Waterbrook-Multnomah Partner Book Review: Jesus in Me by Anne Graham Lotz

Rarely am I speechless.  Rarely do words fail me.  But I'm having a really hard time contemplating what to tell you about this new book by Anne Graham Lotz.  As one who wants our children to grow and be biblically literate young people, I have written lessons about the Holy Spirit and His role in our lives as believers.  But I agree with what Anne Graham Lotz says at some points in her new book, the more she sought to know about the Holy Spirit, the more there is to know, and knowing isn't enough, but living in these truths and the fact that God gives us Himself to live in us, guide us, lead us, work in us, equip us to change, even for intercession when words fail us. 

Her new book releasing September 30th for all, showcases so many levels and layers of the Holy Spirit.  Truly she has been gifted these words by the Holy Spirit to share with the world, who also needs to know, call on, walk with, and live in His presence. 

This book is excellent whispering truths from the Word of God through life experience, growth, an ongoing process, awareness, soul seeking, and utter dependence on the work of the Holy Spirit in her heart, soul and mind. 

Here are some meme's to help sample other's responses or quotes: 

This book is well written and easy to read, harder to process, and choose to follow the questions and suggestions that the author provides.  There are 27 chapters, divided into 7 themes, with a conclusion and some very helpful appendixes to encourage life change and application.  The chapters are short, pointed, and end with questions for your own personal application.  These questions really get to the heart and soul of living with the Holy Spirit in me.  And while easily understandable, the application and processing in me, will go on long after I've finished the book.  The perspective is much needed and for me often convicting.  

Some of my favorite illustrations to make the Holy Spirit graspable for children are shared in this book- engagement rings, seals, promise, guarantee, and I love that I have a new image.  That of the magnifying glass- the Holy Spirit is showing others that Jesus is in ME!!! 

This book would be an excellent book club or Bible study book.  It can be read cover to cover in a day or two, or it can be read a little at a time to help process and apply the truth shared.  But it should be read.  

Thankful to partner with Netgalley and Waterbrook-Multnomah to read an advanced copy of this book. 

Waterbrook Partner: God Gave Us the Bible 45 stories for Little Ones

I really like this Bible story book.  It is well done, attractive, educational, and beautiful.  The author and illustrator have done a wonderful job focusing on who God is, choosing 45 events from the Bible, and weaving in knowledge that is practical and vital for children to learn about who God is, rather than just being able to retell events.  Before the book ends, Mama bear reminds all the little forest friends that these stories are true.  Making sure they grasp that they actually occurred.  

Here is a more detailed review: 

What I liked about the book:

• Hardback book, with nice thick glossy pages, child sized for read with me- just over 7 by 8 inches. Designed for 3 to 7 year olds I believe it's well tailored for this age and stage. 
• 45 stories, tables of content, as well as story title page share the scripture passages the story is from. 
• Artist's renderings, are child friendly, warm, lifelike, detailed, and diverse.  
• The way who God is, and His promises to His people are woven into the retellings of bible events and into the questions and answers of the little animals.  It portrays who God is on many levels and across time.  
• For a book that an adult can read in less than an hour, maybe even a half an hour, there are key details woven into the retellings and thoughts of the forest animals.  
• A few women of the Bible are highlighted: Miriam, Queen Esther, Mary, Elizabeth, 
• Transitions are made and questions asked, as Mama Bear shares the Bible stories with little cub and his forest friends, if a question is asked on a Bible event page, they are framed in a paint box, and this works well to bring in the concept of who God is, across the lives of these historical people and today in the lives of forest friends.  
• Nice transition between the Old Testament stories and the New Testament Stories.  
• Use of the word sin for Adam and Eve doing what God said not to do.  
• Words that are defined throughout the text.  Genesis, sin, miracles, cistern,disciple,parable ....
• This book shares the gospel when talking about Jesus death and resurrection, as well as the gift of the Holy Spirit explained.  

What I wondered about the book: 

• Why when referring to God as He- it was with a little h, not a capital H.  I know it's just my personal preference.  
• Why there wasn't a stronger conclusion and suggestion to the readers that there is so much more of the Bible available, that this book only covers 45 of the Bible's events.  It ended focusing on God's love continuing in our stories with us. 
• How kids will interpret how God speaks to us today, "Through the Bible, through dreams, through thoughts that stick with us, and in other ways too."   I'd want to discuss this statement with any children I read the book to, as I'm not sure that they will interpret it accurately. 

Thankful to partner with Waterbrook Multnomah and read this advanced copy of the book releasing September 17, 2019.