Tag Archives: book

Nov 16 2010

“The Summit” Faith Beyond Everest’s Death Zone – Book Review

I recently was asked to review the book “The Summit” Faith Beyond Everest’s Death Zone by author Eric Alexander, and I was given a free copy to do so.  I am not required to provide a positive review, and comments below are strictly my own, and do not reflect that of New Leaf Publishing.

The Summit is an adventurous tale about author Eric Alexander, blind climber Erik Weihenmayer, and their teams ascent to the top of Mount Everest, the world’s highest mountain.  This is an epic journey filled with experiences of grace, faith, and trial.  As you read through this book, you will see a true test of endurance, desire, and devotion.  You will follow in their footsteps, and learn about faith, dependence upon God, as well as the perseverance needed in your own life.

It’s beyond survival, not just  simply survive, but to thrive.

One of the things that just stuck out to me the most was the character of Eric Alexander, and the heart he has for the disabled.  To take a blind man hiking would be amazing, but to help him climb to the highest peak in the world while fighting off such dangerous surroundings is astonishing. I loved how this book was packed with Biblical insights.  At the end of each chapter the author provides what he calls “Deadpoint Reflections” which consist of the Crux – most difficult part, the Hold – how to overcome the difficulty, and the Anchor – the support you should hold on to.  These reflections are extremely practical, and are capable of helping individuals climb whatever mountain is in their path/lives.

I also really enjoyed reading the facts and details into each leg of the climb, which is provided at the first of each chapter.  Also each chapter begins with a viable scripture verse and timeless quote that will help engage the reader into deeper understanding.

I have to say that chapters 1 and 9 were some of my favorites.  Reading about the author’s first near-fatal fall, and the tragedy that hits in chapter 9 really kept me on the edge of my seat.  There were times I couldn’t put the book down.  I have to admit though that there were times I wanted to speed read, but the majority of the book was awesome.  Overall I have to give this book a five star rating.  It is worth every minute of the time I spent reading it.

Be sure to check out the Higher Summit Website at: HigherSummits.com

or purchase your copy today.

I also highly recommend Shannon O’dells book “Transforming Church in Rural America,” be sure to check it out as well.

Jun 29 2010

Change Your Church For Good – Book Review

Change Your Church For Good by Brad Powell is a book filled with innovative truths to challenge every church leader.  It brings insight to the issues that are facing today’s church to include settling for less, poorly executing strategy, irrelevance,  excepting failure, and failure to change.  It also challenges pastors and leaders to dream big by investing in those around them to accomplish God sized plans, aswell as exposes the necessity of change.

Go from a 3D perspective from what the church is, to a 4D perspective to what it can become  by developing and implementing a Ministry Charter.  The book points out that this will require communication, creativity, hard work, huge faith, and commitment.

This book is about changing the church in its conduct without compromising the character of God’s truth. (p.76.)

I normally despise it when I purchase a book with dog ears in it and I have vowed to never do that to my books, but when I received this book with clean crisp pages I couldn’t help but write all over them, and fold the corners of numerous pages for reference purposes.  I absolutely loved the section of the book titled “Relevance is Different for Different People”.  It gives you a whole new look on how we minister to individuals by comparing them to a “Sippy Cup”, “Big Gulp”, “Starbucks Cup”, and a “Drinking Hat.”  Pure genius!!  It is all the practical ideas like this that really won me over on this book.  I have only given a few five-star ratings on books, but this one should receive six stars.  I feel I have gained more insight from this book and Shannon O’dells book ”Breaking All the Rurals”, than any of the Seminary courses I have taken on church planting, church leadership, or church development.

May 4 2010

Bible Maps and Charts – Book Review

Nelson’s Complete Book of Maps and Charts Third Edition which includes full color reproducible maps and charts from the Old and New Testaments is an invaluable study tool that brings scripture to life.  Each of the 66 books of the Bible are dynamically expounded upon with rich detail.  This is like an Old and New Testament Survey all in one. Each chapter of the books of the Bible are given and introduction followed by the author, date, theme, and outline of the book.  Each chapter is jam-packed with biblical knowledge that is sure to enhance the development of study habits and lesson/sermon preparation.  Pastors, ministers, professors, small group leaders, Sunday school teachers, and individual Bible students will greatly benefit from the insightful knowledge and user-friendly structure of this book.  All maps and chart’s are also available for free download with the purchase of this book.  Use the charts and maps in your sermon/teaching illustrations.  This book is a visual overview of the whole Bible at your fingertips!

I would highly recommend this book.  It took me some time to read the whole thing, but it was completely worth it.  Very seldom do I give a book five stars, but after reading it how can I not.  After receiving it, I thought to myself…”this will just be another book on my shelves that collects dust”, however I use it on a regular basis.  It still sets on a shelf from time to time, but it has the privilege of being placed next to my favorite Bibles and sermon preparation tools.  I am still intrigued at how in each chapter that discusses every book of the Bible they present a clear presentation of how they each point back to Christ.  I love that aspect about this book, it always points back to Christ.  I can’t say enough good stuff about this book, but like I said before I highly recommend it, five-star, get yours today.

Jan 25 2010

Book Review: FRESHSTART

“FRESHSTART” God’s Invitation to a Great Life by Doug Fields teaching Pastor at Saddleback Church is a refreshing book on what it is like to live life afresh.  We are reminded that each new day we can begin with a fresh start. This thought provoking book will challenge you to be the person that God has created you to be.

“‘Stuckness,’” Doug writes, “was never part of the abundant life that Jesus promised.”  Indeed, He came so that we can move forward, “have life… and have it to the full” (John 10:10). (Back Cover)

This book discusses the topics of pride, conflict, dreams, redemption, and much more.  It even includes a journal and small group guide. 

I have always enjoyed Doug’s previous books on youth ministry, and when I picked this one up I wondered if he would really be able to relate to his readers on topics other than youth minstry, but FRESHSTART proves that he has the creativity to minister to his readers on all levels.  I was really encouraged by this book, and I would highly recommend it to everyone.  Each of us need to step back every once in awhile, and have a fresh start.  I even think highly successful people can use a fresh start.  So take the first step to your fresh start, and get this Doug Fields book “FRESHSTART”.

Jan 25 2010

Book Review FEARLESS

“FEARLESS” by Max Lucado book description reads: “Imagine your life, wholly untouched by angst. What if faith, not fear, was your default reaction to threats? If you could hover a fear magnet over your heart and extract every last shaving of dread, insecurity, or doubt, what would remain? Envision a day, just one day, where you could trust more and fear less.”

That all sounds great and all, however while reading this book I found myself wondering when I was going to get through it.  It even caused me to question if I had lost my joy for reading.  To be honest I think it would be a great book for someone who hasn’t read a Max Lucado book, but for me it just seems the same as many of the rest.  So for those of you who might not have ever read a Max Lucado book, and you’re looking for something well written from a man with a heart for God this would be an excellent book for you, however for those of you who have read many of his books you should expect many of the same aspects in many of his previous writings.

Aug 19 2009

REAL CHURCH – Does it Exist?

“Real Church” Does it exist? Can I Find It? by Larry Crabb has been a very interesting read.  It deals with topics such as authentic Christianity, church as a whole, issues facing the church today, types of churches and their shortcomings, and the re-establishment of the structure built upon the foundation in which our faith and the church is developed.  Christ is and always will be the foundation, but it is what we build upon it that will determine the effectiveness.

When I reflect on the reading of this book I really felt that Larry was being honest, deep, rich, and vulnerable, however at the same time it felt like he was just burnt out with church and he was expressing his bitterness.  But that is kind of what he was trying to get across.  Christians should support one another, and be able to be there for one another especially in times of weakness.  At times I wanted to put this book down because he went on for awhile describing all the churches he didn’t want to be apart of, but I’m glad I kept reading.  Towards the end he did begin to reveal the type of church he wanted to be involved in.  I wont spoil the details.  I had to read the first 13 chapters to get there, so should you.  You don’t truly appreciate the marks of an effective church until in indulge in the ones that aren’t. 

Larry continues to challenge you through each chapter to be authentic in your faith and practice from an individual level to the church level as a whole.  We are not to settle for good enough Christianity.  We are to strive for excellence, and it begins with prayer and people.  Praying for wisdom, discernment, and direction, followed by loving and serving people with Christ at the core.  We all have a long ways to go, but it is time we pick up our crosses, and carry them daily.

I would recommend this book for all church leaders, and attendees as well, but be prepared.  You will begin to question this book, and it’s motives, but in the end it will all make sense.