How many times have you read the book The Return of the Prodigal Son by Henri Nouwen? For me, it’s the first time, and I’ll read it again and again with certainty! See my review below and discover the delightful attributes of the Father and the two sons in this famous story from Scripture.

My Rating 5/5 ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

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Many people have read the book The Return of the Prodigal Son by Henri Nouwen. I was delighted to recently read this with the Bible Cafe Book Club. While the cover looked ancient and a bit dated, the content was relevant for today. I was deeply impressed by the wisdom and love flowing from every page of the book.

Pick up the book The Return of the Prodigal Son and learn how the two sons represent different spiritual strongholds. Since we carry these same strongholds today, the book is timeless and important for Christian living.

What surprised me most about this book is the personal reflections and transparency of the author, a Harvard professor and later a chaplain at a wellness center for people with developmental disabilities. His compassion, combined with his intelligence and gift for teaching, contributes to the success of his writing.

Something else I enjoyed about this book is the connection to masterpiece artwork. The author leads his readers into the famous gallery and examines Rembrandt’s work. No detail is missed, as you will discover by reading this great book.

Book: The Return of the Prodigal Son by Henri Nouwen

With over a million copies sold, this classic work is essential reading for all who ask, “Where has my struggle led me?”

A chance encounter with a reproduction of Rembrandt’s The Return of the Prodigal Son catapulted Henri Nouwen on an unforgettable spiritual adventure. Here he shares the deeply personal and resonant meditation that led him to discover the place within where God has chosen to dwell.

As Nouwen reflects on Rembrandt’s painting in light of his own life journey, he evokes a powerful drama of the classic parable in a rich, captivating way that is sure to reverberate in the hearts of readers. Nouwen probes the several movements of the parable: the younger son’s return, the father’s restoration of sonship, the elder son’s resentfulness, and the father’s compassion. The themes of homecoming, affirmation, and reconciliation will be newly discovered by all who have known loneliness, dejection, jealousy, or anger. The challenge to love as God loves, and to be loved as God’s beloved, will be seen as the ultimate revelation of the parable known to Christians throughout time, and is here represented with a vigor and power fresh for our times.

My Rating 5/5 ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

Favorite Quotes by Henri Nouwen

The world’s love is, and always will be, conditional. Henri Nouwen, The Return of the Prodigal Son

The farther I run away from the place where God dwells, the less I am able to hear the voice that calls me Beloved. And the less I hear that voice, the more entangled I become in the manipulations and power games of the world. Henri Nouwen, The Return of the Prodigal Son

We can allow ourselves to be found by God and healed by his love through the concrete and daily practice of trust and gratitude. Henri Nouwen, The Return of the Prodigal Son

Kelly Balarie writes about taking every thought captive as a spiritual discipline. This powerful book is a good read for difficult seasons.

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Take Every Thought Captive by Kelly Balarie is an empowering and thought-provoking book about the battle of the mind. Reading this book helped me gain valuable strategies for when the enemy of God throws curveballs my way. I found this book easy to follow and relevant for today’s Christian women. Especially valuable are Kelly’s practical strategies to overcome negative thinking. Her relatable writing style and deeply personal stories encourage readers to take control of their thoughts. Self-control is a Fruit of the Spirit, and I found this book helpful in cultivating this fruit.

One of the book’s greatest strengths is Kelly Balarie’s ability to weave Bible verses seamlessly into her mindset approach. Drawing on her own experiences, she addresses everyday struggles like fear, self-doubt, and anxiety. She provides practical steps to break free from this mindset by taking thoughts captive to Christ. Kelly’s words are genuine and heartfelt, creating a connection with readers who may have experienced similar challenges.

This is informative, just like Kelly Balarie’s other books, and rich with content for everyday use. Each chapter focuses on a different aspect of negative thinking, such as the power of words, the influence of fear, and the role of forgiveness. Kelly’s writing style is engaging and conversational, making “Take Every Thought Captive” enjoyable. She maintains a balance between depth and simplicity, ensuring that readers from all walks of life can benefit from her teachings. The inclusion of reflection questions and practical exercises at the end of each chapter encourages active participation and application of the book’s principles, enhancing the overall learning experience.

“Take Every Thought Captive” is an excellent Christian resource for anyone seeking to overcome negative thinking patterns and cultivate a healthier mindset. Kelly Balarie’s genuine empathy and relatability shine through, making her advice all the more impactful. Her dedication to providing practical tools and her unwavering belief in the power of transforming our thoughts make this book a valuable asset on the journey to personal growth and renewed perspective.

Take Every Thought Captive by Kelly Balarie Book Description

We do not have a spirit of fear and timidity; we have a spirit of power, love, and a sound mind. When we walk by the Spirit, we are not conformed to a world of worry and anxiety. Bad habits must cease. Negativity, confusion, and worry are banished. The enemy has no playground.

Sound impossible? With God, nothing is impossible. Author and speaker Kelly Balarie offers a rousing call to be transformed through the renewing of your mind by taking every thought captive to Christ. She shows you how to
· recognize the lies of the enemy
· replace those lies with the truth of God
· pray through times of mental and emotional strife
· proactively use God’s Word instead of living defensively and defeated

If you long for clarity, purpose, or peace of mind, the clear, actionable steps laid out in this book will be a game-changer.

Disclosure: I first received an Advanced Reader Copy of this book through NetGalley. And then I purchased the book via Amazon.