIT man. We confess our sins and God's Spirit comes to dwell inside of us. Our mind, will, and emotions however have to be healed of many things. This is a long topic of discussion, and I'll create a page to address these things. The bottom line for this book review is that this is an awesome tool, I learned so many things about the church, about the root of many problems in people's lives. A MUST-READ if you want to be free or you have loved-ones who need to be free.
Left Behind" by Tim LaHaye & Jerry B. Jenkins: (From Back Cover): "In one cataclysmic moment, millions around the globe disappear. Vehicles, suddenly unmanned, careen out of control. People are terror stricken as loved ones vanish before their eyes. In the midst of global chaos, airline captain Rayford Steele must search for his family, for answers, for truth. As devastating as the disappearances have been, the darkest days may lie ahead." "MY" COMMENTARY: I cannot say enough about the Left Behind book series. True, it does stand on the pre-tribulation Rapture doctrine (as opposed to mid-Tribulation or post-Tribulation). And true, most believers seem to have strong almost unbending stances on each. My response to this is the Lord is calling for John 17 unity, love. And He admonished in His Word that ‘no man knows the hour’ of His coming. Henry Gruver, beloved man of God, prayer walker, had a word from God that proclaimed that He never told us to argue about WHEN. In fact the Lord said we will be HELD ACCOUNTABLE for any harm we do to others over the doctrines of ‘when’. THAT SAID, it doesn’t matter what you believe about ‘when’ in regards to enjoying these books. The truth is that Jesus IS coming again - He said that He would and He is not one that He should lie, nor does His Word go out and return void. Oh, He’s coming friends. Our job is to be ever ready for that coming. In Book 1 of this series, we meet Rayford, his daughter Chloe, Buck Williams (Journalist), and a cast of many other characters, and see how they handle the disappearance of believers around the globe. All of the Left Behind books are compelling, gripping. You finish one and can’t wait to read the next. They share so many things - showing people in various states of belief (or lack thereof) and how they chose to come to Christ or reject Him. They show how the faithful will go to any length, even martyrdom, (in later books) because of their Love for Jesus Christ. They are a blueprint for the coming days of Tribulation that we WILL FACE - as Jesus often says, "He who has ears to hear let him hear…."
Tribulation Force(Book 2) by Tim LaHaye & Jerry B. Jenkins:(FROM BACK COVER): "In one cataclysmic moment, millions around the globe disappear. Those left behind face war, famine, plagues, and natural disasters so devastating that only one in four people will survive. Odds are even worse for enemies of the Antichrist and his new world order. Rayford Steele, Buck Williams, Bruce Barnes, and Chloe Steele, band together to form the Tribulation Force. Their task is clear, and their goal is nothing less than to stand and fight the enemies of God during the seven most chaotic years the planet will ever see." "MY" COMMENTARY: It’s coming…..
Nicolae(Book 3) by Tim LaHaye & Jerry B. Jenkins: (FROM BACK COVER): "First they were Left Behind. Then they formed the Tribulation Force. Now they must face Nicolae. In Nicolae, the most explosive of the three books thus far, the seven-year tribulation is nearing the end of its first quarter, when prophecy says that "the wrath of the Lamb" will be poured out upon the earth. Rayford Steele becomes the ears of the tribulation saints of the highest levels of the Carpathia regime. Meanwhile, Buck Williams attempts a dramatic all-night rescue run from Israel through the Sinai that will hold you breathless to the end." "MY" COMMENTARY: These books are based on the Book of Revelation…the Wrath of the Lamb is real…please pay attention…
Soul Harvest:(Book 4 )by Tim LaHaye & Jerry B. Jenkins: (FROM BACK COVER): "Rayford Steele, and Buck Williams have survived the wrath of the Lamb, a global earthquake in the twenty-first month of the Tribulation. As the world hurtles toward the Trumpet Judgments and the great soul harvest prophesied in Scripture, Rayford and Buck begin searching for their loved ones from different corners of the world. Soul Harvest takes you from Iraq to America, from six miles in the air to underground shelters, from desert sand to the bottom of the Tigris River, from hope to devastation and back again - all in search for truth and life." "MY" COMMENTARY: What will it take to follow after Christ in these last days? Will you have what it takes? These characters, though fictional, will feed your faith and inspire you to the greatness for His glory that it will take to run the race until the very end.
Apollyon (Book 5) by Tim LaHaye & Jerry B. Jenkins: (FROM BACK COVER): 'The world holds its breath as the Tribulation Force ventures to Jerusalem for the great Meeting of the Witnesses, where tens of thousands defy the Antichrist to sit under the ministry of their pastor-teacher Tsion Ben-Judah. Meanwhile, Rayford Steele finally discovers the shocking truth about his wife, Amanda, but becomes an international fugitive. The fifth Trumpet Judgment - a plague of scorpion-like locusts led by Apollyon, chief demon of the abyss - is so horrifying that men try to kill themselves but are not allowed to die. Apollyon has reached the New York Times best-seller list and is the most shocking and explicit portrayal yet in the continuing drama of those left behind." "MY" COMMENTARY: I agree with this review. It is compelling. As horrible as the judgments seem to be they are truly released out of an all-encompassing love that the Father has for us for His desire is that none should perish - not one. His judgments are to be embraced for He is a righteous judge and loving Father.
We cannot love Him if we do not love all that He is, including righteous judge.
Assassins (Book 6) by Tim LaHaye & Jerry B. Jenkins: (FROM BACK COVER): "In the most explosive episode yet in the continuing drama of those left behind, the Tribulation Force hurtles toward the four murders foretold in prophecy. Antichrist himself is prophesied to suffer a lethal head wound. As a supernatural horde of 200 million demonic horsemen slays a third of the remaining population. The Tribulation Force prepares for a future as fugitives. Yet another Force member dies, and others join as crises draw them around the globe." "MY" COMMENTARY: "The second woe is past. Behold, the third woe is coming quickly." Revelation 11:14
The Indwelling (Book 7) by Tim LaHaye & Jerry B. Jenkins: (FROM INSIDE COVER): "It’s the midpoint of the seven-year Tribulation. A renowned man is dead, and the world mourns. In heaven, the battle of the ages continues to rage until it spills to earth and hell breaks loose. The members of the Tribulation Force - just three in the safe house and the rest scattered about the globe - face their most dangerous challenges. Some are murder suspects; others test the precarious line between subversion and being revealed. Time and eternity seem suspended, and the destiny of mankind hangs in the balance." "MY" COMMENTARY: There was more on the inside cover - but it gives too much away and part of the enjoyment of this series is the way the stories unfold from book to book. "Woe to the inhabitants of the earth and the sea! For the devil has come down to you, having great wrath, because he knows that he has a short time". Revelation 12:12
The Mark (Book 8) by Tim LaHaye & Jerry B. Jenkins: (FROM INSIDE COVER): "Nicolae Carpathia is back, this time as Satan - resurected and indwelt by the devil himself. It’s no more Mr. Nice Guy as the beast tightens his grip as ruler of the world. Ensconced in a new safe house, the Tribulation Force suffers a tragic loss at the dawn of the second half of the seven-year tribulation, the Great Tribulation. Terror comes to believers in Greece as they are among the first to face the GC loyalty mark application site and its benignly named but hideous death contraption, the loyalty enforcement facilitator. The Trib Force moles inside the palace in New Babylon face tragedy and danger. Meanwhile Carpathia plans an overt attack on the so-called Judah-ites. The gloves are off, and the battle is launched between the forces of good and evil for the very souls of men and women around the globe." "MY" COMMENTARY: This book, book 5 and book 11 are my favorites. In this book, it’s time to take the mark of the beast or die. The most touching moments for me was when the believers in Greece refused the mark, and though beaten almost to death, walked proudly, singing praises to Jesus, to the guillotines. Your faith will be strengthened, brethren. Your spirit man will stand up with sword drawn and proclaim, "Wherever you lead me Lord I’ll go…no matter what". "Then I heard a loud voice from the temple saying to the seven angels, "Go and pour out the bowls of the wrath of God on the earth." So the first went and poured out his bowl upon the earth and a foul and loathsome sore came upon the men who had the mark of the beast and those who worshipped his image." Revelation 16: 1-2
Desecration (Book 9) by Tim LaHaye & Jerry B. Jenkins: (FROM BACK): "As Global Community Potentate Nicolae Carpathia prepares to travel along the Via Dolorosa, and then onward to the temple, his loyal crowds gather to see their potentate and take the mark in his presence. The lines are drawn between good and evil as God inflicts the first Bowl Judgment upon the flesh of those who have taken the mark, while his chosen ones flee to the wilderness, on the brink of Armageddon." "MY" COMMENTARY: Way to go, Hattie.
The Remnant (Book 10) by Tim LaHaye & Jerry B. Jenkins: (FROM INSIDE COVER): "Global Community Potentate Nicolae Carpathia has his oldest and newest enemies right where he wants them: massed at Petra, a million strong - within reach of two bombs and a missile no one could survive without a miracle. The earth, now a wasted shell of its former beauty, staggers under the weight of worsening judgments from heaven, while Carpathia turns up the heat on Christ followers, Jews, Muslims, and anyone else who does not swear total allegiance to him. All pretense is gone, even on the part of the Antichrist, as the planet hurtles toward Armageddon and the ultimate showdown between good and evil. "MY" COMMENTARY: Either you have faith or you don’t. If you don’t, you can. If you have it, hang on to it at all costs. The believers entered the fiery furnace, ablaze and yet not burned. This book exhibits the miraculous. For the fires burned, but on the bodies of the faithful the fire had no power, the hairs on their head were not singed, nor were their garments affected, and the smell of fire was not upon them. God reveals himself in his own way and in his own time - He always has and always will. Start looking for your miracle encounter with the Almighty. "Then the fifth angel poured out his bowl on the throne of the beast, and his kingdom became full of darkness; and they gnawed their tongues because of the pain. They blasphemed the God of heaven because of their pains and their sores, and did not repent of their deeds". Revelation 16: 10-11 .
Armageddon: (Book 11) by Tim LaHaye & Jerry B. Jenkins: (FROM INSIDE COVER): "The scattered Tribulation Force is drawn inexorably toward the Middle East, as are all the armies of the world, when history homes in on the battle of the ages. During the last year of the Great Tribulation, safe houses are no longer safe, friends and loved ones must commemorate two lives in one memorial service, and the cast of characters dramatically changes. By the time of the war of the great day of God the Almighty, homes have been uprooted, new alliances forged, and the globe has become a powder keg of danger. Except those already in Petra, everyone has been forced to relocate as Antichrist ratchets up the ante in the world’s most treacherous game. New love is sparked, recent love is formalized, and old love is aggrieved while millions gather for war. Who will be left standing when the battle leaves the Tribulation Force on the brink of the end of time and the Glorious Appearing?" "MY" COMMENTARY: I cannot say much, for much happens in this almost final installment. I was deeply moved again by certain believers strengths, admittance to weaknesses, God’s answer to those weaknesses, how He girds us up to do that which we are called to do…this book caused me to weep, and yet anticipate how Holy Spirit will inspire the authors to write the final book about the Glorious Appearing of Jesus Christ.
TO BE CONTINUED....
