Seeing The Unseen - Randy Alcorn

A 90 day devotional to set your mind on eternity. Let the hope of eternity shape your life today. Randy has a great way of reminding us to have an eternal perspective with how we live our lives here on earth. In fact, his ministry is called Eternal Perspectives Ministry. The website is www.epm.org, and features many resources. Each day has a brief narrative based on scripture, Perspectives from God's word, direct quotes from the Bible. And Perspectives from God's people, quotes from authors such as John Piper, A.W. Tozer, Augustine, Spurgeon, and C.S. Lewis, among many others. And there is also a reference to a resource at the end of every chapter also. I found this to be a very readable devotion, and have enjoyed Randy's other books, especially If God Is Good, and Money, Possessions, and Eternity. Seeing what is unseen is key to living the Christian life and having faith. Randy has a unique background that you can read about on his website, and is strongly involved in the pro-life movement. I would recommend this book to anyone that is looking for a devotional that focuses on eternity.
I have have received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for this review.

The Satisfied Soul - John Piper

120 daily meditations, showing the supremacy of God. Great reminder that only God can satisfy your soul. A word to the readers begins this book and speaks to the importance of not just books, but paragraphs and sentences that can make a difference in a person's life. This is one of those books, Meant to be a companion volume to Piper's other book, Taste and See, featuring short chapters that can be read as a daily devotional. I actually prefer the shorter chapters, bursts of concentrated wisdom to think about. the purpose of the book is to "reorient you to the eternal rather than the popular."
These selection are actually are selected from previously published work titled, Pierced by the Word, Life as a Vapor, and A Godward Heart. They all stress God's sovereignty through scripture and meditation on God's Word. There is also a subject, person, and scripture reference to easily find something that you have read, and want to go back to. John Piper is founder of www.desiringGod.org, which is a great resource for learning more about the sovereignty of God. And the purpose being"to help you find truth, purpose and satisfaction that never end." God is most glorified in us when we are most satisfied in Him, is am ongoing motto of his ministry.
I look forward to reading this devotional daily and referring back to the subjects when needed.
I would recommend this rich book of observations for anyone looking for a solid daily devotion with short chpters that can be easily incorporated into your day.
Published by Multinomah, a division of Penguin Random House.
I have received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for this review.

The Treasure Principle - Randy Alcorn

Unlock the secret of joyful giving. I must admit first that Randy Alcorn is one of my favorite authors. So, I have read most of his non-fiction work and enjoyed all of his previous books. This one is no exception. Randy is founder of Eternal Perspective Ministries and is unashamedly pro life. His whole idea of life is to build treasures in heaven and always keep in mind an eternal perspective. The Treasure Principle is updated and revised from a previous edition, but is still timeless. Included is a new preface and added chapter among other features. Also included are 31 radical, liberating, questions to ask God about your giving. In the first chapter he lays out his on going theme - You can't take it with you, but you can send it on ahead. That is an eternal perspective.
I have received a copy of this book in exchange for a review.

The Only Negotiating Guide You'll Ever Need - Peter B. Stark & Jane Flaherty

101 ways to win every time in any situation. This is a revised and updated version that was originally published in 2002  under the tile - Everyone Negotiates, 101 Winning tactics. Recommendations from Brian Tracy, Harvey McCay, and Jack Canfield are on the back cover of the book.
This book claims quite a feat, claiming to be the only book you will need on a subject, but it does contain many great tips and, more importantly, real scenarios to demonstrate. The first point they make is that everyone negotiates, whether they realize it or not.
Pat 1 deals with the skillful negotiator, defining negotiation, possible outcomes, and a negotiation assessment to test your skills. Also in the first part area chapters on on-verbal behavior and buildnig trust, two very important subjects that are sometimes overlooked.
I enjoyed this book, having read a lot of these tactics before, probably from the previous edition, and found many ideas that can be used in everyday life. I would recommend this book to any one that needs to negotiate, and that would be just about everyone. Published by Crown Business, www.crownbusiness.com.
I have been sent a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for this review.

How Music Works - David Byrne

Many people know David Byrne as the founding member of Talking Heads. This book reveals another side of him, intelligent and and well crafted history of music and technology. It will appeal to the musician in that he goes into detail of how he made some of his recordings, finances and technical parts. It will also appeal to the non-musician in revealing what music is all about. Very enjoyable and well researched, it is a fresh volume in so many other books about "rock stars" lifestyle and tell all books. Not what you would expect from someone who had some of the 80's biggest hits, and who's music is still popular now.
Of particular interest to me was his growing up and how he experimented with musical sounds and recording. It may be the first time some readers have heard the names and stories he mentions in this book.
All in all a very enjoyable read for the musician or non-musician. Anyone who wants to know how music works.
I have received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for a review.

Make Yourself at Home - Kay Swatkowski

Discovering the heart of the church. This book is about the church. Actually, about what the church should be. The author. along with her husband, Raymond have more than 50 years of ministry experience, and this book is full of stories of churches they have encountered all over the world.
A book like this could only be written by people with this much ministry experience with people in different cultures.I enjoyed this book in may ways, and was glad to hear of so many Christians that take the scripture seriously to bear each other's burdens and care for each other. There is also a lot of scripture references, which is also a good thing. It is a very readable book and also has a bringing it home section at the end of every chapter, questions that can be used in individual or group study.
With quotes by C.S. Lewis, Francis Schaeffer and Henri Nouwen to round out the narrative, all in all a very enjoyable book, If you want to know what the church could be and should be doing, then read this book.
Published by Discovery House from Our daily bread ministries.

Words from the hill - Stu Garrard

An invitation to the unexpected. The Words on the Hill meaning the sermon on the mount, more specifically, the beatitudes. The author is Stu Garrard, best known for being the guitarist in the popular group Delirious? This book is based on the Beatitudes, and is autobiographical to the point of telling stories that have happened to him, people he has met and their stories, and life along the way. He has seen God's grace and forgiveness all around the world. He does his best to remain relevant by mentioning U2 and Amy Grant along the way also. Most enlightening to me was the author's desire to fit into the American culture after moving here from England, and trying to fit in.
The Beatitudes project is the name of the project and the album by some of the most popular Christian music performers, including Michael W. Smith and Amy Grant. In fact he recounts the story of writing a song with Amy Grant in the book. The website is thebeatitudeproject.com and there you will find links to the organizations mentioned in the book, so the reader could contact them and get involved. I like that there is a call to action on the reader's part to get involved.
Am interesting take on the beatitudes, with chapters titled Poor in spirit, Mourn, Pure in heart, and peacemakers. Each chapter from the Words on the Hill.
This book is published by Navpress.
I have received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for a review.

The Heist - Chris Durso

The Heist is a book by Chris Durso, who is the founding pastor at Misfit NYC, a ministry for millennials in New York. Chapter titles such as The Comeback, home is always an option and The Extra weight, letting go is necessary the author makes the point that Jesus commited the perfect heist. This might be a term we don't associate with the life of Jesus, but it seems to be a valid point. He starts out chapter one with a quote from Kevin Spacey's character in The Usual Suspects, which is something that you don't usually see in a "Christian" book, but it seems to fit the context. This book's audience is targeted at a younger age than myself, it still seems to fit. The point of the book is Jesus, through His life, death and resurrection robs the enemy of his ability to shame us and robs death of it's sting. 
Through the parable of the prodigal son, the theme runs through out this books.
Published by Waterbrookmultnomah. www.waterbrookmultnomah.com.
I have received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for this review.

Nothing to Prove - Jennie Allen

Why we can stop trying so hard. The author is founder of If:Gathering, that you may have heard of or even attended. On page 63, the author states, "We cannot do it ourselves. We have to be saved." and on this point I agree. But, there are many other points that I disagree with the author. It all sounds so good on the surface, the IF: Gathering website states, "In response to great division and theological disputes in the first three centuries of the church, a council formed to bring unity and agreement over the most essential doctrines of Christianity. One of the creeds that has stood the test of time is the Nicene Creed. This creed became a guiding statement of faith for the Church. We now find ourselves divided over many, many things - and yet about the most important things we whole-heartedly agree."
It seems the over-riding factor in these types of books written for the modern Christian woman is that it is full of emotionalism, and very few are deeply theological.

Also from the website, "In 2007 Jennie Allen sensed God telling her to disciple a generation."
More can be read here about Jennie Allen:http://www.truthkeepers.com/?p=763

I can not recommend this book based on what I have read.

Prayng the Psalms - Ben Patterson

Drawing near to the heart of God. The author states, :Praying the Psalms is a beginner's guide to learning to pray the Psalms." This book is in the smaller size format, similar to Seeing Jesus, and also published by Tyndale. Also most quotations are taken from the New Living Translation of the Bible.
Select Psalms are quoted, and suggestions are made of how to pray, using the Psalms as  a guide.
I can see how this book can be used as a gift to just about anyone wanting to know more about how to incorporate the Psalms into their daily prayers. I enjoyed the size and portability of the format, and can imagine this book being used as an individual devotions or as a group study of the Psalms. It's hard to pick out certain Psalms to include because many are prayers and supplications.
There is am index in the back for Psalms for specific needs, by catagory.
I would recommend this book to just about anyone, as we can all learn more about the Psalms.
I have received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for a review.

Seeing Jesus - Nancy Guthrie

Seeking and finding Him in scriptures. This is a good book in many ways. It is 60 short chapters that each begin with a verse from the Old and new testaments. I enjoyed the small format size that will fit in glove compartments and can be carried just about anywhere. The ribbon marker is a plus because there is no need for a bookmark. The author is a speaker and author and a student at the Reformed Theological Seminary. They host the GriefShare video series used in many churches.
Jesus can be seen all through the Bible and this book explains how in the Old testament His coming was foretold in prophecy. The content was previously published in The One Year Book of discovering Jesus in the Old Testament, published by Tyndale publishers. It seems that most Bible quotations are from the New Living Translation. Although the introduction lists KJV, ESV, and NIV as also being used. Core verse of the whole book being Luke 24:27 "Jesus took them through the writings of Moses and all the prophets, explaining from all the Scriptures the things concerning himself."
I could see this book used as a daily devotional and read throughout the month, even two chapters a day. As I stated, the small format will lend to the book being carried just about anywhere. And being leather bound, it will last a ling time.
I have received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for a review.

Bible Studies on Mark - William Boekstein

The author is a graduate of Puritan Reformed Theological Seminary and pastor of Immanuel Fellowship Church in Kalamazoo, Michigan. He has written other studies for small groups and individual study. Divided into 21 studies with questions at the end of each, this book can also be used for individual or group Bible study. Recommendations by Rev. Daniel R. Hyde and Rev. Joel Beeke, President of the Puritan Reformed Theological Seminary round out the endorsements.
Published by Reformed Fellowship Inc. their website www.reformedfellowship.net. It is good to see a Bible study on Mark based on Reformed theology, where so many others are not.
Lesson headings are Phariassaism and Discipleship, Marriage, Materialism, and Ministry, and Preparation for Death, broken down down into subjects.
I can see this book being used for an in depth Bible Study of the book of Mark.
I have been provided with a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for this review.

Finding Forgiveness - Stanley D. Gale

Discovering the healing power of the Gospel, At just 5 chapters and 120 pages, the author tackles a subject that many chose to a avoid. How do we forgive ourselves and others, even when we don't feel like it? Or even if the offending person is not sincere to our liking? What is our responsibility in the process of forgiveness? Coming from a Reformed perspective, the author states on page 8:
"What can a sinner do to be saved? the answer-nothing. We can do nothing to deserve God's favor or to merit His salvation."
and later on,"Forgiveness is essential to the Gospel message." And it is true that it is. We are commanded to forgive others, as God has forgiven us. We have no choice, to be obedient, we must forgive. He quotes Philip Ryken who says "Those who are truly forgiven, truly forgive."
There are discovery questions at the end of each chapter that could be used in a small group to stimulate conversation and reflection. The author's ministry website is www.CHOPministry.com.
He has dedicated this book to his church family for over twenty years, The Reformed Presbyterian Church of West Chester, PA.
Published by Reformation Heritage Books, Grand Rapids, Michigan.
I would recommend this book to anyone who may have a hard time forgiving themselves or others, and wants to be obedient to God in the process.
I have been provided a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for this review.

Impact for Living Men's Devotional - Scott Whitaker

Daily coaching for a life of significance. This book is part of the One Year series, There are several other books in this series, One year Bibles and other devotionals. Each one is Do-able, start at any day, Daily, and create a habit for each day's devotions. Each one is long enough to be substantial, yet short enough to be read on a busy schedule. There is a verse at the beginning of each day, and an impact application at the end. The author is cofounder and preseident of Impact for Living, and has been a teacher, basketball coach, attorney, and pastor. The book states- "All of us have been created to impact-a unique impact in this world."
Some devotions have a call to action involved. such as February 28 - "So what is it that God has laid on your heart and is calling you to do? Sing? Write? Start a ministry? Mentor a child? Be a better husband?"
I liked the physical size of this book, a factor I am sure that draws some people to pick up a book in the first place. A lot of devotional books are full of fluff and non-inspiring stories, but this is not one of them. Each day there is something to learn from the time spent.
I would recommend this book to any man who wants to draw closer to God every day.
Published by Tyndale publishing.
I have received a complimentary book in exchange for this review.

The Romance of Redemption - Warren Austin Gage

Your story as the bride of Christ. This book is a well researched perspective of the church as the bride of Christ. The author is a graduate of Dallas Theological Seminary with a unique background as a trial attorney and was a professor at Knox Theological Seminary and is now as assistant pastor at Coral Ridge Presbyterian Church in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.
This book is the story of 16 brides in the Bible and how their stories "pre-figure the Gospel destiny." The author states, "An authentic Gospel minister must be both a minister and a servant."
The beginning of each chapter is the author's narrative of the story, and then goes on to state how the brides of the Bible are types of the Bride of the Lamb.
Included are chapters on Rebekah, Rachel, Eve, Ruth, Marty, Tamar, Rahab, Gomer, Esther, and others. They are separated into categories such as Brides Best Known for their Purity and the opposite Brides stained with Whoredom. Mary Magdalene gets her own Epilogue separate from the rest. If you want to read how the church is the bride of Christ, Mr. Gage pulls together examples from the Old and New Testaments to explain God's redemptive story.
Published by St. Andrews House, LLC. Website available as www.saintandrewshouse.com.
I have been provided a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for a review.

A Minute of Vision for Men - Roger Patterson

365 motivational moments to kick start your day. This book is a daily devotional, short stories to be read one a day for men. Each day's devotional is "drawn from sports headlines, moments with wife and kids, and from scripture."
There is also a verse for each day. The avid reader will probably wind up reading 2 or 3 each day, just because each page is so short.
One small complaint is the small physical size of the book. The print size is very small and may be hard to read for those of us with poor eyesight. Some people that are not that much into sports stories may be hard to relate to some of the examples. But, it is good to have a book that reminds us of following God, and if it accomplishes that, then it is good. Described on the back cover as "short, sweet and to the point" and "A strong tool to lead any man into spiritual growth in just one minute a day." Hopefully, we will all spend more than just one minute a day for spiritual growth.
The author states in the last pages," My hope is that after spending a minute a day this book over the past year, you would discover that the Lord. through His Word, is able to give you an inheritance that does not fade."
I can recommend this book for men that would like a daily reminder of God working in their lives.
Published by Tyndale Publishing.

Finding God in the Waves - Mike McHargue

How I lost my faith and found it again through science. I really wanted to like this book, and had high hopes for it. I tried to get past the introduction by Rob Bell, someone who I disagree with on so many levels. Mike is known as science Mike and the Liturgist podcasts and writes for Relevant magazine. Also has a website findinggodinthewaves.com. The author describes a conference with Rob Bell and it seems that he had a part in Mike's conversion. Also through his parent's divorce and friend's conversation he came back to the faith that he had as a youth. The problem that I have is this is what liberal Christianity has come to in America today.
He denies the inerrancy of scripture and believes that stories like the flood of Noah's time was not a literal flood. 
On page 233 he describes "When I let go of the Bible as an inerrant document and embraced it as a multi-party discussion about God, all of a sudden, I began to see a book I could appreciate on it's own terms."
This is a dangerous statement to make and sounds like a watered down Christianity.
He described his church as "multiracial, multicultural, and affirming of people of every race, gender, and sexual orientation."
He describes his church as "the pastor and most of the staff were women."
It is hard for me to understand how someone can place their trust in a document that a person does not accept as inerrant and unchangeable. 
Many will accept this book as a good example of someone coming to faith, but it is hard for me to understand what the author calls Christianity.
Overall, I can not recommend this book because of my disagreements with the author. 
I have been provided with a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for this review.

Tune In - Mark Lewisohn

The Beatles : All these years. Tune In takes the Beatles from before their childhoods right up to 1962.
Includes extensive family history of each of the four, At over 900 pages, the book covers a lot of ground, and this is labeled Volume 1. Section for each year from 1958-1962. Even the most die hard Beatles fan will probably learn something from reading this book. A lot of quotes from each of the four are included, which adds credibility and authenticity. The years are divided into monthly and even weekly sections. There are 80 pages of notes, quoting each source from author's interviews to published sources. Unique to most books, there is an appeal from Mark Lewisohn stating,"If you were a firsthand witness to any part of the Beatles years-up to say, 1980-or know someone who was, I'd like to hear about it." Great vintage photographs, I'm sure some have never been seen before by most fans, are worth the price. Seeing and reading about how the Beatles started out is an interesting read to anyone wanting to know how it all started. There have been many books written about the Beatles, but I do think that this one has set the bar pretty high for including many details.
I have been provided a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for a review.

Crossing the Waters - Leslie Leyland Fileds

Following Jesus through the storms, the fish, the doubt, and the seas.  The author takes us into a world that most of us know just about nothing about. She has been a commercial fisher woman for four decades, and works with her husband and six children in a salmon-fishing operation on their own island off the coast of Kodiak Island, Alaska. It may sound glamorous to some, but she describes the hard work, dangers and uncertainty that they face every day. Relating her vocation with Jesus's call to his disciples to be "fishers of men" this book is full of analogies to fishing. The author has written ten other books and is a speaker and a popular radio guest. This book comes with recommendations from Jim Daly from Focus on the Family and Mark Galli, Editor of Christianity Today.
Some may find it hard to relate to the stories that she tells on her fishing journeys, but we can all relate to how Jesus can bring us through any storm.
I have received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for a review.

People of the Second Chance - Mike Foster

A guide to bringing life saving love to the world. The author's official title is chief chance officer at People of the Second Chance. His personal story is one of a boating accident in which he had injured someone and it has haunted him but did not need to define him. All through out the book are stories of people who received second, third and fourth chances through God's forgiveness and grace.
Website is secondchance.org, for free resources and e-courses. I enjoyed this book and found it encouraging. For anyone who is in need of a second chance, or knows someone who does, this would be a good book to recommend. And really, doesn't that include everybody?
I have received a complimentary book in exchange for this review.