1 comments about The Man Who Could Do No Wrong (Living Books).

1. This is one of the greatest books ever written! A must read for every leader no matter what age or occupation. Superbly written with real life stories that will make you laugh and cry and when you do put down the book it will cause you to think about your life and what it is that you are living for!

2 comments about Zig: The Autobiography of Zig Ziglar.

1. Zig Ziglar's SEE YOU AT THE TOP was the first book
   on personal leadership that I ever read . . . I still have my copy
   and refer to it from time to time.
   
   Since then, I've read just about everything else the man
   has written and/or presented (via cassette and CD programs) . . . he
   has long been one of the individuals I've admired most and it has
   been one of the thrills of my life to have heard him a few times
   in person.
   
   So when I came across ZIG: THE AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF
   ZIG ZIGLAR, I jumped at the opportunity to hear it . . . it tells
   of his humble beginnings and quite candidly, tells of his
   failures too . . . he doesn't hold back and when he shares
   the story of his daughter's death, you'll be moved to tears
   as I was I was when I heard his rendition that obviously
   had him also teary-eyed.
   
   I loved how he talked lovingly of his wife, "the redhead," who
   like him, "isn't perfect" . . . and that's a good thing because
   as Ziglar recounts, if she were, "she never would have chosen me."
   
   I also got a kick out of how he realized that he had to move into
   a home in Dallas that he really couldn't afford at the time . . . however,
   to rationalize it, he broke the transaction into a cost per
   day figure (something he has shown me how to use in many
   of his other works) and as he notes, "Would you give $1.70 a day
   to get a happier wife?"
   
   Lastly, it was fun sharing the joys in his life, such as when he
   visited with the Pope . . . or when he was honored for the
   help he has given countless others . . . I only regret that I
   have never had the opportunity to also express my appreciation.



2. I found this book really great!
   Zig Ziglar is one of my favorite speakers and I always find him entertaining too.
   
   In this biography you get closer to Zig as you experience his ups and downs and I really apprreciated the importance he puts on his relationship with his wife. He really does walk his talk!

4 comments about Only Believe: Eye Witness Account of the Great Healing Revivals.

1. Don Stewart was an eye-witness to the miraclous in the ministry of many well-known Evangelist. His book "Only Believe" is an inspiring report of the supernatural as seen through the eyes of one who saw it on almost a daily basis. He did a very good job of weaving his way through much of the "negatives" and the "rumor-talk" surrounding the healing revival of the 40's, 50's and 60's. You'll be blessed by what you read.



2. This is a wonderful companion book to "All Things are Possible" written by David E Harrell. Where Harrell draws the unbiased facts, Stewart as an insider fills in the background color. Together, they are a fairly complete picture of the Healing Revival, circa 1947-1969 and its colorful evangelists, yet separately, they both leave gaps.

   To his credit, Stewart doesn't evade to tough questions on AA Allen (His drinking problem, his being prone to showmanship and theatrics, his death) or any of the evangelists, but handles them with the same kind of love that a parent has when they talk about their child's problem. You get the sense that Allen really was a "father figure" to this young minister. Stewart also takes us into the ministries of some of the "lesser known" evangelists of the movement, men such as Tommy Hicks and Velmer Gardner. These "lesser known" men had powerful ministries, yet were always in the shadow of the giants Branham, Roberts, Coe and Allen.

   One thing I found odd about Stewart's book was the absence of the ministry of RW Schambach. He, as with Stewart, was an associate evangelist under Allen, and he had and still has a powerful and enduring ministry, yet the book is silent on him. The only mention of Schambach is one paragraph on page 156 calling him a "powerful preacher". Leroy Jenkins and Marjoe Gortner had more written on them. This is strange, maybe jealousy or a sense of betrayal when he left Allen's team? Only Stewart knows.

   Another negative was Stewart's seeming self promotion. He titled his chapter "The Last of the Healing Evangelists", and went on to state that there is only "Benny Hinn, Reinhard Bonkke and myself" left as big healing evangelists. He also implies in the book that his ministry is the only one with Apostolic Succession from the Healing Revival. Again, he conveniently left out RW Schambach and even TL Osborne.

   Stewart gives glowing and much deserved credit to the ministries of Oral Roberts and William Branham. Both were bridge builders, Branham brought Oneness and Trinitarian believers under one campaign roof, and Roberts brought Pentecostalism and the Charismatic movement together. He also convincingly spoke of the battles Jack Coe, Allen and eventually the rest of the evangelists had with the Assemblies of God (AofG). He made a good argument on why the evangelists felt threatened by the AofG, and why they left.

   Overall, I enjoyed the book, and it has a place on my bookshelf next to Harrell's "All Things", Liardon's "God's Generals" and the Dictionary of Pentecostal and Charismatic Movements". Stewart's candid answers to the unpleasant questions and the compassion he had when he spoke of their weaknesses had me to re-think my own beliefs about these men and their character. If I brought one thing away from the book, it is that God pours His gifts into earthen vessels, and in the end, looking at the vessel discarded is in no way a indication of what it was filled with at one time




3. What to do when God places His Treasure... In Earthen Vessels??
   _______________________________________________________________

   In recent years, there's been much said, preached about, and written in books about the personal lives and ministries of
   "The Mighty Men of God...In Our Generation!"

   Especially, the powerful healing ministries..of Katheran Kulhman,Amie Mc Pherson,William Branham, A.A.Allen,Jack Coe,Morris Cerrullo,R.W. Shambach,Benny Hinn,Leroy Jenkins,
   Don Stewart and others!

   I personally have been approched by 3 publishers, asking me to write about my 60years of "walking by the side ... of many of Gods Giants of Faith, yet God has never released me to do so as of yet!

   I have hesitated to open up the past, as, often what is really wanted, is to expose the humanity side of God's men...and not the Divine Calling and Anointing of God!

   While it's wonderful to read about the powerful accounts of these people of God and how the effected their world.. we need to leave there personal lives and their personal relationship with God... to the Lord! Let me explain.

   You see, some people like to play God.. and expose other ministers faults and failures.. just to exalt themselves,
   by putting down someone else! Pentecostisim especially, has been
   bound with this problem for years and driven many away from god!
   God is a God of Love and Restoration..even to fallen ministers!
   Say Amen Bro. Swaggart! (by the way, God is using him around the world to win multitueds to Christ! Pray for his ministry!)

   There's two problems with that attitude! One is the question; " Who made us God?" secondly; " As we deal forth judgement to others.. so shall we drink from that same cup!

   " Trust me! It's a bitter cup! I've been guilty, in years past and I've had to ask forgiveness. We allllll... need God! Amen?

   Let me stop here an say, that "Whatever is committed to God..
   and is under the blood of Christ, is a Holy Thing! The Devil...

   You Nor I ... have a right to touch it or bring it out from undet the precous blood coveing of Jesus!

   If God has forgiven sin..He also has forgotten the sin and we must forgive and forget also!

   Flesh is Flesh! Spirit is Spirit! All flesh stinks(yours or mine).. and we must learn to know, respect and revere one another, .. by God's Spirit! Especially in the ministy!

   Yes all preachers are human and have to deal with the flesh
   and the spirit, just like you do. We all make mistakes! I've made many.. but by the grace and mercy of God Almighty, I've been forgiven and learned from the experience and moved forward to be a greater man of God then before!

   I did agree to a 2 hr. interview with Don Stewarts co-editor, concerning a few of my accounts with the late Rev. A. A. Allen. I appreciate the credit given to myself and my late friend, Rev. Seven Bloomburg, in the front ot Don's book "Only Believe."

   While the book is wonderful and full of history of the healing movement, if I may ... I would like to address an important issue that it brings up to the body of Christ.

   Bro. Stewart and I have had a great relationship in the ministy, in many crusades, spanning about 40 years! He's a special man of God, who has both carried a heavy cross.. of inheriting another mans foundation... and the responsibilities of producing fruit in many International Missionary Crusades!

   It's been my priviledge to know and work with Evangelist Don Stewart since the late 1950's, when he was first healed of a crippled leg... in the A. A. Allen Miracle Healing Crusade, in Phoenix, Az.

   We were both blessed to work and travel with Rev. Allen.(Don..in later years, as his assoc. evangelist, then as VP. and later Pres. of Miracle Revivals Inc., after Bro. Allens went to be with the Lord.)

   I first worked with Bro. Allen at age 17, as a radio editor for his national broadcast and attending to the emergency section of
   people who were the more serious cases, coming for prayer.

   In later years, I worked again .. some 8 or 9 times, as crusade organist, singer, minister and promotional projects. Those were wonderful days.. of having a "Front Row Seat"..to witness multitudes coming to Christ, astounding miracle healings as well as God used him to birth a revival of Joy and Liberty...around the world! The fruits of his labor is still producing souls, in many nations today.(over 30 yrs. after his coronation.)

   Don Stewart also has recieved much mentoring and inspiration from Bro. Allen, as has thousands of ministers around the world, including myself.

   I also, have been greatly inspired and schooled, by many other men I've worked with over 60 yrs, and some 3,000,000 miles on the gospel trail, in 58 nations.(William Branham,Leroy Jenkins,
   Jack Coe,Morris Cerrullo,Dr. Thomas Whyatt, R.W. Shambach,John H. Osteen,my own father and many others.

   I could write volumes about my experiences and what I've witnessed, but While I shared some of my accounts of Bro. Allens life with Don and his Co-author, I'd like to address a specific point on the review of Bro. Stewarts book and his information about Rev. Allen.

   First of all, the bible commands us (it's not an option)..to "Judge and to Know..no man, after the flesh!"

   This is the missing plum line, in most churches and ministries today! We tend to judge men of God by the size of their crowds, success,the way they dress, look, ..the "Outer packaging!"

   Even the miracles, anointing, and operation of the gifts of the spirit..are not always signs of their character or integrity!

   Excuse me! Take a good look at most of the men of God in the bible and you'll see that "THEY ALL HAD FLESH PROBLEMS, YET GOD CHOSE THEM, KNEW THEM, AND USED THEM FOR HIS GLORY!"

   He often uses " Bad Boys.. To Do Good Things!" Not the religious, pastors of the first church of the fridgidare!

   In the end, we all (A.A.ALLEN, BENNY HINN, DON STEWART..BUFORD DOWELL...AND YOU).. STAND BEFORE "A LOVING, HEAVENLY FATHER.. WHO DEALS IN RIGHTEOUS JUDGEMENT" .. and we have to give account for our personal Relationship (Like David of old, our Heart after God)... and the real fruit we have produced for "His True Kingdom..Not Ours or some Denomination!"

   Remember... It's about Relationship! Not Religion, Good works or even Ministry!

   We must know every man (and woman) by the Spirit..by their Heart, the way God sees them and as the "Finished Product..
   of His Handy Work!"

   I walked by the side of the good..the bad... and the ugly.. over the years and it does'nt matter who it is, their color, or their past failures, if their faces are washed in the BLOOD OF JESUS CHRIST.. THEY'RE PART OF THE GLORIOUS REDEEMED OF THE LORD!

   If they're not, pray for them! Love them and Restore them! Pour in the oil and and wine! Don't expose their sin..or God will expose yours!

   In closing, some of the greatest men and women of God on planet earth, ..who will never have a book written about them, be seen on TBN, or preach to a hundred people, are also really true Generals in Gods Mighty End Time Army! Why? Because they've been faithful! They've fought a good fight! Ran a good race!
   Been obedient vessels!

   Be encouraged! The Best is yet to come!

   -Watch for the Wind...

   Evangelist Buford Dowell
   

   ________________________

   "In Him... is life!"




4. As we look to our past, it prepares us for our future. I was impressed with the author's views and insights on these various Generals of the Faith, who have gone on before us. I was inspired and encouraged by the author's facts of the late Rev. A.A. Allen's accounts. I gleaned a lot from the author's willingness to be open and candid in his writings. My hat is off to you, Rev. Don Stewart for sharing these sometimes very painfull accounts of our beloved, Rev. A.A. Allen. What a helpful insight into our past, it will help with our future. If you have not purchased a copy of the book, get one. It is much needed in your libary today. I've recommended it to a friend, and I highly recommended it to those in search of facts from our past of Great Men and Woman of God. You won't be disappointed.

1 comments about Rajarsi Janakananda : A Great Western Yogi.

1. One should read this book after reading the classic - Autobiography of a Yogi. Rajashri is the first successor of self realization fellowship started by Paramhans Yogananda. It narrates the spiritual life of a successful businessman - Mr. Lynn (also called as Rajashri Janakananda). It has also the letters written by Paramhansa Yogananda to Rajashri which are very interesting read.

1 comments about Wrestling with Angels: Adventures in Faith and Doubt (ConversantLife.com®).

1. Reviewed by Debra Gaynor for ReviewYourBook.com
   Carolyn Arends, author, songwriter, recording artist, sheds light on the role Jesus Christ has played in her life. She shares her poetry and bits of her life with readers. I have long enjoyed Old Testament stories. Ms. Arends retells the story of Jacob in a beautiful yet simple manner. She emphasizes the struggle with an angel.
   
   Jacob refuses to let go of the angel until he is blessed. The definition of a blessing is "love and acceptance". "Jacob gets his blessing but only through defeat." We will be blessed when we surrender to the will of God.
   
   "It Has To Be You" is a spiritually fraught poem that could be describing my spiritual journey. Ms. Arends shares her dearest memories. She tells of a four year old praying for much needed rain. She shares her growth through prayer. Before a performance, God sent four women to pray with her. My favorite part of this book is the chapter concerning Alzheimer. Ms. Arends you have reminded me and others that even in the midst of watching our loved ones slip away, God is in charge and with Him there is always hope. Sometimes hope comes in the midst of a hymn.
   
   Wrestling With Angels by Carolyn Arends is a heartwarming book. I must admit that I was not familiar with her as a songwriter or recording artist. I will remedy that later today. The stories of her life were sometimes humorous, always caring, and ardent. I highly recommend Wrestling With Angels to all Christians.

5 comments about Lifting Our Eyes: Finding God's Grace Through the Virginia Tech Tragedy The Lauren McCain Story.

1. This is a heart-wrenching account of the lives lost on April 16, 2007. This tragedy will never leave me, but neither will Lauren McCain's words. Her faith, evident through her journal entries, her words of praise and her love for God have touched me so strongly that I think of her and her words of praise daily. She lived her life so deeply for someone so young and she will continue to witness to others through this book and inspire others as she has truly inspired me. She is a true child of God.



2. Using the story and journals of VT freshman Lauren McCain, whose love for Christ emanates from her like a sweet fragrance, combined with other witness testimony and police accounts, Lueders explores the events of the Virginia Tech tragedy and tackles tough issues like God's presence in tragedy and whether forgiveness is necessary and possible.
   
   This is not the first tragedy where someone was asked "Where was God?" or suggested vengeance and blame were more probable reactions than forgiveness. The book covers well the accuracy of understanding God is with us even in the midst of the fallout from the evil humans choose to enact. As for forgiveness, it examples and guides a truth I have learned to live long ago and wish more people knew - with Jesus Christ in your life, true forgiveness is possible and life can go forward.
   
   The best parts of the book are taken from Lauren's journals, her myspace page, and statements from friends and family which show Lauren not as a victim of violence, but a victorious inheritor of Heaven. The book gives you permission to grieve, and power to know what a difference God really does make when the relationship is real.



3. Some stories stay with you. This is one. You'll find yourself thinking of it long after you put it down, and you'll be happy you spent the time doing it!



4. I started reading this book last night and just could not put it down.
   
   What an amazing story and what a special young lady Lauren McCain must have been. His story is an absolute inspiration and her parents ae very special as well.



5. While interviewing the author Pat Robertson said, "People asked, 'Where was God when this happened?' He was right there." And that point is made throughout this book. Award-winning journalist and author Beth Lueders brings her years of experience to bear in crafting a book that not only tells about a tragedy and its aftermath, but challenges us all to "lift our eyes" and see the good that can come from even the worst mass-murder in U.S. history.
   
   Besides the well-written story, the book includes a comprehensive appendix with tips on how to help or receive help--both from a biblical and psychological point of view--when trauma invades our comfortable world.

No comments about Jesse Jackson: A Biography (Greenwood Biographies).

No comments about Great Secret Count St Germain.

4 comments about Francis of Assisi: Performing the Gospel Life.

1. Cunningham presents the life of Francis as one that is deeply committed to living the Christian life as a member of the Catholic Church. This is not to be exclusive, but Cunningham argues that one must understand Francis within this context to grasp what he did do that challenged structures both within and outside the Church. The fittingness of the title is quickly apparent, because Francis' life exhibits the total committment Francis had to following the life of Jesus. The chapters give a look at the life of the Francis before his conversion experiences and then at the Francis who was among many brothers in a newly founded religous order. Finally, Cunningham has a chapter called "Francis Reconsidered" which challenges the reader to rethink the image of Francis and decide whether or not that fits with the material found in the previous chapters. This is a very good book if one is looking for a good sense of Francis' life without the technical citations and references which can make a book daunting to some. I would highly recommend this book because of the breathe in which it asks one to rethink Francis and to see his life as a member of the Body of Christ challenging the society in which he lived.



2. Francis is most often seen outside in garden statuary, surrounded by birds and other animals. This is the perception most of us have of Francis. Cunningham's book serves to take this image and place it in a historical context. Francis was a devout and very orthodox Christian. He was very literal in his understanding of the mission, life and death of Christ. His understanding led him to radical views on life - while remaining firmly planted in his church and its traditions.
   
   This book is part theology, part history, part sociology. It is an easy and thought provoking read, although the teminology Cunningham uses is sometimes theological and obscure to those without some basis is Christianity.
   
   I highly recommend this book.



3. It is the rare biography of St. Francis that goes beyond "lawn garden statue" spirtuality. He presents Francis as a man of the incarnation and the cross.



4. Blegh.
   
   Avoid this book -- mediocre, often inaccurate scholarship, dullness of pen, and paens to politically correct personal hobbyhorses fill the body of the book; St Francis himself seems to've been left out. The prose is repetitive and irritating.
   
   The only useful section of the book is the final chapter, where Cunningham references better works on St. Francis.

2 comments about A Legacy of Faith: Things I Learned from My Father.

1. In this delightful book, A LEGACY OF FAITH: Things I Learned From My Father, Ruth Graham honestly and tenderly shares what it was like growing up as the daughter of Billy Graham. Ruth, the third and youngest daughter, talks about what it was like to have a world-famous, traveling evangelist as a dad and the lengths to which her parents went to give their children a normal upbringing.
   
   In six well-written chapters, Graham explores different lessons she learned from her father, including love for the world, grace and loyalty. From an early age all of the Graham children were schooled in the business of giving. One of her first Christmas memories is putting boxes together for the needy within the surrounding area. In fact, any gifts sent to the family were immediately given to those in need. Graham recounts a time when a generous patron sent the family a beautiful soda fountain and admits that was a hard gift to give away!
   
   She also describes her mother's efforts to create a normal life for the children when their father was gone so much of the time. She talks about the excitement of her father's homecomings and the gifts he always brought back from his various trips. While home, Billy Graham spent long hours in his study reading, researching and preparing for the next set of meetings. While always welcome to interrupt, Ruth admits she limited any interruptions to a minimum --- not only during those times of study but throughout her growing up years. This was done with some regret.
   
   Graham writes, "My father has set a high standard in giving himself wholeheartedly; I have sought more of a balance and tend to be more restrained. It may be that seeing my father give so much to others when I was a child caused me to become reserved in loving. I think I felt that he gave away so much of what was mine --- attention, concern, love and time --- that I became protective of my heart. I was not willing to give everything away."
   
   In these tender moments, Graham acknowledges some of the pain that accompanied being the daughter of an evangelist to the world. She says there were certain times when she felt she needed her daddy but he simply wasn't there. Yet she acknowledges that it must have been just as difficult, if not more difficult, on him as he prayerfully handed over his family to the care of God time and time again.
   
   Yet Ruth doesn't just reminisce about her father and mother. She also shares glimpses into her own life, which includes two marriages that ended in divorce. She talks about the shame she felt, but also the unwavering sense of love and support she received from her parents.
   
   Overall, A LEGACY OF FAITH: Things I Learned from My Father is a wonderful keepsake book. The layout and design make it an enjoyable afternoon read or even a book to keep out for guests. It's filled with a rich assortment of photos from Ruth's childhood as well as from her father's years in ministry. This is the first time a Graham child has ever shared personal thoughts about growing up with Billy Graham as a father, and it's a book you won't want to miss.
   
   --- Reviewed by Margaret A. Feinberg



2. THIS IS A VERY SPECIAL BOOK AND THE LIFE LESSONS THAT RUTH GRAHAM SHARES IN THIS VERY INSPIRATIONAL PUBLICATION HAVE BEEN A REAL BLEESSING IN MY LIFE AND ARE TRULY LIFE CHANGING.THIS IS VERY FAST READING AND THERE IS ALOT OF NEW INFORMATION AND PHOTOS SHARED FOR THE VERY FIRST TIME BUT MORE IMPORTANT ARE THE VERY SPECIAL PRINCIPLES THAT THIS SPECIAL FAMILY MEMBER HAS PASSED DOWN FROM HER DAD(BILLY GRAHAM)THIS BOOK OFFERS ALOT OF HOPE AND COURAGE AND WILL OFFER ALOT OF STORMS. THIS WILL MAKE A WONDERFUL BOOK FOR A FRIEND, FAMILY MEMBER, A PASTOR, AND A SOLDIER SERVING OVER SEAS. THIS WOULD MAKE A WONDERFUL DEVOTIONAL GUIDE FOR A BIBLE STUDY FOR THIS BOOK AT MY CHURCH.