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Always True: God's 5 Promises When Life Is Hard
Follow bestselling author, speaker, and pastor James MacDonald as he delivers the biblical hope of God’s promises in the midst of life’s storms. 2 Peter 1:3 refers to certain portions of God’s Word as exceedingly great and precious promises. Great promises are ones that don’t fall apart during difficult times; they reveal hope in the midst of the storm. Precious promises are ones that we find strong enough to hold us up and resilient enough to get us through. God’s promises become exceedingly great and precious to us when nothing else will do. By digging into the theology of God’s promises, Pastor James uncovers 5 major categories of promises in the Bible and the 5 areas God repeatedly makes promises concerning. From dealing with fear and doubt to God’s goodness, help, and victory, the Bible has much to say about God’s presence in our difficulty. Always True will point you to God’s promises, which are just that: always true.
160 pages, Paperback
First published December 1, 2010
21 people are currently reading
220 people want to read
About the author
James MacDonald
253 books105 followersJames MacDonald (D. Min. Phoenix Seminary) is married to his high school sweetheart, Kathy, and both are from Ontario, Canada. He is the father of three grown children, a daughter-in-law, a son-in-law, and grandfather to four amazing grandsons. James’ ministry focuses on the unapologetic proclamation of God’s Word. In 1988, along with a small group of ministry partners, James and Kathy planted Harvest Bible Chapel which has grown to 13,000 people each weekend, meeting in six locations.
In 1997, a Bible-teaching broadcast ministry called Walk in the Word was established, now reaching more than three million people weekly. In 2002, a church planting ministry called Harvest Bible Fellowship was born and has established more than 70 churches across North America and around the world. James’ vision is that God will use him to help plant 1,000 churches in his lifetime.
James’ extensive ministry also includes a training center for pastors, a year-round camp, a biblical counseling center, a disaster recovery organization, and a Christian school—all used to reach more people with the life-changing message of the Gospel.
Now impacting millions of lives annually, God’s favor upon these ministries has been described by James as “abundantly baffling.” The MacDonalds’ view their ministry as proof that God still uses broken vessels to pour out His grace.
In 1997, a Bible-teaching broadcast ministry called Walk in the Word was established, now reaching more than three million people weekly. In 2002, a church planting ministry called Harvest Bible Fellowship was born and has established more than 70 churches across North America and around the world. James’ vision is that God will use him to help plant 1,000 churches in his lifetime.
James’ extensive ministry also includes a training center for pastors, a year-round camp, a biblical counseling center, a disaster recovery organization, and a Christian school—all used to reach more people with the life-changing message of the Gospel.
Now impacting millions of lives annually, God’s favor upon these ministries has been described by James as “abundantly baffling.” The MacDonalds’ view their ministry as proof that God still uses broken vessels to pour out His grace.
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
February 20, 2016
Always True discusses 5 promises of God taken from Scripture, and how those promises can be applied to circumstances of our lives. It also discusses the "theology of a promise"--what does it mean for God to promise something and how is that played out in the Christian life? This book wasn't as in-depth of some of the others I've read by this author. I questioned some of his statements (such as the idea that when you pray for something, you should expect it to happen. Example used in the book: When you pray for rain, bring an umbrella to the prayer meeting!) I'm sure MacDonald would agree that we should pray according to God's will and not be presumptuous, but sometimes his explanation was, I thought, too simplistic.
Still, the book was a good overview of these five promises and I especially enjoyed the last chapter, which talks about the fact that God has everything under control and we know the final outcome will be for our good and His glory. Precious truth!
I generally enjoy MacDonald's style, and I don't intend for this to be a negative review--but it was not as heavy on the exegesis as I was expecting. Read this book for the encouragement is intended to be, but don't expect a full theology of promises in Scripture.
Still, the book was a good overview of these five promises and I especially enjoyed the last chapter, which talks about the fact that God has everything under control and we know the final outcome will be for our good and His glory. Precious truth!
I generally enjoy MacDonald's style, and I don't intend for this to be a negative review--but it was not as heavy on the exegesis as I was expecting. Read this book for the encouragement is intended to be, but don't expect a full theology of promises in Scripture.
April 9, 2013
This book and it's companion, "when life is hard" helped me get through and process a very difficult life event. I would recommend to anyone struggling to reconcile crises/suffering with faith.
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June 26, 2024Often for Christians, as for everyone, life is hard. The beautiful thing about being a Christian is that we do not have to face these times alone! In Always True: God’s 5 Promises for When Life is Hard James MacDonald goes over God’s precious promises to us when our life is crashing down around us. This book was very good and very deep. It’s one that you need to read slowly, a chapter at a time, and really think and meditate on the truths being discussed. This year is a crazy one for my family and proving to be more so all the time and it was a perfect time for me to read this. I especially love how he ties it all up in the end–pointing out that we can’t do any of the book unless we just allow Jesus to do it through us. The way he approached and talked about it helped me think of a new perspective that I never really had before. This was an excellent book and as a cancer survivor everything he writes resonates with truth and real belief. This is a book every Christian should read, if only to be reminded of what and who to turn to in times of trouble!
June 10, 2020
No matter what season of life you are in today, James hits home with some key promises God has made for His people. I enjoyed learning more of these said promises in his book and how they can be applied to my own life.
April 19, 2018
Well put together for use.
May 27, 2020
Un excelente libro que nos recuerda y nos hace reflexionar de las promesas de Dios para nosotros en tiempos difíciles. Recomiendo anotar los pasajes biblicos mencionados y estudiarlos en la Biblia.
January 1, 2022
This book sparked valuable discussion in our small group. I especially appreciated its very personal aspect.
December 10, 2012
Author: James MacDonald
Chicago, Moody, 2011
Number of pages: 148
"I was a man gasping and going under for the third time and these promises became my lifeline,"
writes renowned preacher and author, James MacDonald in his latest book, Always True; God's 5 Promises When Life is Hard. "By them I was pulled to safety..." Getting through certain seasons life serves up can be a crushing experience. MacDonald reminds readers of five promises God makes to His children over and over throughout scripture. God is there to sustain His people even in the worst of times.
God makes promises. Because this is true and because there is a historical record of that, the study of God's promises is also a study in theology. For that reason, MacDonald breaks his books up into five major sections all with titles that begin with "Theology of a Promise."
Theology of a Promise: God is a Promiser by nature. Promise #1: God is Always With Me (I Will Not Fear)
Theology of a Promise: God keeps His promises. Promise #2: God is Always in Control (I Will Not Doubt)
Theology of a Promise: God wants us to test His promises. Promise #3: God is Always Good (I Will Not Despair)
Theology of a Promise: God's promises are activated by faith. Promise #4: God is Always Watching (I Will Not Falter)
Theology of a Promise: God's promises are experienced in Jesus Christ. Promise #4: God is Always Victorious (I Will Not Fail)
The above breakdown is simple and that's how the book reads. Those who are familiar with the radio ministry of James MacDonald will hear his voice as they read the words written in the book. He communicates simply, smartly, and packs a ton of truth into a very small, tote-able package. This is truth you can take with you.
My personal favorite is Promise #3: God is Always Good. I've trudged through my own crucible and that is the one truth that has sustained me. When I can't understand anything else, I understand that God is wise and God is good. He's good all the time. MacDonald quotes Nahum 1:7, "The Lord is good, a stronghold in the day of trouble; He knows those who take refuge in Him." We are able to take refuge in the character of God. This is a truth we need to draw strength from in times of trouble. And when times are good, we need to praise Him for the same reason because even though seasons and circumstances change, this truth doesn't.
Throughout the book, MacDonald draws on the deep well of God's Word for the repeated promises and then he demonstrates with his own experiences how the promises play out in the real world. He's candid, transparent, and accessible as he writes about his weaknesses, trials, and about coming out whole on the other side. He does this without making himself the hero of his book which is extremely refreshing.
This book is written for a regular audience. It's not written for a masters level seminarian. It's for the guy or girl working and living and being a Christian on planet earth. Pick up a copy of this book and put your heart into the three hours it takes to read the book whole book from cover to cover. It will be time well spent.
http://mondokblog.blogspot.com/2011/0...
Chicago, Moody, 2011
Number of pages: 148
"I was a man gasping and going under for the third time and these promises became my lifeline,"
writes renowned preacher and author, James MacDonald in his latest book, Always True; God's 5 Promises When Life is Hard. "By them I was pulled to safety..." Getting through certain seasons life serves up can be a crushing experience. MacDonald reminds readers of five promises God makes to His children over and over throughout scripture. God is there to sustain His people even in the worst of times.
God makes promises. Because this is true and because there is a historical record of that, the study of God's promises is also a study in theology. For that reason, MacDonald breaks his books up into five major sections all with titles that begin with "Theology of a Promise."
Theology of a Promise: God is a Promiser by nature. Promise #1: God is Always With Me (I Will Not Fear)
Theology of a Promise: God keeps His promises. Promise #2: God is Always in Control (I Will Not Doubt)
Theology of a Promise: God wants us to test His promises. Promise #3: God is Always Good (I Will Not Despair)
Theology of a Promise: God's promises are activated by faith. Promise #4: God is Always Watching (I Will Not Falter)
Theology of a Promise: God's promises are experienced in Jesus Christ. Promise #4: God is Always Victorious (I Will Not Fail)
The above breakdown is simple and that's how the book reads. Those who are familiar with the radio ministry of James MacDonald will hear his voice as they read the words written in the book. He communicates simply, smartly, and packs a ton of truth into a very small, tote-able package. This is truth you can take with you.
My personal favorite is Promise #3: God is Always Good. I've trudged through my own crucible and that is the one truth that has sustained me. When I can't understand anything else, I understand that God is wise and God is good. He's good all the time. MacDonald quotes Nahum 1:7, "The Lord is good, a stronghold in the day of trouble; He knows those who take refuge in Him." We are able to take refuge in the character of God. This is a truth we need to draw strength from in times of trouble. And when times are good, we need to praise Him for the same reason because even though seasons and circumstances change, this truth doesn't.
Throughout the book, MacDonald draws on the deep well of God's Word for the repeated promises and then he demonstrates with his own experiences how the promises play out in the real world. He's candid, transparent, and accessible as he writes about his weaknesses, trials, and about coming out whole on the other side. He does this without making himself the hero of his book which is extremely refreshing.
This book is written for a regular audience. It's not written for a masters level seminarian. It's for the guy or girl working and living and being a Christian on planet earth. Pick up a copy of this book and put your heart into the three hours it takes to read the book whole book from cover to cover. It will be time well spent.
http://mondokblog.blogspot.com/2011/0...
February 8, 2011
Always True by James MacDonald is a powerful devotional based on one man's battle to trust in God when in the fight for his life. MacDonald faced a terrifying cancer, plus struggles within his church which made him question God and His goodness. He turned to the Bible for answers, and what he came up with is this thoughtful and emotional book. MacDonald discovered five unshakable truths of God during this time: I will not fear, I will not doubt, I will not despair, I will not falter, and I will not fail; and while we may do all of those things, He will not, and that is where we can place our trust. MacDonald uses Scripture and personal reflection to support each promise, and readers will feel both moved and inspired by MacDonald's deep faith. Some quotes from the book: Faith is what moves God's promises from your head to your heart. Stronghold is what God's goodness looks like to the enemy on the outside; refuge is what God's goodness looks like to us on the inside. 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. This is truly one of the best theological books of the 21st century and will offer readers hope in times of darkness.
April 7, 2013
A wonderful book focusing on 5 promises from the Bible to give hope, comfort, and encouragement during trials.
"Difficult trials will naturally evoke powerful emotions in us. How would your circumstances look today if you *chose* to focus first on God's promises rather than how you feel?" p.124
What I loved: You can only write about hardship if you know it well, and the author shares humbly of how these promises guided and helped him through his own trials. He shares 5 chapters...5 promises. Each chapter is jam-packed with scripture to back up every point.
The only thing I could have used more of was his personal story. I don't normally say that but I didn't like the way he shared his story...too many times giving the examples of other people he knew instead of from his own life (he did that too, just not as much as I'd have liked). Still, I was encouraged by the focus on the promises of God for those in the midst of hardships. It was a light read, not too heavy with thought-provoking theology...just simple facts declared by the Lord Himself and shared in a way that reminds us that He is good always and in all things He has control.
"God's promises are an assurance God gives His people so they can walk by faith while they wait for Him to work." p.73
"Difficult trials will naturally evoke powerful emotions in us. How would your circumstances look today if you *chose* to focus first on God's promises rather than how you feel?" p.124
What I loved: You can only write about hardship if you know it well, and the author shares humbly of how these promises guided and helped him through his own trials. He shares 5 chapters...5 promises. Each chapter is jam-packed with scripture to back up every point.
The only thing I could have used more of was his personal story. I don't normally say that but I didn't like the way he shared his story...too many times giving the examples of other people he knew instead of from his own life (he did that too, just not as much as I'd have liked). Still, I was encouraged by the focus on the promises of God for those in the midst of hardships. It was a light read, not too heavy with thought-provoking theology...just simple facts declared by the Lord Himself and shared in a way that reminds us that He is good always and in all things He has control.
"God's promises are an assurance God gives His people so they can walk by faith while they wait for Him to work." p.73
March 14, 2012
Following his bestselling book “When Life is Hard”, speaker, and pastor James MacDonald authors this second book which looks at 5 of promises God that can give us strength in the midst of life's storms. Great promises are ones that don't fall apart during difficult times; they reveal hope in the midst of the storm. Precious promises are ones that we find strong enough to hold us up and resilient enough to get us through. “Always” True will point you to God's promises, which are always true, no matter what life with throw at you.
Also try: "When Life is Hard" by James McDonald; "Shelter of God's Promises" by: Sheila Walsh; "Don't Waste Your Cancer" by John Piper
December 29, 2015
Small group at CPCC bible study (Tracy N., Kim B., susan C, Ilene G., Ginny H, Melissa K., Pam K., Debbie L., Ramona P., Jen R., Amy R., Lynn S. Rosanne S., Felicia W. Laura W. Always True by James MacDonald is a powerful devotional based on one man's battle to trust in God when in the fight for his life. MacDonald faced a terrifying cancer, plus struggles within his church which made him question God and His goodness. He turned to the Bible for answers, and what he came up with is this thoughtful and emotional book. MacDonald discovered five unshakable truths of God during this time: I will not fear, I will not doubt, I will not despair, I will not falter
May 14, 2011
Another completely practical book from James MacDonald, packed with solid biblical encouragement. The thing I like about his writing is that he doesn't try to add his own proprietary (and hence brandable and marketable) spin. I don't expect to see "Always True for Teens". The Bible is front and center, and the application is direct and timeless.
While "Always True" is primarily directed at those in the midst of a crisis, it would be of help to any Christian.
While "Always True" is primarily directed at those in the midst of a crisis, it would be of help to any Christian.
September 18, 2016
awesome read . I love how deeply the author delves into scripture . I truly enjoyed this book
February 28, 2011
LOVE James' encouraging telling of God's promises. His "straight-talk" manner of speaking truth, even if it makes us feel uncomfortable, is what endears me to his preaching style. Some wonderful reminders that give me hope!
March 31, 2016
This. Is. All. True. God. Gave. Us. Many. Promises. During. Our. Struggles. In. Life. The. Bible. Is. True. It. Never. Lie's. Just. Remember. When. Life. Gets. Hard. Not. To. Fret. Just. Give. It. To. God.
December 30, 2012
Excellent book to encourage you to rely on the very great and precious promises of God. One of my favorite James MacDonald books that I have read.
July 10, 2012
This book discusses five Biblical promises that we can lean on no matter what life throws our way. Awesome book! Thoroughly supported with Scripture. Easy to read and comprehend.
January 16, 2013
Loved learning all about God's promises for all of us!
October 31, 2013
Writing not so good, but real scripture search with depth... yes. Gave me neat thoughts to hold on to. Will definitely read his other books on scripture.
September 25, 2014
When you say, I don't know exactly what God is doing, but I know He's in control -- that's evidence you're trusting Him.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 19, 2015
Great book!!!
Loved it it's a book to Reread
Loved it it's a book to Reread
March 21, 2016
Great book especially if you are going through a difficult time.
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews