Thursday, February 26, 2015

Think, Act, Be Like Jesus by Randy Frazee

*I received a complimentary copy of this book from Book Look Bloggers in exchange for my honest review.

What does it mean to be Christ follower? How does one act like, think like, and live like Jesus?

In his book Think, Act, Be Like Jesus, Randy Frazee gives some very basic and foundational truths about these questions.

The book is a very simple discipleship course that discuss three sets of 10: 10 key beliefs, 10 key practices, and 10 key virtues.

Each of the 30 chapters has some Scripture followed by questions on what it looks like to use the previously discussed truth. For example, what is salvation? Frazee uses Scripture to show what salvation is and how does one obtain it.

By doing this the book becomes a guide for deeper growth and maturation with the goal of being able to think, act, and be like Jesus.

I found this book to be very basic, with no deep theological teachings. This is ideal for someone new to Christianity and would like a nice primer on the fundamental truths of Christianity. Those looking for a more devotional or meatier christian living book should look elsewhere.

Wednesday, February 25, 2015

Jesus, Jihad, and Peace by Dr. Michael Youssef

*I received a complimentary copy of this book from Worthy Publishing in exchange for honest review. 

Having watched Dr. Youssef before, I was very curious to read his book on Islam, the Middle East, and Bible prophecy.

First, Dr. Youssef goes into the history of terrorists groups, their beliefs, and then how these group plan on carrying out their plans. This brought a lot of light to present-day issues when you read the reasons behind attacks and killings.

From there, Dr. Youssef, goes into the history of Islam, staring with Mohammed,  and working his way into the various sects, and sub-sects of Islam. I really enjoyed this section as it shows that not all Muslims believe the same; similar to denominations in Christianity.

Finally, Dr. Youssef ties this altogether with the possibility of Islam playing a role in Biblical prophecy. For some time now I have thought that Islam would play a role and it is interesting to get Dr. Youssef's take on the matter. 

This is a great starter for those unlearned in Islam and its history who want a firsthand account of living with Muslims but from someone who eventually came to Christ.

Thursday, February 19, 2015

Last Words of Jesus by Stu Epperson Jr.

*I received a complimentary copy of this book from Worthy Publishing in exchange for my honest review.

Have you ever thought about the last words of Jesus? As He was dying on the cross Jesus uttered just a few last words before His death.

Stu Epperson Jr. invites the reader to take a deep look at those words and not simply read them.

Jesus forgives His killers, takes care of His mom, and shows His humanity.

For example, Jesus says, "I thirst" while on the cross. Think about that. The Living Water is saying He is thirsty. Epperson points out that the One who said to come to Him and never thirst again...is thirsty. The magnitude of that statement should not be lost and the casual reader would do well to dwell on the power of that thought: the Living Water is thirsty.

It is nuggets like these that Epperson points out to the reader so that they can fall deeper in love with their Savior.

Thursday, February 12, 2015

Q&A: What Will Happen in Five Years?

What will happen in five years? Who knows? Five years is a long time into the future and a lot can happen to an individual in that time. Wouldn't it be nice to look back as see what was happening five years ago?

I've struggled keeping a journal. I know the benefits and merits of doing so but sometimes it is difficult to find time to reflect and write. This little journal takes care of both problems.

First, a question is asked to get the thinking going. Second, a brief answer is required. By doing this it becomes easier to focus and write. This will then lead to some interesting review in the future. For that reason I like this little journal.

Sadly, it can be a bit difficult to write it until the spine is used to being opened. Also, no bookmark for ease of finding where one last wrote.

However, the minor negatives aside, I enjoyed this little journal and will be curious as to what my future self will say when reading the entries.

*I received this complimentary copy from Blogging for Books in exchange for my honest review.

The Leadership Handbook by John Maxwell

*I received a complimentary copy of this book from BookLook Bloggers in exchange for my honest review.

This book is a must have for anyone in leadership. John Maxwell addresses so many issues that a leader may face that this book should be a go-to for anyone in a position of leading.

What is so nice is that the section are not long, heady, or technical. Rather Maxwell uses personal stories, anecdotes, and other examples to give the book life. Leadership is about motivating people to do what you want them to do but not in a controlling way.

Leading is seeing where someone should go because it will benefit them and then beginning the journey with them. For that, a guide on how to lead would be essential. Enter The Leadership Handbook.