Reading, listening, and learning

                                                            Written by Max Lucado   I was intrigued by this book being that I have dealt with panic attacks and been told by more than one person that I worry way too much. My response that I was taught by the best (my own mother) has been met with the various ways of saying, you need to get over it. Seeing this book on a shelf in a big box store, I knew I had to read this book. I had to find out if I would find the ways to 'get over it' within its pages.  Two words, I did.  The book discusses anxiety, fear, stress; their causes, and what we endure because of these and other emotions of the same vein. It also and more importantly, explains in detail, how trusting in the Lord, ta...

  I could discuss how the questions that are posed in this book answered questions or confirmed understanding that I held. Questions such as Is He from History or From Eternity, Is He the Son of Mary or the Son of God, Is He Past or Is He Present? Those are but three of the chapters in the forms of questions with in the book. One of the things though, that I took away, is how Jesus, is always, always, always with us. He is sitting on the right hand of God, and He is watching over us and praying for us. I know this to be true.  When I was twenty years old, the craze of the time was citizen band radios. Nearly everyone had to either have one in their vehicle, in their home or both. I had both. I wasn't content with the one I had in the house so I purchased another. A radio that was supposed to be one of the better ones. Before the seller let me have it, the radio was taken to a technician to go through it and make sure it was in good condition. After I got the radio, the per...

      As I turned the final page of this book, I'm wondering, how can I adequately describe what I am taking away from its pages? How do I explain, the effects and changes brought about by explanations given?   This is a book that not only tries but manages to take topics about a sovereign God, God who is unexplainable,  and yet go a long way to doing just that. In a sense, similar to taking a thousand piece puzzle and putting it together to show the intricate and lovely picture that was waiting among those pieces.  There are those who will say, I know God. I have been a Christian for x amount of years. You know that God created the heavens and the earth. You know that God is Holy and faithful and changeless (just a few of the topics covered within the pages) but this book poses the question, "Does God exist? I say the greatest question is: Do I know the God who does exist? Do I know about Him, and do I know Him personally?" Through the pages of ...

 Many of us have heard the name Billy Graham, one of the better known evangelist of this time.  When I purchased this book way back when (note the dusty jacket in top photo) I  expected that there would be many words of wisdom within its covers. I was not disappointed (note the many paperclips marking pages in lower photo).  Many have heard that life is called a journey, one that begins the moment we are born. This book discusses our journey and offers many signposts to help direct us along the way. "Each of us in on a journey, inevitably moving from one stage to another until its conclusion"* Life, no matter who we are, will have difficulties. It is how we handle those difficulties that show the world who we are.  When I look back on my own life, I see where when the road I was on came to a fork, I took the wrong one. I didn't stop and consider what my wait ahead, or what the consequences of the wrong choice would be. I forged on head first and head str...

                                                    Written by Dustin Willis / Aaron Coe    Christians know of the command known as the Great Commission, Go and make disciples. But what does that involve? First one must understand the Gospel, the Good News. Understand the truth of how Christ stepped down from His place in Heaven, was born of a virgin, as a man taught and showed the glory of the Father. He died on a cross, His life an atonement for the sins of mankind. On the third day He was raised, defeating sin and making the way possible for all to be saved.   This book explains the purpose of being a missionary, even and especially right where you are with the people you know and those you don't. It gives you a f...

                             Written by Andrew David Naselli with Foreword by D.A. Carson      If you've read any of my prior posts on the books I'm reading, you will know that these are the thoughts I have on what these books mean to me and what I am taking away from them. It is my belief that no matter what we read, watch or listen; we take something away.     When I first opened this book, I wondered what I was getting myself into. It looked at first glance like one of my nightmares about high school English classes. In fact, this book does mention how  a school uses it for a course taken during the seminary students first semester. Rather than allow that first impression to dissuade me from reading, I plunged in head first. Excited and determined to see what I could take away from the adventure in learning before me. Being a layperson, one would wonder why I am reading book...

                                                       Written by Beth Moore There are books that are theological books, books that are meant to give instructions on the various topics of faith, books that are references. Then there are books that are a cross between a teaching book and a guidance.  To me, this book opened my eyes to where I was failing. I was failing myself because in my Christian walk, I was doubting. Not doubting there is a God or that He can and does do magnificent things. I doubted that He would do great things for me. Because of a less than perfect past. (Who has one of those?)  This book gives a guideline on how to get past the doubts, fears and excuses to a point where one can see ...

                                                            Written by Charles Bridges    This is the first book that I have read that was a serious journey into understanding. Originally purchased to be a gift, for various reasons I still have it. Since I had it, I read it. I'm glad.  A book first published in 1831 the language is of course Puritanical. That in itself made this a book that required full concentration and focus. There are many words and phrases that I had to search for definitions or explanations. The fact that it was written for those considering or already in the ministry and I a layperson added a measure of difficulty as well. Still, I found it more than an exercise in focus and concentration...

                                written by Howard G. Hendricks and William D. Hendricks  When I first picked up this book, I wasn't sure exactly what I was getting myself into. I had questions, but I wasn't alone. This book is filled with questions, but, they are questions that are meant to help the reader find a better way to experience the Bible.  On page 352 there is this sentence; "The Bible's primary subject is God and His relationship with humankind." This book I feel is a very good way to help gain a deeper understanding of that relationship through His Word. How? Through the many questions it instructs the reader on finding answers. How to gain a deeper insight and faith based understanding. The book and its questions turn the reader into an inspector, a reporter, a scientist and more, all seeking answers. The usual who, what,when, where, how does this apply, what w...

   While this book is intended for those who are considering or who are preachers of the word and seeking a deeper learning, I as a lay person found it not only interesting, but informative. From page one to the final page, there is something that everyone can take to heart.    I have discovered in reading, that even and especially one that has been a Christian for many years, that we cannot walk with closed eyes and hardened heart. We must be willing and actually seeking God spoken words that will awaken us to a new and better understanding. I found many instances of that in this book.  I will not attempt to write a review for the ages, that isn't my purpose. My attempt here, is to  share what I am carrying away from reading this book.  I have a greater understanding of the purpose of corporate worship and its intended purpose. To not only learn and worship, but to glorify God.  I learned that while the cross of Christ is the ground fo...