Book Review: The Prophecy Answer Book by Dr David Jeremiah

Although prophecy is often beyond my thinking, I really appreciated the handy, pocket size book recently written by Dr David Jeremiah. The Prophecy Answer Book helps the reader to understand past events while explaining events prophesied for the future. The layout of the book is a question and answer format that is easy to follow and understand making this an ideal book for group bible studies, discussions with your teen children or travel topic. Dr David Jeremiah uses scripture in his answers, allowing the reader a documented reference. This is a great reference book for beginners and advanced students of prophecy. *Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their 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

Recently I was blessed the chance to read an encouraging and inspirational book by John C Maxwell.  The Right to Lead, Learning Leadership through Character and Courage is a delightful, easy read that would make an excellent gift for anyone on your list.  Mr. Maxwell prefaces the book by asking the question, "What gives a man or woman the right to lead?"  He than shares guidelines that will help prepare you to become a better leader.  The book includes story's, antidotes and wisdom from many individuals on the character and courage that is necessary to be a leader among men.  Some of the examples of leaders that are shared in this book are US Army General H Norman Schwarzkop, Nelson Mandela, Eric Liddell, Harriet Tubman, Japanese Consul-General Chiune Sugihara, Eddie Rickenbacker and many more. 

Here's a quick glimpse of one antidote that really tugged at my heart:

In Germany the Nazis came first for the Communist, and I didn't speak up because I wasn't a Communist.  Then they came for the Jews, and I didn't speak up because I wasn't a Jew.  Then they came for the trade unionists, and I didn't speak up because I wasn't a trade unionist. then they came for the Catholics, and I didn't speak up because I was a Protestant.  Then they came for me--and by that time no one was left to speak up.--Martin Niemoller

This is one book, I will definitely purchase a few extra to have on hand to share with others. 

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their 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 : "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

The Sacred Journey by Charles Foster

The Sacred Journey

Recently I finished reading the book, The Sacred Journey by Charles Foster.

Although the book posed many interesting thoughts and some good questions that Christians everywhere should take the time to ask themselves, I found the book a bit challenging to read. The author presented some of his opinions in fact form, which I feel could be misleading and/or harmful to some who are new in their Christian walk. I do like the concept of pilgrimage’s and appreciate that all our life journeys are unique. With that being said, I do not believe that one has to have a pilgrimage to have a close and loving relationship with God, unless life itself is that pilgrimage.

Some of the thoughts that I took away from this book:

Jesus words “Follow me.” The author states, “They come, just as they are. They are immediately disciples. They start the journey. They don’t pray the conversion prayer, come along to church for a bit, and then do a discipleship course.” Mr. Foster further shares how Jesus-followers start walking and this inevitable leads to a kind of repentance. This challenged me in wondering am I walking with Jesus? Or just doing church?

Mr. Foster stated “The kingdom is an eternal party and it has already started.” My question is how many of us live our life with the joy of the promises from God? How many of us are so concerned about the pilgrimage, journey, the process, that we miss life’s party?

One last thought from one of Mr. Foster’s statement, “God is bound to be moving…alarmingly clear preference for people who can’t lay still.” I agree that as Christians we need to keep moving on the journey; however there are times along the journey that laying still and hearing the whisper of God is the true blessing.

I would recommend this book to anyone who likes to be challenged in their thinking and have a firm foundation in biblical truths. This book is a bit deeper, so if you are looking for something to challenge your thinking, this would be a good choice. However, if you are looking for a lighter read (a “fluff” book), this wouldn’t be my first choice.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their BookSneeze.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.