Average Joe- Review and Giveaway!!

 By: Melissa Baker

While watching the movie, I was reminded of the country song with the lyrics that go ‘you’ve got to stand for something, or you’ll fall for anything’.  It’s so hard in today’s world to stand up for important issues that you believe in, especially Christian values and issues. It’s just easier if we go along with the flow, and don’t cause a scene. I absolutely hate confrontation of any kind. Which makes me even more grateful for people like Coach Joe Kennedy, who will take a stand in support for everyone else who can’t or won’t. In my opinion, this film was brilliant. And what makes it even better, is that it was a true story! I love seeing real people take a stand for our freedoms and actually WIN! As you watch this film, you feel all the emotions, heartbreak, and struggle as if it were your own. I was so inspired by this film and encouraged that there is still hope in this crazy, backwards world, even for the Average Joe! 

Watch the trailer here.

Buy your tickets here.

About the Film:

High school football coach Joe Kennedy had no other choice but to fight. A childhood in foster care followed by 20 years in the Marine Corps was nothing compared to his biggest battle: his commitment to stand for God publicly by taking a knee in prayer after each game. When he was fired, Joe and his wife Denise knew this battle for religious freedom, freedom of speech, and the rights of all Americans was one they would have to fight—no matter the cost. From the director and producers of God’s Not Dead and the producers of The Blind comes AVERAGE JOE, in theaters beginning October 11.

About Coach Joe Kennedy:

A twenty-year Marine veteran, was an assistant coach for the Bremerton High School (BHS) varsity football team. Before he even coached his first game, the Marine-turned-football coach made a commitment to God that he would give thanks at the conclusion of each game for what the players had accomplished and for the opportunity to be part of their lives through football. This was met with disapproval from his school district and turned into a lengthy court battle.

And Now For The Giveaway!!!

One blessed reader will win a $10 Amazon Gift Card! Click on the link below to enter! 
(Note: This is limited to US winners only).

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Disclosure: Many thanks to Average Joe for providing a sample of the product for this review. Opinions are 100% my own.

Life in Christ Bible- Review and Giveaway!!

 By: Melissa Baker

I love it when I get the chance to explore and study from different Bibles. The word of God is the same, yet each version is a little different and each Bible offers different tools that will help you study and learn how to apply it to your life. There are a few things that I love about The Life in Christ Bible. All throughout this Bible, there are articles that talk about different topics. There are also margin notes and quotes from historical people all throughout the Bible. These are little tidbits of wisdom that add a special tough to your studying. Each book has a sidebar with cross referencing material to go further in depth. There are all kids of charts, maps and Bible reading plans for an extra bonus. I highly recommend this Bible to anyone who wants to be reminded of their identity in Christ! This is an amazing resource for Christians of all ages and all walks of life! 

The Life in Christ Bible invites you to embrace your identity and purpose as you:

• Discover why you matter-not because of anything you do, but because you are made in the image of God.

• Explore how the gospel of Jesus Christ makes you a new person.

• Learn how who God says you are changes how you think, speak, work, and

move through the world.

God has a purpose for your life in this moment. You have a part to play in what He is doing in the world. But knowing why you are here starts with knowing who God says you are. 

About the Life in Christ Bible:

Discover who God says you are—and who Christ makes you to be—from the pages of Scripture.

Our identities—the people we are—shape how we live each day. We build our identities around our work, our interests, and our families. God made us to live out of a deeper identity, one based in who He says we are, and find fulfilment in the identity Christ gives us. 

The Life in Christ Bible invites you to discover, believe, and rejoice in who God says you are. You will learn what it means to bear God’s image and find our identity in Christ with notes that trace these themes throughout all Scripture. You will explore what it means to live out of your true identity day-by-day with practical wisdom from 16 key topics. And you will be encouraged by quotes revealing the good news of being made in the image of God and conformed to the image of Christ (Genesis 1:27; Romans 8:29).

Features include:

• Book introductions that feature identity-related themes and topics found in each book
• 1000 chain-referenced notes connected to 40 themes related to our identity in Christ that run throughout the Bible
• 70 chained articles addressing 16 identity-focused topics
• 50 encouraging quotes about our identity and life in Christ
• 17 charts
• Concordance
• End of page translators’ notes and cross references
• Line-matched, single-column typesetting
• Clear and readable 9-point NKJV Comfort Print®

Embrace your purpose as you discover why you matter, how the Gospel makes you a

new person, and learn how that changes the way you think, speak, work, and move

through the world. Order your copy of The Life in Christ Bible here.

And now for the giveaway!!

One blessed reader will receive a copy of The Life in Christ Bible! Click on the giveaway below to enter!

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Disclosure:Many thanks to HarperCollins Christian Publishing for providing a sample of the product for this review. Opinions are 100% my own and are not influenced by monetary compensation.

Clear Mind, Peaceful Heart- Review and Giveaway!

 By: Melissa Baker

I am a huge fan of Lysa TerKeurst, and I try to read her books and do her Bible studies any time that I can. So, I was thrilled to be able to dive into her new devotional 'Clear Mind, Peaceful Heart'. I was drawn to this devotional mostly because of the title. I am at a point in my life where all I want is peace. I want a clear mind and a life full of peace. Isn't that everyone's goal in life? To be of sound mind and to live a peaceful life? Well, if you want that for yourself and your loved ones, you should definitely check this devotional out! I have learned that we don't have to live with the fear, anxiety and chaos that Satan throws at us. We have the peace of Jesus! And He holds us in the palm of His hand. We don't have to worry because God's got us. And He is not going to let us down. Get rid of the day's heaviness and stress and wind down before bed with some encouragement. Seek out a clear mind and a peaceful heart and get your hands on Lysa's new devotional TODAY!

About the Book:
What lies heaviest on your heart as you lay your head on your pillow? Are paralyzing
fear and anxiety stealing tomorrow's peace? Listen to this invitation from Jesus:
"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you
rest" (Matthew 11:28 NIV). Experiencing this kind of rest won't come from escapism,
more vacation days, or stuffing our feelings. Jesus Himself provides rest to our
weary souls. While He may not always fix everything right away, we can fix our
thoughts on His Word. In doing this, we can sleep at night with ease knowing that
God has it all under control.
Through the pages of Clear Mind, Peaceful Heart, written by New York Times best-
selling author Lysa TerKeurst and her friends at Proverbs 31 Ministries, you will be
equipped to:
• Quiet fearful and anxious thoughts that always seem to be the loudest before
bedtime by incorporating the Bible into your nightly routine
• Find relief from the stress of daily obligations and pressures through 50 encouraging devotions and guided prayers written by women like you
• Release the heaviness you feel about hard situations in your life so you can
wake up refreshed and walk into the next day with courage

Order your copy of Clear Mind, Peaceful Heart or learn more here.

And Now for the Giveaway!!!

One blessed reader will receive a $5 Starbucks Gift Card! Who doesn't like Starbucks?! Click on the giveaway below to enter!!

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Disclosure: Many thanks to Harper Collins Christian Publishing for providing a sample of the product for this review. Opinions are 100% my own.

Unshakable Moxie: Review and Giveaway!!

By: Melissa Baker

A woman of Moxie:  She is a dynamic, resolute woman of resilient faithfulness, unshakable confidence, and trust in God. 

When I was selected to review this Bible Study, I was so excited! As I have mentioned before, I am the women's leader at our church, and I am always looking for a good Bible study to introduce to the ladies of our church. This Bible study is a little different than our usual studies so I cannot wait to lead this one! It's about having resilient faith and overcoming our obstacles as women of faith! In my opinion, this study will be a GREAT tool for women of all ages and backgrounds. The videos are hosted by Toni Collier (Broken Crayons Still Color) and Moriah Smallbone (The Chosen), and we are introduced to many different women that teach us how to strengthen and develop our faith through their various perspectives. I love that this is a video led series, which makes it even more interesting and gives us more to discuss in our sessions. 

I absolutely LOVE this Bible study pack! I will most definitely be doing this Bible study with the women of SHE Ministries! Keep reading for more information about Unshakable Moxie and enter the giveaway below to get your own Bible Study pack, as well as an Amazon gift card!

About Unshakable Moxie:

Unshakable Moxie is a powerful Bible study and 6-episode video series from Our Daily Bread Ministries that explores tough topics including forgiveness, disillusionment, and hardship. When answers don’t come easy, these resources press in deeply to see what Scripture reveals to encourage women to grow in their faith amid challenging circumstances. Lina AbuJamra, who shares her heart in this Bible study, is a woman of moxie who draws inspiration from her life experiences and teaches women how to build their own resilient faith. Each chapter contains a QR code linking to the Unshakable Moxie video series where hosts Moriah Smallbone and Toni Collier take you on faith journeys with special guests including Joni Eareckson Tada, Ruth Chou Simons, and more.

About Our Daily Bread Ministries:

For more than 85 years, Our Daily Bread Ministries has been a donor-supported, non-profit ministry committed to nurturing a lifelong love for God’s Word as millions around the world grow closer to God and are transformed by their relationship with Jesus. Through our daily devotions, podcasts, videos, and other resources, we work to make the life-changing wisdom and stories of the Bible understandable and accessible to all. 

In our mission of fueling a global Bible-engagement movement, we strive to make Scripture a part of everyday life, giving the Holy Spirit greater opportunity to transform hearts and help people share the light of Jesus with their spiritual fruit. It is only with the generous prayers, friendship, and support of people across the globe that we can reach the ends of the earth with God’s Word and see how He is continuing to work in the lives and faith journeys of all His children. 

Watch the full series now on the website here.

Order Unshakable Moxie and other products here.

Watch the trailer here.

What People are Saying About Unshakable Moxie: 

This episode was life-changing for me and spoke so loud for me! Thank you for putting into words how I have been feeling. Love this whole series but adore this one! — Unshakable Moxie viewer

I am loving this series!!! I have to say what I am learning so far is teaching me so many lessons in life from so many different perspectives. — Unshakable Moxie viewer

This series was such a blessing to me! I'm inspired, motivated, and desiring to be a woman of unshakable moxie. I love this. Today I started memorizing God's promises in scripture and claiming them over my and my family's life! Thanks for that tip, Joni. Thank you to Our Daily Bread Ministries for producing this…will be sharing and re-watching for sure! — Unshakable Moxie Viewer

I’m SO sorry this journey is over. It has seriously been a blessing. I believe my biggest takeaway is (or biggest two takeaways are) (1) God is with us (me) in the messy and He’s not afraid or upset or running away from it! He meets me in the messy. He’s not afraid of my questions. He wants to hear about my turmoil; He invites it; He loves me. (2) Having questions doesn’t make me a weak Christian; it’s precursory to me having a strong faith. I have to be willing to dive in it with Him, knowing He won’t forsake me as I go. In my weakness, He excels in strength. Thank you for this — Unshakable Moxie Viewer

And Now for the Giveaway!!

One blessed reader will win the Unshakable Moxie Study Pack & $20 Amazon Gift Card!

The Study Pack includes: 

• (1) Unshakable Moxie Bible Study w/QR code access to the video series.
• (1) Unshakable Moxie Prayer Journal
• (1) Unshakable Moxie Scripture & Encouragement Cards Pack

Click on the link below to enter:

a Rafflecopter giveaway 

To win, you must do the following:

• Follow Our Daily Bread Ministries and God Hears Her on Facebook or Instagram. 

• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ourdailybread 

• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GodHearsHer 

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ourdailybread/ 

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/godhearsher/ 

• Repost/Share the giveaway with the hashtag “unshakablemoxie”.

For additional entries:

• Repost/Share the giveaway with the hashtag “unshakablemoxie”. 
• For a bonus entry, subscribe for God Hears Her emails. 
• For a bonus entry, tag a female friend that lives life with “unshakable moxie”. 

Disclosure:  Many thanks to Our Daily Bread Ministries for providing a sample of the product for

this review. Opinions are 100% my own and are not influenced my monetary compensation.

Note: Limited to US winners only.

The Christian Capitalist- Review and Giveaway!!

By: Melissa Baker

Being a Christian can sometimes be hard work. When you try to be the hands and feet of God, it can sometimes be exhausting. It’s hard work serving and giving your all! But this book put things into perspective for me. We are here to serve. We are here to give. In this book we learn about two of the most important beliefs in Christianity. And I think this book is a good tool and shares great perspective on some very important topics. I would highly recommend this book to Christians of all ages, backgrounds and walks!

About the book: The Christian Capitalist explores various scriptural references that support twin pillars of Christian belief: 1) working hard to make a productive benefit from talents and materials that God has provided all people; and 2) giving generously to share those benefits with our neighbors in the name of Jesus Christ. Through a discussion of Holy Scripture, it analyzes various passages that relate to these concepts of productivity and generosity, along with two thousand years of history discussing the good works of Christians as examples. Ultimately, this book develops a philosophy that is uniquely Christian and capitalist: the Gospel of Hard Work and Generous Giving!

About The Author: Rich Sanders is the founding pastor of Online Home Church in the Episcopal Diocese of Atlanta, which has met weekly online since the pandemic shutdown in March 2020. He earned his Master’s in Divinity from the Candler School of Theology at Emory University in 2015. Rich follows a bi-vocational calling, so he serves in ministry and in business. As the retired President of Southern Health Lawyers, he practiced law for nearly thirty years. He has been named annually to The Best Lawyers in America- Healthcare since 2011, and he is a past president of the Georgia Academy of Healthcare Attorneys. Rich is the founder of the charitable organization St. Michael’s Mission, Inc., which is a ministry organized to assist and serve active duty and veterans of the armed services. He is a retired volunteer chaplain at the Interfaith Airport Chapel at Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport and served as its President of the Board of Directors from 2017 until 2023.

 “As a small business owner, my husband and I have experienced both success and challenges. The Christian Capitalist reminded me that going to church isn’t the only way to worship God. By working hard and giving to others, I share the blessings God has given to me and my family with others.”- Elizabeth Cranston, Esq., Chief Executive Officer, Cana, LLC, Washington, DC.

 Order your copy of The Christian Capitalist today!

And Now for the Giveaway!!!

 One blessed reader will win their own copy of The Christian Capitalist! Click on the link below and enter to win!  NOTE: This giveaway is limited to US winners only.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Disclosure: Many thanks to GoodWorks Mission, LLC for providing a sample of the product for this review. Opinions are 100% my own.

Restored: Review and Giveaway!

 By Melissa Baker

I have recently had the opportunity to dive into a book designed to help heal and restore all your broken pieces. This book will help you and comfort you in your grief, heartbreak or loss. And it reassures us that we can always count on God and His love for us in times of trial and heartache. If you have been in a rut, weather it be from experiencing loss or sorrow, if you have had situations in your life that require forgiveness but you are struggling with unforgiveness , or you just feel like you need a renewed sense of self and God’s touch, this book is for you! No matter what you are going through, you NEED this book. You might be on the mountain top right now and life is coasting along great! No sorrows, pain or troubles… that is Greaat! BUT, you won’t always be on top of that mountain. Life is full of mountains but unfortunately it is also full of the valleys. We will all spend our fair share of time down in the valleys where we will need to grab ahold of Jesus to get out of it. And when that time comes, you can dive into this book for encouragement and restoration. Get your copy today in preparation for those times in the valleys! Together as we read this book, we can learn to restore and reconnect life’s broken pieces and let God make it into something BEAUTIFUL! 

About the book and author:

From a young age to adulthood, author Cindy Brinker Simmons has experienced unexpected loss and grief. She has remained faith-filled through it, sharing, “I have profound and heartfelt gratitude toward God who rescued me. He picked up all the broken pieces and restored me to a place of great peace, purpose, and joy. My heart carries the agonizing ache for those who still reside in painful, lonely, and despairing places.”

Cindy lost her 34-year-old mother, the late great tennis champion Maureen “Little Mo” Connolly Brinker, to cancer when Cindy was twelve. Her mother was ranked number one in the world in 1952-54. Then 36 years later, Cindy lost her husband Bob to a rare cancer diagnosis

In Restored: Reconnecting Life's Broken Pieces (Redemption Press, March 2024), Cindy authentically and wittingly wrestles with the reality of when your world has been rocked and provides readers fresh hope to move forward in victory. Says Cindy, “Even in life’s tough and messy journeys, Restored points to God’s purpose and plan uniquely created for each person that is meant to be shared with a watching world.”

She believes that no one is immune from the painful bumps and bruises of daily living. She explains, “Sometimes it is really hard to take the first step when life weighs too much. Restored will reinvigorate the spirit of those who need to be refreshed and strengthened.  It will motivate those who need life breathed back into them.  Every life has a plan and a purpose. My hope is that through Restored, readers will make an important discovery: God is always present.”

Cindy shares that:   

• God’s consistent love and goodness can always be trusted.
• Trials can be treasures in disguise and can radically change lives. 
• Life is relational and being in a healthy, trusted, and supportive community ushers in hope, encouragement, and a sense of belonging.
• The power of forgiveness reconciles relationships.
• Serving and comforting others is an act of worship to God, modeling His lavish love, mercy, and kindness for humanity. 

And Now For The Giveaway!!

One blessed reader will receive a copy of the book Restored by Cindy Brinker Simmons! Click below to enter! 

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Encountering God Study Bible~ Review and Giveaway!!

By: Melissa Baker

I love it when I get a chance to discover new Bibles. Even though the content is the same, the change of format, and other added in things make a huge difference in how I study the Bible! I am a huge fan of the articles as well as the encounter notes! The book introductions and Biblical scetches are also helpful and gives you insight that you might not have had otherwise. And it even includes a year long reading plan for those of us that need a guide to stay on top of our reading! I really like just about everything in this Bible, and I felt like nothing that’s in it was a waste of space or should not be there. There are so many useful tools in the Encountering God Study Bible! If you are looking to experience and encounter God in a whole new way, I would highly suggest that you check this Bible out!

About the Bible:

The deepest need of every human heart is to encounter God. To meet with God, to be changed by Him, and to become more like Him as a result. For decades, the Blackaby family has dedicated their ministry to helping believers address this deepest need. Now you can learn from their insights to experience deeper encounters with God as you develop a regular routine of Bible reading and study in the Encountering God Study Bible.

The Encountering God Study Bible is the crowning work of the Blackabys. Featuring their trusted approach to Bible study, explanatory notes, word studies, biblical character sketches, historical encounters with lives of exemplary faith, articles highlighting the creative nature of God, and other articles defending the faith, you will be encouraged to see that you can encounter God in His Word—and that He wants to encounter you through it.

Features include: 

• Presentation page allows you to personalize this special gift by recording a memory or note
• Encounter Notes highlighting how God might choose to encounter you in His Word
• Articles highlighting the creative nature of God by Daniel Blackaby
• Articles defending the lasting truths of the faith by Mike Blackaby
• Rich explanatory notes explaining ideas, events, people, and places in the text to make the meaning clear
• Word studies, character studies, and biographical sketches of church history figures all written by members of the Blackaby family
  • Word studies shed light on key terms and important meaning from the original Greek and Hebrew
  • Character profiles give overviews of key men and women in the Bible
  • Biographical sketches give examples of people who faithfully encountered and followed God in their life
• Book introductions setting the scene for each biblical book and its importance for encountering God
• Timeline of the biblical narrative for a better understanding of how historical and biblical events fit throughout history
• A succinct harmony of the Gospels details the life and ministry of Jesus in chronological order showing where each event and teaching occur in the Gospels
• Chart of the prophecies fulfilled by Jesus as Messiahprovides Old Testament prophecies and where they have been fulfilled in the New Testament
• Reading plans guiding you through the entire Bible in a year
• Center-column reference set allow you to find related passages quickly and easily
• Full NKJV concordance provides an alphabetical listing of important passages by key words
• Words of Christ in red quickly identify verses spoken by Jesus
• Index to easily find word studies, character studies, historical encounters, apologetic, and aesthetic articles
• Ribbon markers make it easy to navigate and keep track of where you were reading
• Clear and readable NKJV Comfort Print® in a 9-point print size

Order your copy of the Encountering God Study Bible today! Buy your copy here or here.

And now for the Giveaway!!!

One blessed reader will win 1 copy of the Encountering God Study Bible 

(Note: This is limited to US winners only.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Disclosure:  

Many thanks to Harper Collins Christian Publishing for providing a sample of the prod uct for this review. Opinions are 100% my own and NOT influenced by monetary compensation.