Rethink How You Think by Dr. David Stoop

Paul writes that when we become a Christian we become a new person (2 Cor. 5:17). But if you are like me, you've struggled, finding that your relationship with Christ has not changed some areas of your life.

Stoop writes that the key is renewing your mind, a command of Paul. We are to set our mind on the spiritual things instead of the earthly. If we can change the way we think, Stoop says, we can change the way we live.

He begins by looking at what the latest scientific studies tell us about our minds. He identifies the problems we encounter when we want to renew our minds. He explains the power of belief. Then he looks at what actually happens in the brain when we cooperate with God in the process of being transformed. He explains what it really means to hide God's Word in our heart (Ps. 119:11). Then he looks at specific areas in our lives where we may struggle to change. He identifies the problem, looks at what goes on in the brain, then how to shift to Scripture meditation.

In the Afterword, Stoop reminds readers that change is possible but it does take discipline. He says thirty minutes a day four times a week is the minimum amount of effort required.

If you are serious about change, this book will give you the actual means to carry it out. If you are not serious about change, this book is an interesting one to read but you will not benefit from it.

David Stoop, PhD, is a licensed clinical psychologist in the state of California. He received his master's in theology from Fuller Theological Seminary and his PhD from the University of Southern California. He is the founder and director of The Center for Family Therapy in Newport Beach, California, where he has his counseling practice. He is an adjunct professor at Fuller Seminary and has written over thirty books. He and his wife live in Newport Beach and has three sons and six grandchildren. You can follow his blog at www.drstoop.com.

Revell (a division of the Baker Publishing Group), 208 pages.

I received a complimentary egalley of this book from the publisher for the purpose of this review.