Category: Bookshelf

Greater, Book Review

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Greater: Dream Bigger. Start Smaller. Ignite God’s Vision for Your Life.
by: Steven Furtick

Steven Furtick’s book, Greater, wasn’t at all what I expected.  That’s a good thing.  It seems like most Christian books nowadays are about how to reinvigorate stagnant Christian walks and overcome the common, mundane feel of our faith.  Everyone seems to know the one magic formula, catchphrase, object lesson, or key verse that will revolutionize your life and make you sell your house, quit your job and move to Africa as a missionary.greater

The trouble is that such books sometimes miss the value of the entirety of God’s Word by focusing on one tiny passage! They also often leave me disillusioned.  If I’m not a missionary in Africa, does that mean I’m not passionate enough about God or that He isn’t Lord of my life?  There’s not much hope then for a small-town mom of four young kids like me.

So, what is there left to say about being “Greater” that hasn’t been said by the fifty other Christian authors flooding the market with books on this topic?

It turns out, Furtick’s take is a little different.  This book is based on a study of Elisha’s life, who we’re told in Scripture did twice the amount of miracles and had double the anointing of his mentor Elijah, but who we tend to talk about far less.  With practical tips, encouragement, and stories from his own life, Furtick teaches how Elisha’s ministry involved sold out obedience to God even in the most everyday of activities.

The key here, as Furtick says, is: “Maybe God will call you to make a major life change.  Or maybe He simple wants you to come at your present life with greater passion from a fresh perspective.”  For the study on Elisha alone (including group study questions in the back of the book), Greater is a good read.  And if God does open your life up and invite you to something new and fresh that He wants to do, well that would be even . . . Greater.

I received this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review and 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.”

Confident Faith, Book Review

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Confident Faith : Building a Firm Foundation for Your Belief
by Mark Mittelberg

Confident Faith is one of those rare books for skeptics, new believers, and long-time Christians alike.  Mark Mittelberg was raised in the church, but when he went off to college, he found himself grossly unequipped to deal with the difficult questions of non-Christians professors and others.  Even when he returned to his home church and asked spiritual leaders to give reasons for their faith and arguments to support the Bible, they failed him.  They could do little more than say, “The Bible is true because it says it’s true.  Period.  End of Story.”confidentfaith

But Christians need to be equipped to defend our faith.  We need to be prepared to answer the hard questions when people ask them.  Sometimes as Christians it seems like we avoid digging deep on faith issues because we’re afraid that the Bible won’t ring true and bear up under the scrutiny.

Mittleberg begins his book with a discussion of six general paths to faith, such as just accepting the traditions of the path, or going with what feels right, or assuming it’s all relative anyway.  He examines the logic of each and argues for a more evidential approach.  Following that, he presents 20 arguments that show how science and logic point toward spiritual truth.  Along the way, he investigates the Bible, the Koran, the Joseph Smith papers for the Mormon church and other doctrines of various religions.

Some books that cover science, apologetics, and logic may be overwhelmingly dense and hard to follow.  Mittelberg’s book, however, is an engaging and informative read–fun even at times.  When you put the book down, you’ll be better equipped to understand your faith, share it with others, and defend it when necessary.  For those who aren’t Christian, it may be an eye-opening read and a great way to really investigate the claims of the Bible and get some answers to questions you may be asking.

I received this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review and 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.”

Praying for Boys, Book Review

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Praying for Boys
by Brooke McGlothlin

When I like a book, I mark a few quotes here and there, when I really like a book I turn down the pages to mark whole sections, and when I love a book it ends up a worn and weary mess with turned down pages, highlighters, pencil marks and maybe even a few food stains.  I really loved Brooke McGlothlin’s book, Praying for Boys, and after just one quick read my copy already looks like I’ve carried it through a battle zone.  That’s okay.  I intend to do just that.PrayingForBoys_mck.indd

I’ve been praying for my kids diligently for years, using books and my own way of praying through Scripture to commit them to God.  But after having three daughters, I gave birth to a baby boy just a few months ago and Brooke McGlothlin is giving me a whole new way to pray specifically for him.  She proposes using focused and determined prayers in the battle for boys’ hearts and minds.

The book itself is short with quick and easy to read chapters.  She begins with a call to prayer, why, how, and when to pray.   In response to specific questions she’s received on her blog (The M.O.B. Society), she even includes a chapter of encouragement and tips for those parenting alone.  Following that, McGlothlin offers 21 prayer points for sons, including praying for their salvation, integrity, honor, and each of the fruits of the spirit.

The book can be read in one sitting (like I did last night), but then it can be used as a constant companion to prayer. The prayers are extremely short (one sentence long, maybe, and usually personalizing a Scripture verse in the process).  That means I could use them all day, every day, in any way I can imagine. I could post a few up around my house and pray whenever I see them.  I could join with a group of other moms and pray through them together for 21 days (she includes discussion questions at the end of each chapter to use for small groups).  Anything goes as long as the book doesn’t just sit on the shelf gathering dust.  It’s meant to be used and applied.

Along the way, McGlothlin shares parenting tips, Scripture verses, personal stories of both success and failure, a sense of humor, some grace, and her passion for praying for her sons.  It’s a book I read in one evening while my three-month-old son played happily in his bouncy seat next to me, but it’s a book I hope to pray through many times in years to come.

I received this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review and 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.”

Experiencing God At Home Day-By-Day, Book Review

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Experiencing God at Home Day by Day: A Family Devotional
by Tom Blackaby and Rick Osborne

Over the years, our family has tried many devotionals and read through several children’s Bibles, and I am now excited to use Experiencing God at Home Day by Day: A Family Devotional during these daily times of spiritual training for our children.  As an adult, I’ve also worked through the Experiencing God study several times and wanted my children to have similar access to materials that help them discover God’s Word and hear God’s voice.experiencing-god-at-home-day-by-day-a-family-devotional

We’ve found that some family devotionals work better than others. Some simply skirt the surface of spiritual issues, remaining ultimately superficial.  Some don’t encourage actual time in the Bible itself.  Some had lessons that were too long (or even boring) and others that were too brief to provide our older daughters with any true substance.

This devotional manages to answer those concerns.  The introduction urges parents not to skip over the Scripture reading and to spend time opening God’s Word up with their children.  In addition, parents are given the encouragement to engage in spiritual discussions and training with their kids, as well as some tips on how to do so for those who want so much to teach their kids the Bible, but don’t know where to start.

I loved that each day’s devotional reading began with a Scripture reference for the family to look up in their own Bible, followed by a quick discussion question to get kids and parents talking.  The devotional lessons themselves are short and to the point, but full of information about the Bible or the Biblical accounts being covered.  Then, the family is encouraged to pray together.

My very favorite aspect to this devotional is the conclusion each day with Quiet Time activity ideas for both younger and older children.  This is so helpful in a family with both preschoolers and older kids so that everyone is engaged in learning the lesson, but at different levels.

It’s also wonderful to have a tool to help my elementary age children begin to do quiet times and devotions on their own and to take some responsibility for their spiritual walk.  I’ve often wanted a tool to help me bridge that transition from me reading the Bible to them to them reading it on their own.  This devotional works well for that.

The book contains 50 weeks of devotional studies, each week organized by a Biblical account that will walk you through Scripture from the Garden to the New Heaven and Earth described in Revelation. It’s a comprehensive devotional that will give families a great overview of the Bible.  Parents begin each week with an introduction to the lessons and then there are another five days’ worth of readings for the family.

The authors also include special theme devotionals for events such as holidays, but also the birth of a new baby, the last day of the school year, sad times, disasters in the news, and weddings.

For me, the flexibility in the devotional is also a huge help.  Our lives are so busy and we try to make family devotionals a priority, but don’t always have as much time some nights as others to engage in all of the activities this devotional suggests.  Yet, this book doesn’t assign the readings to a calendar date.  Instead, the entries are simply marked Day 1, Day 2, etc. through each week.  So, if you miss a day (or two), there’s no scramble to catch up.  You can just continue where you left off.  That’s a great way to set a family up for success rather than discouragement and failure so we can disciple our kids as God intended!

I received this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review and 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 Heart Like His, Book Review

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A Heart Like His: Intimate Reflections on the Life of David
by Beth Moore

Years ago, I sat propped up in bed and began reading the hardback edition of A Heart Like His.  For all my love of Bible Study, I’d never read one of Beth Moore’s books before.  A friend had recommended it to me and I settled in that night planning to read the book quickly and voraciously.aheartlikehis2

Normally, I speed through books, but this time I couldn’t.  After growing up in the church and hearing the stories of David portrayed on hundreds of flannel boards, I was shocked by the fresh perspective of Beth Moore.  Shocked that I had so much to learn about David.  Shocked by the application and challenge in each chapter of the book.

So I slowed down and read the book in small pieces.  Now that I’ve re-read the book in the paperback edition, I knew what to expect from Beth’s studies—in-depth discussion of Scripture and continual life application.  This is not Bible Study aimed at filling our heads with knowledge; it’s a passionate look at Scripture so that we can learn, change and grow.

The book is divided into 52 chapters and covers the backstory leading up to David’s life and kingship all the way to his death and the legacy he left with his son Solomon.  Each chapter is short and easy to read in one sitting with prompts directing you to the passage of Scripture being covered so you can read it first in your own Bible.  Whenever possible, she aligns the descriptions of David’s life with his own poetry and songs, making this an in-depth study of 1 and 2 Samuel, 1 and 2 Chronicles and portions of the Psalms that works well for individuals or groups.

Recently, I had the opportunity to listen to a group of women share what they had learned after studying the life of David for nine months as a group.  Some women confessed struggling to understand how a guy who made so many mistakes could have a heart like God’s.  Others stood to their feet and admitted that they felt just like David and his need for God’s grace.  Ultimately, any study of David isn’t really about David at all; it’s about God and how He works to draw us to Him, to transform and mature us, and to make us usable vessels that bring Him glory.  That’s just a portion of what you’ll learn as you read this book, which makes it worth reading, studying, re-reading, and sharing with others.

I received this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review and 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.”

Grieving God’s Way, Book Review

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Grieving God’s Way: The Path to Lasting Hope and Healing
by Margaret Brownley

Margaret Brownley’s son died after a prolonged illness.  After three years of not writing a word, she wrote this lovely book, Grieving God’s Way: The Path to Lasting Hope and Healing, a 90-day devotional to help others facing grief and loss.grievinggodsway

It’s been seven years since my dad died and I haven’t experienced intense mourning since then.  And yet, this book ministered to me.  I found myself underlining beautiful quotes on each page and taking notes in my journal.

Her daily entries are short, perfect for those overwhelmed by emotion and unable to tackle long reading assignments.  She’s both highly practical and spiritually wise, giving encouragement and grace-filled challenges along the way, all from the perspective of someone who has been there herself.  Divided into four sections, the book addresses healing for the body, soul, heart and spirit.

I never expected to love this book as I much as I did.  I thought I’d read it quickly and then give it away, maybe to a hurting friend or the church library so others could enjoy it as a resource during their grief.  And yet, now I want to keep this copy for myself and buy copies for others.  As a resource for those suffering loss, it’s powerful.

But it’s also a great resource for friends, family members, and church leaders who are helping others through grief.  It’s the perfect opportunity to gain understanding, learn what to say and what not to say, what to do and what not to do.  Too often, we don’t really get it.  We say the wrong thing or fail to say anything at all.  We come on too strong or pull away too much.  We spew opinions about what grief should look like and how long it should last.  This book was a teaching tool for those of us who want to love others like Jesus and avoid the common pitfalls of clueless onlookers, observers of another’s sorrow.

I received this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review and 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.”

Everything, Book Review

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Everything: What You Give and What You Gain to Become Like Jesus
by Mary DeMuth

In her book, Everything, Mary DeMuth writes about letting God transform every part of our lives—our thinking, our hearts, and our hands.  We can give it all to Jesus and trust Him with the results.  It is, in essence, a book about living the greatest commandment: “Love the Lord Your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your strength.”everything

Always vulnerable, always real, always honest, always practical, Mary DeMuth’s description of the Everything life can shake up our expectations.  It doesn’t mean ministry is always successful in the way we define success.  It doesn’t mean relationships are always smooth and peace always easy.  It doesn’t mean our plans always work or our past is always perfect.  It just means we trust God with every part of our lives and serve Him with whatever He’s given to us.

Mary herself talks frequently about how her imperfect childhood has been transformed by God’s grace and her time on the mission field of France, far more difficult than she had imagined, was a precious time of yielding everything to God.

Sometimes it was the unexpected twists that kept this book interesting and relevant for me.   Her thoughts about writing, for instance, were precious and often missed in our celebrity society: focusing on what God wants her to say rather than pushing and pushing and pushing for success, striving to be noticed and to build a platform.

My favorite portion of the book is actually her discussion of spiritual disciplines because she assumed you knew the basics like Bible reading, church attendance, and prayer, and wrote instead about truly unexpected but absolutely beautiful disciplines we often overlook: Rest, forgiveness, creativity, silence, gratitude and others.

In some ways, the book is about the lessons she has learned in disappointments, “failures,” and unexpected life events.  It’s about not fighting against God, but surrendering it all to Him.

I received this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review and 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.”

Empty Promises, Book Review

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Empty Promises: The Truth About You, Your Desires, and the Lies You’re Believing
by Pete Wilson

A preacher who tells the congregation that an idol is anything more important to us than God probably wouldn’t shock (or enlighten) anyone. Most of us have heard this before . . . countless times . . . in many different ways . . . in Sunday morning sermons, small group lessons, radio preacher segments, and more.emptypromises

So, we might shrug it off.  Is anything more important to me than God?  Nah.  Not me.  Yawn and start doodling on the back of the bulletin.

Pete Wilson, knowing our tendency to bored complacency on this issue, gives his own definition: “idolatry is when I look to something that does not have God’s power to give me what only God has the authority and power to give” (p. 5).  Ahh, now he has our attention.

Of course this isn’t about statues of stone or bronze.  Most likely, this is internal idolatry, a problem in our hearts.  It doesn’t have to be the idol of materialism (although it can be), or physical appearance (although that’s possible, too).  Wilson covers other potential idols that are more elusive and harder to identify, like power, religion and dreams.

He writes with vulnerability and a touch of humor, making it an easy and interesting read.  He’s also organized and challenging–including in each chapter some benchmarks to consider when deciding whether or not you struggle with this or that.

The most insightful moments of the book for me were actually quotes from commentaries  and other classic and modern writers like C.S. Lewis, Timothy Keller, and John Piper.  I don’t mind this.  It shows the breadth of Pete Wilson’s reading and his ability to present truth in an organized and challenging way.

This wasn’t a particularly life-changing book for me at the moment, but it has the potential to be so.  I did, however, discover some fresh descriptions and explanations that I’ve been thinking about even after finishing the book.  This is fitting since, as Wilson, says, “I don’t think being mature Christians means getting to a place where we never deal with idolatry.  Rather, maturity comes when we become aware that this is going to be a lifelong battle…and we make up our minds to engage in it on a daily basis (p. 196).

That makes the book worth a re-read whenever we’re struck again by feelings of emptiness and dissatisfaction, if only for the reminder that some longing won’t be fulfilled until heaven, but it is always fulfilled in Christ.

I received this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review and 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.”

365 Pocket Devotions, Book Review

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365 Pocket Devotions: Inspiration and Renewal for Each New Day
by Chris Tiegreen

This little book, 365 Pocket Devotions: Inspiration and Renewal for Each New Day, is another treasure from Chris Tiegreen, author of various One Year devotionals.  I fell in love with Tiegreen’s book, The One Year Worship the King devotional a few years ago, and I’m so excited to have the opportunity to spend a year with his insights into Scripture again. pocketdevotions

The devotions in this pocket-sized book are shorter than most and aren’t necessarily the deepest of in-depth Bible studies.  Yet, I do find they often provide more insight and things to think about than many other devotions you could choose.  Often, he’ll look at a passage or concept in enough of a fresh way to stir me into deeper thought, deeper study, deeper prayer—and that’s the beauty of a well-written devotion.   It’s not utter fluff that leaves no impact.  It’s a stirring of the heart and mind to seek for more of God and His Word.

I love that the entries in this book are not firmly linked to the calendar.  Instead, they simply are marked as “Day 1….Day 2….etc.”  That means you can start any time you feel like it rather than waiting for January 1 to roll around.  It also means if you fall behind, there’s no need to catch up.  You just keep going where you are left off.  Days one through five in each week are regular devotions with extra short offerings on days six and seven (presumably when you might hit on a weekend day if you are reading Monday to Sunday).

Perfect for that first moment with God every morning or the last thing you read before sleeping at night, these pocket devotions could really fit in any time of the day, slip into a purse or car easily, and bring a little fresh inspiration into your Christian walk.

I received this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review and 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.”

Be The Mom, Book Review

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Be the Mom: Overcome Attitude Traps and Enjoy Your Kids (Focus on the Family)
by Tracey Lanter Eyster


Sighing.  I find myself doing it a lot some days.  It’s because I’m not a huge fan of interruptions and it’s because I’m selfish and neither of those issues mesh well with life as a work-at-home mom of three young daughters.bethemom

So, I sigh.  “Mom, can you?”  Big, shoulder-heaving sigh.  “Mom, I need help . .. ” Deeply dramatic sigh.  “Mom, I’m thirsty.  I’m hungry.  I’m tired.  Can I cuddle?  Can we play Candy Land?”   More sighing.

Sometimes (maybe more often than that), I need the reminders in Tracey Eyster’s book on being the mom—that this time with my young kids is precious and short-term, gone before I know it.  She hits on attitude “traps” that probably many of us fall into—feeling like a martyr, trying to do this whole mom-thing like everyone else tells us to, being too busy to stop and build into relationships with our kids, and even feeling like we’re of little value.  Yes, we begin to feel like we’re “just a mom.”

With lots of grace, humor and vulnerability about her own tough mom moments, Eyster gives us an attitude check.  She’s laced practical tips with Scriptural encouragement and storytelling, making this book feel like a big sister or an older friend sharing some wisdom she’s learned along the way.

Chances are good that if you are a mom, you’ll find yourself somewhere on these pages.  I did at times.  And when I did, I was reminded to make some changes so my kids feel like they are important to me, worthy of my attention and not the recipients of sighing anytime they need my help or affection.

She writes at the end, “There are no perfect moms, and there are no tips or suggestions that will make you the world’s best mom.  But there are practical tips and training that can embolden you to stay the course.”  Books like hers give us the pick-me-up, gentle reminders and advice we need maybe not to be a perfect mom or the world’s bet mom, but to be a better mom.

I received this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review and 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.”