Review of Levi's Will

Levi’s Will

By: W. Dale Cramer

Reviewed by Pat Beaty

“God is love, love is the proof of God, and forgiveness is the proof of love.”

            “Levi’s Will” is fiction. It is a Christian novel by a writer with considerable skill and depth of feeling.  The story actually begins with Will, Levi’s son, running away from his Amish farm and his strong-willed father.  In subsequent passages, the author explains the reasons for Will’s unhappiness, not only with his father but also with the constraint of Amish life.

            Our main character and a younger brother, Tobe, who accompanies him, have some exciting adventures out in the “English” world; and when World War II begins, Will finds himself in the middle of Belgium repairing tanks for the U.S. Army.

            This intriguing story carries our hero into a marriage with a Georgia woman and through the lives of his sons and the lives of his many Amish relatives.  He does not return home to his Amish roots in Ohio for many years.  When he does, he finds that his father has not forgiven him.  He visits his father’s home a number of times over the years, never receiving the forgiveness of his father. 

            There are many moving episodes in the story, leading up to a dramatic understanding by Will regarding love and forgiveness and his relationship with God.  This book is a learning experience and the reader will find it spell-binding.  You may wonder – does the title refer to Levi’s son Will, his strong will in controlling his children, or his last will and testament?  You’ll have to read it to find out.

Review of Every Day Deserves a Chance

Every Day Deserves a Chance

(Wake Up to the Gift of 24 Hours)

by Max Lucado

Reviewed by Pat Beaty

Max Lucado is a cheerleader.  He spurs us on to greater service to others…and to the Lord and makes us happy while we do it.  I must admit that his enthusiasm rapidly became mine as I eagerly read each page of this inspiring book.

He begins this work with a humorous, and messy, incident he had with a seagull and refers back to this experience in the ensuing pages.  In a tongue-in-cheek effort to differentiate between good days and bad days, he ends up admitting that, as proclaimed in Psalms 118:24, “This is the day the Lord has made; we will rejoice and be glad in it.”  Mr. Lucado then attempts to separate yesterday, today, and tomorrow for us and explains God’s role in providing a formula for our happiness as we face each day.

In his section on “Shame-filled Days”, the author captivates the reader with his description of the captives, the deep feelings, and the walk to the Cross; and he movingly highlights God’s gift of grace.  The writer then describes, in order, his answers for ungrateful days, bitter days, anxious days, catastrophic days, depleted days, and fear-filled days, along with a host of intriguing experiences as illustrations.

In the section, “Service for the Fork in the Road Days”, Mr. Lucado discusses the “Society of the Second Mile,” which, if you have never heard of it, you will find fascinating.

The author concludes this very readable work with “The Blades of Uncommon Color” (no, not about sword fighting), and refers the reader to some very useful words from a “very useful” book.  “Don’t shuffle along, eyes to the ground…Look up, and be alert to what is going on around Christ…see things from his perspective,” Colossians 3:2 (Author’s translation).

Penned in Mr. Lucado’s own irrepressible writing style, this book is a “must read”.

October 14, 2011

Review of "Everybody's Normal Till You Get to Know Them"

Everybody’s Normal Till You Get to Know Them

By John Ortberg

Reviewed by Pat Beaty

            This is a delightful but soul-searching book.  In his first chapter, the author states, “From the time of Adam in the Garden of Eden, sin and hiding have been as inevitable as death and taxes.  Some people are pretty good at hiding.  But the weirdness is still there.  Get close enough to anyone, and you will see it.  Everyone’s normal till you get to know them.”

            The writer goes on to explain, in a humorous, easy-to-read manner, how all of us are in, and in need of, community and he speaks to the subject of what God’s dream for community is.  “Our need for community with people and the God who made us is to the human spirit what food and water is to the human body.” Reverend Ortberg goes on to state, “God’s ultimate desire for the world is SHALOM – the webbing together of God, humans, and all creation in justice, fulfillment, and delight.” He asks, “what is one step you could take to contribute to shalom in your little world?”

            The author discusses loneliness, which Mother Teresa said was, “the leprosy of modern society,” and he concluded that, “no one wants anybody to know they’re a leper.”

            In a wonderful and thought-provoking statement, the author says that “God exists as Father, Son and Spirit in a community of greater humility, servanthood, mutual submission, and delight than you and I can imagine,” and “you and I have been welcomed to the inner circle, to be held in the heart of Father, Son, and Spirit, at enormous cost to every member of the trinity.”

            Reverend Ortberg discusses at length the story from the Bible of the paralytic who was lowered through the roof to meet Jesus.  He relates this to our own lives and points out how we are members of the “Fellowship of the Mat.” He tells of his own belief that more than anything else, God uses people to heal people.

            In part two of this remarkable work, the author discusses “how to get close without getting hurt.”  He refers often to the scriptures as he explains his thoughts about living in a community.  A notable chapter in this regard is “Spiritual Surgery: Forgiveness.”

            One of the most noteworthy statements the author made in this work is “Ultimately, the choice everyone faces is the choice between hope and despair.  Jesus says, Choose Hope.”

            One of this reviewer’s favorite sections of this book was the author’s description of the “messed up families” in Genesis.  He is obviously a sincere Christian and tells it like it is in his own fascinating style of writing.

            In the section - Normal at Last: Heaven, Reverend Ortberg discusses the world beyond, our misunderstanding of it, the hope we have of going there, and states: “the loss of community is not God’s intent.  He is building a community of blessed life, and He will be its primary sustainer and most glorious inhabitant.”

           

           

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.”