BE THE ONE! God's Plan to Change Your Future and the Nation! by Charles R Ambroselli, CPA, CFP

Be empowered to take control of your life, your future, and achieve all the great things that God as destined for you. Whether it is your finances, physical health, relationships, or career. God as a plan and the wisdom you need for success. But it's up to you. You must Be the One...

My review....

I found this book to be informative, helpful, encouraging and timely in the face of what we as Christians, individuals, and as a nation, need. 

Be The One! is a book that will cause you to take a look at your relationships with your family, your neighbors, your fellow Christians and most importantly, with God. 

With timely advise, Ambroselli also provides the reader with tools to bring about change in their life. 

At the end of each chapter he has a "For Further Reflection" page that will assist in making life changes. For instance, at the end of chapter 6, 'Communication that Matters,' a few of the questions are:

          "Am I listening when God Communicates? Am I obeying?"
          "Am I truly listening when others communicate?"
          "Am I being the one whose communications glorify God?"

Carefully reading each chapter, and there is only seventeen of them, truthfully answering the questions provided at the end of each chapter, and allowing God to bring about real change in our lives and hearts and mind, I believe it's possible to see change for ourselves, our future and our nation.

This is a book I would recommend for anyone wanting to see change personally and nationally. Because it does have to start in the individual, first.

Thanks to The B & B Media Group for freely providing this book for the purpose of review.

 

 

PRAYING WITH THE GRAIN by Dr. Pablo Martinez

Why do so many struggle to pray? Dr. Pablo Martinez, a medical doctor and psychotherapist, suggests that our basic personality type strongly affects both how we pray and what we pray about. Extroverts may struggle to develop a regular prayer life; introverts will be more likely to set time apart. Thinking types find prayer more satisfactory if accompanied by pen and paper; feeling types may long for intimacy with God; intuitive types tend to be innovators and visionaries, and may have a more mystical bent; sensation types often have a particular capacity for spontaneous prayer; and so on. The purpose of this book is to help us understand, and work with, our own spiritual path.

Here's a little information about Dr. Pablo Martinez:

Dr. Pablo Martinez is a medical doctor and psychriatrist working currently at a private practice in Barcelona. He has also developed a wide ministry as a lecturer, counselor, and itinerant speaker. He has been a plenary Bible teacher in more than thirty countries in Europe and both North and South America. 

He developed his pastoral gifts serving as an elder in his local church for almost twenty-five years. He is currently chairman of the European Leadership Forum, where Dr. Martinez serves as a member of the steering committee.

Pablo is married to Marta, who is also a medical doctor. He enjoys bird-watching and reading.

My Review:

Let me begin by quoting one of my favorite people, Dr. John Stott, "Profound, practical and personal... I cannot imagine any reader failing to be helped by it, as I have been myself." (This was in his forward for Praying with the Grain.)

I found this book to be most helpful in my own struggles with prayer and knowing that it's not because I am a colossal failure, but rather due to my personality and temperament has helped me greatly.

He provides solid and factual information tempered with a strong desire to see God's children enjoy a personal relationship with their Lord through prayer.

Dr. Martinez reveals to us how our personalities, temperaments and even emotional problems can and do affect our relationship with others as well as our relationship with God. And that affects our prayer life. 

I found myself in Praying with the Grain and I found ways to help me obtain a more satisfying prayer life.   

Dr. Martinez writes in a manner that easy for anyone to understand and he writes from the heart, the heart of prayer.   

Praying with the Grain is a book that should be in every home of every Christian who struggles with prayer and an intimate relationship with God our Father.

I want to thank Kregel Publications for providing me with this free review copy and making it possible for me to review this book.  

 





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A COMMENTARY ON THE PSALMS: Vol 1 (1-41) by Allen P Ross

 

 

For thousands of years, the Book of Psalms has been one of God's people's richest resources for expression of worship and development of the spiritual life. At the same time it is one of the more complex and challenging sections of the Bible for expositors. Pastors, teachers, and all serious students of the Bible will find this commentary invaluable for developing their understanding of the Psalms and for improving their ability to expound it with precision and depth.

  For each psalm, Dr. Allen Ross guides the reader through a detailed exegetical outline, proposes a homiletical outline, and offers a summary expository idea of the message of the whole psalm.

The commentary includes discussion throughout of three primary challenges to understanding the Psalms:

• Textual issues: Every major textual difficulty is addressed in order to help the expositor understand the interpretive issues and make decisions when there are multiple available readings.
• Poetic language: The Psalms are full of poetic imagery, devices and structures. Ross discusses this "language" of Hebrew poetry in its context with each psalm, specifying the precise devices being used and how they work in the psalm.
• The Psalms' Hebrew grammar and syntax pose a challenge to many expositors, whether they are familiar with Hebrew or not. This commentary illuminates Hebrew constructions word meanings in a way that is helpful both to readers who are comfortable with Hebrew and those who are not.

 

 I was very excited to receive this commentary from Kregel Publications for reviewing purposes. Why? you may ask. I love the Psalms, as I am sure most people do. I also have many commentaries on the Psalms and I wanted to read one that really would help me better understand them. I was not disappointed with this commentary.

 

Ross begins this commentary on the first 41 Psalms by explaining the Value of the Psalms (beginning on page 25) and then flows into Text and Ancient Versions of the Psalms, Titles and Headings of the Psalms, History of the Interpretation of the Psalms, Interpreting Biblical Poetry, Literary Forms and Functions in the Psalms, Psalms in Worship, Theology of the Psalms, and Exposition of the Psalms. 

 

This may seem like a lot of extra reading or you may not think you need this background information, but it is important to read these sections first, especially if you have never really studied the Psalms. It's easy to read and very helpful once you get into the Psalms, themselves.

 

Heading straight to my favorite psalm, Psalm 23 (of course), I found the Text and Textual Variants informative and that they gave me a better understanding of the psalm. From this starting position, Ross took me through the Composition and Context to the Exegetical Analysis then to the meat or perhaps to us students of the Psalms, the dessert, his Commentary in Expository Form. 

 

Well written in an easy to read format, Ross provides the perfect commentary for anyone who desires to better understand the Psalms. I would say this commentary would be a cherished edition to any bible student's library, whether they are just starting to study the Psalms or a theologian. I know I will put this one next to my copy of The Treasury of David. 

Many thanks to Kregel Publications for freely providing me with this review copy. It was a pleasure to review and read such an excellent commentary. I look forward to reading more of Allen Ross's work.

 

 

NEED YOU NOW by Beth Wiseman

When big-city life threatens the safety of one of their children, Brad and Darlene Henderson move with their three teenagers from Houston to the tiny town of Round Top, Texas.

Adjusting to small-town life is difficult for the kids, especially fifteen-year-old Grace who is coping in a dangerous way.

Married life hasn't always been bliss, but their strong faith has carried them through the difficult times. When Darlene takes a job outside the home for the first time in their marriage, the domestic tension rises.

While working with special needs children at her new job, the widowed father of one of Darlene’s students starts paying more attention to her than is appropriate. Problem is, she feels like someone is listening to her for the first time in a long time.

If Darlene ever needed God . . . it’s now.

Experience a family’s triumphant defeat over lies, betrayal, and loss while still clinging to the One who matters most.

Here is my review of the book:

I have read a number of Beth Wiseman's books, I really like her style of writing. She has a way of not only pulling you into the story but she makes you feel like you are a part of the story as well. 

In Need You Now, which is totally different than any of her Amish stories, Beth accomplishes to make you feel for each of her characters and live their lives. 

Written in contemporary times, about contemporary people who deal with the problems everyone else does, Need You Now, looks at and invites you into the lives of Darlene, her husband Brad, and their three children. 

Brad and Darlene move their family out of the big city into a small town, Round Up, Texas, because one of their children was headed for big trouble and going down the wrong path.

The adjustment isn't easy for any of them, especially for their oldest daughter, Grace. And Darlene is starting to go a bit stir crazy, so she decided to get a part-time job; with her husband's blessing.

Darlene working, Grace coping in dangerous ways, Brad getting grumpy and out of sorts, Chad the teenage son, and Ansley, a special daughter... all lead to a story that will make you laugh, cry, pray, and thankful that God does work in mysterious ways to bring us through all of our times of difficulties and trials. Even though we may turn our back on Him, He is always there, waiting, for us to say, "Need You Now."

Thank you to The B & B Media Group and Thomas Nelson, who provided this book for review purposes. I am under no obligation to write a positive review.

  

When a personal crisis tested and strengthened her faith, award-winning journalist Beth Wiseman was advised by her agent to consider writing a Christian novel, particularly an Amish one. 

Encouraged by her agent’s urging, she began exploring the Amish lifestyle and soon developed a great appreciation for the more peaceful way of life. In 2008 Wiseman wrote her debut novel, Plain Perfect, featuring the Amish lifestyle within the context of a fictional love story. It was a bestseller, as have been all of the full-length novels and novellas she has written since.

While Need You Now is Wiseman’s first non-Amish novel, she is confident it will not be the last. She is already making plans to write a second contemporary novel in the near future. Like Need You Now, it will also be set in small-town Texas, a familiar background she thoroughly loves exploring and writing about.

Wiseman’s previous releases have held spots on the CBA (Christian Booksellers Association) and the ECPA (Evangelical Christian Publishers Association) bestseller lists. In 2010, she received the INSPY Award for Amish Fiction (chosen by blog reviewers). In 2011, she received the Carol Award and was the Inspirational Readers Choice winner for her book Plain Paradise. Her novel Seek Me with All Your Heart was the 2011 Women of Faith Book of the Year. In addition, Wiseman has been a Retailers Choice Finalist, a Booksellers Best Finalist and a National Readers Choice Finalist. Prior to becoming a novelist she received many honors for her work as a journalist, including a prestigious First Place News Writing Award from the Texas Press Association.

Today, she and her husband are empty nest parents of two grown sons, enjoying the country lifestyle and living happily with two dogs, two cats, two pot-bellied pigs, two chickens and a single pygmy goat in a small community in South Central Texas. When Beth isn’t writing, she enjoys cooking, reading, traveling, and watching good movies. Her favorite pastimes, however, are painting (her paintings can be veiwed on her Fans of Beth Wiseman Facebook page) and spending time with friends and family.

Frequently asked questions:

Are you Amish and/or how do you know so much about the Amish? 

I am not Amish, but I have Amish connections and friends in Pennsylvania and Colorado who read the manuscripts prior to publication to make sure the books are inline with the Old Order Amish ways.

When does your next book come out? 

 Need you Now–my first contemporary not set in an Amish community–releases April 10, 2012.  Book #3 in the Land of Canaan series–His Love Endures Forever–releases in Oct. 2012.  An Amish Kitchen–a collection of novellas with authors Amy Clipston and Kelly Long–releases in November 2012.

Can you please tell me the order to read your Amish books?  

While all of my books can be read as stand-alones, it’s much more fun to read them in order.  I have two series–Daughters of the Promise and Land of Canaan.  Some of the characters cross over, so here is the order I recommend:

Plain Perfect (Daughters of the Promise)

Plain Pursuit (Daughters of the Promise)

Plain Promise (Daughters of the Promise)

Plain Paradise (Daughters of the Promise)

Seek Me With All Your Heart (Land of Canaan)

Plain Proposal (Daughters of the Promise)

The Wonder of Your Love (Land of Canaan)

His Love Endures Forever (Land of Canaan) — releasing Oct. 2012 

Who is your favorite character out of all your books?

All of my characters are like my family, but if I had to choose…it would be Grandpa Jonas.  I love him.  He has many of the same wonderful qualities that my father had.

How do you come up with characters for your stories?

The characters choose me.  I start hearing their little voices in my head, and they tell me the story I need to write.  It’s true.

What advice do you have for inspiring writers?

Have thick skin and never give up.  It’s a subjective business that requires getting the right manuscript in front of the right editor at the right time.  I could wallpaper my study with rejection letters.

THE CALL TO WONDER: Loving God Like a Child by R.C. Sproul Jr.

Every once in a while it happens. In the stack of books I have the privilege to review I miss one. Not that I didn't read it. I just didn't get the review posted. Such is the case with this book. However, I am rectifying that today.

A bit about the book:

Jesus encourages us to become like children in order to inherit God's Kingdom. Childlike faith is not an option. R. C. Sproul Jr. explores in depth what it means to accept Jesus' invitation to practice a childlike faith. As the father of eight children, R. C. Sproul Jr. watches how his own children approach every day, buoyed by trust, hope, and joy. Through their eyes, the world is fresh and brand-new. Everything is an invitation to express astonishment and wonder at the great gift of life—and, the great Giver. The Call to Wonder is an invitation to rest in childlike joy and peace built on a deep trust in the living God. Like a child, you, too, can rest in God's almighty arms and gasp at the fireworks of his glory exploding around you every day in his creation.

Read the First Chapter here


About R.C. Sproul Jr.

 R.C. Sproul Jr. served for eleven years as editor-in-chief of TableTalk magazine. In 1996 he began Highlands Ministries and planted Saint Peter Presbyterian Church in southwestern Virginia. He is editor of Every Thought Captive magazine, a teaching fellow at Ligonier Ministries, a visiting faculty member of Ligioner Academy of Biblical and Theological Studies. He and his wife, Denise, live in Orlando, Florida, with their eight children.

Now my review.....

At first reading, I had to keep looking at the author's name to be sure I was reading something by R.C. Sproul Jr. and not his father. If you have ever read any of R.C. Sproul's works, then when you read this book, you will know what I mean.

Sound teaching, love for the Bible and especially a deep love for the Lord, comes through clearly as Sproul Jr. writes his heart and thoughts into this small book.

Though it is a small book, only 172 pages long, it is packed full of wonderful biblical and life examples on how to love God like a child, taking delight in obeying His commands, standing in awe of His handiwork, trusting Him to not only provide our daily bread but to guide and direct our very footsteps. We are shown how pleasing our heavenly Father in all that we do because we know He loves us, is loving Him as our children love us.

With a clear look at how his own children respond to the wonders of God and their response to their earthly father, Sproul Jr. directs, leads and shows by example how we adults can develop that child-like quality Jesus commands. 

This is a book worth reading, sharing, and reading again. I can see it becoming a classic that our children's children will find and read for themselves on day.


This review copy was provided by Tyndale House Publishers, Inc. for the purpose of review free of charge. I am under no obligation to write a positive review.