God's Outrageous Claims by Lee Strobel

God's Outrageous Claims

by

Lee Strobel

Copyright © 1997 - Lee Strobel

Publisher: Zondervan Publishing

ISBN: 0-210-22561-2

Pages: 223

Completed: 08/28/2018

As always, a great read by Strobel.

In this book, Strobel, follows 13 claims about God, and how those claims are very real in our lives today!

Those 13 claims are:

  * There's Freedom in Forgiving Your Enemies

  * You Can Even Learn To Forgive Yourself

  * You Can Survive The Rat Race Without Becoming A Rat

  * You Can Make A Difference That Will Last For Eternity

  * God Can Give You Power As Power Is Needed

  * You Gain When You Give Yourself Away

  * A Dose of Doubt May Strengthen Your Faith

  * God Has A Cure For Your Secret Loneliness

  * God's Rules on Sex Can Liberate Us

  * Random Acts of Kindness Aren't Enough

  * Heaven Is More Than Wishful Thinking

  * Jesus Is The Only Path To God

  * Playing It Safe Is the Most Dangerous Way to Live

Awesome insight as only Lee Strobel can bring! This is another read I highly recommend for all to read!

I give this book 5 Stars:

And a Big Thumbs Up: 

DISCLOSURE: This book was a private purchase and was under no obligation for review.

Living With The End in Sight by Kendell Easley

Living With The End In Sight

By Kendell Easley

Copyright © 2000 Holman Bible Publishers

ISBN: 0-58640-001-0

Pages: 112

Completed 08 August 2018

What a great study on the book of Revelation! Each chapter of this book coincides with that Chapter in the Book of Revelation by John.

The scripture is there for each chapter. It does come from the Holman Christian Standard Bible, while I prefer the KJV instead, however, it is excellent. Along with the Scripture there are notes provided by the author, and at the end of each chapter is a prayer. Prior to each chapter is a point to meditate upon while reading the Scripture, kind of setting you up for what is to come in the Scripture. I love that as it is not only well written, but you feel you are prepared and understand the Scripture better as you read it.

The book of Revelation can be a daunting subject to understand.  While I don't completely agree with the author on all aspects, as he says it really doesn't matter as long as you open your mind and are prepared for the future of your soul.

An excellent read. I highly recommend it for all believers.

I give this Five Stars...

...and a big Thumbs Up!

You can purchase the book on Amazon below.

DISCLOSURE: This book was a private purchase and under no obligation for review.

Finding the Real Jesus - Lee Strobel

Finding the Real Jesus - 

A Guide for Curious Christians and Skeptical Seekers

by

Lee Strobel

Copyright © 2008 Lee Strobel

Publisher: Zondervan

111 Pages

ISBN: 978-0-310-28787-2

Completed: Monday, August 6, 2018

Wow! I can't even begin to describe this book, except to say, another great Lee Strobel read.

Strobel begins with all of the arguments against a real Jesus, and slowly begins to build his case until when you reach the end, he has completely won you over! I can't imagine this man not being one of the great soul-winners of our lifetime! His arguments are always factual. He leads you away from the many self-proclaimed "prophets and bishops" of our time who know so very little about the real Jesus. He shows you where those who argue away the real Jesus or his death and resurrection, have been led astray. And in this book, he even argues against many Christian colleges, universities and seminaries that are no longer teaching the scriptural Jesus and are sugar coating the scriptures to provide us with a 21st century Jesus who is forgiving without repentance.

I have found in Strobel a champion of the real Jesus. If you know Strobel's past, you will know that he was once a self-proclaimed atheist, and a journalist. So using his journalistic tools, he attempted to disprove Jesus was real. But what he managed to do, was to prove to himself that He is very real, and is much alive today!

This is an awesome book. Excellent for debate and group studies and private study. I highly recommend it.

I give this book Five Stars

And I give a big Thumbs Up

DISCLOSURE: This book was a private purchase and was under no obligation for review.

A Tapestry Garden by Marietta and Ernie O'Byrne

A Tapestry Garden

The Art of Weaving Plants and Place

by

Marietta and Ernie O'Byrne

Copyright © 2018

Published by Timber Press

ISBN: 978-60469-759-9

263 Pages

Completed Reading 07/22/2018

Who would have thought a gardening book would so enthrall me! I own several, and other than the basics of how to grow a certain plant, I have never foraged into a read as delectable as this was! I truly could not put it down until finished.

More than a how to, it tells this wonderful couple's story as they plan, plant and grow a garden with plants that are very few native to the Eugene, Oregon region, where they reside.

Charming, delightful, and a couple I'd love to sit down for tea with and discuss what I could do with my new yard, their book is the next best thing. They showcase plants native to around the globe. And yes, they literally weave a tapestry of plant ethnicity that is beyond imagination!

I certainly recommend this book if you want to be taken on tour of their spectacular garden!

I give it Five Stars

And a big

DISCLOSURE: This book was a personal buy and was under no obligation for review.

What Jesus Would Say by Lee Strobel

What Would Jesus Say To:

Rush Limbaugh

Madonna

Bill Clinton

Michael Jordan

Bart Simpson

Donald Trump

Murphy Brown

Madalyn Murray O'Hair

Mother Teresa

David Letterman

& You!

By Lee Strobel

Copyright ©1994 Lee Strobel

Zondervan Publishing House

ISBN: 0-310-48511-8

172 Pages

Completed: 07/14/2018

Okay, so this book may be a l -i - t -t-l-e outdated, coming from 1994. However, I believe the message is just as prevalent  today. That of God's great love for mankind, and His mercy are never ending. That Jesus came to pay for our sins. And that no matter what you have done, you are welcomed by Him and can be forgiven by Him.

Strobel touches on just about every calamity known in the US still today: the decline of morals; sexual promiscuity; one parent households; greediness; and insecurity.

I found myself having to lay the book down a few times to absorb all that the author brought up. It touched me in such a way that I found myself repenting of long lost sins that I had forgotten about. And it was like a huge weight, that I hadn't known I was carrying around, fell from my shoulders. I felt reintroduced to my Savior's love. I was invigorated and excited as I haven't been in years.

In some cases, the author even uses fictional characters to get a point across (Bart Simpson, and Murphy Brown, for instance), and does a wonderful job.

I found this book highly enlightening and just a relevant today as when it was written. I highly recommend it for all.

I give this book 

And a big

****DISCLOSURE: This book was a private purchase and under no obligation for review.

Exploring the Da Vinci Code by Lee Strobel and Garry Poole

Exploring The DaVinci Code

by Lee Strobel and Garry Poole

Published by Zondervan

Copyright © 2006 Lee Strobel and Garry Poole

ISBN: 0-310-2737-2

110 pages

Completed: 7/8/18

While the DaVinci Code by author Dan Brown came out several years ago, I love to read the articles and books which take it beyond the book of fiction that it is, and try to argue that  IT IS or IS NOT factual. I saw Brown in an interview when the book was first released, and he himself stated that he wrote it as a fictional piece, although he pulled from articles and rumors that could no way be truthful, he simply wrote a fictional novel. And so when I read it, as a Christian, I was not offended. It was a great murder mystery to me! I loved it so much I've purchased every Dan Brown book afterward that I could find!

So, if Brown had meant the piece to be factual these two gentlemen went about trying to prove his falsehoods in a non-judgmental way.  They sought the advice of scholars and historians, and visited the sites where Brown's book took it's characters.

I like how the book is written in a group study sort of way. You are asked questions along the way to help you decide on your own, without their leading, if you believe the facts over the events as found in The DaVinci Code, or not. They gave their opinions without forcing it upon you.

As I have said, I did not judge the book when I read it as factual, simply because I'd already heard Brown proclaim it was a work of fiction. I just enjoyed it for a great murder mystery!

Let me leave you with the very last paragraph of the book: "You've probably heard that the catch phrase for The DaVinci Code movie is, "Seek the Truth:. That's good advice, but frankly, I like the way Jesus put it in Luke 7: "So I say to you: Ask and it will be given to you, seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you."

This is a great short study, easily read in an afternoon. I highly recommend it if you have or have not taken Brown's The DaVinci Code seriously. The openness is amazing. These are two brilliant researchers and authors of great talent

I give this book

And a big

****DISCLOSURE: This book was a personal purchase and was under no obligation for review.

And here's the book all the fuss is STILL about!

Restoring Your Spiritual Passion by Gordon MacDonald

Restoring Your Spiritual Passion

by Gordon MacDonald

Copyright 1986 Gordon MacDonald

Publisher Oliver-Nelson Books

ISBN:0-8409-9069-4

223 Pages

Completed 07/04/2018

 This is a fabulous book for anyone who needs to restore that spiritual passion you had when you were first saved! 

  The author explains how we sometimes get so used to hearing the same sermons that we tend to lose our passion, and we begin to forget just how marvelous our salvation is!

  Through reasons for losing our passion, who we are spending our time or work with, through our every day busy-ness, we tend to let things in our spirit get pushed back into the background.

  The author goes on and leads us through ways to regain that passion and feeling and want to get out to tell others the Good News!

  This book has really brought me back to my own spiritual passion and my desire to teach and reach others! I think every Christian should read this! We all go through this type of slump in life, even the most devout. The trick is to see that's what is happening, and to begin our journey back to it as soon as possible!

  I highly recommend this book!

  I give it FIVE STARS

  And a BIG THUMBS UP

  ****DISCLOSURE This book was loaned to me from my dear Christian Brother and mentor, David , and was under no obligation for review.

Magic and Medicine of Plants - Readers Digest

Magic and Medicine of Plants

Readers Digest

Copyright © 1986 Readers Digest Association, Inc.

Published by Readers Digest Association, Inc.

ISBN: 0-89577-221-3

464 Pages

Completed: 06/24/2018

It is quite rare when I complete such a book inside of 24 hours. But I haven't been feeling well, and sleep has eluded me. And I truly found this enjoyable. So, yes, I did read it within 24-hours.

The book identifies wild and cultivated medicinal and herbal plants in an array from A-Z, which helps in some ways, and yet makes you feel thrown about in others. (I think I would have preferred an index with ailments that could be helped by plant at least. But c'est la vie.) 

I did appreciate the notations at the bottom of each plants page that identified what the plant was considered useful for, and it's use today when applicable. 

Because I'm interested in herbology, I found the herbs for cooking most interesting.

I did appreciate the effort for recipes at the back of the book, there just weren't really enough to make the effort worth reading through them. I was very interested in the gardening of the plants and herbs and found the layouts most informative.

Identification of each plant is by painting. AND photograph, which I truly appreciate. In most books we are informed only by paintings of the plants and one can never be sure with a painting what creative license has been taken! A photograph helps to compare the two and ensure that you have chosen or are looking at a correct specimen.

All in all I enjoyed the read. And I do highly recommend the book if you can locate a copy.

I give FIVE STARS

 And a BIG THUMBS UP

****DISCLAIMER: This review was strictly voluntary as this book was borrowed from a friend and did not require any review.

All The Master's Men - Patterns for Modern Discipleship

All The Master's Men

Patterns for Modern Discipleship

by

Kendrick Strong

Copyright © 1978 Kendrick Strong

First Edition

Christian Herald Books, Chappaqua, NY

ISBN: 0-915684-38-1

220 Pages

Completed: 06/23/2018

I know this book seemed to take a long while for me to complete, but only because I was searching to see if any new materials or references had been made since this First Edition was printed.  This was a borrowed book, and I used it for study, in order to learn patterns of how we should, and should not, respond to society around us. Jesus chose the twelve individual men for specific reasons, and the author was most excellent in pointing out both their strengths and their weaknesses. It has been a most helpful book.

While the author has given us much to go on, I feel he gave up too easily in locating information regarding the Twelve Apostles whom Christ chose to be His followers. 

The author had wonderful insight, and that I did not find in the least flawed. However, except for "tradition", he did not look to writers closest to the generation of the Apostles for accounts of their lives, except for Eusebius, whom he references often. He leaves out Josephus and many others. This would have given more credence to his information on the Twelve.

That all being said, I found the book a most excellent read. It was copyrighted in 1978, so it is perhaps the writer was referencing the only materials at his hand at the time. With the advent of the Internet, I often forget there was a time when we were strictly limited to our local libraries and home encyclopedias for reference materials! Even so, the author did a fantastic job!

I thoroughly enjoyed the author's perspective on each Apostle and how we can apply those same ideas to our lives today, to be better followers of Christ.

All in all, I give this book FIVE STARS

And a big THUMBS UP

I highly recommend it.

****DISCLOSURE: This book was under no obligation for review, as it was borrowed from my dear Brother, David Roach. Thank you Bubba for allowing me to study this text!

How To Pray When You Think You Can't by Marci Alborghetti

How to Pray When You Think You Can't

by Marci Alborghetti

Copyright © 2007 Marci Alborghetti

Published by Guideposts Books

153 Pages

Completed 05/30/2018

I was a little hesitant in reading this book, as I have always prayed in a conversational manner. I enjoy the intimacy of prayer as though speaking to my Father, informally, just as I would to my Dad or another respected member of my family. But the author soon put me at ease, as she, too, enjoys that informal prayer.

The author covers those moments when we may not know how to pray for something. Or when circumstances, for instance severe pain, may make it difficult to think clearly enough to pray.

The author takes on a course of Thanksgiving prayer, Psalm prayers, and conversational as well as formal prayer. The author discusses our need and ways to pray not only for ourselves but for others, as well. And she discusses both prayer partners and prayer groups, as well as prayer meetings. 

All in all, I was well pleased with this book, and came away excited to use some of the author's approaches to prayer. And a renewed desire to keep my prayer journal up to date. (I often put in my prayer requests so that I don't forget them, or forget someone I am praying for. But I more than often forget to put in when the prayer has been answered so that I may be certain to do a prayer of Thanksgiving for the answered prayer.)

I highly recommend you read a copy of this book, even if you feel, as I did, that your prayer life is just fine. It opened my eyes to the subtle nuances of prayer, and that closeness we feel when we pray both in need and in Thanksgiving. But mostly, it made me realize the need for prayer with an expectation of answer, in one form or another as God so chooses. And that is something we often forget.

I give this book a BIG thumbs up.

And FIVE stars.

This book is available on Amazon.com  below.

DISCLAIMER: This book was borrowed from a friend and was under no obligation for review.

Israel's Glorious Future by Dr. Harold A. Sevener

Israel's Glorious Future

The Prophecies & Promises of God Revealed

by Dr. Harold A. Sevener

Copyright © 1999 Chosen People Ministries

Publisher: Chosen People Ministries

88 Pages

Completed:05/26/2018

This is a very well written work by Dr. Harold A. Sevener. His writing is down to earth and easy to understand and follow. He explains his thoughts and understanding of the Scriptures in great detail and gives compelling reasons why he interprets the Scripture as he does.

This work tells the story of ancient times when God made His covenant between Himself and Man, and between Himself and his chosen people, beginning with Abraham. Well thought out, the writer moves the reader forward through time with a brief history of the Israel people.

Moving surely through the recent past history of the 20th century right up to the coming Tribulation, through the Tribulation and on to the New Jerusalem during the 1,000 year reign. And beyond, to the New Heaven and New Earth. He sources Ezekiel, Daniel, Isaiah and Revelation for his work, and he has written so that even the most common layman can understand and follow his thought process and interpretations.

I highly recommend this book for all who have a heart for the Jewish peoples with a Messianic vision for their redemption, which is what the publisher is all about.

I give this book a BIG thumbs up!

And I give it FIVE stars!

This book is available from Amazon below:

DISCLAIMER: This book was from a private library, and as such was under no obligation for review.

What is Bill Gates Reading This Summer?

In Bill Gates Notes, the wealthy entrepreneur that we all aspire to be, recently listed his top five books for reading this summer. And they're not exactly what you might think a man with his penchant for wealth would be expected to be reading! I was very amazed by his choices, and getting ready to order each one now!

From his notes, he states the following:

"Leonardo DaVinci by Walter Isaacson

Everything Happens for a Reason and Other Lies I've Loved , by Kate Bowler . 

Lincoln in the Bardo, by George Saunders

Origin Story: A Big History of Everything, by David Christian. 

Factfulness, by Hans Rosling, with Ola Rosling and Anna Rosling Ronnlund. 

I've been reading so much for study lately, that I think I'm going to reward myself with these five books! Each one sounds amazing and I can't wait to lie back in the shade of the porch, with my southern sweet tea and one of these good books to enjoy the afternoon!

Won't you join me?

Thank you, Mr. Gates for a great groups of book ideas for summer reading fun!

The Untold Story of the New Testament Church by Frank Viola

The Untold Story of the New Testament Church

by Frank Viola

Copyright © 2004 Frank Viola

Destiny Image Publishing

ISBN: 0-7684-2236-1

189 Pages

Completed 05/20/2018

This is a fantastic telling of the events of the New Testament Church in chronological order, instead of the layout of the written New Testament.

Find the correct layout, and suddenly the events of the New Testament Church following the death of Jesus, and the writing of the New Testament come to life. 

This book puts it all into the order it should be read in. With the background as to why each book was written. Paul's letter's suddenly come alive with their meaning! I've heard many a Christian state that Paul is so contradictory in his writings. Well, suddenly there is no contradiction if you understand to whom he was writing and why he was writing to them!

Learn how each of the Apostle's dies. Learn what the New Testament Church itself was like. How it nearly faced extinction thanks to Nero!

This has been one of the best Bible helps I have read in a L-O-N-G time!

This is an absolute must read for any New Testament scholar, whether that be a layman, or a minister!

I absolutely highly recommend this read!

I also give this a BIG thumbs up!

And FIVE stars!

And you can purchase the book below from Amazon.com, simply click the picture below.

DISCLAIMER: This book was a loan from a personal friend and was in now way under obligation for review.

Killing Jesus by Stephen Mansfield

Killing Jesus

The Unknown Conspiracy Behind The World's Most Famous Execution

by Stephen Mansfield

Copyright © 2013 Stephen Mansfield

Worthy Publishing

ISBN: 978-1-61795-187-9

255 Pages

 Completed: 05/03/2018

Seriously, before I even begin, I have to tell you this is perhaps the best book I have ever read.

Mansfield is an artist. Truly. His capability of telling a story and projecting you into the scene brought the last days of Christ and the crucifixion to life. I was there! I really was!

I have never been so brutally moved in my 58 years on this earth! And I have read, and studied the crucifixion many times. I thought Mel Gibson's The Passion, was about as close as I would ever come.. But Mansfield is an extraordinarily talented and gifted writer! And he is very humbling. I went to his Facebook page and mentioned how much the book touched me. He was kind enough to personally respond. Do you know how few people actually do that?

He walks us through the Sanhedrin demanding the crucifixion of our Savior. The brutality of the beating he was given. And the scourging. I wept and wept, and can still, days later, weep from it. The piercing pain as the large nails were driven through Christ's wrists and feet. His literal suffocation. Seeing His mother in the crowd watching Him. His gasping for final breaths. His great last effort as He yells "It is finished!".

There is oh so much more here. The hidden agenda behind the crucifixion, which we are only now beginning to understand. The cruelty of those who would rather see a murderer freed than Jesus.

Pilate's lack of desire to do anything but keep the populace happy, and out of his hair, and his symbolic washing of his hands.

You will see, hear, feel, taste, and smell it all. And your heart will break as you see for the first time what it must have been like to have witnessed the horror.

I get more from a really good story teller than I do from a visual. I was overwhelmed with the Passion. But my life has been forever changed by Killing Jesus. And I think that's exactly what Mansfield intended. Lives will be changed by this book. 

I strongly recommend you read Killing Jesus by Stephen Mansfield.

I give this book a BIG thumbs up!

And I give it FIVE stars, the highest I can give!

And you can purchase the book below, just clock the link with the photo of the book.

DISCLAIMER: This book was on loan from a friend and as such was under no obligation for review.

Prayers That Rout Demons by John Eckhardt

Prayers That Rout Demons

Prayers for Defeating Demons and Overthrowing the Power of Darkness

by John Eckhardt

Copyright © John Eckhardt 2007

Charisma House Publishers

ISBN: 978-1-59979-246-0

108 Pages

Completed: 05/05/2018

I was expecting a book that would literally offer me some prayer guidance for my church. Instead, I was given one page that had ANYTHING to do with demons. 

The author decides that all ills in life, no matter what they are, are simply caused by demons. From a flat tire, to an ingrown toenail! And offers a long list of Scriptures to use as prayers. 

I could not take the author seriously. It seemed he simply took a concordance, looked up different problems: Anger; Abuse; etc., and copied down the Scriptures that each of these offered in mentioning! 

Sincerely, my grandson could have given just as much information without even a try. He's 12 years old.

I was very disappointed. The book was promised to offer help and guidance for those who felt that demons were interfering in their lives. Instead, I received nothing more than a concordance with some half-hearted attempts at locating Scriptures. The author did at least write out each Scripture verse, and didn't just list a source. 

I do not recommend it. Use your concordance if you must, don't invest in another, cheaper, poorer version.

I give this a BIG thumbs down.

And I give it a single star as that is as low as you can go.

If you find you really want to check it out, however, here is where you can order a copy:

DISCLAIMER: This book was a private purchase and was under no obligation for review.

Eve by Wm Paul Young

Eve

by Wm Paul Young

Copyright © Wm Paul Young

Published by Howard Books

ISBN: 978-1-5011-0142-7

303 Pages

Completed: 04/07/2018

I was loaned this book by a friend who thought I would enjoy it. Unfortunately, I simply could not. It was quite difficult to follow at times, and went against my beliefs as a Christian and what the Scripture teaches us.

Eve is about a young girl named Lilly, who is found nearly dead in a shipping container along a beach, filled with the bodies of dead young girls. We're never given a complete explanation of what happened to her, you simply assume by the hints presented that she was used in a prostitution ring.

Kept in a suspended state while healing, Lilly dreams and sees visions. One is of Eve. Yes, that Eve. Only she wasn't really seeing visions, but mentally transported. 

Lilly becomes a "Watcher", an observer. She observes the moment of creation. Of the earth. Of Adam. And eventually of Eve.

Somehow she is sent back and forth through the NOW to the THEN. Eventually she finds out the Creator calls her Lillith. Yeah, you get it. THAT Lillith.

There are spins on the variation of the story that make absolutely no sense.  I was bored to tears. Literally.

I won't give away any more of the plot. YOU might actually enjoy it. Just know it's not the traditional Adam/Eve/Lillith story we've all heard before. This has twists and turns, mountains and caverns that can get you lost if you don't pay attention.

I read the whole book, as an obligation to a friend who really enjoyed it, and thought I would as well. But unless you're into alternate creationism stories, I don't recommend it.

I give it a Thumbs Down.

I give it a single star, only because that's as low as you can go.

But if you really want to read it, you can find it for sale below.

DISCLAIMER: This book was a loan from a friend and was under no obligation for review.

Strengthening Your Grip by Charles Swindoll

Strengthening Your Grip

How to be Grounded in a Chaotic World

by Charles Swindoll

Copyright © Charles Swindoll

Worthy Publishing

ISBN: 978-1-936034-744

297 Pages

Completed: 03/23/2018

Just as the title insinuates, this is basically a "How-To" manual on how to stay grounded as a Christian in a secular world. A world that is fast becoming more and more secular.  Never has a time needed Christians to more firmly grounded in their faith and belief than now. To keep a "grip" on those truths and promises that God has made for us.

Swindoll, well known minister and teacher, leads into thought provoking spots and scenarios where we know we've all been before. And gives us a guide of how to stay true to our beliefs, even when the chaos is swirling all around us.

I absolutely adored this book. Written in such a way that it wasn't "preachy", but friendly. Like one good friend talking to another. Yu are instantly engaged and ready for more.

I took my time with this book, although a part of me wanted to rip right through it. I wanted to truly absorb this teaching. To make it "stick" with me for the long haul. Life is precious. Life is fun. And it's all too easy to be pulled into what is popular and everyone else is doing if we aren't careful. Swindoll offers you a life preserver to stay afloat for the long haul. Not only that, but he offers you hope and faith that can make this life so wonderful as we anticipate what is to come in the next if we but remain faithful.

I highly recommend this book for all.

I give this book a BIG thumbs up.

And I give it FIVE stars.

You can purchase the book below in various formats.

DISCLAIMER: This book was a personal purchase and therefore was under no obligation for review.