Book Review: The Gospel Story Bible by Marty Machowski

I wish I had The Gospel Story Bible when my children were younger. This book is helpful for those parents who want to give their children (and themselves!) a rich reading experience of the stories of God's holy plan of redemption found in the pages of Scripture.

When you read through this book, you will find the accounts of all the major characters of the Bible, including Daniel, Job, Samuel, etc. Each story is only one to two pages long, ideal for young (i.e., short!) attention spans. This book would be great to use for family devotions as well as individual reading pleasure.

The illustrations are vivid and the page backgrounds are comprised of different colors, making it visually appealing to children.

I think the only thing I do not like about this book is that they used the word "Bible" in the title, making it confusing for consumers to understand what this book actually is. It is not a Bible, but a book of Bible stories. The entire text of the Bible is not contained in this book. But that is a minor thing, and can be overlooked.

Over all, I really like this book of biblical stories. They follow the text of the Bible without commentary (which I think is important for young children to learn the truth of God's Word). And best of all, the gospel is mentioned in every one! What a way for the author to tie it all together.

I give The Gospel Story Bible 5 out of 5 stars!

Book Review: What Do You Think of Me? Why Do I Care? by Ed Welch

I first heard of Ed Welch when I took a counseling course in my church almost two years ago. I picked up a few of his books and when I read them I knew that I had found a wise counselor who knew the Bible well and could communicate its truths in an understandable and enjoyable way. Although much of what he writes is convicting, it is done in a manner that expresses his concern for those in pain and struggling with hard life issues. I have learned a lot from this man.

This book was written primarily for people between the ages of fourteen and twenty-four, but it's theme speaks to all. It mostly sounds like a simplified version of the author's book entitled When People Are Big and God is Small, which I enjoyed much more than this one. But, for those who prefer shorter books that can be read in just a few hours, this one fits.

Mainly a book about gaining freedom from the opinion of others and instead focusing on what God desires, What Do You Think of Me/ Why Do I Care? helps the reader in the "path of change":

1. You start by looking at who God is and what He has done for you.
2. Then, in response, treat others the way you have been treated. Love more than you need love from other people.
3. Then get your eyes right back on to Jesus.

This is the content of the book in a nutshell. Mr. Welch brings God glory by pointing us toward Christ and what He has done and by encouraging us to imitate Him by loving others in the same way we are loved by God.

What Do You Think of Me? Why Do I Care? is a great resource, especially for young people. And to dig even deeper, I recommend When People are Big and God is Small. These books will challenge you to change!

I give What Do You Think of Me? Why Do I Care? by Ed Welch 4 stars.

(I received this book from B & B Media Group for review purposes. I received no monetary compensation for this review. All opinions expressed are completely my own.)

Edward T. Welch, M.Div., Ph.D.

Ed is a counselor and faculty member at CCEF. He earned a Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology from the University of Utah and has a Master of Divinity degree from Biblical Theological Seminary. Ed has been counseling for over thirty years and has written extensively on the topics of depression, fear and addictions. His books include: When People Are Big and God is Small; Addictions: A Banquet in the Grave; Blame it on the Brain; Depression—A Stubborn Darkness; Running Scared; Crossroads: A Step-by-Step Guide Away from Addiction; and When I am Afraid: A Step-by-Step Guide Away from Fear and Anxiety.

Book Review: The World-Tilting Gospel by Dan Phillips

I had heard of Dan Phillips a few years ago when I ran across the Pyromaniacs blog. The more I read on this blog, the more I wanted to know about these guys who seemed so "spot on" regarding theological matters. So I was glad to hear about this book and knew I would be in for a treat when I ordered it for review.

The World-Tilting Gospel reminds me of a book I read earlier this year called Dug Down Deep by Josh Harris. Like Harris' book, Mr. Phillips writes about the basics of the Christian faith (sort of a systematic theology) for the common man. Both books are easy to read, but are chock full of deep biblical truths that every Christian should know.

But this is not just a book for Christians. Others would also benefit from reading it because it explains well what we believe and I think would be a help to those who are trying to understand these things.

I recommend this book to anyone who would like something that outlines the Christian faith and does it in a well-structured and interesting way. This is a great resource for any biblical scholar's bookshelf.

I give The World-Tilting Gospel.5 out of 5 stars!

(I received this book from Kregel Books for review purposes. I received no monetary compensation for this review. All opinions expressed are completely my own.)

Dan Phillips (MDiv, Talbot Theological Seminary) has served as pastor in four churches and has taught seminary and college classes in New Testament studies, Hebrew, and Old Testament theology. He has preached and presented seminars on Proverbs and the Sovereignty of God, written biblical newspaper columns and tracts, and hosted a radio talk show. With an ongoing conference and pulpit ministry, Dan is most broadly known for his writing on the Pyromaniacs blog, with Phil Johnson and Frank Turk (http://teampyro.blogspot.com), and at his own blog, Biblical Christianity (http://bibchr.blogspot.com). Dan lives in Sacramento with his amazing wife, Valerie. They have four children and around six cats.

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To learn more about this book and its author, go to the Pyromaniacs blog. There is a link to get the Kindle edition free, a chance to win a hard copy, and more.

Book Review: Passion to Action by Jay and Beth Loecken

From the book's website:

Something kept pulling at Jay and Beth Loecken, telling them there's more to life than the pursuit of a large home, nice cars, and all the trinkets and trappings for a suburban family of six. They felt something stirring, a feeling that God had a different purpose for them, and they knew they had to do something -something big- to get started.

My thoughts on the book:

I do believe that the Loeckens are a nice family who are wanting to do what God calls them to do. I also think it is a good thing that they are serving people wherever they go. But I have to admit I didn't like the book very much.

Most of the book was about what the Loeckens did and what they continue to do. I did not see much about what God is doing in people's lives. It was mostly a "travelogue".

I was especially disappointed at parts of the book such as the following:

" ...this was the first time someone had called our work to the attention of others who would understand our vision for service. We didn't know what to expect. We certainly didn't anticipate the response we got.

'I've got a box of extra Bibles. Would you like to have those to give away on your trip?' one fellow asked.

It wasn't in our nature to hand out Bibles, but we graciously accepted them knowing that all things happen for a reason, and if someone was searching or in need, we'd be ready."

Hmmm... I only hope that they gave those Bibles away. Why wouldn't it be "in our nature" as Christians to want to give the Word of Life to those who are hungry and thirsty, to those who are dying without Christ?

I just felt somewhat cheated as I read about helping the poor without also hearing that they were sharing the Gospel, too. Maybe they were, but you couldn't tell it by what is in the book. There was only one reference to someone possibly becoming a Christian (he prayed a prayer).

Maybe it sounds like I am being too harsh in what I am saying about Passion to Action. Maybe so, but I simply wasn't stirred by it.

If you want to read a book that will give you warm fuzzies and make you feel good about what some are doing for the poor, then you may really like this book. But as for me, I say, don't bother.

I give Passion to Action 2 out of 5 stars.

(I received this book from B &B Media for review purposes. I received no monetary compensation for this review. All opinions expressed are completely my own.)

 

Visit http://passiontoaction.org/ for more information about the Loeckens and to watch videos from the road.

Book Review: Call of a Coward by Marcia Moston

It seems that being a missionary to a foreign country involves more than simply deciding to go and then selling all you have to move to that country. It means more than having a passion to serve. And it often costs more (physically and emotionally) that you would expect.

Marcia Moston found that out by personal experience. Her husband returned from a mission trip one day and told her that they were going to move from their home in New Jersey and work in a home for widows and orphans in Guatemala.

To say she was unprepared would be an understatement. She immediately began voicing her objections to her husband's (and, apparently, God's) plans. After much prayer and introspection, she "came to the conclusion there were only two choices - either God was or he wasn't both Supreme and personal." She then agreed with her husband - they (and their ten-year-old daughter, Lily) would go to Guatemala.

This book is an account of what happened when this family answered God's call and the lessons learned along the way. Marcia gives an honest picture of the struggles she had as she experienced a culture much different from the one she was accustomed to.

I thought it was helpful for me to see not only what the Mostons saw, but also to feel what Marcia felt during this time in her life. Having been a "missionary" myself, I could relate to what she went through in trying to adjust to living in a foreign place. All of what she wrote rang true.

Call of a Coward is a candid story of a woman who put aside her own dreams and desires and followed God in obedience. I was both challenged and encouraged by it.

I give Call of a Coward 4 out of 5 stars!

Book Review: Mugabe and the White African

About Mugabe and the White African:

Ben Freeth has an extraordinary story to tell. Like that of many white farmers, his family's land was "reclaimed" for redistribution by Mugabe's government.

But Ben's family fought back. Appealing to international law, they instigated a suit against Mugabe's government in the SADC, the Southern African equivalent of NATO. The case was deferred time and again while Mugabe's men pulled strings. But after Freeth and his parents-in-law were abducted and beaten within inches of death in 2008, the SADC deemed any further delay to be an obstruction of justice. The case was heard, and was successful on all counts.

But the story doesn't end there. In 2009 the family farm was burned to the ground. The fight for justice in Zimbabwe is far from over--this book is for anyone who wants to see into the heart of one of today's hardest places and how human dignity flourishes even in the most adverse circumstances.

Read the press release for more: http://archive.constantcontact.com/fs019/1101807863309/archive/1106690411054.html

The PBS debut of Mugabe and the White African, the award-winning documentary of the same name, was on July 26. Watch now at PBS: http://www.pbs.org/pov/mugabe/.

Link to buy the book: http://www.amazon.com/Mugabe-White-African-Ben-Freeth/dp/0745955460/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1310054013&sr=sprightly-20

My thoughts on the book:

I had a little trouble staying interested in the book. Not because of subject matter, but because it seemed to repeat facts and dates and names that I couldn't keep up with. However, I did learn a lot about the plight of white farmers in Zimbabwe (and many of the problems throughout Africa). It is a shame that thes things are being ignored and the dictators are allowed to continue their corrupt tactics in the countries they control. We need more men like Ben Freeth and others in the book to stand up to these evil monsters.

(I received this book from LitFuse for review purposes. I received no monetary compensation for this review. All opinions expressed are completely my own.)

About the Author:

Ben Freeth, MBE, is a British-born Zimbabwean farmer. He has lived in Zimbabwe most of his life and is raising his three young children there, together with his wife Laura. Ben's story has already been the subject of an award-winning documentary which won Best Documentary 2009 (British Independent Film Awards), was nominated for the BAFTA Outstanding Debut Film 2010, and shortlisted for an Oscar in 2010.

Book Review: God and Stephen Hawking by John C. Lennox

SEATTLE - Eminent scientist Stephen Hawking's latest contribution to the so-called New Atheist debate The Grand Design claims that the laws of physics themselves brought the universe into being, rather than God. In this swift and forthright reply, John C. Lennox, Oxford mathematician and author of God's Undertaker, exposes the flaws in Hawking's logic in his latest book, God and Stephen Hawking (Kregel Publishers, September 2011, ISBN: 9780745955490, $5.99).

Science has immense cultural and intellectual authority in our sophisticated modern world. With this kind of cache, it must nevertheless be pointed out that not all statements by scientists are statements of science. Therefore such statements do not carry the authority of authentic science, even though it is often erroneously ascribed to them.

Commonly written off as the inevitable clash between science and religion, the God debate is actually one between theism and atheism, where there are scientists on both sides. With a remarkable surge of interest in God that defies the so-called secularization hypothesis, it could well be that it is precisely the perceived failure of secularization that is driving the God question ever higher on the agenda. Book after book is being published on the subject by prominent scientists, as Francis Collins, Richard Dawkins, Robert Winston, etc. But were Galileo, Kepler, Newton and Maxwell, to name a few, really all wrong on the God question?

With such a lot at stake we surely need to ask Hawking to produce evidence to establish his claim. Do his arguments really stand up to close scrutiny? Has the Grand Master of Physics checkmated the Grand Designer of the Universe?

In lively, layman's terms, Lennox guides us through the key points in Hawking's arguments-with clear explanations of the latest scientific and philosophical methods and theories-and demonstrates that, far from disproving a Creator God, they make His existence seem all the more probable. Lennox's book is a great resource for Christians, churches and those in ministry who seek to educate themselves and open authentic dialog with those who question.

Praise for God and Stephen Hawking:

"A brilliant response to Stephen Hawking's The Grand Design. Make sure you hear both sides of the argument."

-Alister McGrath, author of The Dawkins Delusion
 
My thoughts on the book:
 
God and Steven Hawking is a little book, one that can be read in just a few hours and is understandable by the common man (at least mostly understandable!). I gained a lot of food for thought from reading it, even though I didn't grasp all of the scientific language contained within. I think the best way for me to show you what the book is like is for me to share a few of the quotes that helped me the most in comprehending what Hawkings wrote and the arguments against his ideas:
 
"God does not conflict or compete with the laws of physics as an explanation. God is actually the ground of all explanation, in the sense that he is the cause in the first place of there being a world for the laws of physics to describe." (p. 37)
 
"Hawking has signally failed to answer the central question: why is there something rather than nothing? He says that the existence of gravity means the creation of the universe was inevitable. But how did gravity come to exist in the first place? What was the creative force behind its birth? Who put it there, with all its properties and potential for mathematical description in terms of law? Similarly, when Hawking argues in support of his theory of spontaneous creation, that it was only necessary for "the blue touch paper" to be lit to "set the universe going", I am tempted to ask: where did this blue touch paper come from? Is it clearly not part of the universe, if it set the universe going. So who lit it, in the sense of ultimate causation, if not God?" (p. 44)
 
"What is very interesting in all of this is the impression being given to readers of The Grand Design that God is somehow rendered unnecessary, or non-existent, by science. Yet when one examines the arguments one can see that the intellectual cost of doing so is impossibly high, since it involves an attempt to get rid of the Creator by conferring creatorial powers on something that is not in itself capable of doing any creating - an abstract theory."   
 
"(Hawking says) Spontaneous creation is the reason there is something rather than nothing, why the universe exists, why we exist. "
 
"What does Hawking mean by 'spontaneous creation'? It sounds very much like an uncaused cause, an expression often cited as a paradoxical way of describing God. And even if there were such a thing as spontaneous creation it would scarcely be a reason, would it? A reason would be something that replaced the dots in the statement, 'There is something rather than nothing because...'. Hawking's statement seems to be saying, 'There is something rather than nothing because there is something - and that something comes about spontaneously without any cause or reason except, maybe, that it is possible and just happens.'" (p. 68)
 
There are a few more resources that I would recommend if you want to go further in your research of this subject: Expelled (DVD), I Don't Have Enough Faith to be an Atheist by Norm Geisler, and Collision (DVD).
 
I give God and Stephen Hawking 4 1/2 out of 5 stars.

(I received this book from LitFuse Publicity for review purposes. I received no monetary compensation for this review. All opinions expressed are completely my own.)

John C. Lennox is Fellow in Mathematics and the Philosophy of Science at the University of Oxford, and author of the bestselling God's Undertaker. He lectures on faith and science at the Oxford Centre for Christian Apologetics. He has lectured around the world, including in the United States for Ravi Zacharias; in Austria; and in the former Soviet Union. For more about John C. Lennox, please visit http://johnlennox.org/.

A Great NEW Book For Father's Day (AND A GIVEAWAY!)

(Read to the end to see how you can enter for a chance to receive a copy of this book!)

Project Dad is a humorous and practical guide book written by a dad to other dads. Todd Cartmell’s warm and engaging style will have fathers laughing from the first few pages, and gives doable hands-on advice for becoming a better dad.  This book will make an excellent Father’s Day gift!

What makes a great dad? Well, I think a dad should be kind and forgiving, always letting their children know he loves them, no matter what. And he should spend lots of time with them, teaching them the right way to live. This book will help all fathers accomplish these things. It would make a great gift for Father's Day!

Dr. Todd Cartmell received his doctorate in clinical psychology from Fuller Theological Seminary. He completed his postdoctoral training at Wright State University and the Children's Hospital in Columbus, Ohio. Dr. Cartmell works exclusively with children, adolescents, and families and specializes in the treatment of oppositional behavior, depression, anxiety, attention-deficit hyperactivity, and a wide variety of other childhood and adolescent disorders. 

The author of several books, including Project Dad, Respectful Kids, and Keep the Siblings-Lose the Rivalry, Dr. Cartmell is a popular workshop speaker and regularly speaks on parenting issues throughout the country. Currently practicing in Wheaton, Illinois, Dr. Cartmell and his wife, Lora, have two sons.

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Now, for the GIVEAWAY! Would you like to win a copy of this new book? All you have to do is tell me what you think makes a great dad (or a special memory you have of your own father) and add your name and email to the comment section (your entry must include all three of these things to qualify for the free book). I will choose a winner on June 4th, so don't wait to enter!

“Available April 2011 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.”

Book Review: Starting a Micro Business by Carol Topp (and a GIVEAWAY!)

Starting a Micro Business for Teens by Carol Topp

ISBN: 978-0-09829245-0-1

Retail price: $9.95

(Cincinnati, OH) With unemployment rates high, the teen population is finding it harder and harder to find work. Adults are competing for the same minimum wage jobs. But there’s an alternative—starting a micro business. What is a micro business? It is a very small, one-person business that you can start easily and quickly with what you already know or own. No money needed, low risk and no debt! Students can spend as much time running a micro business as they wish and can even close it down during busy times. The best advantage for teens to own a micro business is that it not only brings in extra cash (often more than imagined), but students end up learning a great deal about business, money and themselves. It may lead to an entrepreneurial life or at the very least, prepare students for higher learning opportunities.

Starting a Micro Business will help teenagers earn money while learning how to start their own business. A micro business is simple to start, usually home-based, low risk, educational and easy for a busy student to run. This book offers ideas, a business plan, starting with no debt, pitfalls to avoid and resources to get a teenager started making money running their own micro business.

From the book's website:

"Starting a micro business will help teenagers earn money while learning a lot. A micro business is simple to start, usually home-based, low risk, educational and easy for a busy student to run. This book offers ideas, a business plan, pitfalls to avoid and resources to get a teenager started making money running their own micro business."

Since the book to be reviewed today is a book written primarily to teens, I asked my son, who is fourteen years old, to be a guest reviewer. This is what he says about it:

"I found Starting a Micro Business to be more helpful than the 'Dummy' books I have read on the same subject. The real-life examples are helpful. The information is useful and I hope to use the book in the future to start my own micro business. I believe every teen who wants to start their own business should read this book and that it will help them succeed."

I agree with him. Although small in size (112 pages), it is full of information for teens to help them get started with:

1. Getting an idea for their business
2. Writing a business plan
3. Avoiding common problems
4. Financing their business

If you have a young person in your family who is thinking about having their own business, this is a great resource to own. I give Starting a Micro Business for Teens 4 1/2 out of 5 stars.

(Tomorrow I will have a bio of the author, Carol Topp, and an article on business ideas for teens.)

(I received this book from Kathy Carlton Willis Communications for review purposes. I received no monetary compensation for this review. All opinions expressed are completely my own.)

GRAND PRIZE!

One commenter will receive: The Complete Set of Carol Topp's Micro Business for Teens Series

(Winner will receive the four books shown below)

Starting a Micro Business

ISBN: 978-0-09829245-0-1

Retail price: $9.95

Running a Micro Business

ISBN: 978-0-09829245-1-8

Retail price: $9.95

Money and Taxes in a Micro Business

ISBN: 978-0-09829245-3-2

Retail price: $9.95

The Micro Business for Teens Workbook

ISBN: 978-0-09829245-2-5

Retail price: $14.95
 
 
 
Leave a comment on this post for a chance to win!

Book Review: Lazarus Awakening (and Kindle GIVEAWAY!)

Lazarus Awakening - Getting God’s Love from Our Heads to Our Hearts

You believe that God loves the world…but sometimes you wonder if He truly loves you.

For many of us, moving the truth of God’s love from our heads to our hearts is a lifelong process. As we consider our inadequacies or grieve our shattered dreams, we find it difficult to believe that God cares for us personally.

In this life-giving book, Joanna Weaver shows you how to embrace the truth that Jesus loves you apart from anything you accomplish, apart from anything you bring. Just as He called Lazarus forth to new life, Jesus wants to free you to live fully in the light of His love, unbound from the graveclothes of fear, regret, and self-condemnation.

Love is calling your name.

Combining unforgettable real-life illustrations with unexpected biblical insights, Joanna Weaver invites you to experience a spiritual resurrection that will forever change your understanding of what it means to be the one Jesus loves. Bible study and Leader’s Guide available here:
 
http://www.joannaweaverbooks.com/books/lazarus-awakening/
 
My thoughts on the book:
 
I remember reading Joanna's first book, Having a Mary Heart in a Martha World, many years ago. It helped me get perspective on how to be like Mary in the midst of this crazy, hectic world we live in.
 
Lazarus Awakening, the third in the author's trilogy (Having a Mary Spirit is her second one), has a different objective. It is written to the believer who has become fearful, unforgiving, or is having a hard time believing that God loves them and that He can be trusted completely with everything.
 
I was able to identify with a lot of what Mrs. Weaver illustrated in this book. I know what it is like to doubt God, and I have struggled many times in my life with the inability to embrace the unconditional love of God. The author helped me to see myself accurately in the light of God's Word. I gained insight in this book about Lazarus and his sisters as I read how they came to grips with what the Son of God was doing in their lives. He knows exactly what he is doing, even when we continue to question his ways.
 
Mrs. Weaver has a way with making the Scriptures come alive. I did not agree fully with all she wrote, but these were minor things compared with the whole of the book and its message of healing and restoration.
 
I give Lazarus Awakening 3 1/2 out of 5 stars.

(I received this book from LitFuse for review purposes. I received no monetary compensation for this review. All opinions expressed are completely my own.)


Joanna Weaver is known the world over for her transparent and life-changing books, Having A Mary Heart in a Martha World and Having a Mary Spirit. These two books have sold over a million copies and have been translated into several languages including Spanish, French, Dutch, Chinese, German, Korean and more. Joanna has appeared on a wide variety of nationally syndicated radio and television broadcasts. Past appearances include: The Harvest Show, At Home Live With Chuck & Jenni, Midday Connection, HomeWord, and Janet Parschall’s America. She is also a highly sought after speaker and shares her message at intimate gatherings and several high profile events each year. But Joanna's greatest joy is found in being a wife and mother and her role as a pastor’s wife. For more information about Joanna, please visit her website.

Joanna is celebrating the release of Lazarus Awakening with the Heart of God KINDLE Giveaway!

In Lazarus Awakening Joanna writes about getting God’s love from our heads to our hearts. We all know Jesus loved Mary – look how she worshiped. And we can understand why He loved Martha – after all, look how she served. But what about those of us who don’t know where we fit in the heart of God? Lazarus Awakening explores the tale of the third follower – Mary and Martha’s brother, Lazarus. We never hear him speak, we never see him serve. The only thing of any significance that Lazarus did was to die. And yet, the Bible is clear. Jesus loved Lazarus. And He loves you and me as well. Lazarus Awakening looks at different aspects of the story we find in John 11. We learn what it means to be a friend of God and begin recognizing the tombs we spend far too much time in. Find out more here.

 One grand prize winner will receive:

    * A Brand New KINDLE with Wi-Fi

    * Having A Mary Heart in a Martha World

    * Having A Mary Spirit

    * Lazarus Awakening

Joanna will also select two additional contest entrants to receive copies of her trilogy. Enter soon by clicking the icons below and then tell your friends. Hurry the contest ends April 16th. The winner will be announced on Joanna's blog on April 18th.

(Join other bloggers as they share their reviews on this book: http://litfusegroup.com/blogtours/text/13184491)