Book Review: Rumors of God: Experience the Kind of Faith You've Only Heard About by Darren Whitehead & Jon Tyson

What to say about "Rumors of God?"  For some reason this book just didn't capture my attention the way that others of the same genre have in the past.  I'm not sure if it was me or the book to be honest about it.  Maybe it is because I have read so many other books of this type.  It just seemed to be saying the same thing.  I didn't find any "new" nugget of insight contained within the pages.

Mr. Whitehead and Mr. Tyson each take turns writing chapters in the book.  They were faithful to let the reader know which of the two was writing at any given time.  I'm not sure that it really mattered though in the overall scheme of the book.  Each told stories, from their church family experiences, on how God wants to and is willing to work in our lives if we give him the chance.  They tackle the ideals of Abundant Life, Generosity, Grace, and Freedom just to name a few.

I know that my review seems very negative and I wish is didn't seem that way.  This book contains very good information and teaches some wonderful Christian practices.  If you are looking for a book to renew your drive to know God, this book will fit your need.  On the other hand, if you have already read several books on that topic, this one will say much the same thing.

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: "Dinner with a Perfect Stranger" by David Gregory

I just loved the idea for this story.  A typical workaholic man gets an invitation to dine with Jesus.  The possibilities seem amazing.  What would you ask him?  What would he look like?  How would he act toward him?

The entire book is set over the course of Nick Cominsky's dinner with Jesus.  Nick doesn't pull any punches with Jesus.  Since he thinks that this dinner is a hoax, he works hard to try and trip up Jesus.  While he is grilling Jesus, Nick starts to believe that he is the real deal.  He starts to really hear what Jesus has to say and over the course of one dinner, Nick's life is changed forever.

The book was very fun to read.  It is a short book so it doesn't take very long to finish.  I think I read it in a couple of hours.  Although it is short, I thought it had some really good insights.  I wouldn't say that there was anything that was life changing for me but it was all good.  It might pack more of a punch for someone that was "on the fence" of Christianity.

I think that I would recommend this book to someone wanting an uplifting read but doesn't have much time.  I would have preferred that the story be more in depth.  It left me wanting more.  I guess if you have to say something bad about a book, that is a pretty good one.


Disclaimer: I was given this book to review by WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing

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: "A Conversation with God" by Alton Gansky

The subtitle to this book is "If You Could Ask God Any Question.  What Would It Be?"  I think this subtitle really gives a good idea of what the book is like inside.  It is a question and answer session with God, Jesus, & other prominent people from the Bible.

The questions included in the book are broken into ten sections.  The sections are God, Bible, The Future, Pain & Suffering, Jesus, Kingdom of God, Heaven and Hell, Humanity, Christian Living, & Today's World.  As you can see, they are very good topics of discussion.  I feel like they hit upon all of the most common questions people have about Christianity.

The questions are answered in a conversational tone.  I've read some complaints that they don't quote scripture in the answers.  I didn't think that was a problem.  All of the scriptures used for reference are noted and then listed in the back of the book.  I think that if someone has a question it is best to answer in "real words" first and then back it up with scripture.  Sometimes it makes it more understandable that way.

I really enjoyed this book.  I like that I can just flip it open to any one question and read the response quickly.  They are short, one or two pages, and to the point.  I also like how they give more than one persons answer to a lot of the questions.  You may have it answered by God, Jesus, and Paul or some other combination.  It gives the answers more of an authentic feel.  Of course, these are fictionalized answers based on scripture.  After reading the responses, it is always good to follow-up with prayer, scripture reading, and contemplation.

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 Sacred Meal" by Nora Gallagher

     I've struggled with writing this review.  I really enjoyed reading the book.  I felt like it gave some interesting insights on the Christian path.  Where I struggled was that it seemed to only have a tenuous link back to Communion.  Ms. Gallagher would write a chapter, a good chapter, on a topic such as receiving unearned gifts and then tie it back to Communion.

     I think I was expecting a detailed history about the practice of Communion.  Thinking I was getting a step-by-step instruction booklet on the hows and whys of the act.  Upon reading this book, I find, perhaps, the reason that she didn't write a book like that.  Ms. Gallagher paints a picture of a practice that is very personal and very unique to each person participating.  While the outward symbols may be the same, how we approach the act and how we recieve the gifts are personal.

     This book is a good book for those people seeking a fresh, open look at the Eucharist.  It doesn't  approach the Lord's table in a preachy or supierior way.  It would be a helpful book  for those raised with the idea that participating in Communion is only for those "churchy" or chosen few.  It makes sharing, even a "normal" meal seem more meaningful.

     I would reccomend this book for those people who enjoy a thought provoking read. 

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.”

Book Review: A Year with God By R.P. Nettelhorst

I just got a copy of "A Year with God" by R.P. Nettelhorst from Booksneeze.com and I can hardly wait to use it on a daily basis. Needless to say, I'm not going to wait a full year to review this book for you all.

I've spent a while browsing through the book. I really like how the devotionals are broken up into different topics. The topics include hope and fear, love and hate, perseverance and quitting, faith and doubt, loyalty and betrayal, companionship and isolation, mercy and judgment, forgiveness and anger, joy and sadness, and finally peace and conflict. It seems like a very thourough list to me.

Each days devotional begins with a passage of scripture. All of the scriptures used are from the Old Testament. Below the passages the author breaks down the passage and what it can mean for our lives today. Out of the devotionals that I've read, I've found the author very insightful and uplifting.

Another aspect of the book that I liked was that it was listed as "Day 1" etc.. instead of "January 1." I always felt pressured with the calender type devotionals. LOL!! I guess that is just my OCD coming out.

Would I recommend this book? If you are looking for a devotional that focuses on the Old Testament, then a resounding "YES" could be heard from me. It is concise and insightful. I'm excited to use this book over the coming year.