The 2 co-authors, atheist turned Christian Lee Strobel and Mark Mittelberg are both authors of multiple books and have been widely recognized speakers. They have used their research and gained knowledge, much of which is included in their well-known publications to provide condensed daily thought provoking and faith building devotions. Their purpose is described in the introduction: “we start each reading with a short passage from the Bible that is relevant to the topic we will explore that day. Then we address the subject, often beginning by quoting a thinker who challenges the Christian position, followed by logic and evidence that show what is true and why we can believe it. Then we end each reading with a succinct summary, under the heading “Truth for Today.””
The Bible Study offers an in depth discussion and exploration of Ephesians 6:10-18. In these verses Paul talks about spiritual warfare and putting on “the whole armor of God”. The book delves into the background story and agenda of Satan as well as the purposes of God and how the two opposing forces of good and evil impact each other. The book then discusses each article of weaponry: The Belt of Truth, the Breastplate of Righteousness, the Shoes of Peace, the Shield of Faith, the Helmet of Salvation,and the Sword of the Spirit. The author also includes discussion on Prayer as a Weapon, referring to it as “the Lance of Prayer.”
In the book, One More Heartbeat, Carolyn Carter declares her purpose for recording her life events in a book. 
She sees God working as the author of a story to be shared: ” He has been writing the chapters of my life in a way that He knew someday would become the events and miracles shared with others through a book. In One More Heartbeat, I share the many ways God has walked beside me and performed miracles that can be explained in no other way.” The book is her personal testimony to God’s faithfulness to her and her family through the years and ends with a personal life saving miracle that defies any other explanation but God’s intervention.
As I read this book, I found that I had a mixed feelings about the book. The events portrayed in Carolyn’s life certainly are a wonderful testimony of God working in and through the ordinary events of a praying, believing Christian. She has her share of trials, challenges and difficulties that many should be able to relate to and she has a great story to share of extraordinary circumstances as well. My frustration with the book, however, is that the story was typically delivered in a very mundane, matter of fact, reporter -style dialogue. This is often hard reading for me in that I feel like I’m weeding through a lot of facts to find interest and connection in the story. I never really felt like I had a good idea of the author’s personality or personal deep thoughts and reflections. I’m glad I finished the book, however because I almost missed the amazing story at the end of the book.
Many will find this book written in a format that doesn’t remain consistently interesting, but many will also likely find a great encouragement and testimony of God’s personal involvement in one’s life. My rating for this book: 4/5 stars.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookLook Bloggers <http://booklookbloggers.com> book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 <http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html> : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
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