Here are more reviews of some books that have been meaningful to me.

"The Life Recovery Bible" by Tyndale
This is an excellent bible for those who are struggling with addictions, co-dependence, or other areas of brokenness. This bible has several devotional reading plans. The Twelve Step Reading Plan includes eighty-four Bible based devotionals built around the twelve steps. The Recovery Principle Reading Plan is composed of fifty-six Bible based devotionals shaped around recovery principles. There are many Recovery Commentary Notes and over sixty Bible characters are profiled and important recovery lessons are drawn form their lives.

"The Twelve Steps for Christians" by Friends in Recovery"
This book merges the practical wisdom of the Twelve Steps with the spiritual truths of the Bible. If you believe that the Twelve Steps of AA have value but you have a problem with the 'Higher Power can be anything' concept, then this book will be worthwhile to you. "Twelve Steps for Christians" takes each of the steps and applies biblical principles to them.

"Whatever Happened to the Power of God" by Michael L. Brown
I was able to be at a conference where Dr. Brown was speaking. He is a very balanced, 'right on' theological teacher. He comes from a pentecostal/charismatic background, but he shows no favoritism towards a specific denomination or group.

The premise of this book is that the Church of today is not fully experiencing what Jesus died for and not yet becoming what He prayed for. Dr. Brown believes this is the case because Christians have not totally surrendered their lives to God and are not radically committed to His work. He speaks some hard words in regards to holiness, false revival, prayer, repentance, showmanship, a "cheap gospel". This book is great no matter what church background you have, but charismatic readers should read this book for sure.

"Born Free" by Steve Brown
I don't know how many of you have heard of Steve Brown, but he has a great sense of humor and comes strong against legalism in the church. However, at times when I have heard him on the radio I have felt at times he leans toward "'cheap grace'.

But I believe there are many Christians who need to understand the concept of grace and be set free from spiritual, institutional, and emotional prisons. I still struggle with some of this.

More than anything else Dr. Brown calls for authenticity within the Body of Christ. If your God is in a rigid box (and you know He wants more freedom in your life) this book may be of help to you. However, be aware it will stretch you.

"Beyond Belief" by Jack Sequeira
If you want an excellent book to help give a clear understanding of the balance between justification and sanctification, then this is the book. It uses much scripture and is theological in nature. It is not an easy book to understand if you do not have a theological bent.

After reading this book you will have a much greater understanding of the gospel. Jack Sequeira does a great job of showing the importance of the law of God, and at the same time emphasizes the grace of God. No legalism or cheap grace will be found in this book.

If you are ready for some heavy duty studying of scriptures, then this book is for you.