Is God Ever Silent?

In Seeing the Voice of God, Laura Harris Smith makes the case from Scripture that God is never truly silent.  In particular, while we sleep, He never does.  He goes on communicating with us through our dreams. Laura describes her experiences with dreams and describes for us the various types of dreams and visions, with examples from Old and New Testaments.

This book includes great information on the importance of sleep for our bodies as well as our minds and spirits.  A doctor who specializes in sleep was interviewed regarding the stages of sleep, sleep debt, and recommendations for healthy sleep.

The book closes with advice on discerning spirits, remembering dreams, and interpreting symbolism in dreams. There is even a “dream dictionary.”

I received a free review copy of Seeing the Voice of God from Chosen Books.

The Miracle of Motivation by George Shinn

This is an updated version of Shinn's 1981 book.  This revision includes topics such as staying on track despite the distractions of e-mail and social media. It also keeps all the great advice from the original about setting goals, staying motivated,  and solving problems.

Chapter 14 on Overcoming Obstacles was especially helpful, in my opinion. Step one of the six step problem-solving procedure recommended by the author is "Don't fear the problem..." George Shinn tells the reader many things that should be obvious, but so often are not.  His advice is comprehensive and compelling and applies to business, personal life, and charitable activities.

Check out the book trailer here.  It was my pleasure to review this book after receiving a free review copy from Shinn Publishing and The A Group, Inc.

Martyr's Fire: YA Fiction from Sigmund Brouwer

Book 3 in Merlin’s Immortals continues the story of Thomas.  He has ruled Magnus for only a short time when the Priests of the Holy Grail come to town.  Their fake miracles and wonders deceive the people of Magnus and make Thomas a man on the run. For the Priests are really Druids.

Now Thomas must use what little he was taught as a child and given by his few trusted friends to seek the Secret of Magnus and defeat the Druids.  Many people will cross his path and offer him aid, but deceptions are everywhere.

This young adult novel will keep the reader on edge. Can anyone ever be sure if anyone is friend or foe, Immortal or Druid? Trusting the wrong person means torture and death--and losing Magnus forever.

I received a free review copy of this book from Waterbrook-Multnomah.

Book Review: Ministering to Problem People in Your Church

Marshall Shelley has updated his book about "well-intentioned dragons" in the church.  I'm glad he did.  Reading the real-life stories of pastors who have dealt with difficult people, been scarred by the experiences, and/or been strengthened through the experiences helped me evaluate my own actions. First, am I being a difficult person. Next, am I properly ministering to the difficult people in my life.

I especially appreciated the information about coping with mental illness within the church.  So often it is ignored, whispered about, or spiritualized (just have more faith and you won't be depressed, schizophrenic, etc.)  Shelley recommends practical strategies such as setting clear boundaries with those who are struggling so they don't completely drain the pastoral staff.  He also offers a beautiful story of how a pastor and his church dealt with a disruption of their worship service by a mentally ill woman who was off her medication.  Their kind and helpful example was alone worth reading this book.

This is an absolutely essential resource for anyone doing ministry in a church of any size.

I received a free e-Book from the publisher, Bethany House, for my review.

No More Guilty Pleasure

A review of Desiring God by John Piper

As a Christian I had always understood and accepted that the chief end of man is to glorify God…but I got stuck on the second part.  Enjoy Him?  Wasn’t the Christian life supposed to be hard, with denying oneself, taking up one’s cross daily, and being persecuted?  Yes, I knew I was supposed to worship as well as obey; However, I felt guilty if I enjoyed the worship “too much.”

John Piper’s book is the antidote for the Christian who has trouble enjoying life.  Pleasure is not a dirty word for the person who is following God.  We glorify Him best when we are enjoying Him, in good times and bad.  Piper covers worship, money, marriage, suffering, and much more, all from the perspective of desiring and enjoying God.

I received a free review copy of this book from Waterbrook-Multnomah.

The Gospel and Acts in Story Form

Moody Bible Institute professor William H. Marty presents the drama and heart of the Jesus story sequentially, using all four eyewitness accounts from the New Testament.  Like his book The World of Jesus (also from Bethany House Publishers) Marty includes historical and cultural notes to enlighten the reader about practices or events that may seem strange to the modern Western mind.

This short book would make an excellent group study.  Consider it as part of a New Testament survey course for new Christians or for youth.  Dr. Marty has a gift for making the Bible and its historical context accessible to all people.

I received a free review copy of The Jesus Story from Bethany House publishers.

Book Review: Letting Go of your Limitations by Sandie Freed

Sandie Freed wants to see God’s children freed from their self-imposed limits: legalism, disappointment, pride, fear, etc. She starts with the example of Saul’s (Paul’s) life.  He was a legalist among legalists, a Pharisee. Jesus confronted him and the proud Saul became the servant Paul through a process of letting go of his past.

Freed offers the encouragement that all Christians can experience the transforming power of God in their own lives.  She reminds us that repentance means to change the way we think.  To help us along, questions for reflection appear at intervals throughout the book.  I recommend it for individual or group study.

I received a free review copy of Letting Go of yourLimitations from Chosen Books.