Wednesday, January 27, 2016

H3 Leadership by Brad Lomenick

Being a leader is not easy. Ask one who is a leader and it will be made evident that leadership is difficult and arduous.

However, it can be a rewarding and fulfilling experience when it is properly understood. Brad Lomenick has written a book to aid a leader in such an endeavor.

He does this by dividing leadership into three categories: humble, hungry, and hustle. Each of these three sections deals with issues leaders may face in their growth and development.

I really found the Hungry section engaging. A leader must be in constant state of learning and growing to not only be a better leader but to train leaders who will follow them. This spills over into areas of risk and vision.

By staying hungry, a leader will not be satisfied with the present but will try to become better in all areas. This means taking risks to grow and modifying their vision as life circumstances change and culture changes as well.

This is a great resource for a leader in any area of life and should be reviewed multiple times for encouragement and self-reflection.

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

Wednesday, January 20, 2016

NIV Bible for Men

Men are not born.

I can imagine what thought may have entered your mind: all men are born because all people are born. It is true that people are born and some are born male. However, being born male and growing up does not automatically bestow the right of manhood on someone.

Becoming a man takes perseverance, love, community, and God. It is this last part where I want to focus. How does God enter the life of a boy who desires to become a man; a godly man.

In the NIV Bible for Men, many men weigh in on matters that may affect the life of a male. From relationships, to work, to developing character, to living for God, all of these qualities take time and effort.

The men who were asked to right on various topics for this Bible, understand the importance of doing things God's way; the wise way.

This Bible places the Word of God and helpful thoughts by men who practice and make God's Word the guiding force in their lives. I found articles to be well written and relevant.

The Bible itself if a bit heavy but the articles are worth the weight. I will say that having the articles interspersed within the books of the Bible did get annoying. I would have preferred that the articles be at the end of a book or the end of the Bible. That said, this is not a bad Bible for males in your life and could be useful to spur them onto manhood.

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

Friday, January 15, 2016

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.

Thursday, January 7, 2016

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.

Tuesday, January 5, 2016

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. 

Tuesday, December 22, 2015

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.

Tuesday, December 1, 2015

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.

Wednesday, November 25, 2015

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.

Friday, November 6, 2015

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.