This is a powerful book. Bevere is such a good Bible teacher because he knows the Bible well, has a strong relationship with God and brings good disceThis is a powerful book. Bevere is such a good Bible teacher because he knows the Bible well, has a strong relationship with God and brings good discernment and wisdom to the reader's understanding of holy fear!
And it's not just reverence!
This is a very practical book (even without study guide) as Bevere provides illustrations from his own life and others to demonstrate his discernment. Each chapter ends with a summary and a powerful prayer which I found excellent.
One of the benefits of reading this book which I wasn't expecting was the joy one can experience as a result of growing in holy fear. I expect I'll be reading this again before too long.
This is one of my favourite Peterson books. It's his perspectives on Paul's epistle to the Galatian church. The 6 chapters of the epistle are addresseThis is one of my favourite Peterson books. It's his perspectives on Paul's epistle to the Galatian church. The 6 chapters of the epistle are addressed by Peterson in 15 shortish chapters, each one starting with "Free to ..."
As Peterson outlines Paul's key message to the Galatians is that walking with Jesus is the way to freedom, hence, the chapter titles. I found each chapter stimulating and I appreciated how Peterson summarised his message in a few key points and then proceeded to outline in a bit more detail his insights behind each point.
This revised edition comes with a provocative short foreword from Karen Swallow Prior and a study guide at the back. I didn't use the study guide but may when I read it again at a future time.
Definitely recommend this if you seek to better understand the free life of walking with Jesus....more
This is a concise version of Ortlund's 'Gentle and Lowly' and it is such a beautiful reflection of God's love for us.
Each chapter is short (1-2 pagesThis is a concise version of Ortlund's 'Gentle and Lowly' and it is such a beautiful reflection of God's love for us.
Each chapter is short (1-2 pages) where Ortlund reflects on a characteristic of God's heart using a bible verse (or part thereof) as his reference or guide. It's easy to understand and doesn't require huge amounts of thought, just a willingness to accept God's love.
Like the Matthew 11:28 verse the bigger book is based on, this concise version reads gently. It's lovingly reassuring and for some who might doubt God's love for them, it may be a fresh revelation.
I particularly love how Ortlund ends it. Don't think there's any need to apply the 'lessons' from the book, simply "Come to me', approach Jesus because he awaits with open arms and immense love, irrespective of what you might have done even in the last 5 minutes. Just go to Him and enjoy His love.
I'm delighted to have received an early ebook copy of the book from Crossway via Net Galley with no expectation of a positive review. I'm pretty sure I will be buying a few copies to give to friends who might enjoy the refreshment this book brings....more
I'm a big fan of Peterson's words having read a number of his books. I also love the Psalms and have been reading them on repeat for the last five or I'm a big fan of Peterson's words having read a number of his books. I also love the Psalms and have been reading them on repeat for the last five or so years.
Peterson's understanding of the Psalms is not in question, it was more the lack of depth in each day's reading.
The book covers all the Psalms over the year, so the longer Psalms are spread over multiple days. Each day is headed by a phrase from the psalm of the day, encouragement to read all or some of it, 2 verses are provided, a very brief reflection, and then a short prayer.
I believe if you're new to studying the Psalms, I'd encourage you to start by reading the complete Psalm, along with something a bit more detailed and then perhaps use Peterson's book in tandem. I suspect many readers enjoy this book due to it being short and therefore quick to read each day. But I'm not sure that';s the best way for discovering more of this beautiful book of poems and songs....more
I've read a few books on Psalm 23 and this is definitely one of the better ones. Morgan writes from the experiences he's gleaned himself and from otheI've read a few books on Psalm 23 and this is definitely one of the better ones. Morgan writes from the experiences he's gleaned himself and from others who have shepherded sheep (that is, the 4 legged kind). Each statement is given a chapter which provides sufficient coverage to outline the principles, background and encouragement we can learn and receive.
With a strong Biblical basis, including understanding the Hebrew//Aramaic origins of the key words, plus the real life experiences of shepherds and sheep, this is a valuable resource for better understanding this wonderful Psalm's power, beauty and wonder.
I've been working my through the book of Jeremiah and knew 'Run with Horses' was a reflection on it so it made sense to read the latter at the same tiI've been working my through the book of Jeremiah and knew 'Run with Horses' was a reflection on it so it made sense to read the latter at the same time.
'Run with Horses' is a wonderful portrayal of Jeremiah's life. It's insightful and it's clear Peterson held Jeremiah in high regard. Like all Peterson books it's tremendously readable and I marvelled continually at Peterson's wisdom and perspectives.
However, the Biblical book is incredibly confronting to read. It can be a struggle to work through because of the repetition of the destruction that will fall upon the Israelites due to their constant disobedience. At times, reading Peterson's book, I hoped he linger longer on this element to help provide some meaning for it all. But, I guess that's what a commentary does and 'Run with Horses' is more a 'biography' of a great Godly man who Peterson encourages us to learn from.
Sometimes with a Peterson book it would be useful to have a little summary at the end of each chapter to help in the retention process. I expect I need to read the book again to gain the full benefit....more
This is a very timely book and I hope it will be read by many men. And wives and girlfriends might like to read it too
Bethke and Tyson have an easy wThis is a very timely book and I hope it will be read by many men. And wives and girlfriends might like to read it too
Bethke and Tyson have an easy writing style that makes the content flow well. But, be assured, the content is at times disarming in a good way as the two men share some of the concerns they're seeing amongst men in their churches and communities. I believe every man who reads this will be able to identify with one or more of the 'shadows' the authors write about. Each 'shadow' is given a chapter and the authors identify which one of them is 'sharing'. The 'shadows' are as follows:
The authors provide some background on the cause of the 'shadow', anonymous examples as evidence, encouragement using Scripture and other sources as to how to resist the shadow and come into the light.
It's a book that is relevant to all ages of men and is one that would be great for men's groups to work through together. I think the book would be even better with a Discussion Guide and/or Bible Study material that could assist individuals and groups to work through the material in a structured manner plus giving guidance to leaders. I'm hoping such material might be a subsequent release.
I do hope this gets read widely.
I received an early ebook copy from the publisher via Net Galley but this had no bearing on my review. I've also pre-ordered the book and plan to purchase copies for friends as well....more
I read Brueggemann's Advent devotional which I adored so it was very easy for me to grab this one for Lent.
Like the Advent one, each day's devotional I read Brueggemann's Advent devotional which I adored so it was very easy for me to grab this one for Lent.
Like the Advent one, each day's devotional starts with a Bible verse which then Brueggemann reflects on in about one page and then finishes with a prayer. Brueggemann doesn't shy away from the tougher aspects of Easter and I particularly appreciated his prayers, some of which I'd put in the 'dangerous' category which is always a good thing to do in our prayers. And Lent is a little dangerous or should be ... Jesus dies as we should and then He rises from the dead calling us to walk with Him through the dangers of this modern world.
'A Way other than our Own'! It's an apt title for a Lenten devotional as laying down our lives so we can follow Him is a fundamental message of the season. One that is perhaps been lost in much of the modern church.
But Jesus is such a wonderful friend and Lord that he continues to pursue us encouraging us to choose His Way as it's the best way.
I'd encourage readers to try this or the Advent devotional as Brueggemann is provocative and a little dangerous. But always draws us back to Jesus....more
I love Kate's blessings, her thoughts around them and suggestions for receiving them and overflowing with them to those we interact with.
I especially I love Kate's blessings, her thoughts around them and suggestions for receiving them and overflowing with them to those we interact with.
I especially enjoy reading them during Lent and Advent. The blessings are a daily wake up for me to just be, me, and to accept the beautiful and the terrible within the day.
I'm not as good using the devotional in 'ordinary time' as each one is based on a theme of sorts and if I'm not feeling a particular theme I may not read or receive the blessing with the same intention.
I will continue to buy these blessing books for the major church seasons and recommend them highly for meditation and contemplation during those seasons....more
I do enjoy the Dwell resources for the church seasons. The Dwell app provides the Bible verses for each of the days and then 'Attend' provides a shortI do enjoy the Dwell resources for the church seasons. The Dwell app provides the Bible verses for each of the days and then 'Attend' provides a short means of reflection, a prayer and a suggestion for a practice to embed what has been learnt.
It is a lovely gentle way of stepping through Lent and Easter Sunday.
BTW, the app also provides the 'Attend' resource which can be listened to instead of read (or both). I prefer the reading version for myself and hence, why I purchase this resource. ...more
This is the third book in the Fullness of Time series that I've read and it's equally as beneficial as the other two: Advent and Epiphany.
McCaulley heThis is the third book in the Fullness of Time series that I've read and it's equally as beneficial as the other two: Advent and Epiphany.
McCaulley helps us understand the meanings behind the rituals and collects of the Lenten season. I enjoyed this as it makes me even appreciate Lent even more. The book concludes with a short exploration of Holy Week. McCaulley takes each day, Psalm Sunday, Maundy Thursday, Good Friday and then Holy Saturday and explains their significance and how best to walk through them.
I wasn't expecting the book to end at Holy Saturday as most Lenten books include Easter Sunday but since there's a separate 'Easter' book in the series I understand the rationale....more
I stumbled upon Carrie Marrs a year ago, book her devotional when I was feeling especially anxious and have enjoyed reading it through the year.
One paI stumbled upon Carrie Marrs a year ago, book her devotional when I was feeling especially anxious and have enjoyed reading it through the year.
One page per day, starts with a bible verse, a short devotional related to a particular topic and then a simple but effective prayer. It's clear that Marrs knows a thing or two about anxiety and is writing from a perspective of walking the talk.
Marrs covers a series of topics which serve as a loose form for grouping of days. Some of these are listed in the book blurb and I particularly appreciated those that focused on anxiety triggers and practical ideas on relieving anxiety about illness and the like.
I've enjoyed it so much I'm just going to roll on with it for another year.
Recommended for those who might struggle with anxiety....more
This is a marvellous book. Interestingly, the cover is a great illustration of the spirit of this book and I'd encourage readers to spend some time reThis is a marvellous book. Interestingly, the cover is a great illustration of the spirit of this book and I'd encourage readers to spend some time reflecting on it as you read.
Hagerty shares from her life: the daydreams, the responsibilities that come with being a mom of 7 (and 4 of which are adopted), the disappointments, the hopes dashed, the resentments and the losses she's experienced. All of us can relate to some of this list which makes this very relatable and relevant for all of us. Men included.
Having followed Sara for over ten years, I've always appreciated her excellence as a wordsmith. She eloquently expresses the emotions we all experience in walking this journey of life. What's very evident in this book is how her experience and living has granted her enhanced wisdom in how to both express her words and how she works through stuff. It's wonderful to read and observe. She has a heart after Jesus and we all can benefit from her reflections and intimacy with the Lord.
I liked how Sara regarded her limitations as boundaries, a fence of sorts (hence the cover) and a means by which we can approach God. He understands our limitations, sometimes He imposes them, and Sara encourages us to understand they can offer us something most unexpected - Him and all His limitless grace, mercy and love. Boundaries invite us to find Him and the wonder and beauty and love He offers.
I feel especially blessed to have received an early ebook copy from Zondervan via NetGalley but I've already ordered the ebook and hardback. Accordingly, this early copy has had no impact on my review and I thoroughly recommend Sara's new book....more
I wasn't really aware of the Epiphany season, what it meant, its duration, etc. But I've read Rutledge's work previously and read the Advent book in tI wasn't really aware of the Epiphany season, what it meant, its duration, etc. But I've read Rutledge's work previously and read the Advent book in this Fullness of Time series which was very good, so I thought I'd read this one too.
Gosh, it's good! Really good. Rutledge as only she can provides the liturgical detail one needs in her very learned and delightful manner. What particularly grabbed me was its emphasis on God's glory, and the controlled power Jesus asserted through key 'epiphanic' moments, for example, the Cana miracle, the Transfiguration.
This small book is tremendously readable and I feel I have a much better understanding of this season and want to experience more of Jesus as a result.
I feel very blessed to have received an ebook version from IVP via Net Galley. This has had no bearing on my review....more
I've used Gibson's 40-day Daily Liturgy resource and enjoyed it immensely as a way of connecting with God with a structured routine of devotions, BiblI've used Gibson's 40-day Daily Liturgy resource and enjoyed it immensely as a way of connecting with God with a structured routine of devotions, Bible readings, Creeds, Collects and prayers. This Advent/Christmas version follows the same routine for each day of these 2 seasons.
In particular, I find this structure aids my prayers in a season when I might be struggling to be consistent in how and when I pray.
Liturgies aren't for everyone nor are they for me for every season but when I'm struggling for structure/routine, Gibson's resources are excellent....more
Hall shares with us the journey for following Jesus. It's a dense book with lots of great content using seasoned resources, mingled with reflections oHall shares with us the journey for following Jesus. It's a dense book with lots of great content using seasoned resources, mingled with reflections of his own journey following the Lord.
Much of the book is Hall's wisdom on various spiritual disciplines: prayer, Bible contemplation, solitude and silence (for discovering how to listen to God), living simply and confession. I especially appreciated the chapter on simplicity.
What I appreciated most about the book was Hall's voice. It's gentle and kind. Kind of what I'd expect Jesus' to be like. We can get hung up the spiritual disciples but in themselves they achieve nothing except they are a doorway to experiencing God. We have to choose to step through that door to follow Him.
Highly recommended and I expect it will become source material for future authors and courses....more
I've read bits and pieces of Brueggemann's words over the years but this is the first book, admittedly a short one, and it's tremendous. An Advent andI've read bits and pieces of Brueggemann's words over the years but this is the first book, admittedly a short one, and it's tremendous. An Advent and Christmas devotional, yes, it carries through to 6 January.
1.5 pages of contemplation based on a verse that heads up each day and then a short prayer to close it out.
I especially loved his mindset that underpins the devotional: Jesus came into the world to make everything new! Yes, us, the world and everything in between. Jesus brings abundance in the newness.
The focus on this perspective has lingered with me and has encouraged me to consider this new year in light of newness. Abundant newness. With Jesus.
I'd suggest I'll revisit this devotional next Advent/Christmas season....more
I thoroughly enjoyed this book which is marked as an Advent devotional but can be read at any time. Orr-Ewing presents a picture of Mary that isn't thI thoroughly enjoyed this book which is marked as an Advent devotional but can be read at any time. Orr-Ewing presents a picture of Mary that isn't the one we're often presented in the church. This is a teen, who having being blessed with the honour ( a scary one at that) of giving birth to Jesus, steps into her role with courage and surrender.
Orr-Ewing shares 25 devotions, most using the words of Luke's message and especially each line of Mary's Magnificat, to highlight traits of Mary's faith, reflections on the Advent story and wisdom for us to adopt to both better experience Advent and grow in our faith. It's excellent and I learnt much about Mary.
As evidenced by Mary encouraging Jesus to step into his ministry at the wedding in Cana and being the only one present at both His birth and death, she has a rare insight into the incarnate God which we can learn from. She is also clearly a humble leader who is able to encourage and guide others.
Each devotion ends with a prayer, many of which are taken from the Common Book of Prayer.
Attached to each devotion is a photo of a different painting that relates to that day's message. Most of the paintings are hanging in major art galleries around the world. Orr-Ewing explains the inspiration for the painting and its relevance. This is a lovely added extra to the devotions as I was unfamiliar with many of the paintings.
I can see myself reading this again as I enjoyed it immensely.
I was fortunate to receive an early ebook copy of the book from the publisher via Net Galley but this has had no influence on my review....more
When I downloaded this short book I knew it was part of a series (The Fullness of Time Series) but that was about all.
I soon realised that it is a refWhen I downloaded this short book I knew it was part of a series (The Fullness of Time Series) but that was about all.
I soon realised that it is a reference manual on all things Advent. The what, the when, how and why of Advent. And it's very good because in so doing, Harrison Warren invites us to experience Advent. I've been doing such for a number of years now but this book helps fill in the gaps and encourages me to continue to do so.
I especially appreciate these words that Harrison Warren writes near the end:
"Advent is not merely a collection of themes, Scriptures, practices, and prayers but a daily immersion in mystery, a lesson in grace learned through how we rub against time."
The book is split into 2 sections:
1. The first section has 4 chapters which is the what and the why. I enjoyed how Harrison Warren broke these chapters into the following headings:
- Yearning: There Advents of Christ - Longing: Four themes of Advent - Crying Out: Two Prophets of Advent, and - Stirring: Four prayers of Advent
2. The second section covers eight practices of Advent, most of which were familiar, however, I particularly appreciated the wisdom on fasting which I perhaps haven't given sufficient consideration in experiencing Advent over the years.
I read this during Advent but I would recommend it be read prior to the season so one can step into the experience expectant of the grace and mystery of it.
I was fortunate to receive an early ebook copy from IVP via Net Galley but this had no bearing on my review....more
I thoroughly enjoy the Dwell devotionals when matched with listening to Rosie's voice as she reads the Scripture passages for each day.
Dwell the devotI thoroughly enjoy the Dwell devotionals when matched with listening to Rosie's voice as she reads the Scripture passages for each day.
Dwell the devotional on their website as well so some days I listened to Russell read it and others I read the devotional. Each day's devotional was punchy and to the point, with a short prayer and a recommendation for a followup action.
Highly recommended for walking through Advent....more
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