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
When I saw this available on Net Galley I gladly downloaded it. Thank you, Loyola Press, for granting me access.
I've read some of Father Thibodeaux's When I saw this available on Net Galley I gladly downloaded it. Thank you, Loyola Press, for granting me access.
I've read some of Father Thibodeaux's work previously and found it enlightening. There are nuggets of gold in this short book but they get lost in the brevity and insufficient detail to encourage further pondering.
The author is a disciple of St Ignatius's teaching and this book follows the principles of that teaching. The book is a series of 'soundbites' from the author's reflections of consolation and desolation when it comes to discernment. The 'soundbites are a few lines, with 2 questions to ponder, however, I found myself skipping past the questions due to insufficient detail.
The book feels like a summary of a longer book. I would happily invest in the time reading a longer version if the author was encouraged to write it.
I suspect this would be a very handy summary for those who know St Ignatius's teaching well and seeking to discern a future direction in an aspect of one's life....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
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
Williams focuses this book on the Parable of the Prodigal Son. His exegesis on this parable is outstanding. He highlights words and 'what's not said' Williams focuses this book on the Parable of the Prodigal Son. His exegesis on this parable is outstanding. He highlights words and 'what's not said' that I had never considered before, even though I have spent much time contemplating the parable.
After a short bible study which also in some ways serves as a little devotional too as there is so much to glean and contemplate, Williams outlines how his audience, many well versed in the Torah, would have been amazed by how Jesus links aspects of the parable to some of the key stories in Genesis (Jacob and Esau, Joseph, for example). Only a brilliant teacher would have been able to do this.
In addition, Williams compares a number of the parables to demonstrate the wonder of the teacher.
I especially enjoyed the first 60% of the book and was in awe of Williams knowledge, wisdom and his many references to other commentators. However, I found the latter part to be a little repetitive and wondered if he felt he needed to stretch the book out. I found I started skimming some of the last chapters.
However, it is still tremendous and would recommend it especially if you are studying the Prodigal Son parable.
I received an early ebook copy of the book from the publisher via Net Galley. This has had no bearing on my review....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
This is a collection of stories, poems, psalms and devotions from some wonderful scribes. All focus on the birth of Jesus and its impact. It's personaThis is a collection of stories, poems, psalms and devotions from some wonderful scribes. All focus on the birth of Jesus and its impact. It's personal, often deep, at times lighthearted and leaves you wanting more.
It's a beautifully gentle way of approaching Advent, Christmas and Epiphany.
I'd suggest I'll be using this next Advent as it's 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
I enjoy Marlena's voice and her passion. Being a Professor of Spiritual Formation she understands the mechanics of walking through life with Jesus.
MaI enjoy Marlena's voice and her passion. Being a Professor of Spiritual Formation she understands the mechanics of walking through life with Jesus.
Marlena uses a useful analogy of being a boat bearing Jesus. In effect, we are vessels that bear Him and she outlines some of the ways she has experienced the fullness of being in constant communion with the lover of our souls.
I read this by myself and I can imagine it would be useful one for a group to work through. Marlena provides a link to download a discussion guide at the end of it.
Recommended. It's also a short book and doesn't take long to read....more
De Silva bases this encouraging book around 2 Timothy 1:7 - "For the Lord God hasn't given us a spirit of fear, but one of power, of love and of self-De Silva bases this encouraging book around 2 Timothy 1:7 - "For the Lord God hasn't given us a spirit of fear, but one of power, of love and of self-discipline." The book is broken into 5 sections:
1. Fear - how it robs us of so much life 2. Power 3. Love 4. Self Discipline 5. How to Apply the learnings
Each of the sections has 2-3 chapters (except the last one) and provides practical insights using many examples from De Silva's experience as a Sozo practitioner. This adds substance to the book and encouragement that fear doesn't have to cripple us as through Christ we have power to push it back to where it belongs.
If you struggle regularly with fearful thoughts, I'd encourage you to give this book a read. I'm actually keen to read De Silva's other book on her Sozo practice as I've had that on my Kindle for a while now....more
It's quite hard to summarise this book in a few lines for review purposes, simply because it is such an excellent piece of work. But here goes.
I expecIt's quite hard to summarise this book in a few lines for review purposes, simply because it is such an excellent piece of work. But here goes.
I expect this is the book Comer has been wanting to write for years. The deepening of his faith, his experiences at Bridgetown Church and then his business 'Practicing the Way' and his ferocious appetite for learning and reading have all led to the book.
Comer writes in an easy to understand manner. It's active, so he's always encouraging the reader to respond to his words. Using short sentences with plenty of space, he challenges the reader to consider their own relationship with Jesus and how to deepen it.
How? By apprenticing oneself to Jesus.
He doesn't shy away from saying that this will require change and eliminating certain things in our lives, but that's part of what surrendering our lives to Jesus involves. He appreciates that it's hard and not everyone will do it, hence, why there aren't more Jesus apprentices wandering the earth.
Comer provides a path to follow with guidelines regarding 9 practices that will help people to apprentice themselves. In addition, his vast reading library provides some excellent references and support for his words and recommendations.
But what I like most about this book is that Comer has walked that path (he's still walking it because it never stops) and as s such is a walking demonstration that such a life is possible.
I initially received an early ebook copy of the book from the publisher via Net Galley but I'd already ordered my own copies and 10 more for friends so it clearly had a positive effect on me.
I suspect this book will be being read by our children and grandchildren in years to come....more
Another book on gratitude, one might ask? Do we really need it? What more is there to say? To be honest, I had all these thoughts on starting to read Another book on gratitude, one might ask? Do we really need it? What more is there to say? To be honest, I had all these thoughts on starting to read Plantinga's book. It didn't take long for me to realise that this book brings something different and important in the discussion around the topic of gratitude.
Plantinga explores the Biblical roots, the psychological and physiological implications of gratitude. In doing so, he provides excellent Biblical exegesis, the results of research studies and examples of the grateful. We all want to be humbler and healthier don't we? Well, Plantinga provides a case that in becoming a grateful person we can become both. And one of the other wonderful elements of being grateful is that it feeds on itself. The grateful are generous and generosity feeds generosity both within the giver and receiver. It's quite magical.
Plantinga starts by exploring what gratitude is, how we get it, what blocks us from being grateful, and what happens to us if we are grateful. The second half of the book moves into exploring the Biblical themes surrounding gratitude, think how many verses mention 'thankfulness', 'give thanks,' and celebrating gratefulness. He ends the book with some wonderful examples of gifts that we can be thankful for.
This book exceeded my expectations and I'd encourage people to read it as being a grateful person is the best way to live irrespective of one's circumstances.
I feel very blessed to have received an early ebook copy from Brazos via Net Galley with no expectation of a positive review....more
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