Book Review: Bonhoeffer: Pastor, Martyr, Prophet, Spy

Bonhoeffer Student Edition by Eric Metaxas
Bonhoeffer Student Edition: Pastor, Martyr, Prophet, Spy 
by Eric Metaxas


5 out of 5 stars on Goodreads
It’s impossible to read anything about the incredible life of Dietrich Bonhoeffer and not be inspired by his faith, saddened by his suffering, and full of questions about your own beliefs and faith. Does my life reflect the kind of fearless faith that Bonhoeffer showed? Is my heart filled with joy in the midst of dark circumstances the way Bonhoeffer’s was?
The answer is no. My faith looks rather puny next to his. My life looks pathetic next to his courage and generosity. One will always feel small when compared to giants, but at least we are looking up, striving for greatness, seeking to know God more intimately as they did. Continue reading

Book Review: Sex and the Single Girl

Sex and the Single Girl
Sex and the Single Girl by Juli Dr Slattery

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This Christian book is designed to be read in daily or weekly increments over 6 weeks, but I read it all in two days! It has reflective questions at the end of each section that can be answered alone or in a group study.
I loved that this book is saturated with Scripture! Almost every other page quotes Scripture or refers to a Bible example. The writing is thoughtful, and exhorts the reader to think carefully about God’s Word, and to examine our hearts circumspectly. It really puts a spotlight on the truth of spiritual warfare, and how our sexual nature plays a large part in that battle. Continue reading

Book Review: Jesus the King

Jesus the King: Understanding the Life and Death of the Son of God
Jesus the King: Understanding the Life and Death of the Son of God by Timothy J. Keller

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Excellent writing, inspiring insights, solid Bible doctrine, and a fresh look at the life of Christ through the lens of his death. I was incredibly impressed with this book. It’s accessible and easy to understand, although it deals with some deep cosmic ideas.

The whole book is a beautiful revelation of truth. I was crying in one chapter and then laughing in the next. It’s touching and thought-provoking. Every chapter is so deep and insightful. I was spiritually refreshed on every page!

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Book Review: The Missionary Call

The Missionary Call: Find Your Place in God's Plan For the World
The Missionary Call: Find Your Place in God’s Plan For the World by M. David Sills

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This book is full of practical and spiritual advice about how to know if you are called by God to become a missionary overseas. I really appreciated the way the book was organized, talking about the Biblical basis for missions, God’s heart for missions, and then branching into the history of missions since the Early Church, and exploring different branches of thought and belief that are present about missions and the missionary call today.

My favorite part was the Continue reading

Book Review: A Servant Like Jesus

A Servant Like Jesus
A Servant Like Jesus by Lee Ann Mancini

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Charlie is a little crab at his first day of Fish School, and he’s too shy to join the other children in class. But when a schoolmate gets injured, it’s up to Charlie to pray for the courage to jump in and help.

The illustrations are so cute! I love the bright colors and adorable little fish friends. The best part is the hidden Bible symbol on each page. I love searching for hidden objects in pictures, and this will keep children engaged and interested through multiple readings.

This would be the perfect book for any children who are shy or feel overwhelmed by fear in new situations, because it teaches that if we pray for courage, and focus on helping others rather than focusing on our own fears or discomfort, Christ will give us the bravery to do good and serve others for His glory! Continue reading

Review: The One Year at His Feet Devotional

The One Year at His Feet Devotional
The One Year at His Feet Devotional by Chris Tiegreen

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This book has one page entry for each day of the year, but it took me two years to read it! haha!
I loved how insightful and deep each devotional page is despite being short. There’s a lot of spiritual information packed concisely into each page.

I liked that there is a quote from a famous Christian, apologist, missionary, saint, or preacher on each page that corespondents with the subject of the day.

Each paragraph really makes you think and reevaluate your beliefs, and at the end of each topic there is a call to apply the lesson to your life in a real and tangible way through prayer and action.

A wonderful devotional for those who don’t want spiritual “fluff”, but are ready for the “meat” of the Word!

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Book Review: Changes That Heal

Changes That Heal: The Four Shifts That Make Everything Better…And That Anyone Can Do
Changes That Heal: The Four Shifts That Make Everything Better…And That Anyone Can Do by Henry Cloud

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This book inspired me, gave me spiritual healing, and had incredible insight into why people are broken and how God can heal that brokenness.
I love that each concept starts with an example of brokenness, leads into the spiritual lesson with Biblical text, explains the real reasons behind our behavior, and then gives practical solutions to heal and change for the better.
And it’s not just about being “better”; it’s about being the person God truly created you to be.

The writing has a lot of spiritual depth, but also a common sense approach to applying the spiritual concepts. It’s clear enough that anyone can understand it and relate to it, but also deeply insightful so that you need to stop and think carefully and prayerfully about the ideas presented.

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Book Review: Star Passage

Starpassage: Book One, the Relic
Starpassage: Book One, the Relic by Clark Rich Burbidge

My rating: 2 of 5 stars

2.5 stars: It was okay. I enjoyed this story about siblings Tim and Martie who find an ancient Star relic that transports them through time. The teens are on a mission to find spiritual help for their father, who is suffering from PTSD after being wounded in the army, and for their mother, who is dealing with depression. With their family falling apart, they wander through history seeking answers, but mysterious Shadow men are trying to steal the Star from them, and Tim and Martie will need help if they are going to return safely to their own time.

I liked all the history in this book! Some of the plot points and settings are drawn from true history, and some of it is, of course, imagined. I was disappointed that one of the first places the characters travel to is Valley Forge where they meet General George Washington. Extremely trite.
But the rest of the historical settings, such as a WWI medical ship and a wagon train traveling the Badlands of the American West, are more diverse and interesting. Continue reading