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.