Not just another Christian Book for your shelf.
581396
If you are like me, you have a bookshelf full of books about the Bible. This book, alongside Lois' other writings have been invaluable to clear up the muddy waters of religion and faith. This is an incredible resource for those little teachable nuggets of information that can take that piece of scripture that you are not sure what to do with, and light a fire in you.

Make no mistake, all scripture has purpose and must be taught. Lois has an incredible talent at breaking down God's Word and putting some of the information in its cultural context to bring new, fresh, and much needed light onto the subject of Jesus and his teachings.

This book is easily digestible and the chapters are not overwhelming to read by any means. It is a book that you can sit and absorb in large sections or just as easily in small little bits over time.

This is a great resource for the lay person or pastor who has found themselves in a stale place of reading and studying God's Word. Jump in, dig deep, chew on this book. You will not be disappointed and know that many people have prayed that this book would assist you in your pursuit of Christ.
1987153
What I loved most about this aptly titled book is that Mary Sperry claims not only a moral dimension to our relationship with our possessions (and their proliferation), but she also convincingly describes a spiritual dimension of the same.
This is not to say that Making Room for God isn't filled with practical guidance for reducing the clutter in our lives, because it is. But there are a million other resources  some helpful, some less so  for those just looking for help tackling their clutter. This book goes beyond the usual dose of pop psychology or branded formulas for success.
Sperrys book is helped enormously by the unguarded descriptions of her own experiences relevant to each topic. These anecdotes feel completely unforced and organic, and help the reader make connections to our own situation. This works not only for the nuts and bolts of the decluttering tasks, but also in illuminating the profoundly Catholic spirituality that informs Sperrys understanding of how our relationship to possessions lays bare the deeper dimensions of hospitality, generosity, stewardship of creation, and the like. But her best work explores how clutter and unexamined acquisition of things are related to personal and communal notions of sin. Its challenging stuff, but worth the uncomfortable self-reflection she proposes.
Sperry seems to be laying at least the groundwork for a sort of domestic theology informed by Catholic faith, and this is very much in line with the latest apostolic exhortation, GAUDETE ET EXSULTATE, which invites believers to holiness in every sphere of life. I sincerely hope she has more books in the works on related topics!
I highly recommend this book, not only for those wanting to tackle clutter, but for anyone who is looking to make room for God in a consumer-driven society.
195907
Throughout the book, Suzie leads you through each of the 12 disciples, allowing you to discover the unique personalities and gifts of each and relate to them as ordinary human beings, all while inspiring you to live as Jesus' 13th disciple. This is not your average "fluffy, feel-good" Christian book, but one that inspires you to say, "Yes!" and take action.
3049004
The title of this book really intrigued me, and is the main reason I decided to review it. It sounded worth reading, and like something that would be relative to me.... and I was right on both counts.

  This is not a book slamming the church. The author does talk a lot about where our churches are failing, and what we are doing wrong; but it is not done in a malicious or mean way. I found his points very valid, and his solutions and advice very solid and Biblical.

 There is a lot packed into this book. There is what I mentioned already, but the author also discusses what can happen and what has happened when church is done right, when Christians actually let God use them.

 One of the most valuable chapters in my opinion, was the one titled "Stop thinking you don't matter". It is a great chapter on how God can use any Christian if they are willing and jump in with all they have.

  This book is very convicting. I found myself saying "ouch" more than once, and was praying as I read the book that God would help me in this area and that area, and that I wouldn't finish the book and not be changed. It made me want to do more, to be a better Christian, and to be used by God. I highly recommend this book. It is near the top of non-fiction books I have read lately.
2581245
"Even if you're on the right track, you'll get run over if you just sit there," said Will Rogers, and so begins a book that is turning staid Christianity on its head.  Andersen's book is full of personal stories of honest and unusual Christian witnessing and wisdom that will ring your truth detector.  It's about evangelism based on communication with God and integrity that refuses to live what is the standard-form Christian lifestyle -- plus scripture throughout in modern Andersen translation.

Garold Andersen is a rare and real example of deep and honest commitment to God, the "not I, but Christ" kind not many of us Christians ever see.

On the cover of the book, Andersen explains, "At one point in my life, I began to journey with God.  Sometime later I stopped.  I thought I had arrived.  I called myself a solid Christian.  In reality I was stuck in a rut."

This book has the answer to the modern dilemma of Christian ruts and dying churches, but it isn't a formula; it's a journey toward the heart of God...where we all want to end up.

Already this book has excited so many people.  It is fun; it's easy-reading.  It explodes our narrow view of who God is and how He works.
If you feel stuck in your life with God, and you don't think you've heard from Him for a while....or ever, this is an invitation.....take the challenge, seek God anew.  This is an authentic journey, and you'll know that from the first page on.  You'll find yourself in this book if you open it with an ache for more of God.
1595970
Popular Christian blogger Tim Challies has teamed up with infographic illustrator Josh Byers to produce a singularly unique book that combines practical theology with the skill of an artist. At its heart this book is about Christian health, growth, and maturity communicated through word and picture. It's a visual theology!

This book is structured by the four main disciplines that give us spiritual fitness: growing closer to Christ, understanding the doctrine of Christ, becoming more like Christ, living for Christ. In examining each of these in greater detail Challies guides Christians through the benefits of redemption and how those are communicated to us, what our identity in Jesus entails, how to cultivate a continuing relationship with him by Word and prayer, and centering us on Jesus in our vocation, relationships, and stewardship. Each page is accompanied by color-bursting infographics which may help visual learners connect with what is written.

This is an excellently formatted presentation that does not read like some demanding books on spiritual disciplines. Challies has mastered the skill of brevity without sacrificing the depth of content, and his refreshing look at the Christian life is thoroughly Christ-centered. With little exception this reviewer was quite pleased with the content only wishing a few things would be expanded or clarified. Case in point was the terse section on the role of preaching for the Christian life. The author mainly emphasized an individualistic approach of preaching to one's self, rather than the authoritative proclamation of the Bible as one of the primary means of grace. Nevertheless, the content was helpful.
The infographics are a unique addition. As one who was not overly familiar with them it seemed, at first, they might be a detraction from the written words. However, that was not the case. Aside from being an visual aid to the reader, they lend the book a certain aesthetic appeal that can only be described as fresh and crisp. Perhaps one day they will be seen as dated, but hopefully this book is an enduring help to growing Christians.
2465561
This book is not only a powerful read, but contains so many points that we as Christians need to seriously think about and apply daily. Michael Anthony talks about modern day issues and how we should be responding to those issues in a loving way and backs it up with scripture.
4132091
Addressing an often overlooked biblical truth, the author not only validates basic Christian theology in an entertaining manner but teaches important concepts to assist the reader towards a maturity in their spiritual life.
4129994
I have enjoyed this beautiful book so much that I just purchased a second copy on sale at my local Hobby Lobby.  This book is so aspirational that I really don't think that there is a bad page in the book.  Even though this is a Christian book, I don't think that it is so " over the top " that it would disappoint a non-Christian.  I think it's a positive book that anyone would enjoy.  It might even be a starting point to guide someone to faith.
1921310
This is not the dry book that one expects a book entitled "Christian Doctrine" to be. One might think a book on Christian Doctrine could be dry and even divisive, advocating his particular position on doctrinal issues. Instead, he explores doctrinal issues, explores the various positions, offers thought-provoking ideas, and then leaves you to determine your thoughts and position. Well done! A great resource that I will review time and time again.
3423499
This is what happens when dozens of people conspire to do good. This collection of devotions is brimming with goodwill, wisdom, and truth--that is to say, real truths we all need to be reminded of, particularly because we live in a world that often seeks to mislead us. This isn't just a book for Christians, it's a book for all people. For those that don't know Christ, this book is a good example of the morals and values Christians hold. Don't let someone else tell you what a Christian is. Read and learn what Christians really say about everyday subjects including family, love, and the workplace. Buy this book.
674026
This is a great book when you want a vacation from modern life; you'll slow down and will have a renewed appreciation for quieter and slower moments.
However, it's not one of those touchy-feely, "don't I feel better now" reads. He challenges, not just our view of contemporary, mobile society, but our thoughts on the absolutes of Christianity. It's a keeper in my home library, right along side the Amish books and various religious studies and texts. Worth the time for Christian and non alike.
2776335
I've read many Christian based motivational books and this one sets itself apart from the others as it doesn't just inspire you to grow with God, it also inspires you to relieve yourself of self doubt and have full faith to be encouraged to go beyond helping yourself so as to help others find a vision and purpose through the great works and the great words of the Lord, Christ Jesus.

Filled with ideal analogies and intriguing stories of Pastor Wally's personal accounts of his own path to God and his mission trips to foreign countries in such need to hear and learn the beautiful Words of the Bible, Compel is a blessing to all who read it. The world is a better off place with the publishing of this book.
3867134
Id never read a Christian fiction book before, and I wasn't sure what to expect. I believe in God, but Im not sure if I can call myself a Christian, and I was hoping that it wouldnt be a book that rammed religion down your throat. And I have to say, it was far from that. Essentially its a book about choices, and how we go about making those choices throughout our lives. The author goes through his own experiences and I have to say I was quite moved by some of the passages here. God is there to guide through the right path in life, and if we listen to him we can become better people. Very uplifting, and well worth a read by Christians and non-Christians alike.
4541343
This is a great book for Christians seeking to go beyond the low "milk and candy" level that far too many Christians are stuck in these days.
There are dangerous levels of naivety, ignorance and immaturity in the Western church today. So many Christians cannot think critically and so can't walk straight so to speak.
The author explains, with lots of interesting stories and the parables of Jesus which he recounts with expository style, what becoming mature in Christ means, the necessary attitudes and steps needed to get there and lots more. All in a fun but still serious style that keeps you interested and feeling like you're being fed good stuff - vitamins, minerals, protein from the Word, rather than Sunday morning candy sermonettes.

I highly recommend, even for more mature Christians who are wondering what the next step is.
4890283
Reading a Christian book set in an amazing and exciting location with characters laden with common burdens made for one worth reading.  The lives that were turned around, accepting God's unconditional love and forgiveness was encouraging. A tentative criticism I offer in hopes that new or potential Christians might not be misled into unreal expectations of God's perfect love for us.  Prayers a may be answered differently than we'd like.  Our idea of 'good' is being blessed with things that make us and others happy.  God's perspective of 'good' is making us more like Jesus.  Trusting God even when things are difficult is challenging.  It's vital to communicate this with our fellow believers, especially new ones.  God's timing often is much different than ours.
2125927
This book is such a good read. Though it's written from the Christian perspective, it has valuable applications and practical examples for anyone, regardless of faith background. I would highly recommend it.