Book Review - The Hole in Our Gospel by Richard Stearns

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This is a very well written book from an insider's perspective regarding many issues surrounding the global poverty crisis facing our world today. Stunning statistics intermixed with tales from Rich's own experience challenged me to evaluate my own attitudes and thought processes. I feel this is a must read for all Christians in America, but be prepared to be rocked from the "comfortable" seat.

One of my favorite quotes from the book:

Let me take some liberties and paraphrase these verses for today's reader: ' For I was hungry, while you had all you needed. I was thirsty, but you drank bottled water. I was a stranger, and you wanted me deported. I needed clothes, but you needed more clothes. I was sick, and you pointed out the behaviors that led to my sickness. I was in prison, and you said I was getting what I deserved." Matthew 25:42-43

The clencher - he reminds us that it starts with one. One person obedient to God - following what Christ would want them to do - making a difference where they are. For God's glory.

Let me do my part, Lord, for Your glory.

Book Review - Rachel's Tears

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Review of Rachel's Tears - 10 Years After Columbine ... Rachel Scott's Faith Lives On by Beth Nimmo and Darrell Scott.

What a beautiful testimony of a lovely young girl who lived her life of faith out loud.

Pros: A loving tribute to their daughter, Rachel. Seeing this tragedy through her parents and friends' eyes brings the tragedy to a new perspective - a closeness that does not penetrate our mind through just the media coverage of the events. I appreciate their willingness to share through their pain and through their brokenness. Rachel's life and testimony is one that we can all learn from - to walk a clearer path following Jesus, as He intended. I found the insights that God had given to Rachel very interesting - insights into her death and into her reaching others for Christ.

Cons: The book is divided into separate sections - those where Darrell "speaks" and then where Beth "speaks" (and occasional others). For me personally, it was more difficult to keep the story on track. With this approach, some information is repeated from each of their voices. There was also the constant reminder of division in their family.

Overall, I would recommend this book and want to express my condolences to them for their loss of a beautiful daughter. May God continue to use her story for His glory.

Reviews - just my opinion

Hello Love - Chris Tomlin
I picked up this CD last week and I absolutely love it. I would highly recommend it to anyone who likes worship music and especially those who like Chris Tomlin worship music - some really good stuff here.

Bottom line: Super!

Ruthless Trust - Brennan Manning
I finished this book a couple of weeks ago. Although there were some really good points and some quotable quotes, this one didn't ever really grab my full attention. For me, the language style was of a higher level than I needed and I found myself having to try to figure out what the words in the sentence meant before I could understand what the point was.

Bottom line: Not my favorite, but I did make it through it.

If you want to walk on water, you have to get out of the boat - John Ortberg
I am almost finished with this one - this one is right up my alley. Some good, challenging stuff in here regarding stepping out in faith. Ortberg has an easy reading style full of stories and illustrations. He also has a way of threading a theme through a chapter to keep the point fresh in my mind - it just works for me.

Bottom line: I recommend this one, too.

Book Review - "The Miracle of Mercy"

A good reminder of how important mercy (and grace) are in our Christian walk. How come so many of us are eager and ready to receive mercy and grace and equally as quick to withhold mercy and grace when it comes our turn to give it?

I especially liked his points in the last chapter regarding forgiveness and how important it is for us to forgive even if the other party doesn't seek it, deserve it or acknowledge it.

This book is an easy read, but I found the large number of excerpts from other sources a distraction to following a succinct train of thought. Even with that said, I still would recommend it because the concept is good.