My review: David Wilkerson...The Man Who Believed!

As I write this review, I would like to give a little background of my connection to David Wilkerson's materials.  I became a follower of Jesus (i.e. Saved, Born-again) in June 1975.  Sadly, the group of people around me did not guide me in the truths of the Bible, but some time within the first year as a Christian I ended up reading "The Cross and the Switchblade."  It was the reading of that book that made a huge and lasting impact on my life.  It was also from reading that book that I believe the Lord spoke to my heart, "that is what you are called to do" (minister to people). It was then that I knew I had a call to ministry. So, amazingly that book set the course of my life in serving Jesus.  Then, in the early 1980's I came across his newsletter from "World Challenge," which I still receive today. I have a box full of these short teachings by David Wilkerson. 

I also have many of his books, some out of print, which I treasure knowing they are hard to find today (if not impossible). As the years went by, I found myself going through some real hard times spiritually (late 1980's) and found another book, "Have You Felt Like Giving Up Lately" (still in print) by David Wilkerson. Again, I don't recall how this book ended up in my hands, but it was most helpful during that trying time in my life (I have given and recommended this book to many over the years).

Also, in 1987 I was able to visit his new church, "Times Square Church" in Manhattan, New York.  There, again, the Lord touched me in a mighty way through this then new church.  So, while I have never personally carried on a conversation with David Wilkerson, there are over 35 years of my life being touched by this ministry and the man of God, David Wilkerson.  I believe my review is qualified and not just a review with no background into David Wilkerson and his ministry.

As I excitedly received a pre-release (from Zondervan) of this book, "David Wilkerson" authored by his son Gary Wilkerson, I couldn't wait to jump into these pages.  I always feel it is good to know the man behind the scene (so to speak), and over my 35 years of being touched by David Wilkerson, I really didn't know the man behind this great ministry. As I picked up this book and stated reading through its pages, I was so excited to learn more about the man David Wilkerson.  It covers his entire life from his birth to his going home to Jesus.  The childhood section was a little dry to me and it didn't interest me much, but it did give me a good background on his family and his childhood.  The story covers much of his younger years and middle-aged years in ministry, and also covers his latter years, but not in as much detail, and then briefly mentions his death (by car accident).  I learned much about this private "man of God" (a term I don't use loosely) and his triumphs and his failures.  It was good to see what was going on behind the scenes.  I think we often can idolize people (even ministers), and in reality they are people just like you and me.  Gary and other family members, as well as friends and fellow ministers who knew him personally, share in this book and it's not all flattering. They show he was human just like you and me. He had his own set of fears, failures, and fame.  Usually all we know about is a man's fame.  This book will show all sides with due respect to this man of God. I feel through this book I have a clearer understanding of David Wilkerson and saw how one can be used of God, and what it takes to be a "man of God."  One will see many things in this book, but one that sticks out to me was that he was a man of "prayer." His son Gary did a great job gathering information from family (especially Don, David's brother) and from many others who have been involved in his life and ministry over the years. 

I give this book a well deserved 5 stars.

Note: I received a complimentary review copy of this book from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review and the words expressed here are my own.

My Review: Answering Your Kids' Toughest Questions - Helping Them Understand - Loss, Sin, Tragedies, and other topics

In this day and age where we, even in the church, are pressured to say what people want to hear, rather than just proclaim the truths like they are revealed in the Bible, it is great to see this mother and grown daughter teamed up to put this Bible-based book together, though the majority of the speaking in this book is from Jessica (the daughter).  I also like how the book is written.  The answers are right on and pointing you to the Bible for their answers.

Some of these subjects are hard to answer especially to kids, but Jessica (and Elyse) do a real good job at providing age-appropriate answers without compromising Biblically in their answers. Sadly, too many others writing to and regarding kids often are "nice," but include little to any truth.

Some of the subjects dealt with include sin, why people die, why people divorce, what is hell, natural disasters, sexual sin, homosexuality, et cetera. Their answers are age appropriate, Biblical and not "sugar coated." Each subject has examples of answers that are appropriate to different age groups.

I like that the book is written by a mother and daughter team, and especially how they both contribute their own personal experiences and insights.

Some of their explanations for kids are equally beneficial for some adults who still have questions about these same subjects, though it is written for parents to help answer kids' tough questions.

While this is a short book (under 200 pages) and only 10 short chapters, it is very practical and real. While the authors make it clear they don't understand everything, they offer some good insight into these tough questions from their Biblical insight and experience.  I believe this book is worthy of your time and may help you and your kids have a better understanding of these tough questions.  If you are a grandparent, parent, youth pastor, pastor, or counselor get this book as I believe it will be a help to you.  It is also suitable for older kids to read themselves, too.

**I received this book for free from Bethany House in exchange for this review.**

My Review: Strange Glory - A life of Dietrich Bonhoeffer

I have only known bits and pieces about the life of Dietrich Bonhoeffer, so I really enjoyed the book from the very beginning. I also liked the way that the author, Marsh, shared about the life of Bonhoeffer making me feel like I was there with him on a personal level.

I have known about Bonhoeffer for years, but this is the first biography I have read on him. The author filled in a lot of unknowns for me about him from childhood to his death. Some of the minute details, while not necessary, did give a more complete picture of Bonhoeffer. I did find the beginning of the book a little slow because of these details, but I am still pleased that the author shared them to give a complete picture of who Bonhoeffer was.

The book also gave some historical insight into the German church in the 1930s and 1940s, as well as some insight into Hitler and the Nazis. The only thing I did not like about the book was the author's possible insinuation of Bonhoeffer's sexuality. I am not going to get into that in this review; see other reviews if you are curious or read the book for yourself. I did not think it necessary to mention in the book, especially since it is speculation.  I feel you will enjoy this read, especially to become familiar with Bonhoeffer's very unique character.

This book has peaked my interest in reading another biography of Dietrich Bonhoeffer.  The other biography is: "Bonhoeffer: Pastor, Martyr, Prophet, Spy."

I received this book for free from the publisher’s Blogging for Books program in exchange for this review.

The following are some famous Bonhoeffer quotes:

My Review: The Case for Christ (Student Edition)

Defending the Faith! Can you? This book will help you to do so!

You'll find this book an easy read with relatively short chapters (one objection per chapter).   This book deals with the subject of apologetics (defense of the faith). It is only 95 pages long; whereas, the original version of this book is 320 pages.

I hope this review will encourage you to read this book or give it to a student who would be helped by the book.  I am a fan of Lee Strobel's and love his life story of going from an atheistic journalist who decided to research Christ "as a journalist," which took him on a two-year investigation of whether God really exists and whether Jesus is really God's unique son. I love his material so this was a good read for me.  The difference in the "Student Edition" from the original version is that it is much briefer in general on each point, but a great start for any student (teen) with questions. 

In this book he covers common objects to Christianity.

Objection #1:  Since Evil and Suffering Exist, a Good God Cannot. 

Objection #2:  Miracles Contradict Science; Therefore, They Cannot Be Real.

Objection #3:  Evolution Explains Life, So God Isn't Needed.

Objection #4:  It's Intolerant to Claim Jesus is the Only Way to God

Objection #5:  A Loving God Would Never Send People to Hell.

Objection #6:  I Still Have Doubts, So I Can't Be a Christian.

Conclusion:  I really like the concluding thoughts.

This book is a good starting place for those questioning the common objections or to prepare one in talking to others on these subjects. It's a great read for teens, and if they read it and want more, I would encourage them to read the 300+ page edition.  Even as an adult, who has been a Christian for decades, I enjoyed reading it.

Note: I received a complimentary review copy of this book from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review and the words expressed here are my own.

My recent review of a great book, "The Greatest Words Ever Spoken"

I review quite a few books, but this one was a special treat for me. I love this book’s design and concept. I even like the thin tissue-like paper used in this book. This would be a nice book in bonded leather or leather. “The Greatest Words Ever Spoken” contains ALL the words of Jesus in Red with some surrounding verses in black to help with context. You may need/want to read more of the verses around it for a more accurate interpretation. This is a valuable book to complement your Bible reading time and is actually Bible readings of Jesus’ words. Over 200 topics (spoken by Jesus) are broken down into 9 categories in 9 chapters. The only part of this book that is not from the Bible are the introductions to each chapter, which are written by Steven K. Scott, who compiled this book. I find the introductions are very good. The table of contents is well-organized and helpful in finding the topic you are looking for. The back of the book contains a scripture index and subject index, which are also quite helpful in using this book. It’s an easy book to use and can be used as a Bible devotion or topical Bible study of Jesus’ words. It is not likely that you will read this book from cover to cover, but more likely you will jump around in it. With that being said, if you want to read all that Jesus spoke, you might enjoy reading it from cover to cover. The book is 519 pages long, it’s not a short book, and the font is pretty small (but very clear), so it’s a lot of reading. Being God’s Word, it is not a book you will want to read quickly. The NIV version is not my favorite version, but it does make it readable for all ages.

I recommend this book as a great reference book and one you will want to keep in your personal library permanently.

I received a free copy of The Greatest Words Ever Spoken from Waterbrook Multnomah in exchange for an honest review.

Review of "Creating Community" (a book on doing small groups as a main part of your church)

I given this book 3.5 stars out of 5. I read this book at the recommendation of our pastor for the new and small church I attend.  For the vision of the church it definitely had a lot of practical advice that I believe our church will use some of it.  I especially like that the book deals a lot with keeping it simple.  There are easy guidelines to follow. If your church is considering small groups, which I personally believe every church should consider, then this book will be a good addition to your library, especially for those in ANY form of leadership in the church.

What I didn't like about the book:
1. I found it misleading that Andy is listed as the co-author, as he only wrote the introduction. The book is written by Bill Willits (he did a good job).
2. About 11 mentions of scripture, otherwise, not a strong scripture-based book. Some Biblical principles used, but that's about it.
3. A lot of comparisons to "corporate America" and successful business men, which I'm not a fan of as I believe the church is NOT to be compared or modeled as a corporation.
4. It is not a highly spiritual book, so it didn't change my spiritual life, but it did excite me about future community, which does effect our spiritual life.
5. This book is 10 year old, it is time they put out an updated and revised edition.  I would be very interested in a new revised edition.

I would recommend getting the book. You will surely get some great nuggets of truth and some great guidelines for small groups.  It's a short book, so it is a really small investment of your time.  If you even get one thing from this book that will help your church grow into a stronger spiritual community (through small groups), it will have been well worth your time.

Book Review: "How To Be Rich" by Andy Stanley

Spoiler Alert: I briefly share some of the principles of Andy Stanley's book in my review, not to spoil the book for you or lessen your curiosity, but to encourage you to read it ALL and get a fuller understanding of the subject in a way more than a review can do.  So please read my review and then go out and get this book.

Overall, I like Andy Stanley's books, and this book is no exception.  It is a short book of 160 pages (which includes small group study guide) and an easy read.  While I know he is not into the prosperity message, I was curious on how he would handle this subject being that he is in a very affluent suburb of Atlanta (Norcross, GA) and his church is by no means a poor church.  How would a successful, mega-church pastor, who is not poor in any respect handle this subject. Sadly, many affluent, mega-church pastors twist or avoid scriptures to make a case for their extravagant lifestyles.  This book would prove to be different.  For starters the subtitle of the book hits the nail on the head of what this book is really about, "it's not what you have. It's what you do with what you have" that is the essence on this book.  And "rich" has a double meaning throughout the book.  It deals with money, material things, and possessions; but it is also about what it really means to be RICH spiritually with God.  He also brings into perspective that fact that most Americans are richer than 96% of the world.  While I don't agree with Andy Stanley's remark that for 'most' Americans $37,000 a year would represent a pay cut..." (pg. 29) (I believe a lot of people fall below $37,000 a year), even so, I would have to agree that what is considered "poverty" in America would be very rich to most of the world. 

That being said, what does this book cover that I gave it a 4 star rating?  As he gets past the first few chapters and covers some very good foundational truths, he then does an excellent job breaking down many verses in 1 Timothy chapter 6 as to the principles shared in this book.  This is especially the case with 1 Timothy 6:17, 18 that states, "Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment. Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share."

While I think it is a good book for everyone, I think it is an even better book for those who have been blessed with much financially.  As he states on page 34, "the richer people get, the smaller the percentage of money they give away".  He also gets into having a generous heart with the money God blesses us with, be it a small or large amount - a very good teaching on generosity.

He also does a good job helping us to see that all we have is God's, meaning 100% (not just 10%).  This Biblical teaching can really help us put all we have in proper perspective.  It's all God's - you are just a steward of it.  As you finish this book you will see that it isn't about "BEING RICH" like so many people think, but about being rich toward God and being a good steward with all that God blesses you with. 

Note: I received a complimentary review copy of this book from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review and the words expressed here are my own.