"Storm - Hearing Jesus for the Times We Live In" by Jim Cymbala

There is no question: the best things about Jim Cymbala's books are always the testimonies he includes from his own church members. It is so encouraging and uplifting to hear how God saved these people, and how He is using them to reach others! It reminds me that God can save anyone that comes to Him. He can not only save them, He can use them powerfully.

The book addresses the current weak state of the American church, in particular. And it is a pretty bleak picture. Frankly, it may even be worse than what Jim Cymbala describes....

We have a church culture that relies heavily on man-centered programming, man-centered scheduling, man-centered music, man-centered teaching and preaching, man-centered application, man-centered prayers (or prayerlessness), and man-centered service. Is it any wonder there is a lack of the power of God?

I appreciate Pastor Cymbala's attempts at addressing this topic. He gives a fairly level-headed and balanced view. However, much of the book felt to me as though it were forced together, and did not flow easily. He seemed more intent on making the chapter titles fit the "storm" theme than making them work in cohesion. The subjects he covers are all important; but I feel as though they didn't work together to form a powerful statement on his main issue.

The book is not long, and is worth a read. It is, however, not the best book on the subject - and is DEFINITELY not Pastor Cymbala's best book. (That distinction would go to "Fresh Wind, Fresh Fire," in my opinion.)

I give it 3 out of 5 stars.

"Breakthrough Prayer" by Jim Cymbala

I did not find this book to be exactly what I had expected. That is not to say that I didn't enjoy it; I did enjoy it thorougly. The content just did not match my expectations.
I devoured Jim Cymbala's books, "Fresh Wind, Fresh Fire", "Fresh Faith", and "Fresh Power". Those books are far superior to this one. This book caused me to trudge through a little bit.
Pastor Cymbala's theology is right on the money, but I felt that some of the points he made were weaker than they could have been. Some points were tremendously strong - even overpowering. That's good; it's the kind of theology we need from books and preaching these days. (Sometimes, it takes a smack upside my head to get the point across to me)
Basically, I felt that it was not a book exclusively on prayer. He had whole chapters devoted to other things, like joy. Had it been more focused, it would have made a greater impact on me.
I will say that the stories of the people Pastor Cymbala has met in his ministry is worth the price of the book. My heart is ALWAYS stirred to hear about God changing someone's life when all things seemed hopeless.
I would still give the book 3 out of 5 stars.