Tag Archives: review

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.

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.

Jun 25 2009

The 3 Big NO NOs of Transformers 2 (Movie Review)

tf2-header

Decepticon forces return to Earth on a mission to take Sam Witwicky prisoner, after the young hero learns the truth about the ancient origins of the Transformers. Joining the mission to protect humankind is Optimus Prime, who forms an alliance with international armies for a second epic battle.

I usually don’t get too involved in movie reviews due to the massive number of them out there, but I just felt that Christians needed Biblical perspective behind it.  I was totally appalled at some of the language and adult content in this movie.  My son wanted to watch it, but now I am glad I went and pre-screened it.  It just goes to show what direction our society is going in when a toy company such as Hasbro allows their innocent characters the Transformers to be used to promote sexuality and vulgarity. There were many times where  curse words were used, and it didn’t even make sense for it to be used in the context of the dialogue.  I find myself very disappointed.

As far as the story line goes, it has some great action packed scenes that will capture your attention.  I love the heroism, and self-sacrifice.  Optimus Prime even has a quote that will be adding to my favorite quote list…”Fate rarely calls on us at a moment of our choosing.”  Unfortunately all the positives cannot justify the negative aspects of this film.  Here are the “3 Big NO NOs” for me, primarily because these are the issues that are corrupting today’s teens.

  1. Sexuality – Skin is expected in summer movies, but the sexuality was off the chart for any children’s/teen movie.  The main actress flaunts herself about, but what really bothered me was the fact that you have 2 dogs being sexually active at various parts of the movie, a scene where “Sam” (main character) is being sexually intimate with another college student who is not his girlfriend and turns out to be a robot, inappropriate posters in the dorm room as well as a neon porn sign in one of the scenes, a former Sector 7 agent pulls down his pants revealing his rear in a jock strap, an enormous robot with testicles, and a little remote control truck robot that starts humping the main actress’s leg.  There is more, but I will stop there.  There is a teen sexuality crisis going on in today’s society, and we have to start doing something about it before we have another Sodom and Gomorrah on our hands.
  2. Vulgarity and Language- You rarely find a movie without some cursing anymore, but once again it was totally unnecessary in this film.  There was no need to have Transformers cursing.  These are children’s play toys for goodness sake.  I would be throwing my son’s Transformers in the trash if he even remotely stated some of the things that the characters did in the movie.  That was a very poor decision.  There were multiple f- word variants, 10+ s-words and 15 or so misuses of God’s name. We also hear about 25 or more uses combined of “d–n,” “a–hole,” “b–ch,” “h—” 
  3. Drug Content – Drunken parties, marijuana-laced brownies, and a bong is enough of an excuse not to watch this film.  I’ve see teenagers die first hand from drug/alcohol overdoses, and I have also seen how destructive it can be on the family.  I also counsel teenagers on a regular basis who are so caught up in this crud that it is destroying their lives.  This one alone ticks me off more than any of them.

I just want to conclude with this thought.  Today’s society is in need of a revival.  As I read the scripture and the prophecies I realize there is going to come a great awakening.  Either an awakening of repentance or an awakening of judgement.  The Old Testament is filled with these awakenings: The awakening of judgement on the earth during the time of Noah, the awakening of judgement on Sodom and Gomorrah, the awakening of repentance of Ninevah, and the awakening of judgement in Revelation.  Do you and your family a big favor, and save your $20+ dollars, and take your kids out for some ice cream and a picnic at the park. 

Practical Advice – My advice is to skip this movie, but many of you will still allow your children to watch this movie, but I would recommend that if you are going to do so wait until it comes out on DVD, rent it, pre-screen it, and fast forward or skip the scenes that would be considered inappropriate.  Remember what we put into our children will eventually come out.  None of us want to see our children grow up to be foul mouthed sexually active addicts, so then don’t allow Satan to have this foothold.

Mar 31 2009

Try Higher

Higher InternationalI was honored to be asked by Dr. Trevor Francis to review the pre-publication of his first book “Try Higher” the Spiritual Guide to College.  I have been acquainted with Dr. Francis for many years now, and I greatly respect the man because of his passion for college students.  In spite of my high respect for him, I made it a priority to review his book to the greatest of my abilities; holding nothing back.  Because he is such a young author I was extremely curious to see how relevant and applicable his book really was.  At first I was a little confused about the title and direction, but after reading the introduction it became obvious. 

“Calling Every College Student to Spiritual Leadership”

“Don’t act thoughtlessly, but try to find out and do whatever the Lord wants you to” – (Ephesians 5:17 TLB)

“The Christian ideal has not been tried and found wanting. It has been found difficult; and left untried.” G.K. Chesterton

Dr. Francis challenges students to live by a higher standard and step up to the plate and be a leader, and for that I am grateful.  I could go into a long wordy review breaking down each chapter, but because of the quality of this book that will not be necessary.  I ensure you that it will be relevant, and capable of capturing your attention.

This book contains topics such as:

  • Seeking Spiritual Direction
  • Finding Purpose
  • Establishing Truth
  • Building Higher Confidence
  • Discovering Destiny
  • And More

After reading I have to say that:

“I wish I had a copy of this book, during my campus days.”

“I will definitely be giving this book to the High School graduates of Refuge.”

And a final wrap-up thought:

“Try Higher is an intriguing book that provides significant information and practical application that engages students to find purpose in their college experience benefiting them now, in their career, and into eternity.  Students will be inspired to seek truth, discover destiny, and impact the lives of those around them.  The significance of this book is priceless and should be in the backpack of every high school graduate and college under-grad.” – Pastor Justin Williams, The Refuge of Bentonville, Arkansas

Be sure to visit the Higher International website to find out more information about Dr. Trevor Francis, Higher International, and Try Higher.  Release dates will be announced through Higher International, and the book will be available through HigherLife Development Services Publishing.  I will also provide more information about the book at JustinsRefuge.com as it becomes available.