Noteworthy: Resources for the Christian Life
Passionate Prayer by Brenda Walsh
 The greatest gift is Jesus Christ. There is absolutely no doubt about that. It is a fact incontestable, and even if you don’t believe it, it is still the truth. You can give or receive no greater gift than the love of Jesus Christ. And it is with that in mind, that I make these suggestions for your reading, giving (and receiving) pleasure this Christmas season.
This book changed my life! I know, it sounds melodramatic, but it’s true. The title, Passionate Prayer, caught my eye and grabbed my heart. I was starving for some passion in my own prayer life. I literally devoured the book in two days! It is chock full of amazing stories of answered prayer. It stops short of giving a “formula” for prayer, but the author does share what has worked for her. Brenda Walsh, by all accounts, should be dead, but that’s another story (see Battered to Blessed, Pacific Press). Instead she hosts a children’s show on 3ABN (Three Angels Broadcasting Network), is part of a healthy-cooking ministry, and is an international speaker. But, most importantly, she prayed that her life would go from ho-hum, humdrum, lackluster Christianity to doing great exploits for Christ. She wanted to have stories, amazing and awesome stories, of leading people to Jesus, and, more than anything, she wanted to have a passionate relationship with Christ. A simple prayer and cookies, lots of cookies, started it all. This book makes a great gift because you give not only the gift of a good book, but in its pages you can find the gift of a great God!
Available at AdventistBookCenter.com
Know Peace Within by L. David Harris
 I have a little smirk on my face. I received two copies of this book and began to wonder if “someone” was trying to tell me something. And if that wasn’t enough, a friend actually called me to ask if/when I’d be reviewing Know Peace Within. So, I thought I should at least take a look at the book. My hesitation was that L. David Harris is no lightweight. Although he does not get the “press” that many get, I believe he is one of the greatest minds of the church. He is an independent, experienced, fairly conservative person who is not afraid to lovingly call sin by its name or stand for right no matter what.
Sometimes, I don’t need deep thoughts; I just need something to get me through. Honestly, I was fearful that Know Peace Within would make me have to think too much. I was wrong! Now, let me explain. It’s certainly not what I’d label as an easy read, and I didn’t finish it in any record speed. I should confess that I didn’t start at the beginning either. I started with the section titled “Challenges to Peace,” and then went back to the beginning. Let me tell you—it’s a great book! And L. David Harris has an awesome testimony. It is a reminder that peace of mind isn’t about our circumstances, situations, or outcomes. It’s not about the challenges, rather, it’s about our Creator and Redeemer. It’s about the Holy One, Jesus Christ.
How life would be much different if we could really Know Peace Within. Well, this book lays out what peace really is and how to have it, and then offers a series of Bible studies on the subject. Now, it really doesn’t get better than that. So, consider this. Give a gift that can last a lifetime and into eternity. Give the gift that will enable your friend or family member to “know peace within.”
Available: www.knowpeacewithin.com or by calling
1-866-909-2665
When Women Worship, Mary Alessi and friends.
 If you like praise and worship, if you like to actually understand the lyrics, if you like music that is an offering to God, then this CD is for you.
I receive a lot of music—most of it I can’t listen to for very long because I don’t understand the lyrics, the music is drowning out the vocalist, and/or the artist is just screaming at me and trying to get me to do gospel gymnastics. Now, I don’t have a problem with music that moves me to want to “flip” for Christ, but I don’t need anyone telling me how to praise. Mary Alessi has, I believe, captured the essence of praise and worship with this CD. It is pure ministry. You will surely be blessed.
So, do you want to give an awesome Christmas gift? You want to give a gift that the receiver will enjoy for weeks, months, and years to come? This is it. Give the gift of Christ-centered, God-glorifying, and heart-lifting music. This, ladies and gentlemen, is “soul food” at its finest.
LORETTA SPIVEY, our music and book review maven, writes from Allison Park, Pennsylvania.
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