Repent and Renew - in Jesus only

Russell Moore calls America, more-over evangelical Christians in America to repent and get back to the basics - an amazing gospel that should triumph over any political divide. In a culture torn apart over various wars and over former President Donald Trump, Moore's altar call is for a new start, and a renewal in American evangelicalism. He longs for Christians to find their path ahead following so much chaos and division over the last several years.

I'll explain that in 7 phrases and in 2 minutes!

I grew up in a Methodist church often reciting creeds - we would go back and forth between the Nicene and the Apostles Creed. That's probably where my initial interest came in reading this "Introduction". I really enjoyed the bite-size segments, taking a phrase at a time and digging deeper into any insight to be gleaned. One of the most pleasant surprises came at the end in the Epilogue when the author expounded on the often controversial - or at least challenging to understand - concept of the Trinity. You'll have to read it - but he uses seven statements learned from St Augustine where he explains how to teach "the bare bones of the doctrine of the trinity in less than two minutes." So that is reason enough to add this to your collection. I was availed an advance copy of this book through NetGalley in exchange for objective feedback without commitment.

Just when you are rotting away... embrace the process with hope

As one who has researched genealogy and continues to dig into my ancestors - there was one quote that is my favorite from this book. "If you look only at the last 300 years of your family tree, you'll find that you have over 4,000 direct ancestors. Take out just one of them and you wouldn't be here today." This is stated to show how unique each reader is and encourage them to be "unapologetically and spectacularly you." So much great content in this book - starting with critique of our education system and how we teach facts and answers, and not creativity and how to find answers. My favorite portion of the book though is the discussion of metamorphosis. Often the caterpillar to butterfly transformation is used as examples of how we can change from our past or who we were were but the details of how the caterpillar actually rots before forming into the beautiful butterfly are meant to give us all hope that though "you'll be tempted to go back to your life as a caterpillar" - don't! Success and beauty - the new you - is just around the corner as you awaken your genius inside. I was provided an advance copy of this work through NetGalley with no commitment for a positive review.

BELIEVE!

In Believe For It, a book with the same title as her recent album and hit song, CeCe Winans focuses on passing the faith among generations. It is a very personal book about how she and her husband Alvin passed along the leadership mantle of the church they started in Nashville, to their son. CeCe also draws on other personal stories, including the death of her brother - but how when he nearly died the first time, God used that incident to change some lives and bring others to Him including his doctor. Each chapter ends with some thought-provoker questions for application. It is clear that CeCe has a loving family who instilled great truths in her and now she wants to make sure to instill them into others as a legacy across the generations. An advance copy was made available to me for review without comittment from the publisher and Netgalley.

And the World Was FOREVER Changed

Tracy Daub writes about the Christmas Story, Advent, as found in the Gospel of Mark. Ironically, Mark never wrote about the birth of Jesus Christ but starts his Gospel with His baptism. Therein, is the twist. In Holy Disruption, the author addresses key themes found in Mark and how Jesus interacted with the people. This IS Advent, because by definition it is the anticipation and waiting for the coming of the Lord. And He came to serve. A great quote from the work is "Welcoming the way of Christ means turning our lives, hearts, and priorities into a kind of counter-procession against the "empires" of our day. Consider the empire of consumerism and its vice-like hold on most of our lives. Christ's way of peace and justice stands in direct opposition to the dominant beliefs that one's worth and happiness and peace of mind are found through the acquisition of material goods and wealth." This book is a good reminder for the season of Christmas but also for anytime of the year. An advance copy was made available to me for review without commitment from the publisher and Netgalley.

Everything you wanted to know about Jesus...

Jesus the Jew, Jesus the story teller, Jesus as the One who suffered for us... it is all part of what you encounter here when you are Confronting Jesus. The impact of this book differs no doubt depending on whether you are already a Jesus follower, how long you have been, and how well you know His words in red and what is written about Him. There are pop culture references - even about the television series about The Good Place - which at first seemed creative, but they were a bit over-done by the end of the book. Still, maybe they keep the interest of the reader-audience the book was intended for. Certainly anytime we can learn more about Jesus, is recommended and this book does a good job of weaving together the various themes contextually. This book was advanced to me from NetGalley and the publisher without any commitment for positive feedback.

Give God time - He is there in your Trouble

Steven Scott takes the very familiar story of Joseph and gleans a dozen life applications, principles for us today. There is a great chapter on grief - because like it or not we will all experience it and already have. The chapter on vision mapping is both challenging and encouraging - especially if, like most today, we haven't thought lately about what our vision is. Remember, as a take away, no matter what you are going through, just like Joseph, God has a master plan, something much bigger than you know and a plan that may take a while for you to see. This book was advanced to me through NetGalley and the publisher without any commitment for positive feedback.

Your Survival Guide for Your Heat and Soul

John Eldredge has always been one of my favorite writers once I was fortunate enough to have discovered him. He writes to my soul, straight to my heart. This is because he gets it. He gets the struggle of being in this world. He understands too the victory that Jesus has already won - and the tension between those two realities. Reading this book will help you slow down, take a deep breath, and focus on the God who can help you with the pace of life and the challenges of the day. I love how he starts each chapter with a real-life situation or story that we can relate to and allows him to expound on his points, and then ends with a vulnerable, heart-felt open prayer to bring application to our spirit. The theme running through his works is that God is after our heart, but so is our enemy. All of life is related to that struggle, that battle. The timing of the book is too, because just Eldridge, we have all gone through more than we know these past couple years and lost some things along the way during the pandemic. If we are not aware and careful - it impacts our heart and the way we see life, which he so eloquently discusses. He calls the book "a survival guide" with "tools for strengthening heart and soul". That alone should be the reason you too want to read this one. I was advanced a copy through NetGalley and the publisher for an honest review without commitment to recommend the book, though it was so good I did buy a copy for myself.

More Than Soundbites

I'm a newshound, have been accused of being an ambulance chaser and spent several years in broadcast journalism. For these reasons, Jen Maxfield's book "More After the Break" greatly intrigued me. Very well written and goes beyond the sound bites. Maxfield's book completes the stories. She writes about the conversations that took place with family and victims years after the first breaking news - with great variety of accidents, terrorist attack, sickness, etc. Maxfield's work puts flesh on the bones and shows how life not only happens to us, but continues on afterward. This book will help make you feel better about the world because even with the bad stories - good can happen later out of them. I was advanced a copy through NetGalley without any obligation for a positive review.

It's about Hope!

This should be required reading for all men. It is probably the most helpful book I've read on the topic and will be vital in dealing with this problem for those who struggle with it or know someone who does. The book takes an approach that is fresh. We find that out in the introduction by Pastor Thabiti Anyabwile who says "Defeating the porn monster will not come by white-knuckle, jaw-clenched grit individually willing its way to victory when all other soldiers have fallen" but "victory can be had, but only in the loving community of the local church with saints covenanted together to stand An advance copy was made available to me from the publisher and NetGalley for a review without any commitment for positive feedback.

against the wiles of the enemy in the truth of Jesus's gospel and the power of the Holy Spirit." This book is indeed for anyone discouraged, anyone who thinks that it is not possible to walk in purity in this area. The author, Ray Ortlund hopes the book "messes with" the reader - just as it "messed" with him. Ortlund contends that any battle with porn isn't really a battle with porn, or even willpower, but a battle about hope. He believes the fight is won "by believing that God's love ... is too great to be limited to what" we deserve. He likens victory to walking in nobility and every time a temptation is slayed like a dragon, porn becomes a little more dead in this world. We should work towards this end to bring honor to each and every woman who has been created in God's image and no longer allow ourselves or someone close to us to treat them otherwise and with disrespect. An advance copy was made available to me from the publisher and NetGalley for a review without any commitment for positive feedback.

Sex and the City - NOT that one

S__ and the City of God (since I was blocked from posting the actual word) is not really about the subject of the tv show. But that word is part of the story - but the main part of the story is God. The author, Carolyn Weber, writes a vulnerably open recounting of her growing up and her relationships with a few men. She is honest with her thoughts, desires, and yet her ability to keep the standard of God's best for her in her thoughts as these men came and went in her life, and how she ultimately found the one she would say "yes, I do" to. Not to be left out is the poignant story of her father lying in a hospital bed to open and close her memoir. Delightfully written with lessons to learn from lessons she learned along the way. This book was advanced to me from the publisher through NetGalley with no commit

ment for any positive commentary. I recommend it to you. Almost forgot to mention that I love how nearly every chapter opens with a quote from Augustine - and there-by makes the creativity in the title perfectly appropriate.

God flies?

Dutch Catholic Priest, Spiritual thinker and author Henri Nouwen left us in 1996. Now more than 25 years since his death, comes this new book which was crafted from previously unpublished writings. This is a great read, whether one is familiar with Nouwen's other writings or not. It begins with his true story rescue through a hotel window after Nouwen suffered a heart attack. It parallels that story along with his intimate following of the Flying Trapeze Rodleighs whom became his dear friends. Nouwen even travelled with them over the years and developed a deep relationship which often teaches him more about the God he served, shared and loved. He drew parallels from the friendship and shared his faith with them through how he lived his life as their true friend and part of their community. The work is captivating in both the lessons learned about the hardwork of the circus acrobats as well as the spiritual conclusions. Please do yourself a favor and read it. An advance copy was made available to me from NetGally and the publisher with no committment of positive commentary. I also purchased my own copy because this one is a keeper.

Powerful and Portable

This book is a gem - if you are looking for something powerfully potent but portable and short. Each of the 90 day's devotionals are a very quick read but relevant and impactful - drawing on examples from sports to Dr. Seuss to Bob Dylan, including a scripture reference and suggested reading for the day. Would recommend this for yourself or as a gift to a special man in your life whose faith you want to see grow. An advance copy was provided to me from the publisher through NetGalley without any commitment of a favorable review.

With friends like these... yeah, friend, right!

This case - and this boook - is a gift for true crime afficiandos. As much as I am one, somehow I missed this case when it happened. Maybe that was good though because reading this book made it as much a page turner as a great mystery by any favorite writer. It kept me engaged and feeling as sorry for the the husband charged as stunned as how the true perpetrator, the "friend" could be ultimately seen as responsible - and then equally angered by how the prosecutor and judge handled the case with inadmissability of crucial evidence. Even if you know this case - and by now most reading this will because of the current mini-series "The Thing About Pam" - you will be drawn in to the details in the book and the recounting of the story. Your heart will break even more for the family that lost their wife and mother and the totally innocent victim years later who had nothing to do with any part of the original crime. An advance copy of Bone Deep was made possible through NetGalley without any obligation or comittment for a supportive or positive review.

So many models...

This book came highly touted and is chocked full of specific topics so I was very excited about reading it as a supervisor in coaching my team. It was written in such a textbook fashion that, at least for me, made it less accessible. My favorite part was actually the analysis of the NFL's Aaron Rogers' career. I will say that it is full of specific detailed examples and explores 14 unique management models. If you are looking for a work that dives so deep into such models, then this book is perfect. It is well written and displays extensive experience in command of the management models. I was provided an advance copy through NetGalley without any obligation of positive review comments.

We ARE Good Enough (to be who God made us)

For anyone who has read Kate Bowler's previous works, they'll already know to expect an honest, vulnerable approach in her writing. In this 40(ish) day devotional Kate pairs with Jessica Richie which at times makes it like listening to two friends chat about the important things of life, and the rest of the time it feels like you are able to sit down at the table with them as friends and join in the conversation. Either way, we all come away better - better for the honesty, better for the insight shared from their life experiences growing up and facing terminal illness, and better just for the time spent pondering life and what matters. Unique to this book is the blessing prayed over the reader after each day's entry, and then the practical activity provided that by doing, will help us all understand we are truly good enough in who we are, just as God created us. We don't need to perform or try be perfect for God (and hopefully others) to accept us. The authors encourage us toward believing that we are good enough when we realize that He makes up the difference in His deep sacrificial love poured out for us on the cross to bring resurrection and eternal life.

Embrace this Hope

If for no other reason to enjoy reading this work, are the many references to CS Lewis and the land of Narnia. Others too, like Dostoevsky. Zahnd knows how to weave in the classic writers as he navigates the fragility of faith. While there may be some areas of theology I find myself current differing with Zahnd, he makes solid points of why he comes to his conclusions but yet allows for the fact that none of us have all of the answers to this mystery and that our understanding evolves based on our experiences and influences, not to mention the Holy Spirit as teacher in our innermost being. Together with Zahnd I agree with the book's conclusion that "by the witness of the Holy Spirit that someday everything will be on fire with the divine glory of God. This is my hope. I invite you to embrace this hope. I invite you to believe in God." In an age where too many are deconstructing their faith to the point they throw it all away and say they no longer believe in God - he contends we can adjust how we believe despite how we were taught to believe, and still hold on to Jesus and still believe in God. I obtained a copy of this work through NetGalley and the publisher with no commitment for a positive review.

Not so fast here!

I should have know I'd be on the opposite end of this author's views by the mere word "Myth" in the title. On the plus side, this is a quick easy read, where the author tries to draw on the positive nature and teachings of Jesus to make the reader and the world a better place. There are questions after each short chapter to ask the reader to become interactive in their thoughts. As a Jesus follower who believes what I read in His word, I have a hard time wrapping my head around thinking that many stories are pure myth. It is opposed to my belief that God has breathed His word into men to capture what He is saying - providing it to us through inspiration and saving it over many centuries, with so many actual archeological finds of early manuscripts to confirm it. Its hard for me to hear that someone considers themself a Christian but denies the actual physical resurrection and virgin birth. That's where we differ, so while I cannot endorse this work, I also realize it is because of the paradigm and lens through which I am reading it. I was provided an advance copy of the book content through NetGalley without any commitment for a positive review.

The Jesus Music: The Book

I really enjoyed this book. I will admit that I also saw the movie, so I had that mental imagery in mind as I read. The book basically follows all of the film content. I have been a follower of Jesus music and the artists since about 1980, having worked in the industry through several radio stations. I've seen lots of feedback on the content of the movie (and thus the book) - much negative - about what was not included in the book. To be fair, it whets the appetite for those who want to know more and provides a great overview - there is no book (to keep it readable length) that could include everything important. Plus, fans of the genre often disagree on who or what events were most significant. This is a great starter point, and a solid comprehensive overview and worth the time. I like how it is pulled together in the timeline to bring us to where we are today in the industry and genre. I was provided an advance copy of the book content through NetGalley without any commitment for a positive review.

Beware: Toxicity

We all hate anything toxic in our workplace yet we all have those opportunities to manage it and dispel it. I was really excited about reading this book because of that. First, what I loved about the book is that author Melanie Pump used many scenarios, several each chapter, and then discussed those - providing examples of what is experienced in real life. I would have enjoyed a simpler read, and found myself getting lost in the minutiae of detail. For some, that may be exactly what is desired and will be a strong point. For me it caused some struggle to get through it all and glean from it the highlights that I could apply in my workplace. It is full of great information but would have liked if it was more readable.

EnCouragement when facing the "little" c

I LOVED this book. It may have a lot to do with my wife being diagnosed with colon cancer and two weeks ago having surgery, now we meet our oncologist next week ... but in that journey God has given us peace and assuredness that He is in control. Still, we are human and emotions come and go and we may have that peace tested. I have already purchased a copy of this book and gifted it to my wife so she can be encouraged during upcoming treatment. Reading this myself, helped me to more closely tune in to some of the thoughts and feelings she has or will experience - but many of them I too had already experienced, so it was like sitting down with a friend, or many friends who have faced cancer in the face and survived. You'll have a few moments to laugh, whether reading about Pink Panther movies, or chemo crotch pantyhose (to go under the wig)... or the encouragement that the Big C (Christ) has already beaten the Little c (cancer), or that when arms are spread during chemo sessions it can be a reminder of what Jesus did for us on the cross. For the women telling their stories in this book, cancer was not a comma but a period in the sentences of their lives and that was because of their faith in Jesus who lives in their hearts. The final word is an encouragement to invite him in for those who haven't - making this book a great gift for any friend who may be facing this battle whether they already are a believer or not. An advance copy of this book was made available through NetGalley with no commitment for a positive review.

Are you making lemonade yet?

This is such an important book written out of the pain of tragedy yet with the backdrop of God's goodness and sovereignty. Mattie Selecman lost her husband Ben after less than a year of marriage due to an accident. She writes "It's not fair that I lost Ben the way I did. But it's also not fair that, through jesus, God pours out unending grace and forgiveness over me every single time I sin and fall short. Grace isn't fair; it's a gift." This memoir is her documented journey through the pain of grief and loss and life afterwards. Written with raw honesty Mattie takes us along in the process of wrestling with her thoughts and emotions. One of my favorite quotes from her book is "A big God can handle big prayers. If we believe in an almighty, all-powerful God, which I do, we are selling ourselves short and underestimating His divine nature when we don't pray bold prayers for healing. But if we don't couple His ability to answer our prayers with His authority to choose how He will do so, we diminish who He is as Lord and are left, at best, disappointed and at worst, determined He can't be as good as He says He is." We will all experience some pain, loss, grief, tragedy at some point - if we are not now, we will, because we live in a fallen world. Because Mattie has already gone there and is brave enough to write about all that God has taught her, this is a very important work, worth your time and support. If you don't need it now, you may one day and it will help you on your own journey. An advance copy was made available to me through NetGalley without any commitment of a positive review.

We're only Human!

Kate writes a deeply vulnerable and honest book, as good as her debut work. I didn't realize the timing of picking up my advance copy would coincide with my wife's colon cancer diagnosis and surgery. But there is hope - both in the medical advances of the day and in a God who knows us, loves us and cares about what we go through. Yet not without raw and deep emotions since we are only "being human". Whether you are personally in the middle of a battle with disease or only know someone who is, pick up this book and allow Kate's intimacy and candor become your friend in your journey. I was advanced a copy of the book through NetGalley with no commitment on delivering a positive review.

Raw, Honest, Hopeful

We know Philip Yancey from his great works over the years such as "The Jesus I Never Knew" and "Where is God When It Hurts". What we did not know was was the real Philip Yancey - and what prompted these themes. This is an extremely well crafted memoir, with writing that is beautiful and captivating. But the story - written with extreme rawness, honesty, vulnerability - will leave one unsettled at how so many things could be seemingly against one man, even a Christian. From the death of his father, to growing up in a racist south, to his broken relationship with his mother and brother... And then - how he could take this undesired and unexpected journey in his life and come out still with hope, and offer that hope to others through his writings. This work has been compared to Hillbilly Elegy due to its revelatory nature.

From a car-ride with Bono to a flash-mob in Bahrain

You know Michael W Smith for his Contemporary Christian Music over the past several decades. But, in this book, Michael clearly demonstrates that he was loved well by an earthly father that greatly influenced how he now sees his Heavenly Father. This included a prodigal period where many prayers were offered on his behalf. Clearly Michael's father wanted his son to walk in the destiny of God's calling and purpose for his life, to the point, where Michael could not be present when his father passed from earth to heaven due to a concert he was performing at the Budokan. In the book, Michael tells many great stories - among this reviewer's favorites are the flash mom in Bahrain and the 25-minute car-ride on the interstate with U2's Bono. Fan of his music or not, this easily readable book will inspire and encourage you. An advance copy was made available for review without any obligation for favorable comments.

Why the gospel is good news for the body too!

From its fearful and wonderful creation to its redemption, Sam Allberry has written a great resource on the importance of the physical body to our faith. We are created in the image of God, and God chose to manifest Himself on earth through the incarnation with a physical body. Of course all of the things that sin has allowed to come into the world have also impacted the body, affliction, shame, brokenness and death. Even Jesus in His body had to endure brokenness and death. Yet, God allows us in our body to become a temple for His Spirit. Allberry writes "deth is the most potent reminder that our bodies are broken. Even as we live, even if we are in relatively good health, the specter of deth in our own body is unavoidable. Not only is the aging process itself a testimony to the decline our body will inevitably face, but our very skin cells are conitnuelly turning to dust all around us." Yet, as Christians there is great hope. "I don't need to worry about squeezing every last drop of pleasure out of this physical life when I can look forward to an eternity of enjoying the new creation in a resurrected body." But, you see - there is still a body, though thankfully new and glorified. So, this is a great resource to read about the body and why it is important as Christians. An advance copy of the content of this book was made available through NetGalley in exchange for this objective feedback.

Going deep with Dylan

As a fan who has seen Dylan live in concert 4 times over the last 4 decades, after reading this book I consider myself a novice. So unless you have an already deep appreciation for Dylan, you may struggle to get through this work. For me, I never knew there were so many angles with which to consider Dylan's catalog. When does the harmonica come in? What is it paired with? Is it in response to lyrics? What kind of poetry does Dylan use? What tone - is he crooning or using rhythm to drive home a point? Rhythm in general, back-ground vocals, minor key, song structure? So many ways to analyze Dylan's music and make observation of the changes over the years. The best way to read this book is with a streaming service (or the real thing) at hand to listen about the tune you are reading about and learning from. So go deep, learn new observations and start listening to Bob Dylan. This book is scheduled for a September 14, 2021 release. An advance digital copy was made available in exchange for a review without any obligation of favorable summary.