If God is Good - Book review

My latest book to review is If God is Good by Randy Alcorn. I was intrigued by the subject matter, which is one of the most asked questions...if there is a God, why does bad happen???

During my lifetime, I have probably heard a version of that question asked of me a million times. Through the duration of this book, Mr Alcorn delves deep into theological observation and Scripture references.

Over the years, unbelievers have said that if pain, suffering, evil and war are allowed to be, then there can't be a God. From the differing perspective of Christians, we tend to think more along the lines that suffering and evil can cause believers to trust more deeply and rely more on God. He is our Strength in troubled times. The outlook of Christians is also that going through sufferings allows the possibility to reach unbelievers with the Hope that carries them through the tough times.

This is a brilliant work, touching on the most sensitive of subjects. It isn't a quick, one-night read...but the time invested on the subject will leave you inspired and hopeful, even in your lowest days. It also includes a topical and scriptural index at the back to help with certain issues. This is a must-read for Christians, especially those who are trying to reach to others with their faith.

I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review.

Wild Goose Chase - Book review

The title of this book by Mark Batterson would make one think of a life out of order. *Wild Goose Chase* would bring up mental images of someone just being pulled to and fro with no particular end or means in sight. The Christian life, however, is nothing close to that. In this book, Mark describes how to live a life chasing the proverbial "goose" or Holy Spirit's will for each day.

What we don't see is the final outcome of our daily meanderings that appear as unorthodox to some, if led by the Holy Spirit will have a particular goal as the result. We are finite beings who have only a slight sense of Who and What the Holy Spirit is in our lives. We see things in the scope of our minutes, hours, and days...while time is of no real relevance to the Lord.

When we truly follow the Lord, this "goose chase" will lead to great personal growth and building of a relationship that will be more valuable than anyone can express in mere words.

I would recommend this book for anyone looking to deepen their relationship and understanding of the Holy Spirit. Mark's writing is easy to read, but will challenge you to the core!

The Lucado Life Lessons Study Bible - Book review

My latest review comes in the form of a Study Bible. This is the second review of such a work. Max Lucado has long been a favorite of mine in the work of walking through this Christian life. His insights are very unique and profound, so I was intrigued to see how this Study Bible would turn out.

This is my first Bible in the New King James Version translation. The main difference I find between it and the KJV is simply the dropping of the "Thee"'s and "Thou"'s into more updated vocabulary. I don't want to dwell on the translation in this review, but rather the study materials that are found throughout both the Old and New Testaments.

Each book of the Bible starts with a short synopsis, as well as author, date written, major themes, key verse(s) and outline of the major contents. But, that's not the extent of the study portion...in the side margins, there are lessons throughout the entirety of the Bible. Each "lesson" shares a passage of Scripture...it tells the situation, makes an observation, talks about the inspiration for the passage, gives a life application and also references more exploration on the related subject.

Max Lucado's writing style conveys the message of living our faith out in our everyday life, while also being concerned with sharing it with others. This Study Bible has so much to offer, including a couple of in-depth looks at Heaven with study questions as well. In the back of this Bible are included very good reference helps including: (1) He Did This Just for You Verses, (2) Spiritual Growth Verses, (3) 30 Studies for New Believers, (4) The Big Picture: A 30-Day Overview to the New Testament, and (5) "Where to Turn When" Index. Each of these sections are handy in so many situations, both personal and sharing with others.

I would recommend this Study Bible for anyone looking for a new perspective in their quiet study times. While I enjoy Max Lucado's writing, his words are no substitute to how the Holy Spirit will speak through Scripture. All-in-all, this is a great reference for use in so many situations that everyone could benefit from having this edition.

Now for the legal stuff...

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.”

Radical - Book review

These days, there are so many books out there giving us this formula or that formula in fixing our lives. But, the major problem is that they are based on US fixing our own lives and problems. In the book "Radical" by David Platt, the formula is based upon principles grounded in the Bible.

Are you currently in a church environment where the members do works "because that's the way they've always done it"? Are things just ho-hum and blah-blah-blah in your spiritual life? In this book, you will find the essentials in living the life you've been called to live.

Many times, we look for a quick fix that doesn't stretch us too far from our comfortable lives we lead. Radical doesn't call for us to make decisions based on comfort, but hits us squarely between the eyes and confronts us with the truth. This confrontation will cause the reader to do one of two things: change the way you live or just go about the norm unchanged.

Not only does Radical call for personal change, but also the way we "do church". Are we truly reaching out to those around us, or simply huddled and secluded? I'm reminded of a quote a preacher used to say..."the church is so worldly and the world is so churchy, I can't tell them apart". That's exactly what David Platt is talking about. We are too busy trying to live the American dream to really portray Christ in our personal and corporate settings.

I would recommend Radical to any believer as a guide to living with a missional mindset.

I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review

Life Without Limits - Book review

Several months ago, I was referred to a video on YouTube of this man who was born with no arms and no legs. This was my introduction to Nick Vujicic, the author of the book "Life Without Limbs". I have since watched several videos and read some of the journal entries from his travels worldwide. What an amazing story of how God can use an individual in spite of their circumstances.

This book not only tells about the life lived without limits, but one of hope when things seem utterly hopeless. Nick has fought through obstacles that most would succomb to the depression and simply give up. And, not only has he not given up, but has given proof through his walk with the Lord that we truly can have "...a ridiculously good life".

One of the best rules to live without limits is found in Chapter 7 Don't Let Your Face Plant Grow Roots. In this chapter, the lesson learned is if you fail and give up...you will never get up. In his life, Nick has faced the obstacles and knows perfectly well how hard it is to get up when you've fallen. Physically, it would be nearly impossible. But, as Nick states, if you fail 99 times and give up you will never get up.

There are so many good points in this book, but I would hate to give away too much. If you are looking for inspiration, or just love to pull for the "underdog", this book is a definite must-have. I would recommend this for anyone high school and above.

I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review.