Monday, November 28, 2011
Winner of Common English Bible
The winner of a free copy of Common English Bible is kittycrochettwo. I've already contacted her by email.
I will be hosting another giveaway closer to Christmas, please check back again!
Blissful Reading!
Annette
Sunday, November 20, 2011
The Sunday Salon--On Holiday Break
I'm on holiday break all of this week. There will be no posts.
Behind the scenes I have my grandchildren with me all week, other family is expected later.
Starting Wednesday I'll be preparing/cooking/baking for the big Thanksgiving Day meal.
A friend sent me this short poem that I'll pass on to you.
"For howling winds that make me bend
And make me stronger in the end,
I thank you, Lord."
Blissful Thanksgiving!
Annette
Behind the scenes I have my grandchildren with me all week, other family is expected later.
Starting Wednesday I'll be preparing/cooking/baking for the big Thanksgiving Day meal.
A friend sent me this short poem that I'll pass on to you.
"For howling winds that make me bend
And make me stronger in the end,
I thank you, Lord."
Blissful Thanksgiving!
Annette
National Bible Week--November 20-27 and Featuring The Common English Bible--Plus a Chance For a Free Copy!
The National Bible Association--Encouraging Everyone to Read Their Bible!
http://www.nationalbible.org/
Common English Bible Link:
http://www.commonenglishbible.com/Default.aspx
Facebook Group:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/CommonEnglishBible
For a verse comparison with other Bible translations:
http://www.commonenglishbible.com/LinkClick.aspx?fileticket=g1IWydXYZJA%3d&tabid=399
Background information on Common English Bible:
http://www.commonenglishbible.com/LinkClick.aspx?fileticket=-5i3HTjHQAI%3d&tabid=399
Example Scripture from the Common English Bible:
"The Son is the image of the invisible God,
the one who is first over all creation,
Because all things were created by him:
both in the heavens and on the earth,
the things that are visible and the things that are invisible.
Whether they are thrones or powers,
or rulers or authorities,
all things were created through him and for him.
He existed before all things,
and all things are held together in him.
He is the head of the body, the church,
who is the beginning,
the one who is first over the dead
so that he might occupy the first place in everything.
Because all the fullness of God was pleased to live in him,
and he reconciled all things to himself through him-
whether things on earth or in the heaves.
He brought peace through the blood of his cross."
Colossians 1:15-20
I'm giving away a soft cover edition of the Common English Bible to One winner during National Bible Week. I will announce the winner on Sunday November 27.
In order to participate leave your first name and email address in the comment box.
And, answer ONE of the questions I've listed!
Just pick one and answer in the comment box along with your name and email!
1. Do you believe the Bible is relevant in our 21st Century culture?
2. Do you believe that Americans view the Bible differently than other countries in the world?
3. Do you believe it is important to know, understand, study, memorize the Bible?
Blissful Reading!
Annette
Saturday, November 19, 2011
Book Review: The House of Hope, God's love for the abandoned orphans of China by Elisabeth Gifford, Foreword by Steven Curtis Chapman
"It is not how much we do, but how much love we put in the doing. It is not how much we give, but how much love we put in the giving." Mother Teresa
The House of Hope is truly a love story! A love story not in the romantic sense, but in the most beautiful and perfect definition of love there is, agape love. The foundation and meaning of the Greek word agape, is in God and His love for us. As His children we are to love others with the love He has loved us with.
"A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another." John 13:34-35 ESV
"Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends." John 15:13 ESV
"Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another. No one has ever seen God; if we love one another, God abides in us and his love is perfected in us." 1 John 4:11-12 ESV
To say that we love someone is wonderful to hear. But it is love expressed in action, especially for those that require us to deny ourselves, that is the real demonstration of the word love. We deny ourselves when we radically place others above our wants and even needs.
Robin and Joyce Hill and their blended family had lived in China because of Robin's job. When the company that Robin worked for was wanting to relocate him, Robin and Joyce instead made a decision that radically altered their life. Within a short period of time before the Hill's were to leave China they visited with friends a piece of land where a possible community project could be built. Joyce felt strongly that they should stay and build a home for medically needy children in China. They felt God's call on their life and they said yes.
At the time the book was written they had cared for over 1000 medically and or abandoned children.
The book shares several stories of the children that they have cared for including their medical problems. Also shared in the book are the hired women that are the hands on caregivers, the people that have adopted the children, physicians that have performed surgery on the children, and palliative care for children not expected to live.
What stands out the most in The House of Hope is the Hill's love for each individual child. They made the decision to love and care for each of the children as if they were their own. They went to any length to find help for their dearly loved children.
I loved this book! I did not love this book because it is a "feel good" book. But rather a call to me to step up to living a life radically affecting others by God's love. Am I doing all that the Lord has called me to do? Am I loving others with the love that He loves me with?
The book is about 15% biography of the Hill family, the rest is of the years spent devoted to caring the the children in China.
Thank you to Kregel, Monarch and Litfuse for my free copy for reading/reviewing.
Litfuse Group Book Tour:
http://litfusegroup.com/blogtours/text/13438821
http://www.hopefosterhome.com/house_of_hope.htm
Link @ Amazon:
http://www.amazon.com/House-Hope-Abandoned-Orphans-China/dp/0857210599
Paperback $11.89
Kindle $9.99
Link @Publishers:
http://store.kregel.com/productdetails.cfm?PC=2673
http://www.lionhudson.com/detail.php?product_id=3963132
Published by Monarch Books and Kregel Publications October 6, 2011
224 pages
Christian Non-Fiction/Biography/China/Inspirational
Blissful Reading!
Annette
"A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another." John 13:34-35 ESV
"Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends." John 15:13 ESV
"Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another. No one has ever seen God; if we love one another, God abides in us and his love is perfected in us." 1 John 4:11-12 ESV
To say that we love someone is wonderful to hear. But it is love expressed in action, especially for those that require us to deny ourselves, that is the real demonstration of the word love. We deny ourselves when we radically place others above our wants and even needs.
Robin and Joyce Hill and their blended family had lived in China because of Robin's job. When the company that Robin worked for was wanting to relocate him, Robin and Joyce instead made a decision that radically altered their life. Within a short period of time before the Hill's were to leave China they visited with friends a piece of land where a possible community project could be built. Joyce felt strongly that they should stay and build a home for medically needy children in China. They felt God's call on their life and they said yes.
At the time the book was written they had cared for over 1000 medically and or abandoned children.
The book shares several stories of the children that they have cared for including their medical problems. Also shared in the book are the hired women that are the hands on caregivers, the people that have adopted the children, physicians that have performed surgery on the children, and palliative care for children not expected to live.
What stands out the most in The House of Hope is the Hill's love for each individual child. They made the decision to love and care for each of the children as if they were their own. They went to any length to find help for their dearly loved children.
I loved this book! I did not love this book because it is a "feel good" book. But rather a call to me to step up to living a life radically affecting others by God's love. Am I doing all that the Lord has called me to do? Am I loving others with the love that He loves me with?
The book is about 15% biography of the Hill family, the rest is of the years spent devoted to caring the the children in China.
Thank you to Kregel, Monarch and Litfuse for my free copy for reading/reviewing.
100% of the proceeds of the book go to support the work of Hope Foster Homes (please visit their site to learn more) - buy a book for yourself and everyone you know. This book is a gift that gives a gift.
Litfuse Group Book Tour:
http://litfusegroup.com/blogtours/text/13438821
http://www.hopefosterhome.com/house_of_hope.htm
Link @ Amazon:
http://www.amazon.com/House-Hope-Abandoned-Orphans-China/dp/0857210599
Paperback $11.89
Kindle $9.99
Link @Publishers:
http://store.kregel.com/productdetails.cfm?PC=2673
http://www.lionhudson.com/detail.php?product_id=3963132
Published by Monarch Books and Kregel Publications October 6, 2011
224 pages
Christian Non-Fiction/Biography/China/Inspirational
Blissful Reading!
Annette
Sunday, November 13, 2011
The Sunday Salon
I've been sick the past couple of weeks with a bad cold, did not completely forget The Sunday Salon posts, I just didn't feel well.
Today is The International Day of Pray For The Persecuted Church.
See also Open Doors website.
I completed the goal that I committed to back in January 2011 of reading Romans 10 times in 10 different translations. The last translation I read was from was The Amplified Bible. The Amplified Bible gives the full meaning of original Greek and Hebrew. It makes for long descriptive verses and lengthier reading.
Also finished Philippians and Colossians in my Bible readings, from the NIV. This was the second time to read them this year.
Also in BSF during the past week I read Acts chapter 15 and Galatians chapters 1 and 2 in the NIV.
BSF has covered since early September the first 15 chapters of Acts. Next week we'll be going over Hebrews chapters 1 and 2. The study is The Acts of the Apostles so we are not only studying Acts but other New Testament books as well.
The translations that I read Romans from this year were:
1. NASB also known as New American Standard Bible The MacArthur Study Bible Thomas Nelson Publisher 2006 Edition with Dr. John MacArthur as General Editor.
2. Interlinear New Testament Greek/English.
3. NIV also known as New International Version Zondervan Study Bible Large Print The 2008 Edition.
4. The ESV also known as English Standard Version by Crossway 2008 Edition.
5. The CEB also known as Common English Bible 2010 Edition.
6. The NLT also known as New Living Translation The Transformation Study Bible David C. Cook Publisher 2009 Edition with Dr. Warren Weirsbe as General Editor.
7. KJV also known as King James Version The Scoffield Reference Bible Printed 1962.
8. The New Testament in Modern English by J.B. Phillips Published by The Macmillan Company 1962 Edition.
9. The New Testament An American Translation by Edgar J. Goodspeed Published by The University of Chicago Press 1951 Edition.
10. The Amplified Bible Large Print Zondervan 1987 Edition.
There is a lot of chatter about what translation is considered the best. The chat can often turn in to what I would call ugly talk, uncalled for. For most readers of the Bible, and I am referring to those of us without doctorates or master degrees in religion or divinity, we use a translation that we can either understand well or one that we are comfortable with. For some the King James Version is it, period. For others they need the New American Standard Bible which is considered the word for word translation. Or, some of us have chosen an in between version such as New International Version. The definition of an in between version of the Bible means that it is middle ground between the word for word and the thought for thought translations.
Recently The Today's New International Version has received flack for gender changes. For example instead of using "brothers" only, in this new version "brothers and sisters" were added when the translators felt it was necessary. There are other changes as well that some readers are uncomfortable with.
Other blogs have touched on these issues, I would rather encourage my readers to------read their Bible.
Four things stood out to me while reading Romans.
1. Romans was written with the emphasis on defining what the Gospel is.
The word Gospel means Good News. The Good News is God's victorious plan of salvation for humankind sin, in that God's Son Jesus Christ shed his blood on the cross for our sin and then conquered death by being resurrected from the grave, and by our belief by faith in Him we are saved, justified, at peace before God. There is no plan B, meaning--there is nothing added to this!
Paul wrote in the opening verse in Romans chapter 1, "Paul, a servant of Christ Jesus, called to be an apostle and set apart for the gospel of God-the gospel He promised before hand through His prophets in the Holy Scriptures regarding His Son, who as to His human nature was a descendant of David, and who through the Spirit of holiness was declared with power to be the Son of God by His resurrection from the dead: Jesus Christ our Lord. Through Him and for His name's sake, we received grace and apostleship to call people from among all the Gentiles to the obedience that comes from faith. And you also are among those who are called to belong to Jesus Christ."
Paul explains perfectly what the Gospel is, that it is "the Gospel of God," a plan that he had "promised before the beginning of time" (see Titus 1:2), and was "promised beforehand through His prophets." But it is through Jesus that we receive grace.
2. There are several key words that I read over and over again: righteous or righteousness--44 times, grace 21 times, peace 11 times, faith faithful or faithfulness 42 times, believe believes believed 17 times, judge judged or judgment 19 times, wrath 11 times, truth or truthfulness 8 times, justify justified or justification 12 times, promise promises promised 10 times, sin or sinful 67 times.
Grace is a word that we hear often, it is also given as a personal first name. Seeing a word so often we can loose sight of the priceless definition.
Grace in Greek is charis.
Mounce's Expository Dictionary defines grace as, "the acceptance of and goodness toward those who cannot earn or do not deserve such gain."
In Romans we are told:
Grace cannot be earned, "And if by grace, then it is no longer by works; if it were, grace would no longer be grace." Romans 11:6
Yet we, "are justified freely by His grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus." Romans 3:24.
Ephesians 2:8-9 states is most clearly and affectively, "For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith-and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God-not by works, so that no one can boast."
But, we are not under grace unless by faith we believe in Jesus Christ.
3. A commentator has written, "Romans is a court book." I agree. Paul boldly states "that men (and women) are without excuse." See Romans 2:20.
Paul writes that humans have "worshiped and served created things rather than the Creator." In worshiping the created that includes themselves. See Romans 2:25.
In chapter 2 verses 1-3 "You, therefore, have no excuse, you who pass judgment on someone else, for at whatever point you judge the other, you are condemning yourself, because you who pass judgment do the same things. Now we know that God's judgment against those who do such things is based on truth. So when you, a mere man, pass judgment on them and yet do the same things, do you think you will escape God's judgment?"
In Romans chapter 3 verse 10-12, "there is no one righteous, not even one; there is no one who understands, no one who seeks God. All have turned away, they have together become worthless; there is no one who does good, not even one." Verses taken from OT passages: Psalm 14:1-3, Isaiah 53:1-3 and Ecclesiastes 7:20.
"But God demonstrates His own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us." Romans 5:8
4. After reading Romans there can no longer be a non-decision for the reader. As my mother used to say, "you've got to make a choice, no sitting on the fence."
Romans is a book that is nose to nose with your face and it demands a decision.
The decision is will you believe by faith in Jesus as God's Son in the flesh and in His redeeming work on the cross and resurrection from the grave? Or will you continue to deny Him? There will come a time when we will all face a physical death. We don't have a choice about when we will die or how. But, we do have a choice as to whether we will have eternal life.
You may wonder, "gosh Annette didn't you get tired of re-reading Romans and all those other Bible passages you've read?"
NO, I want more. I can't get enough. There is a fire in my soul that just cannot be quenched by anything else but Scripture, if I could eat the words I would, if I could take a bath in them I would.
Over the years I've been called a "Bible thumper" by my own loving family members. I don't thump the Bible, I read it.
"For the Word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart."
Hebrews 4:12
All above Scripture from the NIV Study Bible 2008 edition.
Are you reading your Bible?
Blissful reading!
Annette
Today is The International Day of Pray For The Persecuted Church.
See also Open Doors website.
I completed the goal that I committed to back in January 2011 of reading Romans 10 times in 10 different translations. The last translation I read was from was The Amplified Bible. The Amplified Bible gives the full meaning of original Greek and Hebrew. It makes for long descriptive verses and lengthier reading.
Also finished Philippians and Colossians in my Bible readings, from the NIV. This was the second time to read them this year.
Also in BSF during the past week I read Acts chapter 15 and Galatians chapters 1 and 2 in the NIV.
BSF has covered since early September the first 15 chapters of Acts. Next week we'll be going over Hebrews chapters 1 and 2. The study is The Acts of the Apostles so we are not only studying Acts but other New Testament books as well.
The translations that I read Romans from this year were:
1. NASB also known as New American Standard Bible The MacArthur Study Bible Thomas Nelson Publisher 2006 Edition with Dr. John MacArthur as General Editor.
2. Interlinear New Testament Greek/English.
3. NIV also known as New International Version Zondervan Study Bible Large Print The 2008 Edition.
4. The ESV also known as English Standard Version by Crossway 2008 Edition.
5. The CEB also known as Common English Bible 2010 Edition.
6. The NLT also known as New Living Translation The Transformation Study Bible David C. Cook Publisher 2009 Edition with Dr. Warren Weirsbe as General Editor.
7. KJV also known as King James Version The Scoffield Reference Bible Printed 1962.
8. The New Testament in Modern English by J.B. Phillips Published by The Macmillan Company 1962 Edition.
9. The New Testament An American Translation by Edgar J. Goodspeed Published by The University of Chicago Press 1951 Edition.
10. The Amplified Bible Large Print Zondervan 1987 Edition.
There is a lot of chatter about what translation is considered the best. The chat can often turn in to what I would call ugly talk, uncalled for. For most readers of the Bible, and I am referring to those of us without doctorates or master degrees in religion or divinity, we use a translation that we can either understand well or one that we are comfortable with. For some the King James Version is it, period. For others they need the New American Standard Bible which is considered the word for word translation. Or, some of us have chosen an in between version such as New International Version. The definition of an in between version of the Bible means that it is middle ground between the word for word and the thought for thought translations.
Recently The Today's New International Version has received flack for gender changes. For example instead of using "brothers" only, in this new version "brothers and sisters" were added when the translators felt it was necessary. There are other changes as well that some readers are uncomfortable with.
Other blogs have touched on these issues, I would rather encourage my readers to------read their Bible.
Four things stood out to me while reading Romans.
1. Romans was written with the emphasis on defining what the Gospel is.
The word Gospel means Good News. The Good News is God's victorious plan of salvation for humankind sin, in that God's Son Jesus Christ shed his blood on the cross for our sin and then conquered death by being resurrected from the grave, and by our belief by faith in Him we are saved, justified, at peace before God. There is no plan B, meaning--there is nothing added to this!
Paul wrote in the opening verse in Romans chapter 1, "Paul, a servant of Christ Jesus, called to be an apostle and set apart for the gospel of God-the gospel He promised before hand through His prophets in the Holy Scriptures regarding His Son, who as to His human nature was a descendant of David, and who through the Spirit of holiness was declared with power to be the Son of God by His resurrection from the dead: Jesus Christ our Lord. Through Him and for His name's sake, we received grace and apostleship to call people from among all the Gentiles to the obedience that comes from faith. And you also are among those who are called to belong to Jesus Christ."
Paul explains perfectly what the Gospel is, that it is "the Gospel of God," a plan that he had "promised before the beginning of time" (see Titus 1:2), and was "promised beforehand through His prophets." But it is through Jesus that we receive grace.
2. There are several key words that I read over and over again: righteous or righteousness--44 times, grace 21 times, peace 11 times, faith faithful or faithfulness 42 times, believe believes believed 17 times, judge judged or judgment 19 times, wrath 11 times, truth or truthfulness 8 times, justify justified or justification 12 times, promise promises promised 10 times, sin or sinful 67 times.
Grace is a word that we hear often, it is also given as a personal first name. Seeing a word so often we can loose sight of the priceless definition.
Grace in Greek is charis.
Mounce's Expository Dictionary defines grace as, "the acceptance of and goodness toward those who cannot earn or do not deserve such gain."
In Romans we are told:
Grace cannot be earned, "And if by grace, then it is no longer by works; if it were, grace would no longer be grace." Romans 11:6
Yet we, "are justified freely by His grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus." Romans 3:24.
Ephesians 2:8-9 states is most clearly and affectively, "For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith-and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God-not by works, so that no one can boast."
But, we are not under grace unless by faith we believe in Jesus Christ.
3. A commentator has written, "Romans is a court book." I agree. Paul boldly states "that men (and women) are without excuse." See Romans 2:20.
Paul writes that humans have "worshiped and served created things rather than the Creator." In worshiping the created that includes themselves. See Romans 2:25.
In chapter 2 verses 1-3 "You, therefore, have no excuse, you who pass judgment on someone else, for at whatever point you judge the other, you are condemning yourself, because you who pass judgment do the same things. Now we know that God's judgment against those who do such things is based on truth. So when you, a mere man, pass judgment on them and yet do the same things, do you think you will escape God's judgment?"
In Romans chapter 3 verse 10-12, "there is no one righteous, not even one; there is no one who understands, no one who seeks God. All have turned away, they have together become worthless; there is no one who does good, not even one." Verses taken from OT passages: Psalm 14:1-3, Isaiah 53:1-3 and Ecclesiastes 7:20.
"But God demonstrates His own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us." Romans 5:8
4. After reading Romans there can no longer be a non-decision for the reader. As my mother used to say, "you've got to make a choice, no sitting on the fence."
Romans is a book that is nose to nose with your face and it demands a decision.
The decision is will you believe by faith in Jesus as God's Son in the flesh and in His redeeming work on the cross and resurrection from the grave? Or will you continue to deny Him? There will come a time when we will all face a physical death. We don't have a choice about when we will die or how. But, we do have a choice as to whether we will have eternal life.
You may wonder, "gosh Annette didn't you get tired of re-reading Romans and all those other Bible passages you've read?"
NO, I want more. I can't get enough. There is a fire in my soul that just cannot be quenched by anything else but Scripture, if I could eat the words I would, if I could take a bath in them I would.
Over the years I've been called a "Bible thumper" by my own loving family members. I don't thump the Bible, I read it.
"For the Word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart."
Hebrews 4:12
All above Scripture from the NIV Study Bible 2008 edition.
Are you reading your Bible?
Blissful reading!
Annette
Friday, November 11, 2011
Book Review: The Clouds Roll Away, A Raleigh Harmon Novel Book #3 by Sibella Giorello
"Lifting my face to the cold, I offered up the words. Simple words, known by heart. But they carried the power of dynamite. They were words about daily bread." page 175
Raleigh Harmon is a forensic geologist with the FBI and currently back in her hometown of Richmond, Virginia. Raleigh faces difficult relationships with an old boyfriend, mother, sister, and boss. Raleigh is a stoic character. Often her thoughts and dialogue is written in monotone short sentences, with little staccato. Yet, there are moments when the authors prose (from the thoughts of Raleigh) is written beautifully, for example:
"The ancient elms crystallized and frost crocheted the birches in to lace doilies." page 1
Raleigh seems to categorize her life, transforming when need be in to a stoic business like just the facts detective. She also can transform in to a sensitive caring passionate person.
She notices every detail: counting steps, what type of firearm a person has, height and weight and coloring of a person, and smells.
When the book begins Raleigh is investigating a hate crime committed at a famous rap producer and musicians home. The home and land is a historical landmark. People that live nearby are shocked and saddened that the home and land is owned by people that are careless and unappreciative of its historical significance. Raleigh's first thought is that the nearby neighbors may have had something to do with the hate crime. As the story progresses she learns that things are not always what they appear on first glance to be.
All during the book Raleigh's difficulty with her boss is touched on, but never delved deep. Raleigh's difficulty in dealing with her mother and sister and past history with an old flame are also touched on.
The focus of The Clouds Roll Away is on the detective work in finding out who the perpetrator of the hate crime is.
It was a breath of fresh air to me in that the romantic theme did not run deep in the book. I appreciated that. Raleigh is a independent gal, and she puts all her might in to her job. She does not let a man, or family problems, or a difficult boss, or past reputation, or anything else hinder her in solving a crime. In this she is a character to admire.
I found the detective work interesting, especially the medical examiners work.
I was left hanging about her mother. Maybe I should read book number 1 The Stones Cry Out. In The Clouds Roll Away her mother is eccentric or does she have a mental problem? I still don't know.
The front cover of the book is striking.
Published in March 2010 by Thomas Nelson
336 pages
Christian Fiction/Suspense/Crime Drama
Authors site:
http://sibellagiorello.com/
Book #4 is The Mountains Bow Down
Book #1 is The Stones Cry Out
Link @ publisher:
http://www.thomasnelson.com/consumer/product_detail.asp?sku=1595545344&title=The_Clouds_Roll_Away
Paperback $14.99
Link for the book @ Christian Book:
http://www.christianbook.com/Christian/Books/product?isbn=1595545344&event=AFF&p=1024296#curr
Paperback $10.99
eBook $9.69
Link for book @ Amazon:
http://www.amazon.com/Clouds-Roll-Away-Raleigh-Harmon/dp/B004J8I01K/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1321019319&sr=8-1
Paperback $6.00
Kindle $8.99
For my review of book #2 of A Raleigh Harmon Novel The Rivers Run Dry:
http://awell-wateredgarden.blogspot.com/2009/10/review-rivers-run-dry.html
Blissful Reading!
Annette
Tuesday, November 8, 2011
Book Review: Radical, Taking Back Your Faith From The American Dream by David Platt
"I have one desire now-to live a life of reckless abandon for the Lord, putting all my energy and strength in to it." Ed McCully from Through Gates of Splendor
I've had this book in the TBR stack for quite some time, not because I did not want to read it, other books kept pushing it back. Finally I finished reading it yesterday, great book! I've noticed this book has gotten big press or advertising coverage. It is a New York Times bestseller. Many of my Christian friends I've heard chatting about it.
David Platt has written a bestseller I believe because it is a straightforward energy packing push for American Christians to get out of their comfortable chair and live the life we were meant to live IN CHRIST. David Platt explains that the American dream has been to have the "best" in a house, or car, or material possessions we can attain. Added in to this I will state that for the American culture more is considered better. Never mind if you can't afford it. More shoes, more clothes, the best in a cell phone, or television especially if it is a large screen. I could go on. Christmas is next month, how many of us will go in deeper debt, or at least go over our budget, because we want the best which is defined as more?
David Platt states that "Jesus is someone worth losing everything for." To leave it all behind if that is what He calls us to do, in order to follow Him. This is the question Jesus asked the rich young man in Mark chapter 10.
"Go, sell everything you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come follow me." Mark 10:21
In Radical several stories are shared of people that did feel the call to radically change their life and then surrendered their will for Christ Jesus' will. In some situations they quit high paying jobs in order to move to another place in order to serve for little or no pay. Another example a husband and wife went door to door in a neighborhood knocking on each door asking the people what their needs were, this couple gave money and clothing or other material possessions from their own home.
It may not be letting go of money that Jesus will call us to do. The point-the focus-the aim is to surrender our life-our will at His feet.
The book ends with a challenge to us. One of the challenges is to read the Bible in one year. David Platt states, "We have settled too long for Bible-lite, both as individual Christians and in the community of faith. We have adopted a Christianity consumed with little devotional thoughts from God for the day, supplemented by teaching in the church filled with entertaining stories and trite opinions on how to be a better person and live a better life in the twenty-first century."
Many of us are scared to pieces to let go. It's all the what ifs out there that bugs us out!
There is another quote that I love, and one that is written on an index card and taped to my dresser--------
"The key battle of our spiritual life. God's goodness--Is God truly worthy of our trust? This was the question of the serpent in the garden."
So instead of being afraid, which means we've taken our eyes off Jesus and we are focused on the fear, focus "on Jesus the author and perfecter of our faith." Hebrews 12:2
This is a fantastic book!
A book that could be used in book discussion or individual study.
David Platt explains his ideas well, his points are quick and easy to grasp.
He interjects stories from people he personally knows as applications for us.
I love the cover, an upside down house--creative and catchy.
The title Radical is a word people notice, it is an edgy word, a word people want to open up and read at least a few pages to understand what the book is about.
Published by Multnomah May 4, 2010
240 pages
Christian Non-Fiction/Evangelism/Gospel
http://www.radicalthebook.com/home.html
Also available Radical the Bible Study, link @ Christian Book:
http://www.christianbook.com/radical-question-what-jesus-worth-copies/david-platt/9781601423214/pd/423214?event=CPOF
Paperback $13.99 (includes 10 copies @64 pages each)
Second book by David Platt was released April 19, 2011
Link for it @ Christian Book:
http://www.christianbook.com/radical-together-unleashing-people-for-purpose/david-platt/9781601423726/pd/423726?event=CPOF#curr
Paperback $9.99
eBook $11.99
Link for Radical @ Christian Book:
http://www.christianbook.com/radical-taking-faith-from-american-dream/david-platt/9781601422217/pd/422211?item_code=WW&netp_id=717627&event=ESRCG&view=details
Paperback $8.99
eBook $12.99
Link for Radical @ Amazon:
http://www.amazon.com/Radical-Taking-Faith-American-Dream/dp/1601422210
Paperback $10.19
Kindle $12.99
For another review:
http://www.discerningreader.com/book-reviews/radical
Blissful Reading!
Annette
David Platt has written a bestseller I believe because it is a straightforward energy packing push for American Christians to get out of their comfortable chair and live the life we were meant to live IN CHRIST. David Platt explains that the American dream has been to have the "best" in a house, or car, or material possessions we can attain. Added in to this I will state that for the American culture more is considered better. Never mind if you can't afford it. More shoes, more clothes, the best in a cell phone, or television especially if it is a large screen. I could go on. Christmas is next month, how many of us will go in deeper debt, or at least go over our budget, because we want the best which is defined as more?
David Platt states that "Jesus is someone worth losing everything for." To leave it all behind if that is what He calls us to do, in order to follow Him. This is the question Jesus asked the rich young man in Mark chapter 10.
"Go, sell everything you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come follow me." Mark 10:21
In Radical several stories are shared of people that did feel the call to radically change their life and then surrendered their will for Christ Jesus' will. In some situations they quit high paying jobs in order to move to another place in order to serve for little or no pay. Another example a husband and wife went door to door in a neighborhood knocking on each door asking the people what their needs were, this couple gave money and clothing or other material possessions from their own home.
It may not be letting go of money that Jesus will call us to do. The point-the focus-the aim is to surrender our life-our will at His feet.
The book ends with a challenge to us. One of the challenges is to read the Bible in one year. David Platt states, "We have settled too long for Bible-lite, both as individual Christians and in the community of faith. We have adopted a Christianity consumed with little devotional thoughts from God for the day, supplemented by teaching in the church filled with entertaining stories and trite opinions on how to be a better person and live a better life in the twenty-first century."
Many of us are scared to pieces to let go. It's all the what ifs out there that bugs us out!
There is another quote that I love, and one that is written on an index card and taped to my dresser--------
"The key battle of our spiritual life. God's goodness--Is God truly worthy of our trust? This was the question of the serpent in the garden."
So instead of being afraid, which means we've taken our eyes off Jesus and we are focused on the fear, focus "on Jesus the author and perfecter of our faith." Hebrews 12:2
This is a fantastic book!
A book that could be used in book discussion or individual study.
David Platt explains his ideas well, his points are quick and easy to grasp.
He interjects stories from people he personally knows as applications for us.
I love the cover, an upside down house--creative and catchy.
The title Radical is a word people notice, it is an edgy word, a word people want to open up and read at least a few pages to understand what the book is about.
Published by Multnomah May 4, 2010
240 pages
Christian Non-Fiction/Evangelism/Gospel
http://www.radicalthebook.com/home.html
Also available Radical the Bible Study, link @ Christian Book:
http://www.christianbook.com/radical-question-what-jesus-worth-copies/david-platt/9781601423214/pd/423214?event=CPOF
Paperback $13.99 (includes 10 copies @64 pages each)
Second book by David Platt was released April 19, 2011
Link for it @ Christian Book:
http://www.christianbook.com/radical-together-unleashing-people-for-purpose/david-platt/9781601423726/pd/423726?event=CPOF#curr
Paperback $9.99
eBook $11.99
Link for Radical @ Christian Book:
http://www.christianbook.com/radical-taking-faith-from-american-dream/david-platt/9781601422217/pd/422211?item_code=WW&netp_id=717627&event=ESRCG&view=details
Paperback $8.99
eBook $12.99
Link for Radical @ Amazon:
http://www.amazon.com/Radical-Taking-Faith-American-Dream/dp/1601422210
Paperback $10.19
Kindle $12.99
For another review:
http://www.discerningreader.com/book-reviews/radical
Blissful Reading!
Annette
Monday, November 7, 2011
Book Review: Lit! A Christian Guide To Reading Books by Tony Reinke
"Scripture is the ultimate grid by which we read every book...we read imperfect books in light of the perfect book." page 26
I enjoyed reading this book, I took 9 pages of notes!
The author makes it quite clear that "the Bible for a Christian should be the number one book read."
He states that Scripture is the only inspired Word of God. But, there is man-made literature that can be inspiring. It is direly important the type of information that we feed our minds, because our minds are a product of what we put in. The author points out that we live in a "graphic society." We are blasted visually with colorful entertaining pictures that can steer us away from the black ink on white pages in a book. Even in magazines and newspapers words are surrounded by enticing photographs.
"The world of sight, the world of the eye, cannot take us beyond what is shown. Because sight can only go so far, it takes words and thought to give the real truth and meaning behind what is seen." Os Guinness
From how to read a non-fiction book to knowing what books to avoid, from understanding that when we read Scripture "our minds are sharpened in safety" to kindling reading in the next generation. Tony Reinke writes one of the most exhaustive non-fiction books I've read...period. He states his reasons for writing this book and I believe he did a great job in expressing those ideas.
The ideas I would like to describe more thoroughly are: Literature is Life--reasons for reading literature, and from the chapter entitled Read with Resolve--particularly why more women do not read theology books.
The first idea is from the chapter Literature is Life. I've heard my dad state, "I don't read junk," he means fiction. Dad is a big reader of non-fiction, mainly Christian non-fiction, but he most recently read books on Patton, Eisenhower and Churchill. I disagree with dad in his opinion that fiction is junk, but I'm sure there are many others out there that believe the same. Tony Reinke gives an example in that by "reading fictional literature it can deepen our appreciation for concrete human experience. By retelling life with words, novelists heighten our sensitivity to common human experiences." By reading about people from other religions, cultures, countries, education levels, life experiences, and even physical or emotional trauma, we leave our "little" world--the life we know and understand, and are better able to have empathy for and take action to help others.
It does not matter if the book is fiction or non-fiction both can teach us about other humans.
One of my favorite quotes on this topic, "The best fictional authors spell out our common human experience in a way elusive to other forms of writing. The best Christian novelists write from a biblical world view, one that is not afraid of digging into the soil of common human experience." Humans need to identify with other humans, even in a book. If we cautiously tip-toe around certain topics then we are not identifying with other humans, we are blatantly ignoring them. And by ignoring them we are being unloving. And Christ has called us to love. Now by stating that last sentence their will be those that think I'm liberal minded and being politically correct, that is not my intent. I repeat, Christ has called us to love.
The second idea is from the chapter Read with Resolve. Tony Reinke quotes from another author Elyse Fitzpatrick in stating "that many women do not read theology books." I would like to point out that it might be possible that many men do not read Christian fiction. I read theology books, thanks mainly in part to my dad. Dad has encouraged me by his own active theology reading and then passing information on what he learned to me. Eventually I picked those books up myself and started reading them.
It is fascinating and contagious when a parent actually talks to their children about books, turns the television off, and has a lengthy discussion about the book they just read. It really does catch on!
I think the main reason that Christian fiction is preferred to theology books is that Christian fiction is a quick read. I personally can read most Christian fiction books in 1 to 2 days max. Whereas a Christian non-fiction book may take several days, because there is more material to digest. The author believes that "women feel they may become unattractive to men because of their theology reading," I don't buy that reason. I do believe that theology books require more discipline to read, study, then think about the material. Whereas a Christian fiction book at least feels more like entertainment.
I found this book to be wonderful!
I've read other reviews state this is a book for non-readers. I think it is a book for people who read, but are not big readers and do not spend time thinking about why or what they read.
As a book reviewer one of my jobs is dissecting not just the book itself, but why I chose that book and what I gleaned from it. Many of the thoughts in the book I'd already thought of and applied to my own reading.
My attitude is there will always be something more for me to learn, never will there be a time in this life when I will know it all.
Thank you to Crossway for my free review copy!
Published September 9, 2011 by Crossway
208 pages
Link for the book @ publisher:
http://www.crossway.org/books/lit-tpb/
Paperback $15.99
Link for the book @ Christian Book:
http://www.christianbook.com/lit-christian-guide-to-reading-books/tony-reinke/9781433522260/pd/522261?product_redirect=1&Ntt=522261&item_code=&Ntk=keywords&event=ESRCP
Paperback $9.49
eBook $7.99
Link for the book @ Amazon:
http://www.amazon.com/Lit-Christian-Guide-Reading-Books/dp/1433522268/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1320688156&sr=1-1
Paperback $9.48
Kindle $9.01
Blissful Reading!
Annette
I enjoyed reading this book, I took 9 pages of notes!
He states that Scripture is the only inspired Word of God. But, there is man-made literature that can be inspiring. It is direly important the type of information that we feed our minds, because our minds are a product of what we put in. The author points out that we live in a "graphic society." We are blasted visually with colorful entertaining pictures that can steer us away from the black ink on white pages in a book. Even in magazines and newspapers words are surrounded by enticing photographs.
"The world of sight, the world of the eye, cannot take us beyond what is shown. Because sight can only go so far, it takes words and thought to give the real truth and meaning behind what is seen." Os Guinness
From how to read a non-fiction book to knowing what books to avoid, from understanding that when we read Scripture "our minds are sharpened in safety" to kindling reading in the next generation. Tony Reinke writes one of the most exhaustive non-fiction books I've read...period. He states his reasons for writing this book and I believe he did a great job in expressing those ideas.
The ideas I would like to describe more thoroughly are: Literature is Life--reasons for reading literature, and from the chapter entitled Read with Resolve--particularly why more women do not read theology books.
The first idea is from the chapter Literature is Life. I've heard my dad state, "I don't read junk," he means fiction. Dad is a big reader of non-fiction, mainly Christian non-fiction, but he most recently read books on Patton, Eisenhower and Churchill. I disagree with dad in his opinion that fiction is junk, but I'm sure there are many others out there that believe the same. Tony Reinke gives an example in that by "reading fictional literature it can deepen our appreciation for concrete human experience. By retelling life with words, novelists heighten our sensitivity to common human experiences." By reading about people from other religions, cultures, countries, education levels, life experiences, and even physical or emotional trauma, we leave our "little" world--the life we know and understand, and are better able to have empathy for and take action to help others.
It does not matter if the book is fiction or non-fiction both can teach us about other humans.
One of my favorite quotes on this topic, "The best fictional authors spell out our common human experience in a way elusive to other forms of writing. The best Christian novelists write from a biblical world view, one that is not afraid of digging into the soil of common human experience." Humans need to identify with other humans, even in a book. If we cautiously tip-toe around certain topics then we are not identifying with other humans, we are blatantly ignoring them. And by ignoring them we are being unloving. And Christ has called us to love. Now by stating that last sentence their will be those that think I'm liberal minded and being politically correct, that is not my intent. I repeat, Christ has called us to love.
The second idea is from the chapter Read with Resolve. Tony Reinke quotes from another author Elyse Fitzpatrick in stating "that many women do not read theology books." I would like to point out that it might be possible that many men do not read Christian fiction. I read theology books, thanks mainly in part to my dad. Dad has encouraged me by his own active theology reading and then passing information on what he learned to me. Eventually I picked those books up myself and started reading them.
It is fascinating and contagious when a parent actually talks to their children about books, turns the television off, and has a lengthy discussion about the book they just read. It really does catch on!
I think the main reason that Christian fiction is preferred to theology books is that Christian fiction is a quick read. I personally can read most Christian fiction books in 1 to 2 days max. Whereas a Christian non-fiction book may take several days, because there is more material to digest. The author believes that "women feel they may become unattractive to men because of their theology reading," I don't buy that reason. I do believe that theology books require more discipline to read, study, then think about the material. Whereas a Christian fiction book at least feels more like entertainment.
I found this book to be wonderful!
I've read other reviews state this is a book for non-readers. I think it is a book for people who read, but are not big readers and do not spend time thinking about why or what they read.
As a book reviewer one of my jobs is dissecting not just the book itself, but why I chose that book and what I gleaned from it. Many of the thoughts in the book I'd already thought of and applied to my own reading.
My attitude is there will always be something more for me to learn, never will there be a time in this life when I will know it all.
Thank you to Crossway for my free review copy!
Published September 9, 2011 by Crossway
208 pages
Link for the book @ publisher:
http://www.crossway.org/books/lit-tpb/
Paperback $15.99
Link for the book @ Christian Book:
http://www.christianbook.com/lit-christian-guide-to-reading-books/tony-reinke/9781433522260/pd/522261?product_redirect=1&Ntt=522261&item_code=&Ntk=keywords&event=ESRCP
Paperback $9.49
eBook $7.99
Link for the book @ Amazon:
http://www.amazon.com/Lit-Christian-Guide-Reading-Books/dp/1433522268/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1320688156&sr=1-1
Paperback $9.48
Kindle $9.01
Blissful Reading!
Annette
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)