The Discipline of Grace by Jerry Bridges

“So where the law condemns, grace forgives through the Lord Jesus Christ. Where the Law commands but gives no power, grace commands but does give power through the Holy Spirit who lives and works within us.”

In his book, The Discipline of Grace, Jerry Bridges examines the process of sanctification within the Christian faith. Bridges illustrates how salvation by grace and salvation by works are not dichotomies, but rather intertwined concepts. Salvation is purely by grace. He argues that works are then performed as a result of being saved, instead of being performed to gain salvation. Grace continues to influence us by giving us the power to exercise discipline and perform works. Therefore, the two concepts cannot be separated.

The Discipline of Grace is the perfect book for helping Christians become more like Jesus. It provides a concise but informative overview of the Gospels. Bridges also shows how to incorporate these teachings into daily life. The book urges readers to stop and list their own vices. Bridges then goes onto explain how to overcome personal vices through scripture mediation. Everyone serious about pursuing holiness must read The Discipline of Grace.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from NavPress Publishers as part of their Blogger Review 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 Commision's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

Angry: a Novel by Laura L. Smith

Thrust into the center of her parents’ bitter divorce, Emma Monaghan is surrounded by pure anger and confusion, in Laura L. Smith’s Angry: a Novel. Being the oldest of six children, she has the weighty responsibility of caring for her siblings. Things only get more intense as her father seems to spontaneously have an affair and leave their family. Emma feels as if everyone is blaming her for the divorce. Her only escape comes from the theatre as she assumes the role of Eponine for Victor Hugo’s Les Misérables. The play serves as metaphor for Emma’s own life.

Many teenagers will be able to easily relate to Emma’s experiences. In addition to divorce, the short novel addresses many other serious issues such as adultery, alcoholism, eating disorders and teenage pregnancy. Mixed into these issues are the average teenage concerns of fashion, cars, friends and gossip. Although religion does eventually play a large role in the novel, it does not dominate the text. Emma finds herself turning to God during hard times, but does not seem to devoutly believe in Him. Her conversations with God gradually move from casual comments to heartfelt exchanges. Angry is a great novel that accurately describes what it is like to be a teenage girl. I highly recommend this book to teenagers looking for a novel to identify with. Adults wanting insight into the teenage girl mind will also benefit from this great novel.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from NavPress Publishers as part of their Blogger Review 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 Commision's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

Blind Hope by Kim Meeder and Laurie Sacher

Animal lovers will not deny the remarkable connection that forms between pets and their owners. Kim Meeder portrays this bond in her book, Blind Hope: An Unwanted Dog & the Woman She Rescued (2010). While operating Crystal Peaks Youth Ranch, Meeder is united with a woman named Laurie Sacher. For much of her life, Laurie attempts to mask her true self by taking on various masquerades. Trying to persuade herself of her own kindness, she decides to adopt a needy dog that she imagines to still be grand and beautiful. As she first sets eyes on the dog her original visions are replaced with an underweight, blind, diabetic dog. Reluctantly, Laurie adopts the dog. Through much struggle, an amazing relationship develops between Laurie and her dog, named Mia, which eventually brings her to accept Christ as the Savior.

Laurie’s story, told through the perspective of Kim Meeder, is touching and heartbreaking at times. The relationship between Laurie and Mia is so well-depicted that it can honestly be felt by the reader. Although I had expected the book to focus more on Mia instead of her owner’s conversion, I was not disappointed. The book shows how God uses different methods to bring people to faith. While overall an amazing book, Blind Hope did have one small shortcoming with respect to dialogue. Laurie’s dialogue is conversational and realistic. However, some of Kim’s responses are too rote and unbelievable. At many times, it seems as if Kim’s responses are performed and impersonally. Nevertheless, I highly recommend this book to others interested in conversion stories.

Note of Disclosure: "I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review."

Topical Memory System (TMS) by The Navigators

The Topical Memory System (TMS) uses a simple technique to teach you how to memorize scriptures that can be recalled during hard times. The kit contains a workbook, booklet of perforated 2½" x 1¾” flashcards and a flashcard holder. Eight different versions of each verse are included in the program. The workbook provides a plan to learn two scriptures a week for thirty weeks. Quizzes, tips, and discussion questions are included with each weekly Bible study.

Although the methods employed in this book are very basic, they actually work shockingly well. When reviewing scripture, the program stresses saying the topic, the reference, the verse, and then the reference again. This will help to categorize the verses as well as ensuring that you can locate the verses in the Bible. Once a set of scriptures have been memorized, it is important to practice them in any spare moments of time that arise.

I am very surprised at the progress I am making with the Topical Memory System. Memorizing information has never been my strong point, but I am actually able to do it with this program. I highly recommend this program to others. It is very easy to jump into and start building your own scripture reservoir. Once I started learning, I found myself repeating scriptures while scrambling eggs or vacuuming. Anyone serious about Bible study should absolutely invest in this program.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from NavPress Publishers as part of their Blogger Review 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 Commision's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

Becoming a Woman of Simplicity by Cynthia Heald

Careers, spouses, children, volunteerism and chores are just a few of the urgencies that women face. Cynthia Heald’s Becoming a Woman of Simplicity (2009) teaches women how to de-clutter their lives and reduce unnecessary distractions. Each chapter of this eleven-week Bible study follows a strict pattern. She opens each chapter with a scripture, quotation from a Christian writer and anecdote from Heald’s life or someone close. She then directs readers to different Biblical passages and provides discussion questions. Finally, she ends with a “thoughts from an older woman section” and a suggested verse to remember. Heald’s bible study can be used in groups or by individuals.

Giving the recent technology developments that place computers, smart phones, and other devices constantly within our grasps, Heald’s claim that simplicity outranks multitasking seems outdated at first glance. Heald, however, clearly explains that our ever-present goal in life should be to get closer to God. To do this, we must ensure that we make the most efficient and best use of our time. Unfortunately, it is sometimes difficult to discern between a good use of our time and the best use of our time. For example, Heald experienced this when she enrolled her children in daycare so that she could take the time to read to orphan children. Heald thought she has doing the best thing with her time until God explained to her that she should be at home with her own children.

Becoming a Woman of Simplicity is a great book for someone who feels overwhelmed by their daily responsibilities. Heald proves that it is still possible to live a simple life even in a technology-driven world. Although directed to women, men will also be able to profit from this book. I highly recommend this book as a method to overcome stress.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from NavPress Publishers as part of their Blogger Review 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 Commision's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

Rules to Live By: 52 Principles for a Better Life by Jerry White

Jerry White’s Rules to Live By shows readers how to live more pleasurable, organized and successful lives. The short book consists of 52 chapters grouped into three sections: A Better You, Relationship Rules, and Enhancing Your Work and Effectiveness. While the book covers obvious principles such as organization, communication, and faith, it also addresses some less common ideas. For example, White stresses that people should strive to be both losers and winners. A successful life should strike a balance between the two extremes. White also emphasizes the importance of reading, writing, and even doing some things poorly.

52 Rules to Live By is a great book. These sections can be read straight-through or in a random order. Since the chapters do not have to be read in order, White does repeat himself at times. Several times in the book, White recounts the same stories from his days in the Air Force. He also repeatedly states his love for playing handball, which I found somewhat humorous because it shows how much he truly loves the game. Although the chapters are short and the writing style casual, the lessons are influential and valuable. I will definitely take White’s advice and implement one his techniques into my life each week. I highly recommend this book to others.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from NavPress Publishers as part of their Blogger Review 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 Commision's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

The Treasure of God’s Word: Celebrating 400 Years of the King James Bible by Jack Countryman

Leather-bound and gilt-edged, Jack Countryman’s The Treasure of God’s Word commemorates the 400^th anniversary of the King James Bible. The book contains forty-five short sections that illustrate God’s love and compassion for his followers. Each section contains about ten verses, with no commentary or added information, from the King James Bible. Examples of sections include God’s Wisdom, God’s Kindness, God’s Power, Our Salvation, Our Heart, and Our Courage. A brief historical account of the creation and popularization of the King James Bible is interspersed throughout the book.

Countryman’s compilation is not designed to be an in-depth Bible study resource. It is a beautiful book to display or give as a gift. While the historical information is very basic, it is a great introduction for someone with no knowledge of the creation of the Bible or a refresher for someone who has forgotten.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their 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 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”