I admired the author's candor about every struggle from suicidal depression to lust that did not end with her paralysis, remarkable since the credibilI admired the author's candor about every struggle from suicidal depression to lust that did not end with her paralysis, remarkable since the credibility of her emerging ministry was at stake in admitting this and even more remarkable in that she was still so young when writing these words. Her reading of the audio book is particularly good because her personal emphasis on the words comes through as though she is experiencing them at the moment. She takes clear choice from the promises of God without coming across as detached from the most unpleasant aspects of life on Earth....more
Great book. I hold C.S. Lewis in such high regard that I've taken to believing that his ideas sprang straight from his massive intellect and fell perfGreat book. I hold C.S. Lewis in such high regard that I've taken to believing that his ideas sprang straight from his massive intellect and fell perfectly polished onto the page for the page. This author dug into the roots of Jack's ideas, actually seeing the passages he underlined and the evolution of his ideas.
Downing's command of the body of Lewis's work is also impressive. He can highlight how major themes come through in his fiction and nonfiction. He can cover centuries of ideas and find relatable pearls of phrasing in what is probably some pretty dry material. Must read....more
I expected this to be an exposition of the Bible's verses on Moses, and good as far as that goes. What I didn't expect was the amount of historical teI expected this to be an exposition of the Bible's verses on Moses, and good as far as that goes. What I didn't expect was the amount of historical texture that Baker put into such a small book. One really begins to understand the belief system that Moses likely had as a prominent Egyptian and the ways in which God attacks that belief system with loving perseverance. This is helpful because so much of the Egyptian belief system is still around today barely changed.
The other pronounced characteristic of this little book is the author's candor about his own walk with the Lord. He is absolutely honest about the reasons why he felt he could no longer be used in the Lord's service, and this explains his devotion to the character of Moses. ...more
Both intimate and objective. Like C.S. Lewis's Surprised By Joy, the author recalls her lostness without Christ honestly and marks the gradual realizaBoth intimate and objective. Like C.S. Lewis's Surprised By Joy, the author recalls her lostness without Christ honestly and marks the gradual realizations He allowed to bring her to a saving knowledge of Him. This honestly continues as she describes her struggles with everything from bitterness to pride as a believer without allowing these flaws to overshadow her sense of adventure....more
Repackage of Case for Christ. Not new, but as it had been a few years since I read the original, it was good to be reminded of Christ's preeminence. Repackage of Case for Christ. Not new, but as it had been a few years since I read the original, it was good to be reminded of Christ's preeminence. ...more
This is mostly a military history. As I am more interested in character development both nationally and individually, it wasn't quite as satisfying asThis is mostly a military history. As I am more interested in character development both nationally and individually, it wasn't quite as satisfying as I had hoped. We do see Jackson's will imposed on the disparate people of New Orleans, and this is interesting. After his victory, we see this will as a picture of emerging national unity....more
saw the disconcerting ant-authority bent of the early Revolution as well as British authorities who regarded themselves as Americans and traced roots saw the disconcerting ant-authority bent of the early Revolution as well as British authorities who regarded themselves as Americans and traced roots as far back as anyone on the Patriot side. Still, author is honest about the Crown's myopia and mistakes at certain points. The interrelation of the Boston/Harvard elite before the fissure of Revolutionary events occurred is most interesting....more