The Women of Easter by Liz Curtis Higgs

The Women of Easter by Liz Curtis Higgs ISBN-13: 9781601426826 Hardcover: 224 pages Publisher: WaterBrook Released: Jan. 3, 2017

Source: ARC review copy from the publisher.

Book Description, Modified from Goodreads:
You re about to meet three women named Mary, each of whom has a life-changing encounter with Jesus. Mary of Bethany prepares the way for the Lord s burial when she anoints His feet and fills the air with her perfume. His mother, Mary of Nazareth, remains by His side from His first breath to His last, her loyalty unwavering. Mary Magdalene, delivered of seven demons, bravely supports her Teacher through His darkest hours and then proclaims the glorious news of His resurrection. What a trio. What a Savior!

Your mind and emotions will be engaged and your faith strengthened as each scene unfolds, preparing your heart for a richer, deeper Easter experience. Liz Curtis Higgs, a seasoned Bible teacher and award-winning novelist, combines her storytelling skills with a thorough verse-by-verse study of Scripture as together you explore the remarkable lives of the women of Easter.


My Review:
The Women of Easter is a Bible study focusing on the women involved in Easter events (from Mary's anointing of Jesus' feet to after Jesus' resurrection). The author went verse-by-verse and commented on events. She provided cultural background information so the reader could better understand and visualize events. She also suggested what various emotions people might have felt during those events. There's a short study guide in the back with questions for further discussion or thought.

The book is very readable, and I found it to be encouraging and full of grace. I suspect I'll often read it around Easter time as a devotional. I'd highly recommend this book.


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 American Miracle by Michael Medved

The American Miracle by Michael Medved Paperback: 400 pages Publisher: Crown Forum Released: October 25, 2016

Source: Review copy from the publisher through Amazon Vine.

Book Description, Modified from Goodreads:
In The American Miracle, conservative radio host and best-selling author Michael Medved describes a stunning series of amazements in early American history that each suggest an "intelligent design"—a higher power that has steered crucial turns in our nation's story, and will again.

The American Miracle traces the grace that shaped twelve decisive moments in our history—from the desperate passengers of the Mayflower who were blown off course to the one spot in the region that gave them a fair chance for survival, to the casual discovery of three cigars wrapped in handwritten notes that assured Union victory in the Civil War. Sometimes Medved reveals the providential nature of well-known incidents, and at others he focuses on an unknown historical event that had long-term impact.


My Review:
The American Miracle described incidents in American history that where attributed to the divine hand in part due to how improbable they seemed. He looked at the period from the Pilgrims to the Civil War. At the beginning, he mostly focused on specific events. As the book went on, he focused people who had a series of "divine incidents" happen in their life. The book ends with Abraham Lincoln, and that section read more like a biography. The more biographical portions are on George Washington, Andrew Jackson, Sam Houston, Nicholas Trist, and Abraham Lincoln.

When describing an incident, he often quoted people who actually witnessed these events. I'd previously heard of many of these events. However, I did learn some interesting new details about those events and learned about some events I was unaware of. If you're not familiar with this theme, I think a person would find it very interesting and well-researched.

Incidentally, his point is not that we have the right to be arrogant or feel faultless because God has intervened in our history but rather that we should be grateful and are obligated to act more nobly because of 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.

Today's Moment of Truth by Lee Strobel, Mark Mittelberg

Today's Moment of Truth by Lee Strobel, Mark Mittelberg ISBN-13: 9780310359401 Hardback: 400 pages Publisher: Zondervan Released: July 12, 2016

Source: Review copy from the publisher through Amazon Vine.

Book Description, Modified from Goodreads:
Leading apologists Lee Strobel and Mark Mittelberg present 180 insightful devotions that will give you daily infusions of spiritual truth while deepening your knowledge of the evidence for Christianity. Each devotional is based on scientific, historical, or biblical facts that will bolster your confidence in Christ. You will be inspired, encouraged, and equipped to “give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have” (1 Peter 3:15).


My Review:
Today's Moment of Truth is a 180 day devotional. Each devotional started with a short verse from the Bible, was usually followed by a critical comment about the Bible (related to the verse) by an atheist, and then briefly described a scientific, archeological, or Biblical point (like prophecy) that supports the Bible account.

If you've read Strobel's books or other in-depth apologetics books, you probably won't find much new here. However, if you (or a friend) are interested but don't have the time to read those books, this is a nice, bite-sized way to get informed. It's more for strengthening your faith than learning to counter arguments. The entries are too brief to give a full argument on a 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.

What Grieving People Wish You Knew about What Really Helps by Nancy Guthrie

What Grieving People Wish You Knew about What Really Helps by Nancy Guthrie ISBN-13: 9781433552359 Paperback: 192 pages Publisher: Crossway Books Released: Sept. 30, 2016

Source: ARC review copy from the publisher through Amazon Vine.

Book Description, Modified from Back Cover:
When someone we love is grieving, we want to be there. But it's easy to feel paralyzed, worried that we might say or do the wrong thing. Nancy Guthrie has personal experience dealing with pain and knows what words of encouragement are helpful and what words are harmful.

Drawing from her own life experiences--including the loss of two young children--Guthrie has written this helpful resource for Christians who want to be better friends to those who are suffering. Practical and down-to-earth, this book includes examples and helpful tips from real grieving people who have been helped (and hurt) by friends who meant well, equipping readers to come alongside and comfort loved ones who are hurting.


My Review:
What Grieving People Wish You Knew about What Really Helps focused on grief from losing a loved one by death. The author understands that different people will be comforted or offended by different things, but she tries to give general principles about what to say and do and what to not say and do. She also includes comments by people who have experienced this grief, explaining what they found comforting when they were grieving.

What I found most helpful was insight into the mindset of people who are profoundly grieving. Some of the suggestions seemed contradictory, as some people said they would find it comforting but others said they would not, but I found some suggestions that I would be comfortable doing. I'd recommend this book to those who want to better comfort those grieving the lose of a loved one.


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.

A Spectacle of Glory by Joni Eareckson Tada

A Spectacle of Glory by Joni Eareckson Tada with Larry Libby ISBN-13: 9780310346777 Hardback: 400 pages Publisher: Zondervan Released: Oct. 4, 2016

Source: Review copy from the publisher.

Book Description, Modified from Back Cover:
Do you ever wonder why God created you? The Bible spells it out plainly: God created you to showcase His glory—to enjoy it, display it, and demonstrate it every day to all those you encounter.

After nearly 50 years of living as a quadriplegic, and dealing with chronic pain on a daily basis, Joni has learned firsthand the importance of glorifying God through the toughest of situations. Through this devotional, Joni will help you discover how to put God's glory on display—how to say no to complaining and say yes to daily following God down even the most difficult paths. Along the way, you will find great comfort and encouragement by focusing on the one who longs to lead and guide you every step of the way, every day.

Don't ever think your life is too ordinary, your world too small, or your work too insignificant. All of it is a stage set for you to glorify God.


My Review:
A Spectacle of Glory is a year-long devotional with a theme of glorifying God in every situation. Each day started with a verse reference followed by a short devotion that usually quoted that verse and ended with a prayer. The devotions generally focused on better understanding the verse and how it relates to our walk with God.

The devotions often contained the theme of how we respond to difficult situations (like health problems, financial worries, etc). Short devotions generally can't develop an idea very far, but these devotions were fairly good. They emphasized keeping our focus on Jesus, the gift of our salvation, and heaven rather than our problems.

I'm not sure I agree with some of the author's theology of suffering, but it's made me dig into the Bible to further study the topic. Perhaps people with chronic suffering (from disability or health issues) might find more comfort and encouragement in it as that's the author's perspective. Since it seemed to focus on what a suffering person should ideally be doing and feeling, it sometimes made me feel bad that I'm still confused and discouraged by my suffering and current limitations.


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.

Beyond Suffering Bible NLT by Joni and Friends Inc

Beyond Suffering Bible NLT by Joni and Friends Inc ISBN-13: 9781414392028 Hardback: 1696 pages Publisher: Tyndale House Publishers Released: Oct. 15, 2016

Source: Review copy from the publisher.

Book Description, Modified from Back Cover:
There is hardly a person who doesn't know someone dealing with a disability, disease, chronic illness, or other form of personal suffering. The Beyond Suffering Bible is the first study Bible to directly address those who suffer and the people who love and care for them.

From bestselling author, singer, and radio host Joni Eareckson Tada and the experts at Joni and Friends Christian Institute on Disability, the Beyond Suffering Bible is filled with thousands of notes and features that invite readers into a conversation about suffering and its place in each person's life. Each feature has been carefully created to provide readers with valuable information, meaningful encouragement, and challenging applications as they encounter God's Word.


My Review:
Beyond Suffering Bible NLT is a New Living Translation (2015 version) Study Bible. In this paperback version, the pages are so thin that you can see the print on opposite side of the page. This made the Bible text a bit difficult to read, and I doubt you could use highlighters on these pages.

It contains the things you'd expect in a study Bible: reading plans, a topical index, a dictionary/concordance of Bible terms, maps, and footnotes. It also has features targeted at people with disabilities and/or chronic health issues and at their caretakers. It's "for people who want to understand what it looks like to think and live like a Christian in the midst of suffering."

There are some essays by Joni and others about suffering and disabilities from a Christian viewpoint. The book introductions give the normal information about each book of the Bible but also point out the themes in that book relating to disabilities and suffering. There are brief commentary notes ("Connection Points") that also expand on verses relating to these themes.

There are page-long profiles and devotions. The profiles look at Biblical (and some modern) people who suffered and how they responded. The devotions often use modern people in their examples, and they expand even further on verses relating to disabilities and suffering. Some of the devotions are by Joni Eareckson Tada, and she talks about her struggles and insights.

I've recently been diagnosed with an autoimmune disease, so I hoped that this Bible would help me with some of the issues I'm now facing. I believe that people with disabilities or chronic diseases will find comfort and insights in the essays, profiles, and devotions. But I also think that it can be difficult to convey to others how different people have found hope and strength, perhaps because everyone's faith journey is a little different.


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.

Moments with the Savior by Ken Gire

Moments with the Savior by Ken Gire ISBN-13: 9780310353546 Hardback: 448 pages Publisher: Zondervan Released: Sept. 13, 2016

Source: Review copy from the publisher through BookLook.

Book Description, Modified from Back Cover:
Take a step-by-step journey through Jesus' life. Join Jesus as He travels with His disciples through the Galilean countryside. Press through the throngs at the temple in Jerusalem. Marvel at the Savior’s challenging words, miraculous authority, and tender compassion. This compilation weaves events, emotions, and thoughts into a moving depiction of the life of Christ. A Scripture portion and prayer are included with each devotion.


My Review:
Moments with the Savior is a 66 day devotional. It starts by quoting several verses from the Bible that set the scene. The author then created a fictional short story based upon the verses and invented details to fill the scene out. Theses scenes were usually focused on Jesus. I had expected these devotionals to help a person slow down and consider the scene, but I felt like they were more like a novel or movie. I didn't always agree with the details included since they were based more upon tradition or imagination than historical accuracy. Each devotional ended with a fairly long prayer that was based on the verses for that day. I was disappointed that I didn't get many insights from the 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.