The Seraph Seal

Set in the year 2048, The Seraph Seal, co-authored by Leonard Sweet and Lori Wagner, is a fictionalized account of a cultural history professor's discovery of a second century Diatessaron manuscript. Filled with symbolism from past Jewish and Christian traditions and a few ideas pulled in from other cultures, the search is on to decide the fate of humanity. There is even a huge appendix filled with the notes of the fictional Paul Binder for those wanting to read the various clues.

I must admit, I did not like this book. None of the characters really grabbed my attention and too many popped in and out to the point I would lose track of their story. I normally remember details, but I wasn't even retaining any memory at all of some of the people. Also, some of the things that the main characters seemed to find ancient are most likely to still be around in 2048. A couple of references made to things in the past were wrong, and I really felt a cultural professor would know the details better. I kept thinking that I would eventually get engaged in the story and it just did not happen. I disliked the way it ended too.  It is an interesting concept, though.

BookSneeze®  provided me with a complimentary copy of this book for me to read for this review.

Making The Best Of A Bad Decision

Decisions! We have to make them every day... from the most mundane to those that help define our lives. Have you ever made a decision you regretted? Did you marry the wrong person? Have you made mistakes that hurt others? Perhaps you made a series of wrong choices and feel like it is too late to ever repair the damage. Can you turn those bad decisions around and make a positive change? Maybe you just think it is too late to start fresh or to make amends. You can get forgiveness from God and restore your relationship with Him, and there is always hope of restoring broken relationships with others. Whether it is one mistake or a lifetime habit of mistakes, you can move past your regrets and move forward.  Pastor and bestselling author Erwin Lutzer will show you how to make the best of even your worst decisions.

This is a good book, but not a great book. Part of my slight disappointment may be because I feel like I have read these same examples time after time. On the other hand, it is not fair to fault Pastor Lutzer just because I have read many books. It is a honest appraisal of moving beyond the poor decisions, and accepting that there are consequences to face due to those decisions. He is very clear that forgiveness from God does not mean a complete do-over. For example, if you have robbed a bank and are truly repentant to both mankind and God, you are still most likely to spend time in prison. However, God will forgive you for being a thief. Lutzer's final chapter is based on the only truly bad decision you will make, and provides sound advice on how to make the correct decision. The brief discussion guide in the back can be used whether you study alone or with a group, and is most useful in reinforcing the lessons learned.

I received a free copy of this book from Tyndale House Publishers  in exchange for this review.

The Chocolate Diaries

If you are in the mood for a sweet, light-hearted read that gives a mixture of faith, family, healing, hope, and recipes for quick chocolate treats this may be just the book you have been looking for to spend a relaxing afternoon or two. Karen Linamen shares not only her own heart but stories of other women who have struggled and gone to reach new peaks of joy again. I usually attend one or two women's conferences a year, and I am assured at each of them that this is just the type thing we women enjoy, so I am sure this will appeal to many.

I guess I just don't have an over-abundance of these girly, shopping, bonding, fluffy desires. I admit that I read this right after a tornado caused much devastation to my state, so I was even more distracted than usual. It did help pass time, and it did make me smile, but I just could not handle a steady diet of this type of reading material. Well written, and I can think of several of my friends who will want a copy of their own, but I need to stick with mission-minded material more than "me"-minded material. So, it is great for women who need a light pick-me-up dose of encouragement and may be exactly what someone needs when life just needs a dollop of sweetness.

"I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review".

The Gospel For Real Life

We know that the gospel provides the news we share with others about salvation, but is that all there is to it? Do we need to read it on a daily basis, or is that part complete once we pray to accept Jesus as our Savior? Navigator author, Jerry Bridges, explores this issue in his book, The Gospel For Real Life. The gospel is to be used to transform you daily into the image of Christ. 2 Corinthians 3:18 is the verse that came to my mind, and is used in the Study Guide provided in the book. The best way to learn the character of anyone is to study them, and Mr. Bridges reinforces this throughout the pages of this book.


Although this book is not meant strictly for new believers, it is a good source for for those who are at the, "I'm now a Christian. What next?" phase. It is an excellent overview and explanation on such topics as assurance of salvation, Jesus as the scapegoat for our sins, and other things that may confuse those who were not raised in the church environment. I wish I had had a better understanding of many of these things when I first became a Christian. So, while I did not think the book truly covered the "liberating power of the cross", I would not hesitate to recommend it to others who want a deeper understanding of a daily walk with Christ. The Study Guide included is also a great benefit whether studying alone or with others.


Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from NavPress Publishers as part of their Blogger Review 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 <http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html> : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

UNLEASHED

UNLEASHED: Release The Untamed Faith Within (previously released as The Barbarian Way) is a small book that packs a powerful punch. Author, Erwin Raphael McManus asks if you believe Jesus died simply to give you an easy, trouble-free life. That seems to be the belief of too many Christians. It is also misleading to many non-Christians who believe that following Christ is the path to instantly having your problems taken away. To quote the back cover: "This is the barbarian way: to give your heart to the only One who can make you fully alive. To love Him with simplicity and intensity. To unleash the untamed faith within. To be consumed by the presence of a passionate and compassionate God. To go where He sends you, no matter the cost." (emphasis mine)

Is this the life you are looking for...or are you content to just muddle through in what I call "social club" Christianity?  There is nothing wrong with gathering with your faith family for fun and fellowship, but I don't want that to be my entire experience in my walk with Christ. I want to follow so closely to Him and in obedience that I can truly make an impact. Writing with a knowledge, passion, and sense of humor that I love, McManus clearly shows how the "barbarian way" is the most exhilarating path for Christ-followers. If you are content with the safe, timid belief in Jesus as your Savior, with no desire other than to make sure you have done the minimum requirement to get into Heaven, then this is not the book for you. However, if you want to have a passionate relationship with Christ and a full dependence on Him as you serve Him and reach out to others, I highly recommend Unleashed! My only complaint was that I did not want to stop reading. I must read more books by this author!


Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the 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.”

Max On Life

In his many years as a pastor and author, Max Lucado has been on the receiving end of many questions. In his latest book, MAX ON LIFE, he tackles 171 of those in a wide variety of topics. With a compassionate, straight-forward, and knowledgeable approach, Max uses Scripture, examples, and common sense to answer in an honest and simple manner. The questions are divided into the categories of Hope, Hurt, Help, Him/Her, Home, Haves/Have-Nots, and Hereafter, but there is a convenient Topic Index in the back to help find a more specific area you wish to explore. This is a very "user-friendly" guide to those who want a straight answer to a simple question.

To be perfectly honest, this is not my favorite of his books. That being said, Max Lucado remains one of my favorite authors. His way of sharing a story is one that allows me to more fully comprehend the life of Christ and His teachings. The Study Guides that are incorporated are truly a blessing! However, this is not that style of book. This is a straight-forward Questions & Answers book that I would recommend for those who like to have a reference book to help with their own, or the questions of others. I have read some that left me even more puzzled, but Max has the knack of explaining things in a manner that nearly anyone can understand. I would recommend it to others, especially new Christians and seekers who want to know more of Christian beliefs in everyday living.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the 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."

JOLT! by Phil Cooke

In JOLT!, Phil Cooke, reveals 25 "jolts" anyone can use in both their professional and their personal life. These are divided into groups under 5 sub-headings: 'Jolt Your Direction', 'Jolt What Matters', Jolt Your Potential', 'Jolt Your Heart', and 'Jolt Your Future'. Cooke, a well-respected television producer, commentator, and
social media guru presents ideas that can make a difference in how one approaches all decisions in life. Not only does he explain how to bolster confidence and make the most of your potential, but shows how to leave a lasting legacy that makes an eternal difference in the lives of others.

I loved the easy, conversational-style approach he used in writing this book. Each section was small enough that I wasn't overwhelmed by information, but could soak in what was being said and mull over how I could apply these methods to my own life. Cooke is upfront about his Christian faith and values influencing his worldview, but does not try to force them on others. As a fellow believer and follower of Jesus, I love that he incorporates this into the book, but I feel that others will find this book to be of equal value and respectful of different beliefs. This is a book that I will highly recommend, especially to those just beginning their careers and families. It needs be be on your MUST READ list if you have a business. I have reached an age where I regret more of the things I never did than I do the mistakes I made, and I believe JOLT! offers sage advice that a person will hopefully learn sooner rather than later.
 

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the 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 255vf: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."