You Can Be Everything God Wants You to Be - book review

Last night, I sat down and opened the latest book I will be reviewing. I have been a Max Lucado fan since just after graduating high school. His latest, "You Can Be Everything God Wants You to Be" is a perfect blend of common-sense, Biblically sound and inspirational writing.

The sticker on the front of the book states that it’s the perfect gift for the graduate. I would take it one step further. It’s the perfect gift for the person who has lost focus. There are so many applicable thoughts contained in this short book (127 pages), that can be applied to work-related struggles, career decisions, and even re-focusing our lives to fit the mold that God has designed for us.

I would recommend this book for anyone who is in need of a boost to their morale. It doesn’t always mean we get the pat on the back of we’re doing okay, but sometimes requires us to analyze our entire decision making process. When we put God’s will in front of our own, we can truly be everything God wants us to be…notice it doesn’t say what we want…that’s where we get confused too many times. True happiness comes in finding His plan for your life and following it.

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.”

The Voice of Psalms - book review

My newest book to review is The Voice of the Psalms, which comes from the Ecclesia Bible Society and is published by Thomas Nelson. This was an easy read, from start to finish, and would be a great extra version for readers to indulge in when doing an in-depth study of the book of Psalms as well.

The Voice of Psalms contains the entire book in the Voice translation, and also contains several devotional applications and some comments on certain passages that may spark some thought for the reader.

Over the years, I have learned that reading different translations of the Bible can open our heart and eyes to some hidden gems that we may have missed in the KJV. Since expanding my study through different translations, now including the Voice, I feel that Scripture can be more easily applied to daily life application.

The Voice of Psalms was a good read, and I would encourage anyone doing a study of Psalms to pick up a copy. Great from cover to cover and another great complimentary book that Thomas Nelson has provided as part of the BookSneeze blogger review program.

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.”

Called to Worship - book review

You may remember that I have done some book reviewing for the Book Review Blogger program, which is now under the name of "BookSneeze" for Thomas Nelson Publishing. As a result, I received a copy of "Called to Worship" by Vernon M. Whaley.

This book was an interesting read for many reasons. First and foremost, in my "day job", I serve as a Music Minister and am constantly studying the origins of worship and how they can be applied to our modern times. In this book, Whaley covered the introduction of even the thought of worship, which was not a Sunday morning exclusive thing. Worship is a 24/7 thing that we should begin to take hold of.

In the very origin of life, we were created to worship God. In all we do, every action, every word, every thought should be God-honoring. This book just gave me a few more reminders of how worship was presented to us in the Bible. He also used quotes from varied teachers and speakers, who many times share completely opposite beliefs. I didn't have a major issue there, but thought he incorporated them well to get his idea across.

All in all, the book was a good read although somewhat lengthy. It has the feel of a textbook. Never being a great fan of reading textbooks word-for-word, I would give this book a rating of 3 1/2 our of 5 possible stars. If you want to know more about worship, "Called to Worship" would be a great resource 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.”

No More Pretending...

Okay, we are into the New Year a couple weeks now. How are you doing with those resolutions? Did you make any this year, or just give up on even trying anymore? One of the things I am trying to keep focused on is being real. That's right...just be real. We are not expected to be perfect, but be real and let others see how we can face anything through the power of Jesus' name. With that thought in mind, I would like to share the following video of one of my favorite songs. It talks about just being humble and acknowledging that we don't have the answers and we need help. I'll include lyrics after the video, which will play the first verse and chorus only.

No More Pretending from Chris Ko on Vimeo.

No More Pretending by Scott Krippayne
I can look good when I want to
I know the right things to say
I cover up what I don't want you to see
But you see it anyway
Maybe I think I can fool you
Maybe I'm fooling myself
I want to change but I don't know how
And I need your help

Chorus
No more pretending
No more pretending
Lord, I know I need to tell you the truth tonight
But everything is not alright in my life
And I need you like never before
I don't want to pretend anymore

I'm tired of hiding my weakness
I'm tired of trying to look strong
I don't want to say that everything's fine
When there's so much that's wrong
Tell me again that you love me
Though it's more than my heart understands
And I will lay down my disguises
And show You who I am

No more pretending
No more pretending
Lord, I know I need to tell you the truth tonight
But everything is not alright in my life
And I need you like never before
I don't want to pretend anymore


Can you relate? I can...and I realize I need the Lord more and more everyday. I pray that this was encouraging to you today. Please let me know if you have a special prayer request I can word on your behalf.

Oh, by the way, thanks Scott for giving me permission to use your song. I appreciate you taking the time to answer my request! If you would like to know more about Scott and his music, head over to his site by clicking here.

All Things Really for Good???

After the events of last week, which I have questioned continuously, I have been setting my mind on the verse notated above. Are you having issues come up in your life that just don't seem to make sense? Are there people getting the promotion you think you deserve? Is someone less qualified or passionate being exalted while you are being overlooked? Does your life and the circumstances surrounding you right now just seem downright unfair?

If so, let's look at Romans 8:28, which states..."And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose." But, wait a minute...how can that be possible when I am doing right, but am being "punished" in the decisions that are made around me? I know...aren't you glad you don't have the mind of God? There are times I wish I knew the reasons behind everything that doesn't go according to plan, or at least "my" plan.

But, are we really confident in knowing that God's plan is the right way? It's one of those sayings that we as Christians are programmed to say to others who are going through trying times..."God has a plan in everything"...but what about when that plan affects YOU!?! I can say most assuredly that I know God has a plan, and although I might not understand everything that comes my way, I realize that God's ways and thoughts are far superior to mine.

That obviously leads us to another verse, which is found in Isaiah 55:8..."For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the Lord." We must take the things we hand over to God and do just that...let Him handle them. And, at the same time, realize that we aren't able to comprehend or grasp the reasonings behind every decision. Much as when we were children, we thought our parents had "lost it" when they wanted us to do certain things. Now, as adults, do we find our kids thinking the same of us? Amazing how perspective can change with a little growth and maturity, huh?

The next verse I would like to share comes from Psalm 46:10..."Be still, and know that I am God: I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth." We must be careful not to jump out in haste when sometimes we just need to cool off and realize that the Creator has a plan. I am reminded that in this life, I am not the star of the story, but rather a bit player. If we can remember that, we will find it easier to relax and know that God is in control!

And finally, let's look at Hebrews 13:5..."Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee." Let's be happy with what God has given us...like the old saying goes..."when life hands you lemons, make lemonade"...when God allows things to come into your life, allow it to work and bring praise to His name.

I thank you for allowing me to speak to myself through this post and would love to hear your thoughts on the subject. Maybe you have a verse that comforts you in such a situation...share it with us.

As always, let me know if you have a special prayer request I can word on your behalf!!!