Book Review: The 13th Tribe (An Immortal Files Novel) by Robert Liparulo

When I first heard about The 13th Tribe by Robert Laparulo, I was very intrigued with the storyline.

The book is about a group of people during the time of Moses. They were part of the group that worshipped the Golden Calf and were then cursed and separated from the rest of Israel and were then informally called the Thirteenth Tribe.

The first chapters immediately captured my attention with all the action and hi-tech gadgets involved. Close to the middle of the book, it became inward looking as the reader gets a glimpse of every major character’s struggles and then the latter third of the book was all action.

What I liked about the book is that it is able to weave stories of the tribe members as well as those they came in contact with in a very fluid manner. I also like that the author writes in a way that it becomes very current. For example, instead of saying gaming console, the author directly writes Xbox. Instead of old fiction TV series, he writes The Highlander.

The one which I like most about the book is the very vivid images that any reader could visualize when it comes to the fighting scenes.

Since this is Christian fiction, any reader would expect references to God or Jesus. The author only wrote what was relevant and does not swamp the reader with overwhelming Biblical references. I truly liked how the author merged action with the internal spiritual and moral struggles every major character is going through.

Full of twists and turns, definitely movie material that any James Bond fan would like. Highly recommended for Sci-fi fans.

From the author:(via Amazon.com)

I've been writing since before I could drive. Short stories, investigative exposes, celebrity profiles, editorials, business columns, radio dramas, screenplays--you name it. For the last few years, I've focused on novels. I'm the author of the thrillers "Comes a Horseman," "Germ," "Deadfall," "Deadlock," "The 13th Tribe," and the young adult series Dreamhouse Kings--"House of Dark Shadows," "Watcher in the Woods," "Gatekeepers," "Timescape," "Whirlwind," and "Frenzy."

Several of my books have been sold or optioned by Hollywood producers. All of them are in various stages of production. I'm also working on an original screenplay with Andrew Davis (director of "The Fugitive" and "The Guardian). I wrote the screenplay for Ted Dekker's "Blessed Child." My short story "Kill Zone" appears in the James Patterson-edited anthology "Thriller," and my essay on Thomas Perry's "The Butcher's Boy" can… Read more

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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.”

Book Review: I Am Second: Real Stories. Changing Lives. by Doug Bender and Dave Sterrett

I came across the I am Second website when I did a  video search on one of my favorite film makers. The site featured real(and mostly famous) people on video sharing about their lives and how God changed them.

The site (and eventually the book) comes from the premise that God is first and the self is second, and shares to the world real stories from a number of people with real struggles that anyone can relate with.

The book I Am Second: Real Stories. Changing Lives. is another way of presenting the stories to people who want a print version of the online videos. 

The book contains a collection of stories that are well-written but basically using the same words that the people on the video are saying. Each story is presented as if it was written by the persons themselves and adds depth to the stories as it gives a narrative which the online video lacks.

Highly recommended to those who love the online videos.

About the authors:

Doug Bender is an I Am Second writer and small groups coach. He spends his time developing many of the small group tools found at iamsecond.com and coaching churches, organizations, and individuals to use I Am Second groups to share the message of Jesus with their friends and family. He also works with I Am Second’s parent organization, e3 Partners, as a church planter in countries like Ethiopia and Indonesia. Doug is married to Catherine and has a one-year-old baby, Bethany. 

Dave Sterrett is a speaker, missionary, and ambassador for I Am Second. Dave also serves as an adjunct professor of New Testament, Philosophy, and Apologetics at Liberty University. He is the author or coauthor of several books, including Why Trust Jesus?, “O” God, and the three-part novella series coauthored with Josh McDowell, The Coffeehouse Chronicles. 

via amazon

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Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Net Galley as part of their 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.”

Book Review: In a Pit with a Lion on a Snowy Day: How to Survive and Thrive When Opportunity Roars (Paperback) by Mark Batterson

In a Pit with a Lion on a Snowy Day: How to Survive and Thrive When Opportunity Roars (Paperback) by Mark Batterson is one very inspiring read.  


The book is inspired by the Biblical character, Benaiah, who chased and killed a lion into a pit on a snowy day. This is rather crazy but eventually the author shows why it is not.


In the who course of the book, I am always drawn back to think of the author's words, "What if the life you really want, and the future God wants for you, is hiding right now in your biggest problem, your worst failure…your greatest fear?" 


I am then able to recall many of what I called at first as problems but were actually opportunities. Some are even what are called God-ordained opportunities!


Like in The Circle Maker, the author is able to create that vivid imagery of the scenes through his words.


Truly inspiring! 


Recommended to those who have encountered many problems but too often find themselves running away.

About the author:(via Amazon.com)


Mark Batterson serves as the lead pastor of National Community Church in Washington, D. C. Recognized as 'one of America's 25 most innovative churches,' NCC is one church with seven locations. Mark's blog (www.markbatterson.com) and webcast (www.theaterchurch.com) also reach a virtual congregation around the world. Mark is the author of several bestselling books, including In a Pit with a Lion on a Snowy Day. He and his wife, Lora, live on Capitol Hill with their three children. You can follow Mark on Twitter: @markbatterson


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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.”

Book Review: Heaven is for Real: A Little Boy's Astounding Story of His Trip to Heaven and Back by Todd Burpo with Lynn Vincent

Heaven is for Real: A Little Boy's Astounding Story of His Trip to Heaven and Back by Todd Burpo with Lynn Vincent is a very good read, one of the best books I had the opportunity to read and review.


What I like best about the book is that is is very masterfully written in the way it described what the family went though and the revelations that came after the experience. Although the author is a pastor, the book did not come as preachy nor theology heavy and references to Scriptures are just appropriate.

The author is very open in sharing his struggles during the time when their son, Colton, was sick. He is also very candid about the various instances when Colton would 'explain' things to him in simple words that would surprise him.

If there is one thing that stuck out for me, it was when Colton explained that Jesus died "on the cross so we could go see His Dad."

Highly recommended for everyone.

About the authors:(via Amazon.com)

Todd Burpo is pastor of Crossroads Wesleyan, a wrestling coach, a volunteer fireman, and he operates a garage door company with his wife, Sonja, who is also a children’s minister, busy pastor’s wife, and mom. Colton, now an active 11-year-old, has an older sister Cassie and a younger brother Colby. The family lives in Imperial, Nebraska.

Lynn Vincent is the New York Times best-selling writer of Same Kind of Different as Me and Going Rogue: An American Life. The author or co-author of nine books, Vincent is a senior writer for WORLD magazine and a lecturer in writing at the King’s College in New York City. She lives in San Diego, California.

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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.”

Book Review: The Circle Maker: Praying Circles Around Your Biggest Dreams and Greatest Fears by Mark Batterson

I found The Circle Maker: Praying Circles Around Your Biggest Dreams and Greatest Fears by Mark Batterson a very good read.

It begins with a story about a biblical character named Honi  who prayed to God for rain and eventually saved a generation of Jews - the generation before Jesus. Before he prayed, he created a circle on the sand with his staff, hence the title of the book.

The book is full of gems and I had made a lot of notes for myself. There are lots of examples from the Bible, other than that of Honi. What I like most about the book is the real-life examples, many from the author's life, which inspired me to take a second look at my own prayer life.

Can't wait when the print copy is available at my local bookstore!

Truly amazing book and a gifted writer.

Highly recommended for people who dream big!

About the author:

Mark Batterson serves as the lead pastor of National Community Church in Washington, D. C. Recognized as 'one of America's 25 most innovative churches,' NCC is one church with seven locations. Mark's blog (www.markbatterson.com) and webcast (www.theaterchurch.com) also reach a virtual congregation around the world. Mark is the author of several bestselling books, including In a Pit with a Lion on a Snowy Day. He and his wife, Lora, live on Capitol Hill with their three children. You can follow Mark on Twitter: @markbatterson

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Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Net Galley as part of their 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.”

Book Review: Close Enough to Hear God Breathe: The Great Story of Divine Intimacy by Greg Paul

Close Enough to Hear God Breathe: The Great Story of Divine Intimacy by Greg Paul is a very engaging book. It is presented in five parts with three chapters in each part.

What I like most about the book is how the author re-imagines certain stories in the Bible and draws from his own experiences in order to drive the point about intimacy with God. He beautifully draws pictures of how intimacy has been shown in many stories within the Great Story and how the same intimacy is manifested in his own experiences as well as the experiences of others in his community.

I found his writing fresh, engaging and worthwhile.

Highly recommended for those seeking a deeper intimacy with God.

[Disclaimer: I got this book for free as part of the Oreilly blogger review 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.”]

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Book Review: The Generosity Factor: Discover the Joy of Giving Your Time, Talent, and Treasure by Ken Blanchard and S.Truett Cathy

The Generosity Factor: Discover the Joy of Giving Your Time, Talent, and Treasure by Ken Blanchard and S.Truett Cathy is a very good read - one of the best books I had the opportunity to read and review.In fact, I finished the book in one sitting!

I chose the book because I recognized Blanchard as the author of the One Minute Manager(TM) series and Cathy as the founder of Chic-fil-A and was very curious as to what sort of book this collaboration could produce. I was in for a surprise!

What I like best about the book is that is is very masterfully written and by the end of the book, I am encouraged to take action. 

True to Balanchard's style, the book is in the form of a parable where we see the lessons through the eye of the main character. This approach is very effective with me as I am able to imagine how the story unfolds and how the lessons are being shared. Retention is better because of this and to reinforce retention, the authors uses an acronym the keeps the lessons together.

I was pleasantly surprised the as unbelievable as the one of the characters are, the real person from who it is based, Cathy, has far greater achievements.

Truly inspiring, makes you act on making the Generosity Factor a part of your life.

Highly recommended for everyone who thinks they are 'missing out' on something.

About the author:
Few people have influenced the day-to-day management of people and companies more than Ken Blanchard. A prominent, sought-after author, speaker, and business consultant, Dr. Blanchard is universally characterized by his friends, colleagues, and clients as one of the most insightful, powerful, and compassionate individuals in business today. Ken is one of the most influential leadership experts in the world and is respected for his years of groundbreaking work in the fields of leadership and management.

Dr. Ken Blanchard is the cofounder and Chief Spiritual Officer of The Ken Blanchard Companies, an international management training and consulting firm that he and his wife, Margie Blanchard, began in 1979 in San Diego, California. In addition to being a renowned speaker and consultant, Ken also spends time as a visiting lecturer at his alma mater, Cornell University, where he is a trustee emeritus of the Board of Trustees.

Ken has received many awards and honors for his contributions in the fields of management, leadership, and speaking. The National Speakers Association awarded him its highest honor, the "Council of Peers Award of Excellence." He was inducted into the HRD Hall of Fame by Training magazine and Lakewood Conferences, and he received the Golden Gavel Award from Toastmasters International. Ken also received The Thought Leadership Award for continued support of work-related learning and performance by ISA--The Association of Learning Providers. Ken has been inducted into Amazon's Hall of Fame as one of the top 25 best-selling authors of all time. The business school at Grand Canyon University bears his name. In addition, Ken teaches students in the Master of Science in Executive Leadership Program at the University of San Diego.

Born in New Jersey and raised in New York, Ken received a master's degree from Colgate University, and a bachelor's and PhD from Cornell University. An avid golfer, Ken belongs to the Loch Lomond Golf Club in Scotland.

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Book Review: The Principle of the Path: How to Get from Where You Are to Where You Want to Be by Andy Stanley

The Principle of the Path is an easy-to-read guide on getting out of unsuccessful life patterns. I liked the way the author imparted lessons from his life taken from 'simple experiences' and relating them to the main principle that he writes about.Although he touches on the life of David and Solomon, he does it it a way that would not require anyone to open a Bible.

The book started with a good narrative although I found the introduction to the Principle a bit too wordy and at times taking the tone of something mystical. At times, I felt that Stanley took a lot of words to explain something simple but I think it is his way of saying that what he is saying is important and he is trying to explain it very carefully to drive his point.

I found Chapter 5 good and was worth the time that I spent reading the book. There is a lot of good points in that chapter and I think that if the rest of the book was like that chapter, I would have rated this book higher. But again, you have to read the first four chapters for chapter 5 to create the desired impact.

Overall, I found the book to be lengthy and at times discouraging as the author stressed about bad choices for  so long without offering any solution. I wish this book has a condensed form.

Recommended for those seeking a Christian self-help book that is not too heavy on Biblical references and has the time to read. Not recommended for those expecting something heavy or direct to the point.

About the author:

Andy Stanley serves as senior pastor of the campuses of North Point Ministries, including North Point Community Church in Alpharetta, Georgia; Buckhead Church in Atlanta, Georgia; and Browns Bridge Community Church in Cumming, Georgia. Each Sunday, more than twenty thousand attend one of these NPM campuses. Andy is the bestselling author of Visioneering, The Next Generation Leader, It Came from Within!, and How Good Is Good Enough? Andy and his wife, Sandra, have two sons and a daughter. Read more at Amazon's Andy Stanley Page 

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.”

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Book Review: Jesus, My Father, The CIA, and Me: A Memoir. . . of Sorts by Ian Morgan Cron

Jesus, My Father, The CIA, and Me: A Memoir. . . of Sorts by Ian Morgan Cron is a very good read, one of the best books I had the opportunity to read and review.

I chose the book mostly because of its title and of my recent interest in material that tells about the lives of men in service. At one point I decided that the book should be titled Alcohol and Me but then I wouldn't think of reading it because it is not an interesting topic for me.

What I like best about the book is that is is very masterfully written and by the end of the book, I felt that I grew up with the writer. Memories from his childhood were described as if described by a child, vivid and exaggerated as a child would describe the experience.(The chapter on his first communion is so hilarious!)

As the memoir progress from childhood to adulthood, the writing style adapts to the writer's age at the time. Although this is a book on Christianity, it doesn't drown you in churchy language. Instead, the writing is honest and intimate and the writer opens up his life in areas that most would be ashamed to admit to.

I was able to see some of my own questions about life being answered. Questions as a child, even as an adult and father.  I could not forget the chapter that ended with the words, "Love stoops." God's grace described in two words! Some chapters in the book also have humorous anecdotes that carry a heavyweight lesson.

Truly amazing book and a gifted writer.

Highly recommended for men, but also for women.

About the author:
"Ian Morgan Cron writes with astonishing energy and freshness; his metaphors stick fast in the imagination. This is neither a simple memoir of hurt endured, nor a tidy story of reconciliation and resolution. It is - rather like Augustine's Confessions - a testimony to the unfinished business of grace."

- The Most Rev. Dr. Rowan Williams - The Archbishop of Canterbury

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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.”

Book Review: The Blessing by John Trent and Gary Smalley

I found the book a very engaging read. The authors skillfully shares the five elements of Biblical blessing and how it applies in daily life. For most of us who might have felt that we have missed out on the blessing, the book has also provided hope on how to be able to receive the once elusive blessing.

One thing I particularly liked about the book is the way the authors masterfully weaved stories of real people - thereby making the principles more real. The authors have also shared their own experiences of missing out and receiving blessing.

As I was reading the book, there were moments of clarity and some tearful moments as I realized where some aspects of my life and those around me that were results of both experiences of receiving and not receiving the blessing.

Overall, the book has encouraged me to live out the principles and be intentional in blessing others.

Highly recommended for parents. Also recommended for those who feel that they have 'missed out' on something and would want to know how to be blessed.

About the authors:
Gary Smalley is one of he country's best-known authors and speakers on family relationships. He is the award-winning, best-selling author or coauthor of sixteen books, as well as several popular films and videos. The Blessing and The Two Sides of Love have won Gold Medallions, The Language of Love won the Angel Award as the best contribution to family life, and his other titles have received Silver Medallions. His national infomercial Hidden Keys to Loving Relationships has been viewed by television audiences all over the world. Gary and his wife, Norma, have been married for over thirty years and live in Branson, Missouri.

Dr. John Trent is the President of The Center for StrongFamilies and StrongFamilies.com (registered as a 501(c)(3) under the name of "Encouraging Words"). He is a nationally known speaker and award winning author. His recent books include the recently revised and updated million selling book, The Blessing, (An ECPA Gold Medallion Winner) The 2 Degree Difference, The Treasure Tree (a children's book that is also a Gold Medallion Winner)and Chasing Skinny Rabbits.

Dr. Trent released two... Read more at Amazon's John Trent Page 
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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."

Book Review: The Waiting Place: Learning to Appreciate Life's Little Delays by Eileen Button

I found Eileen Button's The Waiting Place to be a very beautifully written collection of essays. At first, I thought that this would be a collection of essays that will show the beauty of 'waiting places' through light-hearted stories about waiting or perhaps something that would show me how to make better use of my time while waiting. I was expecting a formula similar to: I wanted something-I prayed about it-God says wait-I wait-God delivers.

Instead, I am presented with various experiences from her own life, from childhood to the present, when she was in a 'waiting place'. Although some stories are funny, most stories are very intimate. I have felt my heartstrings pulled a lot of times while reading this book and it got me thinking about similar waiting places in my life. I admit choking up at times when she narrates of experiences that I had experienced too.

The book is loosely arranged beginning with experiences from her childhood until the recent past. Although most of the essays are stand-alone, some bigger events called for more than one essay. While all the essays take place chronologically, there is a bigger waiting place behind it, which comes to an end at the last chapter.

Highly recommended to those who feel lost or those who just feel stuck in one of life's many waiting places.

About the author:
Eileen Button is a weekly columnist for The Flint Journal. Her commentaries have also appeared in multiple online and print publications, including Newsweek and Christianity Today. In addition, she is an adjunct professor of Communication at Mott Community College. She lives with her family in Davison, Michigan - a town where she is often stuck in waiting places such as doctors' offices, athletic fields, school auditoriums, and carpool loops. Regardless of the waiting place, she usually has a good book in one hand and a strong cup of coffee in the other.

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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.”

Book Review: Max on Life: Answers and Inspiration for Today's Questions by Max Lucado

I have been a fan of Max for eight years and I have truly enjoyed every book he wrote. I have enjoyed his engaging narratives to every point he want to make.

Max on Life: Answers and Inspiration for Today's Questions, is a significant departure from his earlier works. Here, Max takes off his storyteller hat and wears his pastor's hat in order to answer some of life's most basic yet important questions.

In contrast to the vivid imagery in earlier books, Max answers the questions directly and briefly which is a great relief for those who want answers clear and quick without getting drowned in a list of scriptural references. This is very helpful for new believers and for those working with them.

I highly recommend this for new believers and for those involved in helping them grow deeper in faith.

About the author:
Lucado was born in 1955 in San Angelo, Texas, and raised in Andrews, Texas, the youngest of four children. His father was an Exxon oil field mechanic who, Lucado remembers, always smelled of grease cleaner. "It makes it easy for me to see a God who is loving and kind--because my dad was," he says. His mother was a nurse who grew up working in the cotton fields.

Lucado went through a period of rebellion against his parents' values and their God during his teens and into college. But it wasn't long before he found himself drawn back to his roots, back to God. He married, spent time serving as a missionary in Brazil, and returned to the States, where he began working as a church minister and writing on the side.

From all accounts, Max Lucado is not a man consumed by sales, awards, and achievements. He often turns down media interviews since they impede on family and ministry commitments. He spends the bulk of his week serving as senior minister at Oak Hills Church in San Antonio, Texas. And he is truly surprised by his own success--more impressed by his one-in-a-million wife and three amazing daughters than by his successful writing career.

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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.”

Book Review: Unleashed: Release the Untamed Faith Within by Erwin Raphael McManus

In Unleashed: Release the Untamed Faith Within, McManus talks about how our faith is much different from what it is supposed to be. Religion has domesticated our faith and we have traded a living faith to one which is safe and secure.

I particularly enjoy the way the McManus weaves Scripture passages and his personal experiences as a dad into the main topic of his book. McManus writes and argues his point it a very engaging way and I am feel drawn to his call of unleashing my faith.

I highly recommend this book to the believer who feels that there is so much more other than the safe environment offered by religion. Also recommended to any parent who lives the dangerous faith but isn't keen on offering the same opportunity to their kids.

About the author:
Erwin Raphael McManus serves as Lead Pastor of Mosaic, a uniquely innovative and international congregation in Los Angeles, California. A national and international strategist and speaker on culture, change, creativity and leadership, Erwin also serves as Distinguished Lecturer and Futurist for Bethel Theological Seminary.

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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.”

Book Review: Tithing: Test Me in This (The Ancient Practices Series) by Douglas Leblanc

The book is a collection of stories about people who tithe and how their life struggles(not as a result of tithing!) helped shape them and their giving.

I was expecting the book to be a deep biblical discussion on tithing accompanied by stories of real people but it wasn't. Instead, the book focused on stories of real people, their life struggles and how they are still able to tithe.

The book started with a fair discussion on tithing, before going into narratives. I found the first few stories engaging and inspiring but later, I found myself becoming less engaged, disinterested and becoming bored.

Not recommended, especially to anyone who is looking for a deep theological discussion on tithing.

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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.”

Book Review: Fearless - Imagine Your Life Without Fear by Max Lucado

Fearless is easily one of my favorite Lucado books. While most of Lucado books deal with one chapter in the Bible, Fearless discusses some of Jesus' statements about fear.

Lucado did a good job in identifying the most basic, if not the most paralyzing, fears any person could have. Keeping true to his writing style, he creates vivid images of the events in the Bible wherein the early Christians demonstrated fear and how Jesus dealt with the specific fear. Then goes personal and talks about similar fears in his own life.

I highly recommend this book to anyone who is living in fear, who faces fear on a regular basis or who wants to know what Jesus said about fears and didn't know where to look. People who deal with fearful people would also benefit from this book.

About the author:
Lucado was born in 1955 in San Angelo, Texas, and raised in Andrews, Texas, the youngest of four children. His father was an Exxon oil field mechanic who, Lucado remembers, always smelled of grease cleaner. "It makes it easy for me to see a God who is loving and kind--because my dad was," he says. His mother was a nurse who grew up working in the cotton fields.

Lucado went through a period of rebellion against his parents' values and their God during his teens and into college. But it wasn't long before he found himself drawn back to his roots, back to God. He married, spent time serving as a missionary in Brazil, and returned to the States, where he began working as a church minister and writing on the side.

From all accounts, Max Lucado is not a man consumed by sales, awards, and achievements. He often turns down media interviews since they impede on family and ministry commitments. He spends the bulk of his week serving as senior minister at Oak Hills Church in San Antonio, Texas. And he is truly surprised by his own success--more impressed by his one-in-a-million wife and three amazing daughters than by his successful writing career.

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.”

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Book Review: Point Man: How a Man Can Lead a Family by Steve Farrar

I came across a copy of this book from a friend who bought it at a used-books store. Point Man refers to the person in a military unit who takes the lead in any operation. One false move and the whole squad becomes casualty.

Farrar uses war analogies, much like John Eldredge(Wild at Heart, Waking the Dead), which suits very well with me. But unlike other books written by Christian authors, Farrar allows himself to use language that could be very disgusting. But as he says, sin is disgusting so why sugar-coat?

Those expecting a how-to book will be disappointed as Farrar spends about 80% of the book dealing with man's private self in light of the grand-scale war against his family. The book provides a very honest look on the ways a man could fail in his role as point man.

I recommend this book to all men who are serious in raising a Godly family.

About the author:
Steve Farrar is the founder and chairman of Men's Leadership Ministries in Bryan/College Station, Texas, and brings his message to thousands of men each year. He holds a master's degree from Western Seminary and an earned doctorate from Dallas Theological Seminary.

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Book Review: Outlive Your Life - You Were Made to Make a Difference by Max Lucado

"None of us can help everyone. But all of us can help someone. And when we help them, we serve Jesus."

The above lines near the end of Max's book struck me. When we look at the world today, billions are in need of help and it can be very overwhelming to think about the need.

In Max's new book, he takes a look at the Book of Acts to give us a glimpse on what one person can do. It is a refreshing look about how each of us can make a difference if we just allow God to lead us. Easier said than done, yet Max provides some inspiration from the lives of the early believers.

I highly recommend the book to anyone who has a burden to help out yet feels overwhelmed by the magnitude of the need.

About the author:
Lucado was born in 1955 in San Angelo, Texas, and raised in Andrews, Texas, the youngest of four children. His father was an Exxon oil field mechanic who, Lucado remembers, always smelled of grease cleaner. "It makes it easy for me to see a God who is loving and kind--because my dad was," he says. His mother was a nurse who grew up working in the cotton fields.

Lucado went through a period of rebellion against his parents' values and their God during his teens and into college. But it wasn't long before he found himself drawn back to his roots, back to God. He married, spent time serving as a missionary in Brazil, and returned to the States, where he began working as a church minister and writing on the side.

From all accounts, Max Lucado is not a man consumed by sales, awards, and achievements. He often turns down media interviews since they impede on family and ministry commitments. He spends the bulk of his week serving as senior minister at Oak Hills Church in San Antonio, Texas. And he is truly surprised by his own success--more impressed by his one-in-a-million wife and three amazing daughters than by his successful writing career.


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.”

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Book Review: Dad's Bible: The Father's Plan edited by Robert Wolgemuth

Becoming a dad is both amazing and daunting. Every dad and dad-to-be would want to have a guide or mentor on how to become the best dad in the world. I found this Bible very good as a source of daily information and encouragement.

For content, it is an NCV and is very handy both as daily reading and a devotional. I particularly like how the tools were integrated into it. There are book introductions, notes about authority, sharing the faith to kids, fathers in the Bible, how to mold Godly children and some Q&A stuff.

As for the Bible itself, I like the material used for the pages, the cover and I believe it is sturdy enough for my use.

I don't know if I would recommend this for older dads, but definitely a good buy for first-time dads or dads-to-be like myself. I probably won't buy one as a gift for another person, but I can use the tools for dads group.  

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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.”

Book review: The Power of a Praying Husband by Stormie Omartian

The book is a guide for husbands on the areas where their wives need prayer. Every chapter begins with a discussion by Stormie on each area while her husband provides a few paragraphs of his own. Each chapter also ends with a prayer that every husband can use as a guide.

Reading through the book for the first time, I began to see my wife in a new light and also realized the importance of praying for my wife. I used to pray for her in general terms, but through the book, I became more sensitive to the areas where she needs my prayers the most.

It's a relationship book and a prayer book in one. A must for every husband's bookshelf.

About the author:
Stormie Omartian is the bestselling author of The Power of a Praying® books (more than 10 million copies sold worldwide), Stormie, Just Enough Light for the Step I’m On, and The Prayer That Changes Everything®. Stormie and her husband, Michael, have been married for 32 years and have three grown children.

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