Firsthand

As a "preacher's kid" myself, I can totally relate to the expectations that people have of you to duplicate the faith of your parents, church, denomination, etc. While the Church must make disciples, we must make sure that the people we are trying to lead in Christ have their own relationship with Jesus, and that they are not merely "playing the part" of a believer - i.e., mimicking or copying behaviors, cliches, etc.

In this book, "Firsthand," authors Josh and Ryan Shook have struck a nerve that needs to be stricken! Your faith cannot be what someone else tells you it must be. First-hand faith is a personal possession. We don't need second-hand religion; we need a first-hand relationship!

I cannot recommend this book enough. It is relevant and real, and I believe it will serve greatly in the Body of Christ to help people develop their personal, firsthand relationship with God!

I was given a free copy of this book from the publisher for an honest review.

The Blessed Church

Rev. Robert Morris is an amazing pastor and author. He is doing great things for God and His Kingdom. In his book, "The Blessed Church," he unloads principle after principle regarding the progress of the local church - his local church - but he makes the principles transferable to any pastor in any local church. 

In short, if you want a How-To Manual on how to lead and grow a Healthy Church, you have truly found a resource that will fulfill that desire. Whether you are a pastor, leader, or layperson, you can gain incredible insight into what it takes to grow a healthy congregation that advances the agenda of the Kingdom of God.

I received this book for free for an honest review from Multnomah Publishers' "Blogging For Books" program.

Be The Message - Review

Every now and then, you come across a book that truly speaks to you and changes your life. That is what I can say about Kerry and Chris Shook's latest book, Be The Message. Honestly, the book is practical and powerful. The first chapter is worth the book's purchase price.

For too long, Christians have given lip-service to the Gospel...instead of giving their life in service to the Gospel. When we understand that WE ARE THE GOSPEL - that we who have been changed by the power of Jesus Christ - that we are the message God is writing to someone in the world, it will change the way we live and approach everything.

God can use your mistakes and your victories, your failures and your successes, your pain and your prosperity. Nothing is off limits for Him to use for His glory. That is the message that is superbly communicated in this book. I highly recommend that you get a copy of Be The Message - and that then you go do what it says!

I was given a free advance copy of this book by the publisher for an honest review in their Blogging For Books program.

GODONOMICS

Take any subject today and do a search for information on it, and you will find a lot of different voices saying a lot of different things. This is also true about the area of economics. There is no shortage in finding "experts" on the subject of finances. 

However, the most important voice we can hear on ANY subject is GOD'S voice, including what HE says about economics. Author Chad Hovind, in his book GODONOMICS, has diligently tried to do just that. 

You owe it to yourself to read this book. It brings clarity to many subjects regarding finances - including work ethic, saving, giving, and much more.

I received this book for free for a review from Multnomah Publishers through their blogging for books program.

"Strange Glory" Book Review

Dietrich Bonhoeffer has long been an admired and respected Christian and believer. This book, Strange Glory, by author Charles Marsh, only adds to the revelation of a life well lived. The book is an extraordinary account of a man who lived an above average spiritual life. It underscores the formidable faith and unwavering commitment to Christ of Bonhoeffer. You will find information and inspiration by reading these pages. It is lengthy, but valuable. Take your time and soak in every word in this beautifully written account of a life that continues to make a difference in the Body of Christ.

Book Review - "Soul Print"

I was simply captivated by Mark Batterson's book, "SoulPrint: Discovering Your Divine Destiny." I have read a lot of books on "finding your destiny," but I must say that this book, to me, ranks right up there within the top 2 or 3 I have ever read - and could be the number one book in my opinion.

I found the message of the book both insightful and inspirational, and I don't think the term "instructional" could be left out either. Mark tells the reader not only what to do but how to do it. He gives practical insights into finding your true identity, which he says IS your destiny.

Your destiny is not about what you do, but about who you become along the way. That makes life about the journey, not the destination. These are the depths of the insights you will unearth in this book.

If you are looking - not just for a "good book," but for a "significant book," I don't think you will be disappointed with Mark Batterson's "Soul Print." It really has the power - through the Holy Spirit - to change the course of your life.

Blessings!

Wisdom Points-3

Told an old friend this tonight:

"Some people are on the front end of self-discovery...trying to figure out who they are. Some are on the back end, trying to figure out who they were meant to be. Some are in between...trying to close the gap between who they are and who they want to be. But if you are breathing...God hasn't given up on you. So don't give up on yourself. Let this promise soak into your spirit, because it will energize your life: It is never too late to become who you might have been."

You are not defined by your past. It's over. Today is a new day. Raise your chin. Take a step forward. The future is yours.

Blessings!