Posts tagged Book review

Our hearts burn for our deeds to be noticed and celebrated. We want to do something big and have it thrust into cyberspace for all to see. Those who follow the man of no reputation pine for one, resumes ready. (p. 13)

At some point you have all heard the sermon that either says outright or implies that you need to do more for Christ. It hits a nerve in all of us, because we don’t want to just live our lives and be forgotten. This is especially at the front in our western culture where we are all taught we are special and need to make a mark in the world. But what about me, a warehouse worker who goes about his job of working every day? What about the housewife who drudges through a routine everyday that never seems to end? Is there a God for us? A God of the mundane. Matt Redmond answers that and more in his bookThe God of the Mundane.

Matt sees something that I, as a layperson, have often wondered.

I missed the obvious, the Apostles are writing to normal people. (p. 16)

A few are named, but that is about all we know of them. They are ordinary, mundane people who lived, worked, believed and died. The question is though:

are you willing to be numbered among the nameless believers who lived in obscurity? (p.  18)

Not that he is discounting being a pastor or missionary, but like 1 Corinthians 12:29 says:

Are all apostles? Are all prophets? Are all teachers? Do all work miracles? ~(1 Cor. 12:29 ESV)

The obvious answer to that is “No.”

In a wonderful, chapter on “The Sermon You’ve Never Heard” he expounds on “living quietly” from 1 Thess. 4:11 and how it is virtually ignored in the church today. In another chapter he shows how “mundane kindness” like a smile given in honesty can be like “the cup of cold water” the Lord talks of in Matt. 10:42. And how we view these small acts of kindness as nothing compared to making the big impact that everyone sees and remembers. Instead he counsels us:

But I say, be nobody special. Do your job. Take care of your family. Clean your house. Mow your yard. Read your Bible. Attend worship. Pray. Watch your life and doctrine closely. Love your spouse. Love your kids. Be generous. Laugh with your friends. Drink your wine heartily. Eat your meat lustily. Be honest. Be kind to your waitress. Expect no special treatment. And do it all quietly. (p. 71)

All in all, I say this is an excellent little book filled with more than I have let you in on here. It reminds me that, I am just a bit player in the play that is all about Christ and encourages me to play my part as God has given me and to find joy in that. I was greatly encouraged by this book and would recommend it to all who read this. I finish with a quote by C.S. Lewis from The Horse and His Boy, that Matt uses near the end of his book.

But, as long as you know you’re nobody special, you’ll be a very decent sort of Horse, on the whole and taking one thing with another.

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 The God of the Mundane by Matthew B. Redmond – Print Edition at Amazon

 The God of the Mundane by Matthew B. Redmond – Print Edition at B&N

 The God of the Mundane by Matthew B. Redmond- Kindle Edition ($2.99 as of 12/11/12)

Be it lessons learned from cats, from his son’s skatepark or from other points in life, Michael Newnham has a story inside this book to touch your soul. Much more than just stories though, as the title suggests there are applications to be made from these stories and lessons to be learned. God has a lot to say to us through everyday life, if only we will listen.

 This book was like a breath of fresh air and the author was refreshingly honest with his feelings and doubts. Not quite devotional, but many of the tales could be used as such.

I highly recommend this book to you the reader.

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Several quotes from “Make Your Own Application”:

“That’s a lot to ask for some people…to believe that someone cares and will freely give them what they need. Sometimes, it’s too much to ask. Make your own application….”

“Put yourself in the story…wherever it says He spoke to the disciples put your own name in there, because He’s speaking to you. Listen to Him…listen to Him rebuke the religious, and let Him confront you all over again with the reality of who your God really is.”

“Joy is a choice…a choice to pursue that which brings joy despite living in a snake pit.”

Newnham, Michael.  Make Your Own Application. Kindle Edition. 

Newnham, Michael.  Make your Own Application.  Print Edition.

Slave: The Hidden Truth About Your Identity in Christ

A review

This book was about the implications of the greek word “doulos” and what it means for Christians. Basically “doulos”, often translated servant or bond-servant, actually means slave. John MacArthur goes into the meaning of the word and how that translated into the actual life of slaves in the time of the New Testament. Using this combined with numerous scripture references, MacArthur makes a compelling argument for the Christian state as a “slave to Christ”. The amount of scripture references was overwhelming and convincing.

I found the book to be a wake up call to how the Christian should see himself in relation to Christ who bought and redeemed me.

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Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com <http://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 <http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html> : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

     This daily devotional is a collection of inspiring short messages along with a scripture reading, a key verse and a short prayer for every day. It is a recollection of material from Dr. Stanley’s previous volumes: On Holy Ground, Into His Presence, Seeking His Face and Pathways to His Presence.

     Never having read any of the previous volumes this material was new to me. I found it to be full of practical and indeed biblical advice. Each devotional begins with a scripture reading and a key verse and then gives a short message on the topic of the scripture. It ends with a prayer to pray to help you along on your journey.

    I found this book to be extremely useful and plan on using it in the upcoming year for my daily devotionals. I would heartily recommend this book to everybody.

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Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze.com <http://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 <http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html> : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

In this book, Dr. David Jeremiah gives practical and biblical advice to living in the world.  Using ten points through ten chapters, Dr. Jeremiah discusses topics ranging from finding our calm in Jesus, setting your mind on Christ to staying connected with the church. Throughout he uses frequent biblical references and stays centered on the most important thing, Jesus Christ.

I must admit, after reading his last book, What on Earth is Going On?, I really thought this book would only be a routine book. I was pleasantly surprised! I found this book to be helpful and and a real gem. Dr. Jeremiah care for the life of a Christian shines through in this book and it has loads of good practical advice and illustrations. I recommend that if you haven’t then go out and get this book.

     This book is practical advice on living your life on mission for Christ. Max Lucado takes verses from the book of Acts and expands upon them to put together a book that is both easy to read and deeply convicting. Each chapter focuses on different subjects like care for the poor, letting God bring you out of your shell, intercessory prayer and much more. Included at the end of the book is a discussion and action guide.

     I was highly moved by this book. It’s simple style and down-to-earth language made it highly compelling and moved you along from subject to subject in anticipation of what comes next. Max Lucado shows that his heart is with God’s heart for the poor in this book and backs it up by actions. (James 2: 14-17) One hundred percent of the author’s royalties from Outlive Your Life products will benefit children and families through World Vision and other faith-based compassion.

    I highly recommend this book!

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Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze.com <http://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 <http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html> : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

     In his own words from the introduction Dr. David Jeremiah says,

“In this book, I want to help you find the truth about what is going on. I want to show you that while our age is certainly “fractionated,” it need not be scary- not for Christians who trust the Lord and know how to read the signs and understand coming events.”

In this book, Dr. Jeremiah ties current world events into bible prophecy, gives some a cause to think and Christians a cause for hope.

            I must admit that I have read quite a few books on bible prophecy and for the most part all of the information in this book was old hat to me. But, I do believe for those that are not familiar with premillenialism, the rapture and the second coming of Christ, this book is a good introduction to the subject. While not completely convinced of all the arguments for some of the conclusions in the book, the final chapter, The Return of the King, moved me. This chapter was eloquently written and whatever your viewpoint on Christ’s second coming it is a truth that all Christians are “Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of our great God and our Saviour, Jesus Christ;” Titus 2:1 (KJV)

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Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze.com <http://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 <http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html> : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”