Ten Questions to Diagnose Your Spiritual Health by Donald S. Whitney

Ten Questions to Diagnose Your Spiritual Health by Donald S. Whitney
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

MY REVIEW:

Have you, like myself, wondered about your spiritual growth? Have you wished for a way to know whether you are growing in your walk with God or not? If so, this is a book you will enjoy! Whitney's 10 question guide will help you diagnose your spiritual health and in some cases, it may be the tool that diagnosis whether there is life at all.

I first heard about this book from several teachers at a Biblical counseling conference and was immediately intrigued by the idea of being able to diagnose my spiritual status. As the title suggests, it walks you through ten questions that help you get an understanding of where you are spiritually. While there is no scale, therefore there is no physical measurement of your spiritual well-being, this book is a tool to gain a better understanding of areas that need improvement and ways in which to do so. It is not the ultimate tool or ultimate test, but it can be a great aid to challenge, convict, and encourage you in your walk with Christ.

At first I was excited at this new "magic formula" that was sure to help me. But I quickly found, that as any good author should, Whitney takes you to Scripture for the source of our spiritual evaluation. Ten Questions is a informative first read that will easily become a quick reference manual to add to your bookshelf for future use. I highly benefited from this book and I think most Christians will if they use it in the proper context of which a tool should be used.

This explanatory and applicable read is good for older high school ages and on up.

Overcoming Fear, Worry, & Anxiety by Elyse Fitzpatrick

Overcoming Fear, Worry, and Anxiety: Becoming A Woman of Faith and Confidence by Elyse Fitzpatrick
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

MY REVIEW:

Fear. Worry. Anxiety. These things are very real in many of our lives. For some of us they are greater challenges than for others. But no matter what level you are at in battling this deadly trio in your life this book by Elyse Fitzpatrick will equip you with Scripture that will show you how and enable you to overcome.

I appreciated this book personally because Elyse breaks it into three practical sections - Understanding Your Fears, The Source of Your Fears, & God's Answers to Your Fears - and then simply, yet deeply digs into God's Word and how it applies to these sins. You will walk away with a better understanding of how fear and worry affect your life and how applying the truth of Scripture will help you gain victory. My favorite chapter was chapter 8 which explains in easy-to-understand terms how a solid theology base is the staring point to overcoming fear, worry, and anxiety. Questions like, "Can God free me from fear?, are answered and straight-forward practical help is offered in every chapter. And Elyse will also help you see how fear is often times the symptom of something else you are struggling through.

I highly encourage anyone - man or woman - who has ever struggled little or much with these three areas to read this book. And maybe you don't think it applies to you, but reading it will help you to have compassion on and help others who do struggle with these areas. And quiet honestly, I don't think anyone can read this book without becoming convicted of something in their life! Elyse doesn't dance around the issue, but gets directly to the heart of the matter and offers both help and hope to her readers.

Everyday Talk by John Younts

Everyday Talk: Talking Freely and Naturally about God with Your Children by John Younts


MY REVIEW:

If you thought parenting was exhausting...wait till your read this book! And not only that, but you will also feel like an utter failure as a parent!

WAIT!

Before you click away because this sounds like a terrible book, let me share that this is THE BEST parenting book I have yet read. Yeah...that should say something because I have read a pile of parenting books!

While Everyday Talk will make it very clear to you that you are an imperfect parent, it will also greatly encourage you, humble you, and fill you with hope that through Christ you can point your children to God through the simplicity of your everyday talk. It's a short book and an easy read with Younts casual, but direct approach. He doesn't waste time trying to convince you of his ideas, but purposefully unpacks and applies scripture to our daily challenged as parents.

As you have already noticed, I like this book. I walked away with so much to apply and for the first time felt such clear purpose in the daily issues that I face as a mother. My favorite chapters were 6 and 7 that dealt directly with the most frustrating parts of parenting. And I also highly appreciated his chapter on music which was short and got right to the heart of the matter rather than being another essay on someone's personal opinion. If I had to sum up what I am walking away with it would be this: "Do I value God's holiness enough to allow it to influence and direct my moment by moment parenting?"

My one and only caution in this book is that Younts focuses a little more on the discipleship of children than the evangelism of children and I think we need to be cautious in that we never assure a child of their salvation or assume it. Not that he outright says this, just that he seems to lean more toward this side of the spectrum.

I recommend this book to parents, and I highly recommend it to grandparents, aunts, uncles, and those who work with kids on a regular basis. While the focus is directed to Moms and Dads, the wisdom and Biblical principals are beneficial to all who interact with children. I think that a parent's child-rearing could be even more effective when godly grandparents are on the same page and supporting their children rather than undermining them or discouraging them. The same goes for teachers, extended family members, and any adult close to the family.

Read and learn again and again with this gospel-centered, everyday book .

God’s High Calling For Women by John MacArthur

God's High Calling For Women by John F. MacArthur Jr.
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

MY REVIEW:

This short, 87 page book is an easy-to-read unpacking and explanation of 1 Timothy 2:9-15. It is like a mini commentary in the way that it digs into the passage, yet still flows like an easy reading book. In 4 short chapters John MacArthur explains the Biblical role of women as we find in 1 Timothy.

I personally appreciated the simplicity of this book - it's a "get in and get out" kind of read. In two hours I was able to read the entire book and take notes while really being impacted by it's message. While there are no lists of things to do or steps to take for change, learning the depth of what this passage means is enough to cultivate a desire for growth and/or change if you truly want to apply Scripture to your life. At the end of each chapter there is a short "Review" section that asks questions on what you read and helps you retain more and also would make a great discussion guide for a book club or Bible study.

I highly recommend this book to any woman or teen girl and think that it is a great individual read or perfect for discipleship or Bible study settings. It is a fabulous de-funking of false beliefs on women being second class in the Bible and a wonderful re-building of the high call God has placed on a woman's life.

Counsel From The Cross by Elyse Fitzpatrick and Dennis Johnson

Counsel from the Cross: Connecting Broken People to the Love of Christ by Elyse Fitzpatrick
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

MY REVIEW:

This wonderful, gospel-centered book is all about how God's love impacts our broken lives. While the title leads one to think that it is about counseling others, there is much in this book that will resonate within the heart of the reader.

I enjoyed the entire book, but especially appreciated the chapters on how the gospel applies directly with our sanctification, emotions, and relationships. After reading other books on the topic of the daily transforming grace of the gospel, these 3 chapters offered new perspective and a fresh look at these areas where I struggle to apply God's grace. The idea that our emotions are a good gift from God is almost mind blowing to me!

Counsel From The Cross is very similar to Because He Loves Me but comes from more of a "counseling" approach. However, while it repeats some of the same material, it also works through it in a different way that I found to be very helpful as I continue in understanding and applying the gospel to my everyday living. It certainly stands alone as a single book, but I would highly suggest reading Because He Loves Me first, especially if you have never read another book on the daily application of the gospel.

This is a deep book, but not so deep that it takes a degree to read it. I highly recommend it to anyone - teen and up - who desires to understand the gospel more and is willing to take the time and effort to study it out using the book as a guide.

John Calvin by Catherine Mackenzie

John Calvin Little Lights: What is the Truth by Catherine Mackenzie
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

MY REVIEW:

In my endeavor to introduce my children to men and women of strong faith I turned to the Little Lights biography series and this delightful book is the seventh out of eight in the series. It is appropriate for young children ages two to three and on up. This book is about the life of John Calvin and it begins the story when he was a young boy getting a funny haircut for school. It is a full picture book with relevant and life-like illustrations that capture the child's attention while reading the simple but comprehensive story line. It also contains picture captions that sum up the paragraph on the opposing page for the young readers who browse this book alone. While it can't cover John's life in great detail, it is a healthy balance between tid-bits that attract kids and the main points of his life and ministry. And the entire book is written in a beautiful flow that is easy for kids to understand and still interesting to older readers. I highly recommend this book to anyone with young children or who interacts with young children. You will be blessed and so will they!

Martin Luther by Catherine Mackenzie

Martin Luther Little Lights by Mackenzie Catherine
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

MY REVIEW:

I really want my children to learn at young ages about the men and women who have poured out their lives to further the gospel for the generations to come. Martin Luther is one of those heroes of faith and this book is a perfect introduction for my children ages 4, 6, and 8.

It's a picture book and biography combined and it is fun to look at and interesting to read for both young and old. It is a fairly comprehensive overview of his life for such a small book meant for such young minds. I appreciate how it talks not just about his adult ministry, but begins with his childhood, too. This sweet book also includes captions on the picture page that sum up what is being read on the opposite page - kind of a "young reader" phrase that a first grader can read and still understand when browsing the book alone.

I highly recommend this book because it's a delightful short read perfect for any time and any age that brings to light the life of a faithful man after God's own heart.

A Hunger for God by John Piper

A Hunger for God: Desiring God through Fasting and Prayer by John Piper
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

MY REVIEW:

This is a book I really wanted to read, but it took me a long time to finally read it because I knew I would be convicted. And, yes, I was.

John Piper eloquently and passionately explains fasting and it's Biblical basis as well as it's secular background. He digs into Scripture, both Old Testament and New Testament, to learn what place fasting has in our lives and they why and how behind doing it today in our own lives. I walked away having learned a lot, having been challenged immensely, and having been convicted of the fasting that is lacking in my own life. And most of all, I feel that I can now fast with a better understanding and purpose rather than a hastily thrown together desire "because it's the right thing to do".

I listened to the audio version of this book, but think that both print or audio are easy enough to work through. In fact, I may even lean more toward the print version since you can underline, re-read, and digest with greater thought a little easier than through simply hearing. This book is one you will most likely want to reference again and again and is worth buying for your own personal bookshelf.

I would highly recommend this book for older teens (15 and up) and adults to read if you desire to both understand and hunger for God more.


BOOK OVERVIEW:

There is an appetite for God. And it can be awakened. I invite you to turn from the dulling effects of food and the dangers of idolatry, and to say with some simple fast: "This much, O God, I want you."

Our appetites dictate the direction of our lives—whether it be the cravings of our stomachs, the passionate desire for possessions or power, or the longings of our spirits for God. But for the Christian, the hunger for anything besides God can be an arch-enemy. While our hunger for God—and Him alone—is the only thing that will bring victory.

Do you have that hunger for Him? As John Piper puts it: "If we don't feel strong desires for the manifestation of the glory of God, it is not because you have drunk deeply and are satisfied. It is because we have nibbled so long at the table of the world. Our soul is stuffed with small things, and there is no room for the great." If we are full of what the world offers, then perhaps a fast might express, or even increase, our soul's appetite for God.

Between the dangers of self-denial and self-indulgence is this path of pleasant pain called fasting. It is the path John Piper invites you to travel in this book. For when God is the supreme hunger of your heart, He will be supreme in everything. And when you are most satisfied in Him, He will be most glorified in you.

Long Story Short by Marty Machowski

Long Story Short: Ten-Minute Devotions to Draw Your Family to God by Marty Machowski
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

MY REVIEW:

Fabulous!

I love this family devotional book that can easily be made to work for a wide range of ages. The first reason being that it ties the Old Testament to the gospel! Too many family/kid devotionals just give stories rather then truly help kids connect with the Word of God. In this book, which gives you five, ten-minute devotions per week, there is at least one day when your reading a New Testament passage that connects to the Old Testament story line of the week.

The next reason I like this family devotional is that it's easy. And very simple, too. There are some suggest object lessons, but they are simple and certainly not mandatory for the kids to get the week's lesson. If you don't do it everything will still make sense.

And the third reason I like this book is because it's comprehensive. It incorporates reading Scripture, discussion and interaction, and prayer all together in an easy to follow format that really only takes ten minutes - if that.

In the words of Emily: "This book is fun!" And our family loves it!

BOOK OVERVIEW:

Christian parents know the importance of passing the gospel story on to their children, yet we live in a busy world filled with distractions. Schedules collide, there is homework and yard work and dishes and laundry, the car's oil should be changed, there are phone calls to make and before you know it, everyone is getting to bed late again.

The Bible can seem like a long story for an active family to read, but when you break it down into short sections, as Marty Machowski does, family devotions are easy to do. Long Story Short will help busy parents share with their children how every story in the Old Testament points forward to God's story of salvation through Jesus Christ. You won't find a more important focus for a family devotional than a daily highlighting of the gospel of grace. Clever stories and good moral lessons may entertain and even help children, but the gospel will transform children. The gospel is deep enough to keep the oldest and wisest parents learning and growing all their lives, yet simple enough to transform the heart of the first grader who has just begun to read.

Ten minutes a day, five days a week is enough time to pass on the most valuable treasure the world has ever known. Long Story Short is a family devotional program designed to explain God's plan of salvation through the Old Testament and is suitable for children from preschool through high school.

The Next Story by Tim Challies

The Next Story: Life and Faith after the Digital Explosion by Tim Challies
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

MY REVIEW:

So many times I am find myself wondering how I managed without a cell phone...or how I would contact people without Facebook...or how inconvenient it would be without wifi in our home...and sometimes I even wonder how I learned without twitter. And this is exactly what - and so much more! - Tim Cahllies deals with in this book: The Next Story.

I "read" the audio version of this book and because it was not a book that I wanted to read but rather knew I should read. The audio format was best for me and was easy to listen to.

This is a book that will challenge you, make you think, and give you lots to continue to think about. However, while being deep and probing, I still felt that it was easy to understand and digest the message.

Tim is both gifted and knowledgeable as a communicator on the subject of technology and he brings to the table some very thought-provoking ideas and ways of determining the place for technology in the life of a Christian. I appreciate that, in my opinion, he is balanced - not willing to throw out technology but not glossing over it either - and looks at things from a realistic, and most importantly, Biblical view point. Now I don't mean that I agree with everything he said...er' I mean wrote but I definitely walked away understanding technology better and the desire to make it serve me, not I serve it. This book was both personally and "parentally" beneficial.

I would highly recommend anyone - adult or teen - read this book (or listen to it!) as it will help you figure out the place for technology in your life.

BOOK OVERVIEW:

Even the least technical among us are being pressed from all sides by advances in digital technology. We rely upon computers, cell phones, and the Internet for communication, commerce, and entertainment. Yet even though we live in this ‘instant message’ culture, many of us feel disconnected, and we question if all this technology is really good for our souls. In a manner that attempts to be accessible, thoughtful, and biblical, I address questions such as:

How has life—and faith—changed now that everyone is available all the time through mobile phones?
How does our constant connection to these digital devices affect our families and our church communities?
What does it mean that almost two billion humans are connected by the Internet … with hundreds of millions more coming online each year?

Providing the reader with a framework they can apply to any technology, I explain how and why our society has become reliant on digital technology, what it means for our lives, and how it impacts the Christian faith.

So it’s a book not just for the young and digital, but for all of us.

The MacArthur Bible Commentary

The MacArthur Bible Commentary by John F. MacArthur Jr.
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

MY REVIEW:

Do you want to update to a new Bible that has study notes and commentary included but don't want to let go of your notes and marks from the years past? An easy solution is to buy a single volume Bible commentary.

Regardless of the Bible you have - unless you have the MacArthur study Bible! - this whole Bible commentary is a valuable addition to your study as you dig into the Word of God. While thick and heavy physically, this book is thorough and easy to use and understand. MacArthur's verse-by-verse approach is very helpful to deeper study of any passage. There are also plenty of sidebars with topical notes and outlines as well as maps and timelines. This is a great resource for any home library and for all ages 10 and up.

One Thousand Gifts by Ann Voskamp

One Thousand Gifts: A Dare to Live Fully Right Where You Are by Ann Voskamp
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

MY REVIEW:

Stick with me okay?

I began reading this book about 5 months ago via the audio format from Audible downloaded to my Kindle. I listened to the first chapter and never touched the book again. I had heard rave reviews and chatter from bloggers and non-bloggers both about how this book changed their perspective and what a wonderful author Ann Voskamp is. However, I just could not get into it and the first few pages had me loosing focus and interest. It felt wordy and drawn out and frankly, I just couldn't see the point clearly enough.

However.

Yes, however, I picked it back up because I knew there had to be something good in there that I was missing. After all, not every book has an app to go along with it! So I once again plugged it in and this time confined myself to baking for a whole day while I listened to this book being read by the author.

I am not quite sure why this happens, but at times there is just "a right time" to read a certain book and until that time arrives one just never appreciates such a book. This was finally the "right time" because this time I found myself absorbed into the flowing words and vivid descriptions of ordinary moments in life that - seen through the lens of grace - were extraordinary, life altering moments.

While the book could be so much shorter, and the point a lot more clearer at the outset, it would be too easily read and forgotten - leaving no lasting impact and thoughts to ponder. It was a challenge to get into at first but quickly became pure enjoyment. The more I read the more I was encouraged, challenged, convicted, delighted, overwhelmed, and in awe. Ann Voskamp paints a beautiful picture of what it is like to live in every moment - what we deem good and bad - with a heart that seeks God's gifts to us. She strips us of our idea of "good gifts" and invites us and walks with us on a journey to see every moment as a gift from God.

I feel like no words I possibly write could do justice to describing this book. At first if felt like a hard read, but now I stand at the back cover realizing it was hard because sometimes life is hard and yet there is a deep beauty that comes from hard things.

One Thousand Gifts is a perfect read for anyone no matter what your stage or phase of life is. We all need to be dared to live life more fully right where we are.

Intimate Issues by Lorraine Pintus and Linda Dillow

Intimate Issues: Twenty-One Questions Christian Women Ask About Sex by Linda Dillow
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

MY REVIEW:

There are some things that are just plain tricky to talk about. The topic of sex is probably on the top of that list. However, Lorraine and Linda have creatively, sensitively, and beautifully written a book that addresses the issue of sexual intimacy in marriage in a way that is respectful and honest. I appreciate their hard work to compile a comprehensive book about sex that is biblical, appropriate, and God-glorifying.

I believe that this book can and will minister to the heart of any woman no matter what her background and past experiences are as long as she desires to grow in her understanding of God's gift of sex. If you truly long to grow and change, you will enjoy and be encouraged by this study of intimacy. But if you are looking for a way to back-up your personal opinions you will find yourself chafing against the content of this book.

The authors start off by building a foundational understanding of what sex is and what God thinks about it as found in Scripture. From there the book moves through three phases - general understanding and core beliefs, dealing with personal issues and problems, and finally practical application and help for growing more Christ-like in your marriage. They deal with heavy topics such as pornography and the affect of abortion, to recapturing passion, and what's not okay in the marriage bed. Their sensitive and friend-to-friend approach will calm you, encourage you, and help you walk away with at least one area to work on your own marriage even if you have read every other marriage/sex book out there.

Intimate Issues includes a 12 week Bible study that can be used for personal growth or in a small group setting. I highly recommend this book to any woman who is married or counseling married women. For those who desire to become more like Christ in every area of their life this is a "must read".

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You can visit the Intimate Issues website here.

Lit! A Christian Guide to Reading Books by Tony Reinke

Lit!: A Christian Guide to Reading Books by Tony Reinke
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

MY REVIEW:

I never thought I would enjoy reading a book about reading as much as I just did.

About a month ago I had the opportunity to review this book and I turned it down. Then just two weeks ago I began seeing some posts on Crossways' blog about this book and it looked more and more intriguing with each post. So curiosity got the best of me and I bought the book for my Kindle and now here I sit typing my review after having just finished this great read.

Lit! is not a book about other good books. It's not a recommendation list, nor a break down of good genres to read. Instead Lit! is about reading and how to make wise decisions in your reading. Reinke takes us back to the The Book of All Books - the Bible - to understand why we should read, how we should read, and to help us pour a solid foundation built on Scripture for our reading habits. Then in section two he breaks out the practical application and tips for better reading practices.

I really like this book overall and would highly recommend it to anyone - teens to adults. I appreciated Reinke setting a solid base in section one of the book, but personally I found it a little hard to get through. However, in all fairness, I believe it was due to the fact that so much of what he wrote was just reiterating what I already know and believe. For those who have never given any thought about to the reasons why they read the first section will be of great benefit. The second section was very helpful and I liked the wide variety of suggestions and ideas that were presented. No matter what kind of a reader you consider yourself to be you will find something to challenge you within these pages.

Lit! is a short read, making it easy to read in just a few hours, and sums up the authors opinions in thorough but to-the-point chapters. It truly renewed my desire to read, kindled the passion to pursue reading in a way that glorifies God, and breathed new purpose into developing sound reading patterns. Whether you are old, young, new to reading, don't like to read, or read like you breath...this book is for you. Enjoy!

For a sample of what this book holds, read this post and watch this interview with the author.

A Young Man’s Guide to Making Right Choices

A Young Man's Guide to Making Right Choices: Your Life God's Way by Jim George
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

MY REVIEW:

Fresh. Challenging.

Elizabeth George has been encouraging and challenging women for years and now we get great resources from her husband to use with our sons. Just like the teen girl's series, this book for teen boys is Biblical and applicable. It walks a guy through making decisions about sleep, reading God's Word, how to treat family, clothing, speech, and more. Each chapter is interactive and sends you to God's Word to find the final answer rather than just relying on a man's opinion.

I like the down to earth approach of this book. It meets teen guys where they are rather than expect them to get things together before they pursue growing in their walk with Christ. I personally think this book has a lot of appeal for young men, too, because it's not just reading - it's interactive with questions and things to do now to apply what they are reading. While this book is probably targeted for teens between 14 and 17, I think any teen boy from 7th through 12th grade will benefit from this book. It is great for individual use but also perfect for mentoring or Bible study groups. It is easy to use and relevant to today's teens. And what makes it even better is that you could split guys and girls and to the girls study on choices with the girls while the guys go through this book!

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This ARC copy was provided by Harvest House but the opinion expressed is strictly my own.

Because He Loves Me by Elyse Fitzpatrick

Because He Loves Me: How Christ Transforms Our Daily Life by Elyse Fitzpatrick
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

MY REVIEW:

If anyone - anyone! - would ask me what the number one book is that I would recommend, this book would be my answer. There are not enough words to describe this book!

Elyse is a great communicator, but beyond that is what she shares. In this book she takes you back to the basics that we so easily and quickly gloss over, and in some cases, we never pay attention to in the first place. In twelve chapters you are either are reminded or discover for the first time how the gospel applies to your daily life not just to a one-time decision. Reading this book is like putting together a puzzle and while you may first be confused, by the time you reach the end you will be very encouraged and on some things be quite convicted.

I personally love this book because for it was the first book I had read that really explained how what I knew should actually change my moment by moment life. It is deep enough to make you re-read some portions as you allow the meaning to really sink in, but easy enough for any person to read who is willing to give it their attention. For me, this has been the one book that has helped my dig into the Bible with excitement and passion as I understand more and more how it really applies to my life on a daily basis.

While the cover of this fabulous book showcases some pretty flowers and a butterfly, it's intended audience is for anyone, including men. I would highly recommend this book to anyone and quickly encourage you to put it at the top of your list to read. If you are a guy, then cut up a brown paper bag to make a book cover...but read it! It will change your thinking!

BOOK OVERVIEW:

God’s love has the power to change lives. Christians, then, should exhibit the greatest transformation of all because, rightly understood and cherished, God’s love makes them increasingly more like the One who has lavished his love on them.

So why do we so often struggle to exhibit God’s love? Biblical counselor Elyse M. Fitzpatrick asks one simple question: “In your pursuit of godliness, have you left Jesus behind?” We need to be rescued from our “identity amnesia” and pointed to our true identity as God’s beloved children—adopted by the Father, united with the Son, and empowered by the Holy Spirit.

Fitzpatrick shows how a genuine transformation of identity leads to a transformation of our daily lives. Those who struggle with either legalism or lawlessness will find encouragement to return to God’s love, the source of authentic and lasting change. Study questions and invitations to further discovery conclude each chapter. Now available in paperback.

A Gospel Primer by Milton Vincent

 

A Gospel Primer for Christians: Learning to See the Glories of God's Love by Milton Vincent
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

MY REVIEW:

Refreshing. Uplifting. Simple. Deep.

Just as it's title suggests, this simple book is meant to teach adults and teens of any age the simple, yet profound truth of the gospel on a daily basis. It is broken into four sections, one of which is Vincent's testimony of what brought him to write this book. The other three are the gospel in various forms that you can read through quite easily in one sitting. While this book is certainly beneficial as a one-time read, it would be even better as a daily or weekly aid in helping you to refocus your thinking on the many glorious truths of the gospel and what they mean to you today - not just "yesterday" as a new believer.

I personally really enjoyed this book and it's simplicity. I could read it quickly yet soak in the rich depth. If you are looking for a book that will help you understand the glorious and daily implications of the gospel in your life then I would highly recommend this book for you to read. It's a simple beginning to an endless topic.

Am I Really a Christian? by Mike McKinley

Am I Really a Christian? by Mike McKinley
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

MY REVIEW:

Convicting. Encouraging. Challenging.

I always approach books on this topic with a bit of anxiety - wondering if I will walk away with more questions than when I begun. However, this book ranks first in the several I have read on this topic because it not only answered all my questions, but did so with great clarity. McKinley does not beat around the bush and present pages of lengthy explanation, rather he takes you back to Scripture for the answers. This book is a 140 page handbook for those who are willing to ask themselves the hard question of: "Am I really a Christian?".

Despite the sober subject and deep content, Mike helps ease the tension with his sprinkling of humor throughout the book. At first this may seem out of place, but as you read you feel as if you are having a personal conversation with a trusted mentor. He also provides great word pictures that take some difficult concepts and make them so much easier to understand. The book is also hands-on and interactive due to the "How To Respond" section at the end of each chapter. It is a good blend of book and Bible study combined into one cover and is suitable for individual or group use as well as appropriate for both teens and adults.

I was convicted and encouraged by this book. It helped me see some weak areas of my life and direct me to passages in the Bible that helped me determine my answer to the question: Am I Really a Christian? Whether you can answer that question without thinking about it or not, I highly recommend this book. Anyone who reads it will walk away benefiting from it...it's just that they may not benefit from it as they first expected. It's short, it's easy to read, founded on the Bible, and Christ centered. It is a great stand-alone read or a fabulous follow-up read to Because He Loves my, or Living the Cross Centered Life, or books of like kind.

Am I Really a Christian? is more than what meets the eye at first glance. This is a "really should read" book that packs quite a punch.

BOOK OVERVIEW:

Wheaton IL¬—Some stats indicate that nearly 80% of Americans identify themselves as Christians. Mike McKinley has noticed a concerning trend: There are far too many people who think that they are Christians, but aren’t actually in Christ. He likens it to people who claim to be “huge Yankees fans” but don’t watch games, don’t know the lineup, or the stats, and only ride the team’s glory around playoff time for the exciting World Series victory.
In Am I Really a Christian?, McKinley argues that there is much at stake in the decision to follow Christ, and it is crucial to know where you stand and what it means for your life.
McKinley writes with a genuine love and concern for those in the church. He asks tough questions in order to plead with readers who may not be running the race marked out in God’s Word to change course. Emphasizing the importance that Jesus and Paul placed on this issue, McKinley guides readers through Scripture to show what the Bible says about genuine faith.

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The review copies were courtesy of Crossway and Amazon.com. The opinion expressed is strictly my own.

The Reformation Study Bible ESV

The Reformation Study Bible: English Standard Version Hardcover 2nd Ed w/Maps by R.C. Sproul
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

MY REVIEW:

One of the endorsements I read for this Bible said that this is the "Gold standard" in Bibles. I agree.

This Bible is the best study Bible I have yet to use. It is the flowing and easy-reading ESV version which is accurate and eloquent. On top of being a superb version, it contains wonderful study notes, articles, and commentary that make it not only a Bible, but a study tool. My favorite part is that this study Bible highlights the Word of God rather than any man's opinion as the contributors share insight based on a cross centered view point. While I use several other study Bibles in my personal study, I appreciate this one the most for coming back to the heart of the matter - the gospel - from start to finish. The features in this study Bible will help you learn more for your cross centered life.

This study Bible is a wonderful, easy-to-use, and simple tool for teens and adults both. It's a must-read and must-use!


BOOK OVERVIEW:

Widely considered one of the best tools available for Bible study and previously only available in the New King James Version, the Reformation Study Bible (RSB) has been updated to the readable and accurate English Standard Version (ESV).

Respected theologian Dr. R.C. Sproul, founder and chairman of Ligonier Ministries, served as this study Bible's general editor. "The Reformation Study Bible contains a modern restatement of Reformation truth in its comments and theological notes. Its purpose is to present the light of the Reformation afresh," stated Dr. Sproul.

The thousands of in-depth study notes included in the RSB were compiled from over 50 distinguished biblical scholars, including Drs. J.I. Packer, James Boice, and Wayne Grudem. In addition to the comprehensive study notes, the RSB offers readers extended discussions on the authority of Scripture, the atonement, and other key aspects of biblical theology.

The RSB is intended for use by anyone who wants a deeper understanding of the Scriptures. The reader will appreciate book introductions, an extensive cross-reference system, and illuminated words and terms within the Bible that are crucial to an in-depth understanding. This new edition in the ESV is published by Ligonier Ministries and produced and distributed by P&R Publishing of Phillipsburg, NJ.

Features:

Theological Notes index
In-text maps index
Charts index
Section introductions (Pentateuch, History, etc)
Book Introductions
Passage headings
Double-column format
Center-column references
Black letter edtion
Concordance
8 pages of full-color maps

Jump Off The Hormone Swing by Lorraine Pintus

Jump off the Hormone Swing by Lorraine Pintus
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

MY REVIEW:

Encouraging. Inspiring. Convicting. Comforting. Exciting. Practical. Just a few words I would use to describe this book.

As a woman, have you ever thought about how your hormones and monthly cycle are a reminder of God's redeeming love?

Yeah. I thought not.

Neither had I...until I read this amazing book by Lorraine Pintus. Until now I have hated hormones and their affects on my body. But now I have a new appreciation and perspective on God's amazing creation in the female body. Not only has my thinking been changed about such matters, but I am now armed with a whole lot of understanding and practical ideas to embrace my hormones rather than antagonize them.

This book is extremely practical and very comprehensive as it not only addresses the physical and emotional components, but the spiritual ones as well. Lorraine, with both love and humor, shows us how the physical, mental, and spiritual aspects are all tied together and how we should treat them individually and as a whole. Reading this book will open your eyes to God's grace - even to a woman who can go from feeling wonderful to crummy in 5 seconds flat.

This book is a perfect handbook for woman of any age - from teen to post-menopause. It will enable you to understand your own body and be more compassionate to the women around you. I also highly recommend it as reading for husbands who truly want to be a student of their wife or for a Mother/Daughter study together. Anyway you read this you will be blessed.