Mike A. Yarhouse, PsyD
Bethany House Publishers
Usually, I lead off a book review with the copy that is written on the back of the book as in introduction to the content that was reviewed. This is one book that doesn't need such an introduction.
Homosexuality is a controversial enough of a topic without adding the additional fuel of religion to the fire, but this is a subject that the church really needs to face, and face it head on. When I got this book, I was wary that the author may be coming at the reader with an agenda, thereby making this a very long read full of theological errors. Whenever you present a topic like this in a manner that predisposes one side over the other, you lose all credibility as well as any theological stability. The copy on the back of the book was very careful to not use specific language that would give away the bent of the author, so that left me with having to dive in unprepared for what I would face. For that, I was very thankful.
Within a chapter I found that Yarhouse, though careful in his presentation, was perfectly clear on his purpose: The church needs to change how they react to homosexuality. Right now, there are three types of people that read that last statement in two different ways. The first type of person is the Conservative Christian who reads that bold statement as a statement of activism of homosexuality and revision of church dogma and they reject it out of hand. The second type of person reads that statement and agrees that the church is too hard on homosexuality, and they believe that Scripture needs to be re-interpreted. After all, how can a loving Jesus reject people who are born that way? The third type of person reads that statement and agrees that the church needs to change because the church is becoming too accepting of homosexuality. Christians need to get back to the Old Testament and remove homosexuals from their midst. All three of these people have it completely wrong.
Yarhouse goes through the topic, step-by-step, and reveals the reality behind the homosexuality issue. He breaks down the concept of a gay identity and how that differs from same-sex attraction, and the choices that face the homosexual community. He broaches the issue of what to do if your child or teen, adult child, or spouse announces that he or she is gay. How do you handle that situation? What do you say? Who do you blame? Yarhouse delves into the incredibly controversial topic of reversing homosexuality, and he brings to the forefront the question on many people's minds: what causes homosexuality?
This book is well written, heavily notated, and thoroughly engaging. Yarhouse's conclusions are hard to argue, and even if you tried, he has the statistics to back it up. The book is a little difficult to pick up if you have only a few minutes, because he has packed every chapter with pages of information.
Every Christian needs to read this book, and every pastor needs to own and study it. That is not a simple recommendation, this is a crucial need. It will challenge everything you ever thought about sin and same-sex attraction. Get this book!
I received this book for free from Bethany House Publishers. I was not required to write a positive review as a condition of receiving this book, nor would they have been able to make me write one if I thought it was horrible. My opinions are my own and do not reflect the author or Bethany House Publishers.
Friday, November 5, 2010
Wednesday, September 29, 2010
The Way Home {DVD}
Red Five Entertainment
Randy Simkins is a husband and father torn between the demands of his job and commitment to his family. Asked by his wife Christal to watch their two-year-old son Joe for a few minutes. Randy is distracted by work and Joe disappears. Racked by guilt, Randy joins Christal in a desperate search for their missing son alongside hundreds of others from their church and community. Randy and Christal's strained marriage must now weather the ultimate test -- the potential loss of a child. The Way Home is the story of Randy's powerful spiritual journey back to love, faith and Godly understanding of what must always take priority in a man's life -- his family.
This is a story, not based on a true story, but it actually IS the true story of a child that disappeared, and the community rally that occurred to find him. Through the camera lens, we are introduced to the Simpkins family at a time when Randy is swamped with work, and Christal is resenting the time he spends away from the family. Although Randy is a loving father when he is home, he has to be home for it to matter. The family is preparing to go away on vacation, and Randy is given the task of putting little Joe into his car seat. Randy decides to let Joe ride around on his tricycle for a little bit before strapping him in, and this allows Randy some time to check his email. The next thing he knows, Joe is no longer on his tricycle. Joe is nowhere to be seen. The search is on, and the phone calls are made. People come from far and wide to help in the search for little Joe.
I hate to say it, but this movie seemed a bit formulaic, even though the story is original. The acting was good, but not quite solid, despite the star power of Dean Cain (Lois and Clark: The New Adventures Of Superman). There were times that the plot dragged along, but I think that was mainly because there just isn't enough material to cover 95 minutes when 80% of the film is the search for Joe. They could have chopped a good 20-35% of the search out of the film and added some solid character development, and that would have catapulted this picture into the realm of greatness. Some of the acting by the peripheral characters was less than quality, but it wasn't enough to keep me from liking this film.
The cinematography was superb, framing shots at interesting angles and using unusual effects to grab the viewer's attention. Due to the nature of the film, there wasn't much of a sub-plot, but what was there was well thought out and it creatively supported the main feature.
Overall, I think this is a quality family film that is a wonderful addition to anyone's collection, and it can even be used as a teaching tool for your children. I think the positives far outweigh the negatives, and unfortunately, the negatives are somewhat expected in the Christian genre of film. I absolutely recommend this film.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this DVD free as a part of the BookSneeze.com 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."
Randy Simkins is a husband and father torn between the demands of his job and commitment to his family. Asked by his wife Christal to watch their two-year-old son Joe for a few minutes. Randy is distracted by work and Joe disappears. Racked by guilt, Randy joins Christal in a desperate search for their missing son alongside hundreds of others from their church and community. Randy and Christal's strained marriage must now weather the ultimate test -- the potential loss of a child. The Way Home is the story of Randy's powerful spiritual journey back to love, faith and Godly understanding of what must always take priority in a man's life -- his family.
This is a story, not based on a true story, but it actually IS the true story of a child that disappeared, and the community rally that occurred to find him. Through the camera lens, we are introduced to the Simpkins family at a time when Randy is swamped with work, and Christal is resenting the time he spends away from the family. Although Randy is a loving father when he is home, he has to be home for it to matter. The family is preparing to go away on vacation, and Randy is given the task of putting little Joe into his car seat. Randy decides to let Joe ride around on his tricycle for a little bit before strapping him in, and this allows Randy some time to check his email. The next thing he knows, Joe is no longer on his tricycle. Joe is nowhere to be seen. The search is on, and the phone calls are made. People come from far and wide to help in the search for little Joe.
I hate to say it, but this movie seemed a bit formulaic, even though the story is original. The acting was good, but not quite solid, despite the star power of Dean Cain (Lois and Clark: The New Adventures Of Superman). There were times that the plot dragged along, but I think that was mainly because there just isn't enough material to cover 95 minutes when 80% of the film is the search for Joe. They could have chopped a good 20-35% of the search out of the film and added some solid character development, and that would have catapulted this picture into the realm of greatness. Some of the acting by the peripheral characters was less than quality, but it wasn't enough to keep me from liking this film.
The cinematography was superb, framing shots at interesting angles and using unusual effects to grab the viewer's attention. Due to the nature of the film, there wasn't much of a sub-plot, but what was there was well thought out and it creatively supported the main feature.
Overall, I think this is a quality family film that is a wonderful addition to anyone's collection, and it can even be used as a teaching tool for your children. I think the positives far outweigh the negatives, and unfortunately, the negatives are somewhat expected in the Christian genre of film. I absolutely recommend this film.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this DVD free as a part of the BookSneeze.com 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."
Tuesday, September 28, 2010
The Twelfth Imam
By Joel C. Rosenberg
Tyndale House Publishers
Tension rises in the Middle East. As the apocalyptic leaders of Iran call for the annihilation of Israel and the United States, CIA operative David Shirazi ships into Tehran with one objective: Use all means necessary to disrupt Iran's nuclear weapons program -- without leaving American fingerprints and without triggering a regional war.
As David begins to infiltrate Iranian government circles, news spreads throughout the region of a mysterious cleric claiming to be the Islamic messiah known as the Mahdi, or the Twelfth Imam. News of his miracles, healings, signs, and wonders spread like wildfire, as do rumors of a new and horrific war.
With the prophecy of the Twelfth Imam seemingly fulfilled, Iran's military prepares a final strike that will bring about the End Of Days. Shirazi must take action to save his country and the world, but the clock is ticking.
This is my first experience with a book by Joel Rosenberg. I had no preconceived ideas about his writing, only a vague notion that The Twelfth Imam was about the end of days. What I found upon entering Rosenberg's world blew my mind. The Twelfth Imam starts out almost as a description of history. In 1979, the American embassy in Tehran was overthrown and 66 hostages were taken. Rosenberg weaves his characters through the actual history of that time, even bringing them through a narrow escape that allows two families to start their lives over in the United States. Rosenberg then moves us ahead through the history of Iran, the death of Ayatollah Khomeini, and the resurgence of Shia Islam into political power. Then, Rosenberg introduces a character that has the potential to be the Jack Ryan of the 21 century. The CIA catches wind of Iranian nuclear weaponry that may be in the final phases of manufacture and testing. They send one David Shirazi into Tehran to find out the truth of the matter. What he discovers is beyond belief. There is an integral connection between Iranian political power and the legends of the Twelfth Imam, the Mahdi, the prophesied Islamic messiah. David must find a way to neutralize the nuclear threat from Iran while keeping his involvement a secret from the religious and political leaders, all while dealing with severe inner personal conflicts that threaten to destroy his effectiveness as a CIA covert operative.
This book reminds me of a ski jump: It starts out with some speed, it quickly gains more momentum as the plot thickens, then you reach the point where you are committed -- you are going too fast to stop, and then . . .
This book made me laugh and cry. It was simultaneously tense and fast-paced, while also being laid back and refreshing. I literally got chills as I read this book and the desperate certainty of the plot settled in. This book is not for the faint of heart, nor is it something that should be read for relaxation. If you allow it, this book can challenge you and make you face a reality you may not have ever considered.
Or you can just put it back on the shelf and walk away.
The choice is up to you.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Tyndale House Publishers as part of their 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."
Tyndale House Publishers
Tension rises in the Middle East. As the apocalyptic leaders of Iran call for the annihilation of Israel and the United States, CIA operative David Shirazi ships into Tehran with one objective: Use all means necessary to disrupt Iran's nuclear weapons program -- without leaving American fingerprints and without triggering a regional war.
As David begins to infiltrate Iranian government circles, news spreads throughout the region of a mysterious cleric claiming to be the Islamic messiah known as the Mahdi, or the Twelfth Imam. News of his miracles, healings, signs, and wonders spread like wildfire, as do rumors of a new and horrific war.
With the prophecy of the Twelfth Imam seemingly fulfilled, Iran's military prepares a final strike that will bring about the End Of Days. Shirazi must take action to save his country and the world, but the clock is ticking.
This is my first experience with a book by Joel Rosenberg. I had no preconceived ideas about his writing, only a vague notion that The Twelfth Imam was about the end of days. What I found upon entering Rosenberg's world blew my mind. The Twelfth Imam starts out almost as a description of history. In 1979, the American embassy in Tehran was overthrown and 66 hostages were taken. Rosenberg weaves his characters through the actual history of that time, even bringing them through a narrow escape that allows two families to start their lives over in the United States. Rosenberg then moves us ahead through the history of Iran, the death of Ayatollah Khomeini, and the resurgence of Shia Islam into political power. Then, Rosenberg introduces a character that has the potential to be the Jack Ryan of the 21 century. The CIA catches wind of Iranian nuclear weaponry that may be in the final phases of manufacture and testing. They send one David Shirazi into Tehran to find out the truth of the matter. What he discovers is beyond belief. There is an integral connection between Iranian political power and the legends of the Twelfth Imam, the Mahdi, the prophesied Islamic messiah. David must find a way to neutralize the nuclear threat from Iran while keeping his involvement a secret from the religious and political leaders, all while dealing with severe inner personal conflicts that threaten to destroy his effectiveness as a CIA covert operative.
This book reminds me of a ski jump: It starts out with some speed, it quickly gains more momentum as the plot thickens, then you reach the point where you are committed -- you are going too fast to stop, and then . . .
This book made me laugh and cry. It was simultaneously tense and fast-paced, while also being laid back and refreshing. I literally got chills as I read this book and the desperate certainty of the plot settled in. This book is not for the faint of heart, nor is it something that should be read for relaxation. If you allow it, this book can challenge you and make you face a reality you may not have ever considered.
Or you can just put it back on the shelf and walk away.
The choice is up to you.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Tyndale House Publishers as part of their 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."
Tuesday, September 14, 2010
Outlive Your Life
Max Lucado
Thomas Nelson Publishing
We are common folk. We sit in the bleachers, eat at diners, change diapers, and wear our favorite team's ball cap. Fan's don't wave when we pass. Servants don't scurry when we come home. Chauffeurs don't drive our cars; butlers don't open our doors or draw our baths. Doormen don't greet us, and security doesn't protect us. We are regular folk. And we wonder: does God use people like us. He did. God stampeded the first-century society with swaybacks, not thoroughbreds. Are you more dinghy than cruise ship? More stand-in than movie star? More blue jeans than blue blood? Congratulations. God changes the world with folks just like you.
This is the second Max Lucado book that I have read and I have to say that it is an incredible book. Lucado delves into a subject that, upon reflection, lay deep within the heart of every person: Living a life that matters. Moving effortlessly through the first few chapters of Acts, Lucado shows us how God used the very people that society discounted, as the catalyst to change the world. These men and women of God were nothing to the culture that they lived in: a tax collector, a prostitute, a bunch of fishermen -- yet they were pivotal in spreading the Gospel of Christ and shaping history.
I actually read this entire book in a day. Once you breach the first chapter, Max draws you in and points you toward challenge after challenge, daring you to deepen your relationship with Christ and, in so doing, broadening the ministry that He has placed you in. Don't misunderstand, you are eyeball-deep in a ministry whether you realize it or not. Your ministry is to be Christ to people around you - even when you can't stand to be around them. Max weaves personal anecdotes between scripture and stories of real-life people who simply trusted God to use them, and the incredible outcomes of that simple trust.
Lucado's unique writing style, mixed with his honest perspective on life, creates a book that encourages as it challenges, and uplifts as it subtly chastens. I found I had to ask myself several times why I knew what Lucado was saying, but I wasn't acting on it. Outlive Your Life is a call to all Christians to walk what we say we believe. To move like we say we do. To be what we say we are -- Followers of Christ.
I encourage everyone that wants to live their Christian life to the fullest to get this book, as well as Lucado's Fearless, and read them one after the other. You will walk away with a new understanding of God's will for you, I can promise you that.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their 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."
Thomas Nelson Publishing
We are common folk. We sit in the bleachers, eat at diners, change diapers, and wear our favorite team's ball cap. Fan's don't wave when we pass. Servants don't scurry when we come home. Chauffeurs don't drive our cars; butlers don't open our doors or draw our baths. Doormen don't greet us, and security doesn't protect us. We are regular folk. And we wonder: does God use people like us. He did. God stampeded the first-century society with swaybacks, not thoroughbreds. Are you more dinghy than cruise ship? More stand-in than movie star? More blue jeans than blue blood? Congratulations. God changes the world with folks just like you.
This is the second Max Lucado book that I have read and I have to say that it is an incredible book. Lucado delves into a subject that, upon reflection, lay deep within the heart of every person: Living a life that matters. Moving effortlessly through the first few chapters of Acts, Lucado shows us how God used the very people that society discounted, as the catalyst to change the world. These men and women of God were nothing to the culture that they lived in: a tax collector, a prostitute, a bunch of fishermen -- yet they were pivotal in spreading the Gospel of Christ and shaping history.
I actually read this entire book in a day. Once you breach the first chapter, Max draws you in and points you toward challenge after challenge, daring you to deepen your relationship with Christ and, in so doing, broadening the ministry that He has placed you in. Don't misunderstand, you are eyeball-deep in a ministry whether you realize it or not. Your ministry is to be Christ to people around you - even when you can't stand to be around them. Max weaves personal anecdotes between scripture and stories of real-life people who simply trusted God to use them, and the incredible outcomes of that simple trust.
Lucado's unique writing style, mixed with his honest perspective on life, creates a book that encourages as it challenges, and uplifts as it subtly chastens. I found I had to ask myself several times why I knew what Lucado was saying, but I wasn't acting on it. Outlive Your Life is a call to all Christians to walk what we say we believe. To move like we say we do. To be what we say we are -- Followers of Christ.
I encourage everyone that wants to live their Christian life to the fullest to get this book, as well as Lucado's Fearless, and read them one after the other. You will walk away with a new understanding of God's will for you, I can promise you that.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their 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, September 13, 2010
Immanuel's Veins
By Ted DekKer
Thomas Nelson Publishing
Immanuel's Veins follows a soldier under the Russian Empress Catherene the Great who has been given the charge of protecting a mother and her twin daughters. The year is 1772 and the family is crucial to the stability of the Russian empire. A dark man comes seeking to court one of the daughters, but the soldier finds something about him disturbing. Since his duty is the protection of the family he steps in and, in doing so, places himself into the midst of a struggle for power that flows deeper than anyone could imagine.
I have followed DekKer's writing through the Circle Series and the Paradise novels, through World War 2 Serbian battles between good and evil, demonic possession, and even a father battling for his daughter's love. I have seen Ted weave love within stories of passion, hate, fear, death, and redemption. I have devoured books that he has penned that deal with the realities of the Spiritual realm interacting with the physical realm in ways that I had never imagined. But I was in no way prepared for the story that Ted tells in Immanuel's Veins.
Ted tackles a concept that many have written about, yet none have fully understood. I found myself engaging a thought on where the book was heading, only to find that I was way wrong - yet also exactly correct. I even found myself blurting out a cry of incredulity as I processed the page. Nothing can prepare you for the story that is revealed within the pages of Immanuel's Veins.
Throughout the lines of Immanuel's Veins, the question is posed to the reader: What is Sacrificial Love? For this reader, there is but one answer - The giving of oneself totally and completely to another, even unto the point of death so that the other will not die. It seems a rather silly notion to give your life for another considering the reality that if you love someone enough to give your life for them, you will never see the fruits of your sacrifice. For me, the answer runs deeper. Death in this world is a trivial thing. What is important is eternity. If, by my death, you may see eternal life, I willingly give my life for you. THAT is sacrificial love.
Immanuel's Veins is a terrific read, but it is quite a departure from DekKer's usual style. This is the first book of his that I have read that is partially in first-person perspective. In fact, it bounces around from first to third-person throughout the book as the scene changes. Unfortunately, this was a distraction for me.
The story sucks you in and holds you tight as it takes you through Toma's plight, and I literally found myself rushing through the pages. Ted's insight in theological matters, combined with his earnest and sometimes brutal realism, make this story one that you will want to read time and time again. I know for a fact that I'll be revisiting Immanuel's Veins in the very near future.
If you would like to hear a podcast interview with Ted DekKer about Immanuel's Veins, click here.
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.”
Thomas Nelson Publishing
Immanuel's Veins follows a soldier under the Russian Empress Catherene the Great who has been given the charge of protecting a mother and her twin daughters. The year is 1772 and the family is crucial to the stability of the Russian empire. A dark man comes seeking to court one of the daughters, but the soldier finds something about him disturbing. Since his duty is the protection of the family he steps in and, in doing so, places himself into the midst of a struggle for power that flows deeper than anyone could imagine.
I have followed DekKer's writing through the Circle Series and the Paradise novels, through World War 2 Serbian battles between good and evil, demonic possession, and even a father battling for his daughter's love. I have seen Ted weave love within stories of passion, hate, fear, death, and redemption. I have devoured books that he has penned that deal with the realities of the Spiritual realm interacting with the physical realm in ways that I had never imagined. But I was in no way prepared for the story that Ted tells in Immanuel's Veins.
Ted tackles a concept that many have written about, yet none have fully understood. I found myself engaging a thought on where the book was heading, only to find that I was way wrong - yet also exactly correct. I even found myself blurting out a cry of incredulity as I processed the page. Nothing can prepare you for the story that is revealed within the pages of Immanuel's Veins.
Throughout the lines of Immanuel's Veins, the question is posed to the reader: What is Sacrificial Love? For this reader, there is but one answer - The giving of oneself totally and completely to another, even unto the point of death so that the other will not die. It seems a rather silly notion to give your life for another considering the reality that if you love someone enough to give your life for them, you will never see the fruits of your sacrifice. For me, the answer runs deeper. Death in this world is a trivial thing. What is important is eternity. If, by my death, you may see eternal life, I willingly give my life for you. THAT is sacrificial love.
Immanuel's Veins is a terrific read, but it is quite a departure from DekKer's usual style. This is the first book of his that I have read that is partially in first-person perspective. In fact, it bounces around from first to third-person throughout the book as the scene changes. Unfortunately, this was a distraction for me.
The story sucks you in and holds you tight as it takes you through Toma's plight, and I literally found myself rushing through the pages. Ted's insight in theological matters, combined with his earnest and sometimes brutal realism, make this story one that you will want to read time and time again. I know for a fact that I'll be revisiting Immanuel's Veins in the very near future.
If you would like to hear a podcast interview with Ted DekKer about Immanuel's Veins, click here.
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.”
Tuesday, August 31, 2010
The Heavens Proclaim His Glory
created and compiled by Lisa Stilwell
Thomas Nelson Publishing
Our world displays the handiwork of God -- in the land and sea, the animals and plants. But in the sky, the heavens, the universe . . . there's a realm of beauty and creation only recently witnessed by man, thanks to the amazing feats of the Hubble Telescope. The Heavens Proclaim His Glory opens the curtain to a stage of unspeakable beauty -- a stage where only God Himself can receive all the credit. It's a display that will leave you speechless and ever-so-mindful of just how small we are in the vast scheme of His power and might.
I didn't quite know what to expect with this book. I heard that it had images from the Hubble Space Telescope mixed in with powems, quotes and other text from people, along with scripture. What I received was nothing short of a book filled with awe-inspiring images and inspirational messages. The truly beautiful thing about this book is that it's a double whammy: the images are much more inspirational than the text. Mix those images with scripture, and you hardly need poetry.
This book has given me a new appreciation for the wonders of space and God's handiwork, and will remain as one of my favorites for a very long time. The collection of quotes from Frank Peretti, Max Lucado, Kirk Cameron, Third Day, Abraham Lincoln, Stormie Omartain, and Franklin Graham (among others) are perfectly paired with scripture and serve as a reminder of His power and might. I highly recommend this book.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their 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."
Thomas Nelson Publishing
Our world displays the handiwork of God -- in the land and sea, the animals and plants. But in the sky, the heavens, the universe . . . there's a realm of beauty and creation only recently witnessed by man, thanks to the amazing feats of the Hubble Telescope. The Heavens Proclaim His Glory opens the curtain to a stage of unspeakable beauty -- a stage where only God Himself can receive all the credit. It's a display that will leave you speechless and ever-so-mindful of just how small we are in the vast scheme of His power and might.
I didn't quite know what to expect with this book. I heard that it had images from the Hubble Space Telescope mixed in with powems, quotes and other text from people, along with scripture. What I received was nothing short of a book filled with awe-inspiring images and inspirational messages. The truly beautiful thing about this book is that it's a double whammy: the images are much more inspirational than the text. Mix those images with scripture, and you hardly need poetry.
This book has given me a new appreciation for the wonders of space and God's handiwork, and will remain as one of my favorites for a very long time. The collection of quotes from Frank Peretti, Max Lucado, Kirk Cameron, Third Day, Abraham Lincoln, Stormie Omartain, and Franklin Graham (among others) are perfectly paired with scripture and serve as a reminder of His power and might. I highly recommend this book.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their 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, August 11, 2010
Fearless
by Max Lucado
Thomas Nelson Publishing
We fear being sued, finishing last, going broke, the mole on our back, and the sound of the clock as it ticks us closer to the grave. Every season seems to bring fresh reasons for fear.
And it feels dreadful. Fear sucks the life out of the soul, curls us into an embryonic state, and drains us dry of contentment.
Wouldn't it be great to escape it? What if faith, not fear, was your default reaction to threats?
As I picked up this book I already knew that it would be cutting deep within me and exposing things that I didn't want to have to face. I knew that, even though I have been a solid Believer for years, I still had areas of fear that I was unwilling to give to God.
This book has made me stop and realize that, though I may be experiencing trials and situations that deserve a fearful response, I don't have to cave in and react in fear.
Just as the disciples in the boat turned to Jesus, so do I need to cling to Him.
This is a very well written book that draws you in - not because the writing is excellent, which it certainly is, but because Max delves deep into where you are as a believer and a person. His writing style is fantastic and, as this is my first Lucado book, I found myself eagerly turning the pages. If you have never read Lucado, This is a book for you.
Max has written a powerful book that cuts to the quick and, I wholeheartedly believe, it should be read by everyone. I don't care who you are, what background you come from, or even if you think that you can't learn anything new -- you need this book! I sure did!
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their 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."
Thomas Nelson Publishing
We fear being sued, finishing last, going broke, the mole on our back, and the sound of the clock as it ticks us closer to the grave. Every season seems to bring fresh reasons for fear.
And it feels dreadful. Fear sucks the life out of the soul, curls us into an embryonic state, and drains us dry of contentment.
Wouldn't it be great to escape it? What if faith, not fear, was your default reaction to threats?
As I picked up this book I already knew that it would be cutting deep within me and exposing things that I didn't want to have to face. I knew that, even though I have been a solid Believer for years, I still had areas of fear that I was unwilling to give to God.
This book has made me stop and realize that, though I may be experiencing trials and situations that deserve a fearful response, I don't have to cave in and react in fear.
Just as the disciples in the boat turned to Jesus, so do I need to cling to Him.
This is a very well written book that draws you in - not because the writing is excellent, which it certainly is, but because Max delves deep into where you are as a believer and a person. His writing style is fantastic and, as this is my first Lucado book, I found myself eagerly turning the pages. If you have never read Lucado, This is a book for you.
Max has written a powerful book that cuts to the quick and, I wholeheartedly believe, it should be read by everyone. I don't care who you are, what background you come from, or even if you think that you can't learn anything new -- you need this book! I sure did!
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their 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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