Messy Grace its for everyone

How to love others without sacrificing convictions. This is the basis of this book. The author was raised by Gay parents so he gives a very insightful perspective in how to deal with, love the Homosexual. The title comes from when we share truth but with grace it gets messy. "To understand messy grace , we have to understand how to love people no matter who they are" and when you deal with people, you'll get messy.

The LGBT community is a group that most Christians try to ignore or avoid,Mr Kaltenbach reminds us that Jesus pursued people whose lives were messy and their hearts were far from God, He met them where they were. Since God demostrated His love for us in that while we were sinners Christ died for us, why should we expect others to change before they come to Jesus. This book will help the reader better minister to the LGBT community, just as Jesus would if He was on earth today. Of course the best way to do this is through building a relationship that one has already formed. We can't do it with a us vs them mentality after all we accept others as friends and family without approving of their life choices.
The author is Biblically sound in his dealing with this subject. This is a good how to book and it is a book everyone should have on their book shelve. I received this book from Blogging For Books in exchange for honest review of which is my own. 

Book Review Bringing Heaven to earth

This book is a quick read, but Biblically it raises reg flags with some of what the authors write, maybe it has something to do with their Progressive Christianity. Foe example on page 33 they say heaven is less a location and more a reality defined by God's will being done and on page 68 "Usually when Christians talk about heaven, the discussion becomes either abstract or exclusionary. The conversion turns to streets of gold and gates of pearl of the talk soon turns to who is in and who is out. I think God will be more generous then any of us image. That's the meaning of mercy none of us deserves it (which is true) yet all of us are in desperate need of it (also true). Keep in mind the sheep and goats story. You might be convinced you're a sheep, and you find out it's better to be a goat. (We don't decide who's a sheep or a goat, God decides that . Matt 25). Also on page 68 the authors write here is what the gospel points us to : the world one day is going to be set right. What Jesus accomplished through His death,burial, and resurrection reverses the curse of the Fall. What the authors leave out is: heaven is for those who have Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior, no where do they ever mention that we are sinners and need Jesus to save us, nor can we decide ourselves whether we want to be a sheep or a goat, that Jesus decides this is clear in Matt 25.

A second red flag I see is on page 160 where the author quotes 2 Peter 3: 7-9 and said's it's important to note the fire mentioned by Peter is not a reference to any intentions on God's part to destroy the world. Well I guess the authors should have went on and quoted verses 10, 12, of 2 Peter 3. Theses verses are clear that the world will be destroyed by fire. 3:10-But the days of the Lord will come like a thief and then the heavens will pass away with a roar and the heavenly bodies will be burned up and dissolved and the earth and the works that are done will be exposed. vs 12- waiting for and hastening the coming of the Day of the Lord because of which the heavens will be set on FIRE and dissolved and the heavenly bodies will melt away as they BURN. Then the new heaven and the new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away.. come down out of heaven from God. Rev 21:1&2. 

There are more red flags but this review is long enough. The authors basis principle is heaven comes to earth every time Christians show compassion, justice, etc. to people . I

An American Ronin Guardian of The Republic

Allen West said "" in Obama's case we've enabled affirmative action to find a home in the nation's highest office" American's fell for the gimmick candidate, disregarding every fact and warning sign in the rush to have "the first African-American president.Mr West said that what wants the reader to take away from the book is a BFO- a blinding flash of the obvious. Read this book to see if he accomplishes his goal. For me this present administration has done the work for him, Mr West just points it out.

Even if you don't agree with Mr West you should also read the book because he reminds us of the beliefs  of our country's founders and all they went through to bring America her independence  from England and Tyranny.

The tropic I think is the best part of the book is how he describes  the history of Black conservatism  which included Booker T Washington verses the progressive socialism of W. E. B Dubois. He gives the facts of how conservatism has done more for blacks then progressives which has actually left them on the 21th  century plantation. 
                                                                                                                                                                 I received this e-book from Crown  Books for a honest review which is my own.

                                                 

50's Finances

This book is written in a question and answer format. It is not very in depth but the author list  the references  , the web sites. contact numbers, one would need to follow through with the advise she gives. She does a good job of mentioning all the areas to consider when looking to retirement finances, this is a book to read when you start to seriously approach your retirement age. By reading this book I understand better what is the best time to draw social security, and which age will give the most benefits. 
    There are some sections that would really benefit some one under fifty in the sense of showing them the areas to start investing and the things to consider so that at your retirement age finances won't be a concern. What is very in lighting is the concept of the 4% rule and how its works, for that you will have to read the book.
 So the bottom line is this book is a good one to have on the reference book shelf. I received this book for free from Blogging For Books for this review which is my own.

The Enemy Within a review of CRASHING THE CHATTERBOX

If you have ever thought or said any of the following:
     What kind of Dad/Mom are you to do/say such a thing.
      Your are just like your Dad/Mom.
      Whats wrong with me, why can't I ever change, I keep doing this over and over again.
       How have I managed to ruin (pick the occasion) over something so small.
       I'm a failure I can't do anything right.
       or  any negative thought really
     THEN THIS BOOK IS FOR YOU..

  The Chatterbox referred to in this book is "that inner voice that holds the key to all your fears..the voice that hearld's doom, losing, and lack." It also spins  endless tales about the (what if's) awful things that might happen to us as well creating infinite illusions about the terrible way God will respond to us if we fail. This chatterbox is great at leveraging our sins against us.

This book is a MUST have and is very practical in helping the reader learn how to defeat this inner voice of negativity.It is great as both a personal and small group study and  includes a section of discussion questions to help with that. Steven Furtick is very transparent when using  personal examples, his goal is to help us all hear God's voice above all others especially this inner voice.

I received this book for the purpose of this review, which is my own, from Multnomah Books. Get this book and let's defeat the Chatterbox together.

   

Ten Days Without

This is a book that I just couldn't finish,it has nothing to do with the book it just that every time I went to read it I found my mind wandering. I will wait a couple of months and try again. The concept is a great one be coming like the section of people you want to minister to so as better to understand their life and therefore be better able to help them.

The Kingdom is...

Jesus spoke a lot about the Kingdom of God, if you are like me you know it is true, real, and here now, but other then that you have a hard time understanding this Kingdom concept.This book will help you in understanding this kingdom here on earth, how it works, and how you  are apart of it.

To quote the author " When Jesus talked about the kingdom, He never talked about our building it, advancing it. He said the Kingdom is .. He simply invited His followers to see it,embrace it, believe in the unfading reality of it, and join in what the Father was already doing in the world." This book shows us how.

This very practical book is a revised and updated edition which includes a small group conversion guide. So go get this book, THIS BEAUTIFUL MESS but just don't read it, LIVE it.

The Ragmuffin Gospel

This is a great book about being a disciple of Christ. The basis of this book is: for the disciple of Jesus "becoming like a little child" means the willingness to accept oneself as being of little account and to be regarded as unimportant. This will become a classic if it hasn't already. it's a book that needs to be in your library.

Truth With Gentleness

This is a short,easy read its message is simple: Holding  the Truth high with compassion, humility. We must defend and share the Truth but do so in gentleness. How do you know you are pursuing humble orthodoxy is if you are spending more energy on obeying then you are criticizing others. There is a study section to help with use in a small group. This book is short but to the point, go read it today.

No Excuses Unstoppable a Review.

What is your excuse you would think that being born with no arms and legs would be a good one. Nick Vujicic has learned that self-destructive urges that came when he lost faith and focused on what he couldn't do rather then what he could, he lost hope in the future because his vision was limited to what he could see instead of opening himself to what was possible- even impossible.
   Nick tells of lessons he learned through dealing with his physical challenges of having no arms and legs. He even tells of his attemping suicide and why he didn't follow through with it. These lessons are good for all of us.
    I felt shame and petty because I can come up with excuses and I have no physical challenges to deal with. If you are one of those who makes excuses his book is for you and great for learning how to overcome excuse making. You will come away if Nick can do it then so can I attitude.
    I received this book from Waterbrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review which is my own.

Christ Our Mediator a review

This book reminds us that the Cross should be the focus of all we do, it should be center stage.The thought that Jesus stayed on the cross because His passion was to do the will of His Father and His love for sinners like you and me which is reason enough to praise and thank Him. In the second half a question is asked-Who do you identify with from the characters in the crucifixion story is it Peter, Pilate, Simon of Cyrene, Mary, or the crowd. The Author has you think about that and tells you who he thinks we are like and why.

When you have felt alone and abandoned by God, did you ever think about how Jesus felt the same when He was in the Garden and on the cross of course His was because He was receiving the wrath of God in our place. God can and does relate with us in our pain, sorrows,loneliness , etc. because He is our Mediator. Read this book it will remind you of all Christ did and experinced for us in our place.

I received this book from Waterbrookmultnomah Pulishing Group for this review which is my own.

The Bottom Line- Simply Jesus

This is a really short book only 62 pages, but within those pages we are reminded that it is all about Jesus and not a church, pastor, program, or system. How many times do we do things, for "God" but at a moment of time we see something in Scripture and are convicted because some of the things we are doing, we are/were doing for reasons other then Biblical reasons. We must be reminded that we are saved to be a light and to bring glory to God. This book serves as that reminder.

This book is a short, easy read, but to the point.It is good for all Christians but would probably be more helpful to a new believer. I received this book from Waterbrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review which is my own.

knowlegde of Christ vs relationship with Christ

    Do you pursue the knowledge of Christ or a personal relationship with Christ? Do you know more about Christ then you experience Christ. These two questions is the premise of Leonard Sweet book WHAT  MATTERS MOST. The modern day Church has drifted away from its 1st.century roots. The 1st century church had a relational attitude where the church today has a propositional attitude.This difference has caused us to get the point but miss the person (Christ). We have knowledge of Christ but we need the relationship experience with Christ.
     Dr. Sweet  discusses seven areas (repertories)of relationships that when we understand them will help us have this living virbant relationship with Christ that the 1st century church had. Is your relationship with Christ one that mirrors that of the 1st century church where every day is an experience that will have people taking notice and want what you have.
     There is a section in the book for small group questions and answers.I received this book from Waterbrook  Multnomah Publishing Group for this review.                                 

To Heaven and Back A Review

     This book is about Dr Neal's spiritual journey, which includes her death( out of body experience) during a kayak trip in Chile, her time in heaven before her being brought back to finish the purpose God has for her. This is a easy read, some times through I felt details were left out in the story. This maybe for length the book is 222 pages.
     I have problems with this book two that I will mention in this review. In the chapter entitled Going Home I got the impression that there is a second chance for salvation after death. On page 73 the second paragraph Dr. Neal writes "I felt my soul being pulled toward the entry and as I approached, I physically absorbed its radiance and felt the peace, complete and utterly unconditional absolute love that emanated from the hall. It was the most beautiful and alluring thing I had ever seen or experienced. I know with a profound certainty that it represented the last branch of life, the gate through which each human being must pass." The following causes me concern."It was clear that this hall is the place where each of us is given the opportunity to review our lives and our choices, and where we are each given a final opportunity to chose God or to turn away from eternity. I felt ready to enter the hall and was filled an intense longing to be with God." Of course you will need to read the book and this chapter for yourself and determine if you get the same impression.
     A second problem I have is that there is no mention of Jesus or a relationship with Him. There are plenty of references to a relationship with God but not with Jesus.Dr. Neal does address this concern at the end of the book in the section Q and A with Dr. Neal on page 213.
Question--Where is Jesus in this story?
Answer-- I believe Jesus was holding me, comforting me, and reassuring me when I was drowning. I also believe that it was Jesus I was conversing with while sitting in the beautiful field during my out of body experiences.No problem here. Here's the problem I have, Dr. Neal continues I did not clearly state this when I wrote the first edition of my book because I felt uncomfortable with this claim. ARE YOU KIDDING ME!! does this fit into Jesus instructions to the 12 disciples in Matthew 10: 32 & 33. "Whoever confesses me before men, him I will also confess before my Father who is in heaven, but whoever denies me before men him will I also deny before my Father who is in heaven. Read the book and determine for yourself.
     I received this book from WaterBrook Multnomah for this review which is my own.

Fearless A Review

THIS IS A MUST READ. This book is the story of a true American Hero, Adam Brown a team member of Navy Seal Team Six. Adam's story has it all, drug addition, the influence of hanging around the wrong people, the love of a woman, salvation through Jesus Christ. Adam was the kind of guy that let nothing get in his way. The things he has endured throughout his life are unbelievable if they weren't true.Adam is the perfect example of what it means to be fearless in all things.
Normally becoming a Navy Seal is a dream come true for those who make it, but for Adam it became his last hope, to see why you will have to read the book, because I don't want to spoil it for you.This book fulfills one of Adam's final wishes that his spiritual testimony, his complete story, be told, including "my life before I met Jesus Christ and Kelly. The author Eric Blehm has accomplished this wish well. This a book every man/boy should read so as to see an example of a true American man. READ it your be glad you did.
I received this book from Waterbrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review. This review is my own.

The Gospel Of Yes

The yes of God is when He chooses to finds a way- working with highly flawed people- to accomplish His plans.God has decided to overcome every "no" of humanity with his powerful and persistent "yes" working to fulfill his dreams He had for creation, when called everything into being. His purposes are not going to be frustrated by anything or anyone. Each chapter explains a yes of God for example-.the yes of the cross, the yes of the resurrection, the yes of forgiveness. The last section has discussion questions for small groups settings. I received this book from Waterbrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review.

When Work & Family Collide A Review

This book is great for  any parent that works and feels the tension between the job and family. We all wrestle with it. This book is about establishing priorities between work and family. In the process of doing this we cheat. You will cheat either your work or your family maybe even both. The book is divided into two parts the first part addresses the emotions of those who feel they are being cheated (boss, company, mainly family)and how that effects them. The second part gives the solution of developing a strategy for changing the present work/family relationship.The solution is in a three part process in which one of them is make up your mind. Andy Stanley uses the example of Daniel. You may be asking yourself how can a single, captive in a far away land teach me a parent with work and family responsibily about priorities. Your have to read the book to find out.
   This is a very practical, how to book, it is a short book something that could be read in a week's lunch breaks.I also think the three step process that is given in the book can be used in other areas of life too.
  I received this book from Waterbrook Multnomah Publishing for this review with out any input from the publisher.

INDELIBLE

    This a psychological thriller that has elements of suspense, mountain adventure, romance, forgiveness and a lurking evil. There are two main characters Trevor McDaniels an olympic gold medalist turned rescuer/hero after rescuing a 3 year boy from a mountain loin. Natalie Reeve is an art gallery owner with a photographic memory These two form a love relationship and all the problems that exist because of their pasts. In fact there is a little bit too  much romance for me.
    The suspense could have been more suspenseful it didn't keep me up late at night nor the constant looking over my shoulder kind of suspense. This is a good Christian  fiction read
    I had a e-book copy and there were some format errors but nothing that distracted from my reading. Pick up this book and add it to your reading list.
   I received this book from Waterbrook multnomaoh Publishing Group for this review.



 




   
 

Man Alive a review

This a great book for those involved in men's ministry it will help you in meeting the needs of the men you minister to. Patrick Morley give seven primal needs of every man. Each chapter starts with a real situation, explains the need, then gives a worksheet to the reader transform these needs into a better disciple of Christ.
  I think another advange for this book is for woman it will give them a better understanding of the man (men) in their life. Three of these needs: to break free from the destructive behaviors that keep dragging me down, the need to be loved without reservation,  and the need to feel like I don't have to do life alone are very helpful for the man -woman relationship. Just these three needs  alone women will find helpful in understanding their man and in helping them meet these needs.
 I received this book for free from Waterbrook Multnomah Publishing group for this review.

To Be perfectly Honest A Review

To be perfectly honest I didn't like this book at all. The idea of recording every day for a year whether you lied or not to me is boring. I struggled through this book and found no redeeming  value. I received this book from Waterbrook Multnomah Publishing Group for free for this review.