Biblical Cyclopedic Index

The new “Biblical Cyclopedic Index” by Nelson is a great compact resource book that will have a prominent place on my bookshelf. Combining all the best aspects of a concordance and a topical index in a concise easy to use size. Gone is the bulky heavy concordance and bible dictionary of the past. This compact version also includes word studies through out only enhance the features of this great little book. Included are multiple definitions of the same word and it matched up well with any version of the bible. This book is a great addition if you already a scholar or just starting out and want a book that is well organized and not threatening in any way. I will use this book often and look forward to it be a great addition to my library.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Thomas Nelson as part of the BookSneeze 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."

Slave

In his book “slave” John MacArthur uses a plethora of scripture to expose a “cover up” in the modern translations of the scripture. Retuning to the original languages and writing MacArthur shows how often the word slave is replaced by softer more autonomous phrases such as servant. While servant is a good word in does not convey the original message that scripture intended. To be a servant allows you to maintain a certain amount of uniqueness that allows me to be myself while still serving God. When I become a slave suddenly I am nothing but what my master wants me to be and that is all. This is a candid unapologetic look at our Identity in Christ and how we have allowed culture to dictate how nonchalantly we approach our life in Christ. This is a challenging book that is packed with scripture so the point has to be considered carefully. MacArthur asks you to view your life in Christ differently and transition from willing servant to sold out slave.

The American Patriot Almanac

The American Patriot Almanac by William J Bennett and John T.E. Cribb is a must add to any American’s book collection. Packed full of very interesting facts and resources all organized in an easy to read daily format. Fifteen minutes a day to a better understanding of what has happened in our history how can you go wrong? For families who are in to history or who just simple want to learn a little more about the country we live in this book is great for both. Not preachy to the right or the left it is simply filled with facts about days in our storied history. This book also contains a good amount of special features like, Fifty All American Movies, Flag Etiquette and Songs and Poems of American Patriotism plus many more special sections. This book does an excellent job of presenting history in a family friendly way that my 5 and 7 year olds can enjoy and follow. They may not capture and remember every thing presented but they will be exposed to dates and people that otherwise might be missed. I am happy to recommend this book to any one who lives in the greatest county on earth.

Out Live Your Life

Out Live your Life is the latest book by the encouraging author Max Lucado. In it he uses stories and practical application, to talk though the Idea of out living your life. By this he means what is going to continue after you don’t. It is really a book about legacy and what yours will be. Pulling from the book of Acts the reading is practical and easy to take. In classic Lucida style it is not presented in an overly preaching way but rather a very practical and easy to swollow equation paired with an excellent study section in the back of the book to further bring the point home. Encouraging us to outlive our life where we are this book is a great starting point if you are looking for something more. Odds are the something more you are looking for is being walked past every day.

The Least Among You

“The Least Among You” is a film put out by Lionsgate and tells the story of Richard Kelly. Set in the 1960’s after the Watts Riots, Kelly is sentenced to serve out his probation at an all white seminary. Every thing seems on the up and up but the tension begins to surface when a major donor pulls out of a major project. While there is not an awful lot of really good acting in this film it is a good story. Filled with some thought provoking ideas. It does a good job at sharing the scary fact the Christians and non-Christians share the same major character flaw we enter every relationship with assumptions that make it difficult to build trust. Somewhat predictable and unrealistic in its portrayal of 1960’s Watts the over arching message of the film is not missed; staying on Gods coarse always ends up well. Easy to watch and the cast does work well together this film is enjoyable.

Uncle Sam's Plantation

Uncle Sam’s Plantation is a riveting book that tells the story of the American welfare system and how it is perpetuating the problem that it was created to solve. In this thought provoking work Star Parker pulls from her vast knowledge of the welfare system to shine a bright light on its most glaring problems. She discusses how feminism is leading to the decay of the family in Black America. She shows through personal stories and research how the further you go into the system the more programs there are to help keep you there. In of the most interesting portions of the book is the final third in which Starr shares from the experience of her personal journey out of the welfare system what must be done to free those who are in the system of the chains that bind them. Truly inspiring and well worth the read if you are on welfare or know someone who is. This powerful book could also be useful for organizations that serve in poverty stricken regions of our country

The Boy Who Changed The World

“The Boy that Changed the World” is a charming story that reminds us that everything we do matters in this life. It follows waves of influence backwards to the source of there beginning. It shows that how you treat people and how you choose to care for them matters and might even matter more than you will ever know. These stories of Nobel Laureate Norman Borlaug, Vice President Henry Wallace, Inventor George Washington Carver, and Farmer Moses Carver all find themselves intertwined together by shared experiences that truly matter to the people involved. It is a good story and not overly preachy about God in all of this. It speaks more about being kind and building relationships with the people you know so that you can make a difference in their lives and possibly that may make a change in some one else’s life and so on. My sons enjoyed it and I will say it helped them realize a little more that what we do is not only about us. This will be a family reader for quite some time to come.