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.”

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.

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.

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."

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.