Job 38-42 by David Clines

This commentary is the final installement of a long line of Commentaries on Job by David Clines. The layout is a little uncomfortable, but the content is stellar. David Cline is a highly respected Old Testament scholar. One of the greatest benefits to this volume is the massive Bibliography included in the book. It is nearly 250 pages and is stuffed with I would believe to be every resource ever put on Job. Overall, any of the WORD Biblical commentary series are top-notch. Now, I need to go out and order the first 2 volumes!

Surprised by Oxford

Carolyn Weber arrived at Oxford University to embark on an experience to deeply involve herself in the study of literature. However, what she didn't expect was an encounter with a God whom she had really never known. Coming from a broken home, Carolyn had learned to take care of herself, relying on reason and intellect to survive the world. After winning a full scholarship to Oxford University to study literature, she must leave everything she knows behind, including a mother who has sacrificed everything for her children and a fiance whom she adores.

This memoirs tells of her conversion to Christianity. Also, it answers the questions she struggled with in her coming to faith in Christ. From the moment she leaves for oxford she finds herself surrounded by God from the moment she arrives, thus forcing her to confront the barriers she has put up instead of coming to Christ

A good example of the book, is the literature and scholarly approach she has, she disproves what most non-Christians believes : that proclaiming faith does not mean that intellect and reason must be sacrificed.

Overall, I found the book good and encouraging, but it was grueling to read and was done over many sittings.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the Booksneeze 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."

Bonhoeffer

A Lutheran pastor, Dietrich Bonhoeffer was a trenchant modern theologian, as his books—Ethics and The Cost of Discipleship, to name two—amply testify. Eric Metaxas's meticulously researched biography reveals that he was also a figure of extraordinary moral courage in Nazi Germany. A riveting story of historical and spiritiual import.

The reason why I read the book was because I wanted to understand how Bonhoeffer grew in his faith and dedication as a Christian and how it carried him through his life and these turbulent times. His walk with Christ required the same process that every Christian is asked to do, which is quiet time with the Lord in prayer and Bible study on a daily basis. There was not something special that he did, but he was consistent and dedicated, which allowed the Lord to impact Bonhoeffer with His grace and reveal His desired path for this man.

I learned how Bonhoeffer came to realize what he must do to be obedient to the Lord’s wishes and that nothing else mattered. Among the things that was important to Bonhoeffer was his reputation as a pastor and scholar. He threw all of that aside and considered it rubbish in order to be obedient to God in his participation as a spy and in the various plots to assassinate Hitler.

The difficult part about the book for me was that there were many excepts from writings by Bonhoeffer and others, which required a mental shift in gears to jump from the author’s writing style to the writing style of others.

Billy Graham in Quotes

This book is amazing and is a must for any Christian who writes sermons or blog articles. All the quotes are arranged by topic and the book is very user friendly. The font and layout is nice to read. The book covers a wide array of topics from Abortions to Gospel.

This book would serve well not only as a reference work but as a devotional work.

on the front cover is a great quote to illustrate the power of God in the Gospel.

"When the Gospel of Jesus Christ is presented with authority-quoting from the very word of God-He takes that message and drives it supernaturally into the human heart."

The Final Summit

Having read very little Christian fiction my I had no expectation for this book. I wasn't able get through it. It’s a story about a man named David Ponder, an ordinary man given the quest to find the answer to humanity. The Angel Gabriel tells him to come up with the two words that answers the question: What does humanity need to do, individually and collectively, to restore itself to the pathway toward successful civilization? In this quest, Ponder meets past great historical figures such as Winston Churchill, Joan of Arc, Abraham Lincoln, and the like to help him find the correct answer. In the process, they discuss the various values that humanity depend on most to succeed.

Unfortunately, I didn't see the Gospel clearly layed out. Overall, it was a disappointed

Daddy Dates

This book hit home for me. One of the Pastors I read--Mark Driscoll is a big supporter of Daddy Dates. It is important to build a relationship with your daughters as a father so they will have guidelines for choosing a husband. The author focuses on loving and respecting his daughters and he does a really good job of sharing is story. This is an excert from the book that really touched me,

Whitney was weeping. Living with five females I thought good gosh, what did I say now? What did I DO?

I hit the brake.

“Uh oh, what’s the matter, honey?”

She looked up at me, her eyelashes wet and shiny and tears streaming down her face.

“Nothing.” (Oh right, she’s a girl.)

“Honey you’re crying. Did I say something to hurt your feelings?”

“No Daddy, nothing’s wrong. It’s just that I’ve never felt this special before.”

We both boohooed all the way home.

I thought about the impact of a simple evening, one day mid-week. All I did was carve out special time for this one girl, made a real effort to get to know her in a relaxed, enjoyable environment that suited her unique personality— and the result was pure magic, and a memory of a lifetime.

I thought “hey, maybe I’m not gonna screw up, after all. I can pursue getting to know my girls, and win.”
And from that day on, I haven’t questioned Daddy Dates for one single moment.

I would recommend this book to any man with a daughter or daughters.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the Reformation Trust 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."

Jolt!

Phil Cooke, is a Hollywood television producer, media professional and cultural commentator. He has spent more than three decades helping organizations of all sizes navigate the changing world of rebranding and modernization.

His new book, “Jolt! Get the Jump on a World That’s Constantly Changing,” helps define how organizations can harness the power of the shifting media and culturally changing landscape to establish new direction, maximize potential, overcome insecurities and reinforce values that create a future and long-lasting legacy. Cooke outlines the difference between being swept up by the increase in technological changes and intentionally changing a business model to go where we want it to go.

This book is great for anyone trying to navigate embracing new technology. I definitely appreciate what i learned from this book.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the Reformation Trust 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."

Great book for those encouraged by Christian Biography

Johann Sebastian Bach by Rick Marschall is one of the books from the Christian Encounters series. It presents a look of Bach that includes both his music and his faith. The book does a good job on offering a complete picture of Bach even though there is little information available. He was a Lutheran, he left a corpus of sacred music to cover the entire liturgical year, including Latin Masses written for the Catholic Court of Dresden, and spent much of his working life as a church music director in Germany.

It was interesting to learn Bach Came from a family full of composers stretching back hundreds or years. I love how this book and also the series intertwines characters from history and shows how they were influenced by their faith. This looks like a series of books that will be well-received by the Christian community--especially those with an inclination to history.

I have a friends who is in love with this series of books. I think I may be as well

5 Stars

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the Reformation Trust 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."

The Little Red Book of Wisom

I love this book. I personally everyone should have a copy if it in their library. It is one of those books you can read and then read again. It is not just a business book, but is actually a book that appeals to Christians from all walks of life. This book was originally recommended to me by James Macdonald. Now I pass that recommendation on to you. Some of the subjects covered are Finding and keeping your focus in life, Getting out of your comfort zone, reclaiming the lost are of letter writing, the wisdoms of firsts, and my personal favorite, Why I don’t ride alone with another woman.

This chapter is a really good lesson for Christian men especially married men. As Christians we should live above reproach, and this book helps this. I give this book 5-stars and would recommend to all my friends.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the Reformation Trust 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."

It's hard to believe, but it's been almost ten years since the events on September 11th. In those years, America's resolve to face terrorism has resulted in a world very different that before that tragic event. The subtitle of this book "Knowing the Enemy, Speaking the Truth, and Choosing to Win the War Against the Radical Islam," sums up the message of the book very well. The authors support his claims with quotations from media and provide a vision for Americans. Being Canadian, and having never lining in America, I had a hard time connecting to the book. So although the book was well-written, it didn't interested or excite me.

Two out of five stars.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the Reformation Trust 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."

A Taste of Heaven

R.C Sproul, A Taste of Heaven, Reformation Trust Publishing 2006, 173 pages.

If God himself were to design worship, what would it look like? Dr. Sproul starts the book by asking this question. In the church today we have many ideas and opinions as to what worship is and how it should be executed. Dr. Sproul answers this question in his book, A Taste of Heaven. This book really caught my attention because of a quote lingering in my mind from reading John Piper's, Let the Nations be Glad; he said, "Missions exist because worship doesn't."

Dr. Sproul explains that the only worship that is acceptable to God is worship that proceeds from a heart that is trusting in God and in God alone. He uses lots of examples from the Bible to drive the point home. I really appreciate the connections he made from the Old Testament that the church would be "A House of Prayer" Here is an excerpt,

Why did God want incense to be burned constantly in

His sanctuary? Incense has much symbolism in Scripture,

but one major factor is that the rising smoke of the incense

was symbolic of the prayers of God’s people ascending to

His throne (Rev. 5:8; 8:3–4). In commanding the perpetual

burning of incense, God was telling His people they were

not to draw near to Him except in an attitude of prayer.

That was the principle. So prayer was a very significant element

of the ancient Israelite cultus.

I highly recommend this book because it focuses us on the recipient of worship, namely God. We are reminded that when God looks at me, He sees the merit of Christ. My salvation rests not on my performance, but on His. Overall, I am really excited to see a book on worship that actually focuses on God and not on feelings.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the Reformation Trust 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."

Doing Virtuous Business

I requested the book from book sneeze last week, and a friend of mine had just read the book so he lent me his copy. Doing Virtuous Business the Remarkable Success of Spiritual Enterprise is an interesting read and practical read. Theodore Malloch explores the ethical practices of different businesses from a religion and moral lenses. Also, he explores how companies that follow an ethical business model often perform at a higher level than their competitors.

This book would do well for someone in management or an influential position in a company. The ideas presented in the book would help some shape a biblical view on business, but it may be a little too much information for a layperson. At point I felt a little lost, but I could still see the value of the book. I will be recommending the book my friends who are in the business world.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the 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."

Expanding my physical libray

Tomorrow I am going to ikea a buy a second expedit shelf for my living room. I really love books and I am excited to have two shelves in my living room. I have documented about 2000 books.

So because of that I need to find a home for them.

Should be fun!

Some Books that have influenced me

Below I have included links to some books that i have read and love. The links connect you to out Christianbook.com affiliate page. Any purchased made contribute to our work. Enjoy and if you read any of these book let me know what you think.

Let the Nations Be Glad! The Supremacy of God in Missions, Third EditionBy John Piper / Baker AcademicLet the Nations Be Glad! The Supremacy of God in Missions is a modern classic in missiology. A trusted guide for thousands of missionaries, pastors, churches leaders, and laity, it provides a biblical basis for missions, the expansion of the Gospel, and for worship. The third edition has been expanded to include new material critiquing the prosperity gospel and its presence in the church and in missions.

Don’t Waste Your LifeBy John Piper / Crossway Books & BiblesIn this provocative work Pastor Piper challenges us to set aside the trivial pursuit of self-fulfillment so that we can develop a deeper passion for God. Piper believes that if we passionately submit the sufferings we endure, the risks we take, and the goals we set to the pursuit of God’s glory, then not one moment of our lives will be wasted. Don’t miss this opportunity to rekindle your passion for the cross of Christ and the glory of God.

The Works of Jonathan Edwards, 2 VolumesBy Jonathan Edwards / Hendrickson PublishersDiscover why the fiery sermons of Jonathan Edwards sparked the Great Awakening of 1740! This 2-volume set features Edwards’s most celebrated expositions, including The Freedom of the Will and The Religious Affections, plus Henry Rogers’s Essay on the Genius and Writings of Jonathan Edwards—a work you won’t find in any other Edwards collection. 1958 pages total, hardcovers from Hendrickson.

Footprints Across Quebec: The Autobiography Of Murray HeronBy Murray Heron / Joshua Press Inc.

God is the Gospel: Meditations on God’s Love as the Gift of HimselfBy John Piper / Crossway Books & BiblesWhen you ponder what it means to be loved by God, are your thoughts God-centered or self-centered? Best-selling author and pastor Piper reveals that the most loving thing about God is not his making much of us, but his enabling us to make much of him. Paradigm-challenging reflections on the gospel message! 160 pages, hardcover from Crossway Books.

Seeing and Savoring Jesus ChristBy John Piper / Crossway Books & BiblesIf you want to know Jesus you do not need to go to seminary or embark on a tour of the Holy Land. All you need to do is to read the gospels with an open heart. In Seeing and Savoring Jesus Christ Pastor Piper will help you explore Jesus’ deity, power and wisdom. Once you have “Seen” Jesus for who he is and have “Savored” his beauty, goodness and truth, you cannot help but be changed.

Below I have included links to some books that i have read and love. The links connect you to out Christianbook.com affiliate page. Any purchased made contribute to our work. Enjoy and if you read any of these book let me know what you think.

Let the Nations Be Glad! The Supremacy of God in Missions, Third EditionBy John Piper / Baker AcademicLet the Nations Be Glad! The Supremacy of God in Missions is a modern classic in missiology. A trusted guide for thousands of missionaries, pastors, churches leaders, and laity, it provides a biblical basis for missions, the expansion of the Gospel, and for worship. The third edition has been expanded to include new material critiquing the prosperity gospel and its presence in the church and in missions.

Don’t Waste Your LifeBy John Piper / Crossway Books & BiblesIn this provocative work Pastor Piper challenges us to set aside the trivial pursuit of self-fulfillment so that we can develop a deeper passion for God. Piper believes that if we passionately submit the sufferings we endure, the risks we take, and the goals we set to the pursuit of God’s glory, then not one moment of our lives will be wasted. Don’t miss this opportunity to rekindle your passion for the cross of Christ and the glory of God.

The Works of Jonathan Edwards, 2 VolumesBy Jonathan Edwards / Hendrickson PublishersDiscover why the fiery sermons of Jonathan Edwards sparked the Great Awakening of 1740! This 2-volume set features Edwards’s most celebrated expositions, including The Freedom of the Will and The Religious Affections, plus Henry Rogers’s Essay on the Genius and Writings of Jonathan Edwards—a work you won’t find in any other Edwards collection. 1958 pages total, hardcovers from Hendrickson.

Footprints Across Quebec: The Autobiography Of Murray HeronBy Murray Heron / Joshua Press Inc.

God is the Gospel: Meditations on God’s Love as the Gift of HimselfBy John Piper / Crossway Books & BiblesWhen you ponder what it means to be loved by God, are your thoughts God-centered or self-centered? Best-selling author and pastor Piper reveals that the most loving thing about God is not his making much of us, but his enabling us to make much of him. Paradigm-challenging reflections on the gospel message! 160 pages, hardcover from Crossway Books.

Seeing and Savoring Jesus ChristBy John Piper / Crossway Books & BiblesIf you want to know Jesus you do not need to go to seminary or embark on a tour of the Holy Land. All you need to do is to read the gospels with an open heart. In Seeing and Savoring Jesus Christ Pastor Piper will help you explore Jesus’ deity, power and wisdom. Once you have “Seen” Jesus for who he is and have “Savored” his beauty, goodness and truth, you cannot help but be changed.

A Sacred Meal - Nora Gallagher

I was first drawn to this book because I was looking for a focused book on the subject of communion. Having read the book I am very disappointed. The author does not reference scripture but backs her arguments on feelings or other writings. When she does quote the bible she usually quotes two or three words and arrives at a conclusion completely unrelated to the verse. I did not agree with most points made with the book and would not recommend this book to anyone. I would rate this book zero stars out of five.

0/5

This book was provided to me free of charge in exchange for a book review