Do You Know Who Lives Next Door to You?

Do you know who lives next door to you?
Does it matter more or less to you,
If your neighbor's older,
If her house is colder?

Have you thought about,
How her health is when she's out,

Or do you really care,
How these folks really fare,
If her rooms are really bare?
Are you sure you're unaware?

Don't you care if she's all alone?
Could you not just pick up the phone
Ev'ry once in a while?
Since it might bring a smile.

They say it does bring satisfaction,
As does all sincere interaction.

Ask if she has enough to eat.
Ask about her small house's heat.
See if she can pay her bills.
See what warmth your chat instills???!

You might really get to know her.
Or, at least, you sure can show her,
That you're only a door away,
And you would simply like to say:

"I'm here if you need me."

(May is older American's month).

by William P. (Pat) Beaty

Review of Secret Believers

Secret Believers

(What Happens When Muslims Believe in Christ)

By Brother Andrew and Al Janssen

Reviewed by Pat Beaty

In the prologue of this thought-provoking, prayer-provoking book, the author correctly states that we (Christians) are at war, a spiritual war that involves “the challenge of Islam.”  He says that guns and bombs will not win this war…what Paul calls the good fight and Arabs translate as “the good Jihad”.  But these authors feel that it is time for Christians to go on the offensive.

The author also reminds us that, “Yes there is a church in the Islamic world, in countries like Iran, Iraq, Indonesia, Pakistan, Egypt, and the countries of the Middle East and Central Asia.”

In the first part of this work, the stories of believers, churches, and those who minister to them in Middle Eastern countries, and the constant persecution, including murder, are highlighted.  However, the successes of the Christian church, always in the face of anger, bitterness, and hatred are also shown, and the personal lives of several Christians, both new and old, are documented.

In the portrayal of these brave believers, you will find Jesus Christ at work in circumstances so difficult it is hard to believe, and many cases of martyrdom are depicted. Brother Andrew is seen advising the churches and church leaders, as well as encouraging them in their belief and in the work of the Lord.

Part One of this well-written work is fast moving, with excellent characterization.  Brother Andrew is not only a good witness but a good writer.

In part two of this noteworthy work, Brother Andrew discusses how we feel now that we’ve learned about these beleaguered, suffering Christians.  He offers suggestions as to what we in the Western church should do and offers ways to assist our brothers in Christ in the Middle East.  He provides us with a group of four challenges and states, “the only answers is total radical commitment to Jesus Christ.”

Is this book shocking? Absolutely!  Is it illuminating?  Beyond question.  Is there hope?  Yes! With God there is always hope. This reviewer feels he has gained much from this book and looks forward to hearing more about the endeavors to bring the good news of Christ to all the world.

 

           

Review of "The Love Languages of God"

The Love Languages of God

By Gary Chapman

Reviewed by Pat Beaty

            According to Dr. Chapman, a marriage and family counselor for more than thirty years, there are five love languages with which people express and receive love.  They are:  quality time, words of affirmation, gifts, acts of service, and physical touch.  He explains that love is not a solo experience; it requires both a lover and a responder.  He says that each of us has a primary love language and when we listen to God in our “heart language”, we will experience his love most intimately.  He goes on to say that each person has a different love language and if you don’t speak the person you love’s primary love language, the person will not feel loved by you.  The key is learning each person’s love language and speaking it regularly.

In like fashion, we need to establish a “love connection” with God.  When we learn to know and love him, we will have made the “love connection”, according to the author. Although there are many dialects according to Dr. Chapman, there are only five basic languages and each person speaks only one primary language.  In other words, only one speaks more emotionally to us than the other four.  A brief explanation of each love language follows. 

Words of affirmation:  In this love language, according to the author, “using words to affirm the other person is a key way to express love.”  For instance, “You look nice in that outfit…you did a good job with the work you attempted…thanks for doing this, that or the other…you have our appreciation for doing whatever.”  These are just a few examples of the thousands of ways to express affirmation.  To people for whom this love language is primary, these words are very welcome.

Quality time:  In the words of the author, “Quality time is giving someone your undivided attention.”  It is not what you do but the time you have together.  “When you give someone quality time, you are giving him or her a part of your life.

Gifts:  This language speaks for itself.  For some people nothing makes them feel more loved than receiving a gift.  This is their primary love language.

Acts of Service:  This language is also self-explanatory.  Doing things you know someone would like you to is an expression of love.  Acts of service can be any number of tings.  The person who speaks this language is always looking for things he can do for others.

Physical Touch: Long before a child knows the meaning of love, he feels loved by physical touch.  Hugging and kissing a six year old child as he leaves for school is a way of filling the child's "love tank" according to the author.

            The author feels that the love languages observed in human relationships are a reflection of divine love and that all five languages are expressed in the character and nature of our creator.

            Throughout this book, Dr. Chapman uses examples from his own counseling experience to further explain the concepts of the languages and this makes the reading of this work even more interesting.  I highly recommend this book.

Review of "Pathway to Freedom"

Pathway to Freedom (How God’s Laws Guide Our Lives)

by Alastair Begg

Reviewed by Pat Beaty

            Alastair Begg, popular pastor and radio personality, preached a series of sermons on the Ten Commandments and was surprised by the response to the sermons.  Many listeners had not considered the commandments as applicable to their lives since they last studied them in elementary Sunday school.  The significant response to these sermons caused Moody Publishers to persuade the author to “turn the spoken word into the written word.”  He intended to illuminate both the meaning and the application of the commandments to our lives today and to emphasize the balance between the law and grace.

In the noteworthy forward to this book written by Charles Colson, it is pointed out that “God does not love us more if we obey the (ten) commandments and less if we do not.  His love for us, our justification, our sanctification, and our final glorification were settled once and for all by the perfect faithfulness of Christ on the cross, not day by day by our grossly deficient faithfulness.  Legalism is thus ruled out.”  He states that “we desperately need moral direction from God, which He gives us in the Ten Commandments.” 

The author proceeds to discuss this moral direction in detail by focusing on each of the commandments and both their implication and application to our lives.  The first commandment is that we should have no other gods before our God, the true God.  This is very important in society today.  Surveys have revealed that “more than three-fourths of all Americans believe that ‘many religions can lead to eternal life.”  Scriptures in both the Old and New Testament repeatedly reinforce the high priority that God places on our understanding of Him as the only God, the Creator, the Savior, an the eternally existing God.  

The author, in regard to the second commandment of “no graven images” states that we must worship the one true God in a worthy manner and worship “the correct God correctly.”

The discussion of the remaining eight commandments is interesting and thought provoking. His collected sermons give us much food for thought and for positive application to our lives.

 One purpose of the law that the author expounds upon is the pedagogical function of the law.  Paul emphasizes in Galatians 3:24 is that the law is put in place to lead us to Christ by the realization that we cannot keep it.  Martin Luther referred to this as “the principle purpose of the law and it’s most valuable contribution.”   Pastor Begg says, “Writing to the Galatians about life in the spirit, Paul says, ‘If you are led by the Sprit, you are not under law (3:18).  In other words, we say no to sin and yes to righteousness, not as a result of struggling to keep the Law, but by the power of the indwelling Spirit.  The Christian’s motivation does not come from the Law…It is, as we understand God’s love to us in Christ, that we find ourselves delighting in God’s law written in our hearts.”

Review of "True Religion"

True Religion – Taking Pieces of Heaven to the Places of Hell on Earth

By Palmer Chinchen Ph.D.

Reviewed by Pat Beaty

            Duane Litfin, President of Wheaton College, says this book should be required reading for twenty-first century Christians and I enthusiastically agree.  Dr. Robert C. Cannada, Jr., Chancellor of Reformed Theological Seminary, states that the author comes from a family who gave up their lives and changed their lifestyles for the sake of others because of the gospel.  He says this work will disturb you and may change your life and your lifestyle as well.  Your reviewer agrees fully…it is that good!

            Chinchen begins by giving instances to illustrate how we have, even as Christians, have been living for ourselves – the easy life – and must give our lives away to a hurting world.  He says we must become as those described in the Judaic “Shema” – “God is not just interested in your obedience; He wants your heart.”

            Chinchen urges us to go to another country – become expatriates – and see what real poverty is.  He recites several personal experiences while he was in other countries and challenges us to develop a Christian response to poverty, injustice, and oppression wherever we are.  He states that his friend Sean, who lived in Africa, notes that he could not find the word “comfortable” in the Bible and “maybe its time to live a little less comfortable.”

            While giving again several stories form his own experience, Dr. Chinchen explains his belief that we are transformed through moments of spiritual conflict.  He says that “under the pressure of going globally and giving our lives away, we open ourselves to the possibility of God crafting something beautiful in our souls. Go! Go large, go far, go where no one has ever gone before.”  He says that he loves the words of the prophet Isaiah: “Enlarge your tent, stretch your tent curtains wide, do not hold back; lengthen your cords, strengthen your stakes, for you will spread out to the left and to the right.”

            In True Religion, Chinchen attempts to bring us out of our self-engrossed existence and into the real world of service to our one and only God.

Review of "The Journey Home"

The Journey Home

(Finishing with Joy)

by Bill Bright

Reviewed by: Pat Beaty

            “Every person follows someone,” and Bill Bright followed Jesus Christ.  He loved Jesus and Jesus loved him.  In his final book, He summarizes a life of faithful service to our Lord, and attempts to outline what a Christian’s life should be…even to his death.  He admonishes the reader to “please don’t take the next step, much less the last mile, without Him in your heart.”  He states it was his joy to spend “fifty eight years helping people to experience and live well the abundant life in Jesus Christ.”  He states that, “seeing difficulty through the eyes of God is the only way I can comprehend anyone coping sensibly with death and dying.”

            Dr. Bright quotes liberally from the Scriptures as he talks about his feelings regarding his career on earth with Campus Crusade for Christ and his expectations of the joy in the world to come.  The author encourages the Christian reader to listen to the Holy Spirit and understand that it is our duty to help fulfill the Great Commission of Jesus to make disciples of all nations.

            The writer uses the words of many great servants of God, as well as the verses of several of his favorite hymns, to underscore some of the points he makes, and he highlights many of the aspects and emotions of “passing on” by use of scripture in referring to the last days of several Biblical “greats”.

            One of the most heartening aspects this edifying and moving work is that the author plainly wants the reader to benefit from his experience and what he has gleaned from the Bible in regard to how the believer should approach and anticipate his own “Journey Home.”  Dr. Bright even describes the practical actions one should take in regard to family, property, and other “earthly” matters.

            Finally, although this entire work is, without question, very worthwhile for any servant of Christ to read, and I whole-heartedly recommend it, it is felt by this reviewer that the most striking and engrossing section is to be found in the chapter: “God’s Purposes in Suffering.”  As you examine each paragraph that begins with the simple, “Why God”, you will be moved to the same conclusion that I was – because He loves me.  Hallelujah, what a Savior!

June 10, 2011

Review of "The Bible Jesus Read"

The Bible Jesus Read

by Phillip Yancey

Reviewed by Pat Beaty

            This author states in his preface that he is discussing the Old Testament, which is the only Bible that Jesus had during his life as a human being.  Yancey reads the Bible “as any ordinary reader does, interacting with the content, trying to understand the author’s original intent.”  He divides this treatise into what he feels are its major sections:  history, prophecy, poetry, and wisdom literature.  He cites Oswald Chambers who once said that, “ the Psalms teach you how to pray; Job teaches you how to suffer; the Song of Solomon teaches you how to love; Proverbs teaches you how to live; and Ecclesiastes teaches you how to enjoy.”

            The author has chosen Job, Deuteronomy, Psalms, Ecclesiastes, and the Prophets to concentrate on, and he admits that this work is personal and subjective.  In sincere agreement with the writer, it is not felt that some of the conclusions that the author comes to are appropriate to meet the needs of every believer in his walk with Christ.

            Yancey quoted from 2 Timothy that “all scripture is God-breathed and useful for teacher, rebuking, correcting, and training in righteousness.”  He re-emphasized that the fact that the Old Testament was the only Bible its readers had at that time.

            In an opening summary, this writer related his own experiences in coming to a final belief in the value of this first half of the Holy Word of God.  In his chapter on Job, the author writes beautifully of this sufferer and relates it to the later suffering of the Hebrew people.  Yancey feels that this portion of scripture contains gorgeous poetry and he paraphrases God’s words in the following way:  “until you know a little more about running the physical universe, Job, don’t tell me how to run the moral universe.”

            In discussing Deuteronomy, the author retells the “bittersweet story of God’s relationship with the Israelites, as well as with Moses.”  However the author’s experience with Psalms, as well as his opinions about this book, easily make this the most fascinating portion of this most absorbing book.  Although the Prophets and Ecclesiastes were treated in a wonderful fashion, it is felt that this entire work by Yancey is well worth anyone’s time to read.

Review of "Just Like Jesus"

Just Like Jesus by Max Lucado

Reviewed by Pat Beaty

“God loves you the way you are, but he refuses to leave you that way; He wants you to be Just Like Jesus.”  That is the theme that pervades this entire book.

            Mr. Lucado begins this well-written work by expounding on the fact that God does love you the way you are. He stresses our need for the “heart of Christ” and compares this with what the world offers.  He stresses that “God is willing to change us into the likeness of the Savior if only we will accept his offer.”

            The author discusses the “forgiving heart” in the chapter about people we have to “put up with,” and he points out the failures of even Christ’s own disciples in this regard. Mr. Lucado then writes a moving account of Jesus washing his disciples’ feet.

            However, it is felt that the most beautifully written account in this work is the story of Jesus and the leper.  In the writer’s retelling of this miraculous healing, the reader feels the very pain that this suffering individual endures right up to the wondrous words, “be healed”.

            One absorbing area of Mr. Lucado’s work is devoted to our “ears”.  He states “its not that we don’t have ears; it’s that we don’t use them.”  He points out that this concept is discussed eight times in the Gospels and eight times in the book of Revelation.  He says that it isn’t good enough that we have these organs; we must be diligent and use them.  He quotes from the Bible in this regard and writes to the reader about “how to listen”.  The author ends this section in a discussion of being one with God.

            With allusions to events in the Holy Word and everyday experiences, the author stresses that God wants to change us.  He uses several everyday occurrences to explain this and points out that being a Christian (while God is transforming us) requires hard work on our parts.

            Mr. Lucado devotes a good deal of space in this writing to “lying” and directs our attention to the numerous places in the Bible where this is discussed.  The author writes of other topics in this fine work and admonishes us to “fix our eyes upon Jesus.”

Review of "Fear Not Tomorrow"

Fear Not Tomorrow, God is Already There

(Trusting Him in Uncertain Times)

by Ruth Graham

Reviewed by: Pat Beaty

            David Jeremiah, in his forward to this book, urges the reader to read every word so that he “will encounter the living God as he reveals His character to you.”  The author draws heavily from her own life and the lives of her loved ones as she attempts to help the reader to not be afraid, as we learn to trust in God.  She refers often to the heroes of the Old and New Testaments in her successful attempts to help us pattern our reactions to daily crises on the actions of these great men of God.

            The author discusses the normal actions people take when trouble comes and they feel “undone” and points to the many promises of help from our Lord in the Holy Word.

            Ms. Graham writes this book in a very personable, understandable manner that puts the reader at ease from beginning to end.

            One of the most fascinating things that gets your attention is her description of what each Bible character might be thinking in each difficult situation he faces.

            One of the most intriguing chapters is “Encounter the Power.” The reader will find Biblical examples and everyday tips on increasing his faith in the one who “wants us to count on Him.”  Another notable chapter, “Receive His Help”, discusses how God loves us unconditionally.  The Writer states that God loves us with an “everlasting love” and explains that our inability to love ourselves without conditions often hinders our trust in God.

            The chapter, “Embrace His Forgiveness” will cause the reader to take a new look at himself, but the chapter “Anticipate His Plans” is believed by this reviewer to be the most original and memorable part of this work.  In this section, the author’s description of the anticipation of God’s work in the lives of several Biblical persons was exceptional.

            You will want to read this book.  If you already have, you may want to read it a second time.  This reviewer did.

April 13, 2011

Review of "A Hunger for God"

A Hunger for God (Desiring God through Fasting and Prayer)

By John Piper

Reviewed by Pat Beaty

            Although this book is about fasting and the author strongly recommends this activity, he begins this work by referring to I Corinthians 8:8, “Food will not commend us to God; we are neither the worse if we do not eat, nor the better if we do eat.”  Mr. Piper goes on to explain that our foe is our desire for things other than the Word (God) and that our stemming of the desire for food might express or even increase our soul’s want for God.  He adds, “when God is the supreme hunger of our hearts, He will be supreme in everything.”

            The author states that the greatest foe of love to God is “not His enemies but His gifts.”  He explains that when desire for these replaces the desire for God Himself, “the idolatry is scarcely recognizable and almost incurable.”  He explains that just about any activity or thing can replace our homesickness for God if we are not careful.

            Mr. Piper says he wrote this book with the purpose and prayer that it might “awaken a hunger for the supremacy of God in all things for the joy of all peoples.”  He states that the strongest, most mature Christians he ever met are the hungriest for God, and explains that “God is an inexhaustible fountain, an infinite feast, and a glorious Lord,” and he invites us to turn from the dulling effects of food, and the dangers of idolatry, and to say with some simple fast: “This much, Oh God, I want you.”

            The writer refers the reader to the biblical accounts of David, as well as the stories of Anna and Simeon, and he explains, “fasting is the exclamation point at the end of Maranatha. (Come, Lord Jesus!). “  He tells us the history of fasting, both Christian and non-Christian, and affirms his belief that “one of the clearest Biblical encouragements to consider fasting as a history-shaping act is found in Acts 13:1-4.

            This author quotes freely from the writings of the Apostles, as well as more recent Biblical interpreters of the Word and explains both the benefits and the dangers of fasting.

            It is felt that this book is well worth your time to read and explore.

Review of God's Smuggler

God’s Smuggler

By Brother Andrew with John and Elizabeth Sherrill

Reviewed by Pat Beaty

            This book reads like fiction, except the story is true, and it was orchestrated by the Lord.  It is filled with mystery and adventure, and I promise it will keep you spellbound.  As you read it, it is as if you were there, participating in each exciting event as this mesmerizing tale moves swiftly along.

            The story is about a simple Dutchman who is called by God to serve Him and His kingdom.  In his youth, he resisted God’s call, even hiding outside the church as his parents worshipped inside.  He later gave his life to Christ and ended up smuggling Bibles to believers in Communist countries during the Cold War.

            Our hero, who is called Brother Andrew, has enough faith, but he must learn to trust our Savior completely, at all times and for all things.  Ultimately, he is able to do this, as the Lord causes him to endure many hardships along the way.

            There are many times throughout this work when you will find yourself wondering if even the more trusting child of God could survive the challenges that God placed before this servant; and this reviewer found himself cheering and thanking our Savior as He provided His bountiful grace and miraculous protection to this son of a Dutch blacksmith.  (I will be surprised if you don’t react the same way.)

            One of my favorite parts of this tale is when Brother Andrew gives his heart to the Lord saying, “Lord, if you will show me the way, I will follow you.” Isn’t it wonderful the way our loving Creator chooses just the right person to accomplish each task He wants to become a reality?  Brother Andrew was just that person to take God’s Word to those in need.

Review of Prayer by Phillip Yancy

Prayer – Does It Make Any Difference?

By Phillip Yancey

Reviewed by Pat Beaty

            In the beginning of this treatise, the author states that “prayer is universal because it speaks to some basic human need.” He says that “Christians in developing countries spend less time pondering the effectiveness of prayer and more time actually praying.”  He says, however, that those in modern Christian societies find little time for prayer in their stressful lives.  “Prayer is to the skeptic a delusion, a waste of time.” “If God knows everything, what’s the point of prayer?”  The author ends this cryptic section with an admission: “ I daily forget.  I keep reversing roles, thinking of ways in which God should server me, rather than vice-versa.” Later he says prayer is the act of seeing reality from God’s point of view.

            Throughout this fine work, the writer refers to his own experiences with prayer, and he cites noted people who have written or spoken about this necessary part of daily life.

Mr. Yancey states that the arguments used against God are included in such Biblical books at Habakkuk, the Psalms, Ecclesiastes, Lamentations, and Job.  These seem to be against a God who seems not to care or even exist.  He says, “most important, these accusations contained in the Bible itself are framed as prayers.”

            The writer stresses that “prayer that is based on relationships and not on transactions may be the most freedom-enhancing way of connecting to a God whose vantage point we can never achieve and can hardly imagine.”

            The author discussed Jesus’ prayers and pointed out that God cares about the everyday, not just he peak experiences.

            In later sections of this treatise, Yancey discussed why we should pray, wrestling with God in prayer, our partnership with God in prayer, and he made a most thought-provoking remark: “the opposite of love is indifference.”

            The chapter on written and spoken prayers caught the reviewer’s attention, and it will certainly catch yours.

            Finally, the author believes that one of the most compelling reasons we should pray is that Jesus prayed.  That is my belief also.