Category — i LOVE books

Don’t laugh that I am reviewing a “mom” Bible! I was interested in the additional material and notes that would be included plus I don’t have a New Century Version Bible and was interested in the translation.

In general, a Bible is a Bible. And this one was no different. I didn’t particularly like the New Century Version (NCV) translation but I did not feel like it was a “bad” or untrue translation. To me, if felt over-simplified. The NCV has been described in the following way  “a completely new translation published by the American Bible Society in 1995. Originally intended as a children’s translation, it uses a very simple, contemporary style. It is independent of traditional translations and freer of “biblical” terms. This is an especially good translation for people who speak English as a second language.”

A few other comments on the translation itself:

• Rhetorical Questions: The NCV states rhetorical questions more directly and according to their implied answer. For example, “What god is so great as our God.” is translated “No god is as great as our God.”
• Figures of Speech: These are translated according to their meanings as opposed to the original words.
  
• Obscure Items: These are clarified in the NCV. For example “high places” is translated “places where gods were worshiped.”
  

The “Mom” Bible includes several special features:

• Each book is introduced to help you understand the historical, emotional, and spiritual context of the book using modern day analogies and situations.
• “Walking In” feature takes a look at our daily attitudes.
• “Passing It On” feature challenges us to focus on what really matters and what legacy we are leaving for our children.
• “Moms in the Bible” feature profiles moms and what we can learn from their lives.
• “Insights” provide short snipets of thoughts related to a specific Bible verse/verses.
• Other features include: Our God Is, Godly Character, Wonderful Counselor, and Questions Kids Ask

I did enjoy the “extra” material in this version. It is like a built in devotional book just for moms.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their BookSneeze.com <http://BookSneeze.com> 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 <http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html> : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

What does it mean to love your enemies? Who are our enemies? What does it mean to love your neighbor as yourself? Who are our neighbors? Could our enemies and neighbors be the same?

Two of the greatest commands in the Bible are “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind; and, ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.”

In Luke 10 Jesus was asked by an expert in the law “Who is my neighbor?” And Jesus responded with the parable of the Good Samaritan. Samaritans were HATED by Jews – they would cross the Jordan River when traveling rather than go through a Samaritan town. That the Samaritan would be the “neighbor” in the parable was disgusting to the Jew – so much so that when Jesus asks “Which of these three do you think was a neighbor to the man who fell into the hands of robbers?” in Luke 10:36 the Jewish man cannot even utter the word Samaritan but responds “The one who had mercy on him.”

How do we live out these commandments? Do we? Do others? This was the question that sent Ted Dekker & Carl Medearis across the world and deep into “enemy” territory. Their goal was not to engage in political discussions but to find out if people really believe and live by the command to love your enemies. They also seek to show the one thing we all have in common: humanity.

I did not have any expectations of this book. I had not looked too deeply into the purpose of its writing but Dekker is my favorite fiction author and another of his non- fiction books The Slumber of Christianity is one of my top-ranked books of all time, so of course I was going to read it.

The book takes you on a fascinating adventure through the Middle East where Dekker & Medearis meet with the top Islamic thinkers, military, freedom fighters and activists in the world. They meet with a top university administrator, a freedom fighter, a peace activisit, Hezbollah and Hamas – each meeting is laid out in transcript form so that the reader can form their own conclusions.

The book is fascinating and well written. The narrative of their Middle East journey is complimented by easy to understand history of the region and a modern-day parable to drive the point home. The overarching theme of the book is our humanity – we are all humans with families, joys, sorrow and obstacles.

So, how do we love our enemies? We can start by trying to understand them as our neighbors.

I have read a couple of books by Francine Rivers (Atonement Child and maybe 1 other) and thoroughly enjoyed them but generally I tend to “shun” her books. I don’t know if this is true but in my mind her books were too “old-timey” or were about pioneer women and that did not really interest me.

But, my Mimi LOVES Francine Rivers – she may have read all of her books. We were at her house visiting and she had just finished The Scarlet Thread and asked if I wanted to borrow it. I said, “No.” Then I changed my mind and decided to borrow it – I didn’t have to finish it if I didn’t like it did I?!?! Well, I did fnish it and it was a great read.

The story follows “two women centuries apart, joined through a tattered journal as they content with God, husbands – even themselves- until they fall into the arms of the One who loves them unconditionally.”

Sierra Madrid is the modern woman who had it all – until her husband takes a job in southern California and turns her life inside out. And Mary Kathryn McMurray is a pioneer woman trying to survive the Oregon Trail. Their life circumstances are similar yet are worlds apart as they try to depend on their own strength to get through hard times yet fail until they find God’s grace and love.

The one theme that really stuck out to me from this novel was that when we are feeling sorry for ourselves, or playing the part of the victim, we fail to see how we have (or are) contributing to the problem. It was a good reminder to take a step back and look at the big picture from an objective place every once in a while.

The Scarlet Thread is a great story about love, family, forgiveness and restoration.

Green by Ted DekKer is both the first and last book in the “Circle” series. I know that is really confusing but it is true. If you have read Red, Black and White then  Green is the series finale but if you have not read Red, Black and White then Green is the perfect place to start!

Ted DekKer is a seriously gifted author – all of his books are so complex both in character and story development but also in the spiritual truth he is expressing through a fictional story. I would compare DekKer as a Frank Peretti for the next generation (actually DekKer and Peretti have co-authored a book).

Green is both the end and the beginning for Thomas Hunter and the Gathering. The series is an analogy for sin entering the world, Christ’s sacrifice and plan for redemption and the coming glory of heaven. It did not disappoint but it was not my favorite in the series (I like the other 3 much better.)

I have to admit that I instantly became a fan of the series after reading Red several years ago but it is hard to describe to others the jist of the books – you get weird stares and looks like those books sound really weird! So, if you’re adventurous in your reading and you enjoy romance, fighting and intrigue you should give the “Circle” series a try. Personally, I would start with Red and end with Green.

And if you get hooked on Ted DekKer’s writings there are many, many more novels to read. But, I’ll warn you once you start reading you won’t be able to stop. Most of his novels are connected in some way and you have to pay attention to where characters may show up again and how the stories intertwine! I’ve read most of his books several times just to catch the cross-overs! Happy Reading!!

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Intervention by Terri Blackstock is a gripping story of one family’s struggle with addiction, pain, loss and grief.

“Barbara Covington has one more chance to save her daughter from a devastating addiction, by staging an intervention. But when eighteen-year-old Emily disappears on the way to drug treatment—and her interventionist is found dead at the airport—Barbara enters her darkest nightmare of all.

Barbara and her son set out to find Emily before Detective Kent Harlan arrests her for a crime he is sure she committed. Fearing for Emily’s life, Barbara maintains her daughter’s innocence. But does she really know her anymore? Meanwhile, Kent has questions of his own. His gut tells him that this is a case of an addict killing for drugs, but as he gets to know Barbara, he begins to hope he’s wrong about Emily.

The panic level rises as the mysteries intensify: Did Emily’s obsession with drugs lead her to commit murder—or is she another victim of a cold-blooded killer?”

Intervention was inspired in part by the Blackstock family’s personal experience with drug addiction. This book draws you in to the story immediately and you will find it hard to put it down. (My Mom and I both read it in a singe day!) You actually feel the characters grief, dispair and hope on each page of the story. It also includes a discussion guide and resources to access if you have a loved one struggling with any kind of addiction.

100 Bible Stories will soon be hidden in your child’s heart and bursting out in song. From Genesis and Revelation to Psalms, Proverbs, and Jesus’ parables, children will read their favorite Bible story and sing their favorite Bible song. Bible truths and Life Action Applications will help your child take these Biblical teachings to heart. 100 kid-friendly Bible stories, with adorable illustrations, are paired with two awesome CDs filled with 100 new arrangements of more than two hours of favorite songs, hymns, and spirituals. It’s a unique experience the whole family will enjoy!

I am sure that this book is great for kids! I was really looking forward to it – but I think there was a glitch in the system because I never got it

Nelson’s Illustrated Guide to Religions by James A. Beverly is a great introductory guide to world religions. It includes the beliefs of major religions, major leaders, different sects, what they believe about Jesus and how the Christian can effectively witness to them. It is a well written reference book – easy to read, with well done investigation and research. I also enjoyed the photographs of different religious sites from around the world.

I read the Guide to Religions cover to cover over the course of about 2 weeks. It was easy to read and well researched. The religions are arranged in alphabetical order in chapters. Not every chapter is organized the same way but I did not find that to be an issue. I have a small understanding of  religions but I really learned a lot. I do not think this book would appeal to those who have a good grasp on world religions and are looking for in-depth study and analysis. Though, the author does give suggested additional readings at the end of each chapter.  It was an interesting book to read even if it is a reference book! This one will stay on the bookcase for years to come.

To purchase Nelson’s Illustrated Guide to Religions: CLICK HERE

Christianity in Crisis by Hank Hanegraaff is a thought provoking and eye opening read. The author examines the “Word of Faith”  movement,better know as the “prosperity gospel,” within the Christian church. Hanegraaf exposes the Biblical flaws in their teaching and the heresy in the words and messages they are preaching to millions of people. The quotes from these famous evangelist range from the laughable to the downright frightening! Christianity in Crisis starts with a “Cast of Characters” that exposes the false teachings of prominent “Word of Faith” teachers including: Kenneth Copeland, John Hagee, Paul Crouch, Joel Osteen and Joyce Meyer.

Overall, Christianity in Crisis was an informative book about the false teaching within the Christian church. It not only informed and warned you about the false doctrine but attempted to equip you to know the truth for yourself so that you can recognize false teachings. The book was difficult to read – it read like a dissertation. In an attempt to make the points easy to remember Hanegraaff used acronyms. But, he used WAY too many. It’s impossible to keep up with the 10+ acronyms used in the book. Essentially, the book could have been condensed and the points made in a more concise manner. The same quotes and illustrations were used several times – a couple of times I stopped to make sure I wasn’t reading the same page over again. Not a book I would pick up just for the sheer pleasure of reading but definitely if I had questions about the “Faith” movement .

To purchase Christianity in Crisis: Click Here