Category: books

Remarkable True Stories of God’s Miraculous Work in the Muslim World

On By pastorjonathanIn books, Kingdom of God, MissionsLeave a comment

Which None Can Shut: Remarkable True Stories of Gods Miraculous Work in the Muslim World is an incredible book of stories from the life of “Reema Goode” (her name changed for security).  “Reema” is a Christian wife and mother living in a Muslim (Arab) community seeking to share the gospel with the women in her region.  She shares heartfelt and compelling stories of how God has opened the door for the gospel to reach a people group.

“Reema” writes with transparency and simplicity that is both forthright and engaging.  I was deeply blessed and encouraged to hear over and over again of God’s faithfulness to use her and her family to reach their Muslim neighbors.  Many times while reading this book I was moved to prayer and tears for my neighbors in the Muslim world.

The book is written in a story format, easy to read, engaging, and a great encouragement to those who have been praying for the Arab world.  It provides great insight into how Western missionary women engage women with the gospel in a deeply Muslim culture.  I appreciate the honest portrait that “Reema” paints of Muslim culture.

Some folks will assume that “Reema” writes from a charismatic background because she shares a few stories of casting out demons and dreams.  I’m not Charismatic (I’m Southern Baptist), and I’ll go on record as saying that many of the things that “Reema” and her family came across are things that I have come across in Mobile and Pensacola.  The truth is that while there aren’t demons around every corner, they are real and a majority of cultures around the world (not to mention both the Old and New Testament) recognize that. God does choose to reveal himself in dreams to some people (I can testify that of at least 2 other American friends besides myself that were driven to the scriptures because of a dream and ended up trusting in Christ). “Reema” may be charismatic, but what she shares in this book appears to be standard fare for anyone heavily involved in ministry or missions.

If you are looking at going to the mission field, praying for Muslim people groups, or are just looking for some encouragement on how God still moves among people today…  This book is for you. The retail price of Which None Can Shut is $13.99 (paperback), and is available around the web in places like Amazon.com for $11.89. I gave it five stars.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a copy of this book free from Tyndale House Publishers as part of their Tyndale Blog Network. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. Some of the links in the post above are “affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will add value to my readers. 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.”

My Story (Part 4): Waking up From a Dream

“Seeds of Turmoil” by Bryant Wright (Review)

On By pastorjonathanIn booksLeave a comment

Seeds of Turmoil: The Biblical Roots of the Inevitable Crisis in the Middle East is a great book to help you figure out the history behind the middle eastern conflict.  I was excited to get my copy in the mail and read it over the weekend in my down time between events.  It was an easy read (perhaps too easy of a read given the subject matter).

The author writes unapologetically from a Christian standpoint.  He takes careful pains to examine the Genesis account of the creation of two nations through the seed of Abraham (Ishmael and Issac).  He fleshes out how these nations have grown and are located today.  I was impressed with the author’s knowledge and ability to navigate through the world of 3 major religions (Jewish, Christian, and Muslim) and various nationalities.

Overall this book was a great introduction to the Middle Eastern Conflict from a Biblical and Christian perspective.  However, I would have liked to have seen more detail and a richer expression of an Islamic perspective.

If you are a Christian and are looking to understand Middle Easter conflict, or if you are looking for a Christian perspective on Middle Eastern conflict… This book is for you. The retail price of Seeds of Turmoil is $19.99 (hardcover), and is available around the web in places like Amazon.com for $13.59. I gave it four stars.

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. Some of the links in the post above are “affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will add value to my readers. 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.”

Overcoming Money Myths that Christians Believe

On By pastorjonathanIn booksLeave a comment

When I first ordered Your Money God’s Way, I was a bit skeptical.  I’ve been through several finance courses, studies, etc.  (By the way, the best studies I’ve come across are Dave Ramsey‘s books).  However, as soon as I saw the cover I was encouraged to see Dave’s endorsement on the front.  As I began to read Your Money God’s Way I was further encouraged and refreshed.

The author Amie Streater writes in a straight forward, compelling, and conversational manner.  She shares gripping stories or heart ache and heart-break due financial ignorance and petty greed.  The thing I liked most about each chapter is the way that she was able to unveil each “myth” and its root in sin.  The book tackles such obvious sin issues as the health and wealth gospel, issues of entitlement, enabling, etc.  She attacks the misquoted scriptural base that folks sometimes use (sometimes they don’t even need to use scripture to justify their bad behavior).

As an associate pastor I have found that many people in our churches are ignorant of some of the money myths.  I am thankful that at our church we have great leaders who are providing opportunities for folks to learn about how to handle money in a godly way.  It is true as Amie quotes all through out the book, “Where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” (Matthew 6:21)

The only issue I have with the book is the title.  I get where Amie or the publisher is coming from, but I think it would reflect amie’s theology and a more biblical theology to have the title read, “God’s money, God’s way.”  Ultimately in the end we will give an account to Him for how we used or abused money.

If you are struggling with your finances or trying to help someone who is… This book is for you.  I highly recommend this book to anyone looking to understand the sin issues behind why we spend money, go in debt, live beyond our means, etc.  If you are looking for something practical to help you get out of debt now, check out Dave Ramsey’s books and workbooks.  Financial Peace University
really set my wife and I up for success early on. The retail price of Your Money God’s Way is $14.99 (Paperback), and is available around the web in places like Amazon.com for $10.79. I gave it four stars.

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. Some of the links in the post above are “affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will add value to my readers. 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 BOY who CHANGED the WORLD by Andy Andrews (review)

On By pastorjonathanIn books, Family, UncategorizedLeave a comment

The Boy Who Changed the World by Andy Andrews is a large hardback children’s book based on the inspirational gift book The Butterfly Effect. The Boy Who Changed the World is about how every life and every person make a difference in lives of others.  The book is well written and the graphics certainly caught the attention of my four-year-old. The story only takes a few minutes to read and shares an inspiring message of hope.

The actual story of the book follows a chain of events back to a few significant moments in a few individuals lives that eventually lead to the feeding of over 2-billion people.  Its a great story for children to be inspired by and great for parents who are hoping to inspire their kids to attempt great things.  The message is clear and concise… You make a difference.

This is a great book to give the children in your life and read with them over and over.  The retail price is $16.99 (Hardcover), and is available at a discount at Amazon.com for $11.55. I gave it five stars.

Children book reviews

    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. Some of the links in the post above are “affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will add value to my readers. 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 Butterfly Effect By Andy Andrews (Review)

    On By pastorjonathanIn booksLeave a comment

    The Butterfly Effect: How Your Life Matters by Andy Andrews is an inspirational book about how every life and every person makes a difference in generations to come.  The book is a small hardback that is perfect for laying out on the coffee table or end table as a discussion piece. The story only takes about ten or fifteen minutes to read and each page is filled with inspiring art work.

    The story line of the book is similarly inspiring as the author sets out to prove that our lives and our actions make a difference.  The story is a great motivational story and I could see it given as a graduation speech or a  plea for someone who thinks their life doesn’t matter.  Over all I think it will make a great gift book or conversation piece in someone’s living room.

    If you are looking for a great gift book for a graduating senior or someone else taking huge life steps, this book is for you.  I also highly recommend this book to anyone looking for a great, easy to read conversational book about how our live influence others.  The retail price is $14.95 (Hardcover), and is available at a discount at  Amazon.com for $10.17. I gave it four stars.

    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. Some of the links in the post above are “affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will add value to my readers. 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.”

    Intercessors Arise by Debbie Przybylski (Review)

    On By pastorjonathanIn books, Prayer, spiritual disciplinesLeave a comment

    Intercessors Arise: Personal Prayer That Changes the World By Debbie Przybylski was an engaging and challenging book.  That said, I still have mixed thoughts about the book.  On the one hand I was challenged and motivated towards prayer like I never have been before.  I really appreciated most of what the author had to say in leading the reader towards a deeper prayer life.  On the other hand, the author and I part ways on a few theological elements of prayer.  The sentence that probably best summarizes our differing theologies would be… “It’s time to release God on earth through our prayers” (pg 15).  My understanding is that God is already actively at work and we should join what He is doing by engaging in prayer.  Perhaps it is just a subtle difference (as the author really puts God forward as the initiator through most of the book), but it is one that made me uncomfortable giving a full and complete endorsement of the book.

    Beyond the subtle difference, the book is full of great wisdom and insights on becoming a prayer warrior.  Indeed as I shared in the first paragraph, God used this book to stir in me a passion for Him through prayer that I have not felt in a long time.  I often found myself on my knees crying out for God to move.

    The book is very practical and application oriented. I would highly recommend it to discerning readers, maybe not so much for new or immature believers.  The retail price is $12.99 (Paperback), and is available at a discount at  Amazon.com for $11.04. I gave it four stars

    If you are looking for other great resources on prayer I have found that Grudem’s Systematic Theology has several good chapters on prayer, also John Piper’s Desiring God has a great chapter on Prayer.  If you are looking for a great beginners resource on prayer check out R. C. Sproul’s The Prayer of the Lord.  I wrote a review for it a few weeks back you can find it here.

    Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from NavPress as part of their Blogger Review Program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. Some of the links in the post above are “affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will add value to my readers. 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.”

    “Mentor Like Jesus” by Regi Campbell (Review)

    On By pastorjonathanIn books, discipleship, leadershipLeave a comment

    I ordered my copy of Mentor Like Jesus last week, got it by Thursday and read it by Sunday afternoon.  It was thought provoking and kept me engaged all the way through.  I was blessed by the book and some of the key principles and plan on reading it again slower in order to harvest all that it has to offer.

    The author, Regi Campbell writes with a simplistic and straight forward fashion.  In essence the book is his story on how he fell into group mentoring, the lessons he learned along the way, and how similar it really was to how Jesus mentored the disciples.  The book also has a co-author named Richard Chancy who had been through one of Regi’s mentoring groups.  At the end of each chapter Richard shares the perspective of the guys who were being mentored.

    Overall I really liked this book.  Some of the principles were common, but others stood out as brilliant insights into the world of mentoring.  Probably the biggest key I took away was that mentoring in group dynamic can be beneficial to those being mentored as well as to the one mentoring.

    If you are looking for a good book on mentorship, this book is for you.  I highly recommend it to anyone looking to begin a mentor group.  The retail price is $16.99 (Hardcover), I got my copy for just under $12 at  Amazon.com.  I gave it five stars.

    Disclosure of Material Connection: Some of the links in the post above are “affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will add value to my readers. 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.”

    Transforming Grace by Jerry Bridges (a Reveiw)

    On By pastorjonathanIn booksLeave a comment

    I intentionally took a while to read Transforming Grace so I wouldn’t pass over anything too lightly.  There is a danger in reading a book like Transforming Grace, in that experienced Christians feel that they are beyond the meat of the message.  There may be a sense of, “been there, done that.” And to be honest the book doesn’t set out with any new truths (given the nature of the book, I wouldn’t expect it too). But there is a great value for mature Christians in reading Transforming Grace.  While the truths are not new, they are still truths.  While Jerry may belabor a few points, they are worth belaboring.

    In Transforming Grace: Living Confidently in God’s Unfailing Love Jerry does an excellent job in cutting the meat and  doctrine of transforming grace into palatable and bite sized portions while maintaining an emphasis on the work of Christ.  It’s a great read for new believers.  Mr. Bridges has a knack for taking difficult topics and presenting them in an easy to understand fashion.  Transforming Grace is also a great read for mature believers as well.  The doctrine of grace is one that should never get old or tired.  None of us are past grace.  All of us have a proclivity to default to a works based system of favor with God.  Believers come into a right relationship with God by faith, through the work of Christ, which is undeserved on our part, and indeed a gift of God’s grace.

    There is also a companion Discussion Guide for Transforming Grace.  It takes one or two chapters at a time and provides details and discussion points.  The Discussion Guide seems like it would work well in a small group Bible study or book club.  Reader’s interested in the topic of transforming grace may also want to check out John Piper’s book Future Grace.

    If you are looking to learn more about God’s grace in the life of a believer, this book is for you.  I highly recommend this book to believers new and old.  The retail price is $14.99 (Paperback), and is available at a discount at  Amazon.com for $10.19.  The Study Guide is also available on Amazon.com for $9.99. I gave it five stars.

    The Fruitful Life by Jerry Bridges (a Review)

    Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from NavPress as part of their Blogger Review Program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. Some of the links in the post above are “affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will add value to my readers. 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.”

    “Lead Like Ike,” By Geoff Loftus (Review)

    On By pastorjonathanIn books, leadershipLeave a comment

    To be honest, when I first saw this book I thought it would be corny.  I really enjoy history and like reading about World War II.  I also enjoy reading about leadership and business.  I was just a little uncertain on how well it would all blend in one book.  I was glad that I got passed my initial reaction and and picked up Lead Like Ike: Ten Business Strategies from the CEO of D-Day, it turned out to be one of the most fascinating books I’ve ever read!

    In Lead Like Ike Geoff Loftus does a masterful job at walking the reader through the leadership and  decision making process of then General Eisenhower.  He does so in such a way that reveal ten characteristics of leadership that transcend application to military service.  I really liked the break out points that Loftus makes in the book helping to illustrate how these strategies apply to leadership in the business world.  He is even careful to provide short gut check moments along the way that call the reader to reflection.

    I really appreciate the skill and demeanor with which this book was written.  Loftus does a great job in painting a picture of Eisenhower and the times that he lived.  He examines Eisenhower’s shortcomings as well as successes in such a way that help you appreciate the man and the environment in which he made gut wrenching decisions.  Through it all he is able to draw ten practical leadership strategies that were forged in Eisenhower’s life that have practical value to leaders in general.

    If you are looking for a great book on leadership, this book is for you.  I highly recommend this book to anyone interested in biography, military history, leadership, business.  The retail price is $24.99 (Hardcover), and is available at a discount at  Amazon.com for $17.99. I gave it five stars.

    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. Some of the links in the post above are “affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will add value to my readers. 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 Prayer of the Lord By R.C. Sproul (Review)

    On By pastorjonathanIn books, discipleship, Kingdom of God, Ministry3 Comments

    The Prayer of the Lord is perhaps the best books I have ever read on the Model Prayer (sometimes called the Lord’s Prayer)!  I was deeply impressed with how Bible scholar and pastor Dr. R.C. Sproul opened the Scripture and set everything on the bottom shelf.  Dr. Sproul has an engaging and witty style of writing that is both faithful to the text of Scripture and engaging to the reader.  I continue to be amazed at how well he writes.

    The Prayer of the Lord is a simple exposition of the Model Prayer.  Dr. Sproul breaks it down taking the reader through the teaching of Jesus on prayer.  Each chapter examines a phrase of the prayer in great detail.  I’ve been a serious student of Scripture for years and I was deeply impressed with how well Sproul wrote about this passage while maintaining a focus to present the truth and application within easy grasp of the reader.  This is a book I would have no problem handing off to a new believer looking to develop his prayer life or a mature believer looking to examine the model prayer.  I really appreciated the appendix that answered several questions for me.

    If you are looking for a great book that teaches about the nature of prayer with the scriptures as its source, this book is for you.  I highly recommend this book to anyone interested in developing their prayer life.  The retail price is $15.00 (Hardcover), and is available at a discount at steep discount at  Amazon.com for $10.20. I gave it five stars.

    Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Reformation Trust Publishers as part of their Blog for a Free Book Program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. Some of the links in the post above are “affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will add value to my readers. 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.”