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Thoughts on the Christian life in a fallen world

Saturday, April 30, 2011

The Reason Why - Mark Mittelburg

This book is an update of the original by Robert A. Laidlaw, with updated examples and additions to the original. The foreward is by Ken Blanchard who was influenced by the book, as were many others. The author has broken down the chapters answering questions such as Is There a God and Can the Bible Be Trusted? Using logical evidence and Biblical examples, the salvation message is laid out plainly. It is a small book. 127 pages, with a big Message. The original was written almost a hundred years ago for a large staff of employees, but quickly took on a life of it's own.
The book makes if clear how to accept Jesus as Lord, in chapters such as What Do I Need to Do? and is Forgiveness Available? I would recommend this book to someone who would benefit from seeing evidence of the need for Jesus in one's life, laid out in logical terms,  and evidence for the gospel. It can appeal to the intellectual and the businessman of any age or culture. It could be read in one setting and it uses everyday language and examples to make it's points.
This book was provided at no cost to me through Navpress.

Friday, April 29, 2011

Knock 'Em Dead 2011 - Martin Yate

This is the 25th anniversary and latest edition of this popular job search book.  The subtitle is The Ultimate Job Search Guide and it would be tough to find a subject concerning job searching that is not covered in these over 300 pages. There are chapters on resumes, interviews, follow up and negotiating the job offer. I found the chapters on the tough interview questions and how to handle them  particularly useful.
The author has been a National Director of Training and Personal Director and has years of experience in hiring and interviewing. He uses humor and real life examples to make it interesting, making it not just another "how to get a job" book. It is up to date on websites and social networking resources and how they relate to the job search. He introduces the idea of Me,Inc. and treating yourself as a company would to solve a problem and be productive. There are knock em dead tips throughout in shaded areas, and also a website that has many more resources, www.knockemdead.com.
I would recommend this book to anyone on a job search in this economy.  With this book the author will help you find a job now.

Tuesday, April 5, 2011

Doing Virtuous Business By Theodore Malloch

 The Remarkable Success of Spiritual Enterprise. The forward is by Michael Novak of the American Enterprise Institute. The author is chairman and CEO of the Roosevelt Group and research professor at Yale university.      I am always interested in a book that relates one's faith to business, and this is no exception. The author does a great job in identifying traits and practices that are essential if we are to live our lives in this world where sometimes deception and dishonesty seem to to thrive. We are all reminded that no one can serve two masters. Drawing on Adam Smith's example of the free economy, the author states it is still possible to be successful and do it honestly. Mr. Malloch even has an appendix in the back of the book that gives examples of companies that have portrayed the virtues described such as honesty, forgiveness, faith and humility. The book can be summed up as "Profitability comes last among the principles, and is a consequence of doing business in the right way."
Companies such as Servicemaster, Cargill and Chick-Fil-A are are real life examples of virtues such as justice, compassion and humility. I would recommend this book to any business man who thinks that good guys finish last and anyone who believes you can not be successful in business without losing your faith. This book has proof otherwise.