29 August, 2010

Intercessors Arise, by Debbie Przybylski



Intercessors Arise, written by Debbie Przybylski is a compilation of concepts taught through the ministry of the same name, which was birthed in Debbie’s heart during her time serving as a missionary with Operation Mobilization and began in the aftermath of 9/11 as she encourages others to seek after God’s own heart and cultivate a life of confident intercessory prayer. I was deeply challenged not just to build and strengthen intercessory prayer in my own life, but also to spend more time in just stillness and quietness of heart before my Father.

Through much personal learning, growth and insight, the author shares truths about pursuing God’s own heart, increasing in faith, having a life of purity and character, treasuring and praying back to the Lord from Scriptures, the importance of forgiveness in a believer’s life, having a heart of compassion, the essentialness of waiting patiently and prayerfully for God to work, interceding for revival and other keys to effective and life-changing intercessory prayer. She gives further insight by including excerpts and quotations from various Godly authors and great Christians.

With the soul-searching application questions and prayer and the close of each chapter, this book would be excellent to be read during times of personal devotion following time in the Word and will also aid in implementing truths that you learn as you read through this book into your life moment-my-moment. This book is a wonderful presentation of truths for any believer desiring to use his or her life to impact the world for the furtherance of the Gospel.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from NavPress Publishers as part of their Blogger Review Program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commision’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

The Heavens Proclaim Your Glory, created and compiled by Lisa Stilwell



The Heavens Proclaim Your Glory, created and compiled by Lisa Stilwell is a beautiful and fascinating display of God’s wondrous creation in outer space. Displayed in a very attractive table-top or gift format, stunning pictures courtesy of NASA are printed alongside scriptures and quotes from various individuals which point the reader to glorifying the Lord in utter incredulousness at His creative design and workings in our Earth and solar system, as well as galaxies beyond which we cannot even begin to comprehend with the naked eye while stargazing. The reader will find it impossible not to pause and worship our great God as they view and read this compilation.

It is also filled with incredible facts, such as the speed of the Hubble Telescope. Amazing and mind-boggling information is found within these pages! We both greatly enjoyed this book and look forward to sharing it with our children as they grow.

We did notice one minor aspect of this book that we feel detracts from its ease and beauty. Many of the pictures are printed on glossy paper, and we noticed visible fingerprints just from leafing through this work. But that is minor, particularly when we found The Heavens Declare Your Glory to be such as excellent book, and believe anyone would desire to have a copy for his or her own personal library. Very well done!

*This book was gratefully received from Thomas Nelson at no cost in exchange for my agreement to post this review.

I review for BookSneeze

27 August, 2010

Stress Free Life, by Bishop Bonnie Etta



Stress Free Life: Seven Keys to Extraordinary Life was written by Bishop Bonnie Etta and is a book I received through the author’s agent. I had never heard of either the author nor of the church he pastors and founded, The World Vision International Worship Center in Beltsville, Maryland

I found it to be an “inspirational” read with insight into the lives and struggles of others gained by much interaction. He emphasizes the importance of enjoying God’s peace in our lives and enjoying the life He has given to us rather than being consumed by stress and conflict. I read his points on loving the Lord, forgiving offenders (as well as ourselves), walking in Truth and in The Spirit, desiring unity, showing appreciation and gratitude, cultivating relationships through communication, choosing our life’s destiny (which admittedly I had strong disagreements with), breaking satanic ties and walking in blessing, strategic praying, anointing, success in life and how to acquire it, faith, grace, and vision & purpose.

I am unsure, however, about the author’s theological background, and experienced much hesitation while reading this book. Although I read statements on loving the Lord and His Word and trusting Him to work His plan in our lives, and he stated that we are saved and washed by the blood of the Lord Jesus Christ, and mentions being “born again” when stating that becoming a child of God has to do with transformation and a baptism, I failed to read of God’s complete sovereignty over our lives, and how it is through faith alone that we are saved, that we are bought with a price, and that our purpose on life is to glorify God and make much of Him – regardless of the circumstances He in His love and mercy places us in. Additionally, I was deeply troubled by references leading the reader to believe that God’s intentions for us are those of health, wealth, and success – that we simply need to claim them as our covenental rights as a child of God, and I was also stunned by the statement that poverty is offensive to God and born out of unbiblical life practices. Although I respect the author’s time and effort invested into this writing, I will not recommend it.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the author. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commision’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Practicing Hospitality: The Joy of Serving Others, by Patricia A. Ennis and Lisa Tatlock



Practicing Hospitality: The Joy of Serving Others, is co-authored by Patricia A. Ennis and Lisa Tatlock. With ties to the Home Economics Departments at The Master’s College, as (respectively) chairwoman and educator, this topic is one that they are passionate about and desire that every woman desiring to please God in every aspect of her life would grasp a hold of. They have written this book as a heart-study in the biblical mandate of Christian hospitality, with much thought to application and biblical study as well as in-depth experience in the area of homemaking.

As a relatively new homemaker I can only wish to have spent some of my single years under their tutelage, but through this book still have opportunity! As I read, I learned not only what true and genuine Christian hospitality is and how I can cultivate it in my own life and home, but also many practical hints and advice on beginning and implementation. From recipes, to household tips, to menu planning, to being a wise steward with given funds, to even fun themes such as hosting a Tea Party, I was intrigued, and my desire to have my home as an outreach to encourage believers and lead the lost to the Savior was renewed. Excellent book for every Christian woman – regardless of marital status, whether you live in a small apartment (such as myself) or a sprawling estate, have children running around, or live in a rural or urban setting. ☺

* I have written this post due to my enjoyment of this book and have received no product or payment in compensation.

Lee: A Life of Virtue, by John Perry



Lee: A Life of Virtue, is written by John Perry and is a part of the series titled The Generals. When I first saw this book listed on Thomas Nelson’s website, I was so excited and hoped that I would be able to receive a copy to review! I have long admired General Robert E. Lee for his loyalty to God, family, wise discernment and yes, even as military defender for the right. My hope was that this book would portray him as the true gentleman he was, and I was thrilled as I finished the book to have indeed read a wonderful memoir.

I enjoyed reading of his family’s incredible political history, with deep familial roots to the “Old Dominion”. How even as a boy he was raised with a deep defense of liberty and justice. How he cared for his ailing mother, excelled at military academy, and won the heart of his beloved wife, Mary Custis Lee. I also read of his military accomplishments, of both low (at which time he also cared for the estate of Arlington) and high points in his military career – from battles in Mexico and in western territory to the battlefields of Gettysburg, where he fought as a General, defending his native state Virginia, as a part of the Confederate States of America. It tells vividly of the turmoil he felt over a divided nation, and of concern for his wife and children. It concludes with General Lee’s life following the war, and is overall an honorable and fascinating book. I would love to see one written on General “Stonewall” Jackson!

*This book was gratefully received from Thomas Nelson at no cost in exchange for my agreement to post this review.

I review for BookSneeze

The Chase, by Jerry Bridges with Jay and Jen Howver



The Chase, written by Jerry Bridges with Jay and Jen Howver is a contemporary adaption of The Pursuit of Holiness, a well-known classic also published by NavPress. Anyone who desires that their life reflect more of the image of the Lord Jesus Christ and are willing to begin the process of Holiness by having a heart yearning to do the will of God and to please Him and glorify Him in every aspect of their lives will benefit from the wisdom given, and biblical truths taught, in this book. As I read this book, many Scriptures were brought to the forefront of my mind, as I was reminded of essential truths such as: I am responsible for my actions, and have the provision of God’s provision and unmerited grace to live in accordance with His will; Sin cannot tell me how to live (Romans 6:14); That victory and a holy life can be mine through the purity of Christ; and That I am commanded to be holy as He is holy (1 Peter 1:16).

This book was easily read and I can see it being especially popular amongst younger readers as well as busy individuals due to its short chapters, which range from 2-12 pages each. I would recommend The Chase for personal reading as well as for a small group study.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from NavPress Publishers as part of their Blogger Review Program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commision’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

A Praying Life, by Paul E. Miller



A Praying Life, written by Paul E. Miller is for those believers who desire to know God in a fuller way by deepening their prayer life as it draws the reader into the heart and reality of prayer by reviewing frequent “prayer hang-ups” as well as common distractions. As I read this book, I was given many glimpses into the author’s own journey towards a fulfilling, joyful and vibrant prayer life through the personal examples of him and his family. I think many parents will be able to relate to his thoughts and struggles, particularly those who have a special-needs or developmentally delayed child.

I believe many readers will find his advice and directives towards the use of helpful prayer tools that he uses in his own life, such as building and keeping a prayer journal and compiling prayer cards. As a very visual person, I appreciated how he not only described these tools, but he also gave illustrated examples. I found this book to be informative and practical, perhaps because it was derived from notes used for his growing PrayerLife Seminar, which he began to encourage other believers to see the importance of prayer and the joy that it brings, and has also guided many to achieving it and strengthening it in their lives.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from NavPress Publishers as part of their Blogger Review Program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commision’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

16 August, 2010

William F. Buckley, by Jeremy Lott



The book, William F. Buckley by Jeremy Lott, was intriguing to us because neither of us had heard of this man before (as least not that we could recall!). As we read, we learned of a man who unabashedly stood for a conservative reawakening in the political culture of the United States, and credited his Catholic faith (with Irish-Protestant roots) as the thread which tied a resolve for the right and indeed to whatever tasks he found at hand that God had placed in his life.

Thrown into public awareness when his book God and Man at Yale was published, he rose from criticizing the lack of found religious tolerance at his Alma Mater to founding the National Review magazine in the 1950's and even being credited with founding (or perhaps the word "uniting" suits better) the Conservative Movement that many of us may be familiar with today. He was also a strong Libertarian. He was a confidant of many well known conservative leaders and sought reform in all of politics in general. He took a strong stand against Communism and any who supported it (yes, even those who were unwilling to take a critical stance against it became an object of critique, particularly those who he believed to be only taking their personal interests into consideration).

I enjoyed catching a glimpse of the personal life, family upbringing, and religious convictions that molded William F. Buckley into the impassioned political presence (and writer, of course) that he became. And even though the book honestly put me to sleep, I still consider it to be quite interesting and would give it 3 stars, particularly to those who have a keen interest in modern or historical politics.

*This book was gratefully received from Thomas Nelson at no cost in exchange for my agreement to post this review.

I review for BookSneeze

10 August, 2010

Jungle Warfare, by Christopher A. Cunningham



Jungle Warfare: A Basic Field Guide for Christians in Sales is written by Christopher A. Cunningham in an easy-to-read twenty-two day devotional format. Using his late grandfather's Army manual dated December 15, 1941 as a springboard, the author weaves together jungle survival tactics with simple thoughts from a Christian perspective. I appreciated how the author is quick to recognize those serving in the armed forces and clearly states that by referencing a military training manual he is not seeking to trivialize its importance or to minimize these individuals face which few of our careers can compare.

Although Mr. Cunningham's approach may be considered unique, I did not find the content of the book to be particularly insightful, thought provoking, or challenging. I do appreciate the emphasis he gave to a daily Scripture passage, daily commitment, daily prayer, and daily reflection. However, I still find the concepts to be lacking in depth. I see this as perhaps an inspirational how-to from a Christian mindset, and feel that it may be a poor choice of a devotional for a believer really seeking growth.

Some may find the questions at the back of the book to be helpful as he deals with a variety of subjects that would be of concern to a Christian salesman and given that the answers are written alongside Scripture and supporting quotations from various individuals. Although I admire the great work every author puts into their work, unfortunately I can only give this book two stars.

*This book was gratefully received from Thomas Nelson at no cost in exchange for my agreement to post this review.

I review for BookSneeze

The Fulfilled Family, by John McArthur



The Fulfilled Family: God's Design for Your Home, by Pastor John McArthur was a wonderful read that I found in our church's library. Yay for libraries!

Using Ephesians 5 and 6 as his outline, Pastor McArthur writes on how a family can achieve success in God's eyes, by following the principles He has given in His word. Wives submitting to their own husbands and loving him with the love of Christ and seeking true inner beauty, husbands laying down their lives and loving their wives as Christ loved the Church, children honoring and obeying their parents, and parents seeking to draw their children to the heart of God and using biblical instruction and godly discipline as needed with patience & love and never anger. The author draws insights from the relationship of Christ with the Church for his illustrations and I found his words to be sound. I am looking forward for a chance to read another of his books, Successful Christian Parenting, which delves into more practical application.

* I have written this post due to my enjoyment of this book and have received no product or payment in compensation.

09 August, 2010

Trusting God, by Jerry Bridges



Trusting God, by Jerry Bridges is one of the best books written on viewing our circumstances from a biblical perspective that I have yet read. Full of Scripture and of theologically sound truths, Mr. Bridges fleshes out his theme of trusting in our sovereign, wise, and loving God and applies it to all aspects of our life, although his directive is primarily that of adversity.

Initially, I found it interesting that he chose to include self-acceptance as a key part of seeing God's sovereignty amidst trials, but he is absolutely correct! Indeed, that is one particularity about Trusting God that stood out to me: this book is so much more than simply a thesis on basic (or even lofty) Christian beliefs, it is a handbook guiding you towards practical Christian thought and worldview.

The subtitle, Even When Life Hurts, is a reminder to us that Christians ought to expect hardships in life just as a nonbeliever. The difference being that we have the grace of our Lord to gain strength and hope from during those times. This book will strengthen your trust in the Lord as you learn in a deeper way that He is fully in control over every aspect of our lives and is truly worthy of our praise. Excellent!

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from NavPress Publishers as part of their Blogger Review Program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commision's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

03 August, 2010

Living with Confidence in a Chaotic World, by Dr. David Jeremiah


In this follow-up writing to an earlier book he wrote, Dr. Jeremiah answers the question "What should we do now?" in regards to current world events and the coming end times. He challenges his reader from the authority of God's Word to place our confidence and hope in the Almighty, the only One who is dependable and sure in times of uncertainty, troubles, and turmoil at all levels of society and within governments and economies.

I found his words to be wise and discerning. I appreciate that rather than relying on fruitless sayings of his own thought, he delivered hope straight from Scripture. I found his advice on "coping" to be relevant to any situation that causes uneasiness, from his first chapter on being compassionate to offenders to his final point of staying convinced that our God is unfailing and sovereign, as well as unwavering in our Christian walk and our knowledge that we are daily in spiritual warfare with an adversary who seeks our soul.

I was challenged by the many accounts he brought to remembrance of those who have endured persecution for their belief in God, even to the point of death. He wrote of how even in their dire circumstances, they found hope in the Lord, because their confidence was "In Him." I pray that the same can always be said of my life, even in the day to day hardships as well as the joys that come to each of us.

*This book was gratefully received from Thomas Nelson at no cost in exchange for my agreement to post this review.

I review for BookSneeze