Sermons in Song

I had the privilege of reviewing a biography of Johann Sebastian Bach for Booksneeze. I had read a previous biography in the Christian Encounters series and was greatly disappointed but wanted to give it another try. This time I was delighted. From the start, I was intrigued at the connection between Bach’s work and life in music with his faith.

The book was very easy to read. Historical contexts were provided in case you are not familiar with the time period. I would highly recommend this biography to encourage you to do all things to the glory of God. Let the life of the “Fifth Evangelist” minister to you as you see how his faith was the thread behind his life’s work.

Max on Life

I had the opportunity to review Max on Life by Max Lucado for Booksneeze. I feel like this book is part catechism and part devotional. The author sets out to answer 172 real life questions. He provides very concise and short answers in language that is light and accessible to a broad audience. For me, the book started slow but sped up near the end. Nothing in particular grabbed me. But, this is not that type of book. It seems that this book is more of an answers to common faith questions.
I would recommend this book if you are looking for quick and concise answers. If you are looking to be equipped to discuss the depths of some of the complex issues, this book will not work for you.

The Final Summit by Andy Andrews

I had the pleasure of reviewing The Final Summit by Andy Andrews for Booksneeze. I had previously read his Butterfly Effect and the Boy Who Changed the World books. The Final Summit is an imaginative and delightful parable that transports the main character David Ponder into the midst of a conference of the most influential people in human history. The charge is to determine the key to correcting the course of all mankind.
I was drawn in by the introduction which quickly moved into the main plot. I found myself trying to answer the main question myself and eagerly awaited the answer. I thoroughly enjoyed each debate, conversation, twist and turn. Although I am a slow reader, I could not put the book down and finished within a week. Although my initial reaction was positive and I did enjoy the book, I began to ponder the real message it communicates. If the target audience is an apathetic society, then, bravo. However, we should remember that there are equally dangerous historical figures that probably followed the principle in this book as well. I highly recommend this to anyone looking for a key principle to encourage you to the next step wherever you are. But my word of caution is to critically submit the principle to the LORD. “Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil.” Ephesians 5:15-16 (NIV)

The Beginning Reader's Bible

I recently read through The Beginning Reader’s Bible compiled by Tama Fortner. I received this complementary book to review for Booksneeze. This children’s Bible uses select verses from the International Children’s Bible from both the Old Testament and New Testament. I’m guessing that it is for older children who already know how to read.
The book had good tools such as suggestions for a systematic reading of the Bible stories, verses to lead the child in praying God’s word, and activities to help children do God’s word. These are probably the unique attributes of this collection of Bible stories. The illustrations are wonderful and very kid friendly – even in the most serious of stories. There is also commonly known passages such as the Ten Commandments and the Lord’s Prayer at the back of the book.
I would recommend this book for children who already know how to read but may not yet be ready for a full Children’s Bible of their own.

Voices of the Faithful

I had the opportunity to review this for Booksneeze. This is a wonderful devotion that will strengthen and encourage your heart and faith. God is still at work in the world and in those whom He loves. This is a tremendous encouragement to me and a reminder of His sovereignty. It is amazing to me how God works in predictable ways at the most unexpected times. To Him be the glory forever and ever.

This devotional is well written and organized. Each section begins with an introduction by Beth Moore. There are twelve themes, one for each month: God’s character, God’s Word, prayer, God’s grace, witnessing, persecution, God’s working, contentment, God before me, spiritual warfare, compassion, Christians around the world. These daily bites of faith are summed up in a Scripture followed by a story and a prayer.

This is a wonderful daily devotion that I would highly recommend this for anyone in search for a good devotion or anyone who is curious about God’s work today.

William Buckley Biography

I am reviewing this for Booksneeze. I was initially excited to explore a biography. However, I found this book very difficult to read. Admittedly, my knowledge of history is not the best. This book seems like it would be more palatable for those who have strong historical/political knowledge. I was disappointed. Additionally, I did not glean from the text an appreciation for the influence of Mr. Buckley’s faith. I also could not appreciate the person of Bill Buckley. The content focused mostly on narration of events and less on the spiritual “why.” However, I did appreciate Mr. Buckley’s prediction of the degradation of society. I would not likely recommend this book except to those with familiarity of Mr. Buckley prior to reading the book.

What in the World

What in the World is Going On? 10 Prophetic clues You Cannot Afford to Ignore by David Jeremiah. I am reviewing this book that I received from Booksneeze. This book sets out to connect current events with prophecies in the Bible. The main purpose is to draw you to Jesus and set urgency in your heart to come to Jesus. This might get lost in all of the geopolitical narrations throughout the book. Even though it seems hard to deny the facts and atmosphere of a one world nation, this should not cause someone to abandon life. In fact, the author’s hope seems to be the opposite – that you will re-prioritize your life around the one true God.
The book started slow but took off after a chapter or two for me. It certainly did challenge me to be alert and discerning. The temptation would be to panic. But, early on the author states that these events should serve to further substantiate the verity of the Bible to life today. This brings us hope in the midst of a decaying humanity.
I would recommend this book to others with the caveat that one should not gloss over the subtle statements the author makes about putting these events in context.

PS - I guess I feel that the book draws more attention to the signs rather than the One who gives us the signs.