A Bounty of Books

Goliath Must Fall: Winning the Battle Against Your Giants by Louie Giglio is a a strong addition to the library of any believer in Christ. Using the story of David and Goliath, Giglio shows how the major giants we all face in life must be defeated because of Christ's work on the cross. Addressing issues such as fear, comfort, and addiction, Giglio shows how these giants are already dead, but still must fall from the power they hold in our lives.

Giglio communicates clearly and precisely. His writing style is very understandable and has an easy flow to it. In Goliath Must Fall, Giglio shares a few new insights into the story of David and Goliath. These "twists" on the story illustrate how the believer has the power of Christ over every giant in his/her life. Christ killed these giants on the cross, but just like a snake head that has been cut off, they can still be deadly. That is why the emphasis in the title is the word must. Though the giants are dead, they can still be deadly, which is why decisions must still be made and work done to allow a believer victory over whatever giant threatens his/her life.

Anyone struggling with the particular giants addressed in this book would benefit from reading it, though I'd recommend it to anyone interested in reading "Christian Living" books. It has a great perspective on the story of David and Goliath that will benefit any believer in Jesus Christ.

I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their 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

How to Overcome Worry: Experiencing the Peace of God In Every Situation by Dr. Winifred Neely is a short, practical guide to dealing with worry and anxiety. Based on a sermon Dr. Neely preached out of the book of Philippians, How to Overcome Worry is a great resource for Christians dealing with what can be a confounding topic.

Dr. Neely equates anxiety and worry, which he defines as, "concern turned inward and deformed, divorced from the grace of God and rooted in unhealthy fear" (pp. 29-30). He makes the helpful distinction between worry, proper concern, and clinical anxiety, noting that concern is appropriate, and a normal part of life and clinical anxiety is the result of living in a fallen world.

Using Paul's letter to Philippi, Dr. Neely provides tips to overcome worry. Keeping one's focus on God by using prayer and scripture meditation, Dr. Neely says that we can find God's peace which, "is the awesome well-being, the glorious serenity, the inexpressible wholeness, and the inner tranquility that characterize the infinite being of God Himself" (p.68).

As one who has dealt with anxiety, I found How to Overcome Worry extremely helpful. It is practical, biblical, and doesn't trivialize or dramatize the subject. It is short and easy to read, and is a great resource for Christians dealing with the topic.

I received this book free from Moody Publishers as part of their Moody Publishers Blogger Review 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, See Part 255

The Anxious Christian: Can God Use Your Anxiety for Good? by Rhett Smith, is an examination of the role of anxiety in the life of a Christian. Rather than dismiss anxiety as something sinful or un-Christian, Smith offers a way to reshape anxiety into something God uses in our lives.

Smith's own struggles with anxiety greatly informs this work. This makes what he says have a ring of authenticity that allowed me to more fully accept what he says about anxiety. Those who haven't struggled with anxiety or depression can offer words of wisdom and advice, but there is something about these words coming from a fellow traveler on this specific road that adds weight. If he can live with his anxiety and allow it to shape him in positive ways, than maybe I can too. His work as a marriage and family counselor is also helpful as he has been able to see the principles he discusses play out in the lives of others as well.

The Anxious Christian is full of scripture, words from other authors, and Smith's own life experiences. He offers practical advice both about how to deal with anxiety as an individual, and how the Church as a whole should deal with it. Each chapter ends with discussion questions, exercises, and a prayer that relate to that chapter's specific content. The questions and exercises are helpful for either individual or group use.

Overall, The Anxious Christian is a great read. Those who struggle with anxiety will appreciate it for its sense of "me too" as well as its practical tips. People who don't struggle with anxiety, but want to better understand those who do will also find it informative. This is also a helpful tool for anyone who does any kind of counseling.

I received this book free from Moody Publishers as part of their Moody Publishers Blogger Review 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, See Part 255