Vibes

SPOTLIGHT

Freedom Tools

By Andy Reese, Chosen, softcover, 240 pages, $13.99.

A book that ought to be part of every church’s resource library,
Freedom Tools for Overcoming Life’s Tough Problems is also
excellent small-group material. Not only does it encourage lay members
to minister to others’ emotional and spiritual needs, it spells out a
pattern for doing so. Author Andy Reese is the president of Freedom
Resource, a ministry providing training and information about the
Sozo—a Greek word meaning “to save, heal and deliver”—ministry method.
Although Reese compares it to Alcoholics Anonymous, his descriptions of
counseling encounters sound more complex than a 12-step meeting. Still,
although few are likely to feel confident about implementing it without
further guidance or oversight, the book’s basic concepts are easy to
understand. It also explores valuable concepts about God, the devil and
humans. Hopefully, it will lead to more lay involvement in ministry—and
fewer situations such as one described early in the book about a Sunday
school member who deserts his spouse for another woman.
—KEN WALKER

BOOKS

Hell

By Bill Wiese, Charisma House, hardcover, 336 pages, $21.99.

You never know when your time is up, so although Bill Wiese seems to
be obsessed with hell, he’s done the research that may keep you from
ending up there. Wiese is famous for his nightmarish experience laid
out in 23 Minutes in Hell. His new book, Hell: Separate
Truth From Fiction and Get Your Toughest Questions Answered,
examines hell from every angle to dislodge long-held beliefs and
popular theories about God’s tolerance. Wiese mentions a surprising
amount of Scripture explaining hell and sorts the material to answer
oft-debated questions such as “Does the devil rule over hell?” and “Is
the fire real or metaphorical?” and even the questions Hollywood takes
a stab at such as “What is the significance of the number 23?” Perhaps
his main point is the most penetrating, whether you’re flipping through
for personal or evangelistic purposes. He points out that because we
have free will, God isn’t responsible for sending people to hell. Going
there is our own choice.
—MARSHA GALLARDO

The Dark Side of the Supernatural

By Bill Myers and Dave Wimbish, Zondervan, softcover, 192
pages, $12.99.

Just mentioning “the supernatural” usually brings to mind scary
images full of mystery and unknown danger. In The Dark Side of the
Supernatural: What Is of God and What Isn’t, Bill Myers and Dave
Wimbish discuss topics such as ghosts, demons, UFOs, angels and
witchcraft. They present solid biblical explanations and examples of
each phenomenon, but they do not sensationalize them. Sometimes they
conclude that there just is not enough evidence to completely determine
the origin of certain supernatural events, but they strongly caution
their readers to avoid them and not risk opening a door for satanic
influences to enter their lives. Myers and Wimbish offer a balanced,
straightforward resource for teenagers and adults to use—individually
or in small groups—so they can be better prepared and protected from
evil forces that are using these supernatural avenues to gain
acceptance in today’s culture.
—JEFF FRIEND

No Fear

By Billy Joe Daugherty, Destiny Image, softcover, 195 pages,
$15.99.

Billy Joe Daugherty tackles an emotion that can cripple the
strongest faith in No Fear: Praying the
Promises of Protection. He explains that even though fear comes in
response to the global news, the declining economy and personal
difficulties, you’re less vulnerable if you understand the origin and
patterns of fear. Focusing on your godly identity is the key. His
stories from overseas evangelistic meetings underline how deliverance
from fear can make a dramatic difference. He’s experienced peace amid
brutal situations. During a crusade in West Africa, some villagers were
slaughtered. By speaking Scriptures about God’s protection, other
villagers overcame fear and witnessed one local man forgive and even
lead to the Lord those who maimed him and murdered his family.
Daugherty covers the basics of faith for a new believer but he’s also
offering a message for our time.

—MARSHA GALLARDO

MUSIC

Love Like This

By Ayiesha Woods, Gotee Records.

Ayiesha Woods’ sophomore release delivers the soulful, uplifting
style for which she has become known. Love Like This spans a
broad spectrum of genres. The title song is contemplative and mellow.
While the powerful lyrics in the song “Alive” speak of God’s love: “I
am the evidence of what your love can do/Your love is alive,” the
unforgettable guitar sound in “One Day” makes it standout. “Never” is
upbeat, hopeful and outreach-focused; it will become a favorite.
“Fight” is a fun rebound song about getting up again. The war cry chant
in this song will encourage listeners to get up, fight on and rebound
from tough situations. Woods’ storytelling is revealed in “Love Can’t
Wait,” a song that encourages a woman being left by a man, “Love can
pray/We’ve got to see the urgency/Love is all it takes/To light a flame
in you and me.” If you want mellow, authentic worship and melodious
encouragement, Ayiesha Woods creatively delivers.
—TRACEE N. MASON

Hello Love

By Chris Tomlin, Sixstepsrecords.

Worship leader Chris Tomlin aims to introduce people “to love
again.” He says, “Worship is a relationship of love. It’s our love of
God and our love of people.” To help accomplish this, Tomlin released Hello
Love, his fifth studio album. “Sing, Sing, Sing” is a high-energy
track that speaks simply yet profoundly of Jesus: “What’s not to love
about You?/You are the love that frees us/You are the light that leads
us/You are the One we’re living for.” The lovely ballad “Jesus Messiah”
concisely describes what Jesus did for us as our Savior and speaks of
His amazing love. “You Lifted Me Out” will get the “head-banging”
listeners roused and worshiping the Lord for the freedom He gives us.
“God of This City,” written by Bluetree, is a sure standout. This
prayerful song is a declaration of faith that God is the light in the
darkness, hope to the hopeless and peace to the restless. This is an
appropriate song for any service but will be especially fitting for
meetings specifically geared to praying for a city. Tomlin takes
seriously his responsibility to use his musical talent writing songs
for the church. The songs on Hello Love are surely applicable
for corporate worship, but the melodies and message will stay with
worshipers long after they have left the building.

—LEIGH DEVORE

My Better Half

By Debra B. Morton, Light Records.

Debra Morton is senior pastor of Greater St. Stephen Full Gospel
Baptist Church in New Orleans, and she’s also the wife of Bishop Paul
S. Morton, a renowned singer who ministers alongside his wife in New
Orleans. My Better Half was recorded live at a women’s
conference and features Debra Morton’s vocals backed by the Women of
Excellence Mass Choir. The album is a solid effort that will
particularly appeal to female gospel music fans, but it’s enjoyable for
any listener. This album is a church-service-to-go—14 songs with
several brief sermon interludes. But Debra Morton does plenty of
preaching with her music, especially on “Don’t Tell a Sinner,” when she
sings, “Don’t tell a sinner Jesus loves him unless you can love him
too,” a great line that produces spontaneous applause from the
audience. Another highlight is when Debra Morton, on “By Faith I
Touched Jesus,” spontaneously says, “People are trying to tell you
Jesus is not real—but you know He touched you!” The line is delivered
with authority, and most listeners will want to join the audience in
applauding. Most of these songs are standard gospel numbers, but a few
stand out musically, including “Too Far to Turn Around,” a light jazz
number, and “Sinners Can Be Winners,” which has an urban, R&B feel.
Overall, this is a solid album and will be appreciated for its passion,
which comes through loud and clear.

—CAMERON CONANT

Hymned Again

By Bart Millard, INO Records.

On his second solo hymn album, Hymned Again, MercyMe lead
singer Bart Millard refashions classic songs with touches of folk,
country, blues and other musical styles. The familiar and beloved
lyrics will immediately resonate with listeners as they hear new twists
on old melodies. The album gets started with the banjo-backed “Stand
Up, Stand Up for Jesus” followed by the catchy “What a Day That Will
Be.” Other hymns getting the Millard treatment include “I Saw the
Light,” “What a Friend We Have in Jesus” and “Victory in Jesus.”
Millard is joined by special guests Vince Gill on “Jesus Cares for Me”
and Christy Nockels, formerly of Watermark, on “I Stand Amazed.” A
ukulele provides the gentle melody for the perfect closer “Grace That
Is Greater,” which again features Nockels. The musical styles on this
collection may not appeal to everyone, but those who have a fondness
for church classics or folk, country or blues music will surely enjoy
this album. Warning: Spontaneous swaying, toe-tapping or head-bobbing
likely to occur while being Hymned Again.
—LEIGH DEVORE

FICTION

SUSPENSE

Isolation

By Travis Thrasher, FaithWords, softcover, 304 pages, $13.99.

The Millers are back from the mission field. But their new house
isn’t a haven. James’ wife, Stephanie, has visions and feelings about
tragedies happening. And the secret passages and rooms—fun discoveries
for most kids—frighten their son. The supernatural dangers test their
faith, especially when a winter storm has them trapped and alone.

MYSTERY

Sinner

By Ted Dekker, Thomas Nelson, hardcover, 400 pages, $24.99.

America has become a place of hatred toward Christians, and violence
threatens to tear the country apart. Darcy Lange and Billy Rediger go
to Washington to demand a law classifying racial and religious speech
as hate speech that would carry harsh punishment. But Johnny Drake will
not remain silent and deny his faith in Christ.

INSPIRATIONAL

Recovering Charles

By Jason F. Wright, Shadow Mountain, hardcover, 288 pages,
$21.95.

A phone call interrupts Luke Millard’s comfortable life. His
alcoholic father, whom he hasn’t talked to in years, is missing after
Hurricane Katrina in New Orleans. While looking for his dad, Luke
discovers who his father has become and realizes that everyone deserves
a second chance.

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ONLINE EXCLUSIVE: For concert information, song
samples and more on the artists featured in this month’s Vibes, visit charismamag.com/vibesmusic.