Finding purpose and meaning in life is an almost universal pursuit and is harder for some than for others. This book is not a "how to" manual for being happy and fulfilled. Although if you take to heart the way Barnett points to being a servant of Jesus Christ and loving others through serving them, I've no doubt you will find fulfillment.
The most interesting part to me of this book was reading about Barnett's cause...The Dream Center...and the service he provides to the poor, homeless, broken people of the Los Angeles area. I loved reading the testimonies of those whose lives were changed because of Barnett's love for the Lord and love for people.
At the end of each chapter is a "What I've Learned" section where his main points are laid out clear and simple. There is a study guide in the back to use either personally or with a small group.
Several main points really stood out to me...
- You will encounter the urge to quit; always be prepared to give it one more day. Pursuing a cause is difficult but worth it.
- God wants you to know the cause He has for you so ask Him to reveal it, and sometimes your cause will emerge out of your pain and hardship.
-God's dreams for you are always bigger and better than your dreams for you.
--God's cause relates to helping and serving
This book is full of great encouraging thoughts and I would suggest it for anyone...Christian, non-Christian, male, female, successful, broken. It is the type of book you will pick up again and again. Barnett's message of "Don't focus on success; focus on God and others" is the kind of thing the world needs to hear. We need to focus on people and how to serve God through serving people's needs.
It is wonderful to see someone totally committed to God with the kind of faith and focus Barnett has. He is humble at the same time, admitting to his own struggles and failures. God has used Barnett to change lives and God can use you and me in this same way...right where we are now...right at this moment. Ask Him to show you how.
Saturday, March 5, 2011
Thirty One Days of Drawing Near to God
I thought I would read this small book as a devotional each day. After reading the forward and the first chapter, I kept reading and reading because it was like a long cool drink of water in the desert. This book focuses our attention on the love of God, something we as Christians know but (as for me) perhaps do not spend enough time thinking about.
God's love for us is uncomparable to any earthly love we have ever experienced. We all have a deep desire and need for love that can only be filled by Him.
This book reminds us with clarity and Scripture of how our Lord feels about us, which is a wonderful encouragement.
The week I read this book two people dear to me were grieving over the deaths of loved ones. I think this book would make an excellent token of sympathy. The love of God fulfills and never disappoints. His love for us is personal, deep and eternal. This little book is a perfect reminder of that.
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.”
God's love for us is uncomparable to any earthly love we have ever experienced. We all have a deep desire and need for love that can only be filled by Him.
This book reminds us with clarity and Scripture of how our Lord feels about us, which is a wonderful encouragement.
The week I read this book two people dear to me were grieving over the deaths of loved ones. I think this book would make an excellent token of sympathy. The love of God fulfills and never disappoints. His love for us is personal, deep and eternal. This little book is a perfect reminder of that.
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.”
Friday, March 4, 2011
Saturday, February 26, 2011
Fasting by Scot McKnight
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.
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.
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.”
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)