God fights for us today like he fought for the Israelites throughout their forty-year journey in the wilderness. Ben Holland’s skilled narration clarifies why author Max Lucado believes this is true and that the Book of Joshua says so. Holland adopts a rhythmic cadence to weave modern testimonies with the biblical account to demonstrate that "the Promised Land" of the Bible is more a state of heart and mind than a piece of real estate. Holland authentically delivers powerful characterizations of common “wilderness situations,” such as drug and alcohol addictions and marital conflicts, which the author considers roadblocks to the promised “glory land.” With a versatile range of skills, Holland captures Lucado’s encouraging message that listeners persevere and overcome obstacles to live in “the glory land" in the here and now. G.D.W. 2016 Audies Finalist © AudioFile 2015, Portland, Maine

07/27/2015
With an inspirational voice, bestselling author and pastor Lucado (God Will Use This for Good) offers insights from the Old Testament book of Joshua on how to embrace what he calls "Promised Land Living." Drawing on the experiences of Joshua and the Israelites as they left behind 40 years of wandering and prepared to enter the promised land of Canaan, Lucado urges readers to believe "the best days are ahead of us." Within this framework, Lucado draws a connection between the experiences of early Israelites—during enslavement under the Egyptian pharaoh and subsequent years wandering the wilderness—and the fear that he says many Christians still live under. He works through the book story by story, including narratives from his own life and the lives of others to illustrate his overarching point, and sprinkling in details about the historical and cultural background of events such as the Israelites' march on Jericho. At times, Lucado's colloquial tone flirts dangerously close with hokey; his dog even provides a spiritual lesson. However, personified pet stories aside, Lucado continues to strike a winning balance between spiritual insights and pastoral inspiration. (Sept.)

God fights for us today like he fought for the Israelites throughout their forty-year journey in the wilderness. Ben Holland’s skilled narration clarifies why author Max Lucado believes this is true and that the Book of Joshua says so. Holland adopts a rhythmic cadence to weave modern testimonies with the biblical account to demonstrate that "the Promised Land" of the Bible is more a state of heart and mind than a piece of real estate. Holland authentically delivers powerful characterizations of common “wilderness situations,” such as drug and alcohol addictions and marital conflicts, which the author considers roadblocks to the promised “glory land.” With a versatile range of skills, Holland captures Lucado’s encouraging message that listeners persevere and overcome obstacles to live in “the glory land" in the here and now. G.D.W. 2016 Audies Finalist © AudioFile 2015, Portland, Maine