DISCOVER THE POWER OF COMMUNITY

Monday, April 09, 2018

BETTER TOGETHER
By Rusty George

OVERVIEW: It turns out, the people who think they don't need community may need it most of all! In this book, pastor Rusty George—a self-proclaimed introvert by nature—gives you the tools to "do life together," whether that feels natural to you or not. He shares such secrets as how to become more vulnerable, how to draw other people into your everyday life, and how to lean on others in times of need. Together we connect with God better. Together we heal better. Together we overcome fears, raise families, fight temptations, and bless the world better.

AUTHOR: Rusty George is the Lead Pastor of Real Life Church in Valencia, California. Through his 11 years at RLC, the church has grown to over 6,000 people and three campuses. Rusty speaks regularly at conferences across the country, and he lives with his wife and two daughters in Santa Clarita, California.

MY REVIEW: The cover of this books states that it is: Surprising truth for introverts, extroverts, control freaks, free spirits, people persons, curmudgeons and especially, YOU. Well is that true?
I think it is. I agree with Andy Stanley who wrote: "If you really want to go further, faster, go together! Rusty's book Better Together will help you get there." Rusty George is an introvert. I am an introvert. And I agree that his book has surprising truth for introverts. But I'm not sure I agree with everything he says about introverts and how his book will help them. Now, he may be right and I may be wrong and that is why you need to read this splendid book for yourself. And it's not a book just for introverts. It's a book for everybody who wants to live a whole and healthy life.

The book is divided into four sections. Section 1: Help! Everyone Drives Me Crazy; Section 2: Better Together...to Connect with God; Section 3: Better Together...to Overcome Weaknesses; Section 4: Better Together...to Leave a Legacy. Each section has 3 strong chapters loaded with great truth from the Bible and Rusty George's experience and wisdom.

John Ortberg, Senior Pastor and author wrote: "Rusty speaks on one of the most important topics in the world with grace, humor, and insight. Read it deeply, read it twice—but don't read it alone!"

(I received this book from Bethany House Publishers in exchange for a fair and honest review.)

JESUS the BRIDEGROOM

JESUS the BRIDEGROM
The Greatest Love Story Ever Told
By Brant Pitre

OVERVIEW: In Jesus the Bridegroom, Brant Pitre once again taps into the wells of Jewish Scripture and tradition and unlocks the secrets of what is arguably the most well-known symbol of the Christian faith: the cross of Christ. In this thrilling exploration, Pitre shows how the suffering and death of Jesus were far more than a tragic Roman execution. Instead, the Passion of Christ the fulfilment of ancient Jewish prophecies of a wedding, when the God of the universe would wed himself to humankind in an everlasting nuptial covenant.

AUTHOR: Brant Pitre, PH.D., is a professor of sacred Scripture at Notre Dame Seminary in New Orleans. He is the author of the bestselling book Jesus and the Jewish Roots of the Eucharist: Unlocking the secrets of the Last Supper and The Case for Jesus: The Biblical and Historical Evidence for Christ. More information about his work can be found at BrantPitre.com.

MY REVIEW: Bishop Robert Barrron used just two words to describe this book, "Simply stunning." Just two words. But they are powerful and true. This is one of the best books I have read this year.
Brant Pitre is an excellent writer but this is not an easy read. I found myself re-reading page after page. Not because it wasn't well written or difficult to understand. I just wanted to be sure I let his important thoughts sink in before moving on.

"When seen in the light of Jewish Scripture and tradition, the life of Christ is nothing less than the greatest love story ever told." I agree with author Scott Hahn, "This book will change you." The book has a reader's guide that contains key Biblical passages and questions for reflection and discussion for every chapter. This is very helpful.

Jesus the Bridegroom will help "transform not only the way we see Jesus and his death, but also how we understand baptism, the Lord's Supper, marriage, virginity, and even the end of the world."

I encourage every Christian to read this book and begin their journey of discovery.

(I received this book from Blogging For Books in exchange for a fair and honest review.)

the ROCK, the ROAD, and the RABBI

Thursday, April 05, 2018

the ROCK, the ROAD, and the RABBI
By Kathie Lee Gifford with Rabbi Jason Sobel

OVERVIEW: In this book you can walk with Kathie Lee on a journey through the spiritual foundations of her faith: THE ROCK (Jesus Christ): Hear directly from Kathie Lee about her life-changing and ever-deepening connection with Jesus, the Lover of her soul. THE ROAD (Israel): Explore dozens of ancient landmarks and historical sites from Israel, the promised land of God's covenant. THE RABBI (God's Word): Go beyond a "Sunday school" approach to the Bible by digging into the original languages and deeper meanings of the Holy Scriptures.

AUTHORS: KATHIE LEE GIFFORD is the three-time Emmy-winning cohost of the fourth hour of TODAY, alongside Hoda Kotb. The Gifford-Kotb hour has been hailed as "appointment television" by Entertainment Weekly and "Today's happy hour" by USA Today. Gifford has authored there New York Times bestselling books. RABBI JASON SOBEL, is a thought leader, spiritual guide, and Jewish follower of Yeshua (Jesus). He is cofounder of Fusion with Rabbi Jason, an organization dedicated to sharing teachings and resources that reveal deeper insights into the Jewish roots of Scripture.

MY REVIEW: KATHIE LEE GIFFORD states on the book cover, "My journey into the Heart of Scriptural Faith and the Land Where It All Began." She said she has always believed the answer to every question any person will ever ask can be found in the Word of God. I struggle with that belief. I do believe with all of my heart that the Scriptures are the inspired Word of God. And I believe that this is a wonderful book that will deepen your faith. Although I have been a preacher of the Scriptures for over fifty years I learned from this book. For example I learned that Jesus may not have been a carpenter. I say, "May not." I think the book states it as a fact. And it may be. And it may be that I have not fully understood what Kathie Lee means when she says she believes the answer to every question any person will ever ask can be found in the Word of God. But putting that aside, this is a excellent book.

I agree with actor, producer, Roma Downey who wrote: "This is one of those unique "if" books that speaks deep into your soul with promise and possibility. Because if you've always wanted to visit the Holy Land, if you want a deeper understanding of the Bible, and if you enjoy great stories from a great storyteller—then this is a perfect book for you."  The book contains 29 brief chapters that after reading you will feel that you have made a journey through the Holy Land and come out knowing Hebrew and Greek.

(I received this book from BookLook Bloggers in exchange for a fair and honest review.)

THE CONSTANT PRATTLE OF LIFE

Monday, April 02, 2018

Do you ever just want to get away from it all and be alone?

I do.

So does the actor, Jeremy Irons. This afternoon I have been reading an interview with him in the Wall Street Journal. Talking about meditating occasionally he said, "..." I get out of noisy places and noisy dinners. ...I can't bear the constant prattle of life." Ah. That's me too. I can't bear the constant prattle of life."

So Clif, you don't like people. No, that's not right. I like most people. Well, maybe not most people. Just some people. I know. I know. I know and understand the second great commandment. I have been working on this all my life. 

I don't think I dislike people so much. It's just that I can't bear the constant prattle of life.

I get bored and want to scream.

Foolish babble.

I'm not against people talking and expressing their opinions. 

Most of the time I'm interested in hearing it.

But when they go on and on at length in a foolish, inconsequential way. I get bored.

So I, like Jeremy Irons like to get out of noisy places and even noisy dinners. Although I do have to say that if there's dinner I don't get bored as quickly.

Maybe Jeremy just touched a nerve and it "opened the door" for me to do some babbling of my own and now I'm boring you by prattling on. Sorry.

But for me, right now the only babbling I want is from a brook.

Selah