The 30-Day Praise Challenge by Becky Harling

The 30-Day Praise Challenge by Becky Harling ISBN-13: 9781434705990 ebook: 192 pages Publisher: David C Cook Released: August 1st 2013

Source: ebook bought through Christianbook.com.

Book Description, Modified from Amazon:
When Becky Harling was diagnosed with cancer over ten years ago, a friend challenged Becky to spend twenty minutes a day in praise. Becky thought, What if I’m not feeling thankful? But as she intentionally praised God, she began to experience new joy—and her relationship with God has never been the same.

Now, in The Thirty-Day Praise Challenge, Becky guides you in praising God for twenty minutes every day for one month. Arranged topically, the book includes music selections to enhance your praise journey and creative ideas for continuing the habit of praise.


My Review:
The 30-Day Praise Challenge is a 30 day devotional. It's the only devotional I've ever read that I plan to read through again. Not every day hit on what I was dealing with at that moment, but I was surprised by how often it did. I have some physical limitations right now due to injuries, so undone farm work is piling up, and I get frustrated in addition to the physical pain. This devotional will probably have the most impact on those actively dealing with a physical and/or emotional pain though I'd recommend it to anyone.

Almost all of the issues she covered were common to everyone at some time. Each devotional started with a verse and then a paragraph of God speaking to you about an issue with the words based closely on Scripture. The author then prompted the reader about what to focus on and suggested related praise songs for you to listen to. She ended with a prayer and some questions to prompt your journal writing. At the end of the book, she suggested further ways of praising God like using verses from Psalms or Revelations or using the names of God.

For the songs, you can use your favorite worship songs to make your own playlist. I used her suggested list for this first round. She used some of my favorites, and I was introduced to a few new songs that I'll add to my Spotify worship song list. I already had regular, daily praise times before I read this devotional, so I was already convinced it helps to change my attitude and outlook. Overall, I think this is an excellent devotional and I'd highly recommend it.


If you've read this book, what do you think about it? I'd be honored if you wrote your own opinion of the book in the comments.


Excerpt: Read an excerpt using Google Preview.

Alive by J. Warner Wallace

Alive: A Cold-Case Approach to the Resurrection by J. Warner Wallace ISBN-13: 9780781411288 ebook: 36 pages Publisher: David C Cook Released: March 1st 2014

Source: ebook bought on Christianbook.com.

Book Description, Modified from Goodreads:
The resurrection. As far as doctrines go, it's a game changer. What if we assessed the issue of the resurrection as a cold case detective would evaluate a crime scene? Author J. Warner Wallace is a cold-case detective. He also used to be an atheist. Follow along in this brief presentation of his approach in applying his detective's expertise to the accounts of the resurrection. Wallace believes the case is compelling.


My Review:
Alive is a short apologetic booklet that looks at the evidence surrounding Jesus' resurrection from the point of view of a cold case detective. What is the most reasonable explanation for the accounts found in secular, historical sources and in the Bible?

The author explained his process and then examined the possible explanations using his experience as a cold case detective. He did a good job of covering the various, possible scenarios surrounding the crucifixion and resurrection. His reasoning was easy to follow and rational. Overall, this would be a good resource for those who are uncertain about Jesus' resurrection and only have time for a quick read. It will especially appeal to those who are interested in detective work. However, this will be too brief for anyone wanting a thorough, deep look on the subject.


If you've read this book, what do you think about it? I'd be honored if you wrote your own opinion of the book in the comments.


Excerpt: Read an excerpt using Google Preview.

Devotions from the Garden by Miriam Drennan

Devotions from the Garden by Miriam Drennan ISBN-13: 9780718030506 Hardcover: 224 pages Publisher: Thomas Nelson Released: March 31, 2015

Source: Review copy from the publisher through BookLook Bloggers.

Book Description, Modified from Back Cover:
There's nothing on earth like the peace and loveliness of a magnificent garden. It's the place where Adam and Eve first fellowshipped with God, and where you, too, can escape from this chaotic world into His loving arms of beauty and serenity. These ninety devotions explore the parallels of life with elements of the garden to help you see God, to sense His presence, to soothe your soul, and to rest in knowing He is with you throughout each day.


My Review:
Devotions from the Garden is a book of 90 devotionals that show the parallels between gardening and how God works in our lives. The book is full of colorful photographs of gardens and garden plants. Each devotional started with a verse and ended with a suggested prayer. The devotional talked about the trials and joys of gardening or about gardening hints and then tied that in to help us better understand the verse. The author has a solid theology so I appreciated the truths she brought out through her gardening parallels.

While non-gardeners can probably get something out of this devotional, it's really talking to those who understand the work and enjoyment found in gardening. Reading each devotional doesn't take long, but it leaves you with something to think about for the day or while you garden which will point your thoughts and praise toward God. I call that a good devotional.


If you've read this book, what do you think about it? I'd be honored if you wrote your own opinion of the book in the comments.


Excerpt: Read an excerpt using Google Preview.

Understanding the Land of the Bible by O. Palmer Robertson

Understanding the Land of the Bible by O. Palmer Robertson ISBN-13: 9780875523996 Paperback: 158 pages Publisher: P & R Publishing Released: April 1, 1996

Source: Bought from Christianbook.com.

Book Description, Modified from Back Cover:
Was there something special about the places God chose to stage his marvelous works of redemption or could these events have happened just anywhere? O. Palmer Robertson gives Bible students a guided tour of the Holy Land. He explores the mountains, plains, valleys, rivers, and cities of Scripture. This guide also includes a chapter on climate and vegetation, as well as archaeological notes by John D. Currid.


My Review:
Understanding the Land of the Bible is a Bible atlas of sorts. The author described the land in terms of rainfall, terrain, location, and such as you'll find in many Bible reference books. As each area, river, plain, valley, mountain, or city is discussed, we're also told of the various biblical events that occurred on that spot. This helps to pull together the history of the spot in a way you probably won't get from simply reading the Bible.

The book description implies that the author will explain why these events happened in these specific spots, presumably due to their location or geography. He only really did this for "why did God chose the Levant as the Promised Land?", "Why did David choose Jerusalem as his capital city?", and "Why did Jesus choose Capernaum as his 'home base' spot for his ministry?"

If you're looking for a quick read or reference guide where you can look up a spot to learn what events happened there, then this book will probably fulfill your need. The maps are plain and black-and-white, though, so another book will serve better if you're looking for a Bible atlas.


If you've read this book, what do you think about it? I'd be honored if you wrote your own opinion of the book in the comments.

The World of the New Testament by

The World of the New Testament by J. I. Packer, Merrill C. Tenney, William Jr. White ISBN-13: 978-0840758217 Paperback: 216 pages Publisher: Thomas Nelson Publishers Released: December 1, 1982

Source: Bought through Half.com.

Book Description, Modified from Back Cover:
The World of the New Testament discusses the historical, geographic, and political environment in which Christianity developed and grew. It draws upon the latest knowledge of archaeologists, historians, language specialists, and theologians.


My Review:
The World of the New Testament is a Bible Handbook. The book was printed 33 years ago, and there are plenty of newer handbooks that cover similar information. But, since I just read this one, here's a quick review.

The handbook gave a brief overview of the events of the Old Testament and the Inter-testament Period. It described the political and religious groups mentioned in the gospels and gave information about how the Greek and Roman cultures influenced Jewish culture at the time of the New Testament. It briefly discussed the chronology for New Testament events. It talked about Paul's journeys and what tradition says happened to the 12 disciples.

The information is good, but it didn't strike me as so wonderful that I'd recommend you track down a copy instead of buying a newer Bible Handbook.


If you've read this book, what do you think about it? I'd be honored if you wrote your own opinion of the book in the comments.

They Loved the Torah by David Friedman

They Loved the Torah by David Friedman, Ph.D. ISBN-13: 9781880226940 Paperback: 136 pages Publisher: Messianic Jewish Publisher Released: June 1, 2001

Source: Review copy from the publisher.

Book Description, Modified from Back Cover:
Did Yeshua observe the Law? Did Paul teach his congregations to abandon the Torah? Was the devout Jew, Peter, persuaded that the Commandments were cancelled? Even though many Jews believe that Paul taught against the Law, this book disproves that notion. Dr. Friedman makes an excellent case for his premise that all the first followers of Messiah were not only Torah-observant, but also desired to spread their love for God's entire Word to the Gentiles to whom they preached.


My Review:
They Loved the Torah gives evidence that Jesus and his disciples were Torah-observant. I already assumed this was true since Jesus fulfilled the Torah (and was sinless) and his disciples were Jews. Rather than going in depth into an argument, the author would often refer the reader to another book or article for that information. I was left feeling like the substance of his arguments was elsewhere.

The author's arguments were mainly based on examples from the gospels and Acts. However, he sometimes based his argument on an unproven or shaky assumption. For example, he assumes that the common people wouldn't feel positively about Jesus if he wasn't Torah-observant. He gave examples of common people having a positive reaction to Jesus. Therefore, Jesus was Torah-observant. I don't accept his assumption. There have been cults and movements were the "Christian" leader didn't stick with the Bible but people still liked what they heard and followed that leader. Jewish history also contains examples of this. His stronger arguments involved actual examples of Jesus and his followers observing the Torah in one way or another.

Basically, I'm not sure these arguments are strong enough to convince someone who didn't start off at least partly agreeing with his views. If you already agree, then there isn't much reason to read this book.

I should mention that I don't agree with his belief (which is only briefly mentioned) that Jesus intended for Messianic Jews to continue to follow the Torah and that Messianic Jews (under guidance from the Holy Spirit) graciously decided that Gentiles only had to follow a small subset of the Laws. But he's not dogmatic about it.


If you've read this book, what do you think about it? I'd be honored if you wrote your own opinion of the book in the comments.

Hebrews Through a Hebrew's Eyes by Stuart Sacks

Hebrews Through a Hebrew's Eyes by Dr. Stuart Sacks ISBN-13: 9781880226612 Paperback: 119 pages Publisher: Messianic Jewish Publishers Released: June 1, 1995

Source: Bought from Christianbook.com.

Book Description from Goodreads:
Written to Messianic Jews in the first century, the Book of Hebrews, understood properly through Jewish eyes, edifies and encourages all. This epistle is one of the outstanding theological treatises in the New Testament. This book teaches the message of this important letter in a fresh, new way. Dr. Stuart Sacks, himself a Messianic Jew, offers insights into Hebrews that only a Jewish believer in Yeshua can give.


My Review:
Hebrews Through a Hebrew's Eyes is a commentary loosely based around the book of Hebrews. The author doesn't comment on specific verses so much as talk about the basic ideas brought up in each chapter of Hebrews. He often started a chapter by telling about something from his Jewish education while growing up. He uses his Messianic Jewish viewpoint to help Christians (and interested Jews) to better understand Hebrews.

While interesting, much of it was information I've read in other "Jewish background to the New Testament" books. The author tended to move from one topic to another without warning, so I'd start to feel confused, realize we were on a new topic, and have to re-read the last few sentences to fully appreciate what he'd just said. It was worth reading, but I felt like I had to be fully mentally alert to read it due to how he slid from topic to topic.


If you've read this book, what do you think about it? I'd be honored if you wrote your own opinion of the book in the comments.