Upcoming review

Our Favorite Sins The Sins We Commit and How You Can Quit

By Todd Hunter
Published by Thomas Nelson

Book Description

The Essential Guide for Beating Temptation
Falling for temptation isn’t inevitable. We don’t have to lose the fight. In fact, we can win if we understand the root of the problem and what Christians have done from the beginning to beat it. Our Favorite Sins shines a much-needed light in our lives’ dark corners and reveals the time-tested methods for getting victory over sin.
Are you tyrannized by your own desires?
If you are breathing, your answer is probably yes.
The question is: What are you going to do about it?
With more than thirty years of pastoral experience, Todd D. Hunter knows that most people—himself included—struggle every day with temptation. All too often, we fail and fall, and some of us are at our wit’s end, utterly defeated. What do we do to get a grip on the sin in our life and live like God wants?
There’s good news: despite all our failures and shameful “moments after,” there really is a way out, a way forward, and a way that draws us closer to the life that God desires for us.
In Our Favorite Sins, Hunter cracks open the problem of temptation and points to practical, Biblically based, time-tested solutions. First revealing the role played by our disordered desires, Hunter shows how different temptations trip us up and how we can resist and overcome them, even if we’ve fallen prey to them for decades. Victory starts with reordering our desires, and the church has given us the tools for the job. Hunter shows us how to use them and start beating the temptations that so often beat us.
Informed by exclusive research from the Barna Group, Our Favorite Sins offers a view that works for any believer wherever they are and no matter how big the battle they’re fighting.

The Cross Gardner by Jason F. Wright

While I thoroughly enjoyed his books, The Wednesday Letters, The Christmas Jars and Recovering Charles, his latest books, The Wedding Letters and The Cross Gardner were big disappointments.    Not sure I will read another one of his books.

In the Cross Gardner, Jason F. Wright sets the tone by having a young man, who was born at the side of the road after his mother was in an accident, tell his story of love and loss.  The story was disconnected, the various plots never seeming to be completed or well connected.

Just cannot recommend this book, at all.

I am Second by Doug Bender and Dave Sterrett

                                             

 

First, let me say, that all this post shows December, I actually did not post this blog until January 22.



Across North America and around the world, millions of people are proclaiming a new anthem: "I Am Second." No longer are they number one. These people have come alive to the truth that God has a plan for this world...a plan that specifically includes them. In this book you will discover their stories--some from notable people and some not so well known-- who have had a life-changing encounter with Jesus Christ and are walking in radical obedience by putting Him first in their lives.

These stories are raw and real, dealing with the darkest moments of the human experience. Addictions, depression, infidelity, abortion, cancer, pornography, loneliness, jealousy, divorce, war...each story shows the redemptive power of Jesus...bringing purpose and true joy to every secret place of life. Along with each story, there are also helpful insights from the Bible and authentic life application for you or a group of your friends to discuss.

I have enjoyed reading the book.  I can glean something from God in each testimony.  I realized everyone has a story to tell and this book would encourage other believers to share theirs.  If someone is uncertain about following Christ, I think this book can help them with their decision.

Should you buy the book? Hearing how God steps in and changes a life is worth every penny!

In all fairness, I must say, I did go online and found the personal videos much more engaging.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255 : "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

A Year with Jesus by R. P. Nettelhorst

The back of the book states, " A Year with Jesus is an unforgettable 365-day revelation of Jesus' love through his words, plus reflections and insights to encourage and inspire you. Let his words comfort you and fill your heart and life. As you connect more deeply with the greatest person who ever lived - this person who knows you ad cares about every detail of your life - you'll find yourself living and loving with greater peace, promise and purpose."

The format is broken down into categories, such as Love and Hate, Truth and Lies. Each daily devotional is laid out by scripture first then how that scripture can apply to our lives.

The title and synopsis drew me into ordering this book to review. I just came off a one year sabbatical from devotionals and thought this might be the ideal book to once again begin doing them.

As a seasoned Christian, I found this to be more of a review/reminder of the basics, which is sometimes needed. I do believe, however, this is a great devotional for new believers.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255 : "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

Lost December by Richard Paul Evans

I am a Richard Paul Evans fan, big time.  I ordered this book, not only because of the author, but because of the subject.  Lost December is a modern day telling of the prodigal son.

At the beginning of Chapter One, it says, " Some mistakenly believe that "prodigal" means lost or wayward.  It doesn't.  It means "wastefully extravagant."  No matter, both definitions are true of me.  ~Luke Crisp's Diary~ "

Although this book is a quick read, slow down and really hear the heart of the story.  It is a story of love and forgiveness, a story of reconciliation and healing, a story of trusting and accepting.

This book, along with all his others, is definitely a keeper.

The Grace Effect by Larry Taunton

“Simply defined, the ‘grace effect’ is an observable phenomenon—that life is demonstrably better where authentic Christianity flourishes.”

What does Christianity give us beyond televangelists, potlucks, and bad basketball leagues? Not much, according to the secular Left. The world, they say, would be a better place without it.

Historian and Christian apologist Larry Taunton has spent much of his career refuting just this sort of thinking, but when he encounters Sasha, a golden-haired Ukranian orphan girl whose life has been shaped by atheistic theorists, he discovers an unlikely champion for the transforming power of grace.

Larry Taunton gives a firsthand account of life in a world without Christianity. Using his experience with the adoption process of Sasha, Mr. Taunton helps us comprehend what we have been blessed not to endure. In a society that ignores God, where are the morals, the values, the joy?  How can a world without God be best for us?  Mr. Taunton sets out to show how just one life touched by grace can start a domino effect of changed lives.

I have been a foster parent and have had the opportunity to love on children who had been abused and neglected.  The conditions in the orphanage brought tremendous pain to my heart.  Anger swelled as I read of the children being more of a commodity than a human life.

Sasha's ability to blossom into a precious young lady, having experienced deplorable living conditions and a lack of love and human kindness can be summed up in one word, GRACE!!! 

Whether you are a Christian or a non-Christian, this book will touch your heart.  The Grace Effect made me get on my knees and thank God for His lovingkindness.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

The Love & Respect Experience by Dr. Emerson Eggerichs

Dr. Eggerichs has crafted a fifty-two week devotional that will appeal to both wives and husbands as they to listen to what God has to say to them. The Love & Respect Experience is an effective tool to help you and your spouse invigorate your experience with God and rejuvenate your marriage with love and respect.

I must preface my review with the fact that I am not married.  I am, however, involved with ministering to women and am constantly on the lookout for material to assist with the ministry.

I see this book more as ways to start a conversation with your spouse as opposed to a devotional.  The 52 weeks of material contain very basic subject matter for having non-threatening conversations with your spouse, while learning to understand and accept their point of view. The topics covered can allow for shallow to indepth communication between spouses and when unsure, there are discussion questions to assist.

This is a good starter book for engaged and newly wed couples to explore communicating either before marriage or in the early stages.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”