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| # | cover | title | author | isbn | isbn13 | asin | num pages | avg rating | num ratings | date pub | date pub (ed.) | rating | my rating | review | notes | recommender | comments | votes | read count | date started | date read |
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date purchased | owned | purchase location | condition | format | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1590524020
| 9781590524022
| 4.10
| 1,929
| Mar 01, 2005
| Mar 31, 2005
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Reading,"Under the Overpass: A Journey of Faith on the Streets of America", is one of those books that will haunt me in a good way. The lyrics to "Giv...more Reading,"Under the Overpass: A Journey of Faith on the Streets of America", is one of those books that will haunt me in a good way. The lyrics to "Give Me the Eyes to See" by Brandon Jacobs, played in the back of my mind as I read the experiences of Mike Yankoski and his friend and companion on his journey, Sam, through the streets of Denver, Washington, D.C., Portland, San Franciso, Phoenix and San Diego and wept at the triumphs, the heartaches and the gritty and captivating reality that they experienced on the streets and with the everyday people they met, both the homeless and those with homes. This book will change your heart. This book will change what you think you know of the homeless. This book will challenge and will change what you think being a Christian means. I couldn't read,"Under the Overpass: A Journey of Faith on the Streets of America", with skepticism but instead, with the thought, "What do I do"? as I walked or drive by the people we try to pretend isn't there but God sees over our averted eyes. What, "Under the Overpass: A Journey of Faith on the Streets of America", does is challenges the reader to re-look at His world and ask ourselves, do we play it safe as Christians or are we truly there when our brothers and sisters need us the most. Offering a downloadable discussion guide and an action plan of what we can do for our brothers and sisters who are without a home, "Under the Overpass: A Journey of Faith on the Streets of America", isn't for making us feel guilty and to act to help us feel better, but just to gently, with its realistic looks of what we tend to be very insulated from, what those who are on the streets live each day, beneath our office and home windows, but we, in our hurry with our busy lives, don't take the time to see. This book reminded me so much of the story of the Good Samaritan and more than anything it is asking all of us a real hard question that we at some point of our lives must have asked ourselves, but put in the back of our minds when our cellphone rings or we hurry off to Facebook to post a status or engage in the latest argument online over trivial matters, "What would I do during my day or in my life for God if I wasn't concerned with what I wear, what I eat, where I sleep, what I own, what people think of me, or what discomforts I face?" and asks us to think that hard question. Would we? Just even reading the response that the author and his traveling companion received from other Christians who didn't know what they were doing or why they were on the streets, had me hanging my head down and wondering, "How does my walk reflect to others and what type of Christian am I". This is a humbling book. It makes no pretenses of being anything other and there is a wonderful foreword by Francis Chan in the beginning that has in it a warning to the reader, "`Don't read Mike's book if you're not willing to change your attitude and actions toward the homeless." Francis Chan is right and I say the same to you. "Don't read this book if you're not willing or ready to have a open and teachable heart to read and be changed in our thoughts and heart and actions about what we thought we knew about the homeless". You can't read this book and put it down after wards and think out of sight, out of mind. This stays with you in your heart, in your mind and in your prayers and having one dare to pray, "Lord humble me and change my heart and remove what veils there are before my eyes". As 1 John 3:16-18 NKJV goes, "6 By this we know love, because He laid down His life for us. And we also ought to lay down our lives for the brethren. 17 But whoever has this world’s goods, and sees his brother in need, and shuts up his heart from him, how does the love of God abide in him? 18 My little children, let us not love in word or in tongue, but in deed and in truth." "Under the Overpass: A Journey of Faith on the Streets of America" is a powerful book. As A.W. Tozer shared in "Of God and Men" and re-shared in, "Under the Overpass: A Journey of Faith on the Streets of America","We hear a Christan assure someone that he will "pray over" his problem, knowing full well that he intends to use prayer as a substitute for service. It is much easier to pray that a poor friend's needs maybe supplied than to supply them". (less) | Notes are private!
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Dec 14, 2010
| Paperback
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| 1567691129
| 9781567691122
| 4.20
| 45
| Feb 26, 2009
| Mar 01, 2009
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With,"Believing God: Twelve Biblical Promises Christians Struggle to Accept," Dr. R.C. Sproul Jr. makes a bold statement that, "Our problem in the eva...more
With,"Believing God: Twelve Biblical Promises Christians Struggle to Accept," Dr. R.C. Sproul Jr. makes a bold statement that, "Our problem in the evangelical church isn’t, I believe, that we aren’t trained well enough to grasp the hard teachings of the Bible, but that we are too worldly to believe the plain promises of the Bible. The difficulty isn’t that the Bible is esoteric, but that it is profligate. The problem isn’t that God speaks with a forked tongue, but that He speaks such incredible promises that we find them to be less than credible. The answer isn’t to run from what God speaks, but to run to it." From there on, reading "Believing God" by R.C. Sproul Jr. was an experience of 161 pages of a simplistic yet detailed breakdown of twelve basic but significant, promises of our Father in Heaven; They are: 1. All Scripture Is Profitable (2 Timothy 3:16) 2. Our Heavenly Father Loves Us (1 John 3:1) 3. Confession, Forgiveness, and Cleansing (1 John 1: 9) 4. Wisdom for the Asking (James 1:5) 5. Children Are a Heritage (Psalm 127) 6. The Desires of Your Heart (Psalm 37:4) 7. Open Windows of Heaven (Malachi 3:10) 8. Mountains Cast into the Sea (Mark 11:22–24) 9. All Things Work Together (Romans 8:28) 10. He Has Overcome the World (John 16:33) 11. The Good Work Shall Be Completed (Philippians 1:6) 12. We Shall Be Like Him (1 John 3:2) What Dr. Sproul delivers to us, is a look at how we can sometimes take something that is so simple and make it more complicated than it otherwise should be and oh how complicated can we make things sometimes or as the old adage goes, "Too many cooks in the kitchen". I highly enjoyed reading "Believing God" Twelve Biblical Promises Christians Struggle to Accept",and felt that it is a hands down, challenging book that challenges the Christian follower to have a teachable heart, to be open and to be willing to look at twelve simplistic promises that can be found in the Bible but resisting the urge to reach over to the salt and pepper shakers and add more seasonings than what is already there. It had me wishing that there was a study guide to go with it, but as I re-read "Believing God", I discovered that even in a small group, bible study setting, this will still even make an appropriate bible study, as well as a personal study/reading. The book is challenging. It is convicting. It is enriching. "Believing God" is a book that takes you out of a safe comfort zone and challenges you to don't look at His Word with a teachable heart and be prepared to not be dismissive, but be open, be willing and be honest. As Sproul shares on page 26 of "Believing God", "We believe in reproof,as long as what we are being reproved for is wrong doctrine. We believe in correction, as long as we are having our doctrine corrected. Paul, however, is leading us somewhere. What we need is instruction in righteousness, which is rather a different standard of spiritual maturity than having our theological i’s dotted and t’s crossed. That means, in turn, that we do not believe this promise, because we have missed its point." Running along the lines of,"‘If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness’ (1 John 1:9),", in "Believing God," R.C. Sproul shares a deep look at how ,"God is utterly unimpressed with our efforts to beat ourselves psychologically for our sins. What He wants is a true humility that will manifest itself as faith, as believing God.”,and how to approach our Heavenly Father from a common sense outlook versus a, whose wrong, whose right outlook. I found myself having to re-read "Believing God" several times and in doing so, I found myself, not only just drawn into a basic breakdown of the twelve significant promises that R.C. Sproul wrote the book around, but a steadfast reminder to all of us how sometimes, we need to stop looking for the "i's" and "t's" that are crossed and just look at Him for Him. The book delivers what it says that,"In the final analysis, the book functions as a mirror in which every reader with a teachable heart will see how he or she can more fully believe God. All Christians who appreciate careful biblical teaching and heartfelt passion for God will appreciate and benefit from this book". "Believing God", isn't promoting a Pollyanna look at His word nor is it a pointing finger, but it is a careful look at how we can actually hurt our walk by helping the enemy by holding ourselves back by doubt and fear more than just trusting in our Father inI following Him. On the other hand, "Believing God: Twelve Biblical Promises Christians Struggle to Accept" is a casual, daring but honest look at our Christian walk and a challenge to approach His word not with set opinions but rather be open with a teachable heart to His Word and grasp with joy and wonder at the freedom and grace of our Heavenly Father. I was reminded that Jesus calls us to be child-like in our faith and not by being naive but truly open to His Word and what He holds for all of us and how we can sometimes go over the line and play in the hands of the enemy. The book had me wondering by the time I had finished it, do we have such doubt in ourselves about being able to understand His work that we might unintentional make it harder to comprehend our Father's promises than what is really there. Challenging thought, but not so much as challenging as R.C. Sproul's called that part of us understanding and embracing includes a heavy dose of humility when reading God's Word. Humility is expressed best not with flowery odes but through rather ordinary obedience. Obedience is better even than the flattery of imitation. We ought to come to God’s law as King David did, delighting in it, meditating on it, and obeying it. Too often, however, we “honor” God by creating our own law, making ourselves more pious than Him. God says, “Don’t eat,” and we say, “Don’t touch.” God says, “Give ten percent,” and we say, “Give twenty our heavenly father loves us 13 percent.” Like the Pharisees before us, we add to God’s law, then expect Him to pat us on the back. This problem of seeking a piety greater than God’s, however, gets no uglier than when we apply it to ourselves. There are just too many gems to be glean from "Believing God: Twelve Bible Promises Struggle to Accept" that if you are open with a teachable heart and ready to be challenge in fully embracing and understanding our Father's promises, read, "Believing God: Twelve Biblical Promises Christians Struggle to Accept". This isn't about doctrine. It isn't about legalism. It's about embracing God's promises for all of us. [disclaimer]reformation[/disclaimer](less) | Notes are private!
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Dec 13, 2010
| Hardcover
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| 0307446034
| 9780307446039
| 3.38
| 21
| Nov 24, 2010
| Dec 14, 2010
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"The 60-Minute Money Workout" is a thorough guide to help get your finances together using Christian principles, using "common sense" methods designed...more
"The 60-Minute Money Workout" is a thorough guide to help get your finances together using Christian principles, using "common sense" methods designed to encourage and guide individuals and families to managing their money. A helpful guide particularly in these tight economical times, "The 60-Minute Money Workout" is a good alternative for those who are finding ways to trim up their budget and live within their means that is also pleasing to our Heavenly Father. (less) | Notes are private!
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Dec 09, 2010
| Paperback
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| 1595545344
| 9781595545343
| 3.84
| 182
| 2010
| Mar 16, 2010
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"The Clouds Roll Away" by Sibella Giorello is a Christian/Mystery that follows , Raleigh Harmon, a Forensic geologist agent as she works to solve a ci...more
"The Clouds Roll Away" by Sibella Giorello is a Christian/Mystery that follows , Raleigh Harmon, a Forensic geologist agent as she works to solve a civil rights issue in Richmond, Virginia. Riddled with mature content that is not suitable for those who are more discerned with their reading content, "The Clouds Roll Away" is a gritty suspense story that, though it alludes to discussion of faith, faith plays more of a small part in a mostly suspense filled story. Although I felt the first few chapters were bit slow and the characters starting out were stereotypical and two dimensional, the pace of the book quicken in the middle and held promise for "The Clouds Roll Away", but then the ending felt a little too thrown together and not needed, causing a conflict with the genre it was slated for. For the more hardcore mystery readers, "The Clouds Roll Away" is worth looking into and makes a good vacation book to read and isn't too suspenseful either, however,for those with more discerning tastes about what is read, "The Clouds Roll Away" is a little too gritty, in part to try and capture the roughness of the characters, but still feel, for those who aren't accustomed to this type of mysteries, might be a bit too rough of a read. For me, this isn't the type of mystery I would normally read or comfortable reading, but for those who are into grittier mysteries, I would recommend, "The Clouds Roll Away". (less) | Notes are private!
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Dec 09, 2010
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| 078140374X
| 9780781403740
| 4.67
| 6
| Nov 1998
| Nov 01, 2010
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As we approach the end of the year, now is a great time to find a new devotional to either start a daily personal devotional time with our Heavenly Fa...more
As we approach the end of the year, now is a great time to find a new devotional to either start a daily personal devotional time with our Heavenly Father, or start with something new. With “Pause for Power” by Dr. Warren W. Wiersbe, you will find a short, five minute devotional to add to your personal devotional time. What I enjoyed about it, is the strong emphasis it is biblical, excerpts from Dr. Wiersbe’s commentaries, a very helpful lavender bookmark that is bound with the book to help keep ones place for the next day and the size ( 6.9 x 5.3 x 1.4 inches) fits perfectly in a purse for just “general” short reading and reflection. Don’t let the power dissuade you for this is a devotional that will strengthen your personal journey and what better way to start the New Year then with this devotional. Dr. Wiersbe encourages the reader to personally apply God’s Word to every situation in their life and work on developing an intimate relationship with Jesus Christ; The cover makes for a delightful gift if you are looking for something to give to a beloved friend or family for the holidays and there is a thoughtful look at the OT and the NT books. I thought it was very delightful that day 2 of the devotions was devoted to what else? Devotions!! So if you are looking for a stocking stuffer, a gift or just wanting to start a personal devotional time or something new to add to your personal reading of the Bible, I recommend “Pause for Power”. Being someone who strives to read the bible each day, having a biblical sound devotional, is a wonderful addition to anyone’s devotion time and this is one of many I would recommend to those who are close to me and seeking to strengthen their walk in and through Jesus Christ.(less) | Notes are private!
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Nov 30, 2010
| Hardcover
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| 0982621523
| 9780982621523
| 2.50
| 2
| Oct 15, 2010
| Oct 15, 2010
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Nov 29, 2010
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| 0891126767
| 9780891126768
| 4.34
| 38
| Oct 01, 2010
| Oct 12, 2010
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Written as a contemporary look at Dietrich Bonhoeffer,“The Cost of Discipleship”, “Costly Grace” is a startling look for the contemporary Christian at...more
Written as a contemporary look at Dietrich Bonhoeffer,“The Cost of Discipleship”, “Costly Grace” is a startling look for the contemporary Christian at what it means to be a Christian in a world that is filled with both challenging and sometimes conflicting views. Not an overnighter, but a book that works great for a bible study meeting or personal study, Jon Walker’s book, “Costly Grace”, not only re-introduces, Bonhoeffer’s influential book,”The Cost of Discipleship”, but also challenges the modern day Christian to rethink, “What does it mean to be a disciple” and “How do we fit our Father in our lives and how we connect with others”. Reading the back of the book, I concur with one of the quotes that, “Costly Grace” is an uncomfortable reading that makes it a necessary reading, in that it draws the reader out of their comfort zone and face to face with…are you sharing God’s word as it needs to be shared. We live in a society that we want the best of both worlds but not the inconveniences and both “Costly Grace”, but Bonhoeffer’s insight via, The Cost of Discipleship”, asks us how far and how much are we willing to give for and about our Father in Heaven. 237 pages with each chapter ending with the following: * The Cost of Discipleship * Fallen Thinking * Kingdom Thinking * Your Choice? This is food for the soul. “Costly Grace” will drag us out of our comfort zone and into our Father’s Kingdom Zone and have us thinking…what and how should we approach Him and His word. As Boenhoeffer would say,”The message becomes an event, and the event confirms the message.” This is a must read book to read and ask yourself, are you read for a “Costly Grace”?(less) | Notes are private!
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Nov 28, 2010
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| 1434765377
| 9781434765376
| 3.79
| 56
| Sep 01, 2010
| Sep 01, 2010
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Coffee. Chocolate. Your closest friends. This is a great bible study to work alone, but if you are looking for that next bible study for your ladies grou...more Coffee. Chocolate. Your closest friends. This is a great bible study to work alone, but if you are looking for that next bible study for your ladies group, this is it. What I like about this is that it addresses everyday topics that as women and as followers of Christ, we continually encounter such as issues of competition, true versus false humilty, gossip, just finding times, among the many topics that are touched and are daily struggles for a Sister of Christ. Chapters are brief, with study questions that will really have you digging into your Bible to explore and examine Biblical truths and stories and how they apply today as they have applied throughout the ages. These are short studies that are good for a thirty minute study if you’re doing it alone or for hour(s) discussions for a group of girlfriends whose gather together and sure to touch, encouraged and challenged. The drawback for me was the use of the “Message” Bible and I found myself referring to my ESV and NKJV for cross-reference, due to the “Message” really being more of a “paraphrase” of the Bible versus a translation,so if you are planning to use this for a group study, I highly recommend, making sure everyone either has a Bible or have a Bible on hand, so you and your friends can cross-check the scriptures yourself (ref. Acts 17:11). Despite using the “Message”, “It’s No Secret” is a fun, laidback bible study that is sure to be both a discussion starter and “hit” for either personal study or for your next all-ladies bible study! Background of the Book: Done with feeling exhausted—or worse, bored? Ready to trade your issues and hang-ups for greater intimacy and fulfillment? Then it’s time you did some digging for biblical “bling” and discovered the shining secrets to life in God’s kingdom. Rachel’s writing is lighthearted and fun, but she’s serious about helping you uncover biblical secrets that can make your life shine. This book will help you: o Overcome the comparisons and competitive urges that leave you lonely o Accept help from others o Discover God’s surprising source of spiritual beauty and strength o Embrace your need for rest o Find adventure as you yield wholeheartedly to God o Dig into the Bible for yourself and understand what you find there Grab your Bible and a girlfriend, and come discover twelve secrets the world doesn’t know. “It’s No Secret” by Karen Ehman, national speaker for Proverbs 31 Ministries and author of A Life That Says Welcome and The Complete Guide to Getting and Staying Organized(less) | Notes are private!
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Nov 28, 2010
| Paperback
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| 1603742425
| 9781603742429
| 5.00
| 1
| Sep 01, 2010
| Sep 07, 2010
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I’m not a very bold speaker so the idea of evangelism is equal to me, to that of public speaking-both scary, but I have constantly been opened to read...more
I’m not a very bold speaker so the idea of evangelism is equal to me, to that of public speaking-both scary, but I have constantly been opened to reading books about sharing one’s faith as I feel this is an important quality of being a Christian after all, the word “Gospel” translates to “Good News” and as Christians, we should have something joyous to share to others. Finding salvation in and through Jesus Christ, isn’t something that we hold close to our chest and deny others the opportunity, but for many, sharing one’s faith, particularly in a turbulent world is a scary prospect. “No Greater Joy” by Jerry Wiles, is honestly the most refreshing, down to earth, layman friendly, non-scary, encouraging book to read regarding how to witness to others. An interesting statistic is shared in, “No Greater Joy”; More than 2 billion people in the world are unreached or “have no access to the Gospel”. Here in the States, people tend to just tack on the title of “Christian”. In one article, it was stated that,“Only 14% believe that Christianity exclusively provides the way to eternal life, while 83% think “many religions” lead there. Only 22% of this group believe that the Bible is fully inspired. 28% believe that it is just “a book written by men, not the word of God.” Yet it’s a common theme for people throw out the “judgmental” card or “do not want to offend” card when it comes to sharing one’s faith with others. With “No Greater Joy”, Jerry Wiles boils it to,”The way you see or think of yourself is also vitally important to the way you relate to others and express the life of Christ to them.” Reading, “No Greater Joy,” Jerry shared an interesting point that affects how we share Christ with others by: 1. Know who you are in Christ and who He is in you 2. Be willing to bring Jesus into a conversation. As I read the book, I felt these were two good points, because as we understand who we are in and through Jesus Christ, and understand through reading and understanding His word, we begin to see what He has done for us and what He strives to do in and through us for others. “When we believe what God has said in His Word and act on the fact that it is true, the Holy Spirit will make it real in our experience. Real faith is acting on the promises of God.”-No Greater Joy, page 19. “No Greater Joy” is one of those rare few books that I really connected with and encouraged me that sharing my faith was possible and it wasn’t as scary as I thought witnessing could be nor the preconceived thought, of what I thought , witnessing was like. It opened up how casually and simple as just understanding that what He has done in and through us, we can be used by Him, not us, by Him, to also touch the lives of even the most skeptical. I like how Jerry seemed to understand how intimidating (and scary) witnessing and just sharing our faith can be. It was comforting to read without expecting it, Jerry’s words,“If you see sharing Christ as something that you, in your own strength and ability, are supposed to do, then you will always feel burdened. You’ll always feel inadequate. You’ll always feel pressured. you’ll always feel guilty for not doing more and frustrated that you can’t do enough.” “YES!”, is what I thought in reply. I held preconceived ideas about sharing my faith, due to fear, intimidation (it’s none of your business to share your faith, or, it’s showing off, or it’s offending), leading me to wonder, “Well…then how are we supposed to spread the Good News then?”. If it wasn’t for someone who cared about my salvation and taking the time to share the Good News with me, I wouldn’t have been saved. God bless the soul, who didn’t care if it was embarassing, showy or “latest excuse to say nothing at all” and instead was bold, and upfront and loving in a way of caring what happen to me, not just physically but my soul too. Jerry reminds us that,“The truth is that the Lord desires to use each of us to share our faith with others. We are His instruments of righteousness.(See Romans 6:13).” We maybe the only people, the only “Bible”, the only “church”, anybody will ever know and if we don’t say something, how are we not being more of the problem by saying nothing or doing nothing then being of help. What if we are the last person to be able to have the opportunity to share His word? Talk about miss opportunity and “No Greater Joy” shows us how to get over the fear in such a friendly and encouraging way, that after reading ,”No Greater Joy” you will feel strengthened and encouraged to find opportunities and not passing out tracts or standing on the street corner as many think, but use your life, your understanding of God’s word and His love in and through you to reach out to others… Grab, quickly, go, run, a copy of “No Greater Joy-Power of Sharing Your Faith through Stories and Questions” by Jerry Wiles and discovered how you can share your faith as simply as going out your front door. It is possible and it can be done and with the full love and knowledge of His Word.(less) | Notes are private!
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Nov 28, 2010
| Paperback
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| 0736930159
| 9780736930154
| 4.01
| 129
| unknown
| Sep 01, 2010
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“The Perfect Blend” was an absolute delight reading and it stands out that it combines innocent humor, romance that is pure and doesn’t involve implyi...more
“The Perfect Blend” was an absolute delight reading and it stands out that it combines innocent humor, romance that is pure and doesn’t involve implying but rather, if I had this book laying out, I couldn’t worry if my daughter would read. There is old fashion chivalry, and as I was reading, “The Perfect Blend” , I couldn’t help but think how it reminds me of the 40′s movies where there is no sensuality but rather sweet humor charm that perpetrated the old romances of back then. Along with the clean cut romance, is the bottom layer story of trusting our Father, and bringing what it had intended, “A fun, romantic story about tackling the unexpected moment of life with courage, faith, prayer, and good friends, and discover how wonderfully life changing, those moments can be.” The characters are not perfect and have a past that brings a warm hearted believability that makes them both three dimensional but also likable that draws the reader into the story. “The Perfect Blend” is just well written, well detailed and it isn’t your average romance novel. It’s very sweet that it leaves you hoping and wishing that there is a town like Middleburg or a tea shop like Millicent, with both warm, caring and funny townspeople that the main character, Steph, encounters. I also like how Trish Perry interweaves Steph’s conflict with being a 26 year old and dealing with being a Christian, honoring her parents, but also striving for independence that wasn’t dishonoring to her family, her faith or to her friends. With,“The Perfect Blend”, the reader will find the perfect blend of a romantic, not romance, but romantic, faith filled fiction that, although isn’t heavy on scriptural references, does have underlying in the story, the struggles of being true to one’s faith, not being luke-warm, being true to oneself and to our Father and blending it all in a perfect balance of a delight filled fictional tale of Steph Vandergrift as she finds herself stranded in a strange town.(less) | Notes are private!
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Nov 28, 2010
| Paperback
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| 0891099417
| 9780891099413
| 4.17
| 447
| 1983
| Feb 01, 1996
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In, “The Practice of Godliness“, Jerry Bridges explores the nature of what does it mean to be godly and to leave a godly life and the importance it pl...more
In, “The Practice of Godliness“, Jerry Bridges explores the nature of what does it mean to be godly and to leave a godly life and the importance it plays in the Christian Life. At 226 pages and complete with the “Practice of Godliness” study guide, “The Practice of Godliness” was and is an intriguing read and good for not only personal exploration and development as a follower of Christ, but for group settings as we are called to understand what it means to be a godly Christian and particularly as we leave in a world that encourages the self over that of our Heavenly Father desires. Short chapters but convicting, Jerry Bridges, both writes in a encouraging and challenging prose that leads the reader to ask oneself, “Am I living a life that is truly godly”, or, “Am I simply going through the motions for reasons other than for our Heavenly Father”? On page 17, Jerry shares, “It is sad that many Christians do not have this aura of godliness about them. They may be talented and personable, or very busy in the Lord’s work, or even apparently successful in some avenues of Christian service, and still not be godly. Why? Because they are not devoted to God. They may be devoted to a vision or to a ministry, or to their own reputation as a Christian, but not to God.” from, “The Practice of Godliness. What impresses me about Mr. Bridges writing is his humbliness. In the preface, he shares, “There is a certain sense of anxiety in committing these studies to print that comes from the warning of James that “not many of you should presume to be teachers, my brothers, becasue you know that we who teach will be judged more strictly.” (James 3:1). He comes across in his writing as someone who desires to encourage and challenged others in a loving way, in their walk with our Father, to grow and be nourished by our Father’s word, yet takes seriously the commitment to writing that he feels laid on his heart. “The Practice of Godliness” is a wonderful book that does not promises quick fixes or read and over night one, will become more godly, but rather, addresses the question of “What is being godly”, “Where in the Bible do we see these examples” and also “What do we need to address, not in others, but in ourselves to grow more godly and also God-fearing” in our walk with our Heavenly Father. This is a book that is not heavily written that those who don’t have the time for serious reading can’t read, nor is it so lightly written that those who are serious in being challenged and grown won’t find themselves both encouraged and convicted and challenged to growing closer to our Heavenly Father and discovering the qualities that truly make up the Christian character. A splendid read, I highly recommend, “The Practice of Godliness” to the first time reader about Christian growth, new to the faith, and the ever maturing follower.(less) | Notes are private!
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| 1935265229
| 9781935265221
| 4.17
| 6
| 2010
| May 01, 2010
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1 Now when Jesus had crossed over again by boat to the other side, a great multitude gathered to Him; and He was by the sea. 22 And behold, one of th...more
1 Now when Jesus had crossed over again by boat to the other side, a great multitude gathered to Him; and He was by the sea. 22 And behold, one of the rulers of the synagogue came, Jairus by name. And when he saw Him, he fell at His feet 23 and begged Him earnestly, saying, “My little daughter lies at the point of death. Come and lay Your hands on her, that she may be healed, and she will live.” 24 So Jesus went with him, and a great multitude followed Him and thronged Him. 25 Now a certain woman had a flow of blood for twelve years, 26 and had suffered many things from many physicians. She had spent all that she had and was no better, but rather grew worse. 27 When she heard about Jesus, she came behind Him in the crowd and touched His garment. 28 For she said, “If only I may touch His clothes, I shall be made well.” 29 Immediately the fountain of her blood was dried up, and she felt in her body that she was healed of the affliction. 30 And Jesus, immediately knowing in Himself that power had gone out of Him, turned around in the crowd and said, “Who touched My clothes?” 31 But His disciples said to Him, “You see the multitude thronging You, and You say, ‘Who touched Me?’” 32 And He looked around to see her who had done this thing. 33 But the woman, fearing and trembling, knowing what had happened to her, came and fell down before Him and told Him the whole truth. 34 And He said to her, “Daughter, your faith has made you well. Go in peace, and be healed of your affliction.” (Mark 5:21-34, New King James Version) In a way, we are like that bleeding woman; Carrying years of pain and torment from whatever it is that has tormented or ailed us. From “The Bleeding Woman’s Story-Jen’s Story-Our Story” , a blog post about a bible study that discussed Mark 5:21-34, the post shared the following: In a way, the Bleeding Woman’s story is our story, because in a way we’re all “bleeding” inside, in our own way. Inside there’s something that’s draining us of life, like an open wound that keeps on letting. Jenn shared her personal story of how she always felt somewhat inadequate, like she needed to be perfect in order to be fully loved. It was a draining enterprise. The “bleeding” is different for everyone, but so often it’s an identity thing. In the book, “To Those Who Suffer“,author, Sean Nolan, dwelves into the concept of suffering and as a Christian, what and how our Heavenly Father can do and not do for us. This book took some time of reading and re-reading mostly because of the depth of the discussion and raising self questions of “How do I view suffering as a Christian” and “What are my expectations and often unrealistic expectations” about suffering and I found, To Those Who Suffer, to be both a source of comfort and humble understanding of how often we may misunderstand what it means to suffer and what we think our Heavenly Father should or should not be doing. At 207 pages and with both humble wisdom and scriptual based applicable truths, Sean Nolan truly touched at the heart of understanding what our Heavenly Father can truly do for us. The chapters are short, but deeply filled with convicting truths that doesn’t shy away about what our Father seeks for all of us and though, too much to share in a simple review, one passage that, for this reviewer, quickly summed up what,To Those Who Suffer, seeks to convey to the reader, comes easily from page. 24, under the heading, “Misunderstanding God’s Love”, where Sean Nolan shares, “In the church today there is a huge misunderstanding of fwho God is and what His purpose for our lives is. In my early Christian years I viewed God as a divine vending machine. I thought that praying to God is like putting money in a drink machine. I put my prayer in and through that prayer, I would be making my selection of what I wanted God to do in my life and then God was obligated to give me what I wanted. So many Christians have ceased praying to God and asking Him for His will to be done as instructed to in the Lord’s Prayer (Matthew 6:10; Luke 11:2).” Sean Nolan has a humble outlook on what it means to suffer and why as heexplains, “If suffering were a tree, its fruit would be unique and extremely rare. The reason why the Lord uses the painful process of suffering to sanctify us (conform us into the image of His Son) is that suffering produces unique and extremely rare fruit that cannot be grown or cultivated by any other means. Not for the easily convicted, To Those Who Suffer, is highly recommended for those who are seeking to gain a deeper understanding of why heaven is not here on earth, but in our Father’s kingdom in Heaven one day and in the meantime, why the things we want and desire does not happen as we would like it to. Though wars and sickness will continue to happen, what is forever promised and rest assured is hope in and through our Heavenly Father. To Those Who Suffer, is a deeply encouraging and wonderful reminder that our Father does and will come through for us even if our circumstances doesn’t change.(less) | Notes are private!
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| 0849920698
| 9780849920691
| 4.11
| 726
| Sep 14, 2010
| Sep 14, 2010
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Reading, “Outlive Your Life”, I’ve always been impressed with Max Lucado’s very personable style of writing. What is enjoyable about his work, is both...more
Reading, “Outlive Your Life”, I’ve always been impressed with Max Lucado’s very personable style of writing. What is enjoyable about his work, is both the style of writing, very laidback, still biblical and how he really helps the reader’s connect with what our Father tries to reach out to each and everyone of us. His books can be convicting, but often so subtle that you don’t realize until what he shares sinks in. In “Outlive Your Life”, I discovered a book that works great as a short devotional study or simply an evening encouraging read, that challenges, you the believer, to live beyond your boundaries. In a world that is both challenging and sometimes discouraging, “Outlive Your Life” calls out to the reader live their life beyond the safety zones of their home as ask the question, “Why wait, if you, yes you, can help make that impact, however tiny it maybe to you, but big for someone else”? Using Acts 12 as the basis, readers are taken on a life changing challenge that makes it difficult to consider, what appears as a simple book, to put down and walk away…instead it asks you…what can you do yourself? Max Lucado shares more about why he wrote, “Outlive Your Life” here, but it’s worth reading the book yourself to discover for yourself…”What if….”? Read “Outlive Your Life” yourself and ask yourself….”What if….”(less) | Notes are private!
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| Hardcover
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| 1567692028
| 9781567692020
| 4.34
| 80
| 2010
| Feb 26, 2010
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“By Grace Alone” is a stunning look at the concept of God’s grace and what I enjoyed about it, is that it is laid out in such a simplistic format that...more
“By Grace Alone” is a stunning look at the concept of God’s grace and what I enjoyed about it, is that it is laid out in such a simplistic format that this is a book that will be beneficial for non-Christians who question, “Why do I need to be saved, I’m fine” to maturing Christians who are seeking a better understand of Grace or just a deeper look of what it means to be forgiven by our Heavenly Father. A note of interest and what makes this book a must read and has it stand out, By Grace Alone is based on Emmanuel T. Sibomana’s ,an African pastor born in 1915,powerful hymn, “O How the Grace of God Amazes Me.” As you read each chapter, you’ll realize that each chapter is based on a stanza from the hymn itself, making this book a great addition not just for the home, but if you are a homeschooling family, whom incorporates hymn studies in the curriculum, a great book to introduce to older students. Overall, “By Grace Alone” by Sinclair Ferguson is a good insight into God’s Grace and at 123 pages, definitely well worth the read. What I loved about “By Grace Alone” is at the end of the book is a listing of scriptures that are used throughout the book, leading this book to be, really, a great devotional that can be read in a week or if spread out, can be done in 7 weeks, with each week, concentrating on the chapter and the scripture shared. Publisher’s Note about Book In By Grace Alone: How the Grace of God Amazes Me, Dr. Sinclair B. Ferguson laments that “we have lost the joy and energy that is experienced when grace seems truly ‘amazing.’” In an effort to restore the wonder of divine grace, he reflects on it from seven angles, each built around a stanza from a rich but little-known hymn, “O How the Grace of God Amazes Me,” written by Emmanuel T. Sibomana, a pastor in the African nation of Burundi. (Download the sheet music and MP3 file for free from ligonier.org.) This book poses probing questions for today’s believer: “If I am not amazed by God’s grace, can I really be living in it? Can I really be tasting, and savoring, and delighting in it?” But those willing to delve into God’s Word with Dr. Ferguson will come away with a deeper astonishment at the depths of God’s grace.(less) | Notes are private!
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| 143476446X
| 9781434764461
| 3.86
| 7
| Sep 01, 2010
| Sep 01, 2010
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Reading, “Stronger” by Jimy Daly, the following scripture kept coming back to me: 33 partly while you were made a spectacle both by reproaches and tri...more Reading, “Stronger” by Jimy Daly, the following scripture kept coming back to me: 33 partly while you were made a spectacle both by reproaches and tribulations, and partly while you became companions of those who were so treated; 34 for you had compassion on me in my chains, and joyfully accepted the plundering of your goods, knowing that you have a better and an enduring possession for yourselves in heaven. 35 Therefore do not cast away your confidence, which has great reward. 36 For you have need of endurance, so that after you have done the will of God, you may receive the promise: (Hebrews 10:33-36, New King James Version) I really connected with not just the personal ancedotes that is shared throughout the book, but the message of hope and perserverance that prevails through out this indeed, “strong” and challenging book that has us look at life’s trials with a heavenly perspective. As Dale writes,”Daly states, “If we believe in a big God, one who is mighty enough to create the universe and every living creature in it, who is still actively making miracles and involved in our lives today, we possess a powerful hope. No matter how traumatic or tragic our circumstances, we know that anything is possible if it’s in His will. We ask for the Lord’s intervention in the great and minute issues of our lives, understanding that His power is unlimited.”, this is such a powerful reminder that there is nothing too big for our Father in Heaven can handle. As I read “Stronger” it was difficult not to think in the back of my mind, this would be so great to have a study guide with and this is a great book to recommend to loved ones and friends, particularly in today’s world where tragedy and tribulation seems to be around the corner. Some of the questions that Jim shares in his book, “Stronger” that he has asked himself are questions that we must have asked ourselves in the dark of the night, while on our knees crying and in prayer, “Is great weakness the essential ingredient to discovering great strength?”,”Have we missed this message somehow?” In “Stronger” Jim Daly strives and often succeeds in answering these questions while offering stories of hope and encouragement that when life is at its hardest or darkest, our Father is at His strongest for us. “Stronger” hit close to home for me as there have been days, when I too have asked myself the same questions of “When you wish you didn’t feel more helpess than a bug on your back?” or maybe you have felt like,”When you wish you were Superman or Wonder Woman instead of plain ,ol’ pint sized “me”?” This book is a reminder of the great faith of Job, when abandon, villify and alone, he held on to his trust and faith in our Father in Heaven and was rewarded, not for being a king, or popular, or anybody, but for being a nobody that held strong. We’ve all had days like that when we felt, “Why me Lord, why?” and “Stronger” is a reminder that what we feel is broken can be traded for “Unbreakable Strength”. If you’re having a bad day, maybe you know of someone who feels insignficant or overwhelm by life’s circumstances…this is the book for you to either read or recommend to that person you know. “Stronger” is a great reminder that we are not forgotten and He will see us through no matter what life throws at us.(less) | Notes are private!
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Nov 28, 2010
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| 1418578037
| 9781418578039
| 4.16
| 232
| Jul 28, 2009
| Jul 28, 2009
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What would you think if you were told,”Harsh words are not always inappropiate. Unpleasant and unwelcome truths sometimes need to be voiced. False rel...more
What would you think if you were told,”Harsh words are not always inappropiate. Unpleasant and unwelcome truths sometimes need to be voiced. False relgions always needs to be answered. Love may cover a multitude of sins (1 Peter 4:8), but the gross hypocrisy of false teachers desperately needs to be uncovered-lest our silence faciliate and perpetuate a damning delusion. The truth is not always “nice.” (John MacArthur, The Jesus You Can’t Ignore, pg. 171) Probrably for many, react with that is so offensive or not political correct or judgemental or harsh or unloving,but as John MacArthur would share, the Jesus that we sometimes don’t want to face, did that with the Pharisees and at the temple and to those who were sinning and called it what it was, not out of hate, but out of love and desire for them to not continue on. Proverbs 28:26 (NKJV) cautions us to,”He who trusts in his own heart is a fool, But whoever walks wisely will be delivered.” No one likes to be told they are or might be doing something wrong. It hurts our pride and it hurts our self-image and we bristle when confronted and react defensively, but in “The Jesus You Can’t Ignore”, we see a Jesus who was loving, but also firm and sometimes, harsh to speak the truth that He knew needed to be spoken and not hidden away. In, “The Jesus You Can’t Ignore”, MacArthur shares a side of the Saviour that is often swept under the wrong, because it hurts our personal image of Him, more than what He truly was. MacArthur goes so far to challenge that Jesus doesn’t preach softly but rather practice hard teaching, even for their time. At one point, this convicting book shares how the Beautitudes was an rebuke to the Pharisee’s whole system and any Pharisee at the time might have felt both publically humiliated and personally attacked. Sound familiar? Publically humiliated and personally attacked. “The Jesus You Can’t Ignore” is a fascinating read that has us rethinking what type of faith are we really praciting and are we practicing one that is based more on pleasing men or one that is pleasing to our Father? (Ref Galatians 1:10) Well written and easy for the layman to read and backed by relevant scripture, “The Jesus You Can’t Ignore”, brings Him as He is and not as we sometimes try to paint Him as. MacArthur is daring in writing, “The Jesus You Can’t Ignore”, because it brings to light why He says in Matthew 7:21-27 (NKJV): 21 “Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven. 22 Many will say to Me in that day, ‘Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Your name, cast out demons in Your name, and done many wonders in Your name?’ 23 And then I will declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness!’ 24 “Therefore whoever hears these sayings of Mine, and does them, I will liken him to a wise man who built his house on the rock: 25 and the rain descended, the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house; and it did not fall, for it was founded on the rock. 26 “But everyone who hears these sayings of Mine, and does not do them, will be like a foolish man who built his house on the sand: 27 and the rain descended, the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house; and it fell. And great was its fall.” When you take a step back, Matthew 7:21-27 lays out that many will enter the kingdom of Heaven. A very challenging thought in itself, but a reality that Jesus try to bring forth that not everyone will be able to enter the kingdom of Heaven. As MacArthur shared on page 150,”Jesus, by contrast, quoted no authority other than the Word of God itself. He gave its interpretation wihtout buttressing His point of view with endless quotations from earlier writers”. If you are wanting a hard hitting book, that will challenge you, convict you and have you thinking, what is it that Jesus really meant, I encourage you to read, “The Jesus You Can’t Ignore” and discover yourself someone who in His time and culture was considered as shocking as He would be in today’s world. Publisher’s Note about Book Best-selling author John MacArthur gives readers a fresh look at how Jesus addressed attacks against the truth. Meek and mild. Politically correct. A great teacher. These are the popular depictions of Jesus. But they aren’t the complete picture. Maybe because it’s uncomfortable, or maybe because it’s inconvenient, Christians and non-Christians alike are overlooking the fierceness of the Savior, His passionate mission to make the Gospel clear and bring people into the Kingdom of God. A mission that required he sometimes raise his voice and sometimes raise a whip. In the much-needed message in The Jesus You Can’t Ignore, renowned Bible teacher and best-selling author John MacArthur reintroduces the compelling and often unsettling passion of Jesus’ ministry. MacArthur points to the picture of the real Jesus the world is so eager to gloss over. And he calls readers to emulate Jesus’ commitment to further the kingdom by confronting lies and protecting the truth of God.(less) | Notes are private!
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| ebook
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| 0310395658
| 9780310395652
| 3.55
| 67
| Feb 01, 2010
| Apr 27, 2010
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Coffee Shop Conversations” by Dale & Jonalyn Fincher is a 219 page book about how to have meaningful and respectful discussions about your faith w...more
Coffee Shop Conversations” by Dale & Jonalyn Fincher is a 219 page book about how to have meaningful and respectful discussions about your faith with those who don’t share and have differing views. Written in a casual tone, peppered with personal ancedotes, “Coffee Shop Conversations” looks at a way to have discussions in both difficult to everyday casual situations, particularly in an everchanging world. There is some food of thought to be shared in the reading though there were spots that left me questioning the direction of the writing; Perhaps it was the way the wording was, but although this is makes great reading, this is a book best suited for those who are a little more grounded in their understanding of Scripture then for those who are new to the faith. From the Media Release about “Coffee Shop Conversations”, the following is shared: A 2008 study released by the Pew Forum on Religion and Public Life notes that the number of people creating their own interpretations of faith and culture is growing. Seems like there are as many different styles of faith as ways to order your latte. How does a Christian have normal conversations about Jesus without accidentally sounding offensive, bigoted or intolerant? In Coffee Shop Conversations (April 2010) by Dale Fincher and Jonalyn Fincher, readers will find the tools they need to speak plainly and honestly about their faith, avoid speaking “christianese” and have meaningful, tolerant and respectful conversations with friends who don’t share their views. Coffee Shop Conversations is written to an audience of 18-35 year olds interested in articulating their faith throughout their everyday activities.(less) | Notes are private!
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| 031032601X
| 9780310326014
| 4.28
| 40
| 2010
| Jul 19, 2010
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In the midst of homeschool preparation and dealing with chaotic schedules, reading “Reborn to be Wild” to catch up on a belated book review post was a...more
In the midst of homeschool preparation and dealing with chaotic schedules, reading “Reborn to be Wild” to catch up on a belated book review post was a convicting reminder of the common theme of how busy our lives are and how busy we tend not to be for Him. From page 96 of “Reborn to be Wild”, “Studying God’s written Word consumed us. What we failed to notice, as the devil smiled, was that we were ignoring the living Word, the One who washed us from our sin in His own blood, the One who made Moses, Isaiah, and Paul and inspired the to write down the words we were pouring over. His name is Jesus. Tragically, the more we focuse our laser focus on His Word, the less we saw of Him.” ….not by good works….not by good works. As busy as we can be or filling up our schedule or pouring….how beneficial is it all if we don’t live and feel Him too? “Wouldn’t you have to agree that since you’ve become so preoccuppied with following the Law, you have been thinking less and less of Jesus”? (page 104 of “Reborn to Be Wild”). What is telling about the book is that it’s not about focusing on the “talking points’ of Christianity but on the person of Christianity, our Heavenly Father and the price, Jesus paid at the Cross. It asks if somehow, we have fallen from all that and instead picked over Christianity in a way that suits more of our lifestyle or personal beliefs over what He is sharing and calling us to follow. Here’s an excerpt from “Reborn to be Wild”: Excerpt taken from Reborn to be Wild by Ed Underwood © David C Cook, 2010. The Outsiders It intrigues me that Springsteen used the same word the apostle Paul used to describe those who now find room for their ideas in a revolution—outsiders. Paul used the Greek term three times to remind Christians of their responsibility to live in a way that “outsiders” (NIV, NASB) or “those outside” (NKJV) would want to know more about Jesus (1 Cor. 5:12; Col. 4:5; 1 Thess. 4:12). Outsider is his technical theological description of people who live outside of God’s mercy and grace. Outsiders were those living in the domain of darkness, outside the borders of the kingdom of the Son of His love (Col. 1:13). Even if I didn’t know what the Bible called it, I couldn’t think of a better title for the place we lived before God’s love brought us inside—darkness. The revolution reached into the darkness outside, where we lived: • Tough, hip neighborhoods where God was for dorky church kids and the only thing we liked about Jesus was that he wore long hair and sandals. • Busy, preoccupied homes that didn’t have time for the silly charades of religious folk. • A culture in which grace was when a well-starched family took the booth next to yours in a restaurant, bowed their heads and folded their hands in a way that made everyone around them feel weird. • Neighborhoods where loyal, lifelong friendships seemed to be unraveling from the pressures of growing up, where mercy was what you called for just before blacking out when the big neighbor kid caught you in his famous “sleeper hold.” Oh, it was darkness all right. But it didn’t seem dark to us then, before we saw the light. It was just life, our reality, our dark reality. From the core of our blackened souls to the gloomy, immoral rhythms of our everyday lives, to the sinister generational evil we were trying to ignore, we were incapable of knowing anything but darkness. I think our hopelessness had a lot to do with our revolution that became a revival. From the darkness of our lives, we couldn’t see the light, had never seen it before. We didn’t entertain ideas about how much the light might need us or how it could improve our lives in ways that would enhance our career or get us to heaven when we were through doing what we wanted to do down here. We were blinded by the light. Before we met Jesus, we were outsiders and we knew it. After we took Him at His word, we were insiders, and we knew that, too. And we knew how we got on the inside. Jesus rescued us from darkness. We couldn’t quote it from memory because we probably didn’t know where to find it in our crisp new American Standard New Testaments, but when we read His words, we knew Peter was talking about us when he said: But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light; who once were not a people but are now the people of God, who had not obtained mercy but now have obtained mercy. (1 Peter 2:9–10) If you’re going to have a revolution, you need to have new ideas. If you’re going to find new ideas, they will never come from those who are comfortably inside. They come from the outside, from outsiders. Even though we were now inside the borders of the kingdom of the Son of God’s love, the old insiders never did embrace us. To them we would always be outsiders. It didn’t bother us much. Actually, it didn’t bother us at all. To be totally honest, we dug it. Our hearts were on fire with the love of Christ and we didn’t really trust them with the fire anyway. All they wanted to do was douse it, control it, or worse, take credit for it. And so we did what outsiders often do, we started a revolution fueled by a passion insiders can’t know… unless they reach out to us. And like revolutions everywhere, our fresh expressions of truth didn’t move along the protected stain-glassed corridors of the institutional church. Our revival happened in the very places that had been deserted by most religious insiders as they watched in horror, threw up their hands, and screamed bloody murder from inside their cloistered fortresses of irrelevance. It happened on the street. The scary thing that “Reborn to be Wild” shares is…are we either too afraid to reach out to society or are we too much a part of society that either way, rather than sharing His word and leading others to Christ, we are tempering our call to be His voice and light to the world. “Reborn to be Wild” is a call to come out of our comfort zones, not seek within our community or like minded but as Ed Underwood shares,” If you’re going to have a revolution, you need to have new ideas. If you’re going to find new ideas, they will never come from those who are comfortably inside. They come from the outside, from outsiders. Even though we were now inside the borders of the kingdom of the Son of God’s love, the old insiders never did embrace us. To them we would always be outsiders.” At 314 pages, “Reborn to be Wild” was a reminder to me, even in the midst of a busy schedule and the onset of the school year, that it isn’t about going with the flow of others that is what makes a different, but like that of Jesus Christ, who went against the norms of society and what was comfortable with others, to be able to reach out to others. Sometimes it may make other people uncomfortable, and “Reborn to be Wild” reminds us that when we stand up for our Father and what we know He calls for, we may not make friends, but we have hope and promise in and through Jesus Christ and that is what matters. Not what the neighbors next door thinks. Or *gasp* the church, or today’s world and culture, but Him, Jesus Christ. He is the one who matters. Not mere men. Are you a tame evangelical? Maybe it’s time for a wild revival. In today’s world where anything goes and people look the other way or escape or find ways to avoid, our Father needs us to use for His greater purpose, to wake, to encourage and to lead people to Him. Being a Christian isn’t a tame walk. Being a Christian, means being a follower of Christ and experiencing a life filled with growth and challenges.(less) | Notes are private!
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| 1434700178
| 9781434700179
| 4.18
| 11
| Jun 01, 2010
| Jun 01, 2010
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In the midst of homeschool preparation and dealing with chaotic schedules, reading “Reborn to be Wild” to catch up on a belated book review post was a...more
In the midst of homeschool preparation and dealing with chaotic schedules, reading “Reborn to be Wild” to catch up on a belated book review post was a convicting reminder of the common theme of how busy our lives are and how busy we tend not to be for Him. From page 96 of “Reborn to be Wild”, “Studying God’s written Word consumed us. What we failed to notice, as the devil smiled, was that we were ignoring the living Word, the One who washed us from our sin in His own blood, the One who made Moses, Isaiah, and Paul and inspired the to write down the words we were pouring over. His name is Jesus. Tragically, the more we focuse our laser focus on His Word, the less we saw of Him.” ….not by good works….not by good works. As busy as we can be or filling up our schedule or pouring….how beneficial is it all if we don’t live and feel Him too? “Wouldn’t you have to agree that since you’ve become so preoccuppied with following the Law, you have been thinking less and less of Jesus”? (page 104 of “Reborn to Be Wild”). What is telling about the book is that it’s not about focusing on the “talking points’ of Christianity but on the person of Christianity, our Heavenly Father and the price, Jesus paid at the Cross. It asks if somehow, we have fallen from all that and instead picked over Christianity in a way that suits more of our lifestyle or personal beliefs over what He is sharing and calling us to follow. Here’s an excerpt from “Reborn to be Wild”: Excerpt taken from Reborn to be Wild by Ed Underwood © David C Cook, 2010. The Outsiders It intrigues me that Springsteen used the same word the apostle Paul used to describe those who now find room for their ideas in a revolution—outsiders. Paul used the Greek term three times to remind Christians of their responsibility to live in a way that “outsiders” (NIV, NASB) or “those outside” (NKJV) would want to know more about Jesus (1 Cor. 5:12; Col. 4:5; 1 Thess. 4:12). Outsider is his technical theological description of people who live outside of God’s mercy and grace. Outsiders were those living in the domain of darkness, outside the borders of the kingdom of the Son of His love (Col. 1:13). Even if I didn’t know what the Bible called it, I couldn’t think of a better title for the place we lived before God’s love brought us inside—darkness. The revolution reached into the darkness outside, where we lived: • Tough, hip neighborhoods where God was for dorky church kids and the only thing we liked about Jesus was that he wore long hair and sandals. • Busy, preoccupied homes that didn’t have time for the silly charades of religious folk. • A culture in which grace was when a well-starched family took the booth next to yours in a restaurant, bowed their heads and folded their hands in a way that made everyone around them feel weird. • Neighborhoods where loyal, lifelong friendships seemed to be unraveling from the pressures of growing up, where mercy was what you called for just before blacking out when the big neighbor kid caught you in his famous “sleeper hold.” Oh, it was darkness all right. But it didn’t seem dark to us then, before we saw the light. It was just life, our reality, our dark reality. From the core of our blackened souls to the gloomy, immoral rhythms of our everyday lives, to the sinister generational evil we were trying to ignore, we were incapable of knowing anything but darkness. I think our hopelessness had a lot to do with our revolution that became a revival. From the darkness of our lives, we couldn’t see the light, had never seen it before. We didn’t entertain ideas about how much the light might need us or how it could improve our lives in ways that would enhance our career or get us to heaven when we were through doing what we wanted to do down here. We were blinded by the light. Before we met Jesus, we were outsiders and we knew it. After we took Him at His word, we were insiders, and we knew that, too. And we knew how we got on the inside. Jesus rescued us from darkness. We couldn’t quote it from memory because we probably didn’t know where to find it in our crisp new American Standard New Testaments, but when we read His words, we knew Peter was talking about us when he said: But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light; who once were not a people but are now the people of God, who had not obtained mercy but now have obtained mercy. (1 Peter 2:9–10) If you’re going to have a revolution, you need to have new ideas. If you’re going to find new ideas, they will never come from those who are comfortably inside. They come from the outside, from outsiders. Even though we were now inside the borders of the kingdom of the Son of God’s love, the old insiders never did embrace us. To them we would always be outsiders. It didn’t bother us much. Actually, it didn’t bother us at all. To be totally honest, we dug it. Our hearts were on fire with the love of Christ and we didn’t really trust them with the fire anyway. All they wanted to do was douse it, control it, or worse, take credit for it. And so we did what outsiders often do, we started a revolution fueled by a passion insiders can’t know… unless they reach out to us. And like revolutions everywhere, our fresh expressions of truth didn’t move along the protected stain-glassed corridors of the institutional church. Our revival happened in the very places that had been deserted by most religious insiders as they watched in horror, threw up their hands, and screamed bloody murder from inside their cloistered fortresses of irrelevance. It happened on the street. The scary thing that “Reborn to be Wild” shares is…are we either too afraid to reach out to society or are we too much a part of society that either way, rather than sharing His word and leading others to Christ, we are tempering our call to be His voice and light to the world. “Reborn to be Wild” is a call to come out of our comfort zones, not seek within our community or like minded but as Ed Underwood shares,” If you’re going to have a revolution, you need to have new ideas. If you’re going to find new ideas, they will never come from those who are comfortably inside. They come from the outside, from outsiders. Even though we were now inside the borders of the kingdom of the Son of God’s love, the old insiders never did embrace us. To them we would always be outsiders.” At 314 pages, “Reborn to be Wild” was a reminder to me, even in the midst of a busy schedule and the onset of the school year, that it isn’t about going with the flow of others that is what makes a different, but like that of Jesus Christ, who went against the norms of society and what was comfortable with others, to be able to reach out to others. Sometimes it may make other people uncomfortable, and “Reborn to be Wild” reminds us that when we stand up for our Father and what we know He calls for, we may not make friends, but we have hope and promise in and through Jesus Christ and that is what matters. Not what the neighbors next door thinks. Or *gasp* the church, or today’s world and culture, but Him, Jesus Christ. He is the one who matters. Not mere men. Are you a tame evangelical? Maybe it’s time for a wild revival. In today’s world where anything goes and people look the other way or escape or find ways to avoid, our Father needs us to use for His greater purpose, to wake, to encourage and to lead people to Him. Being a Christian isn’t a tame walk. Being a Christian, means being a follower of Christ and experiencing a life filled with growth and challenges.(less) | Notes are private!
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| 1599799413
| 9781599799414
| 4.08
| 13
| Jan 01, 2009
| Jun 01, 2010
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This was both a surprising and relieving subject to see discuss, because there is so much “little discuss” that I feel with a little bit of bravery, w...more
This was both a surprising and relieving subject to see discuss, because there is so much “little discuss” that I feel with a little bit of bravery, we must sometimes take the chance and challenge ourselves and what we think and talk about. One of them….jealousy. To say we are immune is denying ourselves, the truth that we are still imperfect and struggle with imperfections and sometimes those imperfections tend to manifest to the best of all struggles. What I found really intriguing about this book is that it is an honest look at something that even a follower can find themselves not immune to…jealousy and the actions that can cripple not only our own walk, but our fellow believer’s walk if we are not careful of trying to bely what is really going on under the surface. How many of us, not wish we were like someone else? Or see disputes started, often under very simplistic matters or compare someone or ourselves to someone else? Reading 1 Corinthians 3:1-3 (NKJV), the following is shared: 1 And I, brethren, could not speak to you as to spiritual people but as to carnal, as to babes in Christ. 2 I fed you with milk and not with solid food; for until now you were not able to receive it, and even now you are still not able; 3 for you are still carnal. For where there are envy, strife, and divisions among you, are you not carnal and behaving like mere men? (1 Corinthians 3:1-3, New King James Version) “Jealousy-The Sin No One Talks About” is an honest, challenging and convicting look at ourselves, at how we interact with others and how we can undermine our walk and that of others without even realizing it and the steps that we can take to overcome, to encourage, to discourage and to challenge ourselves and others, in what is in essence a sin. I know. I know. It can’t happen to me, but it’s a sly, subtle and devious creature that sometimes can have us convincing ourselves, we’re really not jealous, we’re right, they’re wrong. A worthwhile subject to dwelve into….”Jealousy-The Sin No One Talks About” is a “light” but intellectual read that will surely convict, challenge and encourage that our Father is bigger and above all that and can help us rise above the occassion. Though it may seem difficult to pick up, it’s difficult not to put down and instead helps us understand more about what jealousy is and isn’t and as a follower what we should know about “……The Sin No One Talks About”.(less) | Notes are private!
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Nov 28, 2010
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| 0781403650
| 9780781403658
| 4.10
| 50
| 2010
| Jul 01, 2010
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“God Knows My Name: Never Forgotten, Forever Loved” by Beth Redman is an amazing read that had me both in tears and just feeling strengthen in my jour...more
“God Knows My Name: Never Forgotten, Forever Loved” by Beth Redman is an amazing read that had me both in tears and just feeling strengthen in my journey and walk with our Heavenly Father. A powerful, vulnerable and encouraging book, “God Knows My Name: Never Forgotten, Forever Loved” is one of those books, I wouldn’t recommend unless you have several boxes of tissues on hands for it will leave you in tears of joy and heartwarming encouragement that YOU ARE LOVED and our Father does not and will not ever forget you. 192 pages and just filled with the prescence of our Father, what touched me about, “God Knows My Name: Never Forgotten, Forever Loved”, was the personal stories of Beth’s own life that she shared and the strength she found in her church community and our Heavenly Father that helped her grow and become the person our Heavenly Father called her to be, but also a reminder too, for those who feel that they could never move past tragic or sometimes shameful pasts that our Father, is much bigger and stronger than our circumstances. The first chapter was difficult to get past due to the tears and just the feelings of remembering that our Father is always a solid rock that we sometimes don’t give Him all the credit that is really due of Him. “God Knows My Name: Never Forgotten, Forever Loved” just reminded us that sometimes we don’t get the “earthly love” we crave but we have a deeper and stronger love that is always there for us. If you are struggling with difficult circumstances or just maybe you are going through that valley in your life as we all sometimes do, I recommend, “God Knows My Name: Never Forgotten, Forever Loved”.(less) | Notes are private!
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Nov 28, 2010
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| 0310289491
| 9780310289494
| 4.09
| 143
| 2010
| Apr 27, 2010
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”O Me of Little Faith” was a wonderful read, and touched a cord, that many followers can relate of having doubt at some point of their lives. Light-he...more ”O Me of Little Faith” was a wonderful read, and touched a cord, that many followers can relate of having doubt at some point of their lives. Light-hearted, filled with relevant scripture and encouraging, ”O Me of Little Faith” reminds us all of the human side of following our Heavenly Father. What I enjoyed most, other than the cute cover, was the reminder, of how, many of us, at some point and time of our lives, have those moments of doubt and how it’s not necessarily a bad thing, but often the moment, we often need, to motivate us toward re-examining and having a closer relationship with our Heavenly Father. ”O Me of Little Faith” is worth taking the time to visit the author’s website and discovering more about the writer behind, “O Me of Little Faith“ . When asked about what influenced him to write, “O Me of Little Faith“, Jason shared the following in an interview that was shared: Where did you get the idea for the book? I was tasked with giving a sermon at my church a few years ago (occasionally I fill in for our pastor), and the best place to start when preparing a sermon is the question: What is God teaching me right now? And I discovered that I didn’t have an answer to that question. God wasn’t really teaching me anything. In fact, God seemed pretty absent from my life altogether. So for that sermon, I ended up speaking very transparently about doubt, and how there were times I struggled to believe in God. Based on the comments afterward, I found that a lot of people struggled with the same thing — only none of us ever felt like doubt was something we could safely address in church. We all hid our doubts behind a mask of faith and pretended we had it all together. So I thought it would be worthwhile to open up about my doubts and explain how I’m learning to deal with them — if only to let other doubters know they’re not alone. I wanted it to be an encouraging book, because the valley of doubt is a lonely place to be. What intrigued me was what Jason had to say when asked, “What do you hope readers will take away from your book? His reply was: That it’s not the end of the world to experience doubt as a Christian — even the really scary “does God even exist?” kind of doubt. That your faith can not only withstand doubt, but can even be strengthened by it. And that, as a doubter, you are not alone. ”O Me of Little Faith” does just that and reminds us, the follower, that we’re not alone. Even Thomas doubted. Moses hesitated, but what matters is we don’t move back, but keep moving forward, toward our Heavenly Father.(less) | Notes are private!
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Nov 28, 2010
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| 0310293251
| 9780310293255
| 4.33
| 402
| Sep 2009
| Sep 22, 2009
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“Forever”. That was the last chapter of “Becoming More than a Good Bible Study Girl”. Chapter 18-Forever. Sadly, the book cannot last forever and inste...more “Forever”. That was the last chapter of “Becoming More than a Good Bible Study Girl”. Chapter 18-Forever. Sadly, the book cannot last forever and instead, it ended with a beautiful chapter talking about forever with our Heavenly Father. Reading and working through “Becoming More than a Good Bible Study Girl” was an amazing journey, because it is more and wasn’t about how to effectively bible study. Thankfully to our Heavenly Father, is that our relationship with our Heavenly Father is forever There are plenty of tips and articles and books about the subject, but “Becoming More than a Good Bible Study Girl” was about something bigger-It was about when the study ends, like all book studies does, and where do we go from there. What I enjoyed about the book, was that it challenges you not to just look for the next great bible study, but instead, it discusses about how to start basing our relationships with our Heavenly Father not wrapped around book studies or great speakers we admire, but to go beyond that and focus on experiencing a very personal and intentional relationship that begins where the book studies end. From the publisher details about this book, ” Like many women, Lysa TerKeurst knows what its like to consider God just another thing on her to-do list. For years she went through the motions of a Christian life: Go to church. Pray. Be nice. Yet she wanted a deeper connection between what she knew in her head and what she felt in her heart. She wanted to personally experience Gods presence. In this latest book, drawing from her own remarkable story of step-by-step faith, TerKeurst invites women to uncover the spiritually exciting life they long for. With her trademark wit and spiritual wisdom, TerKeurst helps readers enjoy the passion of conversation with God, discover the life-changing words of the Bible, watch God use disappointments for good, and find incredible joy as they live their faith out every day. Whether readers are using this book individually or in a group Bible study, TerKeurst will inspire them to see that Jesus does make a beautiful difference in their livesand that fulfillment is closer than they ever thought possible.” How true that many of us tend to treat our relationship with our Heavenly Father as a checklist of “to-do” and when done, “checking it off”. The truth is, to have a deep, fufilling relationship with our Heavenly Father, it is something that is intentional, and never ending and Lysa shares, in an authentic and often humorous look at how we can have that deep, beautiful and real relationship with our Heavenly Father. Your heart will be touched-Your soul will be encouraged-”Becoming More than a Good Bible Study Girl” is highly recommended if you are looking for that book to just really kick-start your relationship with our Heavenly Father into a much deeper and richer relationship.(less) | Notes are private!
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Nov 28, 2010
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| 0805092285
| 9780805092288
| 4.17
| 539
| Sep 2010
| Sep 28, 2010
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"City of Tranquil Light" is a fascinating look at a distant China that existed before the China that so many of us are familiar with nowadays; Set in...more
"City of Tranquil Light" is a fascinating look at a distant China that existed before the China that so many of us are familiar with nowadays; Set in the early 1900's to the 1950's, "City of Tranquil Light" involves the experiences of two Mennonite missionaries who in their efforts to reach the people of China, find their own faith in our Father, touched as well. Intermixed with diary passages, cultural tidbits of a China pre-industrialization and tidbits of Mennonite culture, "City of Tranquil Light" was a joy to read. Not only did I learn more about the Mennonite culture, but it was a humbling reminder of how our Father in Heaven works without the need for the many commodities that we often depend our lives on. The main characters lives are not easy and often fraught with grief, danger and hardship, but despite all that, their faith in our Father is strong and groomed and the lives that they touched, not just by sharing His word, but by their involvement, reaped blessings beyond words. I found myself caught up with reading, "City of Tranquil Light" , that I found the book so hard to put down and mentally wondering what was happening, will the obstacles they face, grow their faith or be a deterrent and in the end was both touched and strengthened by the reminder how its not what we have that matters but our faith in Him that does. Free of vulgar language, no adult situations, but just straight fiction with well-rounded characters that not only have depth, but also brings the reader in to such a level that you will feel like you know them personally,"City of Tranquil Light" ,is a rich, historical look at China, the Mennonites and more than anything, how sometimes by our Father's calling us out of our comfort zones, the blessings that awaits in His hands.(less) | Notes are private!
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Nov 28, 2010
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| 0891126414
| 9780891126416
| unknown
| 4.00
| 5
| Apr 01, 2010
| Apr 01, 2010
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Reading,"The Plan A Woman in a Plan B World" by Debbie Taylor Williams felt a little bit like how my life feels sometimes and I found myself both tear...more
Reading,"The Plan A Woman in a Plan B World" by Debbie Taylor Williams felt a little bit like how my life feels sometimes and I found myself both teary eye, breathing a sigh of "not just me" and encouraged as Debbie shared both personal stories and encouragement for those times when life just didn't go like we want it to go. We live in a busy world. There is no way around it. Growing up, we might have seen ourselves as one thing only to find something else, or maybe we live a life where everything is fine, till one day, we wake up, and our lives have changed in whatever ways. "The Plan A Woman in a Plan B World" is both an encouragement and a guide to how to not let our "Plan A" interfere with the "Plan B" that happens. Maybe it's unexpected news. A friend's betrayal. Or life changing from everything we know. There are times, even when our hearts may ache or we sigh a wish of wanting a chance to go back, that we have to learn that sometimes, "Plan B" isn't so bad after all but it's how we look and approach it. Reading,"The Plan A Woman in a Plan B World", the reader discovers women who trusted God with their lives and their hearts for something that turns out often, to be better and draws them closer, not farther from Him. So if you woke up in Plan B instead of Plan A, read this book; Discover as it is shared,". In fact, even in the harshest head winds of struggle Williams encourages and inspires you at every turn to move from the discouragement of the Plan B world into the fulfillment and overpowering joy of God’s Plan A for your life."(less) | Notes are private!
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Nov 28, 2010
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| 0310283841
| 9780310283843
| 4.11
| 83
| Apr 01, 2010
| Apr 27, 2010
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I was both humbled and enthralled with Gregory A. Boyd's perspective about having a living, breathing relationship with our Heavenly Father that wasn'...more
I was both humbled and enthralled with Gregory A. Boyd's perspective about having a living, breathing relationship with our Heavenly Father that wasn't boxed in, legalistic or filled with "Need to do" or "To do", but instead, about the fact, it's not about living and experiencing our Father yesterday or tomorrow, or when the time is perfect, but rather, experiencing Him, right now, in the present. What I enjoyed about reading, "Present Perfect" , besides the fact that I found myself constantly nodding in silent agreement, but how as Christians, we sometimes tend to treat our Father as someone who is "only there" on "Sundays" or when we are in need, versus Someone who is there for us and with us 24/7 and not a light switch that we just turn on and off in our lives. This is not an easy read for it will both encourage, but occassional leave one with that convicted, "Ooo....good point there", such as the example Gregory Boyd shares, when he writes, "Suppose a woman in your neighborhood had her husband walk out on her and is in despair. Everyone on the block knows this woman "had it coming" for it was common knowledge that she cheated on her husband, drank too much, and was a "miserable nag." But Gregory hits it hard when he adds, "Yet knowing that God didn't give you what you deserved, you understand you can't anyone else to account for what they may deserve." What Gregory does in, "Present Perfect" , is exposed how easy it is for us to become too comfortable in our walk that we become a little too much like the world, sometimes then we care to admit. He turns around and challenges us to not treat our Father unconsciously or consciously as the world would, but really, cast away our cultural conditioning and cast on our Heavenly Father's conditioning and truly look at the world as He sees it, evoking memories such as Jesus confronting not the adulterous woman, but the Pharisees who were about to stone her. "Present Perfect" , is highly recommended for those who are ready or wanting to have a much closer relationship with our Heavenly Father, not based on what others may think or the "group thought", but rather, really taking things on using our Fathers "thought". I particularly enjoyed how Gregory Boyd challenges the readers to really, take our lives, everything, however mundane and living fully, in an act of worship and service to our Heavenly Father, for us to be fully transformed by Him and not holding Him at bay for when it suits us or our cultural comfort. This is about not inviting our Father in schedule moments but fully inviting Him into our lives, every waking moment and letting Him shine in and through us to the world. I really enjoy reading this book and fear that by the time I finish re-reading it, more than just a few times, that it will be highlighted, creased, notes written in the corner, references and more. (less) | Notes are private!
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May 09, 2010
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| 1434767841
| 9781434767844
| 3.99
| 145
| 2010
| Mar 01, 2010
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"The Right Call" by Kathy Herman, is the last book in the Sophie Trace triology and it is a very heart felt book. Center around the latest mystery tha...more
"The Right Call" by Kathy Herman, is the last book in the Sophie Trace triology and it is a very heart felt book. Center around the latest mystery that has risen up in the small town of Sophie Trace, "The Right Call" addresses how easy it is to let addictions of anything in ones life, from the extremes of gambling to even lying, can have deep trench ramifications to the lives of oneself and to that of others around you. Both bittersweet and a heart warming love story with familiar characters, "The Right Call" is not only page turning but it shows how no one is immune from the choices that they make when they let addictions get the best of them. What I enjoyed most was how it focus more on Vanessa Jessup and Ethan Langley and in the midst of the murder and mayhem that is around them, their budding romance. The only cons that I could really find was the ending felt just a little rushed but at the same time, it doesn't take away from the over all story that does capture your attention and at the end of your seat. A great read for the coming summer nights, I recommend you give the Sophie Trace triology a try if you are in the mood for a little mystery in your life.(less) | Notes are private!
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Apr 15, 2010
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| 0842384014
| 9780842384018
| 4.22
| 18
| Sep 19, 2005
| Oct 01, 2005
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You will eventually figure out that , I enjoy discovering new ways to read and come to understand the Bible. For me, not just reading the Bible, but l...more
You will eventually figure out that , I enjoy discovering new ways to read and come to understand the Bible. For me, not just reading the Bible, but learning to unearth the layers upon layers of comfort, encouragement and coming closer to our Heavenly Father, is part of the joy and exercise of spending daily time reading the Bible. It is like exercising, when you stop reading the Bible, you notice be it gradually or immediately, the effects and when you start reading the Bible, its about learning good habits and overcoming bad habits that may have happen. One of the most popular reasons for not reading the Bible is the average person expresses a lack of understanding how, and Leland Ryken's book, "Ryken's Bible Handbook" is an encouraging and in depth but written at layman's terms, that provide the needed guide map to reading the Bible. No handbook is ever meant to be a subsitute, and different styles of handbook, may appeal to different people, but this particularly handbook, has a very comforting, conversational style, filled with helpful side notes and maps at the ends, to help both new and maturing Christians in their walk. It's often hard to find cons in Bible handbooks, because like travel guides, different people are looking for different things, but like all guides, "Ryken's Bible Handbook" provides a very indepth look at each individual book of the Bible. Another plus about this, is that it is very compact, so it wouldn't take much space in your backpack or tote bag or even say a medium purse (hey these things are important when you're on the go). This is something I strongly recommend for the newbie to the growing Christian to have one hand, both for the compactness of the book to the in depth, but conversational and easy to understand reading.(less) | Notes are private!
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Apr 12, 2010
| Hardcover
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| 1434767264
| 9781434767264
| 4.06
| 34
| Feb 01, 2010
| Feb 01, 2010
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"You Can Still Wear Cute Shoes" is a humorous and yet deeply encouraging book, written by Lisa McKay. Don't let the title mislead you into thinking th...more "You Can Still Wear Cute Shoes" is a humorous and yet deeply encouraging book, written by Lisa McKay. Don't let the title mislead you into thinking that you have to be a Pastor's wife to enjoy it. With a very humorous and deeply human touch, Lisa McKay, shares a witty look at the behind the scences experience of being a Pastor's wife. Bringing a human look at an oft not thought about position in the church, it was both touching and engaging how Lisa McKay, explore the trials, tribulations and joys of being a Pastor's wife and not only provide sound advice for both those who are involved in the ministry and those who are not, but "You Can Still Wear Cute Shoes" also addresses issues that the "non-pastor" wife may experience, including issues such as a church that hurts. The ancedotes that she shared from her beginnings prior to being a Pastor wife, to deep observations of interactions from before and behind the pulpit, I finished "You Can Still Wear Cute Shoes" not only chuckling and being reminded that Pastor Wives are human beings too, but also a look at my own preconceptions of Pastor Wives and also how, in the long run, we are all fellow believers, both with like and different opinions, in this awesome journey with our Heavenly Father. Each chapter ends with not only insights to think about, but challenging questions as well, that is applicable to anyone whose involved in any level of ministry and a great reminder that we don't become any more of a "Super Being" but are still human beings. I was pleasantly surprised as well, in Lisas' insight about blogging that I felt for many of us who blog for various reasons, could benefit from as well as encouraged in our blogging experiences. A light and fun read, "You can Still Wear Cute Shoes" reminds all of us, that if we choose to go into ministry, be it through our spouses or personal decisions, that it's about who we are and yes, cute shoes are still applicable! (less) | Notes are private!
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Apr 08, 2010
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| 1434764753
| 9781434764751
| 3.71
| 24
| Jan 01, 2008
| Mar 01, 2010
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What I really enjoyed about "Storylines" was the very casual, layman approach to understanding the Bible that makes this both an entertaining and info...more
What I really enjoyed about "Storylines" was the very casual, layman approach to understanding the Bible that makes this both an entertaining and informative book about the major themes that are found throughout the Bible. Filled with personal ancedotes, discussion questions at the end, a "paperchase" after each chapter that provides specific verses to further explore the biblical themes that are shared, several appendixes that provide even more in depth information from how the Bible was brought together, discussion of verse to verse studies and character studies, I was really impressed at both how informative and just really entertaining "Storylines" is. More than just a "handbook", I particularly enjoy the personal ancedotes that the authors shared and the light conversational style that "Storylines" is written in, really just shows that there is so much to the Bible that is offered. Although the themes are lightly touched on, this is does not take away from the reading, but instead, the authors touch on topics such as sin, and grace, and our Father's prescence to name a few that had me really glued to each page, andfinding myself surprised for a "small" book of 208 pages, that they manage to share so much about not just the "Bible itself" but each storyline that it is broken down into such as, what they called, "The Jesus Storyline", for example. I highly recommend this refreshing and casual, but, in depth look at the Bible and find yourself looking at the Bible in not only a new way, but at the same time reminded of God's everlasting message that is found through His word. (less) | Notes are private!
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Mar 25, 2010
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