Sabbath (The Ancient Practices Series) by Dan B. Allender

“The Sabbath is the day to experiment with beauty that teases your hunger to know more glory….What intrigues, amazes, tickles your fancy, delights your senses, and casts you into an entirely new and unlimited world is the raw material of Sabbath.”

Remembering the Sabbath is perhaps the most misunderstood of the Ten Commandments. It is typically seen as a day of forced religious attendance and rest. In his book, Sabbath (2009), Dan B. Allender provides a much different interpretation of this holy day. He claims that the Sabbath should not focus on merely abstaining from labor and sitting idly in a recliner. Instead, the day should involve activities that bring us the greatest pleasure. Fly-fishing, cooking with a loved one or reading a favorite author are all examples of Sabbatical celebrations, according to Allender. As he explains, personal delight is the key to keeping the Sabbath holy.

Although Allender does provide an interesting explanation of the Sabbath, his book is disappointing in several aspects. First, there is very little biblical support for his arguments. The majority of the book consists of anecdotes from Allender’s life. Since the book claims to “expel the myriad of myths about this ‘day of rest’”, I had expected a more scholarly approach to the topic. Second, there is little practical advice on how to actually honor the Sabbath correctly. He instructs the reader to plan a day of extreme pleasure, but does not provide any real advice on doing this. Instead, Allender alludes to how he and his wife celebrate the Sabbath. Finally, Allender makes bold claims that are not fully supported. For example, he argues that Sabbath should be rooted in nature without connecting this claim to any scripture.

In spite of its flaws, Sabbath is still a decent read. I find Allender’s conception of the Sabbath more appealing than traditional practices. While this book is not designed for serious or academic Bible study, it is a quick read that introduces a new view of the Sabbath.

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.”

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.”

Transforming Church in Rural America by Shannon O’Dell

In his book, Transforming Church in Rural America, Shannon O’Dell explains how he converted a tiny rural Arkansas church into a multi-site campus with added virtual followers from all over the world. O’Dell turned down several great positions at large urban churches to work at a poor church in the boonies. While his good intentions were often met with resistance, O’Dell continued and formed Brand New Church.

This book is geared towards helping rural pastors overcome the struggles of ministering to small churches. He explains the five most important “V.A.L.U.E’s” needed for a successful church: vision, attitude, leadership, understanding, and enduring excellence. For O’Dell, vision is the most important. Without a vision, growth is not possible because congregates are not willing to wholeheartedly contribute without direction.

Transforming Church in Rural America is motivational for pastors or average people with a project of their own. O’Dell’s advice can easily be applied to other situations. For example, O’Dell advises readers to realize they can do the impossible. “We do what seems logical,” O’Dell writes, “things the Church can do in its own strength, things in our comfort zones” (64). However, visions should be larger. They should require much prayer to be possible.

In addition to his wise message, O’Dell interweaves telling anecdotes that reveal the personalities found in some rural churches. He explains the stress he underwent as board members refused to fill a sandbox for children. And, the massive hatred he experienced because he proposed that the church pews be replaced with more efficient seating. Trivial things such as these honestly brought O’Dell to tears.

Overall, O’Dell’s book is a great motivational read. I highly recommend this book to others whether they are pastors or not.

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.”

Outlive Your Life by Max Lucado

Thousands of children die from preventable diseases. Young women are sold into sex trafficking by their poor families. Millions go to sleep with an empty stomach. Similar stories fill daily newspapers.

The amount of suffering in our world is overwhelming. However, Max Lucado challenges his readers to do something about it. His book, Outlive Your Life (2010) urges readers to make a difference in someone’s life by following the wisdom found in the book of Acts. While no one can solve all of the world’s problems, Lucado shows how anyone can still have an impact. This may come in the form of purchasing a homeless person a burger, inviting a lonely coworker over for dinner, or traveling to another country to help build homes. No matter what situation we are in, God has equipped us to help others.

Since this was my first Max Lucado book, I was not sure what to expect. However, I found that this book actually inspires me to want to help others. Lucado’s anecdotes show how small deeds can have powerful results. Each of the short chapters opens with a biblical scripture and ends with a prayer. Anyone who feels they do not have the tools to make a difference should pick up a copy of Outlive Your Life. Since 100% of the author’s royalties will be donated, you will already be on your way to helping others.

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.”

The Boy Who Changed the World by Andy Andrews

Andy Andrews’s children’s book, The Boy Who Changed the World, teaches young readers how each of their actions—whether good or bad—can have worldwide effects for generations to come. The book opens with a young Norman Borlaug playing hide-and-seek in a corn field with his sisters. Recalling his father’s warning, Norman is careful to not trample the corn plants. He tells Norman he should be happy because they are lucky to have enough to food to eat. It is at this moment, that Norman challenges himself to find a way to produce enough corn to feed more people worldwide. The book then moves back to review the earlier generations that enabled Norman to eventually attain his goals.

This is a great book to teach children proper behavior. Instead of emphasizes the consequences of a bad behavior, the book stresses the wonderful things that can happen with good intentions. Moreover, it shows children that no goals are too big to strive for. Andrews’s even includes a religious message towards the end. He stresses that each child was made by God for a specific purpose. Not only is the content inspiration for children, but beautifully illustrated pages will attract even the youngest readers.

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.”

The Butterfly Effect by Andy Andrews

In The Butterfly Effect, Andy Andrews traces how a schoolteacher named Joseph Lawrence Chamberlain was victorious in a seemingly impossible 1863 battle. The story does not end here, but goes on to show how Chamberlain’s one decision continues to affect people worldwide even today. By doing so, Andrews attempts to show his readers how each of our decisions have lasting effects on us, our neighbors, and even our future generations. Thus, it shows readers just how important each individual is. Andrews interweaves this tale with the stories of other famous historical figures including George Washington Carver, Norman Borlaug, Henry Wallace, and others.

As I first started reading The Butterfly Effect, I had no idea how Andrews would manage to connect a stubborn war colonial to my life in meaningful and lasting way. Andrews was very successful in doing this. He did not simply give a rote answer saying, “The United States would not exist without Chamberlain’s decision and you would be living a different life.” Quite the contrary, I was emotionally touched by Andrews’s analysis. This book would make a great gift to show someone how important they truly are. Each of the pages is elaborately decorated. Overall, this gift book was a very quick read that I could not put down.

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.”

Living with Confidence in a Chaotic World: What on Earth Should We Do Now? by Dr. David Jeremiah

When things seem to be shattering around us, it is sometimes difficult to keep faith and adhere to Christian teachings. Dr. David Jeremiah’s Living with Confidence in a Chaotic World: What on Earth Should We Do Now? teaches readers how to overcome these setbacks and live prosperous lives. Each of the ten chapters is dedicated to a different confidence-building technique. Dr. Jeremiah urges his readers to remain calm, compassionate, constructive, challenged, connected, centered, confident, consistent, committed, and convinced. Each lesson is supplemented with personal anecdotes, current and historical events, films and entertainment, and of course, biblical references.

After reading Dr. Jeremiah’s earlier book, What in the World is Going On?, I was eager to begin reading his next book. Unfortunately, I am not as impressed by this book, as I was with his earlier one. While some remarkable points were made, the book seemed to drag on at times and I had to force myself to continue reading. The amount of facts and quotations was sometimes overwhelming. On the other hand, some of the most memorable points for me are the importance of bible study—both individual and communal. Another piece of simple (both helpful) advice to remain confident during troublesome times, is to ask ourselves, “If the savior returned this moment, would I be proud or ashamed of the act I was currently doing?” Overall, Dr. Jeremiah’s book is a good read for anyone needing an extra religious boost.

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.”

What in the World is Going On? 10 Prophetic Clues You Cannot Afford to Ignore by David Jeremiah

I have to admit, I was very skeptical when I first picked up Dr. David Jeremiah’s What in the World is Going On? 10 Prophetic Clues You Cannot Afford to Ignore. Dr. Jeremiah gathers ten biblical prophecies that predict how the world will end. Not only does he give his interpretation of the future, but he uses historical facts to prove which parts of the prophecies have already come to pass. Islamic terrorism, the fall of Rome, Iran’s nuclear weapon capability, and the invasion of Israel, along with many other events, are all addressed in this book.

For a book so packed with historical case studies, biblical readings, and current event analysis, it is written in straightforward prose. Jeremiah fully supports each one of his claims and provides notes to where he obtained his information. It would be very difficult to try to argue against Dr. Jeremiah’s claims. Thus, I would absolutely have to recommend this book to others. Not only does it provide readers with insight into how the world will eventually end, but it helps us remain optimistic and continue to enjoy whatever time is left.

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.”

A Girl’s Guide to Life by Katie Meier

Katie Meier’s a Girl’s Guide to Life teaches young Christian girls how to become safe and happy teenagers and young women. The book is divided into three sections: Mind, Body and Soul. Not only does Meier tackle the expected subjects of self-esteem, peer pressure, and dating, but she also addresses other issues, such as sex, sexuality, dieting, fashion, and online activity, that affect young girls as they transition into teenagers.

I have to confess, I’m not a young girl or teenager; but, the book would have answered many of the questions I had growing up. The layout of Meier’s book (quizzes, fill-in charts, squiggley-line borders, and a nice lavender purple font) makes the book physically appealing. More important, is Meier’s content. Although the book is geared toward Christians, religion does not overwhelm the reader. Yes, she does provide biblical support for her arguments, but a non-Christian could easily enjoy her book. Because much of the book is concerned with dating, I suspect some strict Christian families may oppose it. Personally, the only complaint I have about the book concerns the age group Meier is honestly addressing. Some of her language seems like it is written for first graders. For example, she warns readers that “if they call a hotline, they will have to speak to a grown-up.” I’m pretty sure, most readers will know this. Nevertheless, I would recommend this book to young girls.

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.”