gods at war

A few short days ago, I received an unassuming package in my mailbox. Opening it to reveal Kyle Idleman's newest book Gods at War. And so the journey began ...

Not having read Idleman's previous book, not a fan, I was not sure what to expect. His introduction immediately reveals that this book will be a more personal experience. Recounting a "teachable moment" with his 8 year old daughter brings a shocking realization: idols are not the graven images of a dusty past, but present today in forms that are far more insidious and threatening. After all, who gives a second thought to many of the things that we take for granted? Have you considered that the importance you place on things (status, money, possessions, etc) thrusts them firmly into the place of something that you worship (idol)?

"The deadliest war is the one most of us never realize is being fought." How true those few words - and all before I had completed the introduction. Moving forward, Idleman blasts you with another seemingly simplistic view that brings his point home: "Goals can become gods. You start to serve them, live for them, and sacrifice for them." Sound familiar? Just a few more hours at work and we are sure to nail down that promotion/new position/recognition. It's okay if we have to miss a game/competition/family outing/church ... we can make it up tomorrow/next week/next year. Remember Mt. Sinai and the calf? "Anything at all can become an idol when it becomes a substitute for God in our lives." (emphasis mine) Proverbs 27:19 reminds us that "As water reflects the face, so one's life reflects the heart." (NIV). What does your life say about where your heart lies?

Pastor Idleman breaks down his book into four parts, detailing the gods that can detract us from focusing on the one true God. From the temple of pleasure (food, sex, entertainment), to the temple of power (success, money, achievement), to the temple of love (romance, family, me), the author gives an eye-opening view of how easy it can be to turn away from what is real to begin a never-ending journey for thethingthatisbetterandjustaroundthecorner. "The battlefield of the gods is your heart. Your heart is shaped by your thoughts ... be careful how you think, because that's what you will worship."

This book did what I expect any good book to do: it made me think. It drove me to ask myself some questions, and I didn't always like the answers. What is most important? Is God the most important thing in my life? Am I living like He is the most important, or am I just paying lip service? Am I talking the talk without walking the walk?

"Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it."~Proverbs 4:23 NIV


Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com <http://BookSneeze®.com> book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 <http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html> : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

1000 Days: The Ministry of Christ

When choosing a book for review, I seek out a title that grabs my attention - something that makes me think, or makes me want to learn more. This is the first Jonathan Falwell book that I have read, and I will admit to being slightly disappointed. I was expecting the book to be a deeper study of Christ's ministry; instead, what I found was more questions than answers. I do believe that the book would be great for group study, the questions at the end of each chapter are designed to make you think about changes that could bring you to a closer walk with Jesus.

Several thought-provoking moments occurred while I was reading this book. I most appreciated the reminder of 1 Samuel 16:7 "Do not look at his appearance or at his physical stature, because I have refused him. For the LORD does not see as man sees; for man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart." I agree with this statement, and feel that it is an important reminder in the world of today where so much focus is put on one's outer self.

I think that Falwell brings up some good points, although I disagree with his interpretation at times. As many reviewers before me have noted, if you want to know Jesus, read the Bible. If you are looking for an indepth study of Christ's ministry, this is not the book you are looking for. I gave the book a 3 star rating because I felt there were several points that applied to my own life, and I felt that the book made me take a deeper look at my own following of Christ's footsteps.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255

Happy New Year!

Can you believe it is 2013? It seems a bit strange to me, but I have yet to actually write the date. What type of resolutions have you set for this new year? Each year, I go through the motions of setting resolutions and while I follow some longer than I do others ... well, you know how that goes. Last year, I was blessed to become part of a group on Facebook that read through the Bible. Did I complete the year's worth of readings? No, I didn't. I followed the group progress, however, and stayed in touch with a few members of the group throughout the year. I am disappointed in myself with failing to complete the reading along with the group, but today begins a new year.

My husband and I discussed plans for this new year this morning. What are we going to do? Will we do anything differently than we have in the past? What changes do we want to make? As in years past, I am determined to eat healthier. Do I want to lose weight? Of course I do. Am I making weight loss my goal? Not particularly. This year, I want to focus more on putting healthier food into my body, and learning portion control. I don't plan to focus as much on the numbers, but instead to focus on the process. In keeping with that train of thought, this morning on my trip to Walmart I tried to choose snack items wisely. Knowing that I am by nature a snacker, I portioned the snacks on my return home. Instead of grabbing the box of Cheezits, I can now grab a bag that holds a single serving. It will not be easy, nor will I always be successful. My intention today? To take it one day at a time. Every day, I will make a concentrated effort to eat healthier. I don't know how it will work, but if I try, I will at least know what needs improvement.

I told Rob that I planned to read through the Bible this year, and asked him if he wanted to read with me. To my surprise, he said yes! I asked him where he wanted to start, and he said "At the beginning! Genesis!" Both of us puttered around a bit more, then he stated that he was going to bed. I looked at him and said "We didn't read yet." I then asked him if he wanted to read aloud. He agreed, and we read the first two chapters of Genesis. 

There is more to Genesis, however, than just words on a page. The first two chapters of Genesis deal with creation. Talk about an area of controversy for some! I believe in creation. I believe that God made the heavens and the earth, and all the living creatures - man included. I believe that God made apes and God made man and that we did not develop from the apes. There are many who disagree, and I respect their right to do so. 

Our reading this morning generated a discussion that lasted three times as long as the reading itself. And that, I believe, is what a good reading is all about. 

Almighty God, we cherish you and trust in you to provide. Work within us to give us strength, and to draw us even closer. May we live each day as you would have us do, and may we remember that we are your creation.

"This is the account of the heavens and the earth when they were created, when the Lord God made the earth and the heavens." ~ Genesis 2:4 NIV

What Am I Here For?

Ten years ago, Rick Warren had millions of people searching for the answer to that question in his amazing book The Purpose Driven Life. Touted by Publishers Weekly as the "bestselling non-fiction hardback in history", Zondervan has released an expanded edition of this explosive book in celebration of its anniversary.

Designed to be read over a period of 40 days, The Purpose Driven Life starts off by putting the reader in a reflective mode. Is it not worth 40 days of your life to find the purpose God has for you? Warren mentions several significant 40 day periods mentioned in the Bible (Noah and the rain, Moses on Mount Sinai, David and Goliath, and the transformation of the city of Nineveh), and encourages the reader to take this book a chapter at a time. What is there to be said that has not already been said over the past 10 years? The expanded edition includes video introductions to each of the 42 chapters by author Rick Warren, audio lessons at the end of each chapter that offer more than 30 hours of additional teaching by Rick Warren, two new chapters that cover the most common barriers to living a purpose driven life, and access to an online community offering discussions, feedback, and support.

This book has the potential to change your life - if you absorb its content and take it in the context in which it was written. You have to WANT a change to happen, and you have to be willing to accept that change. Approaching the possibility of change with an open heart, an open mind, and faith in Christ to lead you in the direction that He would have you go will lead you down paths you may have never considered possible. Are you willing to lead a purpose driven life?

If you took the challenge at any time during the past ten years, how do you feel about that challenge today? Are you willing to revisit the challenge? Transform your life - live with purpose.

I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com <http://BookSneeze®.com> book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 <http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html> : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Grace

Given the opportunity to receive books in exchange for writing a review is a book-a-holic's dream. As a fan of the writings of Max Lucado, I was more than excited to have the opportunity to read his newest release, Grace. When I received my copy in the mail, I sat down and started to read ... I had barely started the book when I realized that this book, while written in the easy conversationalist style of the other Max Lucado books I've read in the past, was speaking to me in a way that nothing I have recently read has done.

As you can see from the cover image, the smaller print underneath the title reads "More than we deserve   Greater than we imagine."

 

What do you think of when you hear the word grace? The examples used in the book (grace period, grace note, fall from grace) are familiar. Grace, to me, means that I am blessed indeed. Grace means that God gives to me - as Max outlines on the cover - far more than I deserve. "Grace is the voice that calls us to change and then gives us the power to pull it off," on page 8. Moving over to page 23, we see grace further defined as God-given "when it causes indignation ... alarm ... longing ... concern ... readiness to see justice done" (2 COR 7:11 NIV). I agree with that statement! It's a wake up call, God patting you on the shoulder saying "Wake up and pay attention!"

 

Moving further into the book, on page 98, Max explains sustaining grace far better than I would have been able to do. "Sustaining grace meets us at our point of need and equips us with courage, wisdom, and strength. It surprises us in the middle of our personal transatlantic flights with ample resources of faith. Sustaining grace promises not the absence of struggle, but the presence of God." In that final sentence, it is made vividly clear to me just how boundless God's grace is. It does not promise that we will have no struggle, but that God will be with us always. What power in those words!

 

Delve into Grace. Let the beauty of Max Lucado's words envelop you. Be thankful for God's grace and realize how blessed you truly are. The reader's guide by Kate Etue at the end of the book goes over each chapter, offering scripture review and questions to further expand your study of grace. It is suitable for a book group, or individual study.

 

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze.com <http://BookSneeze.com> book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 <http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html> : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”