Review of A Loving Life by Paul Miller

A Loving Life

In a World of Broken Relationships

By Paul E. Miller

Reviewed by Pat Beaty

First of all, I want to suggest that you read the book of Ruth again before you read Paul Miller’s book.  He uses that Biblical story as a framework for a discussion of real love, as opposed to “Disney” love. As an added benefit, his thoughts seem to clarify the events in the lives of Ruth, Naomi and others in the Biblical account.

The author states, “The book of Ruth is an ideal narrative for our post-Christian world, where breaking covenants, not enduring in love, is the new norm.”  And, how about his one – “The death of self offers ideal growing conditions for love.” The author intrigues his readers with a fascinating discussion of the characteristics of love as he deftly and gently guides us to an explanation of the subject of this book – Hesed love (commitment love).  He explains that “this type of love is at the heart of Christianity. It is Jesus’s love for us at the cross and it is to be our love for one another.”

This book is skillfully written, very moving, and a learning experience you will never be able to forget. I can promise that you will become immersed in every paragraph.  I can honestly say that, as I read a book as good as this one, I almost feel like I’m having a discourse with God.  Oh…one more suggestion:  you may want to keep this work on your “favorite books” shelf and enjoy reading it again at a later time.

Review of Escape the Coming Night

Escape the Coming Night

By David Jeremiah

Reviewed by Pat Beaty

This book is an attempt to explain the events and prophecies of the book of Revelation.  The author states “within the pages of the last book of the Bible are the hope and encouragement we need to lift us from the gray gloom of present events to the promise of a brilliant future.”

“The word revelation means the disclosure of that which was previously hidden or unknown.” In this book, the author shared many interesting pieces of information about the end times. For instance, in the Old Testament there are more than 300 references to the coming Messiah that were fulfilled in Jesus Christ.  He also answers the question of God doesn’t judge us immediately after death and instead lets all those millions of people pile up until the last minute.  He says that we don’t finish our work when we die.  Instead, it lives on after us.  Jesus will return for his church then to judge the world, and to rule the world.

“God gives us prophecy so we can learn how to live.” Revelation, the apocalypse, is the unveiling of Jesus Christ.  It is a book about him, many characters and numbers in the book of Revelation, as well as the probable reason for them.

He stresses the blessing everyone receives if he reads the book of Revelation and keeps the words of the prophecy in this book. “God has promised that we all can be overcomers, even the weakest of us, and overcomers receive rich rewards.”

A fascinating portion of this book was the story of John, his circumstances, and the thinking of those around him. The reader will find the sections about the church today and the churches mentioned in this book particularly interesting.  You will also read with interest about “the lukewarm church in the last days” and get “a look into the last church on earth” within the same chapter.  The writer refers often to other books in both the Old and New Testaments, and you will be surprised at how much you already knew about the last days if you have done much reading or study of this subject.  I know I was.

The writer states that the millennium is needed as a reward for the people of God, and you will want to read carefully his discussion of pre-millennialism, post-millennialism, and even a-millennialism. 

Finally, your reviewer enjoyed this work that was written so you and I could understand it – certainly not in textbook fashion, but intended for us to understand and mediate on. 

Review of Don't Just Stand There

Don’t Just Stand There, Pray Something

(The Incredible Power of Intercessory Prayer)

by Ronald Dunn

Reviewed by Pat Beaty

This book is rich in information and explanations and most of it is about how we should approach the discipline of prayer.  Early on, the author states, “Prayer was God’s idea.  He created it for people who are weakened by sin, fickle in their commitment, at times overwhelmed by doubt, often discouraged and bewildered, and nearly always fretting about life.”  He also describes the “secret weapon” of the Kingdom of God (prayer) in an amusing but very apt manner that will enhance your enthusiasm for the remaining conclusions in this offering.

Why do we pray? You will find this author’s answer is one that will satisfy your mind and touch your heart (at least this is the way that I was affected.)

Prayer is discussed in a simple, non-technical way and in a very readable way throughout this work. The author draws heavily and almost exclusively on the Holy Bible – both Old and New Testaments, but he accentuates his thoughts with numerous references to interpretations by other authors as well as experiences (some of them delightful) in his own life and those of his church and family members.  He takes time to explain the true meanings of various words and phrases in the Good Book and, in the process, makes this book a very readable and worthwhile effort.

Fro the minister or church member who is planning to begin an intercessory ministry, Appendix A and Appendix B will also be worth reading. 

I was impressed by the fact that this book attempts to give the who, what, where, when, how, ifs, and whatevers of prayer.  It will hold your interest throughout.

“And whatever you ask in my name, that will I do, that the father may be glorified in the son.” (John 14:13)

Previous book reviews located at http://patbeaty.blogspot.com.

March 18, 2014

Review of The Rest of Grace

The Rest of Grace

Entering into the Wonder of the Christian Life

By Wayne Barber

Reviewed by Pat Beaty

What a captivating title! It caught my interest immediately and I bet it has caught yours, even if you don’t normally read a lot.  The author of this work is a pastor/teacher at Woodland Park Baptist Church in Chattanooga and this book is well worth your reading and study.

I can promise you that the message will not be difficult to grasp.  The author points to Matthew 11:28-30.  He says, “Here I had been trying to do the work myself, and Jesus was telling me to ‘rest’ in him.” And it seems to this reader that an additional meaning might be attributed to these words.  He goes on to chart the Christian life throughout this significant work.

One of Rev. Barber’s emphases in this writing is our need for Christ to fill us and direct our lives from within us.  He points out that, because our flesh is addicted to sin, we cannot break this addiction in our own power – only Christ in us can do this. One gets the clear feeling that he author is telling us that, once saved, we have a long road ahead – learning to be a child of God and a servant to our Lord.

In a very enlightening section of the chapter entitled, “Christ is my Life” the author explains “the Christ connection.” He tells about Philippians and concludes: “Where Paul was physically had nothing to do with is life because Christ was his life.” And this is what you and I must be able to say as we are transformed during our growth in our Savior. Believe me, you will receive both growth in Christ and joy as you read this offering.

In your reviewer’s opinion, Rev. Barber is telling us, as Christians, that we must allow Jesus to do the work within us and from within us.  This book is an excellent source for the new Christian, as well as us oldsters.  He sums up his effort at the very end of this treatise: “It is Christ living his life through you.  That is the Christ life.”

For previous reviews, you can view Pat’s blog at http://patbeaty.blogspot.com. 

Review of Gods at War

Gods at War

Defeating the Idols that Battle for Your Heart

By

Kyle Idleman

Reviewed by Pat Beaty

In this convicting book, and it is most assuredly that, the publisher didn’t forget to place an apostrophe between the “d” and the “s” in the title of this work.  It isn’t “God’s at War” and it is you and I, fellow Believer, who must step up to the battle line.  You will only have to read the introduction before loudly exclaiming, “whatchoo talkin’ ‘bout, Willis???  I’m a Christian – there is only one God in my life!”

I know we’re not complacent, but we do feel secure in our faith (at least I was until I considered this author’s unsettling conclusions.  You will not just be surprised – you will be startled at the things he brings to our attention.  “Idolatry is the number one issue in the Bible,” and this writer says, “that should raise caution signals for us.”  “Anything that becomes a substitute for God in our lives can become an idol.”

The author further states, “God loves you too much to share you.” You will be surprised at the number of things the author considers to be “gods” and at the detailed accounts of their pervasiveness in this writing. 

He lists many things that can be idols such as success, entertainment, and money.  He states that any activity that takes your time and that you concentrate time on, could be your god. Oh, by the way, the most aggressive and determined god, as you may have guessed depending on your level of humility, is the god named, very appropriately, ME.

Idleman does an excellent job in his explanations in this writing, just as he did in a previously reviewed work, “Not a Fan.” I strongly urge you to read this one. 

“You shall have no other gods before me.” Exodus 20:2-3

Previous reviews located at http://patbeaty.blogspot.com

January 21, 2014

Review of Max on Life

Max on Life

Answers and Insights to Our Most Important Questions

By: Max Lucado

Reviewed by Pat Beaty

When you first read the title of this book, I’m sure your reaction will be similar to that of many other believers – “What a vain, egotistical effort this work must be!!” However, trust me, you will be pleasantly surprised as you peruse the multifaceted questions and biblically based answers in this truly worthwhile resource.  It is written in the inimitable easy to comprehend style of this author, who is familiar to us all, and it is a GEM!  It caused me to stop and thoughtfully consider each question and answer.  I’m sure that you, too, will enjoy reading slowly through this wonderful writing.  You will be drawn into this reading experience if you merely read the table of contents. This I can promise you.

You will be introduced to some of the most beautiful happenings and thoughts in the Word of God:  “God loves the tapestry of the nations.  He has a white hot passion to harvest his children from every jungle, neighborhood, village, and slum.” “All the earth shall be filled with the glory of the Lord” (Numbers 14:21 ESV).

One of my favorite sections is under “Help: Prayer, Scripture, and Why Church?”  The author says “prayer pushes us through life’s slumps, propels us over the humps, and pulls us out of the dumps.”

Your reviewer hopes it does this for you too!

Previous reviews can be found at: http://patbeaty.blogspot.com  

Review of Jumping Hurdles - Hitting Glitches - Overcoming Setbacks

Jumping Hurdles- Hitting Glitches - Overcoming Setbacks

By Steve Brown

Reviewed by: Pat Beaty

 

When you begin to read something by this author I'm sure you react as I did: "this irreverent pastor!! How does God put up with him?!!!" Then you duck the expected bolt of lightining and resume your perusal of (what turns out to be) worthwille and encouraging information. This man is a devout Christian; and his humorous style of writing serves to enhance his thoughtful offerings, rather than to detract from them.

 

"If you listen or read between the lines of lifes fine print, you can hear God whispering, talking, and sometimes shouting: I am here! All is well!"

 

In this particular effort by Rev. Brown , you will find a varying "hodge-podge" of anecdotes, thoughtful, sometimes moving true events, borrowings from other authors and other inclusions.

Are they helpful? By all means! Are they thought-provoking? You can bet your life on it. Do they inter-relate and pertain to your life as a believer? You can bet your life on it!!! and you should!!!...This work, as you delve into it, takes you beyond everyday Christian thought. It gives rise to meditation in a way you would never imagine; in other words it grabs you and, please forgive the poor grammar, you will not want to be let-go-of.

 

It is unbelievable the number of subjects this writer touches on. And he refers to the Holy Bible continuously. Oh, and one more thought: Don't overlook the section entitled, "The most important thing in the world".

 

Merry Christmas!