The focus of the book Seeds of Turmoil: The Biblical Roots of the Inevitable Crisis in the Middle East was fascinating to me. I was hoping to come to a new or deeper understanding of the current state of that part of the world by looking at current world events from a Biblical perspective. Unfortunately, I feel this book doesn't go far enough in its analysis.
Part One of the book is a thorough synopsis of the several chapters of Old Testament history beginning with God's promise to Abram and how he and Sarai tried to "help" God by having Abram father a son with Sarai's maid Hagar. Clearly, from a Biblical perspective this is the root of the problems in the Middle East, but this book contained little if any information that most Christians do not already know.
I found Part Two of the book a bit more interesting. It looks at the current relationship between Muslims, Jews and Christians and also covers several prophecies found in the Bible (some of which have already been fulfilled - others of which have not). It also focuses on the how today's Christians should relate to Jews today.
Overall, in my opinion this book did not delve deep enough into the subject at hand. While there is some interesting information in here, most of it is not as enlightening as I had hoped.
Although I received a copy of this book from the publisher the views expressed are entirely my own.
Thursday, September 23, 2010
Monday, September 6, 2010
Book Review - The Boy Who Changed the World
I always enjoy childrens' books that have a Christian theme. I am happy to add this book by Andy Andrews to my collection. This story is a childrens' version of Andrews' book The Butterfly Effect.
The story starts with a little boy named Norman Borlaug who grew up and saved over two billion people from starving. Then of course, Andrews leads young readers from Borlaug down a chain of people showing how one life impacted another which in turn impacted another. The message is clearly conveyed to young readers that each life matters - including their own - and that the positive, God-honoring decisions we make today can have a lasting impact far beyond what we might imagine.
This book is beautifully illustrated and well-written. The message to young readers is clear. On the last page in colorful bold print is the line, " That means YOU can be the kid who changes the world!"
What a wonderful, positive message to send children. This would be an excellent book to give as a gift to encourage both a love of reading and to encourage with this inspiring message. I don't think enough children in today's society are told that they matter or are encouraged to use the gifts and talents God has given them to help others. This book does both.
Although I received a copy of this book from the publisher, the opinions expressed are entirely my own.
The story starts with a little boy named Norman Borlaug who grew up and saved over two billion people from starving. Then of course, Andrews leads young readers from Borlaug down a chain of people showing how one life impacted another which in turn impacted another. The message is clearly conveyed to young readers that each life matters - including their own - and that the positive, God-honoring decisions we make today can have a lasting impact far beyond what we might imagine.
This book is beautifully illustrated and well-written. The message to young readers is clear. On the last page in colorful bold print is the line, " That means YOU can be the kid who changes the world!"
What a wonderful, positive message to send children. This would be an excellent book to give as a gift to encourage both a love of reading and to encourage with this inspiring message. I don't think enough children in today's society are told that they matter or are encouraged to use the gifts and talents God has given them to help others. This book does both.
Although I received a copy of this book from the publisher, the opinions expressed are entirely my own.
Book Review - Outlive Your Life
I thoroughly enjoyed reading Max Lucado's newest book, Outlive Your Life. The title - "Outlive Your Life: You Were Made to Make a Difference" gives a hint of the inspiring message in this book. It is filled with snippets of true stories of how God has used His followers throughout history to draw others to Him.
Each chapter focuses on a different aspect of how God uses His people. In addition to referencing scripture within each chapter to prove his point, Lucado also quotes a different scripture at the end of each chapter which succinctly captures the message of that chapter. For example, one chapter focuses on how we do not need to be impressive or amazing in the world's eyes in order to be useful to God. At the end of this chapter, Lucado quotes I Corinthians 1:26-27 - a passage which I love and which is very appropriate to the topic.
At the end of the book is a section called Discussion and Action Guide. I can see where this book would be an excellent book for small group study when used with this guide. But even if you're reading the book by yourself as I was, don't skip over this section. It is thought-provoking and you can use it as a jumping-off point to put what you read into practice. Many of the Ideas For Action are not difficult or time-consuming but they will cause you to reevaluate your actions and hopefully become more intentional in serving God. For example, when you enter a room instead of sitting with the people you always do (which is a habit for most of us) choose to sit with someone who is sitting alone.
One thing which everyone who reads this book should take away is that we need to move outside our comfort zones when God calls us to. And He will call us to move outside our comfort zone in some way. Open your eyes and heart to ways God is wanting to use you to help others TODAY. Every interaction we have is an opportunity for God to use us to reach someone else. "Determine how your gifts, passion, and opportunities best fit into God's plan to serve your neighborhood, community, and world." Then choose to use those gifts, passion, and opportunities to serve God by serving others.
Although I received a copy of this book from the publisher to review, the opinions expressed are entirely my own.
Each chapter focuses on a different aspect of how God uses His people. In addition to referencing scripture within each chapter to prove his point, Lucado also quotes a different scripture at the end of each chapter which succinctly captures the message of that chapter. For example, one chapter focuses on how we do not need to be impressive or amazing in the world's eyes in order to be useful to God. At the end of this chapter, Lucado quotes I Corinthians 1:26-27 - a passage which I love and which is very appropriate to the topic.
At the end of the book is a section called Discussion and Action Guide. I can see where this book would be an excellent book for small group study when used with this guide. But even if you're reading the book by yourself as I was, don't skip over this section. It is thought-provoking and you can use it as a jumping-off point to put what you read into practice. Many of the Ideas For Action are not difficult or time-consuming but they will cause you to reevaluate your actions and hopefully become more intentional in serving God. For example, when you enter a room instead of sitting with the people you always do (which is a habit for most of us) choose to sit with someone who is sitting alone.
One thing which everyone who reads this book should take away is that we need to move outside our comfort zones when God calls us to. And He will call us to move outside our comfort zone in some way. Open your eyes and heart to ways God is wanting to use you to help others TODAY. Every interaction we have is an opportunity for God to use us to reach someone else. "Determine how your gifts, passion, and opportunities best fit into God's plan to serve your neighborhood, community, and world." Then choose to use those gifts, passion, and opportunities to serve God by serving others.
Although I received a copy of this book from the publisher to review, the opinions expressed are entirely my own.
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