Category: books

Review: The Heart Mender by Andy Andrews

On By pastorjonathanIn booksLeave a comment

I was blown away when I read The Heart Mender: A Story of Second Chances.  Author Andy Andrews claims this is his best book to date, I can say it is indeed one of the best books that I have ever read. When I started reading the book, I couldn’t put it down and ended up reading it from cover to cover in one sitting.

The Heart Mender: A Story of Second Chances is a historical “fiction” book about war and forgiveness, love and espionage, the gulf coast and German U-Boats.  I’ve lived on the Gulf Coast for 13 years and was immediately drawn into the imagery and story painted by the author.  Even though this book is “fictional” in nature, Andy does a great job of drawing out several facets of forgiveness in this book.  The people who will benefit most from this book are those who are dealing with anger and struggling to forgive.

The story line is set on the gulf coast during world war II and involves lots of action, romance, and mystery.  I really don’t want to give away the plot, but I do want you to read the book so I included a video from the author below.  You can also go the the official website by clicking here.  There you can find all kinds of information about the book including a free PDF of the first few chapters!  (But I warn you once you start reading, you won’t want to stop.)

If you are interested in purchasing a copy of The Heart Mender, the retail price is $18.99 (Hardcover), and is worth every penny.  It is also available at places like Amazon.com for $12.91.  I gave it five stars.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their Book Review Blogger 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.”

Review: Plan B by Pete Wilson

On By pastorjonathanIn books2 Comments

I am praying for Pete Wilson and his church today as they face the clean up efforts around their city of Nashville.  Pete commented on his blog (www.withoutwax.tv) that it was quite ironic that his book, Plan B: What Do You Do When God Doesn’t Show Up the Way You Thought He Would? would come out the day after one of the worst natural disasters his city has ever seen. I see it as providential timing.

True to its title the book is about moving on and trusting God when we are caught off guard by the circumstances of life.  Pete has a personal and engaging style in writing.  He draws the reader in with his personal stories of setbacks, heartache, and seeming failure. Then in the midst of the story he applies the healing balm of God’s word most often by examining the life of a Bible character.

I really liked the book and appreciated the author’s engaging and transparent writing style.  I had minor disagreements with a few statements on a theological level, but the statements weren’t made as theological observations as much as running commentary on life events and were easily dismissed.  I think the book is a great read and a timely for what many people are facing in Nashville and other places today.

We are continuing to keep Nashville in our prayers.  If you are interested in purchasing a copy of Plan B, the retail price is $14.99 (Paperback), and is available at places like Amazon.com for $10.19.  I gave it four stars.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their Book Review Blogger 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 Should a Christian Live (Review)

On By pastorjonathanIn books, Devotional, discipleshipLeave a comment

The Word of Promise Next Generation New Testament Devotional: How Should a Christian Live? (The Word of Promise: Next Generation Devotional & Journal) is an awesome resource.  I was blown away at the thought that went into developing this book.  I’m a student pastor and always looking to review teen oriented Bibles, Bible studies, devotionals etc.  To be honest most of the stuff that comes across my desk is lame.

Here is what I really liked…

(1) The scripture in MP3 format that goes along with this devotional. I love the idea of having audio files of the Bible on my students ipods and in their ears.  By the way this is one of not those boring audio Bibles where some dude with a British accent reads to you (my apologies if you are British).  The readers are mostly teenagers and read with passion ensuring that each file has a chance of being listened to.  I’m a 30ish year old dude and I still didn’t mind having a teenager passionately read the scriptures to me on my ipod.

(2.) The message of salvation is front and center in the book.

(3.) It has games like cross word puzzles and jumbles to help get the message across. Though I’m not a big fan these kind of games personally, I do see the value in how it engages the mind and kind of makes it fun.

(4.) Teens are encouraged to listen to four or five chapters of scripture at a time.

The only draw back I saw was that each section may be a little long for a daily devotional.  This resources is probably better suited for a weekly Bible study (there are only 12 sessions).

I would recommend it to middle school and  high school freshman & sophomores who are willing to make a serious effort to get into God’s Word.  The retail price is $15.99 (Paperback), and is available at places like Amazon.com for $11.51.  I gave it four stars.

Disclaimer: As a blogger I received a complimentary review copy from the Thomas Nelson’s Book Review Blogger program  (http://booksneez.com/ ).  There was no requirement to give it a positive review, just for the reviewer to call it like they see it.

Other teen related Reviews:

For Teen Parents:

“This Little Prayer of Mine” (Children’s Book Review)

On By pastorjonathanIn booksLeave a comment

This Little Prayer of Mine is a great book to read your small children before bedtime.  It is short. It has great illustrations that allow for childlike speculation on what is happening in the story.  It rhymes. It contains simple childlike thoughts that kids might really have given a situation.  My daughter enjoys having me read it to her.

We have already been teaching our children to pray and have been practicing bedtime prayers, meal prayers, as well as various prayers of thanks or concern throughout our day.  This book has been good to supplement the idea that it is okay to take matters to God in prayer, but hasn’t been particularly instructional in our case.

Over all it is a good book and I would recommend it for parents with young children. This Little Prayer of Mine is a great resource. The retail price is $12.99 (Hardcover), and is available at places like Amazon.com for $9.35. I gave it four stars.

Disclaimer:  This book was provided for review by the WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group.  There was no requirement to give the book a good review.  Just to review it and tell you what I really think.

Other Resources for Children

Sammy and His Shepherd

The Lightlings

The Prince’s Poison Cup

What’s In the Bible? with Buck Denver

The Children’s Storybook Bible

Review: Does God Exist (DVD Series)

On By pastorjonathanIn books, VideoLeave a comment

I was excited to be able to review Does God Exist? Kit: Building the Scientific Case (TrueU) (affiliate link) this weekend.  It is the first in a series produced by Focus on the Family.  I watched all ten 30 minute video segments and reviewed the accompanying discussion book.

I really enjoyed watching the lectures by Dr. Stephen Meyer.  He has a witty and somewhat engaging personality.  The videos though are very much like college lectures and in my opinion are geared for young adults or maybe high school juniors and seniors.  The sessions present basic philosophical arguments based on scientific data for the reasonableness of theism (and hopefully in particular Christianity).  While Dr. Meyer does provide a great critique of a few objections to theism from other world views (the naturalistic or material worldview in particular), in this series he does not provide a steady way forward (though it is my understanding that there is a second series coming out in regards to the reliability of Scripture).

The accompanying book does a great job of highlighting key concepts taught in the lecture.  It also includes three follow up questions per section to use as discussion starters.  The value of this resources is probably found in a group format.  Groups can meet, review the DVD material, and follow up with discussion.

This is a great resource but it doesn’t contain a strong way forward (I suspect that is coming up in a second series).  I would recommend it to student pastors and home school parents to use with high school seniors or young adults.  In my opinion it isn’t a great stand alone series, but is a great introduction to some of the arguments that students will face on secular school campus.

The retail price is $39.99(2 DVD’s and a small book). It is also available at places like Amazon.com for $27.57 (affiliate links). I gave it 4 Stars.

Disclaimer: As a blogger I received a complimentary review copy from Tyndale House Publishers through the Tyndale Blog Network program.  There was no requirement to give it a positive review, just for the reviewer to call it like they see it.

Rick and Bubba’s Big Honkin’ Book of Grub (A Review)

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Rick and Bubba’s Big Honkin’ Book of Grub is a hilarious book about all things food.  From diets and restaurants to mixed meats and less than contextual quotes from the Bible, Rick and Bubba share their insights, pet peeves, and self-declared days of food celebration.  They certainly had me laughing all along the way.

This is a great book full of southern redneck humor.  Rick and Bubba’s Big Honkin Book of Grub contains insights like why you should eat bacon, rules for church pot-luck, real tips on  etiquette (like use only one fork and what foods you should eat with your hands) and the correct spelling of giblet (or is it jiblet?).   They are not afraid to cover difficult issues and ask hard questions like, “Why isn’t spam on  restaurant menus?” and the great dressing versus stuffing debate.

In a world full of diet books and exercise programs it’s good to sit back and laugh about food every now and then.  I normally don’t read books like this, but was looking for something out of the ordinary.  I’m glad I picked this one up. I needed a good laugh.

Is a great book for good laughs, but it doesn’t really stand out.  I would recommend it to anyone who appreciates good southern Redneck humor.  The retail price is $16.99 (Paperback), and is available at places like Amazon.com for $11.55.  I gave it three stars.

Disclaimer: As a blogger I received a complimentary review copy from the Thomas Nelson’s Book Review Blogger program  (http://booksneez.com/ ).  There was no requirement to give it a positive review, just for the reviewer to call it like they see it.

What is your Favorite Children’s Book? (Give Away)

On By pastorjonathanIn books, Family, parenting2 Comments

It seems like these last few days I have been covered up with kid stuff so I thought one more day couldn’t hurt.  But rather than me telling you about kids resources, why don’t you tell me.  I want to know your favorite Children’s book! It can be a book that someone read to you when you were a kid, a book that you read to your kids, a book your kids read or whatever.  In the comments section give me the title of the book and what makes it special to you.

I happen to have an extra copy of the book pictured above (This Little Prayer of Mine) and will draw a winner from those of you who post. (I’ll Draw on Good Friday, April 2nd).  If you win I’ll contact you via e-mail and let you know.  In the mean time here are some posts on kids stuff that I’ve done over the last few months.

Sammy and His Shepherd (This is my favorite kids book to date)

The Lightlings

The Prince’s Poison Cup

What’s In the Bible? with Buck Denver

The Children’s Storybook Bible

Jesus Story Book Bible

On By pastorjonathanIn books, Devotional, discipleship, Family, parenting, spiritual disciplines1 Comment

I finally found an Easter gift for my children.  The video below is from the Jesus Storybook Bible.  I ordered the Jesus Storybook Bible Deluxe Edition from Amazon.com ($16.49) and it should be in our home by the time this is posted.  After we have had a chance to read it through and evaluate it, I’ll post a review.  In the mean time check out the video below concerning the resurrection of Jesus and take time to show it to your kids and talk about the meaning of the resurrection of Jesus.

I was turned on to this resource from reading the blog of an old college friend Tim Brister, you can view his blog at http://www.timmybrister.com

Easter Book Club (50 Reasons Why Jesus Came to Die)

On By pastorjonathanIn blogging, books, Devotional, discipleship, spiritual disciplinesLeave a comment

I want to invite you to read a book with me and take a deeper look at why Jesus came to die.  Over the course of 50 days I will be reading a 127 page book (not exactly an overwhelming task).  In the process I will be blogging my response to what I have read each day and posting it here.  You are invited to participate.  Read along in the book, read my comments and share some of your own.

We will be starting on Easter Sunday.  Below is the scoop on the book, why I chose Easter, where you can get a copy of the book, and the schedule so we can read along together.

A few years ago John Piper wrote a book entitled, Fifty Reasons Why Jesus Came to Die.  Each chapter is approximately 2 pages in length and covers one of the fifty reasons.  I must warn you that though the chapters are brief, they are not always easy to process.  I have found in the past that reading one brief two-page chapter a day helps me to process the content of each chapter before moving to the next.

Easter is the time where we celebrate the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus and Pentecost is the time we celebrate when the Holy Spirit came and empowered the followers of Jesus to bear witness to his death, burial and resurrection.  Coincidentally (or not so coincidentally) there are 50 days between Easter and Pentecost.  This provides a great time to read Fifty Reasons Why Jesus Came to Die and meditate on the reasons Christ’s death (and resurrection) were necessary.

I will read a chapter a day according to the schedule and posting my response here on this blog.  I want to invite you along on the journey and share your thoughts here as well.  You will need to obtain your own copy of the book.

The following is a PDF of my schedule for reading: 50 Reasons Why Jesus Came to Die – Reading Guide.

“Everyone Communicates, Few Connect” By John C. Maxwell

On By pastorjonathanIn books3 Comments

I was excited when I first got this book in the mail.  I have been reading up on making connections with people and have How to Win Friends and Influence People back in my reading rotation.  I was hoping that Everyone Communicates, Few Connect: What the Most Effective People Do Differently would be similar in nature.  I wasn’t let down, but I wasn’t overly impressed either.  The concepts you will find in Everyone Communicates, Few Connect are basic and can be found in just about any good communication book including How to Win Friends and Influence People.

It helps that this book was written by John Maxwell and he has tried to include input from his blog readers. However, in the opinion of this reader the book does contain excessive use of the pronoun, “I,” even when belaboring the point that to connect you must focus on others.  I appreciate John Maxwell and certainly would agree that he knows a whole lot about what he is talking about, I just don’t think he communicated it in the same way he challenges his readers to communicate.  Over all I really liked the book.  Again the concepts are practiced and true.  The credibility of Maxwell’s personal experiences definitely add value to the book.

Everyone Communicates, Few Connect is a reasonably good book on the basics of communication.  The retail price is $25.99 (Hardcover), and is available at places like Amazon.com for $17.15.  I gave it four stars.

Disclaimer: As a blogger I received a complimentary review copy from the Thomas Nelson’s Book Review Blogger program  (http://booksneez.com/ ).  There was no requirement to give it a positive review, just for the reviewer to call it like they see it.