In Believing: Reflections of Faith, Michael Misiak offers a brief summary of the general principles of the Christian faith and the rationale for them, followed by an explanation as to how people can find God in everyday people and circumstances. His particular invitation to non-believers is that they open their minds to the possibility that God exists. After all, Misiak reasons, even things that seem to be unbelievable have happened. For example, it seems impossible that an atomic bomb dropped in 1945 leveled buildings for miles, yet left intact in the bomb’s path a two-story Catholic presbytery with the eight German Jesuit priests who lived there having suffered only minor injuries. This single miracle—this singular situation that defies explanation—challenges our reasoning, yet this event actually occurred. Likewise, Misiak invites his readers to challenge what they might think they know about God. Then he sets out the importance of the Bible and a short history of the writings it includes, the concept of believing in the unseen, an explanation of how the human Jesus was also the Son of God, and finally, the role of the Holy Spirit. Following, comes a series of stories that illustrate basic Christian principles.

At a minimum, Michael Misiak will challenge the non-believer through his illustrations of some key principles of the Christian walk. Just a few of the many concepts he introduces, through short vignette-type stories, include: how, if you were a practicing Christian but became disenchanted and walked away, you may have been seeking spiritual nourishment from the wrong church; how God provides important boundaries for living a good and safe life; how a healthy foundation is important for your faith, yet may be built or rebuilt at any time along the way; how God allows people the opportunity to begin anew when things go awry; how God uses hard times to strengthen people; how God understands mankind because of the time that Jesus spent on earth; why it is important to remain open to continued direction and correction; and so forth. Misiak successfully offers illustrative stories of common everyday events with which all readers will readily identify, making this a quick read that is easily understood.

In today's world, there are different types of religions, faiths, and spiritual beliefs, in addition to atheism. In Believing: Reflections of Faith by Michael Misiak, the reader has the opportunity, regardless of faith, to explore the essence of the Bible and God. This devotional study guide provides the option to turn immediately to the topic which interests them - there is something for everyone, from Believing the Unbelievable and a Good Foundation to What's Trending?

Michael states to the unbeliever that to gain the benefit of this devotional study guide means to embrace it with an open mind and heart and to entertain the possibility and reality of God. He wants you, the reader, to come to the table as a divergent thinker. This process will help you to understand that there are several possibilities and solutions available. The reader will enjoy the stories and the layout of how the author has created a platform for engaging with and understanding the essential elements of the devotional study guide.

I enjoyed this book. This devotional study guide will provide you with bite-sized stories to educate and teach you about the love of God. As you read, you will discover - as with most people - having a connection with God or a higher being begins with us. Michael displays some of his own personal stories along with some scriptures that helped him through his journey. Our personal experiences create our faith, trust, and connection. By the way, when you pick up your copy, make sure that you read Demons and Dreams; what an eye-opener.

Michael Misiak is not a theologian, so the reflections he shares in this book are based primarily on his own study and experience. And that's what makes this so great. We are all called to be witnesses, because each personal experience with God is a piece of the puzzle that leads us to a better, wider view of who God really is and how we--who are made in the image of God--are called to live. Misiak has put a great deal of thought and faith into this book and often shares his insights with side of humor. The fist half of the book explores views on the Trinity and the Bible in terms that are fairly easy to follow, even for those who don't already have a firm foundation in Christian doctrines. The second half contains short stories--some personal and some allegorical--that illustrate Misiak's insights on the role of faith in everyday life. The entire book is written from the heart--and I am sure that everyone who reads it will come away with something to think about.