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Customer Reviews for Zondervan Gods at War: Defeating the Idols That Battle for Your Heart

Zondervan Gods at War: Defeating the Idols That Battle for Your Heart

There may be no wooden or golden idols in your home, such as the ancient Israelites struggled with, but chances are, there are significant idols in your heart. These idols can look like normal, everyday concerns about security, financial stability, desire for attention or affection, but can easily become the ugly reality of anxiety, greed, and seeking approval of man, rather than God.

In Gods at War, Kyle Idleman addresses the issue of idolatry in the lives of believers by asking insightful questions that will help you determine which false gods are striving to sit on the throne of your heart. By sharing true and powerful testimonies of those who have struggled with the idols of money, sex, success, food and romance, Idleman clears away the cultural baggage of the 21st century to expose these gods for what they are--rivals to our unhindered devotion to Christ. Discover the freedom that awaits you when you allow the true God to reside unchallenged in your heart and life.
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15 out of 1694%customers would recommend this product to a friend.
Customer Reviews for Gods at War: Defeating the Idols That Battle for Your Heart
Review 1 for Gods at War: Defeating the Idols That Battle for Your Heart
Overall Rating: 
4 out of 5
4 out of 5

Good book about modern day idols

Date:May 14, 2013
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iluvmesumu
Location:Baltimore, MD
Age:18-24
Gender:female
Quality: 
4 out of 5
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This book helped with recognizing modern day idols in my life although i didn't agree with the author's perspective on some things.
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Review 2 for Gods at War: Defeating the Idols That Battle for Your Heart
Overall Rating: 
3 out of 5
3 out of 5

Date:May 14, 2013
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Brenda
Location:McDermott, OH
Age:55-65
Gender:female
Quality: 
2 out of 5
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I was greatly disappointed in reading this book. It had some good parts near the end, but I was expecting it to be more like "Not A Fan", and it wasn't. I found it very boring and dry and I had a hard time reading it.
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Review 3 for Gods at War: Defeating the Idols That Battle for Your Heart
Overall Rating: 
4 out of 5
4 out of 5

gods at war

Date:May 10, 2013
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markbraye
Location:Temiskaming Shores, Ontario, Canada
Age:25-34
Gender:male
Quality: 
4 out of 5
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written by the bestselling author of <em>not a fan</em> Kyle Idleman. he's the Teaching Pastor at Shoutheast Christian Church in Louisville, Kentucky.
this book is about false gods, idols, that are in our lives. for Idleman, idolatry is not an issue, it is the issue. from the introduction: "What if I told you that every sin you are struggling with, every discouragement you are dealing with, even the lack of purpose you're living with are because of idolatry?"
what are these idols, these "gods at war," in our hearts and spiritual lives? sex, money, food, entertainment, success, and ourselves, among others.
idols and false gods have been a popular topic of conversation and Christian literature over the past few years. <em>gods at war</em> joins <em>Counterfeit Gods</em> and <em>Empty Promises</em> as Biblical and theological treatments of our current day idolatry problem. we give the Israelites a hard time for their struggles with the golden calf... do we see the plank in our own eyes when thinking about the things we've made of gold and put on a pedastel?
<em>gods at war</em> is a thought-provoking read. Idleman is a wonderful writer and storyteller.
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Review 4 for Gods at War: Defeating the Idols That Battle for Your Heart
Overall Rating: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5

Date:May 9, 2013
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wjoehancock
Quality: 
5 out of 5
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Everything about me, everything I do, every relationship I have, everything I hope or dream or wish to become, depends upon what god wins that war. ~ Kyle Idleman
Food. Sex. Entertainment. Success. Money. Achievement. Romance. Family. Self…. these things each and every day battle for not only our attention but more importantly our hearts. From the moment we open our eyes each morning we are faced with the challenge of choosing what god or gods we will serve or worship that day. For most of us including myself, we laugh off this thought by saying we would never choose anything or person other than the one and only true God but sadly our lives are saying the opposite.
Most of us have heard or even read Exodus 20:3 and know that it clearly states that “You shall have no other gods before me.” In “gods at war”, Kyle states that concerning this verse, “we think of it as a hierarchy; that God is always in first place. But there are no places. God isn’t interested in competing against others or being first among many.”
Kyle’s book, “gods at war” has really made me check my own heart and be made aware of the gods that are challenging for the throne. I highly recommend this book to anyone who feels like each day is a battle and I challenge you to allow God to show you what has taken His place. The only relationship God is interested in is one that is exclusive and completely committed. He is not interested in an “open relationship” with you. He won’t consider sharing space on the loveseat of your heart.
His throne has only one seat… who or what is currently occupying it?
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.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 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
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Review 5 for Gods at War: Defeating the Idols That Battle for Your Heart
Overall Rating: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5

There are many gods at war...

Date:May 8, 2013
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Chris Tabone
Age:25-34
Gender:male
Quality: 
5 out of 5
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Kyle Idleman’s book, “gods at war” is a great look at the many different things that can occupy the place of prominence within our heart and become idols. I believe it was theologian John Calvin who equated the heart to an idol making factory, and Kyle continues to show just how true this is by pointing out the different idols that tend to fight for the throne of our hearts. It seems that Kyle’s point is that there are many good things in life, but when you make a good thing a God thing you have moved it into a place of prominence and allowed it to become an idol. The author always moves from the pleasures of this world to the complete satisfaction in Jesus Christ.
Personally I very much enjoyed this book. It was not only an enjoyable read by it was an uplifting and enlightened one. The author’s words are challenging and thoughtful, as it draws our attention away from what has become our functional god to focusing on the One True God. The challenge for the reader is to recognize that Jesus is far better than the fleeting pleasures of this world. It is understandable that doing this is difficult, and the stories of people who are actually doing it within the book are encouraging and uplifting. I’d recommend this book to anyone who is looking into ways to be more of a follower of Jesus and less of a fan.
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Review 6 for Gods at War: Defeating the Idols That Battle for Your Heart
Overall Rating: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5

WOW

Date:April 18, 2013
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Thomas
Location:In.
Age:55-65
Gender:male
Quality: 
5 out of 5
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This study is a great tool for growth groops of any size we are Digging right into it.
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Review 7 for Gods at War: Defeating the Idols That Battle for Your Heart
Overall Rating: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5

Date:April 6, 2013
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Angel
Age:25-34
Gender:female
Quality: 
5 out of 5
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5 out of 5
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I admit I was hesitant about Gods at War, even though Not A Fan was life changing. But Kyle Idleman is an amazing author who cuts right to the heart of the matter. I thought I knew all about this idol stuff. I got that today's idols aren't statues we bow down to, they are money, and public image.. I knew that stuff. But I read anyway, and I was convicted. Idols can be tricky. According to Idleman, idolatry isn’t an issue—it is the issue.
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Review 8 for Gods at War: Defeating the Idols That Battle for Your Heart
Overall Rating: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5

Dealing with idols

Date:April 2, 2013
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Cheryl
Location:Prospect,KY
Age:45-54
Gender:female
Quality: 
5 out of 5
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From the very beginning in the introduction, Kyle Idleman has you hooked in his most recent book gods At War. Whether you struggle with spending too much, greed, working too much, worrying, .....there is a false god inside each of us that is at the root of all of them in the form of idolatry. Idleman is so bold as to say that idolatry isn't just one of many sins, it is the one great sin that all others come from. The other struggles are just the mask for idolatry. Idolatry is always the real issue. It's the "trunk of the tree" , and all other problems are just branches.
Proverbs 4:23 tells us "Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it." Your heart determines it all--what you do, say, and think. Because of that, your heart is the front line for gods at war. In order to deal with our idol issues, we first must deal with the heart since that is the root of all our thoughts emotions, and actions. What good would it do to simply deal with the "mask" of the idol (greed, for example) if we never deal with the source of the problem?
It is hard to see ourselves as idol worshipers but Idleman has some keys questions that may bring out the truth:
- What disappoints you? When you feel overwhelmed by disappointment, it is a good sign that something has become way too important to you and you have placed your hope in something other than God.
-What do you complain about the most? What we complain about reveals what really matters to us.
- Where do you make financial sacrifices? Where your money goes shows what is winning your heart.
- What worries you? Whatever keeps you awake at night has potential of becoming an idol.
-Where is your sanctuary? A friend? Food? God is our help in time of need. Does your life reflect that?
- What infuriates you? Maybe your temper reveals your true idol. Yourself.
- What are your dreams? What is your motivation for those dreams? Your glory or God's?
But God is a jealous god. There is room for only one in our lives. So what do we do about all the idols in our lives? We are made to worship. It is in our make-up. Will you worship the idols in your life or the one true God?
In gods at War, Idleman addresses many of the things that tend to become idols on our lives and helps the reader deal with the root of the issue. I can't say enough about the book as it will be one I read a number of time rather than passing it on or gathering dust on a shelf. It helped open my eyes to my own idols, even ones I didn't know existed or could be idols. A must read for every Christian.
I did receive this book free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review and was in no way obligated to leave a positive review.
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Review 9 for Gods at War: Defeating the Idols That Battle for Your Heart
Overall Rating: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5

This book is so difficult to set down! It's amazin

Date:April 1, 2013
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Grace
Location:Canada
Age:18-24
Gender:female
Quality: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
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'Gods at War' is a very intellectual and eye-opening book. Kyle Idleman addresses what he says is not an issue, but the issue. He argues that we, in this modern day society, face some of the largest forms of idolatry yet. We think that idolatry is strictly an old testament issue but today we face the gods of sex, entertainment, money, power, etc. God is not in a hierarchy to compete against these other gods. He takes precedence, he is I Am.
I love his analogies, his real-life examples, his comical footnotes, and the barcodes for songs that you can scan easily on your iPhone and take a listen to. His insights are beautiful. They cause an uncomfortable discrepancy that I need in my life to realize that all the symptoms of what I do really stem from my heart and which god is winning. I would recommend this book and indeed have recommended it to others because it was an amazing read!
I received a free copy of this book from BookSneeze in exchange for my honest review of the book.
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Review 10 for Gods at War: Defeating the Idols That Battle for Your Heart
Overall Rating: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5

Practical, challenging, and encouraging.

Date:March 27, 2013
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pastormatte
Age:25-34
Gender:male
Quality: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
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We all have the choice to serve Jesus, or serve something else.
But one way or another, we will serve something.
We all struggle with idolatry.
We all fight the temptation to serve false gods.
In Gods at War, Kyle Idleman discusses these struggles and temptations that we all face.
Going through different categories, Kyle looks at the "gods" of our culture, and how damaging they can be to a true relationship with Jesus Christ.
You need to read this book.
Seriously, buy it right now.
This book will challenge you.
It will convict you.
It will encourage you.
It will change you.
Near the beginning of the book, Kyle talks about how many people do not see how their lives may be filled with false gods and idolatry.
As a result, when they are exposed to this truth, they react with: "I've never thought about it like that before."
This book will make you look at your life and say: "I've never thought about it like that before."
You will see the difficulties in life differently.
You will see the triumphs in life differently.
One way or another, after you read Gods at War, you will be forced to make a decision:
Will you serve Jesus?
Or will you serve someone - or something - else?
"The deadliest war is the one most of us never realize is being fought... What if it's not about statues? What if the gods of here and now are not cosmic deities with strange names? What if they take identities that are so ordinary that we don't recognize them as gods at all? What if we do our 'kneeling' and our 'bowing' with our imaginations, our checkbooks, our search engines, our calendars? What if I told you that every sin you are struggling with, every discouragement you are dealing with, even the lack of purpose you're living with are because of idolatry?"
-----
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.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: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
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Review 11 for Gods at War: Defeating the Idols That Battle for Your Heart
Overall Rating: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5

Culture Relevant, Personally convicting

Date:March 19, 2013
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RevBrad
Age:25-34
Gender:male
Quality: 
5 out of 5
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5 out of 5
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Im not going to write a long drawn out review that you will probably skim over. This book challenges what is most important in your life, whether you know what that is or not. There are stories and thoughts that I found personally provoking, that have caused me to examine what i give worth.
The Author has a "down-to-earth" writing style that flows very well. I read this book in just a few days, I just couldn't put it down!
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Review 12 for Gods at War: Defeating the Idols That Battle for Your Heart
Overall Rating: 
4 out of 5
4 out of 5

Would recommend

Date:March 16, 2013
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Jeanie
Location:Kearney, NE
Age:25-34
Gender:female
Quality: 
4 out of 5
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I hesitated choosing this book, even though it certainly appeals to me. I was more afraid of both reading and reviewing too many books of the same kind. (It seemed similar to Embracing Obscurity.) But can one hear this kind of message too often? Besides, I was ready for a treat after reading Persecuted and, for that matter, Like a Hammer Shattering Rock, even though I started that one after I finished this one. And notice Max Lucado's endorsement on the cover! And on the back? A blurb from Mike Huckabee!
In addition, this book felt nice and thick in my hands. Lame, but I just like that.
As a Catholic, I was pleased to see Peter Kreeft quoted at one point. ("The opposite of theism is not atheism, it's idolatry.") Idleman describes Kreeft as a "philosopher"!
This book provided plenty of food for thought, but maybe too late for me! I kept thinking about my own ambition to be a champion on Jeopardy! As I was preparing for that, I had a hard time reconciling that ambition and putting Jesus and the faith first. Where do I draw the line since there is certainly nothing wrong with Jeopardy!? In fact it's a good, healthy thing. But Idleman says, "What we are doing may be good, but the good is bad when there is something better."
I often wondered how other champions (of all kinds) did it. Many don't even seem like they are religious, or if they are they don't show it. How did they get so blessed? Idleman says, "[Y]ou shouldn't expect God to help you down the path of chasing after an idol. He's not going to bless the one area of your life that is robbing him of his place on the throne of your heart." And read this from Idleman:
"When we hear God say, 'You will have no other gods before me,' we think of it as a hierarchy: God is always in first place. But there are no places. God isn't interested in competing against others or being first among many. ... God declines to sit atop an organizational flowchart. He is the organization. He is not interested in being president of the board. He is the board. And life doesn't work until everyone else sitting around the table in the boardroom of your heart is fired."
He goes on:
"The only relationship God is interested in is one that is exclusive and completely committed. He is not interested in an 'open relationship' with you. He won't consider sharing space on the loveseat of your heart."
Harsh, for those of us that want to do something special! I thought I was on the right track because I planned all along to give God the credit when I was wildly successful. (In case you didn't hit that link, the Jeopardy! success didn't happen as I planned.) But Idleman says maybe God's not "happy with just coming in later and taking a bow."
I am carrying something else with me for sure, from the chapter "the god of achievement." Check this out, from Idleman:
"There are two related symptoms that indicate that the god of achievement has gained some ground in your life:
1. A constant frustration with people in your life who, from your perspective, aren't getting it done.... Maybe you try not to be so critical but just get so frustrated you feel like you have to say something." I recognize myself here. Idleman brings the reader's attention to the Biblical story from Luke 10: 40-42 of sisters Martha, who was "distracted with much serving," and Mary, who'd "chosen that good part." Idleman goes on:
"2. The second symptom is a constant sense of discontentment with yourself for not getting done what you hoped you would." Maybe "constant" is a stretch, but this could describe me too.
By the way, Idleman wisely avoids the term "discussion questions," even though that's what they are. This makes me, anyway, much more likely to do read them.
I'm please to lend this book to an acquaintance before I donate it to the library. (That is, if she gives it back.) She'd picked it up when I'd walked away from it. She'd even written some points down, in that short time. She is Catholic too, but I'm still pleased to witness!
So, the reconciliation between "faith first" and human achievement? I haven't cracked that yet but I'm not finished believing.
I received this book for free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com (http://BookSneeze®.com> book review bloggers program.
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Review 13 for Gods at War: Defeating the Idols That Battle for Your Heart
Overall Rating: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5

Powerful study!!

Date:March 13, 2013
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Toeknee
Location:El Dorado, Arkansas
Age:25-34
Gender:male
Quality: 
5 out of 5
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This study simply put is Amazing. The way Kyle presents and explains the truth is simple but eye opening. We used it for our youth small group and it really opened our eyes to the gods we place before the true God. As a pastor this challenged me and gave me new insight to scriptures I've heard and preached about many times. It's not a new topic but it offers an new insight. The book is phenomenal I think I highlighted every page in mine. Also the DVD is great fantastic teaching and powerful testimonies. The Holy Spirit will use this truth to mess you up!! (In a good way:) buy it now for your church or your self.
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Review 14 for Gods at War: Defeating the Idols That Battle for Your Heart
Overall Rating: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5

This book is life altaring.

Date:March 12, 2013
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Shan
Quality: 
5 out of 5
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In gods at war by Kyle Idleman, idolatry is the perfect diagnosis for the main disease that plagues our culture today. The “me, me, me” mentality of today derives from idolatry. It is my world and everyone else is simply trying to exist in it. No wonder the Bible makes it one of the most discussed issues. Idolatry is the sin that all other sin generates from. This book will dissect your heart and peel back the layers with probing questions to determine who or what god are you worshiping. Is it the god of control, god of performance, god of suffering, god of relationship, god of me? The Lord is a jealous God and He will not share the throne with anyone or anything else. Who are you looking to glorify? What are you putting your hope in and what are you pursuing? Everything else in your life is decided by which god you put your hope in and it will ultimately determine your identity. Kyle Idleman nails it with the title because the gods are at war every day of our lives. This book convicts the reader about whom or what they are giving priority to, if not God, then who or what? Are your gods so common that you do not even recognize them anymore? Just like forgiveness, it is a daily battle to resist the idols. Is it time for you to lay your idols at the altar? Kyle Idleman can show you how in gods at war.
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Review 15 for Gods at War: Defeating the Idols That Battle for Your Heart
Overall Rating: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5

a challenge to face the idols we worship

Date:March 4, 2013
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bookwomanjoan
Location:Oak Harbor, WA
Age:55-65
Gender:female
Quality: 
5 out of 5
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A book on idolatry? We might think idolatry is irrelevant today. Kyle writes, “...idolatry is the number one issue in the Bible...” (11) “Idolatry isn't just one of many sins; rather its the one great sin that all others come from.” (22)
Kyle challenges us to see our faith and life through the lens of idolatry. We'll find there is a war going on – a war for our hearts.
It is a worship issue, he argues. It is not God in first place. God will not be part of a hierarchy. He is all there is to worship. Anything (or anyone) that becomes the driving force in our life is an idol.
He asks us to consider our own life and helps us find the roots of idolatry within. He covers the idols of pleasure (food, sex, entertainment), power (success, money, achievement), and love (romance, family, me).
Kyle writes that it is no accident he saved the “god of me” until last. It is the one we grapple with every single day.
Here is a sample of the perceptive way Kyle writes. On romance: “When we look to someone other than God to complete us and define our lives, it's idolatry. It's also futile because God is the only one who can complete us. We are made for him.” (200)
At the end of each “god of...” chapter is an Idol ID section with penetrating questions. That is followed by a Choosing Jesus section that describes how the idol is replaced by Jesus.
Kyle has included lots of stories as examples, from his own life as well as others. The stories give hope, seeing how others have identified and dealt with their idols.
This is a timely book in our age of success and wealth. It is a very good challenge to our way of thinking. Who do we look to as our source of joy, comfort, security, etc.? Anything or anyone other than God is an idol.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from a publicity group for the purpose of this review.
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Review 16 for Gods at War: Defeating the Idols That Battle for Your Heart
Overall Rating: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5

Great book

Date:February 28, 2013
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Scott Snyder
Location:Va
Age:55-65
Gender:male
Quality: 
5 out of 5
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I couldn't put this down once I started reading it. It is a good look at how we unintentionally let other things occupy first place in our hearts instead of God. It makes you think about what we should change in our lives to be faithful to God.
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