The Spirit-Filled Life by Charles F. Stanley

The Spirit-Filled Life by Charles Stanley

In The Spirit-Filled Life, pastor and author Charles Stanley discusses the Holy Spirit: who he is and how he works in the lives of believers.  Although we receive the Holy Spirit at the time of salvation, many of us don’t understand His work.  And, as Dr. Stanley points out, the Holy Spirit is a “He” and not an “it.”  Dr. Stanley explains how he himself came to a personal understanding of the Holy Spirit, this after he was already a successful pastor.   He tells of the coming of the Holy Spirit to the apostles in Acts 1 and says that upon Jesus’ crucifixion, the veil of the temple was torn in two: “… God had left the temple in Jerusalem and through the person of the Holy Spirit, had moved into the hearts of His people.”   Also discussed are the fruits of the spirit, the difference between the flesh and the spirit, and the baptism of the Holy Spirit (which has been greatly misunderstood).  This same Holy Spirit can give us daily guidance; we don’t just have to do “the best we can.”  Throughout the book, Dr. Stanley gives examples from his own life and church. Of course, just studying about the Holy Spirit is not enough.  Each Christian needs to surrender to Him and experience the joy of truly living a spirit-filled life. Dr. Stanley does not just educate us; he tells us how to yield to the Holy Spirit in total dependence.  I highly recommend this book; it will answer questions and promote actions.  I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher in order to write a review. I was not required to write a positive review and the words expressed here are my own.

The Confession by Robert Whitlow

Noted Christian mystery writer Robert Whitlow takes the reader on a journey of twists and turns (and a few hairpin curves) in his novel, The Confession.  An outstanding work, and a must read for mystery fans, The Confession tells the story of a small town assistant district attorney trying to prosecute criminals while hiding his own secret past. Holt Douglas has a full life.  He has a promising law career , a beautiful girlfriend who owns a prominent beauty salon, and even a Jack Russell terrier who hunts squirrels.  But when Holt begins to delve into the supposed suicide of a wealthy town citizen, he opens up trails that lead back to a tragic high school accident that also is not what it seems. Whitlow has a true gift of characterization. For example, I rooted for one important character through many chapters, but as the plot unfolded, I began to dislike this person, and then after a few more chapters, to understand and to appreciate the final unraveling. This was an unexpected, but thoroughly satisfying, mental reading journey. A Christian witness is evident throughout the novel. A confession is required of several people; scripture is prominently mentioned. Whitlow is a master writer who leads plot and subplot to a satisfying conclusion. The Confession will not disappoint, although at the end I wanted a sequel. I did not want to let go of Holt, Angelina, Trish and the others.  I received a complimentary review copy of this book. I was not required to write a positive review and the words expressed here are my own.