THE UTTER RELIEF OF HOLINESS

Monday, January 07, 2013

THE UTTER RELIEF OF HOLINESS
How God's Goodness Frees Us from Everything that Plagues

By John Eldredge

OVERVIEW: Here is a book that explores the beauty of the genuine goodness available to us in Jesus Christ, and guides the reader through the process whereby God makes us whole and holy by his love. Readers will be relieved. Utterly.

AUTHOR: John Eldredge has written 12 books. He is the Director of Ransomed Heart, a ministry devoted to helping people discover the heart of God. It has become a grass-roots phenomenon with millions of followers. For more on this movement visit their website: www.ransomedheart.com.

MY REVIEW: If not all, most of us are seeking relief from what plagues us. John Eldredge believes that in this book he shows us the process whereby God makes us whole and holy by his love. Does he accomplish this? I believe he does! He shows us how we can be free through the healing work of Christ in our lives. He shows us where this begins and what it means.

I was personally convicted by what Eldredge wrote in Chapter Three, Set Free To Live. In Chapter Two he had written about the goodness of Jesus and genuine goodness. I loved that chapter and realized how strongly I believed what I was reading. And then comes Chapter Three and I identify with the man in his first story. A man who is resentful of all the stupid people he meets throughout his day. Being resentful of stupidity is not a good thing. I don't want to feel resentful. I want to feel good. Eldredge points out that the way to feel good is to let Jesus invade your life.

"The hope of Christianity is that we get to live the life of Jesus. His beautiful goodness can be ours. Jesus can heal what has gone wrong inside each and every one of us. He does this by giving us his goodness; he imparts it to us."

We all need the holiness of Jesus. This book will help us be more like Him.

(I received this book from Faith Words, Hachette Book Group in exchange for a fair and honest review.)

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT HEALING

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT HEALING
A Physical and Spiritual Guide
By Harold J. Sala

OVERVIEW: Combining careful research, biblical narratives, and personal stories of physical and spiritual healing, internationally known Bible teacher and counselor Dr. Harold Sala points to how trusting God yields lasting and eternal rewards in What You Need to Know about Healing. While no one is promised tomorrow, you will receive true encouragement for any circumstance, and you will better understand the compassionate nature of our heavenly Father and how to find healing His way. This dynamic book is suitable for those who need physical or spiritual healing as well as for their family members, friends, caregivers, and other health or ministry professionals.

AUTHOR: Harold J. Sala is founder and president of Guidelines International, Inc., a ministry communicating the message of Jesus Christ so that people come to faith in the Lord and believers are discipled and strengthened. Sala has written dozens of books and is the featured speaker on "Guidelines: A Five-Minute Commentary on Living," a daily radio program broadcasting worldwide and translated into more than fifteen languages.

MY REVIEW: The Christian college I attended taught me that miracles such as we read about in the Bible ended with the apostles. After college I spent years preaching and teaching that doctrine. I have been a student of the Word and life in general for many years. It has only been in recent years that I have been able to accept the fact that God indeed may still, at his choosing, work such miracles today.

Recently I have read several books about healing. Craig Keener's magisterial two-volume study of miracles is now on my desk waiting to be read.

I agree with best-selling author, Joni Eareckson who said, "Healing is a perplexing topic, and Harold Sala handles the complexities with skill and ease. You will find much to consider in this special book." I especially liked the chapter, "Is the Great Physician Still Practicing?" Sala has written on this difficult topic in an understandable and believable manner. Many people the world over are asking questions about suffering and healing. This book combines careful research, biblical narratives and personal stories to help answer some of those questions.

(I received this book from The B & B Media Group, Inc. in exchange for a fair and honest review.)

THE CONVICTION TO LEAD

Saturday, December 29, 2012

THE CONVICTION TO LEAD 
25 Principles For Leadership That Matters
By Albert Mohler

OVERVIEW: Let me warn you. The goal of this book is to change the way you think about leadership. Dr. Mohler reveals 25 principles to crystallize your convictions, revolutionizing your thinking, your decision making, your communication, and ultimately those you lead. At the age of thirty-three Dr. Albert Mohler became the youngest president in the 153-year history of the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. He was the driving force behind the school's transformation into a thriving institution with an international reputation characterized by a passionate conviction for truth. In the process he became one of the most important and prominent Christian voices in contemporary culture.

AUTHOR: DR. R. ALBERT MOHLER JR. is president of the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, the Southern Baptist Convention's flagship school, as well as a radio personality, blogger, and sought-after commentator. Hailed by Time magazine as "the reigning intellectual of the evangelical movement in the U.S," Dr. Mohler has been quoted in the New York times, the Wall Street Journal, and USA Today. He has also appeared on such national news programs as Larry King Live, NBC's Today Show, Dateline NBC, Good Morning America, The NewsHour with Jim Lehrer, and The O'Reilly Factor.

MY REVIEW: I agree with Jim Daly, President―Focus on the Family who said, "Dr. Albert Mohler has written a book that shakes us up and challenges our thinking. The Conviction to Lead is poised to become one of the all-time classic works on Christian leadership." I'm not sure it will become a classic but I agree strongly that it is a book that shakes us up and challenges our thinking. That alone makes it an excellent and needed book.

Fred Barnes, Executive Editor―The Weekly Standard writes that this is a powerful book and gracefully written. Gracefully written? I had never thought of describing writing that way before. But he's right. This is a well written, powerful book that is easy to read and understand. I like the word grace. I think "gracefully written" is a good way to describe Dr. Mohler's writing.

Don't miss the word CONVICTION in the book's title. One of the best things Dr. Mohler says is: "Until conviction is transformed into action, it makes no difference in the world." If you are in a position of leadership―read this book.

(I received this book from Bethany House, a division of Baker Publishing Group in exchange for a fair and honest review.)

GOD IS ABLE

Friday, December 28, 2012

ALL TO JESUS--A Year of Devotions by Robert J. Morgan is a splendid book I received as a Christmas gift.

 The first entry in the book for Day 1 tells about missionary Amy Carmichael attending a meeting featuring the renowned preacher Dr. Andrew Bonar. He was very old and could not speak very plainly or strongly. She was near the back and could not catch a word he said except the word all. He read 2 Corinthians 9:8 and strongly emphasized the word all. She said she heard and forgot thousands of great sermons, but that all she never forgot.

                                            

God is able to make all grace abound toward you;

that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things,

may abound to every good work.

2 Corinthians 9:8

Robert Morgan wants his readers to know that the words God is able is a divine promise that is mentioned over and over in the Bible:

*  He is able to establish us (Rom. 16:25).
*  He is able to do immeasurably more than we ask or think (Eph. 3:20).
*  He is able to keep what we have committed to Him (2 Tim. 1:12).
*  He is able to aid us in temptation (Heb. 2:18).
*  He is able to keep us from falling (Jude 24).
*  He is able to deliver us (Dan. 3:17).
*  And He is able to make all grace abound to us in all ways at all times for all things.



(ALL TO JESUS --A Year of Devotions by Robert J. Morgan, best-selling author of Then Sings My Soul).

HOW TO SURVIVE THE END OF THE WORLD

Thursday, December 20, 2012

HOW TO SURVIVE THE END OF THE WORLD
By Bob Hostetler

OVERVIEW:  From the back of the book: People around the globe are talking about the end of the world as we know it. Movies and other media portray it as a dark and dismal catastrophe. And some believe it will happen soon. How to Survive the End of the World explores an ancient apocalyptic vision in a fresh and invigorating way. Instead of arcane theories and timelines, it approaches this two-thousand-year-old revelation of "the end times" the way it was meant to be seen and received―as a survivor's guide: an encouraging and equipping message that will prepare readers for the end...whenever it comes. Unlike most approaches to what many consider a confusing and frightening time, this book will bless you, inform you, and make your daily life better, fuller and richer.

AUTHOR: Bob Hostetler is a writer, editor, pastor, and speaker from southwestern Ohio. He has written numerous books, two of those books have sold over 3 million copies. He has won two Gold Medallion Awards, four Ohio Associated Pres awards, and an Amy Foundation Award. He is a co-founder of Cobblestone Community Church in Oxford, Ohio.

MY REVIEW: You will find it hard to believe that I am recommending this book as a Christmas gift. And I didn't think I would feel that way about it either when I saw the title and before I read it. I wanted to read it because I have been interested in the Book of Revelation for many years. I have taught it in Sunday School classes and preached series of sermons on it. I have been interested in the theories about the book and the four basic views about how The Revelation should be interpreted. 

This book is very different from the many I have read about The Revelation. Eugene Peterson, Professor Emeritus of Spiritual Theology at Regent College is quoted on the front cover of the book saying, "A book of great hope and joy and blessing." Sounds a little like Christmas, doesn't it? And there's this quote from the back of the book, "...this book will bless you, inform you, and make your daily life better, fuller and richer."Give me a gift that will do that and I be forever thankful.

Yes, I like this book. This is one study of the Book of Revelation that you don't have to be a great theologian to understand and appreciate.

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

WISDOM MEETS PASSION

Monday, December 17, 2012

WISDOM MEETS PASSION
When Generations Collide and Collaborate
By Dan Miller and Jared Angaza   

OVERVIEW: This book is about different generational approaches to work, money, education―well, just about everything in life. Dan Miller and his son, Jared want to share their stories―not with the expectation that you will duplicate their lives but as a way for you to see into lives that are dramatically different in observable details yet strikingly similar in values and heart issues. As you read this book it is their hope that you will take a fresh look at your principles and lifestyle and perhaps those of your children, your parents, your neighbors, or the people living on the other side of the world. Their desire is not that you question valued traditions but that you would perhaps be more open to acceptance of people whose experiences may be different from you own.

AUTHORS: Dan Miller, president of 48 Days, specializes in creative thinking for increased personal and business success. He is the author of the widely acclaimed 48 Days to the Work You Love and No More Dreaded Mondays. Jared Angaza is a branding consultant, philanthropist, and blogger. Founder of KEZA, an ethical fashion company, and Angaza Consulting, Jared consults primarily on the issues of gender equality, business development, and rebranding Africa.

MY REVIEW: I have got to stop doing this! Recently I have found myself beginning every book review by stating that this is one of the best books I have read this year. No, every book I have read this year has not been wonderful. But the last five or six have been. Really, they have been excellent and this book is one of the better ones. I have little colored tabs sticking out all over the book indicating where to find things I want to remember and quote.

Dave Ramsey, New York Times best-selling author said, "A solid, comprehensive plan for attacking your life and career goals." Kevin Miller who is Dan Miller's son and Jared's brother, who may be a little biased―but I don't think so, said, "The message presented in this book leaves the door open to two dangerous outcomes; continue a life of mediocrity or risk new possibilities. Either way, it's a risk. Which will you choose?" And then Andy Andrews, New York Times best-selling author of The Noticer and The Traveler's Gift, wrote, "This is the book you've been waiting for! Dan and Jared have created a treasure map just for you. Read and be amazed as they peel back the mystery of tapping into the wisdom and passion that you and I have overlooked for so long."

I was attracted to this book by the word Passion, written in red on the cover of the book. The title is Wisdom Meets Passion. Most of us know we need a little wisdom but all too many of us give little consideration to passion. One big thing I learned from this book was how to be more open to acceptance of people whose experiences may be different than mine. I have struggled with this  all my life and still do. But these men have helped me to move in the right direction.

(I received this book from Thomas Nelson Publishers in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.)