Review: A Year with God
356769
A Year with God by R.P. Nettelhorst is a 365 day paper back devotional book. Each day contains an excerpt from the Old Testament along with a few paragraphs intended for deeper understanding.  While this book contains a moderate consistency in its visual form that is acceptable to my eye, I am left with feeling some things are missing in the content. I have not found anything to be in error, and I understand the point of the devotional is God's Word in the OT, but the absence of the New Testament makes the devotions feel incomplete.

The summaries, though helpful to get the point of the text, lack a depth of personal application to help tie in the information that had just been read, and seem to end abruptly. I am not new to seeking a deeper understanding of the Bible, and I love to gain more knowledge of Scripture, but I personally walked away feeling detached from what I just read. Suggestions that come to mind: Questions to make one think about applying the devotion to ones own life, or a suggested reading of additional scripture(s) in the NT that would tie in with that particular days reading.

Disclosure: I received this book free from the publisher through the 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."
561876
This book was wonderful. It gave me a perspective on forgiveness that I didn't have before. Some parts were difficult to understand at first and needed to be re-read. However, I can say that after reading this book - and it took me a good 6 months - I was a changed person. The book enabled me to see God in a different light. I have purchased this book as a gift and hope that it has a similar effect on the person I gave it to. I feel I changed for the better and those who I've recommended the book to also feel a spiritual growth and learned about themselves and their faith when reading the book.
2793857
Living within and loving Gods church requires an experience with God and his amazing grace, but it also requires an intentional decision to forgive and love people who are less than loveable, according to Rob Bentz in this book. It demands faithfulness and commitment to God, but it also demands faithfulness and commitment to his people.

Some of the wisdom contained in the book:

 The fact that God would call out a special group of people to love, draw to himself, call his own, shower with unspeakable grace, and then entrust with special roles and responsibilities in his kingdom work is quite astonishing.
 Without a clear recognition of Gods payment on behalf of his people, you and I will not see each other accurately. I won't see you as Gods sees youredeemed by the blood of his Son, Jesus.
 The church that Jesus is building is an eclectic, intriguing, quirky, diverse mess of humanity. Thats Gods way.
 Love is the one primary thing that God gave us to represent him. Thats why its nothing short of a tragedy when we do it so poorly.
 Genuine biblical encouragement is among the most frequently undervalued and over-assumed experiences of the Christ followers journey.
 Service is simply not about me, my happiness, my joy, my status, or my ability to cultivate a heartwarming story that I might one day tell others. At its core, service is about whom I am serving.
 Unity is the result of a great deal of heart-wrenching, God-seeking, others-forgiving effort. Jesus calls us to this immense personal and corporate challenge.

The church has become increasingly marginalized and seen as an irrelevant and outdated institution, even by followers of Jesus. The author makes a passionate defence of the church not as an idealized abstract idea but as the imperfect, complicated, difficult collection of people that it currently is. The book is reasonably short and interesting, but I am not sure how many readers will be willing to step up to the challenge of difficult unity when disposable relationships are so much easier.
1206233
Jesus walked this Earth for roughly 33 years.  We don't know much about the first thirty years, other than that His birth was pretty incredible, and He taught the teacher in the temple when He was twelve, but otherwise life before thirty is pretty hazy, but then Jesus goes to John and gets baptized, and everything changes.  For the next three years or 1,000 days, Jesus starts teaching, preaching, healing, and transforming common people into world changers.

Those incredible three years related in the Gospels are the subject of Jonathan Falwell's book: 1000 Days: The Ministry of Christ.

Falwell doesn't necessarily talk about those three years chronologically, but rather organized by themes.  He begins each theme with a modern day story to engage the reader, and then relates the story to a teaching or event in Jesus's three-year ministry.

Often times the Gospel is referred to as being simple much to the chagrin of the folks who write systematic theology textbooks, and I think Falwell would drive those folks crazy because 1000 Days is pure Gospel in its simplest terms, and I loved it.  I didn't learn anything new and Earth shattering, but I was reminded that my Savior shattered sin and death and set me free.  I was reminded that Jesus taught us how to love and what's important, and He did it in a way that was simple and approachable much to the chagrin of the teachers of the Law and the Pharisees.

Yes, 1000 Days is simple, but the simplicity of the Gospel is one of its most beautiful aspects.  There's no work, there's no special knowledge we need, no ritual, no fill in the blank.  The Gospel just says repent and believe; Jesus paid it all.

I definitely recommend Falwell's book if you find yourself needing a reminder of the simplicity of the Gospel.  This review was originally posted on Manifest Blog.

I received the book free from the publisher for review.  All opinions are my own.
4338314
WITH HIM is an illustration of an epic reveal of the Author's incredible journey in the pursuit of God and having a personal relationship WITH HIM. Her biblical references support her text. The book deals with the  peaks and valleys of her faith. In reading WITH HIM, I was emotionally involved because I have known the Author for years. I know her to be a person of deep faith. We often talk about how we go to God, one-on-one; how He walks with us and He talks to us.

This book is easy reading. I have read all of her books and have been inspired; LOVE SEARCH; POWER OF PERSEVERANCE and now WITH HIM.
1733207
This is a really interesting little book. It's written in the voice of God the Father, with short dialogue in italics that represent the author or reader's voice back. Each page starts with scripture (some familiar, some very intriguing and obscure), and ends with a short prayer. The "God voice" idea is the same as Jesus Calling, but the content, style, and tone of this book are very different. You can't really compare the two. (Read on.)

There is one entry per page, so you could read this daily (the way the introduction suggests) over three months. The entries vary in length and tone. Some are very gentle and encouraging. Some are very challenging, almost to the point of rebuking the reader. This is really different, and I like it. God never comes across as mean or bringing guilt, but he has tough love in a few entries for sure. I think that will appeal to lots of people who don't like typical devotionals, especially men who don't resonate with the softer tone of many daily devos.

The writing is really, really good. A lot of metaphor and poetic language. You sort of enter a "world" in the book filled with images from the Bible, that grows and develops as you go through it.

The physical book feels AMAZING--perfect for a small gift or group reading. The cover has a textured paper-y feel that is not like most glossy, flimsy paperbacks. Really nice.

All in all, I think this book is deep, beautiful, and encouraging. I can't think of anything else quite like it. Great for a more thoughtful, well-written devotional, even if you don't like other devotionals. Highly recommended.
563035
I really enjoyed reading The Sacred Year. Michael's raw honesty, and humble quest to find a life that is more deeply engaged in ancient and modern spiritual practices left me hungry and seeking for more. In our world of fast pace, I really am thankful for his transforming practices to deepen his faith and experience God in a more intimate level. I have found myself slowing down and appreciating the smaller things in life and the many blessings given to me from The Lord. This book was wonderful to read. It challenges and encourage you to go on your own journey for an intentional encounter with God. I recommend this book to everyone!
770897
Author Andrew Palau is the son of world-famous evangelist Luis Palau. Andrew grew up hearing and knowing about God, but he grew in the real world of drugs, alcohol and a teenager's longing for acceptance among his peers. Knowing he was special, he somehow missed learning what it was that made him special and became ordinary.

Opening this book, I somehow expected a tale of radical extraordinary awesomely awful behavior, redeemed by an earthshattering experience of God. But I found neither. Andrew Palau wasn't the most fallen young man out there. His life wasn't totally without redeeming features. His sins didn't break the mold though they may have wounded his parents' hearts. And his redemption wasn't one startling moment of brilliant light. Instead, I read of a young man, self-centered as teenagers often are, going off the rails but keeping it all together, making stupid mistakes, messing up his family's hopes and dreams, and his own, but coping okay. On a trip to Europe he runs out of money, sleeps rough on beaches, and narrowly avoids getting beaten up or arrested. But eventually, on a trip with his family, he meets the girl of his dreams and starts dreaming bigger.

Yes, he has an encounter with God. And no, he doesn't suddenly change overnight. His encounter leads to plans which fail. His new love leads to the threat of shattered hopes. And then, led by friends, surrounded by God's beauty, brought low by human failure and miserable guilt, he opens his eyes.

For any parent worried their teens will never learn, this is a wonderful book, full of reasons to keep praying, keep talking and keep sending those emails, sliding those faithful comments into their hearts. For any adult wondering if they've wandered too far from the road, this is a roadmap back with the promise that the journey's just a single step away. For anyone backsliding from what they thought was a whole new life, this is a lifeline--we all slide back.

Finally, for anyone who knows about God but doesn't think they're sins are hurting anyone, this book reveals the hidden hurts and offers the visible promise.

I enjoyed reading this. It made me think and it gave me more to think about. Plus it's an interesting well-written tale of a young man's fascinating life and it's an uplifting testimony.

Disclosure: I received a free copy of this novel from PR by the book in exchange for my honest review and participation in the book release.
1128203
My appreciation for the message in this book is overwhelming and resurges if I simply glance at its cover. The writing is intelligent, creative and engaging: Brennan paints a masterful picture of a loving God who reaches out for even (and especially) the worst of us.
To explain why this book spoke so beautifully to my heart, as the saying goes, "the taller you stand the farther you fall". I was for most of my young adult life a devoted and sincere Christian; I loved God and enjoyed His constant presence, was active in college Christian fellowship groups and mission trips and had intended on a life of mission work overseas. But during the year after I graduated from college, unforeseen circumstances - and weaknesses I didn't even know I had - cancelled my plans to "work for God".
Within the next year alone, my disappointment, feelings of being suddenly lost in world in which I'd previously thought to know my place and purpose, and a sudden sense of complete worthlessness left me reeling. I went from being what one might call a cookie-cutter Christian, admired as "shining with the light of Jesus", to struggling through severe depression, abusive drinking, eating disorders and unhealthy relationships. I contemplated suicide and often lied in bed crying with grief over what I thought must be God's deep, deep disappointment in me.
When I was introduced to The Ragamuffin Gospel by a dear friend "who knew me back when", I felt an inexplicable sense of relief after reading just a few pages. I felt I was engaging in a conversation with that rare type of person -- someone who understood how I felt, and better yet, had a sincere answer and hope to share.
In this book, Brennan tells many stories of people he has encountered along with other anecdotes that provide honest emotional moments to which each ragamuffin can relate. The author writes with a sincerity, which the reader comes to understand through his story, that stems from his also having to face inadequacies and disappointments with courage fueled by God's mercy.
This book will not be useful to anyone unaligned with the Christian faith, as its message is very Christ-centered. And for those whose faith is Christ-centered, Brennan points out in his foreword that this book is not for the Christians "who live only on the mountaintop and have never visited the valley of desolation." His proceeding illustrations of Ragamuffins includes this to which I most identify, "It is for the bent and the bruised who feel that their lives are a grave disappointment to God."
My copy of this book, like my spirit, has faded, been tattered and used. I will read it again and again -- it is truly enriching food for the soul.
495829
The book "Face To Face With God" is written in two sections. The first section is Jim Maxim's story of how being given a second chance by God changed his life. Once he shares this then he gives us the second section of the book title What's Next is a mixture of guidance and and teaching the reader on becoming a christian and what to expect.

The year is 1971 and eighteen year old Jim Maxim is six months out of high school and has just enlisted in the Marine's when he is in a car accident. The accident caused major damage to his face and it took three hundred stitches to close it up, but left his face disfigured. Jim had been drinking and using drugs since the eight grade, but while lying unconscious on the operating table he came face to face with those demons and when he thought all was lost Jesus appeared to him and gave him a second chance. He no longer wanted any part of his partying life, something his friends couldn't understand. After leaving the hospital Jim goes into the Marine's where it took numerous surgeries to repair the damage to his face.

There were parts of this book that I really enjoyed. I always like reading how God changes someone's life, and the experience Mr. Maxim shared was inspiring. I also enjoyed how he not only shares his life experience but also shares what happens after we become a christian, and shares just how important prayer is. A great little book where the author not only shares how God has worked in his life but encourages the reader to allow God to work in theirs.
A complimentary copy of this book was provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
3055112
I recently created a blog after learning from a friend that you could receive books for free in exchange for writing a review. I signed up through BookSneeze and chose A Year With God by R.P. Nettlehorst as my first book.  I chose this book because it is made up of daily reflections/readings on the words of God in the Old Testament which is not something I have come across often when searching for new devotional books. The book is broken down into days instead of actual dates so you can start it at anytime. However, it is also broken down by theme so if you are wanting to read material on a particular subject, you can do it that way as well.  Some of the themes include: Hope and Fear, Love and Hate, Perseverance and Quitting. Each day takes up one page. The scriptures included come from a variety of bible translations and take up about 1/3 to 1/2 of the page and the author's interpretation takes up the rest. For a quick reader, it will take you less than 3 minutes to read through each day. While I definitely don't think this book can be used as a devotional, if used as a "daily reading and reflection on God's Own Words" as the cover suggests, I think the author does an o.k. job of that. Much of the author's words seem to be a recap of the scripture or the history of what is going on at the time and doesn't seem to focus much on tying in the scripture to the theme he has chosen for the passage. I have not read the book in it's entirety yet, but after having this book for several weeks and reading from each "theme", I don't find that it's one that I find myself wanting to keep reading.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the [...] 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
4789773
This is a book we should all be reading at least once a year to remind ourselves on the ways in which God speaks to us and how we can situate ourselves to hear him and understand him better.
3302379
I must admit, I don't quite know what to do with Michael Yankoskis The Sacred Year. It was not quite what I expectedI think I misread the description to indicate more of a look at the cyclical calendar of Christian observances, rather than one persons journey through a year of digging deeper. From that point forward, I was less enthusiastic. Ive never heard of Michael Yankoski, and one reason I seek out books to review is to learn from voices I would normally not hear.

Yankoski has given the reader a good look at a year in which he walked away from high pressure life and pursued clearer spiritual devotions. During the course of this year, he followed many of the ancient practices of Christianity, including taking time to bake his own bread to consider daily bread more deeply. I know that some of my more serious brethren will have great difficulties with the spiritualist nature of the disciplines.

I personally find the practice of many of the classic spiritual disciplines refreshing. I am more disturbed to read Yankoskis confession of rising to Christian influence while apparently knowing very little of such practices as stillness and patience. That is not a fault with this book, but rather with the Western Christian Corporation. Thats another rabbit hole, entirely.

It is pleasant to read of someone moving away from the chaos-chase of Western mentality to draw nearer to God, but the division between my expectations and the reality sums up my difficulties with this book. Yankoski presents a sacred year which he was able to pursue. He had the means, the contacts, and the education to connect him with various guides and teachers for this journey.

Unlike the vast majority of Christians. The single mother working two jobs to feed her children can only hope to make a weekly church service to feed her faith, she has very little opportunity to take off an entire year. Likewise, is it responsible to burn candles and firewood in place of seeking more efficient energy? Perhaps using the same power to feed an extra family, rather than highlighting your own situation.

That is where The Sacred Year breaks down for me. Despite the chapters on depth with others, it is still a book that highlights Western Solo Christianity. It is about the experiences of here and there, chasing this and that, which if you cant have, you cant quite get as deep. But at least you can read about someone who did.

I would rather have seen an examination of a year lived in stable community with the people of God. What is it like to walk through all the seasons of life with the same folks, sharing their days and moments? That is the sacred year of community.

Its not a bad book. Its a great book about a spiritual experience that I do not find worth commending to you.

Free book received from BookLook Bloggers.
4878289
"The Pursuit of God" seems to be A. W. Tozer's attempt to rectify a situation he felt was getting out of hand. That people were going through the motions in Christianity without really having a heart for God.

Some of the chapter titles in this book like "The Universal Presence" may make the modern reader think they are reading something New Age but that is not at all the case. I had confidence that this was going to be inspirational.

This turns out to be a book written by a famous pastor in Chicago back in the 40s. It is written for devout Christians or anyone who is aspiring to be one. It is written in an intellectual way which is a joy to read. It was refreshing to read a book which encourages the reader to have a more personal relationship with God instead of just wanting something from God, like prosperity gospel preaches. After all, how would you like it if your friends only talked to you to ask you for things? God is a person who knows when you love him or not.

This book teaches that the real treasures are eternal. A. W. Tozer presents principles you can put into practice and ends each chapter with a meaningful prayer that is sure to open your heart to spiritual possibilities.

The soul that is in love with God will really adore this book. If you want to love and obey God and become more humble, this book has lots to offer. I also like that this book talks about how God is still talking to us, he didn't stop talking when the Bible was compiled and finished.

The only thing I found a bit strange about this book was the negative attitude towards celebrating holy days. Perhaps the author is trying to say that all days can be holy. That is fine, but celebrating can bring you into a deeper experience. Enjoying certain foods, saying certain prayers, going to special services...this does not detract from life, but enhances it.

What I learned mostly from this book was how we can make every simple good deed in life a priestly ministration. As long as we are doing everything for the glory of God, even cleaning the shower can become meaningful and not just something you have to endure.

~The Rebecca Review
3085289
I absolutely love this book. I looked over some of the negative ratings and they mentioned that it was depressing and David Brainerd was too upset all the time. I honestly believe God kept him in this state of self examination, self denial, and shining the light on his sin, so that God could keep him humble for the work and be of the most use for the Lord. Of course it wasn't always like that either. God didn't leave David destitute of joys and encouragements. It really just shows how close he was to God! The first half of the book are his personal feelings, the second half is when the Indians started getting converted and is about his work day by day and what he was seeing. His writing is beautiful and it gives us a glimpse into who this man was. I love this man that I have never met and look forward to meeting him in eternity. It can be a bit repetitive but not in a bad way. He talks about how many are coming to Christ, it's something to be very grateful for. I can hardly put the book down. And I loved that there was a summary of Jonathan Edward's life in the front of the book first. That was really interesting. And he wrote notes throughout the first half of the book as well to help the reader with insights. This book has had an inspirational affect on me spiritually. I will be looking for more books on David Brainerd and on Jonathan Edwards too.
3479178
"It never feels like there is a shortage of devotionals on the Christian market. Devotionals for men, for women, for kids, for teens, for married couples, for the elderly, for pastors, for volunteers, for dog lovers, for vegans for widows and for people who love to buy the latest devotional." - that's how I started my last review for R. P. Nettelhost's devotional, "a year with God."

Now, I have the pleasure of reviewing his follow up, "A Year With Jesus." Much like the former book, A Year With Jesus walks you through a year solely from the voice of the speaker. Each day the reader is given the words of Christ and a small page devotional to carry them through the day.

What I liked the most about this book was the fact that the author choses various translations (CEV, Holman, Message,  NAS, NIV, NKJ, NLT and NRSV) for each day - handpicking the one that best fits the tone of the verse.

And much like other "sayings of Jesus" books, this devo is broken up into subject matter like, Love and Hate, Truth and Lies, Arrogance and Humility, Friends and Enemies and so on...

Reading A Year With Jesus really feels like you are on a journey of study - carefully examining the words of Christ and allowing them to make and shape you.

Highly recommended.
2132112
Alex was just 6 years-old when he was in the car accident that would change his family forever. After a virtual death sentence from the doctors, Alex defied medical science and survived. No one knew what he would be like when he awoke from the coma...or if he ever would. When he emerged after 7 weeks in a coma, no one expected to hear the reports of heaven he returned with, or the amazing miracles God was working through the entire experience.

I'm going to start this review objectively, ignoring the subject matter and talking about the book itself. The majority of this book is written by Alex's father, Kevin, recounting the accident and life since. The book spans a few years time, although its not always specific with times and tends to jump around a bit. Kevin shares everything that happened during this time, from stories of faith being tested and marital problems, to conversations with Alex about the supernatural. He makes it clear that the family's faith is what pulled them through, while being honest about his doubts and struggles along the way. I would have liked to hear more from Alex in the book, but it was clear that he didn't want to be the center, and that he wasn't too sure about the whole book business. Overall, this book was pretty well-written, intriguing, and encouraging. Also included were some photos of the accident and Alex recovering.

Now, the personal! I was raised evangelical, so talk of miracles and spiritual warfare is nothing new to me, and is not hard for me to believe. I was also raised to filter what I hear through Scripture to be sure it is truth. That said, I believe Alex's story and find it very encouraging and uplifting to my own walk. Everything Alex says about God and Heaven lines up with the Bible. And he sounds a lot like several Biblical figures when he says there are things that he saw and learned that God will not allow him to speak about. Hearing about this little boy watching his own surgery with Jesus, speaking in his "Heaven language", talking about being attacked by Satan, and hearing his views on prayer, is amazing. It inspires me to take my walk more seriously, to realize that there is so much more to the spiritual realm than what we see and participate in. And how can you not believe a child really walks with God when he is constantly saying that it's not about him? I'll close my review with the quote that I found the most inspiring, especially since it comes from a little kid!

I received a free copy of this book from Tyndale House Publishers in exchange for a review