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.
Monday, August 23, 2010
Book Review - Captured by Grace
I couldn't wait to start reading this book because I wanted to learn more about the life of John Newton, writer of the song "Amazing Grace". When I started the book the prelude immediately drew me in with two vignettes from the lives of John Newton and the apostle Paul. I had never really stopped to think about Paul's life before he became a follower of Christ. This book drew beautiful parallels between Paul's life, Newton's life and all our lives before we choose to follow Jesus.
This book isn't so much a biography of Paul or Newton as a focused look at God's grace as evidenced in both their lives. Of course, it also discusses how grace affects the lives of all who accept God's gift of grace. In addition to looking at the lives of the apostle Paul and John Newton, the book also introduces other Christians who have chosen to trust God even in extremely difficult circumstances. I especially enjoyed learning the stories of missionary Helen Roseveare and Harriet Beecher Stowe. Even though each of these women suffered in different ways, God used each of them to further His kingdom. One quote from Helen Roseveare which especially tugged at my heart was, " Can you thank Me for trusting you with this experience, even if I never tell you why?" We may not always understand why we are suffering but God's grace is sufficient in all circumstances.
I highly recommend this book for anyone who wants to spend more time focusing on God's grace. It is thought-provoking, yet easy to read.
In the interest of disclosure, I received a copy of this book from the publisher, but the views expressed here are entirely my own.
This book isn't so much a biography of Paul or Newton as a focused look at God's grace as evidenced in both their lives. Of course, it also discusses how grace affects the lives of all who accept God's gift of grace. In addition to looking at the lives of the apostle Paul and John Newton, the book also introduces other Christians who have chosen to trust God even in extremely difficult circumstances. I especially enjoyed learning the stories of missionary Helen Roseveare and Harriet Beecher Stowe. Even though each of these women suffered in different ways, God used each of them to further His kingdom. One quote from Helen Roseveare which especially tugged at my heart was, " Can you thank Me for trusting you with this experience, even if I never tell you why?" We may not always understand why we are suffering but God's grace is sufficient in all circumstances.
I highly recommend this book for anyone who wants to spend more time focusing on God's grace. It is thought-provoking, yet easy to read.
In the interest of disclosure, I received a copy of this book from the publisher, but the views expressed here are entirely my own.
Book Review - The Butterfly Effect
I'm not normally a big fan of gift books, but I couldn't resist reading this new gift book by Andy Andrews since I enjoy his books. I was not disappointed in this one. As a gift book, I really enjoyed both the design and layout of the pages and the story itself. Of course, as with all gift books this one was a quick read, so it's appropriate even for someone who doesn't consider themselves a reader.
The story itself, though, will make you think more about the impact your life has not only on those around you but also on future generations. Truly, our words and actions matter. I love the illustration of how one life impacts another, which impacts another and so on. One of the two illustrations in this book of how every person's life is important, began with a person I'm sure few people have ever heard of named Norman Borlaug (read the book to find out just who he is!). And the two lives who were highlighted are only examples. Your life matters just as much as Norman Borlaug's.
This would be such a great gift to anyone who thinks their life doesn't matter. It will give its readers a more eternal perspective on the importance of every human life. The decisions we make today to serve God can make a difference in someone's life we may never even meet.
In the interest of disclosure, I received a copy of this book from the publisher, but the opinions expressed here are entirely my own.
The story itself, though, will make you think more about the impact your life has not only on those around you but also on future generations. Truly, our words and actions matter. I love the illustration of how one life impacts another, which impacts another and so on. One of the two illustrations in this book of how every person's life is important, began with a person I'm sure few people have ever heard of named Norman Borlaug (read the book to find out just who he is!). And the two lives who were highlighted are only examples. Your life matters just as much as Norman Borlaug's.
This would be such a great gift to anyone who thinks their life doesn't matter. It will give its readers a more eternal perspective on the importance of every human life. The decisions we make today to serve God can make a difference in someone's life we may never even meet.
In the interest of disclosure, I received a copy of this book from the publisher, but the opinions expressed here are entirely my own.
Monday, August 9, 2010
Book Review - She Walks In Beauty
Based on the back of this book, I wasn't sure I would enjoy it, but it didn't take me long to become engrossed in this story of New York's Gilded Age. The main character, Clara Carter, is being trained by her aunt and father to "catch" a proper husband. In fact, they have a particular person in mind, and not one that Clara wants to marry. But Clara feels that as a woman she doesn't have any other choices since she has no marketable skills.
As the book progresses, Clara begins to question the direction that has been laid out for her. I thoroughly enjoyed watching her character grow as she began to realize that she alone was responsible for the decisions she made and that making moral choices was preferable to following the crowd ("everyone else does it").
This book is very well written and well researched. I learned several new details about the Gilded Age. I look forward to reading more books by this author.
Although I received a copy of this book from the publisher, the views expressed are entirely my own.
As the book progresses, Clara begins to question the direction that has been laid out for her. I thoroughly enjoyed watching her character grow as she began to realize that she alone was responsible for the decisions she made and that making moral choices was preferable to following the crowd ("everyone else does it").
This book is very well written and well researched. I learned several new details about the Gilded Age. I look forward to reading more books by this author.
Although I received a copy of this book from the publisher, the views expressed are entirely my own.
Tuesday, July 20, 2010
Book Review - Same Kind of Different As Me
What an amazing story! I loved this book from the first page to the last (and would love to read an update). For some reason, when I started this book I thought it was fiction. About halfway through I figured out these were real people and I was amazed at how God brought Denver and Ron into each others' lives. It was wonderful to read how two people whose paths would ordinarily never cross became closer than many families.
This book was inspiring on several levels. On a personal level I believe that every Christian who reads this book will be challenged to listen and to act on the call to follow Christ in His work. He won't call everyone to the same place, but He does call each of us to move outside our comfort zone just as He called both Denver and Ron to move outside of theirs. It was wonderful to read a first hand account of how God is working in our world today in miraculous ways. So many of these stories are never told, so it was great to get to read Denver and Ron's story.
This book is very well written and it is so much more than an inspiring story. It's a call to action for every Christian to follow Christ in His work - where He has called us. If you don't read another non-fiction book this year, you should do yourself a favor and read this one.
In the interest of disclosure I received a copy of this book from the publisher, but the opinions expressed are entirely my own.
This book was inspiring on several levels. On a personal level I believe that every Christian who reads this book will be challenged to listen and to act on the call to follow Christ in His work. He won't call everyone to the same place, but He does call each of us to move outside our comfort zone just as He called both Denver and Ron to move outside of theirs. It was wonderful to read a first hand account of how God is working in our world today in miraculous ways. So many of these stories are never told, so it was great to get to read Denver and Ron's story.
This book is very well written and it is so much more than an inspiring story. It's a call to action for every Christian to follow Christ in His work - where He has called us. If you don't read another non-fiction book this year, you should do yourself a favor and read this one.
In the interest of disclosure I received a copy of this book from the publisher, but the opinions expressed are entirely my own.
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