A very interesting little book from David Jeremiah.  He has written the book in a very sensible way, addressing questions that many people have and about the End Times.  I would say that the book would be best suited to those who have little or no knowledge on these topics, as it gives answers in an understandable way, but does not go into great depth on any one question. The topics explained are Current Events, The Rapture, The Tribulation, The Antichrist, The Second Coming, The Millenium and The New Heaven and the New Earth.  The size of the book is very compact (6 x 4) and would make an ideal gift.

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.”

Another thought-provoking book by Max Lucado.  The very short chapters and easy-to-read style have contributed greatly to the success of this book.  While I wouldn’t be in complete agreement with all his interpretations of biblical accounts, he does make some very valid arguments as to the way in which God uses very ordinary people for extraordinary things.  The vast amount of bible characters he discusses makes it easy for the reader to identify with at least one character and learn lessons from a particular story.

The chapter on Joseph was particularly interesting, as Lucado highlights the way in which God decided to plan the events of the Lord’s birth was probably not what Joseph had expected.  So often when things happen in a different way than we expect, we question whether it is God’s will or not. But Joseph still acted obediently despite the adverse and unusual circumstances.  He trusted in God more than his own plans.  I think this is something we could all learn to do in our daily walk with God.  Overall, the book was very encouraging, light reading.

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.”

Dave Ramsey has effectively compiled this book as an easy to use resource for people of all ages who need answers to financial questions.  Issues such as how to tackle huge debt, how to budget or how to teach children to manage money are all dealt with very clearly.  The question and answer format is very effective, as the book could just be used for reference only or as a complete guide to finance in general.  While being easy to read, it is not ‘easy reading’, in that Dave Ramsey is very direct in speaking the truth, eg. “your finances aren’t the problem, YOU ARE!”.  Many of us could learn a lot from the many home truths this book reveals.  I think his approach to finance and wealth is unlike many other books of its kind, because he very often uses biblical justification for his arguments.  Tithing, giving, labouring for our money are all ideals set in a Christian perspective and so I would recommend this book, and any of Dave Ramsey’s other books to Christians who are seeking financial advice.  My favourite quote in the book has to be “Money is like manure.  If you leave it in a pile, it stinks.  But if you spread it around, it does a lot of good.”

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.”

Greater Love by Robert Whitlow is Book 3 in the Tides of Truth Series.  Although I had not read the first two books in this series I was able to follow the story line easily.  Without a doubt it is one of the best Christian fiction novels I’ve read in a long time!  The fact that it only took me a few days to read, bears testimony to this.  The book can be described as a legal/mystery novel, as the main plot involves a young lawyer who has just begun her legal career with a very challenging but intricate case.  As the story unfolds it is clear that the book also has many spiritual themes as well.  Ideas of faith and providence are brought out very well in the course of the book, as well as having a romantic story line embedded in a very subtle way.  Overall the book was very inspiring and a great encouragement as it reminded me of the way God can work in and through many difficult circumstances.

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.”

‘A Century Turns’ is a descriptive account of the political history in America between 1988 and 2008.  Bennett analyzes the highs and lows of the two decades, whilst raising questions about the extent to which the past will help us learn how to deal with the future.  He brings us up to date and describes the point at which we are at as another turning point in American and indeed global history.

I think the plain and easy to understand language of the book really helps the reader to get a realistic grasp of the events Bennett is describing.  His personal feeling and opinions are not portrayed in such a way as not to be biased but actually give more of a credibility to the descriptions because he writes very openly and frankly.  The book would be of particular use to those who needed a general overview of this period in time for study purposes, but also it makes a very enjoyable read to someone who just enjoys reading history books.  The book most definitely made me think about the way in which the world and politics has changed in the past twenty years and I think I agree that we are at a pivotal point in a global sense, because we have so much experience to learn from.  But will we act based on previous experience or not?   Only time will tell.

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.”

This is one of the most challenging books I have read in a long time. C. F Stanley outlines seven essential areas in our lives which need to be given serious attention if we are to reach our full potential for God.  Not only does he look at spiritual aspects but he also challenges the reader to make all parts of everyday living dedicated to God, using the gifts and abilities we have been given.  All of the arguments he presents are based on scripture.

Written in a very down-to-earth, gentle way, the book was easy to understand and in my opinion theologically sound.  Many of the issues raised are very challenging and made me ponder about alot of areas in my life where I could make improvements and perhaps allow for more spiritual growth and room for God to speak to me more.  As the book progressed it became more interesting and I found myself wanting to read more and more everyday.  Each chapter was used as a building block for the next chapter and so the writing was very cohesive and by the end of the book, a clear picture had been painted as to how we can try to reach our full potential for God.  While it would obviously be a good book for new converts, I would also recommend it to all Christians, as it is so easy for us to become complacent in a our walk with God, and a few reminders of how to walk closely with God are always healthy for our spiritual growth.

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.”

I recently borrowed this autobiography from a family member.  I am very rarely interested in autobiographies, but as it was recommended to me I thought I would have a look.  By the time I was half way through the book I couldn’t put it down!  The author outlines his personal background, including details of his Christian upbringing, his school years and then primarily onto his career as a prison officer. He is among the unique generation of people who can explicitly remember the beginning of The Troubles and has lived on to see how the current political situation has spanned out.  From this perspective, the book makes an interesting read to those who are too young to remember the events that took place over the three decades of terrorism.

What has really been highlighted to me through the book, is the important and sacrificial part that prison officers and their families played in the war against terrorism in Northern Ireland.  Personally I had never thought about the way in which prison officers came under just as much attack from terrorists as the police and army.  In some way, I feel that they have almost become the forgotten part of the picture for many people today, particularly those who have no experience in The Troubles, myself included.

Being born in the late 1980’s, my knowledge of The Troubles has always been based on what I’ve been told.  In all my history lessons in school, despite learning much about The Troubles, it was never presented to me in such a way as what I have read in this autobiography.  It is easy for us the read about 1983 breakout from the Maze Prison, or the dirty protest, and just analyse the facts and political consequences, without thinking about the staff who were a part of these unique moments in history.

I believe that more should be done to remember the sacrifices of the security forces in Northern Ireland including the Prison Service.  I would recommend this book to anyone who would like to learn more about The Troubles, as it is written from a perspective that is very rarely voiced, and is a very factual and detailed description of the life of William McKane.