Dan Willis (2)

This was a runaway "sleeper" for me. I generally read very little nonfiction, and very few Christian living books where I feel the author's theology will be markedly different from mine.

So, though I'd like to give that disclaimer, this book carried my spirit away by storm! Indeed, I loved the emphasis on praise. "Praise is not a suggestion. You were created to praise God," says Dan Willis,in Prayer is My Weapon.

Here are a few points I'd like to highlight.First,according to Willis, there are show more several Hebrew words for praise. One is "shabach." It means to drown out other voices. "When we shabach God, we're saying, I'm choosing to shout louder than the voices trying to speak to me and every negative situation in my life...The louder you praise, the more your negativity will diminish. The louder you praise, the less you will have to worry about what the devil has said. Shabach the Lord!"

Another wonderful section addresses fear.
"All I have to do- all I can do- is be faithful with what He has given me. I need only to give Him my best effort with whatever gifts I have...I need to stop worrying about how my efforts are received. I need to stop agonizing over the critics and the doubters and the naysayers. All those things are out of my control. I need to give those things to God and focus only on doing the best job I can with what I have been given."

Wow! These are just two of the great nuggets that you may discover if you choose to read this book. God had these for me; He may direct your attention to others. Remember, our God inhabits praise!!

I received a complimentary copy of this book for review from bookfun and the Book Club Network. I have given my own,honest opinion of the book. show less

The book is a very quick read and although the author makes some good observations. The author does have good scriptures that emphasize the importance of ministering to everyone. God doesn’t see the color of our skin. He sees our heart and wants it to stay humble.
I did like the reference to praise and worship and how it helps calm us and draws us closer to God. The author has done a good job of showing how we can get out of our comfort zone and reach out to people. The author shares how show more his church has adapted to change and welcomed everyone to worship as the body of Christ. It is encouraging to see how people are reaching out and breaking down walls to share Jesus with others.
The book would be a nice tool for pastors as they get a vision to go outside their church and be the hand and feet of Christ. The author points out how many people have suffered from discrimination. I like that he has a heart to reach those who have felt unwanted or judged. Change is never easy, but it needs to happen so no one is left behind.
“Change is difficult. But with acceptance comes common ground and connection. God knows we are not really that different. He simply asks us to understand each other.”
I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. The review is my own opinion. show less

Love is the universal language. Everyone one of us wants to be loved , but sometimes we don't feel loved. When you just love Jesus, you are taking a "want to" approach and not "a have to" approach. I really like when the author said that. We don't have to love Jesus but I sure "want" to love Him. When you love Jesus you have a desire and want to make Him happy. We shouldn't do it because we want something from Him, but because of who He is and what He did for us. He died on the cross because show more He loved us so much He wanted our sins to be washed away. What a sacrifice He made for us.

The author brings up a very good point about becoming numb or inactive when we are hurt or wounded. We look like a little child in a fetal position with no hope . We need to stand strong in our trials , praise Him through the storms and overcome the enemy. "On Christ the solid rock I stand." It is so encouraging to read the author talk about being more than conquerors. He says to fight the spirits controlling whatever it is that is pushing us down. As I continued to read this powerful book, I could feel strength rising in me. Yes, I want to praise Him and yes I will praise Him no matter what.

"Praise means to magnify, glorify, and exalt the Lord." Are we doing that? Have we become too complacent and forget that we need to praise Him at all times? As we are praising Him, the enemy can't distract us. We need to place our focus on Jesus . "Praise is what manifests the promises of God! " The victory is in the Word of God. "

I cannot tell you how much this book has encouraged me to praise Him more and stop worrying about my circumstances. The author so plainly says, " If it's good, then it's from God; if it's evil, it's from the enemy." We need to recognize when it is the enemy is trying to do and ignore him. He is cunning and subtle, but Jesus says, "My sheep hear my voice , and I know them, and they follow me." Thank you for a book that is uplifting , encouraging and reminds us to praise him at all times.

" Let every thing that hath breath praise the Lord. Praise Ye the Lord," (Psalm 150:6)

I received a copy of this wonderful book from The BookClub Network for an honest review. show less

This book could not have come at a better time in my life. I was definitely feeling knocked down but turning to God and praising him is how I am dealing day to day.
This is a wonderfully written book that shows the reader there are many ways to praise God. We all think it is just through music, dance, and singing but it's much more and author Dan Willis shows us how in this book. We all go through tough times but we need to rely on the Lord to pull us through.
I recieved this book from The show more BookClub Network for an honest review. show less