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.