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Thoughts on the Christian life in a fallen world

Sunday, May 25, 2014

50 Things You Need to Know about Heaven - Dr. John Hart

Answers to your questions about heaven.  The author is Professor of Bible at Moody Bible Institute.  The book contains 50 chapters with 50 questions that are answered through a Biblical perspective.  Questions such as Will there be time in heaven? What does the Bible say about Hell? and most important, How can I be sure I'm going to Heaven?At the end of every short chapter, there is a section for further study that lists Scripture references that support the author's position.
With all the recent books and movies,  interest in Heaven is really high right now.  That is why it is even more important that right information is given.  There is so much misinformation out there right now, even in the church, about heaven. 
This is an easy readable book that can be read straight though or flip to questions that you may have or that others have asked you.  You may not agree with everything in this book, but I am sure everyone that reads this will have an opinion on the matter.  Overall, it is a Biblical based treatise on Heaven.
I would recommend this book to anyone that wants to know more about Heaven and what the Bible has to say about it.

Be the Dad She Needs You to Be - Dr. Kevin Leaman

The Indelible imprint a father leaves on his daughter's life.  Dr. Leaman is qualified to write this book in my opinion simply because he has successfully raised 4 daughters into adulthood. That alone should earn the man respect.  He uses his personal journey, good and bad, as examples of what to do and what not to do,
when raising daughters. A few chapters are his personal journey on raising his own daughters at various ages.  The birth order parts seem a little assumptive and leaning toward stereotypes, but I can see how some may find this helpful.
What I found most disturbing was the lack of scripture in the book.  This may be practical moral advice on how to raise daughters, being involved, setting the standard for interacting with other males, one-on-one time, without Biblical instruction and Christian growth, it is all for naught.
I have no doubt the author is intelligent and experienced in counseling and raising daughters, but I believe he should have at least included a few verses on raising children. At the end of every chapter is A good dad's reference guide, which is a short summary of the points covered in the chapter. Some of the material good dads may already be familiar with, but it is never bad to review.
The author has also written a book on birth order, The Birth Order Book.You leave an indelible imprint on your daughter's heart.  What will be yours?

Tuesday, May 20, 2014

Unstoppable - Nick Vujicic

The Incredible power of faith in action.  This is the story of Nick Vujicic who was born without limbs. He also has two websites, www.LifeWithoutLimbs.org and www.AttitudeIsAltitude.com.  This book covers a lot of ground to his growing up years, bullying, personal crisis, and his recent wedding.  (He has since become a father for the first time.)
Many may have seen him on You Tube or TV talk shows, but you his book you get a real sense of where his faith really is, and that is totally reliable on God.  He asks the question, "What's standing in your way?'  Indeed, he did not let not having any arms or legs stand in his way from doing what God has called him to do, and inspiring many across the world. The pictures in the book are really inspiring and show some of the impact he has had.  He has experienced self-destructive thoughts, emotions, and disability concerns on a level that many of us never will.  And he has handled it through the grace and mercy of God, along with a dose of humor.  He states gave him President's access to the pyramids of Giza because "they knew I wouldn't lay a hand on anything." 
One of the most important chapters I think, is Winning the Battle Within, in which he states, "Negative thoughts and emotions can overwhelm you and rob you of perspective."
He speaks of his attempted suicide at age ten, and how he shifted his perspective to how it would affect those who loved him and relied on him.  Focusing on statements such as "God sees the beauty and value of all His children."  When you feel like no one else loves you or cares, God loves you and God cares.
This would be a good book for anyone to read who feels like they are unique in disability, or experiencing a personal crisis. I found it to be inspiring and put things in perspective. 
I have received a complimentary copy of this book from blogging for books in exchange for a review.