Unleashed by Erwin Raphael McManus is written in a straightforward, easy to read style, but its content is hard to swallow. McManus challenges that the church today is drinking a watered down Jesus. He creates a dichotomy between the civilized Christian and the barbaric Christian, calling us to the way of the barbaric. While this may sound dramatic or crude, it is characterized by a life of love, obedience, and sacrifice to Christ with an unashamed abandon. The focus is on commitment, being sold-out to Christ, rather than just going through the motions and doing the expected Christian thing.
My main criticism is that there is a lot of theory and not a lot of practical application for those wanting to make a change. For those readers who feel called to move from civilized Christianity to barbaric Christianity, there is no help for what to do.
Unleashed forces you to the point to make a decision. It desires to move you from the point of belief to the call to action, living our lives with everything for Christ. If you desire to stay where you are in your walk with Christ, don’t pick up this book. If you’re ready to be challenged and move deeper in your faith, then grab a copy of this book and get ready for your world to be turned upside down.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com book review bloggers 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 Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.
Sunday, May 8, 2011
Book Review: Max on Life by Max Lucado
Max on Life by Max Lucado is not a book you sit down and read in one sitting, but more of a resource on some of the most asked questions the famous author received about the Christian life. He organizes the 200 questions he answers with biblical truths in the following seven categories:
-Hope
-Hurt
-Help
-Him/Her
-Home
-Haves/Have-Nots
-Hereafter
In addition to answering questions in these categories, there is a brief section about information for aspiring writers, notes, and a topical index for quickly finding the answers to you questions.
While the questions were not answered in depth, they did scratch the surface of the issue and point the reader in the right direction. Obviously, in answering 200 questions, you cannot address every aspect of the question, but some of the answers were a little brief for such deep questions. While I wasn’t blown away by any new information, I believe this would be a great beginning point for a lot of questions. This would be a great resource for a quick biblical perspective when faced with tough questions to keep on your bookshelf. I would recommend Max on Life as a great resource to have, but not all conclusive for life’s issues.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com book review bloggers 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 Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.
-Hope
-Hurt
-Help
-Him/Her
-Home
-Haves/Have-Nots
-Hereafter
In addition to answering questions in these categories, there is a brief section about information for aspiring writers, notes, and a topical index for quickly finding the answers to you questions.
While the questions were not answered in depth, they did scratch the surface of the issue and point the reader in the right direction. Obviously, in answering 200 questions, you cannot address every aspect of the question, but some of the answers were a little brief for such deep questions. While I wasn’t blown away by any new information, I believe this would be a great beginning point for a lot of questions. This would be a great resource for a quick biblical perspective when faced with tough questions to keep on your bookshelf. I would recommend Max on Life as a great resource to have, but not all conclusive for life’s issues.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com book review bloggers 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 Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.
Wednesday, April 13, 2011
Book Review: The Take Action Bible, NKJV
The Take Action Bible in the New King James Version is a handy reminder to believers to get busy about the work of God. It is UltraSlim, making it easy to carry with you, and paperback. The pages are quite thin to make this bible UltraSlim, but the writing is still readable and not too hard on the eyes. Interspersed throughout the Bible text are five groups of stories under the categories of Go, Serve, Give, Heal, and Teach. Each category contains 3 real life stories of people putting action to their faith, and a few thought provoking questions with space to write your answer. There is also a notes sheet at the end of each section.
At the end of the bible, they offer 52 practical ways to serve others, one for each week of the year. These aren't just randomly selected, each has a scripture verse to go with the action, to give you the reason WHY you are doing these things. It's easy to do good things, but it is also easy to forget the meaning behind them or for what purpose we are doing them. This helps to remind you of that.
I was hoping for more inspirational content scattered throughout the Biblical text, instead of being clumped together. I am also concerned about the durability of the Bible, since it is paperback with very thin pages. It is a nice idea, however, to include stories and ideas of ways God has moved others to help to hear His voice a little clearer in our own lives.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com book review bloggers 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 Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.
At the end of the bible, they offer 52 practical ways to serve others, one for each week of the year. These aren't just randomly selected, each has a scripture verse to go with the action, to give you the reason WHY you are doing these things. It's easy to do good things, but it is also easy to forget the meaning behind them or for what purpose we are doing them. This helps to remind you of that.
I was hoping for more inspirational content scattered throughout the Biblical text, instead of being clumped together. I am also concerned about the durability of the Bible, since it is paperback with very thin pages. It is a nice idea, however, to include stories and ideas of ways God has moved others to help to hear His voice a little clearer in our own lives.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com book review bloggers 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 Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.
Wednesday, April 6, 2011
Book Review: Bad Girls of the Bible by Liz Curtis Higgs
Bad Girls of the Bible (And What We Can Learn from Them) by Liz Curtis Higgs is an eye opening look through the Bible for women. It can be read as an individual study, or the questions at the end of each chapter lend themselves to group discussion. There is also an extensive section at the end of the book which shows scripture references for each of the women the book looks at. While these women may have been labled as "Bad Girls" from our reading of the Bible, with the closer look that this book provides, I found myself identifying with these bad girls at some point in my life. The good news is that no matter the past, forgiveness can be found in Christ!
This book is written well, and will draw you in. It will help you to look within your heart and find areas that are not pleasing to God, and work to change those. While it was great read alone, I can only imagine the benefit from working through this convicting and encouraging book with a group of women who love God and desire to please Him above all!
I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review.
This book is written well, and will draw you in. It will help you to look within your heart and find areas that are not pleasing to God, and work to change those. While it was great read alone, I can only imagine the benefit from working through this convicting and encouraging book with a group of women who love God and desire to please Him above all!
I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review.
Tuesday, April 5, 2011
Book Review: Unsinkable by Abby Sunderland
Unsinkable: A Young Woman's Courageous Battle on the High Seas by Abby Sunderland is her gripping account of her attempt to solo circumnavigate the globe by boat...at the age of sixteen. Her family history is included, and you get the big picture of how Abby ended up with the skills and drive at such a young age to travel the world alone. The story is compelling, as many have heard about the rescue, but most do not know the entire story. She is a motivated, focused woman with a passion that drives her, and the book will leave you desiring to pursue your own dreams with the same kind of passion.
The book is written from three different perspectives: a narrator, Abby's own telling of the story, and those who rescued her when she was unable to continue on her journey. I did find it a bit difficult to follow, as it switched often from the narrator to Abby, but with a little practice, I was able to go back and forth without much effort. The story is one that will draw you in, and then leave you motivated.
I would recommend this book for anyone who has big dreams and a sense of adventure. You will be out chasing your own when you can put this great book down!
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com book review bloggers 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 Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.
The book is written from three different perspectives: a narrator, Abby's own telling of the story, and those who rescued her when she was unable to continue on her journey. I did find it a bit difficult to follow, as it switched often from the narrator to Abby, but with a little practice, I was able to go back and forth without much effort. The story is one that will draw you in, and then leave you motivated.
I would recommend this book for anyone who has big dreams and a sense of adventure. You will be out chasing your own when you can put this great book down!
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com book review bloggers 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 Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.
Monday, March 14, 2011
Book Review: Thank You God, for Mommy by Amy Parker
Thank You God, for Mommy by Amy Parker is a sweet children's book from the eyes of a little panda about his mom. Through the book, he thanks God for all the things about his mom that make him feel safe and loved, and most importantly, point him to God. Through the rhyming prose, children of all ages will find things to be thankful for about their moms too!
The illustrations by Frank Endersby and beautifully done and full of life and color. Children will certainly enjoy this reminder of many things to be thankful for in special people in their lives. The qualities praised in the book are virtues, not outward appearance or superficial things. Most of all, the little panda thanks God that his mommy helps him trust in God too, and that she will always love little panda, no matter what he does!!
I would recommend this book to any children's library to learn what it means to be thankful, and what to be thankful for! Most importantly, children will learn that it is good and right to be thankful to God for all the blessings in their lives, and this book will inspire them to be thankful for those blessings in their lives just like little panda did!
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com book review bloggers 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 Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
The illustrations by Frank Endersby and beautifully done and full of life and color. Children will certainly enjoy this reminder of many things to be thankful for in special people in their lives. The qualities praised in the book are virtues, not outward appearance or superficial things. Most of all, the little panda thanks God that his mommy helps him trust in God too, and that she will always love little panda, no matter what he does!!
I would recommend this book to any children's library to learn what it means to be thankful, and what to be thankful for! Most importantly, children will learn that it is good and right to be thankful to God for all the blessings in their lives, and this book will inspire them to be thankful for those blessings in their lives just like little panda did!
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com
Book Review: Fruit of the Spirit: Love by Calvin Miller
Fruit of the Spirit: Love: Cultivating a Spirit-Given Character by Calvin Miller is a six-week bible study that can be done with a group or on your own. It is one in a series Miller has written focusing on the fruit of the spirit, found in Galatians 5:22-23. This particular study focuses on the fruit of love, and developing a Christ-like love in our lives.
It is a fairly quick and easy read, and Miller has enhanced the study by providing thought-provoking questions for individual reflection or group discussion. It is focused on drawing these truths about love from the Bible, and encouraging to read passages on your own. The readings are broken down by day within the week, to provide accountability and easy time management. However, the daily readings are quite short, and it would be easy to complete a week’s worth of readings in a day’s time.
I would recommend this study for new believers, as it is a bit basic in application and depth, but easy to understand and apply. For those more seasoned in their faith, this study could serve as a great reminder of these basic principles of love, and as a check up to make sure this fruit is developing healthily in their walk with God. While it is not new or groundbreaking information, I know that this basic study of love will benefit many believers.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com book review bloggers 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 Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.
It is a fairly quick and easy read, and Miller has enhanced the study by providing thought-provoking questions for individual reflection or group discussion. It is focused on drawing these truths about love from the Bible, and encouraging to read passages on your own. The readings are broken down by day within the week, to provide accountability and easy time management. However, the daily readings are quite short, and it would be easy to complete a week’s worth of readings in a day’s time.
I would recommend this study for new believers, as it is a bit basic in application and depth, but easy to understand and apply. For those more seasoned in their faith, this study could serve as a great reminder of these basic principles of love, and as a check up to make sure this fruit is developing healthily in their walk with God. While it is not new or groundbreaking information, I know that this basic study of love will benefit many believers.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com book review bloggers 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 Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.
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