Friday, October 23, 2015

"Fervent" by Priscilla Shirer...and a GIVEAWAY!


B & H Publishing Group provided me with an extra copy of this book, and I'm happy to offer it to one lucky person. To enter, go to the Rafflecopter box at the end of the post. You must enter by October 31, 2015. If you're the randomly chosen winner, I'll contact you for your mailing information (US ONLY).  Good luck!


I will admit I wasn’t quite sure what to expect when I went to see War Room. I did not plan to leave the theater feeling blown away, but that is exactly what happened. This movie has such a powerful message. While it is geared (in many ways) for married couples, I believe anyone could benefit from watching this movie. So when I had the opportunity to read and review this book, inspired by the movie and written by one of the main actresses in it, I jumped at the chance. I’m so happy I did. I’m thrilled that the publisher allowed me to have a copy to give away to one lucky person. My copy is flagged and highlighted after just one time through it. This book is a wonderful resource for an individual or small group. While it is designed for women, I feel there are things in this book which can be utilized by anyone. I hope you find this book as encouraging and helpful as I do.


My Review...

This book is different from just about any other one I have ever encountered. It is designed to be used and lived, not just read. There is so much to digest, so be sure to allow ample time when working through the chapters. It is not a theological discussion, but a hands-on resource. It is well-organized, easy to follow, and thought-provoking. It is so relatable, particularly as Shirer includes a number of personal stories. The enemy is set on destroying us, but we don’t have to allow it.

As Shirer notes, a main purpose of her book is to get God’s fence of protection around us, and learning the correct way to pray, specifically with precision, is key. Prayer is the fuel that drives everything, and the enemy is out to hit us hardest in the following areas: our passion, our focus, our identity, our family, our confidence, our calling, our purity, our rest and contentment, our heart, and our relationships. Shirer points out that these are the areas we need to focus on. She encourages the reader to write out prayers, and there are perforated prayer strategy pages at the end of the book for this purpose. “You write out your prayers so you ‘won’t forget’… won’t forget who the real enemy is, won’t forget the One in whom your hope lies, won’t forget your real need and dependencies, and, later, won’t forget the record of how God responds.” The latter can be noted in a prayer journal.

When we pray, it should include praise, repentance, and asking.  I love the one acronym she uses in the book:
Prayer Releases All Your Eternal Resources

Each chapter ends with biblical passages and promises that can be used to create specific prayers for each of the ten areas listed above. Fervent prayer needs to be focused!

While there are a number of wonderful reminders in this book, one of my favorites is:  “These areas of greatest fear and anxiety in your life are clues to some important spiritual information. They reveal… that a personalized strategy has been insidiously put in place to destroy your vibrancy and render you defeated.” We are truly in a battle, but it is not one we have to lose. By following the strategies outlined by Shirer, the reader will be better prepared for battle, complete with the belt of truth, the breastplate of righteousness, and the shoes of peace (the full armor of God, as mentioned in Eph. 6:10-17).  So, grab your notebook and pen and dig in!

Disclaimer: I received a free copy from the publisher (B & H Publishing Group) in exchange for an honest review.




a Rafflecopter giveaway

14 comments:

  1. Not yet. I have already pre ordered it though

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    1. Mia,

      I think you'll really enjoy it. I plan to get it, as well. I have the "War Room" book, as well as another prayer-type book associated with the movie ("Battle Plan for Prayer").

      Thanks for stopping by, and good luck!

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  2. Haven't went to see the movie yet, but would love to win a copy of this book to have after I go see it ,Thank you

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    1. Elma,

      You're very welcome. I hope you're able to see it soon.I highly recommend both the book and the movie.

      Good luck, and it was nice to "see" you here again :)

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  3. Nope not yet. I wait till it's out on DVD.

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    1. Kim,

      There's certainly nothing wrong with that! The message will be just as powerful. I hope you enjoy it.

      Thanks for stopping back by, and good luck!

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  4. War Room was excellent. Excited for an opportunity to read the corresponding book. thank you so much.

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    1. Charlotte,

      I agree! It's truly a wonderful movie.

      Good luck, and thanks for visiting my blog!

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  5. Now I must go to the movies! Life has been crazy busy (like for all of us!) and I don't go to movies almost ever, but War Room sounds wonderful and this book sounds marvelous too. I like things that make me think, that make me more aware of others, of times, of change, of embracing life, but keeping myself in check. Leslie, I'm so glad you put this out here!

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    1. Ruthy,

      Yes, you need to get to the movies :) Though I understand how crazy life it.So, it's great that it'll be out on DVD at some point. (It's available for pre-order, but I'm not sure of the release date.)

      This book is fabulous! There are a few other books associated with the movie, too. I have two of them, but I haven't had time to read them yet.

      You're very welcome! Thanks for stopping by to check it out. You'll definitely have to let me know what you think of the movie when you get a chance to see it.

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  6. I would really like to read this book!

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    1. Karen,

      Thanks for stopping by! This really is a fabulous book, and I'm recommending it to everyone.

      Good luck!

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  7. I have yet to see War Room. I have heard many great things about the movie.

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    1. I hope you get a chance to see it in the theaters or when it comes out on video. It truly deserves all the positive reviews.

      This book is a great supplement to it, especially as it is written by one of the actresses.

      Thanks for visiting my blog, and good luck!

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