Book Review - "The Cost of Discipleship" by Dietrich Bonhoeffer

I have read many quotes by Bonhoeffer, and many people have quoted him and spoke of his amazing life.

A true disciple of Jesus if there was one in our modern age.  I highly recommend just finding out about the man, let alone reading "The Cost of Discipleship."

TCD is a challenging book.  Not because it's hard to read, or understand, but because it does just that - it's challenges.

If you've ever admitted that you "fall short" of the glory of God this book will show you more.

Yes, at times you will feel "guilty" and "convicted" but at the same time, you get a clearer, more direct, more honest look at your own walk with Christ - and how much we are not only falling short with God, but ourselves!

With Jesus, yes, we have great responsibility, but what a responsibility it is!  Truly, the cost of discipleship is high, but the rewards are even higher (and I'm not just talking about heaven).

Bonhoeffer doesn't pull any punches and gives insight to the Sermon on the Mount that perhaps you might not have heard - I know I hadn't.

It's a quick read, but don't let that fool you, it's a deep one as well.

This was the first book, or any writings for that matter, by Bonhoeffer I have read - I will certainly read more!

Billy Graham in Quotes - A Review

Where does one start?

If you've read or have heard Dr. Graham before you know the way he has with words. This book highlight, perhaps, the best of what Dr. Graham has had to say in his long life as an evangelist.

In the book, Dr. Graham is quoted on a wide variety of topics such as: Sin, Salvation, the world, Jesus, young people, family, evil, money, and a whole lot more!

What you read is straight-from-the-heart, no-holds-barred, and uncompromising. Billy says what he means, means what he says for sure.

To quote: "If we are at peace with this world, it may be because we have sold out to it and compromised with it." - From the chapter Billy Graham on compromise.

My only complaint, if you could even call it that, is the structure of the book itself. More to the point, how the chapters are ordered. Perhaps I've ready way to many Christian books, but it is odd to find Jesus in the middle of the book, rather than at the end. Or maybe not!

One thing is for sure, I can say this isn't a book you would regret taking the time to read. It will both inspire and challenge you, for which you will be all the more better because of it.

And as always: I have received this book free for my review through Booksneeze. In no way was my review influenced by the author or publisher of this book. For more information please visit: Booksneeze.com

The God Delusion - A quick review.

I was planning to do a multi-part review of Richard Dawkins' book The God Delusion.  However, after further consideration, I have decided not to.

This blog, this ministry, I wish to focus on positive things.  And while someone might think tearing down TGD is good, it doesn't help.

Let's be honest, my review is not going to change any minds - much like the book failed to change mine.

For the book, I will say this: I was disappointed.  If it challenged ANYONE to seriously question their faith, I would wonder it's strength to begin with.

If you do wish to find a critique on this book can find many out there.  Mine, however, will not be one of them.

Chris

Book Review - The Final Summit by Andy Andrews

"This is mankind’s last chance. Centuries of greed, pride, and hate have sent humanity hurtling toward disaster, and far from its original purpose. There is only one solution that can reset the compass and right the ship, and it consists of only two words."


This is the premise of Andy Andrews' book The Final Summit. A very unique book. I haven't read something quite like it. The main character, David Ponder, is whisked away to presumably heaven to have a "final summit" other "travelers."

I'm not entirely certain what a traveler, but in they include various people from the past: Benjamin Franklin, Winston Churchill, etc. David Ponder, leads this group of travelers in the final summit to save mankind. Their answer can save mankind, if they can only discover what the answer is, and if they can do it in the time provided.

The answer?

Two words.

The Final Summit is filled with interesting historical events and "personal" accounts of such event from "those who were there" This Final Summit will keep you interested in discovering the answer. And while the answer may not be as “exciting” or “big” as you would expect, once you think about it, it starts to make sense.

(NOTE: I have received this book for free through Booksneeze.com.  The review is my own.  I did not recieve this book in return for a positive/negative review.  For more information visit Booksneeze.com)

Book Review - Story Engineering by Larry Brooks

"From story concept to character development to scene construction and beyond, this blueprint for dynamic storytelling makes putting together a strong novel, memoir, or screenplay easier than ever."

Pretty strong words.

I have read many books on writing from technical to "organic."  While one can find a nugget of info among the many pages, most tend to be a waste of time.

Of the select few that don't waste your time: this is one of them.

I purposely selected this book, thinking that I might get to blast it for it's all talk - no show (as many "how-to's" on writing are), but I was taken by surprise.  Believe me, I wanted to be able to rip this book apart; thinking this was just another book geared toward taking money from your wallet with "vague" ideas, such as create great characters, rather than truly trying to help you.

I don't that chance.  Brooks has provided us writers, and hopefuls, with a valuable book.

Despite how you write (technical vs. organic) there is much to be learned from this book.  Brooks talks about six core competencies that EVERY writer needs to know and incorporate in their novel if they are looking to publish.

And while on a couple we might say, "Duh," it's more than knowing, and Brooks reveals - it's about application and execution of these competencies.

Some may balk at his "blueprint" for writing, claiming it stifles creativity, but as Brooks points out we all have a skeleton and similar make up (blueprint) yet we are all unique.  Thus it can be for a story.

I highly recommend this book as it goes beyond what you should write but how it needs to be written.

(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.)

Book Review - Reggie

"Born as a result of a heart-wrenching decision made by his then sixteen-year-old mom, Reggie offers hope and inspiration to those who are stuck in the despair of their broken beginings and are crying out for help." - Back cover from Reggie

Reggie Dabbs’ book doesn’t read exactly like a zero to hero book. Surely, one could argue that being the result of a twenty dollar one-night-stand (as Reggie was) might be considered starting from zero. And for a moment in his life, Reggie DID consider himself just that.
But one day, Reggie realized that he wasn’t a zero. That he was a child of God and that despite what others may think, or how they saw him, he was loved.
Sounds simple, yet sadly that’s isn’t the case for many kids born into similar circumstances; or worse.
That knowledge of being loved, loved by Jesus kept Reggie on a path that now allows him to share this knowledge of love with the kids of the world.

As you read, you’ll find various cross roads for Reggie, to take a different road would have meant a different future - a different outcome. Reggie could have easily become another statistic: either counted among the dead, or imprisoned.
But Reggie didn’t. Reggie knew of his value, his TRUE value, because he knew his Creator. And through this book Reggie offers you the chance to learn about this love as well.

While geared more toward teens, Reggie is book for all who need to remember, that despite our past, our failures, our faults, we are loved by the one who created us.
 
(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.)

Book Review - A Conversation With God by Alton Gansky

A Conversation With God invites us to "Join in an engaging conversation with God, Jesus, and key Bible characters who answer questions."

Questions such as "God, how can we believe that you created us?" and "Why is there so much suffering?" and many others.

Most likely a question or two of your own are addressed.  But, depending on where you are in your journey of faith, it may or may not be the answer your are seeking.

A Conversation With God does not offer much, if anything new.  There are no new radical theological issue brought about.  The answers to such questions are ones you most likely have heard many times before, from various sources.

What Alton's book does offer, however, is a nice introduction into theological questions for the "new" believer or a "curious" thinker.

The book is put together well, easy to read and follow and the answers are helpful, though underdeveloped.  For someone moving into "deeper" areas of their faith, this book might not be right for you.  If, however, you think you are ready to face some questions you may have regarding the Bible and God and are looking for a place to test the waters - this is the perfect book for you.

(note: 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)

Book Review - Outlive Your Life, Max Lucado

You may not feel special. You may not believe you have anything to offer the world, but you are wrong.


You DO have something to offer the world, something the world needs.

In Max Lucado’s Outlive Your Life Max shows you how other “ordinary, every-day” people are making a difference in lives of others, and the world.

From a 9yr old boy to seasoned veterans of life’s troubles, Max shows us that it doesn’t take money, fame, or a big production to make a difference in today’s world.

In a society where it’s all about you, it’s refreshing to read a book that shines a light on others and what THEY need. In his easy going way, Max makes it clear that both you and I, regardless of where we are in life, what “limitations” we see for ourselves, have something to offer someone.

Putting a spotlight on the early days of the church, Max also shows us the troubles and tribulations that the disciples had to endure and how even the smallest of acts from them (even scary at times) made a big difference to someone.

As Max puts it: we can’t help everyone, but everyone of us can help someone.

Outlive Your Life both challenges us as inspires us to do just that.



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.

New Book Review...

I posted my new book review HERE.

Check it out.

You Can Be Everything God Wants You To Be - Max Lucado (Review)

“Perfect Gift For the Graduate.”

So says the circular sticker on the cover Max Lucado’s You Can Be Everything God Wants You To Be. A book to inspire our youth as they enter the “real world.”

What, at first, reads as another trite, sugary, book with pretty and uplifting words grows into an insightful, yes inspiring, and even challenging book that would be a great gift “for all.”

As the titled hints at, this book isn’t about striving and achieving all your hopes and dreams. Rather, it goes one better. Max reminds us that God has “packed us” with a specific set of skills for a “specific purpose.”

While many of us may say that we believe that, so few of us actually put in the time and make the effort to discover what that purpose is. Therein lies the challenge.

Don’t let the size of the book fool you. Unlike other self-help, motivational type books, Max cuts the fat and other fluffy extras and gets to the meat of the matter quickly.

God designed each and every one of us specifically and uniquely - as Max puts it, “You-nique.” We are not mass produced. No one has our complete set of skills, likes, and passions. Those are our and ours alone.

But what to do with these gifts?

Ah, another challenge set forth by God that Max reminds us.

In short: change the world.

How?

By being the best “us” we can be.

By sowing a seed and trusting God.

As Max puts it, “God inhabits the tiny seed, empowers the tiny deed.”

So, no Suzie, no Billy you can’t be ANYTHING you want to be, but you can be EVERYTHING God wants you to be.

Max Lucado reminds us how.
 
 
(as always, I have received a free copy of this book for review through Booksneeze.com.  This review is honest and my own, and was in no way influenced by anyone for any reason)

You Can Be Everything God Wants You To Be - By Max Lucado

The next book I will be reading for review through Book Sneeze.

Jesus Manifesto - by Leonard Sweet and Frank Viola

With most books you read you get, at least, an idea or notion of what the books is going to be about.  What the author or authors wish to accomplish with the book.

This wasn't exactly the case with Jesus Manifesto.  Which isn't to say that it's  a bad thing...it's just different.  I read through the book twice and even during the second time around I wasn't sure where the book was going the first 1/3rd of it.

The second third of the book was much clearer and truly is what the book is about: Jesus.

Plain and simple the book is about Jesus Christ.  And maybe that's where I got confused.  I was looking for something more complicated...deep.  But as the authors put it, "you can't get deeper than Christ."

Unlike other books about Jesus, Sweet and Viola, don't give you hope of what Jesus can do for you, rather they provide the hope of following Jesus and discovering what he will do, and is doing, through you.

Sweet and Viola contend that the church today, and Christianity for that matter, has taken the eye off the mark: Christ.  Christ is not the center, the main point, the reason, etc.  They argue the Gospel, and Christ, have been reduced to that of a vending machine in the current "Youniverse" culture.

I would have to agree.

The authors give a compelling argument for putting Christ back into Christianity.  How Christ IS the point, IS the Truth, the light, and the Way.  Nothing else matters and yet, everything matters when you are focused on Christ.

The Christ they write about in Jesus Manifesto is one that you'd be hard pressed to find in church today, or anywhere "Christianity" is claimed.  And despite the flowery-sugar coated-goody-goody language (that you'll find in many Christian rock songs today) they use to describe Christ, their point (God's point perhaps) is well made.

Perhaps Christ has been forgotten when it comes to Christianity.  Perhaps we have deviated from God's true will for us all: to follow Him.

I wouldn't recommend this book for a new believer, new follower, or newly converted, but if your view of Jesus hasn't been challenged for awhile, this book might be just what you need.  You may not change your heart and mind, but you will think about it.

And really, in the end, that's all the authors can do...and they do it well.

(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 is accordance with the FTC's 16 CRF Part 255)

Book Review (soon): Jesus Manifesto

Monday, I'll have the book review posted of Jesus Manifesto available June 1st. (My advance copy was obtained through Book Sneeze.

While I can't give a review of the book now, I think I'm safe to say I was able to get through it twice, highlighting, and getting a better sense of what they wanted the book to accomplish before submitting a review.

The Hole in Our Gospel by Richard Stearns

“What does God expect of us?” asks Richard Stearns in The Hole in Our Gospel.

There are countless Christian books out there that will “help” you with your faith, or expand your knowledge of the Bible, or even question your beliefs, but so far I’ve only come across one book that challenges Christians to be just that – Christians.

Somewhere along our path, we’ve reduces Christianity, and more importantly the Gospel, to that of a nice personal relationship with God – one that after we’ve committed our life to Christ – should grow and become deeper.

But by doing so, we become “religious” and start to dig a large “hole” in the Gospel – that of loving our neighbor, of helping those who are in need (and not just spiritually), and in essence becoming less selfish.

Richard Stearns, through statistics and more powerfully actual stories from other and his own life, challenges us to fill that “hole” in the Gospel. There are millions of people in the world that could use our help, here at home and abroad. Abroad is where Richard argues that we have dropped the ball.

In America, and most of the western culture, live in vast prosperity. Oh, we hear bad news about our economy, but when you compare it (as Richard does so well) to most other countries in the world – our complaints are well…pathetic.

We have far more than we need. There IS enough food to feed the world – just look at our grocery stores. There IS enough money to help an entire country out – just look at what we spend our money on.

This book is not about more effective prayer, or 5 spiritual disciplines we all must have, or how to truly become happy in Christ.

No this book is deeper than that. This book cuts at the heart of what Jesus taught, truly. Stearns doesn’t put forth new doctrine to challenge our faith, he puts for the call to action that should be because of our faith…yet seems to be lacking.

When it’s all said and done, when Stearns has shined a light on the darkness of “our” Gospel he, in a loving yet disciplined way, puts for the challenge to us: “And when you close this book, what will you do now?”

What will you do now?

(note: I received a free copy of this book for my review through Booksneeze.com. The opinions stated are mine and are freely given. For further information visit www.booksneeze.com)

Wild at Heart by John Eldredge - review

“When all is said and done, I think most men in the church believe God put them on the earth to be a good boy,” writes John Eldredge in Wild at Heart.

What, at first, threatens to be a book length rant on the church and where it has failed men, morphs into a books about where men have failed us all…but where have we men failed? Quite simply: in being men.

Eldredge contends that there are certain qualities within a man that he can’t escape. They are inherent and God given. They are: a battle to fight, an adventure to live, and a beauty to rescue.

Somewhere we’ve taken a wrong turn. For some men our greatest battles are the commute to work and our greatest adventure is perhaps drinking too much on a Saturday night and our beauty to rescue…well, she’s too complicated, or we aren’t good enough for her anyway. Or so we believe.

Our biggest goal in life: to be nice.

That isn’t how it’s supposed to be.

We men are wild, and often dangerous, but we live in a wild and dangerous world. Sure, this wild and dangerous side of men have been used for bad, dare we say evil, purposes is not reason enough to try and squash it from man entirely. To make men into nice guys, yet that is exactly what society, and even the church is doing.

This book isn’t a “pro-man” book. It’s not about beating the chest, and grunting, and spitting…it is so much more than that. It’s about rescuing a man’s heart, a man’s dream, a man’s soul.

To remind men there is a battle to fight, an adventure does await, there is a beauty to be rescued, and God is waiting for us to join in it all.


Note: 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.

The Sacred Journey by Charles Foster

“This will go too far for most people. I’m not sure that it doesn’t go too far for me."

A fair warning given too little, too late in The Sacred Journey by Charles Foster. Foster pull no punches about what a pilgrimage is, and perhaps more importantly – what it isn’t.

Jesus said, “Follow me.” And Foster clearly believes that we are to take this commandment literally. Pack your bags, or leave them by your feet, and hit the open (sometimes dangerous) road.

Citing the many wanderers of the Bible, including it’s most famous – Jesus – Charles contends that we are meant to wander, meant to travel, by foot…to follow Jesus.

For many of us, however, the question isn’t whether or not to follow Jesus, but to follow Jesus where?

The “where” as Charles reveals to us, isn’t important. As many make a pilgrimage to Jerusalem you can make one down your block.  The miracles or spiritual awakening you hear about in Jerusalem can too be found right outside your door and down your street.

Though I have traveled quite a bit, I can’t say that I’ve ever been on a pilgrimage. As I read The Sacred Journey I couldn’t help but want to rush home, shove some things into a pack and hit the road. Where?

That’s the beauty: it doesn’t matter. If anything the “where” is only the excuse needed to get on the road. It’s on the road that is our true destination. It’s on the road where what we seek, we shall find. And if you think you can’t take a pilgrimage, you’re wrong. Everyday you can take one, even if it’s right around your block.

But be warned, Charles reminds us, we will be changed. Some of our friends and family will like the change, others will despise it. Either way, once you go on a pilgrimage you can’t go back on it, only back from it.

Foster doesn’t explicitly tell us what we will find, only what others have found, because each pilgrimage is for its own pilgrim. No matter what we find, it will make a lasting impression, far greater than any vacation or getaway.


Reviewers Note:
I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their BookSneeze.com 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