God's Wisdom for Mothers Review

God’s Wisdom for Mothers Review

The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom. And the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding. Proverbs 9:10. This is just one of the NKJV verses used in God’s Wisdom for Mothers complied by Jack Countryman.

The cover of the book is very feminine with colorful tulips. The size is compact enough to fit in a purse to read on the go. It’s also small enough to fit in a Bible cover so devotional materials can be kept together.

This is a great gift book for any mother no matter what age. There are several sections pertaining to different aspects of wisdom that have been organized together for quick Bible verse reference. There is a section on God’s Wisdom, The Crown of an Excellent Mother, God’s Wisdom with Children,God Teaches a Mother to Walk in His Word (comforting for me since I’m the one constantly teaching my little ones), God Delights in Mother Who Are, God Walks with Mothers, God Encourages Each Mother, God Teaches a Mother How, God Gives a Mother. Each section has Bible verses that support the section’s topic. This is a great resource for praying Scripture over oneself or her children. True wisdom-Godly wisdom is the star of this book.

The Truth about Dating, Love and Just Being Friends Review

Dating/Relationship Truths

The Truth About Dating, Love and Just Being Friends by Chad Eastham was an interesting read for me. The author has a great sense of humor while speaking on a teen’s level. I have a tween whom I’m trying to prepare for this exciting time in her life. I find this book to be a good resource. Biblical based dating is the only way to go!

The author provides real situations that teens experience & offers ways to deal with them. Then he makes it personal to the reader by including fill in the blank exercises. As a parent, I want to spare my child hardships due to poor decision making because she simply does not have experience. While I understand I can’t enclose her in a glass bubble & protect her from all wrong, the book gives real life situations I hope she will learn from through choices others have made.

I liked the way that the author offered advice, I think it will help readers (teens) make better decisions about their relationships. Understanding one’s worth does not come from acceptance of the world but from God goes a long way in helping a teen make the right decision about relationships. This is not an old fashion idea, but a Biblical one. I’m glad to see the author writes about this with clarity. He gives teens advice on dating, friendship and love. I hope to share this book with my child when she gets closer to the dating age.

The Principle of the Path Review

Andy Stanley, in The Principle of the Path, gives us the key for a successful life. Based on the Bible, the author gives the reader simple facts to be used to change the direction of one’s life.

The main idea of his book is: "Direction, not intention, determines destination." In the pages that follow, he outlines how we often brush off this statement in our lives as we believe that our desires and intentions are really what matter. Stanley reminds us - it only matters what we do, not what we hope or want or aspire to do.

Time is needed as well as a change in direction to get your life where it needs to be-hopefully to one pleasing to God. Andy Stanley doesn’t accuse you or point out your mistakes but offers Bible based knowledge that helps led a life honoring to God.

Mr. Stanley writes in a conversational style where the reader can easily feel like he’s speaking directly to the author as a friend. Everyone makes mistakes, finding the way to God is clear if one just seeks the Almighty God. He doesn’t make Himself unavailable to His children.

A Year With God Review

A Year With God is a nice addition to anyone’s devotional library. The days are labeled by number rather than date so one can begin the readings at any date desired. Most of the devotions are based on Old Testament Scripture in varying Bible versions. Some versions are not ones I prefer so it’s nice knowing I won’t have to read that one version each day. I always read the referred Scripture from my own Bible anyway to ensure accuracy. Some of these Scriptures are not ones I’ve focused one so it’s refreshing to dive into these parts of God’s Word.

A Year With God is also broken up into topics:

1. Hope and Fear

2. Love and Hate

3. Perseverance and Quitting

4. Faith and Doubt

5. Loyalty and Betrayal

6. Companionship and Isolation

7. Mercy and Judgment

8. Forgiveness and Anger

9. Joy and Sadness

Surely there is a devotion for every phase of one’s life that offers help & encouragement if not an introduction to new knowledge. These devotions are short but packed full of useful, insightful readings that bring one closer to God. This book is recommended to anyone who wants to grow closer to God.

Jesus is Calling Review

Jesus Calling is a devotional book for older children/adults. There are 365 devotions for the reader to have one per day. First a Bible verse is given & then explained through a story or personal type sharing experience then concluded with further verses to explore on the reader’s own. The writing is in first person with Jesus being the one speaking. I do not care for this format, but this is a personal thing for me. I can’t begin to imagine speaking for Christ!

The devotions are short but not without giving the reader something to think about. Beginning each day or ending each day with God’s Word is easily accomplished by using this book. A nostalgic feeling is given through this book’s cover design. It is intentionally made to look old & well read. Hopefully it will become a favorite book to share God’s Word with family or just increase one’s own closeness with the Lord.

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.