Beauty on the Backroads

Stories of grace for life's unexpected turns

free books

It’s my birthday and I’ll give away a book if I want to!

Yep! I’m 29 again today, and I want to celebrate by giving away some free books. So every Friday in May, I’ll be posting a book you can win just by leaving comments, sharing with friends and tweeting your little hearts out.

To kick things off, I’m giving away a copy of The Doctor’s Lady by Jody Hedlund. I previously reviewed the book here, so check that out to see if you’re interested. Historical fiction. Romance. A great summer read, if you ask me. And if you like it, she’s got a new book coming out later this year.

Here’s what you have to do to win: Leave a comment on the blog (that’s right here) about the best birthday gift you ever received. For me, it’s this year: my husband is graduating from seminary!

For extra chances to win: share this giveaway on Facebook or Twitter (1 entry each), subscribe to the blog via e-mail (1 entry) or follow me on Twitter (1 entry). Leave a comment on the blog for each extra chance to win. I’ll pick a winner on Fridays and announce it with the next week’s free book offering. There’s a mix of fiction and non-fiction, so check back on Fridays to see what I’m giving away.

Free book Fridays during May — spread the word!

How to hear from God: review of Discerning the Voice of God by Priscilla Shirer

“How do you know it’s God speaking?”

“How do I hear God’s voice?”

“Does God speak to people today?

I’ve heard these questions from friends and in Bible studies, and I’ve asked them myself. “How do I know it’s God and not me?” seems to be a question every Christian asks himself at least once on the journey.

So I was excited to find this book by Priscilla Shirer. Discerning the Voice of God offers practical advice for God-glorifying decision-making. Shirer takes a complex and sometimes confusing issue — “Is it God?” “Or me?” “Or the Enemy?” — and breaks it down into simple pieces. Will it bring glory to God? Is it consistent with His truth? Is it confirmed by external circumstances? Do you have a sense of peace, even if the decision is challenging? These “tests” make hearing from God accessible to all believers, not just a chosen few.

Discerning the Voice of God was my introduction to Shirer’s writing and teaching, and I have to say, I want to read more. She speaks from the heart with conviction and confidence. Her teaching is to the point and simple, bringing clarity not creating confusion. Her passion for the Lord and His truth comes through in her writing.

My family is facing some major life decisions and I’ve found Discerning the Voice of God to be a trustworthy guide through the process.

FAVORITES: Shirer uses personal examples and common experiences to illustrate her points. I connected with her like I would sharing a cup of coffee with a girlfriend. Her insights make hearing from God less intimidating.

FAULTS: A couple of Scriptures seemed stretched to fit her point when looked at in context. However, I haven’t studied those Scriptures in depth nor did I look up the original language. Those rare instances didn’t detract from the overall message.

IN A WORD: Understandable. Shirer speaks to new Christians and seasoned saints alike. She doesn’t just say, “listen for the still small voice” in answer to the “how do I hear from God?” question. She tells you what that looks like and sounds like and how she’s experienced it in her life. This book is a great resource.

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WANT YOUR OWN COPY? In exchange for my review, I received a free copy of Discerning the Voice of God from Moody Publishers. I’ve underlined, starred and circled in my copy, but lucky for you, I received a bonus copy of the book in the mail. I’d love for one of you to have it! Leave a comment on the blog about why you want to know how to hear from God, and I’ll pick a winner next Wednesday, May 9 and post the winner’s name on next week’s book review post. Want extra chances to win? Of course you do! Share this giveaway with your Facebook friends or Tweet it (1 extra entry each), subscribe to this blog via e-mail (1 extra entry) or follow me on Twitter (1 extra entry), and leave ANOTHER comment her on the blog about it. Confusing? Just spread the word and come back here and tell me what you did!

BUT WAIT, THERE’S MORE! If you like FREE books (and who doesn’t?) check back here on Friday for an announcement about more books I’m giving away during the month of May.