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Pastor and author Etta shares biblical explorations and personal experiences in this manual for religious contemplation. The work is based on a central thesis: one’s success is determined not by earthly striving, not by inheritance or nationality, but by one’s relationship with God. One’s aspirations for achievement will be aided by what Etta calls “divine intelligence.” The author creates an image of someone with feelings of deep discouragement, contemplating possible suicide, then receiving a heavenly vision that restores his faith. Each chapter of this book describes the many hardships that people undergo, both in the current day and in biblical times. Etta offers inspirational listings such as what love is, why faith is necessary, what God’s presence means in practical terms as well as etheric wisdom, and declarations to be repeated out loud, treating with God’s authority and how it can enhance one’s courage in the face of a multitude of challenges. The author presents examples of biblical heroes and heroines, citing their human failings and how they triumphed through their faith.
Etta, a senior pastor and founder of a worldwide mission and educational foundation, has carried this Christian message overseas, as evidenced here in chapters that close with “Meditations,” some composed by people the author has known in his African mission work and elsewhere. These are tales of meeting seemingly overwhelming challenges through spiritual strength. The book includes Etta’s own story of learning about and gradually, deeply accepting the word of God and the mission of Jesus, leading to the construction of this treatise that at times reads like a powerful sermon and at others like a manual for studious, direct practice for a reading audience. The author’s deft use of language and evident conviction will help fellow Christians and those just becoming familiar with those beliefs to increase and utilize their faith.