Catchy Title...Shameful Truth

When Bad Christians Happen to Good People by Dave Burchett, as the title says, has a catchy title.  I had seen the book on the Blogging for Books website but avoided it.  After all, such a trite title cannot offer any fulfillment for my faith.  Truth, however, hurts; and this book stings.  I must admit it -- I was wrong.

Burchett's revised edition is not one for the modern Pharisee because he cuts to the heart like a surgeon.  This book hits you hard with a deeply personal experience that almost led his family away from church forever.  Why?  They, in their time of need, were not shown love, compassion, and grace.  As you read Burchett's offerings, the conclusion focuses on that final word -- grace.  We have become all-too-familiar with it and believe we understand it.  Unfortunately for those within and outside the church, we do not understand it; and even worse, we certainly do not live it.

God offers us a direct command in Matthew 5:16 to live a life so that others can see the graceful God who changed our lives.  Instead, we focus upon selfish wants and needs rather than demonstrating God's love to others.  In doing so, our testimony of Jesus Christ's redemptive work is cheapened.  If we live like the devil but claim to be children of God, then others will not have any interest in Christ.  In other words, our poor adherence to the principles of Scripture drives others further from God.

I am not the type of reader that likes books lacking deep exegetical analysis; however, in this case, I have made an exception.  Burchett struck a nerve.  As I was reading the book, I experienced the title from graceless believers and loved hearing his hard-hitting analysis of their actions.  Then, in an about face, he hit me hard because my joy in their reproof revealed that I also fit the title.  I was not being gracious and forgiving, which is the expectation of a Christian.

Your place in life does not matter, because this book will give you something.  We've all crossed "bad Christians," the challenge now is to not become (or continue to be) one of them.  

Disclosure of Material Connection:  I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review.  For additional details, please visit http://waterbrookmultnomah.com/bloggingforbooks.  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 25:  “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.

Small Nuggets but Not a Large Bar of Gold

In Wisdom Meets Passion, authors Dan Miller and his son Jared Angaza offer an interesting generational analysis that encourages the merger of wisdom and passion.  If you read that first sentence, you are probably wondering about the different last names, but I am not spoiling that discovery for yourself – read the book.  They contrast how “baby boomers” relied upon wisdom for living life and attaining goals while the current generation focuses more upon passion.  The best way to attain goals, in the thesis of the authors, is to merge the two by allowing wisdom and passion to flourish together.

The thought of converging wisdom and passion is rather interesting.  I was thrilled to see many of the quotes scattered throughout the book.  These seemed to be appropriately placed and always right on the money.  Despite my misgivings of this book (which will be further explained below), these nuggets justified the opportunity to read and review Wisdom Meets Passion.

The format of the book is interesting and, at times, detracted from the overall mission.  Dan, the father, would write the main text while Jared, the son, would add his thoughts in a dark orange font.  The son’s comments at times were in no way related to the flow of the book.  For instance, on pages 8-12, whereas Dan discussed how many of the rich and famous started in humble jobs but never gave up, Jared’s comments blasted those who criticize celebrity philanthropy.  The diatribe was unnecessary and disrupted the flow of the chapter’s intent.

Other comments were made and then not provided any detailed explanation – “time, money, and dogmatic religion as coping mechanisms created by man” (page 7).  What?  This statement is placed in a section where Dan has suggested flipping Maslow’s hierarchy of needs in that some people want to feel a connection more than accumulating stuff.  I could list other examples but Jared’s contributions in this book were less related to the content and more about the chance to put forth personal feelings on a wide variety of topics. 

Yes, Jared does exemplify the passion-focused individual who lived in a wisdom-oriented fashion; so he does offer contribution to the overall thesis.  His story is inspiring in that he stepped out and wisely made his passion into a reality.  It was these unhindered thoughts or less-than applicable comments that diminished the effectiveness of what he could offer to the overall book.

 This book seemed to be more of a self-help book without must focus on God.   The premise started with the belief of God-given talents but then shifted into what WE do with them – not how HE can use us for His plan.  Instead of a focus on God’s power and control over all, the manuscript became a “you can do it yourself” handbook.  It was not what I expected it to be and, in my opinion, I would not classify it as a “Christian book.”  

While there are some impressive endorsements from folks (i.e. Dave Ramsey), I was not a big proponent of it.  There are nuggets of wisdom within its covers, but I was hopeful for a book filled with them.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the 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.”

Unlikely but that's God's Way

Twelve Unlikely Heroes by John MacArthur is the third installment in his "Twelve Series" (my term not his).  It builds upon his previous works Twelve Ordinary Men (about the disciples chosen by Christ) and Twelve Extraordinary Women (an analysis of several prominent women in Scripture).  These descriptions of people go to show how that God uses the unlikely of the world to spread His gospel and, thus, bring glory to his matchless name!

Although a big MacArthur fan, I was somewhat disappointed with Twelve Unlikely Heroes.  This book did not have the depth and detailed analysis of his definitive disciples study (which I consider to be the best out there).  Granted, I have not read the second book in this name-sake series, so I am uncertain as to that book's standard; however, the third surely pales in comparison to the first.  For instance, the first book discusses the good, the bad, and the ugly of each disciple; but this third book seems to miss much of the bad and ugly for characters.  Obviously, nothing bad could be said of Enoch but the story of Esther was glossed over as a "cinderella" happen-stance that she stole the king's heart.  Historically, it was much more sinister than that glitz and glamor offering that could have truly matched the thesis of the book.

MacArthur, in his title, references heroes and then goes on to challenge the modern notion of a hero; yet, at the end, it seems to come back to a normal hero definition.  The overt evidence that made each person examined a hero was not clearly stated.  The tie-in of heroes not running away was missed at the end because both Mark and Onesimus ran -- they came back -- and the power of that restoration rested with God.  This book seemed more to focus on the people rather than the Person of God.

Do not let the title deceive you when you open the table of contents.  Yes, the book only has 10 chapters, but 2 of those chapters depict two individuals.  By far, my favorite chapter (and the strongest of the book) was on Enoch.  I learned so much about this Biblical man and his time period that it was inspirational.  Could God ever say that I existed to be pleasing to God.  If not, which it would not be said, then I have much to change through prayer and meditation upon God's Word.

While disappointed with the work, especially when compared to other MacArthur works, I am no, in any way, saying do not read the book.  You can and will learn, but do not have the expectation of a repetition of the quality of Twelve Ordinary Men.

Is God Your Shepherd?

God is More Than Enough, by Tony Evans, forces each reader to contemplate the question that is the title of this blog -- is God your Shepherd?  The answer determines everything else. 

Far too often, people want the blessings described in the last parts of the psalm but they do not want to admit that they are sheep.  Why?  As Evans says, sheep are dumb, dirty, and defenseless.  If we adopt a mental image that we are just like sheep, that forces us to swallow our pride by admitting that we need Him more than we need ourselves.  We are control freaks that expect the best because we are out front, and we cannot have a Shepherd if we are trying to be in control.

This book is quite thin, which makes it highly accessible for any reader -- deeply trained theologians or new Christians that want to grow in their faith.  I can imagine some deep thinkers viewing this book as too "light" for them but that simply means they have ignored the simple truths of this well-known psalm.  The over-familiarity that we have with Psalm 23 is part of that problem.  Evans has the ability to break this psalm into small, digestible chunks that leave you with a fresh view of it. 

Throughout the book, Evans hammers home his thesis that God is more than enough for everything.  The title is the first part of every chapter heading as he considers our spiritual, emotional, directional, physical and eternal needs. The chapters are peppered with illustrations that make the points real to anyone.

Because I know that God is more than enough, He is my Shepherd.  While easy to say and admit, the hard part is living it out on a daily basis.  So, is He your Shepherd?

The Search is Over

Joseph Loconte's book The Searchers is not a theological examination of Luke's account of the disciples on the road to Emmaus.  If that type of book is what you want, continue your search.

Quite frankly, when I started reading his book, I skipped the introduction to save time -- something I never do.  Loconte frustrated me by not delving more into an exegetical understanding of the passage.  It was only after completing the read that I perused the introduction and he captured me.  On page xx of the introduction, he shares his personal journey along his "Emmaus road" when he was there as his mom was diagnosed, fought, and succumbed to cancer.  Why did he capture me?  Simply, my own search has begun due to my mom being diagnosed with cancer and she is in the fight for her life.  With this unorthodox read of the book, I get it -- completely.

Loconte does not offer an exegetical analysis because he is not a trained theologian (yet, he reveals his angst in multiple places for Calvinistic beliefs).  He is a history professor - a man after my own heart - that opens up this story in a unique manner.  Clearly, Loconte is well-read and knowledgeable as he cites numerous historical works, movies, modern literature, and mythology to more fully develop the components of the story.  The end result is a refreshing read with some solid thoughts along this road.  My fear rests in a simple statement -- if God's Word is authoritative enough for us to entrust our eternal destiny, then we should be cautious in works about Scripture that do not study Scripture.

His struggle with his mother has certainly helped me as I try to make sense of what is happening with my mother; however, I do have a slight criticism.  My main critique is the somewhat open-ended conclusions at each chapter.  Some of the more modern works used to further his explanation dove-tailed nicely with his analysis of the road to Emmaus story, but others certainly did not.  Chapter 4 - The End of Illusions - is the one that stands out to me as needing a much better tie in to the Emmaus road story. 

At times, he skates on the thin ice of elevating God's love over His righteousness, which some may interpret as a relativistic bent of faith.  I do not perceive it that way and hope that the author was not suggesting a sacrifice of God's truth for man's gain.

A worthy read?  Yes.  Page 177 provides an absolutely delightful and pleasing summary to his entire work.  In less than 3 paragraphs, he draws it all together for you and I as searchers on our own personal roads to Emmaus.  If we look and listen, it may be that we find Jesus right there with us through His Word.  He may be there for purposes of comfort, revitalization, and commission.  The key is to never stop searching.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the 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.”

Tender Warrior but A Real Man

I had not heard of this book until I read Eric Blehm's Fearless which details the life of Adam Brown -- a Navy Seal who gave his life to Christ and, ultimately, gave up his life for the cause of freedom.  In that book, Adam mentions the book Tender Warrior; so when given the chance to read and review Stu Weber's classic work, I jumped on it.  If that Adam Brown, who was a rugged and inspirational soldier, could speak so highly of it, then I just had to explore its thoughts as well.

Normally, when I blog for books, I read through books quickly, underline them, and then blog about them.  For this book, however, I took a different approach.  I slowed down, read it thoroughly one chapter a day, answered all of the study questions, pondered its thoughts, studied other parts of Scripture, and gleaned as much as possible from this first read.

Weber challenges the cultural norms of manhood and says that real men follow the pattern revealed in Scripture.  When men are no longer godly men, the entire culture suffers.  In Scripture, the man is to lead the home but that does not elevate  him above a woman.  Weber says it well:  "function does not equate value."  Men are to head themselves first before they can ever expect to lead in the home.  Therein, though, lies the problem with our culture -- men have stopped leading themselves.  When a man acts like an adolescent, then why would a woman want to follow his leadership?  They would not.

Again, the Biblical version of manhood is not a tyrant but one that exudes a Christlike existence.  Lest we gloss over that fact, let's dig just a little and truly challenge your ideal of a man.  Jesus did the following:  lived a perfect life, loved others without a returned love, stood for the truth by rebuking error, acted sympathetically to those in need, poured His life into a small group, and surrendered His life to gain His bride (the church which consists of you and I).  As a man, do you live that way?  No, I don't either.  The power of this book is the Weber hammers away at you through the example of Christ and others in the Bible.

Simply, this book should be required reading for any man going through counseling in preparation for marriage.  It provides cogent insight for being a husband and a father.  Yet, the application does much deeper.  My son, when he becomes a teenager, will be given a copy of this book; and we will do a father/son book study to prepare him for the role that he will need to fulfill in God's world.

Men, get it and read it.  What a tremendous Father's Day present this would be to yourself!

 

Disclosure of Material Connection:  I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review.  For additional details, please visit http://waterbrookmultnomah.com/bloggingforbooks.  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 25:  “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.

An Absolute Must Read!!!!!

Eric Blehm’s Fearless is one of the best books I have read in recent memory.  Adjectives that I would use to describe it are:  riveting, inspirational, gutsy, patriotic, and redemptive.

It is rare that I review a book and do not offer any sort of criticism, but, quite honestly, Fearless is one such book.  The author did a masterful job of weaving together the whole story of an American soldier that ultimately gave his all for you and me.  While the writing demonstrates clear skill of the author, the material is rich and engaging for any reader.  Clearly, the compelling life of Adam Brown carries the reader through a roller coaster of emotions and the story does not end with his all-too-soon departure from this earth.  

The story traces the life of Adam Brown and shows his intense love for his home state of Arkansas.  A reader comes to understand that his character was forged at an early age including his penchant for danger (i.e. reenacting a movie scene of jumping off a bridge from a moving car) and sense of justice.  Somewhere along the way, due to some “friends” he associated with, Adam was sidetracked through addictions.  The greatest challenge of his life was overcoming that addiction even though he had the woman of his dreams and pursued his life’s dream of becoming an elite Navy SEAL. 

You learn about the rigorous and grueling training that must be endured to become a SEAL team member.  Although training accidents slowed his progress, Adam’s determination moved him forward closer to fulfilling his passion.  He had to step back and retrain himself in many areas to overcome those obstacles.  The author interjects some interesting anecdotes about Adam that quickly reveal why others thought so highly of him – all I can say is “fire ants” and will leave the rest for you. 

Ultimately, though, Brown’s story is one of redemption.  After hitting rock bottom and sitting in jail, he gives his life to Christ and accepts the free gift of salvation.  Yet, the circumstances of his life do not become prosperous and rosy.  He still struggles with his internal demons related to drug addiction, and he faces multiple setbacks along the way of making it onto Seal Team SIX.  Love, commitment, and teamwork ultimately helped him overcome but the struggle still remained.

This book is not just for military enthusiasts.  It can be used to help those battling with addictions.  It can be used to teach leadership lessons.  It can be used to engender a better appreciation for our men and women in uniform.  It can be used to show the powerful meaning behind the words often contained in wedding vows:  “in good times and bad.”  It can be used to impart tough love needed as a parent.  It can be used to encourage those going through difficulties.  It can be used to provide the importance of enjoying every waking moment of life and those that you love.

Please, get a copy of this book.  Read it and share it with others – you will not be disappointed!

Disclosure of Material Connection:  I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review.  For additional details, please visit http://waterbrookmultnomah.com/bloggingforbooks.  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 25:  “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.