Friday, March 25, 2016

Do This In Remembrance of Me


 For as often as you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death till He comes. - 1 Corinthians 11:26

Thursday, March 24, 2016

Philippians – Pursuing Spiritual Maturity by Gregory Brown – A thorough exposition and study of God’s Word


Recently I was offered the opportunity to read Pastor Gregory Brown’s new Bible study Philippians – Pursuing Spiritual Maturity – The Bible Teacher’s Guide.  I had not heard of Pastor Brown or his Bible studies before so I looked up information on him and found favorable reviews and feedback on his work.  So I agreed to take a look at his new Bible study in the book of Philippians and I’m so glad I did.

In these spiritually perilous days in which we live in, it’s heartening to find a solid Bible study from a Pastor and teacher who takes the Word of God seriously.  Pastor Brown does solid and thorough exposition of the Scriptures.  He begins the study talking about whom the author is, the historical background and purpose of the book.  He goes on to look at what are the signs and marks of a healthy (and unhealthy) church, its members and how we can develop spiritual maturity, grow in our walk with Christ and with body of Christ where we worship and serve. 

I found this study very convicting and challenging.  As you work through this study you will be examining yourself according to God’s Word and allow the Holy Spirit to work in you through the washing of the Word. 

If you want an easy Bible study that will make you feel good and doesn’t take much time, this probably isn’t it.  But if you want to grow and mature in your walk with Christ and have real and lasting changes in your inner man which are reflected outwardly, then this study is for you.  If you want to be better equipped to lead a Bible study, this book will give you a solid understanding of the book of Philippians. 

I would like to thank Pastor Gregory Brown for the opportunity to read his Bible study Philippians – Pursuing Spiritual Maturity.  I look forward to going through other studies by this gifted teacher.  Be sure to check out his website, Gregory Brown, where you can find his Bible studies, sermons, articles and blog.

I was offered this book free in exchange for an honest review.  I was under no obligation to give a favorable review. 


Tuesday, March 15, 2016

If I Run by Terri Blackstock – Will keep you on the edge of your seat from beginning to end

I’m a fan of Terri Blackstock’s writing so I was excited at the opportunity to read her newest mystery If I Run. 

This book is much different from her other stories.  If I Run is written in the first person narrative from two character’s perspectives, Casey and Dylan.

The story jumps right in to a mystery from the first sentence with Casey leaving the scene of a murder.  Over time the reader learns more about who was murdered and why and why in the world Casey is on the run.

Shortly thereafter readers are introduced to Dylan, a friend of the murder victim, who was hired by family to help bring into custody the chief murder suspect Casey.

Why is Casey fleeing the scene?  If she’s really innocent why doesn’t she hang around to defend herself?  After all, won’t the evidence exonerate her if indeed she is innocent?  Does Dylan really want to find the person who murdered his friend?  Or is he hunting Casey down just for the money?  Will truth prevail or will evil triumph? 

To get answers to those questions, you’ll have to read If I Run by Terri Blackstock.  This book will keep you on the edge of your seat from beginning to end. 

One of the things I appreciate about reading Christian writers is when they incorporate the Christian faith into the characters.  Unlike some of her other books the main characters aren’t believers.  They’ve had some exposure to Christianity, but they aren’t believers yet. 

Both characters, Casey and Dylan were very likable.  I’ve got to confess, Casey had me pulling my hair out at times.  But I realized that the character reminded me of real life.  We can’t control what other people do and the decisions they make and they have their reasons for making them. 

I recommend Terri Blackstock’s newest book If I Run.  Readers will enjoy Terri’s unveiling the characters and storyline one layer at a time.  I forewarn you, you may need to stay up late to finish this book. 

I would like to thank BookLook and Zondervan Publishers for the opportunity to read Terri Blackstock’s newest book If I Run in exchange for an honest review.  I was under no obligation to give a favorable review.


Friday, March 04, 2016

Can I Just Say – Open Letter to Senator Marco Rubio and Mr. Donald Trump




Can I just say, Senator Rubio and Mr. Trump, that the level that you two have taken the Presidential debates to is a new low.  For goodness sakes, parents shouldn’t have to be ready to cover their children’s ears while watching a debate. 

Senator Rubio, you were wrong to even go down the road of making an insult on another candidate’s body parts much less adding sexual innuendo.  You were absolutely wrong!  As a Christian, I also want to remind you the Bible speaks against course jesting. 

During last night’s debate, you had the opportunity to step up and play the man.  To publically apologize to Mr. Trump for insulting him in a childish manner and to the citizens of this country for lowering the discourse of this election to the level of junior high boys. 

Mr. Trump, you had the opportunity to turn the other cheek and not even bring up the topic.  You could have said, “Let’s not even go down that road.  Instead let’s talk about the issues that matter.”  That’s what’s really important to the American citizens.  Instead you chose to answer back a juvenile foolish insult.  You’ve got to stop taking the bait Mr. Trump. 

Do you honestly think that any voter gives a hoot and a holler about the candidates body parts?  Really?  Seriously?

What we do care about is your mind, thinking, values, character, courage, integrity, knowledge and experience.  We care about your understanding of the foundation and principles our nation was built on.  We want to know what you think about the United States Constitution, laws and the separation of powers.  We want to know if you respect a citizen’s rights for freedom of religion.  That’s just to name a few things. 

We want candidates that act like men of integrity and focus on the issues.  It’s time to step up and be gentlemen and act like decent, respectable men. 

@realdonaldtrump @marcrubio #GOPDebate

With All Her Heart by Kelly Irvin – Likeable, Thoughtful Characters

Kelly Irvin’s newest novel With All Her Heart – is the third book in the Amish Calling series.  I enjoy Kelly’s Amish themed books and lo...