A Fellowship of Differents

“Jesus and the apostles taught that you were welcome because the church welcomed all to the table”. This quote from Scot McKnight’s book “A Fellowship of Differents” is the one that grabbed and held on to me through out all the pages. How often do I look around my church and see, well me. Honestly take a look around next time your at church and see how much you see you sitting a few rows up and a few rows behind you. If you were to sit in a church service in the 1st century you would see a very different picture. You would see slaves, masters, prostitutes, teachers of the law and tentmakers all worshiping together. In his book McKnight makes the point very well that the church should be a place where all are welcome from the rich to the homeless simple because Jesus taught us that that is the way heaven is. I love the table language throughout his book and the simple but straight forward way he spurs us on to celebrate the differences we have that are all okay with the one we serve. The church should be the best place for the different to come and be. 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.”

What Keeps You Up at Night

Through some health challenges that I have faced over the past few years I have been on a journey to reinvent myself and find my worth in the new normal that I face. This is really what keeps me up at night, the wondering what am I to do since normal everyday 9-5 Jobs may not be a way for me to make it anymore. When I had the chance to read “What keeps you up at night” by Pete Wilson I was expecting the typical self help pull yourself up by your bootstraps and get it done message. What I found was a book that instead turned the focus to discover what it is that God is doing. Wilson does a great job of not necessarily answering the questions that you have but rather adjusting the focus of the question to see how we must trust in God when facing these decisions. Often I think God is just wanting us to do something it is us that paralyze ourselves in fear. This book will help you step out in faith knowing that God conquers your fear and holds you. 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.”

Rise

In “Rise” rapper Trip Lee talks about getting in the game and not sitting on the sideline. Written in a plain easy to understand way this book is not preachy or overly theological I believe this book fits into a larger demographic. Drawing from his life the chances to rise are definitely real and not presented in a head in the clouds way. This book definitely will encourage and push you to get off the bench and rise to be what God wants you to be. 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.”

Same Kind of Different As Me

When I approached this book I really did not know what to expect. I had read several reviews and thought it look good and offered a compelling true story that I could really get into. In Same Kind of Different As Me by Ron Hall and Denver Moore there is a compelling story of two very unlikely men becoming friends. Ron, an Art Dealer and Denver a modern day slave share how there lives intersected and grew together thru the love of the underprivileged that Ron’s wife Deborah had. While the story is heartwarming, thought provoking and tear jerking at times I had a hard time really connecting with this book. For me I felt this book could have been written in the third person and had a little bit more impact. The narration between Ron and Denver in different chapters pulled away from the story. Had it been written in a third person format the narrator could have bridged those holes and allowed the story to flow better. That being said I think this book is worth a read and will encourage you to look people outside of your typical social circle differently and with hope and potential rather than fear and doubt. 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.”

How to survive middle school and monster bots

How to Survive Middle School and Monster Bots is a fun and entertaining book that teaches good solid principles that parents can trust. The story is engaging and holds the attention of boys, which we all know can be difficult. This is Ron Bates second journey into the world of middle school boys and the difficulties they can face. This story centers around a science genius named Howard, he gets in a rivalry over a schools science project of building robots. As the story progresses Howard must choose the right path. He chooses a short cut and it causes several problems that he must resolve. Along the way he learns the value of hard work, friendship and the fact that every one is unique and special. 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.”

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.”