Fasting by Scot McKnight
I was interested in fasting and was glad to see this title available. To start with, let me say that this is an excellent book. You do need to know that the beginning may be a little bit repetitive; however, I believe the author intends to do this in order to stress certain points.
There is an abundance of history of fasting in the first few chapters. Much I did not know about the practice of fasting. At times I felt as though I were simply studying the practice without much of a spiritual context, but this changed later in the book. So I do encourage readers to press on and finish the book. The later chapters covering the problems and benefits of fasting focused on the fact that God is sovereign and not manipulated by fasting and that fasting does not always produce the desired outcome of prayers. I liked the honesty of the author regarding this and the acknowledgement of the Lord’s ways being higher than our ways.
I found the chapter on fasting as body calendar very interesting and applicable.
The author’s main point is that fasting is not a tool; it is a response to a sacred moment in life (defined in a variety of ways). He also makes excellent points regarding hypocrisy in fasting. For example, if fasting leads to anger, bitterness, pride or irritability, then the person fasting should be learning some important things about their spiritual state. Fasting should lead to good and to love, to a deeper relationship with the Lord.
The author also discusses the differences between fasting and abstaining, honesty in fasting, and fasting as body discipline. All in all, I believe this is an excellent resource for anyone desiring to study fasting and to have a well-rounded intellectual understanding of the discipline as well as a spiritual understanding of fasting and its purpose.
There were a few typos in the book, misspelled words, but just a handful. Not enough to make the book difficult to read by any means.
Saturday, February 26, 2011
Friday, February 18, 2011
Friday, February 11, 2011
Plain Wisdom
The subtitle to this book is "An Invitation into An Amish Home and the Hearts of Two Women". I really felt as if I were friends with these two special ladies by the end of this book. The writers' styles of writing are warm and personable.
I loved this book! I plan on purchasing copies when it comes out as gifts for my friends. That is what this book is truly about...the friendship of two Christian women from different walks of life. I loved seeing how God brought them together, grew their friendship into something beautiful, and showed them both how we can learn from people who are different than we are.
The tone throughout the book is open, sincere, honest and warm. The book deals with many different situations from happy times to grief. The writers share humor, wisdom and insights that already have impacted my life.
I also loved the fact that there were recipes shared from both ladies' families.
Each chapter could easily be read as a devotion for personal use or group use. However, I devoured the whole book at one time!
A bonus is a discussion guide at the end of the book. This would be a great book for Christian book study groups.
I found myself at the end of the book wishing there were more chapters, wishing I lived closer to these ladies so I could become friends with them, and realizing that my own friends are ones I need to cherish more and make time for. We need friends and sometimes our lives are so busy that we don't make time for those relationships that help us to become better people by learning from each other.
I am excited about the future of this book because I know it will be a hit among women! Can't wait for it to be released so I can buy copies for my friends!!!
I received this book free to review from Waterbrook Press and have not been obligated to provide a positive review.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Multnomah Publishers. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
Tuesday, February 1, 2011
The Best Biography I Have Read...
When I chose The Faith of Ronald Reagan to read I was uncertain as to what to expect. This is the best book I have read in a long time and the best biography I have ever read.
I always admired Ronald Reagan as our President but did not know very much about him. After reading this book, I feel as if I know him, his family and his character like a friend.
His faith in God and willingness to lead the country in a godly manner led to his success as our President and is inspiring to know that our country could once again be prosperous and healthy if our leaders would only lead in a manner that pleases the Lord.
I loved the way the writer wove his faith into the story of his life. This book is one that I will be recommending highly to anyone! My son will be reading it as one of his assigned biography books in class. It is an inspiration to young people to read of Reagan's life and his character.
His humble spirit and his honesty and willingness to speak openly about his faith in Jesus Christ and his prayers for our country make him an excellent role model for young people.
I was particularly impressed with the writing ability of the author. She has a style of writing that makes you feel you are right there, living life with the Reagans. I liked everything about this book. I think it should even be available in hardcover for those who collect books on the presidents. It was excellent!!!
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their BookSneeze.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
I always admired Ronald Reagan as our President but did not know very much about him. After reading this book, I feel as if I know him, his family and his character like a friend.
His faith in God and willingness to lead the country in a godly manner led to his success as our President and is inspiring to know that our country could once again be prosperous and healthy if our leaders would only lead in a manner that pleases the Lord.
I loved the way the writer wove his faith into the story of his life. This book is one that I will be recommending highly to anyone! My son will be reading it as one of his assigned biography books in class. It is an inspiration to young people to read of Reagan's life and his character.
His humble spirit and his honesty and willingness to speak openly about his faith in Jesus Christ and his prayers for our country make him an excellent role model for young people.
I was particularly impressed with the writing ability of the author. She has a style of writing that makes you feel you are right there, living life with the Reagans. I liked everything about this book. I think it should even be available in hardcover for those who collect books on the presidents. It was excellent!!!
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their BookSneeze.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
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