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You read correctly.
A free book.
For a limited time, David C. Cook is offering 1 of 5 Francis Chan books to anyone who requests one. There are options for kids and adults both!
So HURRY over to this site now and submit your address for your own free book.
And here is my review of one of the books up for grabs.
(Thanks to my friend who alerted me to this special offer!)
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
MY REVIEW:
The cover is the first thing that caught my attention with this book. The steamy hot drinks and cozy scene made me want to jump in and settle down with this book in hand! But the cover is only the start.
Rachel Olsen warmed my heart with her casual we-are-best-friends style of writing. She dug into deep Biblical truth in such a relaxed feel that it was not work to read, but relaxing and refreshing. The "secrets" she shares are just the bling I needed to add sparkle to my day and my walk with Christ. You will enjoy this fun and faith filled book from the first page to the last. It's just as nice as going to Starbucks for a chat with your girlfriends!
BOOK OVERVIEW:
Done with feeling exhausted—or worse, bored? Ready to trade your issues and hang-ups for greater intimacy and fulfillment? Then it’s time you did some digging for biblical “bling” and discovered the shining secrets to life in God’s kingdom. Rachel’s writing is lighthearted and fun, but she’s serious about helping you uncover biblical secrets that can make your life shine. This book will help you:
o Overcome the comparisons and competitive urges that leave you lonely
o Accept help from others
o Discover God’s surprising source of spiritual beauty and strength
o Embrace your need for rest
o Find adventure as you yield wholeheartedly to God
o Dig into the Bible for yourself and understand what you find there
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This review copy was provided courtesy of The B&B Media Group & David C. Cook. The review is strictly my own opinion.
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
MY REVIEW:
Contemporary. Refreshing. Challenging. Thought-provoking.
Just a few of the words I use to describe this book which is a contemporary view of Bonhoeffer's book titled The Cost Of Discipleship. Not only is it an updated version of the previous book, but it's easy to read all the while being challenging to your thinking and traditional beliefs. I really enjoyed the casual feel - almost as if in a conversation. And the bullet-pointed questions and thoughts to contemplate at the end of each chapter were incredibly helpful and convicting. Not only does this book give you good thoughts and theology, but great application as well.
I would highly recommend this book to anyone - young or old. It will be worth your time to read and appreciate the cost of grace in our lives.
BOOK OVERVIEW:
In 1937, on the threshold of Nazi Germany’s war on the world, Dietrich Bonhoeffer wrote what turned out to be one of the most influential books of the century, The Cost of Discipleship. In it, he challenged the flabby faith and compromises of German Christians, famously writing, “When Christ calls a man he bids him come and die.”
Now, seventy-three years after the book was first published, Jon Walker has written Costly Grace: A Contemporary View of Bonhoeffer’s The Cost of Discipleship. Although Bonhoeffer’s book still has a loyal readership, it has not been adequately viewed through the eyes of the twenty-first century. Walker brings to a new generation the timeless message of Bonhoeffer against the background of today’s political upheaval and societal change and what it means to those who claim to follow Christ’s teachings, challenging contemporary teachings and lifestyles.
Grace is a foundational doctrine for Christians, yet it is one of the most misunderstood. Bonhoeffer watched as many used the doctrine of grace as an excuse to do whatever they wanted, and in response, he wrote his classic work on what it truly means to follow Jesus. We cheapen grace, he declared, when we use it to compromise our behavior or to lower the standards of God’s Word. In a modern retelling of this Christian classic, Walker explains what Bonhoeffer meant when he taught that grace is free but will cost us everything.
“Bonhoeffer called for a return to ‘costly grace,’ to a recognition that God’s grace comes at the cost of Christ’s passion. Grace is free, but it demands a disciple’s whole life, not just partial obedience to the commands of Christ. Bonhoeffer’s message resonates with our time of instability and insecurity,” Walker explains. “We’re tempted to compromise in order to keep things as they have been, but the cost of discipleship requires that our loyalty be only to Christ and Christ alone. Where our behavior is at odds with our belief, God requires we be ruthless in letting go of the things that entangle us and keep us from becoming just like Jesus.”
Costly Grace is a clear call to discipleship, reminding us what it means to be a disciple of Jesus, and makes the doctrine of grace understandable and practical. Following Bonhoeffer’s example, Walker has anchored this book around an expository study of Matthew 5–7, including the Beatitudes and the Sermon on the Mount. As such, Costly Grace is an excellent resource for small group curriculum or congregation-wide study.
Also set to release in October is the Costly Grace 90-Day Devotional. The companion devotional is dedicated to bringing home to the heart of every Christian the vital call that Bonhoeffer made in his book and that Walker now makes in his. What decisions do we need to act on to walk the road Jesus shows us? Who is it we are called to love and forgive? And why is it imperative that the Beatitudes become our way of life? These are just some of the challenges that Walker helps us tackle in his valuable guide.
Costly Grace: A Contemporary View of Bonhoeffer’s The Cost of Discipleship by Jon Walker
ISBN 978-0-89112-676-8/224 pages/softcover/$15.99
Costly Grace 90-Day Devotional
ISBN 978-0-89112-677-5/224 pages/softcover/$13.99
Leafwood Publishers, October 2010
www.leafwoodpublishers.com ~ www.gracecreates.com
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This review book was provided courtesy of The B&B Media Group but the opinions expressed are my own.
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This video clip is about the original book but it does a great job at giving a great introduction to this book Costly Grace.
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
MY REVIEW:
You gotta have this book!
This book won't make you feel comfortable. It won't give you warm and fuzzy feelings. In fact, it actually might make you down right mad at times.
And that, my friend, is exactly why you GOTTA HAVE IT!
Gregory L. Jantz has written this book that will make you stop and think about all that you have, or don't have, in life. Not only will he challenge your thinking and what you believe, but if you commit to working through each chapter, you will also sift through applying it to your daily life.
At the very least this book will make you stop and think about the excess in your life that you may not even realize is there. The only negative I see in this book is that I don't think it points us to the cross as much as it could. If you choose to read this book I would highly suggest following it up with either The Cross Centered Life or Comforts From The Cross.
BOOK OVERVIEW:
Gotta Have It! is every grown-up's guide for taming the inner two-year-old.
Too many people spend so much time trying to get what they want that they have no energy left to get what they need. Dr. Gregg Jantz calls this phenomenon excessity-when excess becomes a "necessity." Excessities-whether they are activities, behaviors, or objects-promise protection in a difficult world. Yet they never satisfy.
In Gotta Have It!, readers are invited to discover the truth about themselves that is hiding behind their secret desires. With real-life stories and guided sections for self-reflection, Gotta Have It will help readers see life as never before-and delight in the way God longs to fulfill true needs.
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This review copy was provided courtesy of The B&B Media Group in connection with David C. Cook. The opinions expressed are my own. You can purchase this book from the David C. Cook website.
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
MY REVIEW:
Beth Redman touches the heart of women with her vulnerability and deep biblical encouragement in this thought-provoking book. She shares what God thinks about us in light of scripture and how we can know that God KNOWS our name!
Her personal sharing ranges from down right hysterical to heart-wrenching. I appreciate her friend-to-friend approach and honesty through out this uplifting volume. While it is not the easiest book to read, and can seem a little disjointed at times, I still recommend it for those struggling with the love of God and their identity in Christ. Beth feeds women theology in a personal and applicable manner and anyone will find encouragement in these pages.
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This review copy was provided courtesy of The B&B Media Group but the opinions expressed are my won.
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GIVEAWAY!
I am giving away a copy of this book! To enter leave a comment. For the official rules click here. A winner will be randomly drawn on Tuesday, October 12th.
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
MY REVIEW
Be Compassionate is a commentary that has the feel of a book. Yes, yes! I know all commentaries ARE books. But a "normal" commentary you don't sit down and read straight through. Well unless you are not "normal"! However, Wiersbe's updated "Be" series can be read through like you would do with most books.
Not only can you read this book chapter-by-chapter, but there are discussion questions at the end of each chapter for group or personal dialogue to help you connect with and digest what you just read.
I enjoyed Wiersbe's verse-by-verse commentary in a story like presentation. You are not reading a small tid-bit on each verse, but rather being pulled into the big picture while learning about each individual verse.
Wiersbe's Be Compassionate will make a great addition to the library of any person, young or old.
BOOK OVERVIEW:
The twenty-first century Christian faces unique and disturbing moral challenges that demand a great degree of Biblical wisdom and understanding in order to successfully defeat a tireless enemy. With greater and faster technology bombarding lives with an ever darkening array of moral depravity, it is essential that Christians be able to discern the enemy’s attack and answer God’s call to share truth and light both responsibly and dependably. Dr. Warren Wiersbe’s “Be” series is filled with the timeless truths of God’s Word, and his books will adequately equip today’s believers with the tools they need to reach a world in desperate need of an eternal hope.
David C Cook’s latest additions to the revised “Be” series include insightful introductions by Ken Bough, updated content for today’s readers, as well as new study questions for each chapter. Each of these expositional commentaries incorporate material from Dr. Wiersbe’s “Be” series into a small group Bible study format and focus on a specific book of the Bible. This effectively updated series of books incorporates topics as they were originally presented in the “Be” books.
Be Compassionate: Let the World Know That Jesus Cares uses the first thirteen chapters of Luke to explore the believer’s responsibility to tell the world that Jesus cares about them in a very personal way. (ISBN 978-1-4347-6502-4/softcover/185 pages/$12.99/July 2010)
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This review copy was provided by The B&B Media group in connection with David C. Cook. All opinions expressed are my own.
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
MY REVIEW:
In a unique blend of Scripture, excerpts of his own commentaries, and probing questions, Wiersbe digs into the Bible book of John in a thought provoking depth you will not soon forget.
Twelve lessons walk you through the book of John in great depth, yet in an a surprisingly simple fashion. Starting with a brief overview, you step into the lesson through the Going Deeper section that alternates questions based on the passage you read in the opening with portions of commentary that will jump start your meditation on the passage. The Looking Inward section guides you to personal application and is followed by the Going Forward section that walks you to putting that application into fleshed out action.
This Bible study takes longer than the average study guide - probably 30 to 60 minutes per lesson when done as an individual. However, this comprehensive study is worth every minute you will spend. I really liked the combination of both challenging depth and simple explanation woven together to make learning intense and enjoyable.
BOOK OVERVIEW:
Developing an intimate relationship with Christ is a life-long process, and the study of His Word is one of the primary avenues through which we learn and draw closer to Him. Dr. Warren Wiersbe’s ability to explore and explain the Bible has been a foundational resource for many during this life-long pursuit, and now his well-loved “Be” commentaries are available in a series of eight-week Bible studies. These small-group studies will enable readers to reach deeply into the riches of God’s Word and gain a clearer understanding of who Christ is and how He taught His followers during His ministry here on earth. Each eight-week study includes an introduction to the particular book of the Bible, tips for small group study, self-introspective questions, and practical applications. Throughout the study, portions of Dr. Wiersbe’s “Be” commentaries are included to provide greater insight and to encourage those participating in the study to continue to deepen their study of God’s Word. Students of God’s Word may then decide to explore Dr. Wiersbe’s commentaries more completely as they move through individual books of the Bible.
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This review copy was provided courtesy of The B&B Media Group. The opinions expressed are purely my own.
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
MY REVIEW:
Since last Fall I have enjoyed reading Marybeth Whalen's blog and have anxiously awaited the arrival of her first novel - The Mailbox. Marybeth is a talented writer and this book is truly a piece of artwork in black and white.
In The Mailbox, Marybeth creatively weaves together a story that crosses the past with the present as you learn of the old and the new all at the same time. The main characters were easy to relate to and understand as they grappled with serious life choices. Their emotions came alive and swept me into the story. I also enjoyed the unexpected twist that came towards the end just when you thought everything was being wrapped up neat and tidy.
Overall, this is a great summer read to pack in that beach bag or tote bag for any adult woman. I do stress that fact that I think this is an adult fiction read that needs to stay in the adult audience and not young teen girls due to some small references and conversations that while not inappropriate, are still best for adults only. I also rated this book with only 3 stars because of some theological differences I have with some of the content. I think it's an amazing storyline and an incredibly fascinating fictional plot with a sprinkling of fact; but I can not give it 4 stars because I think that the ideas expressed on divorce need to be read with caution and not with complete acceptance as is our tendency when we become emotionally attached to characters.
So while I have some reservation on the spiritual side of this book, I will not throw out the baby with the bath water. The Mailbox is a unique story, a relaxing read, and makes the reader want to slip away to Sunset Beach and find the real mailbox!
BOOK OVERVIEW:
A rural mailbox stands alone on an isolated North Carolina beach, and within its unobtrusive confines lay the hopes and dreams, the heartaches and joys of countless strangers. Tending the lone mailbox on this deserted beach is an anonymous reader called the Kindred Spirit…drawing hearts toward healing and hope. Marybeth Whalen’s debut novel, The Mailbox, is set around this real-life landmark. She explores the possibility that this isolated and mysterious message center can reunite two people who have been separated by a lifetime of regret and confusion. Because of the mailbox, second chances arise in the face of painful loss, and the promise that enduring love and faith can overcome the destruction of long-kept secrets rings true.
Lindsey Adams begins her visits to the Kindred Spirit mailbox as a young teen. There, she finds her first love, Campbell Forrester. But twenty years later, she returns to the beach as a woman whose husband, Grant, has divorced her after a string of infidelities. Remembering her first love, and wondering whatever became of Campbell, Lindsey allows the salty beach air to reengage her sense of hope. She begins to imagine that Campbell might not be long lost after all.
Meanwhile, Campbell faces his own hardships—including his broken relationship with his daughter and his longing to undo his inadequacies as a father. When Campbell learns that Lindsey has returned to the beach, he cannot help but feel hopeful that he may discover love again.
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This review copy has been provided by the courtesy of The B&B Media Group, Inc.
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MY REVIEW:
If you have ever wondered what apologetics is or if God even exists, then On Guard is the book for you to read. William Lane Craig writes a fairly easy-to-understand book in a fun and easy-reading style that walks you through both of these questions and many more. Besides the good content, the sidebar definitions, quotes, pictures, facts, and the Talk About It boxes make this a wonderfully interactive book.
While this book would be for older teens and adults, and take time to read and possibly re-read sections to get a good handle on the subject, it is well worth the time and effort. It will be a book you refer to over and over again.
BOOK OVERVIEW:
We are currently experiencing a renaissance of interest in Christian apologetics. Due to the virulent attacks of the New Atheists, the Internet Infidels, and all manner of Biblical Bashers, along with a rising anti-evangelical bias in the media, evangelical Christians are demanding training in how to defend their Christian faith. There is a need for a well-rounded training manual that provides the “how-tos” of defending the Christian worldview. William Lane Craig’s new book, On Guard, intends to be that manual.
A highly accessible, visual, and concise book loaded with helpful figures and interesting sidebars, On Guard is a one-stop guidebook to learn how to defend your faith. Combining the four core arguments for God’s existence with a case for the historicity of Jesus, this readable book also addresses difficult issues such as the problems of suffering and religious relativism. Writing in a highly personable way, Dr. Craig relates his own winding path to faith and tells the story of how God saved him and equipped him to become one of the world’s leading Christian apologists.
“American society has already become post-Christian,” writes Dr. Craig. “Belief in a sort of generic God is still the norm, but belief in Jesus Christ is now politically incorrect.” Packed with stories of Dr. Craig’s encounters with religious skeptics, On Guard provides more than philosophical arguments. It relates real life experiences that illustrate the themes of our current culture. Dr. Craig maintains: “If the Gospel is to be heard as an intellectually viable option for thinking men and women today, then it’s vital that we as Christians try to shape American culture in such a way that Christian belief cannot be dismissed as mere superstition.”
According to Dr. Craig, the role of apologetics is to shape culture, strengthen believers, and win unbelievers. On Guard is the tool by which shaping, strengthening, and winning moves from improbable dream to attainable reality. Using an interactive layout designed to provoke thoughtful reflection and discussion among readers, this approachable book will be an instrument of impact to believers who are searching for and struggling with this culture’s biggest questions.
On Guard simplifies Dr. Craig’s vast work in apologetics yet is not simplistic. It provides easy to memorize arguments for God’s existence and the resurrection of Jesus, along with answers to the objections that one will likely encounter in sharing these arguments with others.
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This review copy was provided courtesy of The B&B Media Group & David C. Cook
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My rating: 4 of 5 stars
MY REVIEW:
Storylines is a refreshing look at the Bible and the story of God's love that weaves it's way through from beginning to end. Andy and Mike explain the Bible in an overview of six stories. Their humor was fun and enjoyable and made the book feel like a relaxing conversation with friends. I appreciated the fresh look at what these six story lines mean to us here and now and how these two men use examples we can relate to in order to make it come alive in our own minds.
I would have rated this book with five stars if it hadn't been for one red flag on page 23 where it reads as if baptism plays a part in our actual salvation. It is only one sentence, but still I believe one needs to exercise discernment in reading and hence I will recommend this book but with this caution. However, the rest of the book is wonderful and gives many examples that make the Bible come to life. In fact, I also have marked several pages that grabbed my attention and helped clarify in my mind a Biblical truth.
This book is frank on matters and because of that I recommend this to only adults and older teens. While it's directness is not meant for younger readers, it will most likely help you understand the Bible in ways you have not before. Storylines is a cool glass of lemonade on a warm summer day!
BOOK OVERVIEW:
Across our nation, thousands upon thousands of people, especially young people, are biblically illiterate. Many give up trying to read the Bible at all—confused and intimidated by its length and complexity. In their new book, Storylines: Exploring the Themes of the Bible (David C Cook, March 2010), Mike Pilavachi and Andy Croft address this issue head on by providing readers with the keys to unlocking their understanding.
Intended for beginners, rather than biblical scholars, Storylines explores the six main themes of the Bible—Jesus, Covenant, (Divine) Presence, Kingdom, Salvation, and Worship—and takes an exciting journey into the “big pictures” of Scripture. On the way, readers will also uncover amazing truths about the Person to whom all Scriptures ultimately point.
“We believe the six majors motifs we investigate in Storylines are the strong cords that will bind together readers’ understanding of Scripture, helping them grasp the central ideas before delving into the details,” say authors Pilavachi and Croft, leaders of the U.K.’s biggest Christian youth event, Soul Survivor. “We hope the book we’ve written will make a massive impact on readers’ lives; we know that it has deeply affected ours!”
Storylines is topped and tailed by an overview of Scripture’s content—a concise summary of the Bible in 20 pages!—and a brief history of how the Bible came to be in its present form. In between, each chapter focuses on one “thread” and closes with a “paperchase” that summarizes how that particular theme develops through Scripture. Throughout the book, readers will encounter Old Testament characters and events who anticipate the fullness that came in Christ and is being worked out in the world through the gift of the Holy Spirit to the church.
With a youth-friendly style, Storylines is a handy and much needed resource for pastors and youth leaders concerned about low biblical literacy levels in their churches and groups. Older Christians will also find it lively and refreshing as they, too, trace the threads that run through the Bible. The future sequel to Storylines, Lifelines, will be a journey through big ideas in Scripture—biblical values and life management issues such as generosity, sexual morality, and anxiety—to equip readers for living.
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This review copy was provided courtesy of The B&B Media Group
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My rating: 4 of 5 stars
BOOK OVERVIEW:
Dallas/Ft. Worth, TX—As her older brother battled for his life in the ICU, Candi Pearson-Shelton sat waiting and praying with her family for a miracle. The Scriptures were more precious to them in those hours than ever. As Candi poured over the words from Isaiah chapter 40, a song was born. A voice cries in the wilderness, Prepare the way of the Lord. Make straight in the desert a highway for our God.... Then every eye will see the glory of the Lord revealed. The days and months and years that would follow would be painful, but Candi and her family found in the words of this biblical song a sort of mission—a call to find the glory of the Lord shining through the sorrow and to reflect that glory to all those around them.
And when death finally came, by the grace of God, they were able to find purpose through the pain. In fact, they found a depth of beauty in the abyss of the loss that they never could have imagined. Candi discovered that her vision was too narrow, that her lens was too tainted by her own perceptions of fairness and justice and her own desire to control the outcome.
In the fiercely honest yet faithful book, Desperate Hope: When Faith in God Overcame My Despair, Candi shares the lessons that came to them along their journey, offering a song of praise to One who, in the midst of tragedy, pain and confusion, revealed not only His glory but also beauty, unexpected graces, a hope more grounded in faith and a shifted perspective that changed nothing but somehow made all the difference.
“I write these thoughts out of necessity,” the author reflects. “There is value in recording the gentle whispers and hard-learned faith lessons that make up the aftermath, springing up like tender shoots of vivid green grass through the contrasting blackened dry soot. These are my blades of grass, the lessons in the aftermath, told with the heart of an adventurer fresh from the adventure, brimming with tales of terror and scars, of beauty and redemption.”
All of the profits from the sale of Desperate Hope will go to the Rick Pearson Memorial Fund, a non-profit that exists to extend the hope of Christ to others by championing the interests and organizations that Rick passionately supported. Monies that are donated to the Rick Pearson Memorial Fund are used to help support organizations like Compassion International, Bigstuf Camps, The 410 Bridge, Passion Conferences and most recently, a scholarship fund for students who want to pursue a ministry of music with an emphasis on missions.
There is a song entitled “One Breath, Then Another,” that will accompany the book. There will be a code inside each book to redeem online for a free download of the song.
MY REVIEW:
Desperate Hope is the amazing story of human suffering and the hope we have in Jesus Christ. This book is proof in black and white of how God can be glorified even in the worst times of our lives.
Candi Pearson-Shelton explains how our own plans can get in the way of enjoying the things God brings into our lives, how our desire for control lessens our view of God, and how difficulty brings about growth in our life.
This book was such an encouragement to read and a wonderful balm to the soul as we all grapple with suffering at some point in our life. I enjoyed the candid details of this family's journey in one of life's deepest valleys and how they saw God through it all.
AUTHOR BIO:
Candi Pearson-Shelton is a worship leader, songwriter and independent artist. Known for her involvement with the Passion worship movement, she also wrote and performed the title track on the Dove-award-winning album, Glory Revealed. She and her husband Jonathan live in Southern California with their son, Elias.
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This review copy was provided courtesy of David C. Cook and The B&B Media Group.
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My rating: 4 of 5 stars
BOOK OVERVIEW:
When most women think of a “pastor’s wife,” certain images come to mind: either a woman who is so holy she doesn’t seem human or someone sentenced to a life without fun, fashion, or friends. The sad truth is that pastor’s wives often walk a lonely road littered with impossible expectations and inconceivable identity crises. They’re the object of hallway conversations and sermon illustrations, but they rarely have the opportunity to be fully and freely transparent and unique.
Lisa McKay’s You Can Still Wear Cute Shoes is an utterly honest, charmingly witty, and biblically insightful guide for every minister’s wife who wants to serve the church and support her husband¾without losing herself along the way. You will feel an instant sisterhood with Lisa, a senior pastor’s wife happily serving in the trenches. She understands the challenges of a life lived before a congregation, from finding friends and coping with criticism to saying goodbye and starting all over again.
Through Lisa’s engaging style and fresh perspective, you’ll be encouraged to fully embrace being “married to the ministry”! In this book you’ll find answers to questions like:
* How can I effectively support my husband?
* What are my responsibilities within the church?
* Will ministry destroy my family? Am I doomed to a life of solitude?
The questions haven’t changed much over the years but the answers certainly have. Twenty-first century technology has introduced avenues to connect ministry wives in ways never before possible. Among other things, You Can Still Wear Cute Shoes demonstrates how to use online connectivity as a lifeline when isolation threatens to take over.
You Can Still Wear Cute Shoes is a must-have guide for every woman who wants to do the ministry wife “thing” well. Dealing with relationships between ministry wives, ministry families, and church congregations can be rewarding, confusing, and painful. With that in mind, Lisa uncovers insights from pastor’s wives and lay people as to how we can serve one another and Christ with faithfulness and humility.
MY REVIEW:
After reading You Can Still Wear Cute Shoes, I am nominating Lisa McKay to be the official BFF for every pastor's wife!
Lisa's book is beyond encouraging - it's real, fresh, practical, and like having a heart-to-heart chat with someone who really understands what life is like as a pastor's wife. It's not just another guide to being a pastor's wife, it's a friend for a pastor's wife.
While I can not say that I agree 100% with every last word Lisa says in this book, I can say that this book is finding a permanent home on my bookshelf! Lisa addresses topics such as being appropriate, how to leave a church, what expectations you should have for your PK's, how to NOT be your husband's worst enemy, and a whole lot more. I appreciate the vulnerability with which she wrote and the Biblical basis for what she wrote.
For a a new Pastor's Wife, this book will provide an honest approach to living out her new role. The older Pastor's Wife may be challenged to think through her previously formed convictions and for the hurting Pastor's Wife this book will be a balm of compassion and encouragement.
I would encourage Pastor’s Wives to visit Lisa’s blog – www.apreacherswife.com for more encouragement.
AUTHOR BIO:
Lisa McKay and her husband, Luke, serve at a thriving church in Alabama. Together they are happily – if not always properly—raising three rowdy boys and one dramatic girl. In addition to being a wife and mom, Lisa is also a popular conference speaker. Visit Lisa online at www.apreacherswife.com.
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This review copy was provided courtesy of David C Cook and The B&B Media Group
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My rating: 4 of 5 stars
BOOK RECAP:
Finding good small group material can be tricky. Some studies look slick on the outside but lack the kind of depth that can help the group move from a social gathering to a place of spiritual intimacy. Other studies focus so heavily on information and detail that relational connection is an afterthought. More than ever there is a need for a balanced study guide that combines community building with in-depth Bible knowledge. Thankfully, both of these priorities can be made clear to your group with the help of one of the most influential, in-depth, and relational Bible scholars in modern history.
A man who has given his life to a deep examination of the Word of God, Dr. Warren W. Wiersbe is an internationally known Bible teacher, former pastor of The Moody Church in Chicago, and the author of more than 150 books. For over thirty years, millions have come to rely on the timeless wisdom of Dr. Warren W. Wiersbe’s “Be” Commentary series. Dr. Wiersbe’s commentary and insights on Scripture have helped readers understand and apply God’s Word with the goal of life transformation. Dubbed by many as the “pastor’s pastor,” Dr. Wiersbe skillfully weaves Scripture with historical explanations and thought-provoking questions, communicating the Word in such a way that the masses grasp its relevance for today.
The Wiersbe Bible Study Series will incorporate material from Warren’s popular series of expositional commentaries (known as the “Be Books”) into a small group Bible study format, consisting of a Bible book introduction, tips for small group study, self-introspective questions, and practical application. The studies will be Bible book specific and follow along with certain topics respective of how they are presented in the “Be Books.” The studies will not overshadow the actual commentary but instead give the reader just enough of a sampling of Wiersbe’s enduring wisdom that he will want to go out and read the rest of what Wiersbe has written.
MY THOUGHTS:
When I first looked at this book, I was doubtful of how well it could cover four books of the New Testament in only 8 lessons. However, I was proven wrong as I began to read this very simple, yet deep Bible study guide. Whether you use this book in a small group or alone, as long as you have your Bible and a pen, you will find yourself drawn into this extremely meaningful and practical study of 1&2 Timothy, Titus, and Philemon. I appreciated the simple approach Wiersbe uses and the very easy-to-use format it has while being thorough and challenging. Most likely you could work through it in half-an-hour alone, or 1 hour to 90 minutes in a small group. It has a very unique blend of study questions, Bible passages, and easy to understand commentary excerpts. Any person, from teen to senior citizen, would benefit from this study and it's comprehensive study of each of these four books of the Bible.
BOOK DETAILS:
ISBN: 978-1-4347-6510-9
Softcover / 127 Pages / $8.99
Published by David C. Cook
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This review copy was courtesy of David C. Cook Publishing through the B & B Media Group.
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
There are over 4 million "Be" books in print and there is a reason for that! This book, along with it's counterparts, are excellent resources for the person in the pew as well as the full-time ministry personnel.
Reading this book is not like reading a dry, just the facts, commentary - it's like reading a fascinating book that helps you really grasp the passages of Genesis 25-50. Wiersbe explains the scripture in a clear way that is easy to understand for anyone, not just the scholars. I highly recommend buying this series of books that will walk you through the entire Bible so that you can have personal access to digging deeper in your walk with Christ.
Here is some more detailed information on this book:
As pastors seek to make the Word of God more understandable in an age that is unfamiliar with the Bible and as growing disciples seek to discover the truth of Scripture in a skeptical culture, there is a great need for guidance in both the preaching and study of God’s Word. Whether you’re a pastor, a seminary student or a truth-seeking disciple, an understanding of the Bible can be made clear to you with the help of one of the most influential, in-depth and practical Bible scholars in modern history.
A man who has given his life to a deep examination of the Word of God, Dr. Warren W. Wiersbe is an internationally known Bible teacher, former pastor of The Moody Church in Chicago and the author of more than 150 books. For over thirty years, millions have come to rely on the timeless wisdom of Dr. Warren W. Wiersbe’s “Be” Commentary series. Dr. Wiersbe’s commentary and insights on Scripture have helped readers understand and apply God’s Word with the goal of life transformation. Dubbed by many as the “pastor’s pastor,” Dr. Wiersbe skillfully weaves Scripture with historical explanations and thought-provoking questions, communicating the Word in such a way that the masses grasp its relevance for today.
Easily accessible for both pastors and lay people alike, Wiersbe’s profound study guides can be used in personal Bible study or with a group. David C Cook’s third installment of eight revised “BE” series volumes each feature updated content for today’s readers, a new introduction by Ken Baugh and new study questions for each chapter. The 2009 expanded Bible commentaries will include the following studies:
· Be Diligent (A Study of Matthew) encourages us to follow Christ’s example and actively serve others and God. (ISBN: 978-1-4347-6631-1/176 pages/softcover/$12.99/January 2010)
· Be Wise (A Study of 1 Corinthians) explores 1 Corinthians, Paul’s practical guide to seeking Godly wisdom. (ISBN: 978-1-4347-6636-6/192 pages/softcover/$12.99/March 2010)
· Be Authentic (A Study of Isaac, Jacob, and Joseph) shares how we can pursue authentic relationships with others and God. (ISBN: 978-1-4347-6630-4/192 pages/softcover/$12.99/January 2010)
· Be Basic (A Study of Genesis) gives fundamental truths from the book of Genesis on relationships, faith, sin and spiritual fulfillment. (ISBN: 978-1-4347-6635-9/176 pages/softcover/$12.99/January 2010)
· Be Obedient (A Study of Abraham) explores the remarkable life of Abraham and shows how we too can be obedient through faith. (ISBN: 978-1-4347-6632-8/160 pages/softcover/$12.99/January 2010)
· Be Strong (A Study of Joshua) shares the need for strong believers of purpose, while encouraging us to lead victorious lives. (ISBN: 978-1-4347-6637-3/176 pages/softcover/$12.99/March 2010)
· Be Decisive (A Study of Jeremiah) powerful insights for making the decisive, powerful choice to live by God’s absolute truth and values. (ISBN: 978-1-4347-6634-2/204 pages/softcover/$12.99/March 2010)
· Be Encouraged (A Study of 2 Corinthians) is a lively commentary that will help you be encouraged no matter what challenges come your way. (ISBN: 978-1-4347-6633-5/176 pages/softcover/$12.99/March 2010)
Acclaimed worldwide as a pastoral resource for international leaders, the “BE” series will soon include companion study guides—the Wiersbe Bible Study Series—with each study guide correlating with the appropriate “BE” book. David C Cook plans to release additional editions of the series over the next few years.
The “BE” Series by Dr. Warren W. Wiersbe
David C Cook/January and March 2010
This review copy was provided courtesy of David C. Cook.
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
Faith Path Workbook is the companion to the book titled Choosing Your Faith and goes hand in hand with the DVD curriculum titled Faith Path. This 140 page study guide will help you work through the various paths of faith that Mark Mittelberg presents in the book and on the DVD's. While this is a wonderful resource to use along with the DVD's, it is fairly hard to use as a stand-alone book.
By using all 3 resources together, Mark really helps you work through and come to a basic understanding of the various paths people take in finding faith. Not only will you understand these paths better, but you will be able to witness in a more effective manner.
I enjoyed how the workbook really made me think through some paths to faith that we may all have characteristics of. It addressed my thinking and made me think about my thinking in light of the truth of God's Word.
Workbook-ISBN: 978-1-4347-6513-0
DVD-ISBN: 978-1-4347-6514-7/$24.99
Details: softcover/141 pages/$12.99
Published by: David C Cook/October 2009
This review copy was provided by David C. Cook.
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My rating: 3 of 5 stars
This was the first book I have read by Kathy Herman and now I understand why she is a best selling suspense novelist. I normally do not enjoy suspense, but this one was different. I actually enjoyed it.
While it is a suspense novel, it is also threaded with several other story lines. One being the current situation with Brill's daughter, Vanessa, and the second being from the past, which I assume is delt with in book one of this trilogy series. I was still able to understand and enjoy this book without having previously read book one, but it may be even more meaningful if you read them in order.
The plot is believable and has twists and turns that I didn't expect along with the ones that I did. They story challenges the way we view our circumstances showing us that God can use both good and bad in our eyes to bring glory to Himself. The characters face common, real life problems and emotions and you can find yourself relating to them and their struggles.
Overall this is a great book and one I would recommend to older teens or adults to enjoy for the sake of reading. However, I only gave it 3 out of 5 stars because I felt that the spiritual emphasis was on the weak side. If you want suspense, this is a very good book to read, but if you want more spiritual depth to your fiction, I would suggest something by Karen Kingsbury or Francine Rivers.
This review book was courtesy of TBB Media & David C. Cook
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Why do you consider your novels to be Bible studies without the homework?
I guess because my characters ask the hard questions that we all ask—and struggle until they find answers. Even though my books are exciting and entertaining, I weave the morality struggles through the storyline right along with the suspense elements to keep the reader turning the pages. I like to think of my books as “no guilt” reading. It’s fiction, but with a biblical, inspirational message that is relevant to everyday life.
For those who didn’t catch the first installment in the series, can you give us a little background about Sophie Trace and its main characters?
Sophie Trace is a fictional town in the shadow of the Great Smoky Mountains (not far from Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge). It’s pretty town of 13,000 and tourism is big. Many people who grew up here believe that a history of unexplained crimes is the work of the red shadows—the spirits of the departed Cherokee who roam the countryside seeking to do wreak havoc on the descendants of those who took their land.
In the first book, The Real Enemy, the main character, Brill Jessup, is the first female police chief in Sophie Trace. She took the position after a stellar eighteen-year career on the Memphis police force—mostly to escape some painful memories.
Brill and her husband, Kurt, are struggling through marital problems and are staying together to raise their youngest child, nine-year-old Emily. Their two oldest children, Ryan and Vanessa away at college.
While Brill is trying to cope with her unrelenting bitterness and un-forgiveness, she is faced with a series of bizarre disappearances in Sophie Trace—the biggest crime in the town’s history. She has to come to grips with the superstition around the red shadows legend and how it affects the community’s thinking—and figure out the truth of what’s going on.
Meanwhile, Kurt commits to winning her back by taking seriously the words of Romans 12:21, “Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.” He strives to overcome the very evil he has created and put his family back together.
Tell us about the Scripture verse upon which The Last Word is based. Why is this theme so important to you?
The Last Word, the second book in the series, is based on Romans 1:16, “For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes…”
I chose Romans 1:16 and built a story around it because there’s never been a time in history when believers have had a greater chance to make an impact on lost and dying world. With the Internet all the social networking venues, each of us has a chance to share our faith in ways never before possible. But so often, we don’t speak up. In fact, we don’t look or sound any different than the world. It’s as though we’ve lost our zeal for the Great Commission or simply don’t feel comfortable acting on it. My hope is that this riveting story will inspire believers to be ambassadors of the faith as we’ve been empowered to be.
Full of suspense, The Last Word follows Police Chief Brill Jessup as she tries to catch a killer on the loose. Can you describe Brill for us?
To quote her detective captain, “She’s a redheaded spitfire.” Brill’s intuition has served her well, and she can crack open a case faster than almost anyone. She’s an honest cop who brings a lot of experience to this town that is starting to experience big city crime. She’s principled. Fair. Tough. And prayerful. Her faith has been tested many times, not just on the job, but in her marriage. For Brill, law enforcement is much more than a job—it’s a calling. Though she doesn’t wear it on her sleeve, Brill strives hard to honor God in the way she treats her officers and the way she protects the community.
What dilemmas does Brill’s daughter, Vanessa, encounter during the book?
Vanessa has to decide whether or not to keep the baby she’s carrying or give him up for adoption. She’s single and still in college. The baby’s father is her psychology professor. And after she told him she was pregnant and then refused his ultimatum that she get an abortion, he disappeared without a trace. Vanessa is heartbroken but is crazy about the baby. She has no way to support him.
As if that weren’t enough, Vanessa is also friends with an old man who is dying—and she’s forced out of her comfort zone by some of his taunting spiritual questions and must decide whether she’s willing to stand up for her faith and tell him he needs Jesus. Especially when she knows she’s not a shining example of what a Christian should be.
Ultimately, Vanessa must confront the affair she had with her professor and admit to herself that it was sinful—and allow God to take away the guilt she doesn’t realize has crippled her relationship with God.
What we can expect from the last book in the trilogy?
More of the same fast-paced suspense! The final book, The Right Call, is based on 2 Peter 2:19, “For a man is a slave to whatever has mastered him.” It features a character from book two that everyone is going to be wondering about, and who will be a prominent character in my Langley Manor Trilogy coming in 2011. This is a story about choosing whom we will serve—and it’s serious business!
