The King's Christmas List

The children’s book “The King’s Christmas List” by Eldon Johnson, illustrated by Bonnie Leick is a book based on the Scripture of Matthew 25:35-40:

35For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, 36 I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.' 37 "Then the righteous will answer him, 'Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? 38 When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? 39 When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?'40"The King will reply, 'I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.'

This book does a good job inspiring the reader to follow God’s Word & give to others in need. At the end of the book is an advertisement for World’s Vision and Blood:Water Mission along with a web address that gives links to opportunities to share.

In the story, a little girl & her dog are decorating for Christmas when they receive a special invitation to attend a birthday party for the King. They quickly search for a present & ready themselves for the trip. Wearing her warm cape, carrying a cake for the King & taking her favorite Teddy Bear, the girl & her dog set off in the provided carriage.

Along the way, they encounter a grandma/ grandson pair who are cold & hungry. The girl gives the couple her cape & her cake. Next, they encounter a poor family whose child has lost her only toy, thus the little girl gives away her Teddy Bear.

At last they reach the King’s party where they are warmly welcomed. She notices gifts are being given to the attendants, not the King. Curious, the little girl approaches the King to ask why. The King lovingly takes the girl onto His lap & explains they when gifts are given from the heart, it is really a gift to Him. She begins to explain about her cake gift when the King tells her He knows, then shows her the angels she helped along the way. He lets her know He received His gift when she helped others.

The story is well written but I do not like the illustrations. The illustrator portrays Jesus as a black man with light eyes. He does not look Jewish at all in my opinion. The next page, He appears more like a white man, then back to a black man on the following page. Jesus does not change; He is Jewish. He does not change His ethnicity to be an All to all.

Captured by Grace Review

Captured By Grace by Dr. David Jeremiah, is a wonderful book that reminds me that God always loves me. God is always there to help and to comfort me. Many times my own sin and rebellion cause me to feel distant from God even though I know I am the one who moves from Him, He doesn’t move yet always accepts me when I return. Is it any wonder the story of the Prodigal Son portrays God as running to His lost child?

Dr. Jeremiah uses John Newton's hymn "Amazing Grace" for his outline, he explains how God lovingly extends an offer of grace to every sinner (everyone in the world). Each person has a choice is to accept His gift of salvation or reject His Son Jesus, thus rejecting God.

Dr. Jeremiah shows the reader that grace encompasses the past, the present & the future. No one is beyond His grace. It is by grace we are saved, not works so that no man may boast. The world’s population should turn from sin, live a life pleasing to God and give continuous thanksgiving to the loving God of the universe. When we fail, (and we will) He extends forgiveness. Thank you for this reminder Dr. Jeremiah.

Outlive Your Life

“No one can do everything, but everyone can do something”, a repeated quote from Outlive Your Life by Max Lucado. This book marks Mr.Lucado’s 25 years in publishing. I’m a fan of Mr. Lucado’s work-I’ve read & have all of his books, but this one is mediocre. His usual humor & depth of teaching are absent in this book.

Mr. Lucado uses the book of Acts as his guide to writing his book. He does a great job explaining the depth of Annaias & Sapphire’s deception which leads to their deaths.

He also does a good job detailing the story of Peter's vision of the sheet that God used to declare all foods clean. An understanding of the Jewish law pertaining to different food consumption is explained well, thus educating the reader of the significance of Peter's actions. I am inspired and reminded that we are here to serve a living God who is served by helping others.

In chapter 10, I was surprised by Mr. Lucado’s uncharacteristic liberal view of social injustices on this chapter. Jesus was not concerned with the social injustices of the day, He saw a physical and/or spiritual need and took care of it. I completely disagree with the "accident of latitude" quoted from Bono. God simply doesn't have or make accidents. We are born where we are born for a purpose God ordains.

This book is missing elements I hope will be read in his next book. I look forward to the next Max Lucado book.