Karla News

Book Review – “Always True” by James MacDonald

Dependability, God's Promises

James MacDonald, senior pastor of Harvest Bible Chapel in Rolling Meadows, IL, writes powerful, Bible-based books. “Always True: God’s 5 Promises when Life is Hard,” the latest title from MacDonald, offers a study of God’s character and dependability. Rather than focusing on a single book of the Bible, MacDonald weaves back and forth between the Old and New Testaments, creating a tapestry of verses to show readers an in-depth portrait of God.

Under the general heading of “Theology of a Promise,” Pastor MacDonald uses five categories to organize his text. He identifies them as God is always with me; God is always in control; God is always good; God is always watching, and God is always victorious.

He describes his goal in the book as a desire to acquaint readers with God’s faithfulness so deeply that they will not be afraid to trust in hard times: “God wants you to be so familiar with His character and live so confidently in your faith that you can say, “I know what God’s going to do. I don’t know when or how, but He’s made me some promises and I can walk by faith until I see it.”(page 26).”

In addition to demonstrating how God has kept promises throughout history, MacDonald shows how those promises apply to us today. He offers tools for holding on to them when the road is rough. Stressing the importance of memorizing Scripture so that the promises are at readily available in your mind and heart when you need them, he offers “Take to Heart” principles and “Know by Heart” verses in the chapters.

See also  Great Places to Buy Audio Books Online

MacDonald has done a very nice job of bringing historical and present day scenarios into an understandable organization, and showing how they apply in the future. He offers guidelines for counting on God’s promises without being irresponsible in our actions.

Always True” is easy to read, although the reader may have to spend some time digesting the rich content to get full benefit. The book is well worth the effort. It offers an uplifting message with long lasting impact.

I enjoyed reading “Always True.” A valuable addition to any Christian’s spiritual library, it will encourage and console for years to come.

“Always True” by James MacDonald
Published by Moody Publishers, January, 2011

Reference: