Book Review: "Unleashed; Release The Untamed Faith Within" by Erwin Raphael McManus

Have you ever felt that going to church just wasn't enough?  Have you ever felt that there should be more to being a Christian than just showing up on Sunday?  Does Christianity just seem to bland?  Then your inner barbarian is ready to burst forth and follow Jesus! 

This is how Mr. McManus frames it up for us.  He sets forth that Jesus never promised us a safe and secure time on Earth when we believe in Him.  That, upon examination of the Bible, the opposite is true.  God wants us to be warriors/barbarians in the unseen war against evil.  He sites numerous times in the Bible that to follow Jesus puts you in the direct path of turmoil and strife.

One of my favorite lines from the book is "People who are fully alive look out of their minds to those who simply exist."  Isn't that awesome!  How often have you had people look at you like you are nuts when you are convicted about a calling that God has put on your heart?  I know I've been in that position on several occasions.  When someone just goes through the motions of being a Christian or is a Sunday Christian, they don't hear God speaking to them.  They have never been called to step away from the normal and become a barbarian.

Another illustration that struck a cord with me is when Mr. McManus discusses Exodus 40:34-38.  For those of you without a Bible nearby, that is where it describes God in the form of a cloud leading the Israelites in the wilderness.  Mr. McManus states, "The civilized Christian build shelters & invite God to stay with them; barbarians move with God wherever He chooses to go.  The civilized Christian has a routine; the barbarian disciple has a mission."  He goes on with these illustrations for a paragraph.  They are all so spot on that it makes you really examine your own behavior.  It makes you want to reach deep down and call up that barbarian in your soul.

As you can tell, I really enjoyed this book.  It is along the same lines as "Radical," "Crazy Love," and "Irresistible Revolution."  It really motivated me to become a more active barbarian for Christ.

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.”

Book Review: "Max On Life" by Max Lucado

 

When I was given the chance to review a Max Lucado book, I jumped at the opportunity.  His books are always a good read.  This one is no exception.

This book is a compilation of submitted questions and Max's responses.  The questions cover a very large topic range.  Everything from angels to premarital sex.  If you've wondered it, it probably is covered in this book.

I liked the fact that he didn't just seem to pick out the soft-ball questions.  The one's with the pad answers that any "preacher" would give you.  He does a good job of giving a real-world answer.  It makes it very reader friendly.

Is this my favorite Lucado book?  No.  I prefer the books that look in depth at a certain topic.  Ones that cover all sides of a subject.  This book just gives a good, quick, concise answer.  I know that is what the intent is but it's not my favorite book style.

If you enjoy having a book that you can use as a resource when those life questions pop up this is going to be a good read for you.  Perhaps over time, I will find myself referring to this book again and again.  I guess we'll just have to wait and find out.

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.”

Book Review: "The Final Summit" by Andy Andrews

I had not heard of this author before starting to read this book.  Let me rephrase that, I can't believe that I had not heard of this author before starting to read this book.  This is one of the best books I've read in a VERY long time.  I would venture to say that "The Travelers Gift, " his first book featuring David Ponder, and "The Final Summit" are now part of my MUST read list.

I found this book to be a real page turner.  I think I finished reading it in about six hours.  I just couldn't put it down.  Each chapter leads seamlessly into the next.  I was educated and entertained all at the same time.

If I had to describe the style of writing to someone, I would say that the book moves like a Dan Brown book but without the controversy.  I love the way that he uses real historical characters and places to teach a life lesson. 

I hesitate to say more about the story contained in this book.  I found it so interesting that I don't want to spoil the surprise and wonder for you.  Let me just say that you REALLY need to read the books that Andy Andrews has written, including "The Final Summit."

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.”