He Calls Me Friend by John Perkins

This book is a follow up to “One Blood: Parting Words to the Church on Race and Love.” While “One Blood” focused on how there is only one race which is the human race, this book is about discipleship.  The focus is on what happens after a person becomes a Christian and what is needed to live out that faith in the world.

The book focuses on four areas of friendship: Friendship with God the Father; Friendship with Jesus; Friendship with the Holy Spirit; and Friendship with Others. Lessons learned from Scripture as well as the author’s personal life demonstrate each aspect of friendship. This book would be useful for individual as well as group study as there is a section entitled “To Think About and Talk Over”  which includes discussion questions for each chapter.

I received this book from Moody Publishers in exchange for this honest review.     

Bible and Breakfast by Asheritah Ciuciu

This is a combination devotional and cookbook. The cover is beautiful on this hardback book. There are 31 daily devotionals along with 31 breakfast recipes. The recipes are nutritious and geared toward families with children, but are appropriate for any age.

The book is divided into 31 days. Each day features a breakfast recipe, a devotional entitled “Snack on the Go” for busy days and a more in depth Bible Study entitled “Feast at the Table” when the reader has more time available. There is room to journal each day as well as you go through the study.

This would be great to do as an individual, with a friend or within a group setting.  There are available resources online that gives you a reading plan, leader’s guide, discussion questions, invitation postcards, morning worship playlist and extra book bonuses.

I think this is a creative way to begin the habit of daily reading God’s Word along with making delicious breakfasts for your family. I really enjoyed the beautiful pictures of the recipes with the Bible study.

I received this book from Moody Publishers in exchange for this honest review.   

The Characters of Christmas by Daniel Darling

As we approach the Advent season, this is a perfect book to help you reflect on the meaning of the season. Each chapter is devoted to an individual character or group of characters including: Joseph, Zechariah & Elizabeth, Mary, the angels, the innkeeper, the shepherds, the wise men, Simeon & Anna, and the surprising people in Jesus’ family.  Even included is the “monster of Christmas,” King Herod.

What I really appreciated about the book is that at the end of each chapter there is a section of study questions to help an individual or a group reflect on what they have just read.  The questions also help the reader apply the truth that was presented in the chapter to make the Advent season more meaningful.  Also at the end of each chapter is a Christmas song related to the topic of the chapter.   

This is a great resource for the Advent season. I received this book from Moody Publishers in exchange for this honest review.  

Not From Around Here by Brandon O'Brien

There are many things that divide us as a nation and even as a church. The author examines the premise that what really divides us is where we come from. Whether we grew up in the rural areas of the country or in the suburbs or in the city, the tendency is to think that people who live elsewhere do not understand the problems faced by the people we live in the midst of including ourselves. The author relates his own experiences growing up in the rural south, being educated in the suburbs , and to eventually moving to New York City with his family. His journey illustrates the differences he experienced in each place and how our primary sense of identity comes from where we live rather than our faith.

The encouragement found in this book is to find our identity in Christ alone and to work on reconciling any differences we have with Christians who live in an area much different than where we live. The challenge is to reach out and find common ground with those we may disagree with but share a common faith in Christ.

 I received this book from Moody Publishers in exchange for this honest review.        

You Can Trust God to Write Your Story by Nancy DeMoss Wolgemuth & Robert Wolgemuth

Sometimes we don’t feel as if our life matters much or our story is not as interesting or compelling as someone else’s. Or perhaps we would rather rewrite our story or exchange it for another’s. In this book, the authors share their own personal stories and also the stories of others to illustrate how God can use challenges in our lives to show His faithfulness. No matter what our story is, we are part of a bigger story with God at work in our lives and the lives of others.

Interwoven among the personal stories, are the stories from Scripture illustrating God’s care in the midst of challenging circumstances. Examples include the stories of Esther, Ruth and Naomi, and Mary the mother of Jesus. The authors also share their own personal story of how God brought them together.

This is a book for anyone who is going through a difficult time. This book offers hope and encouragement to trust a known God to an unknown future and allow Him to write your story.  There are notes along the way to encourage you to share your own story on TrustGodToWriteYourStory.Com

I received this book from Moody Publishers in exchange for this honest review.    

Empty Nest, Full Life by Jill Savage

Being in the empty nest stage of life myself, I was very interested to read this book by Jill Savage.  What I appreciated about the book in the beginning was an honest description of the roller coaster of emotions experienced once your children are out of the home. The process of letting go can be difficult, but the author uses her own personal experiences and that of others to illustrate the way to do that. The first part of the book is focused on letting go including letting go of your expectations, your traditions, and your opinions as you navigate the uncharted waters of having an adult child. Choosing when to love and let go are as important as knowing when to take a stand.

The second part of the book deals with grabbing hold of new passions, new friendships, and a new mission field. Exploring new opportunities is an advantage of the empty nest stage of life.  The author also includes an appendix entitled, “Junk in the Trunk.” It is a list of questions to ask yourself to see if you are bringing something to your marriage and your other relationships that might be damaging.

Also included in the back of the book is a discussion guide which would make this book a great resource to use in a small group of “empty nesters.”  Having a group like this would help to support and encourage the group members as they embark on this new journey in life.

I received this book from Moody Publishers in exchange for this honest review.        

The Unsaved Christian by Dean Inserra

This engaging book deals with the problem of cultural Christianity. The author does a good job of addressing the problem of “religion” versus having a heart felt faith centered on the gospel of Jesus Christ. Too often people identify themselves as Christian because they identify with a particular denomination or were baptized in a particular church. But their Christian faith is not the central part of their being influencing all aspects of their life.

The author describes Cultural Christianity as admiring Jesus but it does not think He is needed except in a crisis situation. Some of the chapters include the following topics:  Religion without Salvation; Civic Religion; False Assurance and the Country Club Church to name a few. What is very helpful is that there is an appendix in the back of the book which summarizes the types of Cultural Christianity and addresses ways to approach those individuals to have meaningful conversations.   Also helpful is at the end of each chapter there are discussion and reflection questions which makes it easy to discuss the book in a group setting. As someone who has been told, “I am a Christian, but not a Christian like you are,” I appreciate the insights and ways to respond when someone says that to me again.

I received this book from Moody Publishers in exchange for this honest review.

Stages of the Soul by Nancy Kane

I did not know a great deal about spiritual formation before reading this book and I was intrigued to read about the stages in one’s spiritual journey. There are five stages in the soul’s journey toward wholeness:  Our First Love – Called into Saving Faith; Obedient Love – Learning the Ways of Godliness; Persevering Love – Invitation to Intimacy; Sacrificial Love – Living for the Kingdom Here and Now; and Intimate Love – Being Light and Love for the World. After each chapter, there is a summary of the information discussed along with questions for personal reflection.  Also there is an epilogue demonstrating how the soul stages journey can be lived out in a church setting.

This is a book to read thoughtfully and slowly. I think this is a book I will go back to again and again to see where I am at in my own spiritual journey. I highly recommend this book for anyone who wants to go deeper in their relationship with God.

I received this book from Moody Publishers in exchange for this honest review.     

Love Over Fear by Dan White Jr.

In our polarized society, we usually feel we only have two options when dealing with those we don’t agree with: attack or avoid. Dan White Jr. describes a third option which is love.  

There is so much I liked about this book and so many ideas and thoughts worth sharing. I will share a few which I found so helpful in thinking about relating to those with whom we disagree. First of all, fear is the root of polarization. It needs to be removed for the growth of love and the incomparable love of God. There is no comparison to the love shown in Jesus’ life. This love is the most amazing and unfathomable when it is poured out in those we are most frightened of. This book is the author’s journey of casting off fear to find the path of love.  Love will propel us towards people while fear creates a barrier. Love causes us to listen and hear another’s story while fear says we don’t have to listen.

Our time saving devices have depleted our tolerance for building relationships.  It takes time and a great deal of effort to build those relationships. Empathy is essential to understanding the work of Christ in the world. Humility is essential in the act of receiving and giving love. Jesus offered compassion to everyone even his enemies. All this is possible with the strength of the Holy Spirit.

The book is divided into 9 chapters with reflection questions at the end of each chapter. This makes it ideal as a small group study.

This is a book desperately needed in today’s world. I highly recommend this book.   I received this book from Moody Publishers in exchange for this honest review.   

Woke Church by Eric Mason

The word “Woke” means to be aware, to understand some issues on a deeper level and to be ready to  be involved.  The intent of this book is to encourage the church to use the mind of Christ to be fully aware of the issues of race and injustice that are present in our country today.  The theme of justice is present throughout the Bible and Jesus himself calls us to look at Scripture through the lens of justice.  The author, Eric Mason makes this statement, “Justice points to the extrinsic execution of the heart of God and righteousness means intrinsic impact by the heart of God.”  In other words your heart needs to be changed by God for justice to be done.  Legislation does not change hearts, only the gospel of Jesus Christ can do that.

There is so much we can learn from listening to another’s story especially one who is from a culture different from ours. The church needs to lament its lack of attention to the issues or race and injustice and reclaim its prophetic voice in these issues.

I highly recommend this book for those who are serious about getting involved in their local church to begin to address these issues. As the church of Jesus Christ, Christians need to be leaders in confronting racism and injustice.

I received this book from Moody Publishers in exchange for this honest review.   

Your Future Self Will Thank You by Drew Dyck

I really appreciated this book about self-control and the author’s use of both Scripture and scientific studies to address the issue. As the author states, self-control  is not about the individual, it is about the individual surrendering to God’s purposes for them. The real purpose of self-control is the aim to love God and love others.

There is a lot of helpful and practical information about what Scripture says about fighting our flesh and Satan along with the spiritual disciplines of fasting and prayer.  There is also a chapter on disciplined living in an age of distraction which I thought was also very timely.

Another chapter dealt with how to break a habit and make a new one.  As the author notes habits help us translate what we believe in to how we behave. At the end of each chapter there is a section entitled “self-control” training in which the author shares some personal examples of how he applied the information in the chapter.

In conclusion, self-control is foundational. It leads an individual to live a life that blesses others and glorifies God.

I received this book from Moody Publishers in exchange for this honest review.       

Relational Reset by Dr. Laurel Shaler

This is an excellent book which contains practical help on relating to others.  So often we have blind spots which are bad relational habits of which we are unaware and that hinder the ways we relate to others.

Each chapter addresses a topic that may be a roadblock to relating in a healthy way to others, whether it be a spouse, co-worker, friend or family member.  The author’s purpose is to help the reader develop empathy for others, act from realistic expectations, and take responsibility for their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors.  In doing so, one can shed the unhealthy habits and have a new ability to relate in a new and confident way to God and to others.  

Topics addressed include:  envy, fear, insecurity, judgment and disappointment to name a few. At the end of each chapter there are helpful questions to help to process the information read and a prayer to aid the reader in applying the information.

I found this book to a valuable resource in learning to communicate better and to understand my own bad habits in relating to others.

I received this book from Moody Publishers in exchange for this honest review.

Of Fire and Lions by Mesu Andrews

As Nebuchadnezzar invades Jerusalem, the city is besieged and many of its finest young people are taken back to Babylon as captives. Belili is taken along with Daniel and his three friends. Initially they are together in Babylon, but as Daniel and his three friends have important positions in the government, Belili remains a maid. Due to unforeseen circumstances she is taken from Babylon and finds herself  among idol worshipers and loses faith in the God of Israel.

Years later, she is reunited with Daniel and they marry and have children. Her children are not aware of her past and neither is Daniel. As the Medo-Persian army invades, her past may be revealed and Belili fears what her family will think of her.   Will her shame about her past threaten her renewed faith in God or will she be able to trust God to see her through the uncertain time?

Mesu Andrews does a wonderful job of bringing events from the Bible to life. This fictional account of the life of Daniel is a fascinating look at the culture of the Babylonians and what the Jewish captives had to survive.  There is a reading guide in the back of the book making to aid in discussing the book in a group setting.

I received this book from Waterbrook Multnomah Publishers  in exchange for this honest review.

Zealous For Good Works by Todd A. Wilson

The definition of good works according to author, Todd Wilson, is “human acts that meet gospel needs in the name of Jesus Christ.” The premise of the book is based on the book of Titus. The ground of the gospel is grace and the goal of the gospel is good works. Salvation is by grace alone and the outpouring of a life grounded in the gospel is good works so doing good works is evangelistic. This book is a helpful guide for both individuals and churches to explore how they can make a difference in their neighborhood and community. It encourages the reader to think more about serving and being a light of Christ where they are at.

There is a study guide at the end of the book which makes it ideal to use for a small group study or to explore the topic in depth with a group of church leaders. The book is both thought provoking and challenging.

I received this book from Moody Publishers in exchange for the honest review.

Susie by Ray Rhodes Jr.

This engaging biography of Susannah Spurgeon, the wife of Charles Spurgeon, does not disappoint the reader.  It is a fascinating look behind the scenes in the lives of Charles and Susannah.  Although their marriage was a happy one, it was beset by personal trials and sufferings. Susannah suffered from pain and ill health a few years after their marriage. That however did not deter her from supporting her husband through his own challenges and being a supportive pastor’s wife. She and Charles successfully raised twin boys who both followed into the ministry. She also founded her own ministry of providing books to pastors who were unable to afford them. After Charles’ death, she even planted a church.

Her unfailing love for Jesus and her generous spirit is an inspiration to the reader. The author does a wonderful job of storytelling in recounting the life of this amazing woman.

I received this book from Moody Publishers in exchange for this honest review.

If God Is For Us by Trillia Newbell

I am looking forward to beginning this study focused on Romans Chapter 8. The first part of this six week study focuses on an overview of the first 7 chapters of Romans. The next five weeks takes you through the eighth chapter. There are Scripture passages and questions for 5 days of each week allowing you to read and reflect on your study on those days. At the end of each week, there are reflection questions that would be perfect to use in a small group study.

This looks to be a very challenging and worthwhile study. Looking forward to starting it this week.

I received this book from Moody Publishers in exchange for this honest review.

All That's Good by Hannah Anderson

In today’s world, navigating among all the choices available to us can be overwhelming. In this book, the author helps the reader to develop discernment in developing a taste for what is good. Discernment helps the individual to gain wisdom between what is bad and what is good along with what is good and what is better. The chapters include looking in depth at whatever is true, honorable, just, pure, lovely, and commendable.

This book provides the principles of discernment and how to apply the principles in daily life. It is filled with helpful illustrations from the author’s personal life and encourages the reader to see the goodness of God in everyday life.  There are helpful questions at the end of the book for individual or group study. It would be an excellent resource to use in a Bible study group setting. I highly recommend this book.      

I received this book from Moody Publishers in exchange for this honest review.