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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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.

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We all pray. Talking to God seems to be a part of our DNA, from the ‘God, if you’re listening’ cries of desperation to the well-thumbed hymnal of a devout 80 year old. Prayer can be freestyle or written as a poem, wordless or wordy, quick-fire or facedown petitioning sessions, popcorn group prayers or individual meditative heart-prayers.

One fascinating reflection on prayer is Charles Spurgeon’s chapter ‘Order and Argument in Prayer’ in his book ‘The Power in Prayer’. What were some of the formulas of the prophets’ effective petitions? What examples can we use to fuel our personal faith in prayer and stoke passion into our cries?

First, we must acknowledge that all prayer reaches God’s ears. The enemy can often taunt us with the lie that God can’t or won’t listen to His children. We can counter this easily with various scriptures, for example:

Evening and morning and at noon I will pray, and cry aloud, and He shall hear my voice. (Psalm 55:17)

Just like any good father is attentive to his child’s voice, God listens to all our prayers no matter the size or shape.

Arguing your case in prayer

As we discussed this topic as a bible study group, I realised that many of us in the room felt that to ‘beef up’ our prayers with reasons God should answer us felt almost… demanding. It felt like we were actually discussing ‘seven steps to manipulating God into giving you what you want’. This demure attitude may be a whiplash effect in our church culture following the anti-prosperity-gospel sentiments of Reformers and Friends. But what does the Bible say? Moses padded his prayers with arguments. Elijah (a man like us!) knew what to say to see results. Jeremiah, too, was pretty wordy. Can all of these men of God be wrong and manipulative? Maybe, just maybe, when we speak to God from a place of relationship, persuasive methods are not so much about getting what we want but aligning our faith, our belief system, with what we know to be true about Him.

The following list can be found in ‘The Power in Prayer’ by Charles Spurgeon:

1. God’s Attributes

Suppose there were fifty righteous within the city; would You also destroy the place and not spare it for the fifty righteous that were in it?

Far be it from You to do such a thing as this, to slay the righteous with the wicked, so that the righteous should be as the wicked; far be it from You! Shall not the Judge of all the earth do right?” (Genesis 18:24-25)

Abraham pleads with God not to destroy the city on the basis of God’s righteous justice.

To base your prayer requests on God’s attributes means to appeal to what you know about God: His love, His kindness, His justice, his mercy. God’s nature will never change and our prayers are powerful when based on His unchanging characteristics.

2. God’s Promises

“Now, O Lord God, the word which You have spoken concerning Your servant and concerning his house, establish it forever and do as You have said.” (2 Samuel 7:25)

This is a piece of David’s prayer in response to a prophecy from the prophet Nathan.

Here we see David aligning his prayers to God’s promises to him rather than his personal desires. He had initially planned to build the temple himself but had to back-pedal following Nathan’s words. 

This is perhaps one of the better known prayer strategies: Basing prayers on scriptures (God’s word) and to use scripture in prayer. For example, when praying for someone’s future you might quote Jeremiah 29:11. ‘God’s Promises’ could also include personal, tested prophetic words that have been given to you through the Holy Spirit.

3. The Name of God

Why should the Egyptians speak, and say, ‘He brought them out to harm them, to kill them in the mountains, and to consume them from the face of the earth’? Turn from Your fierce wrath, and relent from this harm to Your people. (Exodus 32:12)

Reverence for God’s great glory (or ‘fear of God’) is a heart posture that is cultivated over time. God Himself is deeply committed to His own glory and He will defend it. This is a common prayer argument used by Moses in Exodus and Numbers.

4. The Sorrow of His People

Her Nazirites were brighter than snow

And whiter than milk;

They were more ruddy in body than rubies,

Like sapphire in their appearance.

Now their appearance is blacker than soot;

They go unrecognized in the streets;

Their skin clings to their bones,

It has become as dry as wood.

(Lamentations 4:7-8)

In this poetic lamentation, Jeremiah reminds God of the depth of the people’s suffering. God’s compassion for His people knows no bounds. In fact, our deep longing to see suffering resolved in specific spheres are most likely initiated by His Spirit. When deep cries out to deep, He will no doubt respond!

5. The Past

And Moses said to the Lord: “Then the Egyptians will hear it, for by Your might You brought these people up from among them…” (Numbers 14:13)

The word testimony in Hebrew is ‘Aydooth’ which means ‘do it again with the same power and authority’. When we read the Bible our faith is kindled by the many miracles and answered prayers. We can use biblical examples of God’s movements to strengthen our prayers. If He’s done it before, He can do it again!

6. The Only True God

And it came to pass, at the time of the offering of the evening sacrifice, that Elijah the prophet came near and said, “Lord God of Abraham, Isaac, and Israel, let it be known this day that You are God in Israel and I am Your servant, and that I have done all these things at Your word. (1 Kings 18:36)

Spurgeon quotes this famous passage in which fire rages down from heaven to consume a hosed-down sacrifice, moat of water and pagan blasphemers. Elijah prayed that all would know Him as the only true God and God revealed Himself in an extravagant showdown.

7. The Sufferings of Jesus

If you ask anything in My name, I will do it. (John 14:14)

Praying based on the sufferings of Jesus means to pray in His name. This is the most common ‘argument’ that Christians use in their prayers and for good reason. God will always remain faithful to the sacrifice of Jesus on the cross. Jesus is our great intercessor and mediator and when we pray in His Name, we are saying that we are praying so that His work, kingdom and glory will be magnified in the answers to our prayers.

Try it out

It’s helpful to think of this process as a conversation. For example, when I tried out argument one, ‘The Attributes of God’ in my prayer this morning, I wasn’t sure which of His characteristics related most with my request. I was praying over the book I am currently writing and I felt the Holy Spirit remind me of the ‘Spirit of Knowledge’. God is a God of knowledge and books fall well under that category! 

Why try to use one or two of these seven arguments that you haven’t used before? 

Let us know how it goes in the comments below!

Ref: Spurgeon, C. (1996) The Power in Prayer. Whitaker House.

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.

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“Love Conquers All” consists of spiritual messages for our despairing world.  We are encouraged to pray for the following three things daily: peace-on-earth; the conversion of the evil ones; and for God’s intercession with our world leaders.

The book’s messages always begin with “Dear Child” because we are all children of God. Mary, Jesus’s mother, pleads with us to return to God now before it’s too late. Must God bring about more hardship in order to get our attention?

Her messages are comforting and reassuring stating that “God is with us always, and in all ways.” We need to place all of our troubles into God’s hands, then watch the miracles happen. He will handle our troubles better than we could ever dream possible.

We are constantly assured that better days are coming filled with peace, joy, love and happiness.  Look forward to these days, for they are quickly approaching.  Watch the process, as all is well, and being made well…

We are told that ” Soon, oh so very soon, you shall experience peace-on-earth.  Soon, oh so very soon, you shall witness Christ’s second coming!  Yes, my child, yours in the generation that will experience all of these things.  The best is yet to come!”

Mary tells us not to get discouraged.  “Place everything into God’s hands, then watch as His miracles begin to unfold right before your very eyes.”

She says, “My child, you are living in one of the most exciting times in mankind’s history!  You are on the precipice of 1,000 years of peace!  Yes, my child, these changes are upon you now!  All for the better I may add… People shall love God with their whole heart and soul, and love their neighbors as themselves.”

Mary states for us to “Remember to remain very close to us, and we shall guide you through it all.  Remember that God hears your prayers and answers them.  Remember that you are never alone.  God is with you always and in all ways guiding and protecting you.”

Mary said, “Child, continue to pray for your world, and your country.  Evil forces are attempting to overthrow your government!  Pray that this does not happen.  Remember, that God hears your prayers and answers them.  Remember, that all is well, and being made well.”

“You are witnessing a battle of good vs. evil.  Good shall conquer evil.  Watch as it all unfolds…”

My book includes messages received from Mary and Jesus from 2003 to 2018.  My podcast includes messages received from 2019 to the present moment.  All of these messages are date and time-sensitive based on current events.

Guest Author

From time to time, Cup of Faith receives guest posts from people who would prefer to contribute to the blog once-off. These authors may choose to stay anonymous or may have their name featured in the post itself.

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In her book, Put Comfortable Shoes in my Coffin, Jennifer McCloskey, and her mother and writing partner, Mary Rey Girardi, share a treasure trove of small stories with huge heart. Jen has been a motivational speaker and trainer across the country since 1986 and she created this book as a reminder of the numerous heroes surrounding us.

“I have always been surprised by the number of books sold that only depict pain and heartache. I wanted my children to read real stories about people who succeed through trying times, and how they mastered the art of obtaining resources, embracing teamwork, and garnering inner strength while working toward a greater good, something greater than themselves.”

We all have living legends, currently surrounding us. We don’t need to look only to the famous or the wealthy as our models of strength, but we can observe inner strength through our daily interactions, even in our own households, maybe in the next room. If we can’t see them, all we need to do is open our eyes a little wider.

This book lifts the spirits of the reader and brings more positivity and hope to the world.

 In explaining her purpose for writing the book, McCloskey states: “I have always been surprised by the number of books sold depicting pain and heartache. I wanted my children to read real stories about people who succeeded through trying times, and how they had mastered the art of obtaining resources, embracing teamwork, and garnering inner strength, while working toward a greater good; something greater than themselves.”

Put Comfortable Shoes in My Coffin is the outstanding result of McCloskey’s hard work to meet that need. I would encourage everyone to pick up a copy of this book. Just make sure you start reading when you have plenty of time. Chances are good that, like me, you won’t want to put it down until you’ve finished it!

~Laura Lee OnlineBookClub.com

Buy the book here.

Jennifer is available to speak at civic organizations, schools, and corporate events to discuss ways we can all be heroes in our daily lives and how to recognize our own personal heroes every day.  Jennifer has been a Motivational Speaker and trainer across the country since 1986. Her workshops have been well received by several corporations including Weichert Realtors, Re/Max, Hawk Hill Farm, WSSC, DR Horton Homes, GMAC, churches, athletic communities, and numerous high schools throughout the United States. Three of Jennifer’s seminars were recently used in India. She has been a Keynote speaker at several Earth Day events. Jennifer was the feature of a CBS Evening News story on Women in Non-traditional Roles. She has been the subject of several newspaper articles highlighting her career in three different states.

Jennifer is a twenty-eight-year volunteer at a home for battered and abused children in Washington DC. She also authors a “Dear Abby” type advice column for community teens. Ms. McCloskey relates her successful management techniques and personal experiences with warmth and wit, while providing insight and ideas in understanding interpersonal skills and various management styles. Jennifer is a wife and mother of two children who best loves being with her family and sparking the light within others.

Learn more about Jennifer here.

Guest Author

From time to time, Cup of Faith receives guest posts from people who would prefer to contribute to the blog once-off. These authors may choose to stay anonymous or may have their name featured in the post itself.

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“I would that ye all spake with tongues, but rather that ye prophesied, for greater is he that prophesieth than he that speaketh with tongues.”

Prophesy or direct communication from God is something that isn’t talked about directly in today’s society. It’s either so watered down you might as well consult a fortune cookie, or it’s cornered in philosophy so much that people feel awkward about bringing it down to everyday life.

What people need to admit is that there are so many things in our lives today that aren’t spelled out in the Bible. We don’t have the answers in the Bible to which job is best for us, if we should marry and to who, or how we should handle our kids education especially in today’s digital lockdown world. The Bible doesn’t give us those answers but it does give us what we need.

It gives us tools.

The people in the Bible were just like you and me and it tells us in the Bible how those people heard from God and what divination tools they used. It gives us tools like: lots, casting a fleece which I call If This Then That,  and Signs. It also told us how to use them. We can prepare ourselves to use them with meditation, postures (yes those yoga classes are helpful for your body and soul), and gratitude.

I like to use simple examples because I find they hit home the best for me at least.

Let’s say we are getting ready to make a career change but feel uneasy about it for some reason. What does our Christian teaching tell us to do in this situation? Talk to a church leader? What will they do, there isn’t a verse in the Bible about this? Pray that God’s will be done and just ride the waves of life to see what it brings? That doesn’t seem like a very responsible way to make our life decisions. Ask God? Of course, but how do we hear his answer? What do we ask? This is where these tools in the Bible become so valuable. They will show us guidance and knowledge we couldn’t get otherwise.

What we need to do first is a life check. This may be what a Church leader would start with too of course. We need to see if there is anything in our life that is obviously blocking our connection with God creating this unease and confusion. I often start with forgiveness. If we are holding unforgiveness in our life it is very hard to move forward in any other area. Often this forgiveness is needed towards ourselves though. We hold so much guilt and past failures in our minds and we need to forgive ourselves and move forward.

One of the easiest ways to climb out of that rut is through gratefulness. Be grateful for the person you are becoming, for the work you will accomplish in your dream job, or for the spouse you have or will have someday. Getting your mind in tune with gratefulness is crucial to communicating with God. Even Jesus gave thanks before performing miracles.

After we have searched our life for hindrances we can prepare ourselves correctly. This starts with meditating. This is throughout the Bible as being a preparation for being in communion with God. We can both meditate to clear our mind but also meditate on our current question. Sometimes the answers come to us when we are least expecting them.

Although we may find ourselves leaning towards more peace about one decision or another at this point. For me, it would now be time to start using actual divination tools to get some information. It’s time to ask some questions and get some answers. If we are uneasy about a situation I find it best to discover what part of your life is actually being affected. Is this career change really a job issue? You might be having unease because it will be affecting your; home, family, spouse relationship, or money.

Casting Lots

We have a tool in the Bible called “Casting Lots.” Although there are many ways to do it the result is almost always the same. It takes many options and rules out many of them, so we can see what is left. We can cast lots to see which part of our life this career change will be affecting the most: Job, Home, Family, Spouse Relationship, or Money. After casting lots you find you have both money and spouse relationship come up as the main reasons. This is when you need to think about how this career change will affect those aspects of your life and talk with your spouse about it. It could be that you will be making more than your spouse now and are worried that this will change your relationship.

If This Then That

If after talking and thinking about it you still aren’t sure this is a good move you can use another great tool I like to call “If This Then That.” Some people call this casting a fleece before the Lord, as Gideon did. This is such a practical tool for gathering future information. Simply ask in faith “If This job is healthy for my life and relationship, Then (That) let them offer me the job with an extra perk that helps my family relationship.” That’s it, all you have to do is go about your life and see what God has to show you. When you get the job offer you will know immediately if they gave you that extra sign or not. You can make your decision with knowledge and confidence.

Using these tools allows you to make informed decisions in your life using the tools God gave us in the Bible to use. Learn more about these tools in the book “Divination in the Bible.” A wonderful way to learn about this is in a group environment. You will be inspired and surprised by the stories from people you know of how they have heard from God.

For More Information: Instagram  | Facebook | Purchase Book

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From time to time, Cup of Faith receives guest posts from people who would prefer to contribute to the blog once-off. These authors may choose to stay anonymous or may have their name featured in the post itself.

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December is ALMOST here, and if you’re anything like me, you’re probably giddy with excitement to kick up your feet and take some time off from what has been a crazy year. I will be honest, my ‘to read’ pile is twice my height, and I am looking forward to spending all my free time around the pool, lazying in the sun and catching up on all the books that I haven’t gotten around to yet. Struik Christian Media has had some amazing new books hit the shelves of your favourite book stores, so I thought I would reach out and find out which books they recommend you add to your Holiday Reading List, this year.

How Happiness Happens by Max Lucado

How long has it been since you felt a level of contagious, infectious, unflappable, unstoppable happiness? Maybe your answer is, “All the time.” If so, God bless you! (And consider suggesting this book to someone who needs it.) For many of us the answer is, “Well, it’s been a while. I used to be happy, but then life took its toll.”

Worldwide, people profess that happiness is their most cherished goal. Marketers get this. “Want to be happy?” they ask. Eat at this restaurant, drive this car, wear this dress. Happiness happens when you lose the weight, get the date, find the mate, or discover your fate. It’s wide, this way to happiness. Yet, for all its promise, it delivers a fragile joy; here one day, tomorrow scattered by the winds of comparison, disappointment, or unmet expectations.

Max writes, “There is another option. It requires no credit card, monthly mortgage, or stroke of fortune. Age and ethnicity aren’t factors…an unexpected door to joy.”

In this book, Max shares the unexpected path to lasting happiness, one that produces reliable joy in any season of life. Based on the teachings of Jesus and backed by modern research, How Happiness Happens presents a surprising but practical way of living that will change you from the inside out.

Dream Big by Bob Goff

In his revelatory yet utterly practical new book, Bob takes you on a life-proven journey to rediscover your dreams and turn them into reality. Based on his enormously popular Dream Big workshop, Bob draws on a lifetime of living and dreaming large to help you reach your larger-than-life dreams. In Dream Big he shows how to learn to define your dreams for yourself, identify the obstacles holding you back from pursuing those dreams, how to come up with a specific plan for reaching goals and develop the tools that will help you act on the plan.

Dream Big is the only book you need to uncover the wild and exciting dream for your life you’ve hidden from yourself-and help you take the steps necessary to achieve it.

When Women Pray by TD Jakes

I am so excited about this one!

In a time when women carry more influence than any other generation, the power of prayer has never been more important to remind us that we do not have to bear our crosses alone. We need prayer to stand guard over our hearts and minds and over the hearts and minds of our families.

Women today are shattering glass ceilings and forging new paths in the world. What Happens When a Woman Prays is a clarion call for women to continue their progressive march of empowerment by dreaming like their daughters and praying like their grandmothers.

Through exploring the lives of 10 prayer-filled women of the Bible, Bishop Jakes emphasizes the life-changing power that women have when they find their identity, their strength, their healing, and their voices in Christ.

Take Back Your Life by Levi Lusko

I ordered this as soon as it was launched!

Every person has a mission and a God-given potential to impact the world, whether they recognize it or not. But life presents challenges and traps us in a helpless, hopeless loop of anxiety and fear. In Take Back Your Life, a blend of bestselling books Through the Eyes of a Lion and I Declare War, join Levi Lusko on an interactive journey to take back your life. With biblical truth and perspective, this step-by-step journaling process will help you get out of your own way by learning to think right so you can live right, while also finding purpose by discovering that God will do great things with your imperfect progress. It also aims to teach that you that your pain is not an obstacle to being used by God, but an opportunity to be used like never before.

This is more than a book; it’s an intimate self-analysis tool that will help you recognize what’s weighing you down or holding you back, and equip you to embrace it head-on as you become the best version of yourself. Start thinking right, so you can live right.

Do It Afraid by Joyce Meyer

SO excited about this one too! I have been following the podcast episodes leading up to the launch and as you know, Joyce is one of my favourite ministers.

Fear is the devil’s favourite tool in the toolbox of schemes he uses to destroy God’s good plan for you. He uses it to hold you back and prevent progress in your relationships, career, and more.

In Do It Afraid, Joyce Meyer explains that fear is everywhere and affects everyone. It rules many people, but it doesn’t have to rule you any longer. She will teach you how to understand fear and recognize how it works in your life, confront those fears that are holding you back and change your mindset for lasting freedom from some of the most common fears people face.

Remember, courage isn’t the absence of fear; it is learning how to move forward in the presence of fear. Courageous people do what they believe in their hearts they should do, no matter how they feel or what doubts fill their minds. When you take ownership of your problems and open your heart to God, He will help bring light into darkness so that you can be free.

Let Go of Guilt by Valorie Burton

In Let Go of the Guilt, life coach and bestselling author Valorie Burton teaches you a simple, but profound method that will free you from what she calls the “false guilt” that is so common today. As you peel back the layers, you’ll feel the burden lift. And that’s when you make room for your authentic self and the joyful life that is possible for you. Through her signature self-coaching process, powerful questions, and practical research, she shows you how to recognize and overcome the five thought patterns of guilt, break the surprising habits that tempts you to subconsciously choose guilt over joy, and stop guilt from sneaking its way into your everyday decisions and interactions. In addition, she goes on to show you how to flip those guilt trips so you can keep others from manipulating you, and stop setting yourself up for stress, anxiety and obligation, and instead set yourself for a life of joy and freedom

Valorie’s journaling questions and research-based process will shift your perspective, give you clarity and courage, and equip you with a plan of action to let go of the guilt for good.

Success is a Choice by John Maxwell

Are you tired of not reaching your full potential? Do you feel you have the talent to succeed but are unappreciated and trapped? Based on his New York Times best-selling book Beyond Talent, John Maxwell asks if you are tired of not reaching your full potential and feel you have the talent to succeed but are unappreciated and trapped. If this describes you, in Success Is a Choice, you can learn the right choices that lead to success from John Maxwell, the go-to guru for business professionals across the globe.

The choices you make in addition to your talent make the greatest difference. With authentic examples and time-tested wisdom, Maxwell shares 14 choices you need to make to live the life of your dreams. It’s time to go beyond talent by making the right choices that will help you really stand out.

You are Never Alone by Max Lucado

When life feels depleted, does God care? I’m facing an onslaught of challenges, will God help? When life grows dark and stormy, does God notice? I’m facing the fear of death, will God help me? The answer in the life-giving miracles in the Gospel of John is a resounding yes.

In You Are Never Alone, Max will help you realize that Jesus is walking with you and lifting you out of your storms, dwell in the grace of the cross, the miracle of the empty tomb, and the assurance of restoration power. He also goes on to remind and teach you that God is your ever-present source of help and that you are never without hope or strength because you are never, ever, alone.

Today, take courage that you are stronger than you think because God is nearer than you know.

With so many exciting new books to pick from, I am sure you can tell why I am having trouble picking which one to start with. I have 2 more weeks before holidays officially kick in, so will be ogling these new launches until then. Which are you keen to read first?

To celebrate the end of the year and being given the incredible opportunity of sharing the latest launches from Struik Christian Media, I thought I would put together a little hamper of some of my favourite reads including a new 2021 Planner from Joyce Meyer. All you have to do is:

1. Like and follow our Facebook and Instagram pages
2. Find the competition posts on Instagram (here) and Facebook (here) to comment with which of these books you are keen to read
3. Tag a friend or share the competition
4. For a bonus entry, head over to Struik Christian Media’s Facebook and Instagram pages and give them a like and follow.

Competition closes on December 31st 2020. The winner will be announced and contacted in the first week of January 2021 and has 48-hours to claim the prize before a new winner is selected. Prize cannot be transferred or exchanged for cash. No purchase is necessary to enter. This giveaway is only open to South African residents. Giveaway is not affiliated with Instagram or Facebook. 

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.

literaryinspired.com/

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