Review of Stages of the Soul

 Review of Stages of the Soul - God's Invitation to Greater Love by Nancy Kane

Reviewed by: Pat Beaty

Dear Christian: How far along are you in your journey to mature in Christ? This book is a beautifully written multi-faceted attempt to illustrate this glorious venture in five stages (steps). The stages represent periods of time in a Christian's lifelong effort to be transformed into who Christ wants them to be. She describes the many hurdles a believer has to cross and the many times we fail in this lengthy journey but emphasizes that the goal is worth all the pain and suffering.

The author is careful to include in this essay multiple references and quotations from the Holy Bible as well as appropriate events from notable other writers and educators to illustrate the points she makes - and you will find that what she says is accurate and believable.  (I feel that I must mention here that Mrs. Kane's writing even caused me to pause during my reading and think back to my own stages of the soul). 

You will most certainly find that reading this book will be a most wonderful and compelling experience; and, believe me, it is crying out for a place on your bookshelf.

Happy Reading!

Pat Beaty

For more reviews, check out patbeaty.blogspot.com.

December 2020

Review of What They Meant for Evil

What They Meant for Evil

By Rebecca Deng with Ginger Kolbaba

Reviewed by Pat Beaty

Have you heard of the lost boys of Sudan? This book was written by a lost girl of Sudan. It is an autobiography by a woman who spent most of her life in fear; but also in prayer. Many people and organizations have praised this author and her book, but my reaction to much of it was a memory of my parents’ and family’s love and kindness to me when I was a small child. The love they, and God, engendered in me is very much like her reaction to her experiences in her own family circle. However, hers became dramatically different as she began to grow up.

This treatise is her story of her own experiences of deep love and heartbreaking sorrow, as well as relentless personal trials that ended in bright hope and personal victory over evil and fear.  Readers will applaud her and wonder at all she endured, but it is evident that the real victor of this tale is God, who was present in every moment of her life.

You, the reader, will find yourself involved in every portion of her journey. You will be transplanted in your imagination to the small village where she grew up and into the frightening happenings in which she was involved. This author acknowledges that she is a Christian and that God has been with her continually throughout her eventful life.

Happy Thanksgiving and Merry Christmas!

Pat 

For more reviews, go to patbeaty.blogspot.com 

Review of: God's Grace in Your Suffering

God's Grace in Your Suffering

by David Powlison

Reviewed by Pat Beaty

A pastor whom we all know and love lent this book to me, and I knew it was going to be good because he told me he had put his name in it and wanted it back! I'm uncertain if I have overused these adverbs in the past in my zeal to get you to read books that I endorse, but here goes: I most “wholeheartedly” and “enthusiastically” recommend this book to you. It is hoped that you will not only read it, but that you will place it on your shelf for later re-reading. It is indeed impressive.

This book shows that God is at work even when life is hard and that God's grace is always available to us. The author uses Scripture, stories and the words of the hymn “How Firm a Foundation” to remind us of God's presence and faithfulness. He “brings an experienced counselor's touch to exploring how God enters into our suffering, helping us see God working in our own particular struggles...”

This remarkable book is both well-written and well worth your time. My hope is that this book will gove you the joy it has given me.

Happy Reading!

Pat

For other reviews go to Patbeaty.blogspot.com.

August 22, 2020

Review of Betrayed by Stan Telchin

Reviewed by 

Pat Beaty

The story you read in this brief book of 139 pages is delightfully written, but it as a serious undertone. I will admit that I giggled and laughed at various places throughout my reading, but a good amount of this was due to the joy I felt at the real happiness of the happenings.

The plot concerns a Jewish father, mother and two daughters. The action of this very action packed book begins when one of the author's daughters arrives home on a break from college and announces she has come to believe that Jesus is the Messiah. The title of the book becomes clear when the father-author announces to himself, "I've been betrayed! And by one of my own children!" From this point on, the script takes on activity and movement almost on its own - or so it seems.

To his credit, the father begins to read and study Jewish and Christian history as well as Biblical accounts of Jesus, as he strives to discover the truth. The reader will enjoy his accounts of his own and his wife's background as well as his descriptive feelings and mental wanderings.  He is so tense and nervous at first that he isn't sure who to ask, what to think, or what to do! However, in his frantic search for answers, he reads the prophecies and finally comes to a decision.  In the meantime, Mrs. Telchin and their other daughter have come to a decision themselves. 

In my hope that you will read this well-written and thought provoking story, I am hesitant to tell you the ending. 

Just a hint: Be certain that you read "A Look at Some Prophecies" at the end of this work. You will find it fascinating.

Happy Reading, 

Pat

For other reviews, go to patbeaty.blogspot.com. 

Review of The Biggest Lie in the History of Christianity by Matthew Kelly

The Biggest Lie in the History of Christianity

By Matthew Kelly

Review by Pat Beaty

Comprised of 114 pages, this work is hardly the "biggest" one on any reader's shelves. However, our Lord is God of truth and beauty and both of these words continuously came to my mind as I read this riveting book. It is strongly felt that your reaction will be identical as you peruse the pages of this unusual work.

This author meets you, the reader, "where you live". In other words, not only does his conclusions on the subject of one's personal Christianity make sense, it also makes one aware of his own version of himself. For instance, he says, "the thing is, our deep yearning isn't for momentary pleasures; it is for lasting happiness in a changing world...we cannot control every situation."  He goes on to talk about "Holy Moments" which is the actual theme of this writing. It is not about he time you spend in the sanctuary of the church. It is the multiple times that occur to you or that you incur every single day. For instance, it is the little things we do for people, often strangers, every day that do not require a lot of effort on our part but which really assist the other person and further Christianity.

It is felt at this point, that we should point you toward the answer to the question you had when you first read the title above. It is: Holiness is Impossible. "Transforming people one at a time is at the heart of God's plan for the world."

Happy Reading, Pat