Kate Walsh

Kate is the current owner and editor of Cup of Faith. She is a blogger who loves Jesus, loves to read, and currently lives in Johannesburg with her husband.

The post Interview with Author Sister K: “Blessed with Laughter: Journey to Seeing Her Eyes” appeared first on Cup of Faith.

“Life is hard, not because you’ve taken a wrong turn. Life is hard because this is the way of love – and Love Himself will be with you every step of the way.” Ann Voskamp, Waymaker.

Have you ever enjoyed a drink slowly, savouring the taste with each sip? Tried to make it last? I drink my Earl Grey tea, made with Nigiro tea leaves, in such a fashion. I find the line where enjoy-while-hot and make-it-last-as-long-as-possible intersect.

I found myself reading ‘Waymaker’ this way, too. The thoughts Ann shares are often so profound and deeply beautiful that it requires a certain slowness. She writes with a playful, poetic style that invites the reader into her inner world. Her use of language reminds me of Donald Miller’s Blue Like Jazz (a firm favourite!).

I’ve been very slow to the party: this was my first ever Ann Voskamp book! A friend bought this book for me, and then Christian Arts sent it to Cup of Faith with a request for a review. With two copies on my shelf, this was not one I could skip. (The other copy is available for giveaway!)

‘Waymaker’ is a book about very difficult seasons and how we respond while waiting. Ann shares tenderly about difficulties in her marriage, her health, adopting a child, and the health of her son. It reads like a ballroom dance: a story of love between a woman and her Jesus. She is honest about what it means to seek God, to fail in seeking God, and to experience God’s faithfulness through it all. Anyone who feels that they are in a wilderness season would benefit from this beautifully crafted book. 

Journalling Prompt

Ann shares a prayer-journaling prompt that was inspired by her reading of Exodus:

Stillness

Be still… live into a tender surrender because the Lord fights His way to you, fights for you in ways you don’t even know you need.

Attentiveness

Attend to who you say God is, to where you are in relation to Him, and what you really want.

Cruciformity

Surrender, arms wide-open, let yourself be formed cruciform, reaching out to God and people. 

Revelation

How is the Word revealing Himself to you in this moment?

Examine

What are you afraid of?

Doxology

What can you give thanks for right here and now?

She uses this journalling prompt throughout the rest of the book to reflect on tough situations.

Sacrificial Love

Ann’s humility shines through on every page. She gives glory to God through seasons of trial and failure. I felt stirred as I read to pursue Jesus with a deeper ardency. I particularly loved an interchange she shared during a visit to ancient Shiloh, where ancient Israel made sacrifices after entering the promised land. She asked her Messianic Jewish guide:

‘ “Sacrifice–doesn’t mean give up or lay down or go without or let go of?”

“No, no, no…. Sacrifice doesn’t mean that at all. Sacrifice in Hebrew is korban…it literally means to come near, an approach, a moving closer, a move into a closer relationship.”

Sacrifice is not losing something but moving closer to Someone. Sacrifice isn’t about loss – sacrifice is about love. Surrender to love. Sacrifice is about detaching from one thing –to attach to a greater thing. How do I take off my shoes, give up shoes, give all of me to Him? ’

What books have helped you through difficult seasons? Share them with us in the comments!

Kate Walsh

Kate is the current owner and editor of Cup of Faith. She is a blogger who loves Jesus, loves to read, and currently lives in Johannesburg with her husband.

The post Book review: Waymaker by Ann Voskamp appeared first on Cup of Faith.

If you’ve never read Battlefield of the Mind by Joyce Meyer, you need to! This book is a must for anyone who wants to better understand and overcome the battles of life. If it were possible, I’d give the book a ten-star rating.

Joyce understands that most, if not all, of the battles we face in life begin in our minds. She provides scriptures, illustrations, and personal insight on dealing with these battles Biblically. Her personal application of the disciplines she teaches in Battlefield of the Mind gives it an authentic flavor that is a rare find.

What I learned from Battlefield of the Mind

It wasn’t difficult for me to pinpoint weaknesses in my thought life. Joyce’s insights into the scriptures she shared in the book were rich and revealing! I made a list of the scriptures in the chapters that spoke to my situation and began meditating on them during my morning devotions. I found this exercise helpful. Through it, I learned that the Bible is more than just a story to read; it is filled with truth that can change my life if I let it.

I was challenged to change my negative thought patterns and instead focus on God’s promises for my life. This proved difficult because I’ve spent many years stuck in negative thought patterns. However, over time, I have found it better to live with a positive God attitude than with the negative one I was accustomed to.

God’s blessings, I learned, aren’t based on my merit but on what God knows I’m ready to receive. I learned this from her description of the Israelites’ 40-year journey through the wilderness on their way to the Promised Land. This journey should have taken less than two weeks. Their wandering was caused by their disobedience, not by God’s punishment. This encourages me to take less time trying to figure things out on my own and to trust in God’s plan and guidance. Think less, trust more!

In her down-to-earth manner, Joyce says that “stinkin’ thoughts produce stinkin’ actions.” This is so true! The more I rehearse negative thoughts, the more prone I am to act negatively. It’s a battle to capture those thoughts when they arise, understand they’re lies, and set them aside.

What I took away from Battlefield of the Mind

1. The mind is the main battlefield, not our outer circumstances.
2. The victory is not won all at once; it takes time and discipline.
3. There will be a battle in my mind every day.
4. I must choose to take my negative thoughts captive.
5. I must be aware of my thought life and what I’m thinking about.
6. I can have the mind of Christ if I choose it.
7. To live the life God intends for me to live, I must choose to have God’s mindset.

Who should read Battlefield of the Mind?

I highly recommend this book to anyone who struggles with negative thoughts. It should be on the bookshelf for reference when dealing with them. I especially recommend it for those who struggle with anxiety, depression, and a poor self-image—this includes most, if not all, of us! I have read “Battlefield of the Mind“ many times. Each time I read it, I am reminded that God’s thoughts for me are much better than my own.

The truths in Battlefield of the Mind are vital for living above the “stinkin’ thinkin’” we are so prone to. I know my life has changed in the years since I read it – and it will continue to change as I keep applying God’s Word daily.

Lea Peters

Lea Peters has been a pastor’s wife and missionary since 1987. She has served alongside her husband, Jamie, planting churches and establishing faith-based community outreaches in Africa. She has four children and two grandchildren.

aculturalshift.com

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Jentezen Franklin’s book, Fasting: Opening the Door to a Deeper, More Intimate, More Powerful Relationship with God, explores fasting and its transformative effects on a believer’s life. Grounded in Biblical principles, Franklin emphasizes that fasting goes beyond mere food abstinence; it is a deliberate act of devotion intended to deepen one’s relationship with God.

My insights from “Fasting”

The book’s central theme is the Biblical basis for fasting. It discusses the different types of fasts found in Scripture—absolute, normal, and partial—and offers guidance on choosing the right fast according to personal circumstances and spiritual objectives.

The link between fasting and prayer is thoroughly explored. The book highlights that fasting alongside prayer enhances our spiritual sensitivity and aligns our hearts with God’s intentions.

Franklin emphasizes the importance of managing our Physical, Mental, and Spiritual Expectations.

Fasting has both challenges and rewards, including physical hunger, mental clarity, and spiritual breakthroughs.

Finally, advice on implementing fasting in daily life is explored for Practical Application. Readers are encouraged to approach fasting with a spirit of humility and dedication.

Fasting by Jentezen Franklin

What I took away from “Fasting”

1. Fasting is a personal discipline that fosters a partnership with God.
2. There are various types of fasts. I need to discern what God is calling me to.
3. Fasting serves to control the flesh. Jesus fasted, so I should too.
4. I need to blend faith and patience into my experience when I fast. Results aren’t always immediate.
5. The question I must ask myself during the fast is, what is God’s goal for the fast? Not what my goal is for the fast.
6. A lack of repentance and unforgiveness will invalidate any fast. I need to approach a time of fasting with self-awareness.

Who should read “Fasting”?

I highly recommend Fasting by Jentezen Franklin to all believers, regardless of their current stage on the spiritual journey. Whether you’re new to fasting or have fasted before but wish to deepen your understanding, this book offers Biblical insight and practical guidance that can transform your spiritual life.

Many Christians today overlook fasting, treating it as optional or outdated—but Franklin reawakens its significance as a powerful, God-ordained discipline. Through this book, readers will better appreciate how fasting can unlock a more intimate, focused relationship with God. Franklin explains the “how” and the “why” of fasting, helping believers grasp its spiritual impact—from breakthroughs in prayer to increased spiritual clarity to a renewed hunger for God’s presence.

This book holds significant value for individuals seeking guidance, longing for renewal, or experiencing spiritual dryness. It’s also perfectly suited for church leaders and small group discussions, offering clear instruction and motivation to reinstate this frequently overlooked practice in our spiritual journeys.

Ultimately, Fasting empowers and motivates believers to seek God with greater intensity, sacrificing physical desires to attain everlasting rewards.

Lea Peters

Lea Peters has been a pastor’s wife and missionary since 1987. She has served alongside her husband, Jamie, planting churches and establishing faith-based community outreaches in Africa. She has four children and two grandchildren.

aculturalshift.com

The post Book Review: Fasting by Jentzen Franklin | Opening the door to a deeper, more intimate, more powerful relationship with God appeared first on Cup of Faith.

I was first introduced to the Serenity Prayer standing in a gift shop as a young girl and I remember first thinking it must be a quote taken directly from the Bible, for its truth was so impactful, and simply reading the verses made me feel a sense of calm and peace. It was only years later that I discovered that it was in fact attributed to an American theologian by the name of Reinhold Niebuhr. While it was not taken from the Bible as I had thought, the Serenity Prayer has ever since been a prayer that I return to when I am needing comfort. My excitement at discovering that there is an entire devotional dedicated to it was therefore not surprising.

Called “Seeking Serenity”, by Trevor Hudson, I cannot lie: at first I couldn’t help but question how an entire 365-page devotional could be made out of one single prayer without there being extreme repetition in it. Yet this is not the case at all! The author has not only managed to write 365 individual, daily devotions but, by exploring unique challenges and themes that, on the surface, one doesn’t immediately recognise, he has done it masterfully.

Before we unpack how he has accomplished this, let’s have a read to remind ourselves of the calming truth found in the Serenity Prayer:

God, grant me the serenity
to accept the things I cannot change,
courage to change the things I can,
and wisdom to know the difference.
Living one day at a time, enjoying one moment at a time,
accepting hardship as a pathway to peace:
taking, as He did, this sinful world as it is,
not as I would have it:
trusting that He will make all things right
if I surrender to His will –
that I may be reasonably happy in this life
and supremely happy with Him forever in the next.

As Trevor Hudson himself describes in his foreword, the relevance of the Serenity Prayer is amplified by our current cultural context, where political and economic instability is being experienced the world over. Therefore, the need for incorporating serenity into our daily perspective and experience is even more paramount.

Hudson has taken the riches found in those 12 lines and expanded them into an in-depth journey that touches on all spheres of our daily spiritual walk, where each month of the year is dedicated to one line from the Serenity Prayer and guides the daily reflections. The structure is genius in that while each line may appear to be a standalone nugget of wisdom, it is in fact a ribbon tying together a gift of many treasures found in scripture and through reflection. The author unpacks this one by one through each day of the month, and each month of the year.

Weaving in his personal experiences and how he has discovered serenity in his own life’s struggles, we have a practical guideline with personal depth and heart, offering daily advice for life’s challenges using scripture as the unwavering compass. Each chapter ends with a ‘seeking serenity’ suggestion alongside the prayer, which helps the reader to apply the principles.

January kicks off the serenity journey with the opening line, “God grant me the serenity”, in which the author describes on a daily basis the different aspects of serenity and how we build this into our lives. As stated, he does this by giving relevant personal accounts and emphasises how we anchor ourselves in serenity through relationship with God.

We then move into February, March and April, specifically discussing through modern examples we encounter every day, the things that are not within our control, the things we can change, and all the aspects of change, which can take various forms. Firstly, in our own personal transformation, and secondly, in our being change-makers in the world. The most important aspect is knowing the difference, and here he explores wisdom and how we seek this through His word.

In May and June, he takes us on a journey of mindfulness, how to be truly present, and living in an attitude of gratitude, so that we can experience the true nature of God, and bringing us into deeper, loving relationship with him.

Between July and October, amongst other invaluable things, we step onto a path on which we reflect on the hardships of life, and on accepting the world as it is. These months take us into yet deeper layers of our spiritual journey, learning what it means to be truly surrendered to God’s will and not our own, in order to foster joy in knowing that God is fully in control, and that all things will be redeemed.

In November and December, we complete the circle of our 365-day journey, reflecting on the balance between earthly contentment and eternal joy, and offering a lens for each month that ultimately points to God’s ultimate promises that truly do help us to live with serenity.

One of the most beneficial traits of the devotional is that it is undated, and therefore may be used throughout your life, depending on seasons when serenity is most needed. If you love the Serentiy Prayer as much as I do, this book is for you, and I invite you to experience this special and unique devotion which will lead you on an enriching personal journey, saturated in serenity.

Angela Chiaberta

I am a volunteer blogger with a passion for God and writing. My hope is to help others choose faith – or to walk deeper in their faith – through my own introspections and observations.

The post Seeking Serenity by Trevor Hudson: Book Review appeared first on Cup of Faith.

Are you wondering if God sees your struggles or cares about your circumstances? Life can sometimes feel overwhelming, filled with uncertainty, fear, and challenges that make us question whether God is truly present. In God Will Help You, bestselling author, pastor, and storyteller Max Lucado offers a heartfelt reminder that God is always near, ready to provide strength, guidance, and peace in every situation.

Lucado is known for his warm, encouraging writing style, and this book is no exception. With his signature blend of storytelling, biblical teaching, and practical wisdom, he makes complex spiritual truths feel personal and accessible. Whether you’re struggling with worry, grief, loneliness, or doubt, Lucado’s words offer comfort and reassurance, pointing back to the unshakable hope found in God’s promises.

Overview of the Book

God Will Help You is divided into 10 chapters, each addressing different life struggles – anxiety, fear, loneliness, grief, sickness, and more. Throughout the book, Lucado masterfully intertwines Scripture, real-life anecdotes, and uplifting messages to remind readers that they are never alone in their struggles. His ability to take timeless biblical truths and apply them to modern-day challenges makes this book both inspiring and deeply relatable.

One of the most impactful aspects of the book is the reflection section at the end of each chapter. These sections provide space for readers to pause, meditate on what they’ve learned, and engage in prayer. Lucado doesn’t just offer encouragement – he invites readers into an active, faith-filled response. The structured reflections help reinforce key takeaways and encourage readers to lean into God’s presence in a tangible way.

Each chapter is filled with wisdom, making it hard to pick just one standout moment. However, the overall theme remains clear: No matter what you are facing, God is there to help you. His love is unwavering, His power is limitless, and His guidance is available to all who seek Him.

Writing Style & Impact

God Will Help You by Max Lucado

Lucado’s writing is as inviting as a heartfelt conversation with a close friend over a cup of coffee. His tone is warm, engaging, and easy to understand, as if he’s sitting across from you, making deep theological insights feel practical and personal. He has the ability to weave together biblical narratives with everyday struggles, illustrating how God’s faithfulness remains constant throughout history and in our lives today.

One of Lucado’s greatest strengths as a writer is his use of storytelling. Whether he’s sharing personal experiences, historical examples, or modern testimonies, his stories resonate on a deep emotional level. They serve as reminders that faith isn’t just an abstract concept – it’s something we live out daily, even in our struggles.

This book isn’t just about offering hope – it provides practical ways to strengthen your trust in God. Lucado gently challenges readers to shift their focus from their problems to God’s promises, encouraging them to take steps toward faith even when circumstances seem uncertain.

Key Takeaways

One of the most memorable lessons in the book is the acronym C.A.L.M., based on Philippians 4:4-8. This simple yet powerful method provides a practical way to deal with anxiety:
• Celebrate God’s goodness;
• Ask God for help;
• Leave your concerns with God;
• Meditate on good things.

This framework is an excellent reminder of how faith can actively shape our response to life’s difficulties. Instead of being consumed by worry, we can intentionally shift our focus to God’s faithfulness, trusting Him to guide us through every challenge.

Who Should Read This Book?

If you’re struggling with anxiety, grief, loneliness, or simply need reassurance that God is near, God Will Help You is a must-read. Whether you’re a new believer seeking encouragement or a seasoned Christian looking for a faith boost, Lucado’s words will remind you of God’s unwavering presence in your life.

This book is especially impactful for those going through a difficult season. It serves as a lifeline of hope, a reminder that God’s help is always available, no matter how heavy life’s burdens may feel. It’s also a great book to gift to a friend or loved one who needs encouragement.

Final Thoughts

The overarching message of God Will Help You is simple yet profound: No matter what you’re facing, you are not alone. God sees you, cares for you, and is ready to help in ways beyond what you can imagine. Lucado’s writing is a beautiful invitation to rest in that truth, to release fears and doubts, and to embrace the peace that comes from trusting God fully.

Personally, I found this book to be an uplifting and transformative read. There were so many powerful takeaways that it’s hard to highlight just one, but the C.A.L.M. method has been particularly impactful in my own life. It’s a reminder to shift my perspective from worry to worship, from fear to faith.

I highly recommend God Will Help You to anyone in need of encouragement. It’s more than just a book – it’s a companion for the soul, guiding readers back to the heart of God and the reassurance that He is always ready to help. This book doesn’t just leave you feeling encouraged; it equips you with the faith and practical steps to navigate life’s toughest moments.

If you’re looking for a faith-filled perspective on overcoming life’s difficulties, this book will inspire and uplift you. Take the time to read it, reflect on its messages, and allow its wisdom to strengthen your trust in God’s ever-present help.

Marthe Badibanga

A volunteer blogger whose passion is to see the people of God become all that the LORD intended them to be in their personal relationships with Him that overflow into their daily lives.

The post Book Review: God Will Help You by Max Lucado appeared first on Cup of Faith.

As we explore Psalm 23 in this month’s mental health awareness, Louis Giglio’s look at the battle of the mind could not be more relevant. While there are many factors contributing to mental health including chemical imbalances and trauma, it is often in our thought-life that everyday downturns can halt the momentum in our relationship with God and consequently, our spiritual and mental wellbeing.

Louis Giglio’s book expands on Psalm 23: 5, “You prepare a table for me in the presence of my enemies,” and he does this through simple and effective demonstrations, drawing on general examples as well as personal anecdotes from his own life to land this analogy and give us practical applications of Psalm 23. This includes giving modern-day examples to fill in applications of, “Even though….I will….” (Psalm 23:4).
One of the key themes is the sacred – figurative – table. It has been specifically laid out for us by our Father and Savior for the purpose of communing with Him in the midst of the chaos the enemy creates in the world and in our loves. But too often we diminish the power of this table when we entertain thoughts that are not true to His word or heart for us; thoughts that the enemy plants. “In whatever way the Devil gains access to your table, his goals are the same. He wants to gain access to your mind so he can destroy you.” (pg. 47).

There are numerous types of thoughts that the enemy can “scatter like seeds”, as Giglio describes. He deep dives into thoughts of temptation, making a poignant observation that when Jesus was tempted, it was temptation to be in opposition to God’s instruction, self-glory as opposed to humble surrender to the Father’s will. The enemy will tempt us in everyday sins, seeking worldly comforts in times of trouble as opposed to God, but even in seemingly innocent fantasies, we may be led astray through self-glorifying thoughts that twist God’s purpose for us and dethrone Him as the one to be glorified. Then there are of course the thoughts that can lead to depression and anxiety, the self-deprecating thoughts, thoughts of comparison and lies the enemy says about us that are in stark contrast to our identity in Jesus.

Giglio describes the long-term impact of thoughts by drawing on 2 Corinthians 10:5 and reminding us the importance of allowing Jesus to reign over every thought, “See, if a thought is not taken captive by you in Jesus’ name, that thought will take you captive. You will bind the thought, or the thought will, in time, bind you.” (pg. 130). If we allow lies from the enemy to stay, they will become entrenched and begin to define our life, which can often lead to many interruptions to our spiritual journey, and even lead to mental health problems.

However, we do not need to fear the influence of the enemy. Even when he has been sitting at our table. Giglio wraps his narrative in the encouraging and empowering truth of our identity in Christ, that we already share in Christ’s victory. Repentance is our antidote to guilt and shame, and we can protect our thought life by not only defending against the power of lies, but by being offensive, starting our days with positive thoughts. The greatest encouragement that the book captures is that the war is won. While there are many battles that need to be fought, we can hold on to the truth of our identity in Jesus and focus on him on the other side of the table that he has laid out for us. We don’t need to allow the Devil to intrude in this union. We can win the battle of our minds.

Angela Chiaberta

I am a volunteer blogger with a passion for God and writing. My hope is to help others choose faith – or to walk deeper in their faith – through my own introspections and observations.

The post Book Review: Don’t Give the Enemy a Seat at your Table appeared first on Cup of Faith.

There’s no getting through this Christian journey without addressing the question, what does God want me to do with my life? Trevor Hudson tackles this topic with the book written under the bold title, Discovering God’s Will For Your Life: A User’s Guide to Discernment.

This short but impactful book has three main outcomes: latching into God’s vision for your life, defining discernment, and taking action on what we learn. Hudson encourages individual application of his points with short exercises found in the book. 

Discovering God’s Will for Your Life (Trevor Hudson): Published by Struik Christian Media. Available wherever books are sold.

Discernment involves recognising God’s active presence and voice so that we can respond to what God is doing and saying, and bring our lives into more harmony with God’s dream for our world. Quote p. 51

Hudson deftly explores discernment of God’s personal will through our lives through scripture, circumstances, the Holy Spirit, our giftings and conversations with those who know us well. He draws from personal experience and decades of pastoral experience. The pages of this book almost radiate with the sage and gentleness you would expect from a seventy-year-plus old pastor who is still pouring out his life for the Father and his children. Expect less ‘name it and claim it’ type ra-ra moments and more slower, head-nodding ‘a-ha!’ moments.

Our personal calling is the place where your deep gladness and the world’s deep hunger meet. – Trevor Hudson

One of Hudson’s key principles to discerning God’s personal will for your life is to reflect on what you have learnt in your life experiences. The wisdom of experience is only unlocked, he explains, when one takes the time to reflect on the success and failure of circumstances. This is probably why the book is laden with ‘discernment exercises’ to put the knowledge found in these pages into immediate action.

What I loved most about this book was its simple practicality. It is straightforward and easy to understand but acts a teaser to go deeper with God for oneself. I personally loved Hudson’s reflection on spiritual consolation and spiritual desolation, a principle I have used since in trying to discern next steps in decisions.

This book is not for anyone who is looking for an easy way to hear God’s voice for themselves. It is rather a book for those looking to forge spiritual ‘tools’ for their lifelong ‘discernment toolbox’. 

I hope you will pick up a copy of this book and be encouraged to seek out God’s personal will for your life!

This book was kindly sent to me by Struik Christian Media for review. All views expressed are my own.

Kate Walsh

Kate is the current owner and editor of Cup of Faith. She is a blogger who loves Jesus, loves to read, and currently lives in Johannesburg with her husband.

The post Book Review: Discovering God’s Will For Your Life: A User’s Guide To Discernment By Trevor Hudson appeared first on Cup of Faith.

Many readers will recognise the name Louie Giglio as the founder of the Passion conferences and the famous ‘Indescribable’ preacher. In his book, Seeing God as a Perfect Father (an updated and retitled edition of Not Forsaken), Giglio shares truth about God’s fatherhood, our worldly and Western understanding of fatherhood and invites us to untangle the two for a freer, more powerful Christian walk.

Published by Thomas Nelson and distributed in South Africa by Struik Christian Media. Available wherever books are sold.

Giglio grapples with many challenging aspects surrounding the concept of fatherhood and ways in which our vision of God’s fatherhood may be clouded. He shares six possible stereotypical fathers we may have had, which have in turn impacted our view of God’s fatherhood. He writes with Christ-centred passion about the way in which God positions himself as a father to us. Did you know that Jesus refers to God as ‘Father’ more than any other term? Readers familiar with Louie Giglio will recognise his reverence, love for story-telling and astronomy drops. He flavours his writing with testimonies and vulnerable details about his relationship with his own father.

I appreciated the book’s willingness to provide a fresh and honest perspective of the difficulty of relating to God as a father without losing an awe-inspiring perspective of God’s perfect love for us, his children. I wrote previously about my journey to find approval from my father in heaven and wasn’t surprised to come across the topic of approval early on in this book. It’s a biggie.

I was convicted by the last few chapters which painted a picture of what a life impacted by a personal relationship to a Father God might look like practically.

I don’t know what kind of earthly father you had, but I know that God has spanned heaven and earth to reach you. And I know if you want one, the reality of a perfect Father can be yours. I pray your eyes are open to see Him as He truly is, and your heart is beating fast knowing His eyes are on you and His heart is for you. His blessing is full and free. The waterfall is pouring down goodness today. His spiritual genes have re-created you and His hand is there to lead you. You can take your next step as a loved daughter –a loved son – of the perfect Father. Quote from p. 209

If we are born-again children grafted into a new family with a new father, we will no longer be trapped by old, unhelpful habits passed down from generation to generation. We can be imitators of our spiritual Dad.

This book is great for newer Christians and readers who don’t enjoy too much jargon. It is written in a comfortable and light style which makes the challenging subject matter easier to digest. Readers who were not brought up in a predominantly Western home may not relate entirely to some descriptions of difficulties Giglio describes. If you have ever wondered about God’s ‘father heart’ towards you or have had difficulties relating to your own earthly father, this book is a great introduction to these subjects without being too heavy.

This book was kindly sent to me by Struik Christian Media for review. All views expressed are my own.

Kate Walsh

Kate is the current owner and editor of Cup of Faith. She is a blogger who loves Jesus, loves to read, and currently lives in Johannesburg with her husband.

The post Seeing God as a Perfect Father by Louie Giglio appeared first on Cup of Faith.

I have several Max Lucado books as I find his conversational writing style to be simple to follow, and mostly because he has the gift of the Holy Spirit and his writing manages to break through my walls. When I am down – and in the wilderness – I find that I need books and encouragement that is approachable, honest and raw which are all elements that Pastor Lucado brings to each and every one of his books. I recently received two of his books from our partners Struik Christian Media that I feel are great additions to any book shelf.

Jesus: The God Who Knows Your Name

I have recently been thinking a lot about the idea that we glorify the people in the bible far too much – bear with me on this thought – but sometimes I wonder how little impact I have had on this world, and can’t help but fear that I will leave this earth having accomplished very little. Yes, I realise that not everyone shares these thoughts, and I understand that sometimes, these thoughts are a result of my own depression and anxiety, but the one, true way, that I have overcome these feelings of doubts is by humanising the people we read about in the Bible. If we look at each person – hero and non-heroes – we quickly begin to see that they are so much like you and me, that they were living their lives, facing debt, infertility, depression. They were going through the motions of life just as we do – and now, hundreds of years later, we still speak of them and hold their stories as slithers of hope – what if we are the next person to be written about? What if we were the generation that believed so boldly, that they wrote stories about us?

That being said, the idea that Jesus walked among us still feels too far for me to fully comprehend. Perhaps this is not the discussion we typically hear from Christians, but I can’t help but feel that while I believe in Jesus Christ, there’s still this barrier in my understanding of how can someone so amazing, so selfless, love a person like me? And I think that’s what Pastor Lucado has been able to achieve in his writing. His book is so insightful and encouraging – it gives an in-depth understanding of grace, and what it means to be known and loved by Jesus, the Redeemer while explaining what it must have been like to walk among Jesus.

The God of the universe knows your name. He has walked your streets. Jesus. Perhaps you’ve heard about him, studied him, or prayed to him. But do you know him? This is the question Max poses to the reader.

Divided into six sections (Immanuel, Friend, Teacher, Miracle Worker, Lamb of God, Returning King) each containing multiple chapters, this book not only describes the person of Jesus but also eloquently dives into the heart of Jesus towards the reader.

By exploring Jesus’ life death and resurrection as well as specific details like how he interacted with his friends and his enemies, what he did with time alone, how he acted at a party, this compilation from Max Lucado, now with original never-before-read content from Max, gives readers the chance to become more familiar with the man at the center of the greatest story ever told.

By learning more about the person Jesus was and is, the reader will understand more clearly the person they were created to be. Max writes “Don’t settle for a cursory glance or a superficial understanding. Look long into the heart of Christ and you’ll see it. Grace and life. Forgiveness of sin. The defeat of death. This is the hope he gives. This is the hope we need.”

Get your copy of this book from all leading book stores including CUM Books.

You Are Never Alone: Trust in the Miracle of God’s Presence and Power 

Just like his other books, this one is written with sincerity and understanding, making it impactful with the relatability that it offers. I loved reading through this book, especially when I was looking for hope and encouragement. I love the ease in which Pastor Lucado shares stories; some that are his own, and then, of course, others that he has gathered over the years. I think that’s what makes his books that much better – we find a little bit of ourselves reflected in those pages. This read makes another great gift for a special friend or family member and shows us how to apply scripture to our daily lives. As I said before, he breaks down all barriers and makes scripture easy to relate to, providing a much deeper understanding and illustrating how we can apply God’s promises to our lives, by finding hope in our trials, darkness, and despair.

You Are Never Alone is available in a six-part study that ties in with videos, making it great for group studies.

In You Are Never Alone, pastor and New York Times bestselling author Max Lucado will show you that you’re stronger than you think because God is nearer than you know. You’ll be comforted by the living, loving, miracle-working God who doesn’t think twice about stepping into the thorny thickets of your world to lift you out.

When life feels depleted, does God care?
When I hear him say “No”, does he have a response?
I’m facing an onslaught of challenges, will he help?
When life grows dark and stormy, does he notice?
I’m facing the fear of death, will he help me?

The answer in the life-giving miracles in the Gospel of John is a resounding yes. Do you know them? Do you believe in a Jesus who has, not only power, but a passionate love for the weak and wounded of the world? Do you think he cares enough about you to find you in the lonely waiting rooms, rehab centers and convalescent homes of life?

Get your copy of this book from all leading book stores including CUM Books.

Megan Kelly Botha

I’m a coffee-wielding mood reader and romance book collector who may or may not have a slight addiction to buying books. I read a variety of sub-genres within romance, including rom-coms, dark romance, and fantasy. I love sharing my thoughts on books, whether it’s through book reviews, quotes, or recommendations inspired by my current reads. Through my romance book blog, Literary Inspired, I aim to provide in-depth book reviews, curated reading recommendations, and exclusive author promotions. I’m passionate about supporting indie authors and sharing my latest book discoveries with others. When I’m not reading, you can find me cheering on my favorite football team and F1 drivers, crafting, baking with my kids or playing with my pets.

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