The Message 100 Bible Review

The Message is a Bible translation that is meant to be easy to read, using language from our generation.  It is translated by a pastor whose heart is to get people engaged reading the Bible.  I like reading The Message to help me to think about Scriptures in a new way, even though I typically use other versions for study.  The Message 100 is a Bible arranged in 100 readings, each beginning with an introduction of the content.  While the books of the Bible are all present, this version does some re-arranging of the order to aide in understanding.

Why 100 Readings?  Eugene Peterson has grouped the Scriptures into 100 content-related sections.  I like the reflections that he has written to begin each reading because they help to set up the main idea.  But be aware - this is not your typical devotional Bible.  For someone like myself who would have a difficult time reading through the Bible in one year, I definitely would fail doing it within 100 days.  In my opinion, these should not be thought of as "one-a-day" devotions, unless reading 17 pages of small print per day is something you have time to do!  Instead, I would suggest setting a comfortable pace for YOU, and then just enjoying the added reflections from the pastor when they appear.

This is not a Bible to be used for in-depth study.  There are no maps, footnotes, concordances, or indexes (other than where to locate the 100 readings and books of the Bible).  This is a version for reading and reflecting.  If you want to hear the Scriptures in a fresh, engaging way, I recommend The Message.

*I received a complimentary copy of this book from Tyndale Publishers in exchange for an honest review.

It's Good to Be Queen by Liz Curtis Higgs

Who was the queen of Sheba and is there anything to learn from her?  That was the question that led me to pick up this book.  I had read the few verses about Sheba's visit to King Solomon in the Bible, but honestly had never given her much thought.  Liz Curtis Higgs has researched what Scripture and historical documents have to say about this queen, and then throws in some personal insight and application.

Here's what I liked: Liz stuck to the truth.  Even though I have never seen them, there are various films and stories about the queen of Sheba that are based on legend, not fact.  This book sticks to what we know to be true, using various translations of Scripture.  The passage is broken down phrase by phrase to add in historical context and personal application.  Going this slowly through a passage of Scripture really helps me to focus and think through the message that God was trying to convey.  It also helps me to remember the story long after the book has been completed!  There are two types of discussion questions at the end of the book: one set of 10 questions for book clubs who are discussing in only one meeting, and other more in-depth questions for each chapter for those who are meeting in multiple sessions.

Here's what I would've left out: All the quotes from blog readers.  Sometimes Liz posts questions on her blog to get ideas and opinions from her audience.  There are several times in the book that these quotes are shared.  I think that's great for a discussion board on a website, but not to be included in the book.  That is just my opinion....I'm more of a "let's get to the point" kind of person :)

I enjoyed learning more about the queen of Sheba and her interaction with King Solomon.  Here's my take-away.  "The queen of Sheba finished exceedingly well: she found the wisdom of God and shared it with her people.  Of all her many fine qualities, that's what makes her a worthy mentor, for our generation and for every generation."

*I received a complimentary copy of this book from Blogging For Books in exchange for an honest review.

A House Divided by Robert Whitlow

Sometimes I pick fiction books to read to occupy my time while I'm waiting.  My criteria is that it must encourage good morals and be entertaining enough to keep my attention.  This novel did both!  It wasn't quite what I expected (I don't agree with the reviewer who compared it to John Grisham), but it was still a good story.

A House Divided is primarily a story about family.  It revolves around a family who has been torn apart by alcohol abuse and is trying to make peace with the past and each other.  The story shows how just one person addicted to alcohol can have damaging effects on various family members.  However, it also offers hope and freedom from the chains of addiction.

Since the main characters are lawyers, there is also a major court case in the mix.  There are some young boys in town who have been diagnosed with cancer. Their parents think it may have been caused by chemicals released from a nearby factory.  Their case rests in the hands of the main character.   I had thought the book would be mainly about this case, when in reality the case details and proceedings were brief.  I found myself wanting more development in this area.  The ending seemed too abrupt.

If you're looking for an entertaining fictional story, you've found one. There is a list of 13 discussion questions at the end of the book which would be ideal for book clubs.

*I received a complimentary copy of this book from BookLook Bloggers in exchange for an honest review.

Unafraid by Susie Davis

There is a lot to fear in this world for ourselves and our loves ones.  Cancer. Rape. Murder. Infidelity. Abandonment, Theft. Natural Disaster. Economic Decline. Crazy Drivers (to name a few).   With all these things to worry about, how do we live without being dominated by fear?  In this insightful book, Susie Davis shares her personal struggle with fear and the journey she is taking  to overcome and trust God.

One thing I really enjoyed about this book was the authenticity.  Susie endured a traumatic event that began a persistent pattern of living afraid.  She shares many stories and examples of ways that fear took hold and caused her to act and think irrationally.  While my experiences have been different, I can say that I can relate to this madness.  Other readers will also be able to see that they are not alone.  The stronghold of fear is real and can make us think that we are just being "careful".  However, Susie points out that being afraid can be a symptom of not trusting God.

She writes "The Enemy knows just where to grab for me.  Pouncing in with outrageous ideas and ridiculous scenarios, fear falling like new snow.  The Enemy knows that when I listen to fear, it quickly leads to distrust.  Distrust in God. And his provision. And his plan.  We don't have the luxury of listening to the Enemy's lies if we desire to live free from fear and worry.  And we don't have the option of letting lies settle into our minds if we intend to allow God his rightful place in our lives.  So we must pray for discernment to recognize the Enemy's bid for our minds and then do something about it.  Speak the truth..."

Susie's testimony proves that fear can be overcome -  through our daily choices and surrender to God.  There are discussion questions and a study guide included at the end of the book to be used in small groups.  I encourage you to grab some close friends and talk through these issues.  Learn some ways to lessen the hold that fear has on your life.

*I received a complimentary copy of this book from Blogging for Books in exchange for an honest review.

A Lifelong Love by Gary Thomas

Here is a book packed full of marital insight!  While I found the second half of the book to be more engaging than the beginning, there are nuggets of wisdom to be found in each chapter.  Here are some of my take-aways...

The first section of the book begins to establish a healthy perspective of marriage.  It encourages us to view marriage in light of eternity, let challenges push us toward dependence on God, and live on mission as a couple.  My all-time favorite concept was viewing God as "Father-In-Law".  It's the idea that we are all God's children.  I want my children to be loved by their future spouses despite their faults.  People can earn my favor or wrath by how they treat my kids.  Is it possible that we can cause God pleasure or pain by how we treat our spouses (His kids)?!?

"A good marriage isn't something you find; it's something you make". The next section of the book focuses on growing together.  We are taught that each couple is unique.  With God's help marriages can be built and re-built if necessary.  Gary helps us understand power shifts that can occur during different life stages, and how honesty and oneness can benefit our marriages.

The final section of the book is on loving....the way that God has called us to love.  "Biblical love isn't a feeling to be felt; its a commitment to be kept...The kind of love the Bible calls us to is a love that is focused on others' welfare; our desire is for their good, not our own benefit."  It's a call to be giving, rather than self-focused.  We learn that love is not the same thing as desire.  Sexuality is discussed, as well as the sin of withholding good.  It's also mentioned that doing small loving things consistently is more effective than the occasional grand gesture.

I've mentioned a few of the highlights, but I encourage you to read the chapters in full to gain greater understanding.  Each chapter ends with a few discussion questions that you and your spouse can discuss if reading this book together, followed by a prayer.  The time spent thinking through and applying this material will be well worth it!

*I received a complimentary copy of this book from David C Cook Publishers in exchange for an honest review.

War Room by Chris Fabry

This book is a novelization of the soon-to-be-released movie, War Room.  For those of you who have enjoyed the movies Fireproof, Facing the Giants, and Courageous - this story was created by the same writers.

I read this novel within a few days - it was hard to put down!  It was easy to visualize what was happening in the story and get caught up in the characters' plight.  The story focuses on a couple who is having marital problems, and how prayer and obedience to God can make all the difference.  It also shows how a parent's choices can impact the lives of their children, and how a spiritual mentor can speak life into a generation in need of guidance.

The War Room is a room of prayer - meaning we are to fight our battles not with each other, but with our true enemy.  The older woman, Clara, provides many insights into prayer throughout the story. She says "God does hear what we pray.  You don't need a megaphone or a million people to get His attention.  But the point of prayer is not to get what you want.  Prayer changes the person who prays."  This book/movie can give people a greater understanding of the meaning of prayer and inspire them to spend more time engaged in spiritual battle.

The only criticism I have of the story is that it was fairly predictable.  Even so, I still enjoyed reading how everything played out.  There was a good mix of humorous and serious elements.  At the end of the book is a group of discussion questions to help individuals or groups apply themes from the story to their own lives.

While I have not been able to compare the book with the movie, I highly recommend this novel as a light fiction read that packs in a lot of truth.  May many "war rooms" be created because of its influence!

*I received a complimentary copy of this book from Tyndale Publishers in exchange for an honest review.

Freedom's Never Free

Today we celebrate our freedom.  You may be gathering with friends and family to have a cook-out, or preparing to watch fireworks tonight.  But don't forget that our freedom came with a price!  We would not have this day to celebrate if not for the brave men and women who gave their lives for future generations.  Remember those sacrifices and be thankful.

I was reading in Genesis yesterday morning about the first sacrifice that took place.  Most people know the story of Adam and Eve eating the forbidden fruit and hiding in the garden, suddenly ashamed that they were naked.  Then God spoke with them and made garments of skin to cover them.  Where do you think that skin came from?  The first animal sacrifice.  Blood was shed to cover over their sin. And many years later, blood was shed to cover over our sin as well and offer us freedom.

This is an older song, but very appropriate for where my thoughts are taking me today...