Why you matter in the surprising way God is changing the word. This book tells the story of how the author left the church he was teaching in to work for two years as a teacher in one of the most dangerous schools New York City. The author states "The real story is about significance, so this book is for everybody."
Everyone wants to matter, whether you are teaching in a school in Harlem, working in an office, or raising children at home, what you do everyday may seem insignificant, but the small things really do matter.
I was encouraged to know that this book has more substance than simply Chicken Soup for the Inner City Teacher's Soul. The author was a former atheist who found God's love through reading Scripture.
The situation forced him to rely on God like never before.
This book tells of his ups and downs, stories of his interactions with students and other teachers, some gritty, some very personal, but all tell of others searching, and sometimes finding a ray of hope. A lot of people would not choose to work in this type of environment, but Chris felt that he should work here first before doing any other type of ministry.
With chapters such as, What Does He want from us, This is Personal, What Only God can do, and Welcome Forever, he describes his struggle to use his gifts for God's kingdom.
This thought may sum up the book. He states
"There is one thing we can do with our lives that is so significant, everything else is insignificant. That is to love God with all your heart."
The About the Author section is Chapter one, which is unusual, but does give background to the story.
There are also discussion questions for each chapter, and an index for references.
Whether you have gone through a struggle such as Chris's, have yet to, this book will bring significance to your life by showing how dependence on God can get you through.
The author blogs at christravis.wordpress.com and the church website is everyday.cc.com.
I have been provided this book at no cost from Bethany House Publishers. www.bethanyhouse.com
Monday, August 20, 2012
Tuesday, August 7, 2012
Mondays With My Old Pastor - Jose Luis Navajo
Sometimes, all we need is a reminder from someone who has walked before us. I enjoyed reading this book, even though I was expecting something similar to Tuesdays with Morrie. This book has much more substance and depth. The author does not state whether this is a true encounter, but perhaps a compilation of advice from others who have gone before. Burned out and discouraged, his wife suggests going to visit his old pastor. "Old" not used as a description of age, but of maturity and lessons learned. Jose describes the weekly visits with vivid detail, including his arrival and departure which are just as important. Through stories and personal experience the pastor helps Jose work through disappointment, bitterness, and insecurity.
Through 15 chapters the theme is Everything is By Grace. We would be good to remember that daily.
Perhaps the most moving section is where the pastor is speaking about the modern church:
"What happens at times is that what should be a service of worship to God becomes a service to worship emotions. They transform the simple and powerful act of worship into a spectacle to show off abilities and stir up feelings."
I would recommend this book to anyone feeling the same way that Jose did. Those that have gone before us have much to teach us.
This made me want to look up some of my "old pastors" for they may have something to teach us all.
I would encourage you to do the same.
Through 15 chapters the theme is Everything is By Grace. We would be good to remember that daily.
Perhaps the most moving section is where the pastor is speaking about the modern church:
"What happens at times is that what should be a service of worship to God becomes a service to worship emotions. They transform the simple and powerful act of worship into a spectacle to show off abilities and stir up feelings."
I would recommend this book to anyone feeling the same way that Jose did. Those that have gone before us have much to teach us.
This made me want to look up some of my "old pastors" for they may have something to teach us all.
I would encourage you to do the same.
Monday, July 23, 2012
God on the streets of Gotham - Paul Asay
What the big screen Batman can teach us about God and ourselves. The author is Associate Editor at Unplugged, a ministry that provides movie and media reviews from a Christian perspective and is more than qualified to write a book on the subject. However, I'm not sure this book needed to be written. I would have rather seen a book based on his special interest, "the unexpected ways faith and media intersect." rather than on one fictional character.
Besides the obvious analogies of good vs. evil., he analyzes each bad guy and how they each relate to the story. His dad, after becoming a Christian, told him he should have only one hero, Jesus. In the Introduction he states, "I've written a book about Batman and Jesus. In it, I often mention them in the same sentence." I'm not so sure they should be in the same sentence. He deals mostly with the Batman from the movies, and only briefly mentions my favorite Batman, Adam West, on page 3 while introducing the origins of the character. Maybe that is one reason this book did not particularly appeal to me. I think too much credence is given to the current Batman.
" I must reiterate that Batman is not an explicitly Christian Hero." the author states. I don't think we will get him confused with Bibleman. There is a lot of dialog from the movies, and sometimes it is a stretch to relate it to Christianity. He does try to answer the question - Why does Batman continue to fascinate?
All in all, I understand the author's points, but even being a Batman fan way before the movies came out, I still think this particular subject to be better suited to an article rather than an entire book.
I would recommend this book to a Batman fan who was searching as possibly an introduction to Christianity.
This book was provided to me at no cost by Tyndale Publishers.
www.pluggedin.net, www.tyndale.com
Besides the obvious analogies of good vs. evil., he analyzes each bad guy and how they each relate to the story. His dad, after becoming a Christian, told him he should have only one hero, Jesus. In the Introduction he states, "I've written a book about Batman and Jesus. In it, I often mention them in the same sentence." I'm not so sure they should be in the same sentence. He deals mostly with the Batman from the movies, and only briefly mentions my favorite Batman, Adam West, on page 3 while introducing the origins of the character. Maybe that is one reason this book did not particularly appeal to me. I think too much credence is given to the current Batman.
" I must reiterate that Batman is not an explicitly Christian Hero." the author states. I don't think we will get him confused with Bibleman. There is a lot of dialog from the movies, and sometimes it is a stretch to relate it to Christianity. He does try to answer the question - Why does Batman continue to fascinate?
All in all, I understand the author's points, but even being a Batman fan way before the movies came out, I still think this particular subject to be better suited to an article rather than an entire book.
I would recommend this book to a Batman fan who was searching as possibly an introduction to Christianity.
This book was provided to me at no cost by Tyndale Publishers.
www.pluggedin.net, www.tyndale.com
Wednesday, July 18, 2012
Sunday, July 15, 2012
The Mentor Leader - Tony Dungy
Secrets to building people and teams that win consistently. Super Bowl winning Tony Dungy is author of two previous books, Uncommon and Quiet Strength along with Nathan Whitaker. There is a list of action steps, practical ways to put the ideas presented into practice, along with a Q and A on each chapter. The author states "Relationships are ultimately what matter - our relationship with God and with other people." and when it comes down to it that is all that really matters. Tony mentions many who have mentored him through his playing and coaching career, especially Chuck Noll and his father.
This book is a very enjoyable and readable 9 chapters with titles such as The Mind-set, The Methods, The Maturity and The Measure of a Mentor Leader. These outline what is needed and expected from a mentor leader.
I have a lot of respect for men like Tony Dungy that are in the public spotlight and so outspoken about their faith. I enjoy his take on involvement. He states, " It's impossible to lead from a distance. Without engagement, you can not lead effectively."
Whether you lead a family, company, or Super Bowl winning football team, you will find practical ideas on being an effective leader.
I would recommend this book to those unfamiliar with the author's background, and anyone interested in becoming a leader the right way.
This book is a very enjoyable and readable 9 chapters with titles such as The Mind-set, The Methods, The Maturity and The Measure of a Mentor Leader. These outline what is needed and expected from a mentor leader.
I have a lot of respect for men like Tony Dungy that are in the public spotlight and so outspoken about their faith. I enjoy his take on involvement. He states, " It's impossible to lead from a distance. Without engagement, you can not lead effectively."
Whether you lead a family, company, or Super Bowl winning football team, you will find practical ideas on being an effective leader.
I would recommend this book to those unfamiliar with the author's background, and anyone interested in becoming a leader the right way.
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