The Truth About Grace by John McArthur Book Review

 This book is both an explanation and an exploration of the concept of God's grace. It is written for the
Christian who wants to learn more about this theological truth. It attempts to define and expound upon this
idea in terms that can be readily grasped by most readers.
  I was provoked to meditate on the grace of God by this book and to seek the guidane  and teaching of the Holy Spirit in regard to the undeserved kindness that has been poured out upon us sinners and that is a good thing. I truly had a good time with this book and would recommend it to others.
  Also, I need to add that I received a complimentary copy of this book from Thomas Nelson Publisher's Booksneeze program but that in no way biased my review.

Godtalk! review of A Shot of Faith to the Head by MItch Stokes,PhD

  This is my review of A Shot of Faith to the Head by Mitch Stokes, PhD. I was provided a complimentary copy of the book but this did not influence this review in any way.
  The book is an examination of philosophical arguments for and against the existence of God. It attempts to equip  the christian with some cogent, logical arguments both to bolster their own faith and to use against those who attempt to discredit their belief. Each chapter ends with a summary listing several points that the christian can use in defense of his faith.
  I thought this book to be an interesting read. A number of the arguments used in the book were new to me. I believe that the author goes a long way to help the average christian who enounters skepticism or even antagonism towards their beliefs. I believe it would profit many if they would take the time to work through the book and apply it.
  I must add one note to the above, however: arguments are just that-arguments, and in the end only the work of the Holy Spirit upon a person's heart can really bring about true conversion. " “No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws them."-John 6:44(NIV).

1000 Days by Jonathan Falwell (My Review)

 This is my review of 1000 Days by Jonathan Falwell.  I was generously provided this book through Thomas Nelson's Booksneeze program but this fact does not affect my review.
  The book has 15 chapters and each one of them expound upon different parts of the gospels, bringing out life lessons through the words and acts themselves and also fitting stories and examples from the author's and others' lives. Each chapter ends with a small group of questions to aid reflection on the text.
  It is obvious that the author is a pastor. His primary intention is magnify Christ and to bring others to faith in Him. In fact, I almost titled this review "Every Page a Sermon, Every Chapter an Altar Call".
  I thought that this book did a fine job of asking the reader questions that might cause him or her to examine their life, and hopefully bring them to the realization that real peace and happiness can be obtained  only through knowing Christ and trusting in Him, for in He alone is found true fullness of life.
 

Book Review- The Jesus We Missed: The Surprising Truth About the Humanity of Christ

 This is my review of The Jesus We Missed: The Surprising Truth About the Humanity of Christ by Patrick Henry Reardon. I received a complimentary copy of the book from Thomas Nelson's Booksneeze program but this is an unbiased review.
  The book is an attempt to use the sayings, incidents and events of the four gospels to bring out the humanity of Christ without minimizing His deity. The author follows the basic chronological order of his sources and each chapter follows a particular theme.
  I feel that the author, in the main, accomplished what he set out to do. He walks the fine line between humanity and divinity in his analysis of the Lord Jesus and His life. Perhaps this is an attempt to make Him more accessible to this somewhat more questioning age. The only negative thing I have to say about the book is the assumptions the author sometimes makes, such as his thought that Christ's birth was not something included in the Lord's teaching to His apostles (or seemingly mentioned by Him to them) and that therefore the Nativity accounts must have had their origin in Mary.
  On the whole the book made me think. It allowed me to see a slightly different viewpoint of stories which I have read many times. And, on occasion, it helped me to rebalance my overall view of our Lord.

Book Review-Nearing Home by Billy Graham

 This is my book review of Nearing Home by Billy Graham. I was provided a complimentary copy of this book by Booksneeze, but this in no way affects my review.
  Billy Graham has written this book as much more than a memoir of his later years. This is a manual on how to live through old age until one's appointment with the Lord. It is full of wisdom gleaned from a long life of serving Christ. It covers a number of topics, not only for the aged, but for their children.
  I got a lot from reading this book. It made me contemplate the future more than I have in a long time. In addition, it really hit home for my wife who happens to be involved in elderly care and must wrestle with a number of the issues presented daily. It is a beautiful book, and I recommend it highly.

Book Review-Preparation for Eternity with God by Rick Streight

 I received a free copy of this ebook for review from Booksneeze. This does not affect my review in any way.
  This book is a plea for the reader to accept Christ as Savior and Lord, as well as remaining and coming to full maturation in Him, which of course includes holiness and personal witness. It also includes the author's testimony.
  I thoroughly enjoyed this book.I understand the author's call to holiness. Anyone who has truly come to faith in Christ will try their best to please Him, to live purely before Him. It is obvious that the issues Rick brings up lay heavily on His heart. He wants others to experience the joy of having their sins forgiven in Christ and the freedom of living as He lived, by His Spirit that He's placed within us. I would recommend it as a resource for new Christians as well as a reminder for mature ones. Two thumbs up!

Rejoice!

17 Though the fig tree doesn’t bloom,
         and there’s no produce on the vine;
      though the olive crop withers,
         and the fields don’t provide food;
      though the sheep is cut off
      from the pen,
         and there is no cattle in the stalls;
18 I will rejoice in the LORD.
      I will rejoice in the God
      of my deliverance.
19 The LORD God is my strength.
      He will set my feet like the deer.
      He will let me walk upon the heights.-Hab. 3:17-19(CEB)
  God is always with those who belong to Him. He sees and knows all of your suffering and is providing for you in the midst of your trials. No matter what may be going on in your life ask Him for what you need and trust Him to pour out His blessings upon you. What is important is not the situation that you're in, but rather His presence with you. He loves you so much, and cares for you. He won't let you down!
  Remember though, that like Habakkuk you need to praise the Lord in the middle of the problems. Look around at the blessings He's given you, even if it seems hard, and thank Him for them all. And also thank Him for the things you've asked of Him. He will come through for you. It may seem really bad right now, but He will see you through! Rejoice!

Book Review-Proverbs: Reconstructed by Gus Dallas

This is my review of Proverbs: Reconstructed by Gus Dallas. I received a complimentary copy through Thomas Nelson's Booksneeze program but this hasn't affected my review in any way.
  Proverbs: Reconstructed is a topical rearrangement of the book of Proverbs out of the New King James Version. This version was possibly chosen because it is the closest modern equivalent to the socially  familiar wording of the King James Version. Each topic has a "good" group of selections(expressing approved behavior) followed by a "bad" (unapproved) grouping.
  I found this book to be an interesting way to read the Proverbs, as one is able to easily find a selection on most any general topic, especially in the Kindle edition of the book. I do feel that the arrangement serves the stated purpose of the author well as it does give one the means to learn God's practical instructions about how to (and not to) behave in this world. I enjoyed this book, and it is helpful. However, I wish that a another more modernly worded version had been used as I think it would have had more of an impact in today's society
  and resulted in even more use among the masses.