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Friday, December 31, 2010

Unstuff by Hayley and Michael DiMarco

I am the LORD thy God, which have brought thee out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of bondage. Thou shalt have no other gods before me. (Exodus 20:2-3

Unstuff by Hayley and Michael DiMarco



Unstuff focuses on our culture of "stuff".  Material stuff, mental stuff, physical stuff.  All this stuff.  The question is if its worth it.  Do we really need all the stuff we have?  Are we honoring God?  Or are we pushing Him aside based on our flesh.  The authors use their own lives as examples of taking an honest look at where we are in our walk.  Then, they look at how to "unstuff" our lives to allow our focus to be on God.  All this for His glory, and our benefit.

When I first started reading this book I thought it wasn't written for me.  The first part is more based on material possessions and the authors definitely live a completely different lifestyle than I do.  Still, ,as I read I began to see more that applied to me.  Stuff is a lot more than a material item.  Its things in our mind that rob our time.  Its the way we treat our bodies.  Its a lot.  As that message came through I really began to enjoy this book.  Many scripture references are used to show God's mercy toward us.

I know that this will be a book I pass on to a few friends.  Its a helpful look at who we are in Christ.  I would recommend it to anyone who has a notion they are tied to something in the world.  And also to those who feel they aren't tied down.  Overall, I'd give this 2 out of 5.

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.” 

Wednesday, December 29, 2010

The Jesus Inquest By Charles Foster

But if there be no resurrection of the dead, then is Christ not risen: 1 Corinthians 15:13

The Jesus Inquest By Charles Foster

Mr. Foster is an English lawyer who set out to write a book about one thing.  The truth of the resurrection.  As a Christian, the resurrection is a key element to the truth of Jesus Christ.  As the Son of God, he defeated death.  Something no man has ever done.  To attack this issue, Mr. Foster has come up with a debate between two fictional barristers, X and Y.  They present arguments for and against the resurrection to inform the reader on a broad picture of the pieces of this event.

The style of writing is one that is new to me.  I must admit I became angry on a few occasions when I would forget I was reading the points of the barrister against the truth of the resurrection.  Still, the arguments are well presented.  Mr. Foster uses his own job experience as a credential to write the book in this manner.  He contends in the court system he is often required to research and present compelling evidence, even on subjects he does not personally agree with.

Overall, this is a good book on apologetics.  There is a good amount of information on the points of naysayers and great historical and biblical counter-points.  The author tries his best to take a mountain of evidence and make it palatable.  I think the most noble part of his effort is that he wrote is as an evagelism tool to use with his own family.  What love!


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, December 22, 2010

A Child Is Born

But thou, Bethlehem Ephratah, though thou be little among the thousands of Judah, yet out of thee shall he come forth unto me that is to be ruler in Israel; whose goings forth have been from of old, from everlasting. Micah 5:2

Prophecy!  God tells us that He wrote things in the Bible before they happened so that all would know that He is the Lord.  To make sure that we got the picture, the test for someone calling themselves a prophet was 100% accuracy.  100%.  No mistakes.  Because God would not make a mistake.

So, let's look at Micah.  Micah's prophecy was written down 700 years before the birth of Jesus.  700 years.  He even named the city.  A city so small that it didn't even warrant a commanding officer in the army of Israel.  It was here that God would send His son to come and fight for us.  Bethlehem.

It's Micah's prophecy that the wise men use to know where to find the new King.  It's in Micah's prophecy we see the promise of the Messiah.  Jesus.

Merry Christmas!

Thursday, December 16, 2010

Chasing Elephants by Brent Crowe

Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God. Give none offence, neither to the Jews, nor to the Gentiles, nor to the church of God: 1 Corinthians 10:31-32

Chasing Elephants by Brent Crowe

Chasing Elephants deals with the "gray areas" in the Christian walk.  Those things that are not directly addressed in scripture.  The idea is that by developing a framework to look at things with a Christian worldview, any topic can be analyzed.  Mr. Crowe uses several examples of social drinking, online networking, service opportunities, and others.

I was leery when I first began reading this book.  I was on guard against a liberal world view being presented.  Part of this is because of the topics the author chose to use as examples.  I was dead wrong.  Mr. Crowe is grounded in scripture and speaks truth.  Even hard truth.

The book begins with establishing a framework.  Through scripture, Mr. Crowe identifies 18 different questions to use to evaluate a decision.  The decision on an activity, a group, anything.  This is a powerful tool.  We are called to be in the world, but not of the world.  What better way to guard against that than to see the truth in scripture!

Once the framework is established, several real examples are studied and applied.  Its a great application demonstration and really worked well.  I have already been sharing these questions with others.  I am sure it will be a great ministry tool.


 Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from NavPress Publishers as part of their Blogger Review Program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commision's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

Monday, December 13, 2010

Voices of the Faithful By Beth Moore, International Mission Board

Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world; Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ; Titus 2:12-13 

Voices of the Faithful  By Beth Moore, International Mission Board

Beth Moore has teamed up with missionaries from around the world to write this inspiring devotional.  She has a great heart for missions that shows in the tender way she writes of the people she has met.

The book has one devotion for each day of the year.  Each devotion is written by a different missionary serving in the field.  The devotions are heart inspiring as you get a glimpse into their lives.  Additionally, each devotion ends with a prayer to take the message of that day before God.  Beth Moore writes an introduction to each month as well as a commentary on the mission field.

I really liked this book.  The idea of bringing so many stories together into one place is great.  The fact that there are so many different authors makes it even better.  Each person or team shares some of their own struggles and triumphs as the reflection for each day.  What better way to edify the body that through God's people!

I am thankful Mrs. Moore had the idea to compile this devotional laid upon her heart.  It will surely be a blessing to anyone.


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.” 

Thursday, December 9, 2010

Mothers and Brothers

Then one said unto him, Behold, thy mother and thy brethren stand without, desiring to speak with thee. But he answered and said unto him that told him, Who is my mother? and who are my brethren? And he stretched forth his hand toward his disciples, and said, Behold my mother and my brethren! For whosoever shall do the will of my Father which is in heaven, the same is my brother, and sister, and mother. Matthew 12:47-50

As Jesus was teaching of the kingdom, His mother and some of His siblings came to talk to Him.  When He was told they were there, He addresses those around Him and says that the ones who are doing the will of God are His brothers, sisters and mother.  This was not meant to insult His natural family, but to be an encouragement to those around Him.

So often as Christians the terms 'brother' and 'sister' are used as a sign of fellowship in the church.  However, Jesus wasn't using this for a kind address.  He was demonstrating the true meaning of family.  The Savior equated those who are doing the will of God with being a member of His family.  As a member of the family, Jesus taught how we are to love one another, care deeply, bear burdens and encourage.  He was taking this teaching directed at earthly families and now applying it to the bigger family, the church.

As members of the true church, all under the authority of Jesus Christ alone,  we are linked together.  This bond is to encourage us to reach out and be a part of the lives of others.  Addressing by 'brother' or 'sister' is a title of deep connection.  It's a pledge to that person that you will be there for them.  You will fight to save them.  You will help carry their cross.

Merry Christmas, my brothers and sisters.

Thursday, December 2, 2010

Jesse Tree

And there shall come forth a rod out of the stem of Jesse, and a Branch shall grow out of his roots:  Isaiah 11:1

Christmas is coming!   Jesus, the rod of Jesse, the Redeemer has come.  What an amazing season.

In our house we are wrestling with keeping traditions versus honoring Jesus.  How do we do it?  Here's something that may be of interest to you:

http://www.crivoice.org/jesse.html

What do you think?