One nomad's amazing journey of faith. I have been reading Chuck Swindoll books for a long time and many of you have listened to his radio program Insight For Living. " I have always found his writing to be clear and down to earth and easily understood.
This is the story of Abraham, "pimples, warts, and everything." The author wants to point out that he was not perfect, but God still blessed him and fulfilled His covenant with him.
All of the Reformed readers will be glad the author included this,
"Because we are born with sinful, selfish natures, we cannot look within ourselves to discern the difference between right and wrong."
Many of the incidents in Abraham's life will be well known to many readers, but Mr.Swindoll uses his writing skills to make them fresh and relevant to today. Abraham was not just a character in the Old Testament, but a flawed, sinful human, not unlike you or me in many ways. We may look back and say we wouldn't do or say some of these things, however we all have the possibility within us to do so.
Some of the chapter titles are, When the faithful fail, Running ahead of God, Disobedience Deja Vu, and Forgiven sin, lingering consequences. He is quick to point out that "The Bible doesn't try to paint its heroes as anything but real people with real flaws." and that I think is one of the goals of this book. To let all of us know that we can relate to the heroes in the Bible. People that didn't always make the best choices, but were forgiven and used by God regardless of their choices. Abraham's life is an amazing one of forgiveness and being used by God.
There is an Appendix with a guide to begin a relationship with God.
I would recommend this book, along with any of Chuck Swindoll's books without hesitation.
Published by Tyndale publishing. www.tyndale.com.
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I have been provided a complimentary review copy of this book in exchange for this review.
Wednesday, December 3, 2014
Sunday, November 16, 2014
Awakening to God - Gerard Long
Discovering His power and your purpose. Foreward by Bill Hybels. The author is Executive Director of Alpha USA, which is a "course of interactive sessions exploring the basics of Christian faith. This book asks the question, Do you ever wonder if God has a bigger purpose for your life? Chapter titles include Awakening to God's Love and purpose, Awakening to Brokenness, Awakening to Eternity, and Awakening to our calling. In the chapter titled Awakening to God's provision, he writes, "It doesn't depend on you."
A lot of this book encourages evangelism through reminders such as love one another, be patient, and demonstrate kindness. God truly does have a plan for your life made out of perfect love.
On page 73, in the section titled What's in Your Hand? he states, "God has been-ans is-working in you to prepare you for such a time as this. He has placed in your hands various gifts, abilities, and experiences-including, perhaps, some brokenness-that you can now use to accomplish the purpose He has set before you."
The author writes about losing two of his children, one to a suicide, the other to an accident, and how it effected himself and his marriage. His honesty and openness is heartbreaking and hard to read, but it can inspire others that Bod brought him through this tragedy. It is good that he includes this persona account, "A journey filled with incredible joy and devestating brokenness."
He describes his personal faith journey, background and upbringing, and while working in the banking industry had a "Godly discontent." As you can tell by the notes section, there are many references to scripture and is Bible based.
After you read this book you will realize that "God is on the move and He is calling your name."
Published by Tyndale House publishers.
I have received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for this review.
A lot of this book encourages evangelism through reminders such as love one another, be patient, and demonstrate kindness. God truly does have a plan for your life made out of perfect love.
On page 73, in the section titled What's in Your Hand? he states, "God has been-ans is-working in you to prepare you for such a time as this. He has placed in your hands various gifts, abilities, and experiences-including, perhaps, some brokenness-that you can now use to accomplish the purpose He has set before you."
The author writes about losing two of his children, one to a suicide, the other to an accident, and how it effected himself and his marriage. His honesty and openness is heartbreaking and hard to read, but it can inspire others that Bod brought him through this tragedy. It is good that he includes this persona account, "A journey filled with incredible joy and devestating brokenness."
He describes his personal faith journey, background and upbringing, and while working in the banking industry had a "Godly discontent." As you can tell by the notes section, there are many references to scripture and is Bible based.
After you read this book you will realize that "God is on the move and He is calling your name."
Published by Tyndale House publishers.
I have received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for this review.
Wednesday, November 12, 2014
Walls Fall Down - Dudley Rutherford
Hope for those up against the wall moments n your life. 7 steps from the battle of Jericho to overcome any challenge. Hope for those up-against-the wall moments in your life. What can we learn from the story of Jericho? If you grew up in the church you have heard the story many times how the walls of Jericho fell down because God's people were obedient. But how does this apply to us? This book answers that question.
There are 7 chapters in the book to match the 7 days God's people marched around the city. At the beginning of each chapter is a fictional narrative of what could have been taking place behind the scenes. There is some historical license taking place any time anyone writes historical fiction because the only events we know for sure is what is written down.
There is a prayer for each day at the end of each chapter. The author relates the issues that Christians face today with walls coming down. The author puts it this way, "Joshua and the Israelites followed God's unusual plan to walk around the heavily fortified walls of Jericho for 7 days." and by following God's instruction, the walls fell down. "Whatever walls you may be up against, you don't have to stay stuck behind them."
Chapter titles include, Shrinking the wall, Make it a holy exercise, Obedience brings the blessing, and the perfect number. Mr. Rutherford says in the chapter titled The discipline of consistency on page 148. "Consistency leads to victory, and victory begins in the mind."
Also in that chapter, one of my favorite in this book, he references Malcolm Gladwell and his theory that it takes ten thousand hours to be an expert at anything. And this quote, "One important key to consistency is focusing solely on today, knowing that God will provide everything you need." This is a paraphrase from Matthew 6:25-27.
About fear he says, "Don't allow fear to rob you of the value of a deeper relationship with the Lord and the joy of obtaining ultimate victory."
The author is Senior pastor of Shepherd Church in Los Angeles, CA and is the author of 4 other books. I believe this is an overall good analysis of the Jericho story, and how it realtes to us today.
Published by Thomas Nelson books. I have been provided with a complimentary copy for the purpose of this review.
There are 7 chapters in the book to match the 7 days God's people marched around the city. At the beginning of each chapter is a fictional narrative of what could have been taking place behind the scenes. There is some historical license taking place any time anyone writes historical fiction because the only events we know for sure is what is written down.
There is a prayer for each day at the end of each chapter. The author relates the issues that Christians face today with walls coming down. The author puts it this way, "Joshua and the Israelites followed God's unusual plan to walk around the heavily fortified walls of Jericho for 7 days." and by following God's instruction, the walls fell down. "Whatever walls you may be up against, you don't have to stay stuck behind them."
Chapter titles include, Shrinking the wall, Make it a holy exercise, Obedience brings the blessing, and the perfect number. Mr. Rutherford says in the chapter titled The discipline of consistency on page 148. "Consistency leads to victory, and victory begins in the mind."
Also in that chapter, one of my favorite in this book, he references Malcolm Gladwell and his theory that it takes ten thousand hours to be an expert at anything. And this quote, "One important key to consistency is focusing solely on today, knowing that God will provide everything you need." This is a paraphrase from Matthew 6:25-27.
About fear he says, "Don't allow fear to rob you of the value of a deeper relationship with the Lord and the joy of obtaining ultimate victory."
The author is Senior pastor of Shepherd Church in Los Angeles, CA and is the author of 4 other books. I believe this is an overall good analysis of the Jericho story, and how it realtes to us today.
Published by Thomas Nelson books. I have been provided with a complimentary copy for the purpose of this review.
Wednesday, October 22, 2014
Beyond IQ - Garth Sundem
Scientific tools for training problem solving, intuition, emotional intelligence, creativity, and more. The author says in the introduction " This brain training book for everything but IQ will teach you to drive your mind, to get the most from what you've got under the hood." It does say that the exercises are not easy,"if they weren't challenging, they wouldn't do you any good." This book challenges you to "Forget the IQ tests and tweak those parts of intelligence that matter most to real-world success."
This book will appeal to anyone who wants to improve their mind with practical exercises and real world examples of problem solving. The subjects of intuition, working memory, creativity, multitasking, and will power, and they all get a full chapter each. Included is an explanation of the skill, and exercises to develop that skill. In the chapter on willpower the author states "If IQ is the strength of the bulb in your lighthouse, willpower is the lens that focuses it into a beam." There are answers in the back to most of the exercises in this book, but you won't want to look at them until you at least give them a try.
The author says this book will "help you train your brain with useful and engaging exercises that will help yo make the most of your brain in the area that matters most- life."
The author has written numerous books, among them Geek Logic, Brain Candy, and Brain Trust. He has also written for Esquire, New York Times, Wired, and Men's Health.
This book makes the point that I have always believed, that IQ is not enough to be successful in life. Concepts like creativity, willpower, emotional intelligence, and intuition have the most impact in the real world. If you enjoy word games, stretching your mind, thinking outside the box, and want to increase your brainpower, this book is for you.
Some puzzles require cutting out parts of the book to rearrange in a certain order, so be prepared to do so.
Published by three rivers press.com. and also available as an ebook.
I have been provided a complimentary copy in exchange for this review.
This book will appeal to anyone who wants to improve their mind with practical exercises and real world examples of problem solving. The subjects of intuition, working memory, creativity, multitasking, and will power, and they all get a full chapter each. Included is an explanation of the skill, and exercises to develop that skill. In the chapter on willpower the author states "If IQ is the strength of the bulb in your lighthouse, willpower is the lens that focuses it into a beam." There are answers in the back to most of the exercises in this book, but you won't want to look at them until you at least give them a try.
The author says this book will "help you train your brain with useful and engaging exercises that will help yo make the most of your brain in the area that matters most- life."
The author has written numerous books, among them Geek Logic, Brain Candy, and Brain Trust. He has also written for Esquire, New York Times, Wired, and Men's Health.
This book makes the point that I have always believed, that IQ is not enough to be successful in life. Concepts like creativity, willpower, emotional intelligence, and intuition have the most impact in the real world. If you enjoy word games, stretching your mind, thinking outside the box, and want to increase your brainpower, this book is for you.
Some puzzles require cutting out parts of the book to rearrange in a certain order, so be prepared to do so.
Published by three rivers press.com. and also available as an ebook.
I have been provided a complimentary copy in exchange for this review.
Monday, October 6, 2014
Every Disciple's Journey - Thomas R. Steagald
Following Jesus to a God-focused faith. Find the meaning of your life in the life of Jesus. The author is pastor of First United Methodist Church in Stanley, NC. This book is divided into two parts, God's journey to us, and Our faithful response. It follows Advent, Christmas, Lent, Easter, Pentecost, and Trinity Sunday with a chapter on each. In one section he analyzes his own preaching, "Did I say what needed saying? Did I preach the Gospel?" After all this he humbly concludes, "I need the touch of Jesus before I can even begin to offer Jesus to others." This is good advice indeed, and we should all heed everyday.
Some may be disturbed to see a quote from Charles Wesley and Pope Pius XI on the same page. Some may also take exception to his mention of Pope Pius XI inaguration of the Feast of Christ as King as the same truth as the Barmen Declaration of Karl Barth.
This book is definitely written from a Methodist perspective, as one would expect from a Methodist minister. This book was dedicated to his father with an honest description of his life, warts and all, but still credits him for what he has become.
Each chapter ends with an Affirmation and, A Confession, and A Discipleship Task, more of a call to action. Some of my Calvinist brothers may structure as a bit ritualistic and limiting, but I think there is something to be learned from this book. The life that Jesus lived on this earth has a lot to teach us, and a book that helps us to practically live out our lives is always helpful.
Definitions of the word origins of Advent, Lent, Epiphany, and Holy Week are included, and why each one has that name. Some may take exception with the ritual aspect, but I see nothing wrong with special emphasis on certain times of the year, as long as sincere worship is encouraged.
Published by Navpress. www.navpress.com
I have been provided with a complimentary copy of this book for review.
Some may be disturbed to see a quote from Charles Wesley and Pope Pius XI on the same page. Some may also take exception to his mention of Pope Pius XI inaguration of the Feast of Christ as King as the same truth as the Barmen Declaration of Karl Barth.
This book is definitely written from a Methodist perspective, as one would expect from a Methodist minister. This book was dedicated to his father with an honest description of his life, warts and all, but still credits him for what he has become.
Each chapter ends with an Affirmation and, A Confession, and A Discipleship Task, more of a call to action. Some of my Calvinist brothers may structure as a bit ritualistic and limiting, but I think there is something to be learned from this book. The life that Jesus lived on this earth has a lot to teach us, and a book that helps us to practically live out our lives is always helpful.
Definitions of the word origins of Advent, Lent, Epiphany, and Holy Week are included, and why each one has that name. Some may take exception with the ritual aspect, but I see nothing wrong with special emphasis on certain times of the year, as long as sincere worship is encouraged.
Published by Navpress. www.navpress.com
I have been provided with a complimentary copy of this book for review.
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