When a Nation Forgets God by Erwin Lutzer

This book is chilling in the similarities with Germany prior to and during Hitler's reign and the culture in America today. Erwin Lutzer discusses these issues with challenges to Christians today. Some of the most interesting aspects of the book included how Hitler used propaganda in swaying the popular opinion and how people in Germany were willing to give up their freedom of speech and religion in exchange for having a strong economy. Sanitized terms were used to cover up the most unspeakable crimes. Parents did not have the authority over their children, the state did. Certainly we can learn from what occurred in Nazi Germany and hopefully avoid what happened there.

As Christians, it is a good reminder that we need to live out the Gospel in our culture and not let the culture shape us. We have a higher calling to obey Christ and live out our faith with compassion and humility.

I received this book from Moody Publishers for this review.

Ignite Your Passion For God by Kay Arthur and Mark Sheldrake

This is a six week Bible study created to be done as a group and with no homework. It is described as a 40 minute lesson that is discussed each week. The topic of igniting your passion for God is divided up in six week focusing on igniting your passion for God's Word, prayer, worship of God, and sharing the Gospel. The last lesson is focused on how suffering ignites passion.

Using the Precept method for Bible Study, as you read the Scripture passage, you mark key words with specific symbols. It is a way of getting to the heart of the Scripture passage. A leader is needed to facilitate the group and the leader would need to be  familiar with the passage and highlight the key words prior to the lesson.

The study guide is designed to be used where groups are meeting for a shorter period of time (i.e. over the lunch hour, early morning meeting time, etc.). In leading a Bible study group, for many years, I am not sure that the material in each lesson can be covered in 40 minutes. You may have to divide each lesson to go over two meeting times. It would depend on the number of people in the group and the group dynamics.

It is an interesting topic and would make for an interesting discussion.

I received this book from Blogging for Books for this review.

The Better Life by Claire Diaz-Ortiz

This book is a collection of brief thoughts that will encourage you to make small changes in your life that will make a big difference. Some of these include how to say no, rest more, don't beat yourself up, give thanks, be who you are and many more. The author uses examples from her own life to illustrate how to do these small things to make your life better. These reflections on balance, productivity and just doing life in general applies to one's personal as well as professional life.

You can easily read this book in one sitting or read one vignette each day and put the thought into action for that day and beyond. Indeed change happens by taking one step at a time. Small changes can lead to big gains and a more productive and satisfying life.  

I received this book from Moody Publishers for this review.

Miriam by Mesu Andrews

This compelling story is based on Miriam, the sister of Moses. Based on the biblical account of the Israelites bondage under the Egyptians their release under the leadership of Moses in the basis for this novel.

Miriam is in her eighties and has spent most of her life carrying for her aged parents and tending to the medical needs of her community. She is known as a prophetess among the Israelites and is giving visions from God as well as the ability to interpret dreams. As Moses returns to Egypt, Miriam finds herself hearing from God less and begins to feel resentment towards Moses as he leads the Israelites. There are a number of interesting family dynamics including her relationship with her nephew, Eleazar and his resentment towards his father and Miriam's brother Aaron.

This is the second book in the "Treasures of the Nile" series. I found the story gripping and the characters engaging. I would highly recommend this book not only for an entertaining read but for insight into ancient Egypt.

I received this book from Blogging for Books for this review.      

Evenings with Tozer (Daily Devotional Readings) compiled by Gerald B. Smith

A.W. Tozer is well known for his books including "Knowledge of the Holy" and "The Pursuit of God" as well as numerous other writings and sermons. A self-taught theologian as well as a pastor and teacher, Tozer was considered by many to be a modern day prophet.

"Evenings with Tozer" are daily devotionals taken from his writings. There are 365 readings for each day of the year with the intention of one being read each evening. Each reading includes a Scripture reading and a thought provoking message to meditate on. The truths presented are timeless as well as challenging.       

I received this book from Moody Publishing for this review.

Jesus Speaks by Steven K. Scott

Having a resource for your devotions where the words of Jesus speak to you each day is the basis for this book. Authored by Steven K. Scott who also wrote "The Greatest Words Ever Spoken," this book delivers short and powerful messages each day. There are 365 devotionals, one for each day of the year.  Each devotional begins with the words of Jesus and the short message that follows is written as if Jesus is explaining to you how to follow what He said. The messages are short but powerful and offer encouragement for each day.

I highly recommend this new devotional and will add it to my daily reading for 2016.

I received this book from Blogging for Books for this review.

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Radical Prayer by Manny Mill with Harold Smith and Barbara Mill

This is a great book to energize your prayer life. By following the example of the Lord's Prayer in Luke 11:2 - 4 which begins with hallowing God's name, we can focus on praying to bring God glory in everything. With that as our goal, we can pray with boldness and persistence and with great expectations. There are several helpful personal examples of how this radical type of praying can change lives. I highly recommend this book. It will definitely change the way I pray.
I received this book from Moody Publishing for this review.