Love and Respect, by Dr. Emerson Eggerichs

:: Based upon Ephesians 5:33 and extensive biblical and psychological research, Dr. Emerson Eggerichs reveals the power of unconditional love and unconditional respect and how husbands and wives can reap the benefits of marriage that God intended. (Taken from Booksneeze.com)::


Love and Respect: The Love She Most Desires – The Respect He Desperately Needs, is written by widely known and respected marriage counselor, mentor, conference speaker, and author Dr. Emerson Eggerichs. With wisdom and candor, he draws the reader into learning and understanding a truth that will bring hope to today’s discouraging outlook on the state of marriage by showing that you can be far more than just lovers but best friends that find joy in each day that God gives breath! I purchased my first copy of this book while yet single, and I think that this book is one of several that set me up for two years and going of pure happiness and contentment with the man God had for me. Rather than simply being a formula: he shows love, she shows respect = great marriage, this book will draw you to biblical understanding of the one you are married to, and encourage you and challenge you to cement your marriage in the truth of God’s word.

As I continually discover more about showing Christ’s love to my husband, I must also understand that he is human, and a sinner saved by God’s grace who loves me with all his heart and *is learning*! I’m so glad I’m not the only one! :-) By showing him respect by accepting him as he learns and trusting that God is working through him I am free to be content with how God leads us as a couple. I love being married! :-) I would heartily recommend this book to others and wanted to receive this review copy so that I would have an extra copy to share with friends.

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

Unto the Hills, by Billy Graham

Unto the Hills, is a year-long devotional written and compiled by Billy Graham, the well-known and respected evangelist, famous for his crusades which have been held all over the world and attended by current and past generations. This book is a reprint of the original that was published twenty-five years ago. The reader will enjoy a short and inspiring daily reading from which they will find a text, message, and closing prayer. Throughout the course of the year, this book covers a wide variety of topics and the reader will have much to gain from this beloved pastor who has a long lifetime of experience in ministry and in sharing about the Lord.

I found this devotional to be a good choice for a reader wanting something that will inspire them for the day and provide food for thought that would direct them to thinking of the Lord and His Word. Although the daily texts aren’t especially deep, profound, or new, I did not discover them to be incredibly trivial. The truths given will benefit the reader regardless of age, ethnicity, position, or walk in life. That is the beauty of God’s Word, which will never return void.

I found the short memoir to his late wife, Ruth, to be beautiful as he expressed how she invested in the original compilation of this book and shared his joy at being reunited with her soon in Heaven.

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

Slave, by John MacArthur

Slave, is authored by Pastor John MacArthur is an eye-opening book revealing truths of God’s Word and of a critical understanding of our standing in Him which is marred by current biblical translations of the words ebed and doulos. So often in Christian circles we are encouraged (and encourage others) to make Jesus our “personal Savior” or that “He just wants us to be happy” or there is an overemphasis on our freedom in Christ which is wrongly equated with our being able to do whatever we want. In this book, Pastor MacArthur teaches how the words ebed and doulos ought to be correctly translated as slave rather than the common translation of servant or worker.  Although this might at first glance not seem like a major deal, he wisely points out how this can steer us to incorrect theological beliefs of our relationship with God, and displace His holiness and ownership of us in that as Christians we are to be completely controlled by God and His will and doing everything with Him in mind realizing we answer completely to Him and everything about us is in His control and hands. He alone is sovereign. As you read this book, any prior misgivings about being a “slave” of God on historic slavery issues here in the United States or United Kingdom will be replaced with joy as we understand how deeply we are His.

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

Seeds of Turmoil, by Bryant Wright

Seeds of Turmoil, written by  Pastor Bryant Wright, is a fascinating book telling of the biblical roots of the crisis in the Middle East. Through historical and biblical illustrations, the reader will discover that although the conflict rages today, it is hardly a new trouble that brews. Beginning with Abraham’s disobedience to the Lord in taking matters into his own hands of means of providing himself an heir, the author skillfully traces through the ages the conflict and God’s hand amidst it all. Not only will you gain understanding of the relationship between the Jewish and Islamic religions, but also of the differences between Shiite and Sunni Muslims.

I found this book to be very well written and appreciate the added insights the author provided through maps and scriptural references. He addresses the issue of Middle Eastern conflict with honesty, respect, and boldness. With a subject that can at times be frightening and unknown, he provided a faith-building narrative that will bring wisdom, hope, and renewed faith that the Lord is sovereign over all the affairs of men. This book will give the reader renewed focus for praying for the nation of Israel and all Jews, as well as for Christian believers and for Muslims as we await the second coming of Jesus Christ.

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

 

On This Day in Christian History, by Robert J. Morgan

 

On This Day in Christian History, is authored by Robert J. Morgan and is written in a year-long format which will invite the reader to daily be introduced to a preacher, pope, martyr, Christian hero, or saint, as glimpses are caught of their life and devotion to Christ through the text. I found the variety to be fascinating as it spanned church history from the early beginnings to Billy Graham, the beloved preacher. My faith was challenged as I read the trials and joys so contentedly received from God’s hand by these men and women of faith, knowing that the same grace is available to me as I lead up the Lord and look to Him during anything I might face (which pales in comparison to the stories I read).

Some stories are whimsical and some are tragic and heartbreaking, but each one will draw you to emotionally grasp a bit of the thought and motives of historic names oft heard of but often separated from the reality that they were actual people with desires just like yours and mine. As I read I was challenged and inspired as I read of their lives, and renewed with desire to be sold out for the Lord Jesus.

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

 

The International Children’s Bible Holy Bible

The International Children’s Bible Holy Bible is designed and formatted especially for children and written in a language geared towards a third grade reading level. This particular edition has many vivid illustrations portraying various bible stories, created in a way to artistically capture a child’s attention and imagination.

I would have preferred that this Bible be hardcover bound, seeing how kids can be with books, particularly one that they will be encouraged to reach for daily. I feel that, being paperback, it has the potential to wear too quickly. But that is simply personal preference and I do like the vivid red chosen for the cover, which will aid a child in quickly recognizing which Bible is his or hers. Additionally, I’m also not sure that having an edition like this is really necessary. I read the New King James version from a very young age and did not have difficulty understanding, and when the time comes for my daughter to be at the age to being reading, I want her to be unafraid of difficult words. My wife and I are excited about taking time to teach them to her and explain them so she understands their meaning and concept. So seemingly difficult words, especially theological, would only serve as springboards for discussion, even though we will probably give her an ESV edition in her favorite color.

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

 

The Nativity Collection, by Robert J. Morgan

The Nativity Collection, written by Robert J. Morgan, is a heart-warming selection of original Christmas stories penned by the author and read to his congregation during the yearly Christmas Eve service, one story each year. Bound in a beautiful gift-edition are six of these stories, together forming a collection that would be a welcome gift or a wonderful addition to one’s one holiday coffee table or bookshelf. As one who gleefully collects Christmas books ranging from serious to whimsical, I was excited when this particular volume became available for review.

I enjoyed reading the stories, beginning with the tale of how Ollie acquired his World War II era nativity snow-globe, to the grandfather and grandson braving an Appalachian blizzard during the Depression, to the newlywed couple rediscovering love and tenderness, to the Swiss woodcarver who discovered the Judean Lamb of God as Savior. Each story is a beautiful reminder to cherish the simple things of life that the Lord has given to us in family, health, and most of all, Himself. I also enjoyed the charming illustrations scattered throughout the book as well as the artistically designed glossy pages with easy to read typeset. Wonderful Christmas edition that is sure to be enjoyed by all ages! 

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

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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.

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.

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.

Patton (The Generals), by Agostino von Hassell

This book is a biography about George Smith Patton, Jr., a man who served in both WWI and WWII, who was renowned for both his courageous leadership and ability on the field as well as for the impetuous temperament for which he was often criticized. He was a very determined man with a unique wisdom and foresight when it came to contemplating an enemy’s move or advance and was an expert in combat strategy. He also had a reputation for impeccable adherence to military protocol, demanding nothing less than 110% from himself and those who served under him, although this also led to severe critiques of those in higher command and to several instances where he chose to not follow particular orders but to instead follow his own instincts.

Although the book mainly concentrates on his military service, particularly on the field and trenches of Europe, it also reveals the formative years that shaped General Patton's passion for a military career of excellence as well as interesting endeavors he pursued. It also tells of his impressive work in popularizing the use of tanks for combat by the U.S. military. I found this book to be an excellent narrative of his life and career of military service. Although the author does not deny nor hide General Patton’s harsh character flaws, it still paints an honest and honorable depiction of one of the greatest Generals to ever serve the United States of America.

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