The Imitation of Christ: Classic Devotions in Today's Language, edited by James N. Watkins

I have enjoyed reading the Imitation of Christ for some time. The small, but potent, devotions in this book have challenged me to know Christ more.

However, the older English can be a bit tough to comprehend. While I enjoy the older English in such cases it would be nice to be able to read a copy of The Imitation of Christ without having to consult a dictionary.

James N. Watkins has produced an updated version of this long-time classic for today's reader. He has also arrange the readings by subject rather than the days commonly used in previous printings.

By doing this, Watkins has enhanced the devotional aspect of Kempis' work while not losing the depth of this work. While I still suggest that reader get a copy of the older style I would encourage them to also get this copy of this work for those times when you want to read uninterrupted.

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

What We Believe by Dr. R. C. Sproul

The Apostle's Creed has long been a source of understanding what was taught in Christianity from the beginning. It is a powerful document in understanding the beliefs that are vital to Christianity.

In his book, What We Believe, Dr. Sproul breaks down each of the statements given in the creed and explains from Scripture the reasoning behind each statement. By so doing, the reader will see the foundation for each statement and come to know that each statement was not taken lightly when the creed was compiled.

The Apostle's Creed is a wonderful doctrinal statement and to be given the reasoning behind it is a wonderful joy to experience. 

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

Grit to Great by Linda Kapaln Thaler & Robin Koval

Grit.

It is not a word that is heard often when it comes to success. Words like talent, luck, opportunity, and others are more frequently used but seldom has the word grit been used when defining success.

In their book, Grit to Great, Thaler and Koval show how having grit, that determination factor, is what separates the good from the great.

By staying determined, one can achieve success where others fail. When the going gets tough, the gritty get tougher. It is this attitude that can propel one to greatness. It is this attitude that divides those who yield and those who yearn.

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

God & Chruchill by Jonathan Sandys & Wallace Henley

Winston Churchill and Adolf Hitler.

These two men shall have their lives and destinies entwined. One wishing to stop the advancement of Nazism and the maniacal dreams of a madman; the other wishing to control all of Europe and usher in the dawn of the preferred, Aryan race. 

This book was a fasnicating read on how Sir Winston Churchill's life was seen through the eyes of the Prime Minister and how he sought to use these sense of destiny in the time for which he believed he was called.

I cannot recommend this book high enough and encourage all who read this quick review to get a copy.

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

Short Answers to Big Questions about God, the Bible & Christianity by Clinton E. Arnold & Jeff Arnold

Questions about the Bible, God, Christianity, and life have been asked for many years. Some answers are simple to answer while others are not so simple. In their book, Short Answers to Big Questions about God, the Bible & Christianity, Clinton and Jeff Arnold have written answers to many of the questions posed by people throughout time.

I was surprised at the type of questions answered as I was expecting something more practical and less theological. However, this book does well to educated the reader on each question so that the reader can better understand the nature of the question and the answer given.

Those that witness to others would do well to have this book as a resource to give answers to questions that may arise by those wanting answers or those trying to disprove the Bible.

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

The New Pastor's Hand Book by Jason Helopoulos

Pastors do not have an easy job sometimes. As a pastor's son I have experienced first hand the demand that can be placed on a pastor.

My father would have benefited from such material located in this book. Having a guide to alert him to pitfalls and encourage him to seek God and wisdom from others would have been a great resource for him.

I also appreciated that the Mr. Helopoulos made sure that young pastors seek God regularly. Many lean on their skills or talents and can burn out quickly. Relying on God for strength is how a pastor survives.

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

The Westminster Confession of Faith

This little book has the complete Confession of Faith as penned by the assembly at Westminster Abbey in 1643. For those who want a solid, Biblical foundation for what the Bible teaches and what men have believed for several hundred years, this is the book for that. The richness and depth of the content is so potent that I am taken aback by the effect such a work has. I cannot encourage people enough to get a copy of this book.

*I received a complimentary copy of this book from Banner of Truth Publishers in exchange for my honest review.

The Dude's Guide to Marriage by Darrin and Amie Patrick

"Husbands love your wives."

That snippet from the Bible is not a suggestion. Sadly, many men consider it an impossibility because their wives are so hard to understand. While men and women do communicate differently it does not give license to give up on each other.

In his book, The Dude's Guide to Marriage, Darrin Patrick and his wife Amie, list 10 skills that a man must develop in order to love his wife. While the list is not exhaustive it is a great foundation for any man to build. I found myself nodding in agreement several times while reading this book as I viewed each chapter.

New husbands, seasoned husbands, or those wanting to be husbands would do well to reach this book more than once for the betterment of their marriage and life. I give this book five stars all the way.

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

Sacred Intent by Dr. Brent Crowe

It is not uncommon nowadays to hear often that there are a lot of books, self help books particular, relating to the maximization of one's life. Here's a thought: what if your life was a week long?

Brent Crowe, in new book Sacred Intent, has written a book with that in mind. What Dr. Crowe has done is divide the chapters as if they were days of the week. The seven items, or days of the week, have a subject that Dr. Crowe  focuses on to get the reader to see how valuable each topic is. The topics are: influence, time, calling, engagement, relationships, motivations, and dreaming.

What I appreciate about this is at the book can be read like a devotional but doesn't necessarily have a devotional feel to it. By focusing on the seven items that can define someone's life and make every moment valuable, Dr. Crowe has put together a wonderful book. I highly recommend that anybody who is getting ready to graduate either high school or college really take a look at this book. What it will do is hone one’s questions to what is really important in life.

I’ll also add that he has some very excellent quotes and prayers at the end in the appendices and is  something I highly recommend that the reader not overlook.

*I received a complimentary copy of this book from Worthy Publishing Group in exchange for my unbiased opinion.

Four Secrets to a Forever Marriage by Michael Letney awith Karen Hardin

Are there secrets to a great marriage?

In his book for secrets to a forever marriage Michael Letney details how he is not the perfect husband but with the four secrets that he has learned he has helped his marriage remain solid through life's difficult times.

The four secrets that he mentions are: transparency, truth, trust, and unity. While there are probably more things that could be used in a marriage what I appreciate about the Four Secrets is that when they are combined and understood they form a great foundation upon which to build a solid marriage.

I will not go into all of the secrets. However, I will focus on thhe one that stood out to me the most; transparency. I have seen a lot of things happen in this world that could have been avoided because of transparency. We are afraid to let people see our faults, especially with loved ones such as a spouse, and as a result we do a great detriment. Marriage needs to be built on trust and one of the ingredients in trust is transparency. If anything ruins the trust then there will be no trust.

As a result, transparency is vital and when I appreciated about the transparency section of this book is its simplicity Letney brings forth why it is so key and I understand why he put it first. One of the areas in which Letney really points out how transparency is critical is in the area of intimacy.

Intimacy is something that is needed in a marriage and it has to be there between a husband and spouse. The perfect way to get that done is through transparency. To be open and to be organic with each other, hiding nothing, and willing to be seen for what someone truly is and not how they want to be perceived. Transparency is not easy which is why many do not engage in it. However, those that do will begin the journey of a lasting marriage.

There are many marriage books out there. Is this one of those marriage books that will be the go to book for every marriage? Probably not.  However it is definitely a book that should be in the arsenal of tools used to make sure that a marriage remain strong and is intimate.

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