Nelson's Illustrated Bible Dictionary

I have use several Bible dictionary’s over the years and this is easily the one I have liked the most. The Nelson's Illustrated Bible Dictionary does an exceptional job of not only filling the basic requirements of a Bible dictionary it goes beyond that with the photos and timelines that are included in this edition. So often as we read scripture we disconnect it from the rest of the worlds history. The very detailed time lines within this Bible dictionary track the events of scripture well but they also show the reader what was happening in the world outside of the Holy Land. The updated photos also add to the overall experience of the reader as well. This is an excellent reference book to have on your shelf. Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookLook Bloggers 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.”

Beloved Dust

In Exodus 14:14 scripture says, “the Lord will fight for you, you only need to be still.” I was reminded of this time and time again as I read through “Beloved Dust”. I like many have found them selves in a bit of a spiritual rut when it comes to my relationship with God. Checking boxes and filling out “time” cards becomes the norm to often. This book does a good job of reminding us (me) of the relationship between God and I. Mainly that He is God and I am, well, not. If you find your self in a rut or just searching to reclaim your Identity in Him this book is a great read. Theologically sound and practically presented Beloved Dust is just what every Christian needs to remember that there are times when we don’t have to do anything but be still. Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookLook Bloggers 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.”

Killing Lions

Not very often do I sit down and read a book all the way through in one day, however I did today with “Killing Lions: A Guide Through the Trials Young Men Face” by John and Sam Eldredge. Being the father of two boys that very soon will be teenagers this book caught my eye. I was interested in what John had to cover in this book after reading his “Wild at Heart” several years ago. This book did not disappoint in any way. While the advice that is given is not given in the typical three points of application way there is a ton of thought provoking information in here. The lay out is perfect for covering the subject matter. You really feel that you are sitting in a room listening to a conversation between a man and his son about various topics that really matter to the Kingdom. Money, girls and sex and college are all discussed plus several others. If you are a dad that has a boy I whole heartedly encourage you to get this book and spend a day of two sitting with Sam and John as they handle these topics with care and grace. Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookLook Bloggers 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 Sticky Faith Guide for your Family

In the follow up to her book she co authored with Dr Clark, Dr Kara Powell gives a much more practical guide to helping your kids gain a lasting faith. In “The sticky faith guide for your family, Powell does an excellent job at starting each chapter with a story that relates to the lesson being covered. Obviously the task of passing faith on to your kids can seem (and I think should) feel a little daunting. This book though relly does an excellent job of showing how it is the stuff we do everyday that really makes the difference. If nothing else this book provides a re-up to those if us with kids that we want to see grow to be followers of Christ. Read this book and understand that with its practical advice you can start doing today what seemed overwhelming yesterday. Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookLook Bloggers 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

NIV Life Journey Bible

The NIV Life Journey Bible combines the popular NIV translation with thoughts, reflections, and notes from Drs. Henry Cloud and John Townsend. When looking for a new bible I feel that it is important to know who is giving the devotional thoughts. Townsend and Cloud are the authors of the very popular book, “Boundaries”. I feel that it is also important to realize that while these men are very popular authors they are just men who have their own opinion formed by their own experience and they are inherently flawed. So use their insights to help guide you to your own conclusions. Now about the book itself; Spread throughout the Bible are hundreds of short, half-page insights, over 30 character profiles, and 20 longer essays focused on emotional health, spiritual insight, and Christian growth. These are useful to give insight into the passages that you are reading and to deepen the text and its application to your own personal growth. This edition also catalogues recommended places to look in the Bible regarding various issues such as addiction, bitterness, or pride. Over all this is a good Bible to have on hand. The text is the NIV, which is one of the most trust versions of the bible. The additions are good and will make you think also the index in the back is very user friendly and allows you to find information quickly for particular subjects. Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookLook Bloggers 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.”

NIV Chronological Study Bible

The NIV Chronological Study Bible from Thomas Nelson is a great Bible for everyday reading. I have found that the chronological way this bible is out together adds to the readers over all experience of God’s Story. I love that you will be reading a story from David’s life and then suddenly you are reading a Psalm that relates to the time in his life that you were just in. Just the other day I was reading through Solomon’s Splendor and the description of his wealth. This bible then transitioned into Ecclesiastes where he is lamenting that everything in worthless. Powerful stuff. The Gospels are presented in the same chronological format. Often you get three different eyewitness accounts of the same story all of this again enhances the reader experience with God’s word. This would be a difficult bible to use in church to follow a sermon due to the way it is laid out but this does not detract from it’s value as a reading bible. There are many who complain about this being a “gender neutral” translation. In reading this bible I did not notice this so the way they did it must have been right. Again this is a great reading bible and it could be hard to use in a following the preacher in a sermon. Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookLook Bloggers 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.”

Moment Maker

Moment Maker by Carlos Whittaker is an excellent book. Over the past several years I have become more and more aware of the increased importance of individual moments through out the day and years. These moments really do make the difference. In this thought provoking book Carlos Whittaker covers three specific types of moments; Created, Received and Rescued. He does an excellent job of breaking these down into subcategories as well. One of the best things about this book is how Whittaker interweaves his personal stories into each chapter. He does not simply tell you how to make these moments ones that mater but shows you through hi experience how it has happened to him. The book has a great personal touch that allows the reader to experience Whittaker’s real life. He does an excellent job connecting with the readers. I would recommend this book if you are looking a way to make those everyday moments matter more. Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookLook Bloggers 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.”

One God One Plan One Life

Max Lucado's "One God, One Plan, One Life is a newly released devotional book that is geared toward teens. I think that this book is perfect for teens of all ages and I look forward to giving it to my 11 year old son so that he can find daily encouragement for dealing with the day to day struggles he faces. The devotionals are set up in a very easy to read format that allows the reader to get some encouragement quickly and leaves each reading with a thought or question to ponder throughout the day. I think that it will provide some excellent talking points as well. I have found encouragement from the reading as I was preparing to do this review. One thing I have always loved about Lucado’s books is the way that he presents ideas gently so that you get to take what you want. This book again would be perfect for a tween or a teen that just needs a little encouragement. I highly recommend this book. Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookLook Bloggers 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.”

Bad Dads of the Bible

Learning from example is what Bad Dads of the Bible is about. Reading through the parenting stories of David, Laban, Jacob, Saul, Abraham, Eli, Manoah and Lot you soon discover that these men in the Bible struggled with parenting and the balancing act that comes with being a father. The author Roland Warren connects the past and the present well in this book he communicates the point that though these fathers made big mistakes in how they fathered there is also redemption found in mending that relationship with your children. Each chapter has reflective questions that would function well in a group setting. I could see this book being used in a first time father class. The Good Dad Promises are good reminders that you can be a better father. 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."

The Adam Quest

Science and faith have always seemingly been at odds in The Adam Quest: Eleven Scientists Who Held on to a Strong Faith While Wrestling with the Mystery of Human Origins, Tim Stafford tries to bridge these two very contrasting views. Eleven scientist add there voice to the debate looking at the three major positions on the subject; creationism both young and evolutionary and intelligent design. This books author obviously sees one of the views as the correct one and I felt the book was slanted that way slightly. I felt as a reader I would have been better served in this book if the author had let the scientists lay out their positions and then have him set his argument out and let me form my own position with out being lead one direction or the other. Overall the book is well done and the positions are presented well and clear. This book is an excellent conversation starter and will lend some good thoughts for discussion on the topic. 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."