Working from the premise that respect is “the most forgotten element of success”, the author emphasizes the importance of this trait at home, in relationship, at school, in business, in leadership, and, most particularly, in self. Deborah Norville talks about the difference respect makes in each of those areas, giving examples of people who demonstrated respect for others and self or who made changes, particularly in institutions such as schools and workplaces, which fostered desired changes.
The author addresses the topic of respect in a systematic, thorough way which helpful challenges and hints. One of her most powerful chapters is the last one on self-respect, in which she outlines a grid through which to view yourself, analyzing yourself for strengths and for areas needing improvement.
This book kept my interest. While it does not overtly that about the Bible, it does appropriately quote Scripture, alongside other helpful thoughts, to emphasize the importance of respect. If the need for respect is a topic which intrigues you, this book can be a help.
I do think it is a symptom of how far our society has degenerated that there now needs to be a book about a topic which was automatically ingrained in every citizen only a few short decades ago. I find that distressing and sad.
Sunday, November 1, 2009
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
Take Your Best Shot by Austin Gutwein
This is the story of Austin Gutwein, an adolescent who, in 2004 as a nine year old, felt moved by God to do something to help AIDS orphans in Africa. A conversation with a staff member from the relief organization World Vision crystallized Austin’s desire and gave him direction through one simple question: “What do you like to do?” Austin had a passion for basketball, even though he wasn’t very good at it. He decided to have the equivalent of a personal walkathon, a free-throw marathon called Hoops for Hope. His idea caught fire, and thousands of these are now held in a many countries, raising millions of dollars for Africa.
Austin tells his story in a very thoughtful, engaging way, with a fresh approach to some old ideas. His word picture of “expiring milk” to describe the fact that everything but people and the Word of God will perish is brilliant. Skillfully woven into this book are two themes: Austin’s story and how your story, whatever it is, can be used by God in good ways, even if they are small ways. Austin even makes the point that God is big on small, secret ways.
Take Your Best Shot is both interesting and challenging. Each chapter is followed by better-than-usual thought-provoking questions. Biblical truth is well presented.
Take Your Best Shot is aimed toward a younger audience, but it has something beneficial to say to everyone. At the least, it shows what can happen when one young boy gives his all to God, not unlike the young boy with the loaves and fishes in the Gospels.
Austin tells his story in a very thoughtful, engaging way, with a fresh approach to some old ideas. His word picture of “expiring milk” to describe the fact that everything but people and the Word of God will perish is brilliant. Skillfully woven into this book are two themes: Austin’s story and how your story, whatever it is, can be used by God in good ways, even if they are small ways. Austin even makes the point that God is big on small, secret ways.
Take Your Best Shot is both interesting and challenging. Each chapter is followed by better-than-usual thought-provoking questions. Biblical truth is well presented.
Take Your Best Shot is aimed toward a younger audience, but it has something beneficial to say to everyone. At the least, it shows what can happen when one young boy gives his all to God, not unlike the young boy with the loaves and fishes in the Gospels.
Tuesday, October 6, 2009
Living with Confidence in a Chaotic World by Dr. David Jeremiah
In the midst of a world that seems to move faster and faster in a downward spiral, how is a Christian to manage well? Dr. Jeremiah offers sound, basic comforts from the Word of God which also serve as challenges to one's character and growth. The author expounds on our ability to stay calm, compassionate, constructive, challenged, connected, centered, confident, consistent, committed, and convinced when life is hard, whether situationally or relationally.
While this is a very basic book with little new to challenge the mature believer, the author makes some fresh points. An example is his description of what diligence produces—stability, vitality, and reality—and the results of a lack of diligence—a lack of spiritual power, perception, and privilege. Dr. Jeremiah speaks simply and deeply, at times holding old concepts in a new light, such as defining vitality as “abundant mental and physical energy,” demonstrating how those can be characteristic of godly people no matter their age.
This book serves as either a good primer for a new believer wondering what difference Christ can make and as a good reminder for a seasoned believer who may want to “gird up their loins”, in the words of the KJV, for what appear to be tough times ahead.
I recommend this book, as it conveys biblical truth about being secure in Christ in a difficult time.
While this is a very basic book with little new to challenge the mature believer, the author makes some fresh points. An example is his description of what diligence produces—stability, vitality, and reality—and the results of a lack of diligence—a lack of spiritual power, perception, and privilege. Dr. Jeremiah speaks simply and deeply, at times holding old concepts in a new light, such as defining vitality as “abundant mental and physical energy,” demonstrating how those can be characteristic of godly people no matter their age.
This book serves as either a good primer for a new believer wondering what difference Christ can make and as a good reminder for a seasoned believer who may want to “gird up their loins”, in the words of the KJV, for what appear to be tough times ahead.
I recommend this book, as it conveys biblical truth about being secure in Christ in a difficult time.
Thursday, September 24, 2009
What difference do it make? by Ron Hall, Denver Moore, and Lynn Vincent
This book addresses a wide range of subjects, including loss, disappointment, motivations, humility—you name it. The two authors have had such a wide range of life experience that they obvious can speak to many a topic.
Having not read Same Kind of Different as Me, I wondered if this would be a pale sequel. It was not. This book stands alone. While it quotes enough of the first volume to transition anecdotes, it both fills in the background of the first book and adds to it by giving first-person narratives by people whose lives were changed through Same Kind of Different as Me.
This sequel is well written, effective, and interesting. The stark difference between the authors' writing styles only adds to the book's appeal. This volume piqued my interest so much, today I ordered Same Kind of Different as Me so I can know the rest of the story.
Having not read Same Kind of Different as Me, I wondered if this would be a pale sequel. It was not. This book stands alone. While it quotes enough of the first volume to transition anecdotes, it both fills in the background of the first book and adds to it by giving first-person narratives by people whose lives were changed through Same Kind of Different as Me.
This sequel is well written, effective, and interesting. The stark difference between the authors' writing styles only adds to the book's appeal. This volume piqued my interest so much, today I ordered Same Kind of Different as Me so I can know the rest of the story.
Tuesday, September 8, 2009
Fearless by Max Lucado
Max Lucado's latest book considers common fears while offering comfort from the Word of God, reassuring the reader with truth. Lucado lists fears of not mattering, disappointing God, running out, not protecting our children, overwhelming challenges, worst-case scenarios, violence, the coming winter, life's final moments, what's next, that God is not real, global calamity and of God getting out of my box. With his usual spot-on anecdotes and illustrations, the author skillfully addresses each fear.
I have not been a fan of Max Lucado's writings, mainly because he seemed, at times, hyperglib, to coin a word; that is, he seemed to strain so hard for wittiness and clever turns of phrase that his message was overshadowed. All that shucking and jiving left me weary, and I would lose interest. His latest book, though, is cut from different cloth. While there is the occasional overdone phrase, Lucado has substantial points to make and valuable perspectives to offer in this book. His choice of fears, alone, reflect his thorough consideration of his subject, offering a fresh perspective on a universal topic.
I found this book interesting, challenging, and encouraging, deeply reflecting Scripture in its solutions. I recommend this to anyone wishing to contemplate the subject of fear.
I have not been a fan of Max Lucado's writings, mainly because he seemed, at times, hyperglib, to coin a word; that is, he seemed to strain so hard for wittiness and clever turns of phrase that his message was overshadowed. All that shucking and jiving left me weary, and I would lose interest. His latest book, though, is cut from different cloth. While there is the occasional overdone phrase, Lucado has substantial points to make and valuable perspectives to offer in this book. His choice of fears, alone, reflect his thorough consideration of his subject, offering a fresh perspective on a universal topic.
I found this book interesting, challenging, and encouraging, deeply reflecting Scripture in its solutions. I recommend this to anyone wishing to contemplate the subject of fear.
Called to Worship by Vernon M. Whaley
This book is a careful study of aspects of worship woven throughout each book of the Bible. Whaley effectively makes the the point that worship is not so much as an activity or occasion as it is a state of mind, heart, and character, both a bent and a lifestyle. He convincingly demonstrates how worship, the most natural response to a relationship with God, was part of the very fiber of victorious saints of the Old and New Testaments. The author spends the first half of each chapter narrating outstanding experiences from books or sections of the Word, and the second half of each chapter delineates principles of worship reflected in that chapter.
Called to Worship was interesting, a great foundational study of the subject of worship. It broadened my thinking about the topic, helping me to see each person as an instrument of worship. The effectiveness of worship will not surpass the quality of the instrument.
This is a careful, well-crafted book. It is not for those who like a lot of flash and dash, as it is subtle in its points, building point upon point quietly and slowly. Biblical truth was well conveyed, and I would recommend this to anyone wanting to study worship.
Called to Worship was interesting, a great foundational study of the subject of worship. It broadened my thinking about the topic, helping me to see each person as an instrument of worship. The effectiveness of worship will not surpass the quality of the instrument.
This is a careful, well-crafted book. It is not for those who like a lot of flash and dash, as it is subtle in its points, building point upon point quietly and slowly. Biblical truth was well conveyed, and I would recommend this to anyone wanting to study worship.
Fearless by Max Lucado
Max Lucado's latest book considers common fears while offering comfort from the Word of God, reassuring the reader with truth. Lucado lists fears of not mattering, disappointing God, running out, not protecting our children, overwhelming challenges, worst-case scenarios, violence, the coming winter, life's final moments, what's next, that God is not real, global calamity and of God getting out of my box. With his usual spot-on anecdotes and illustrations, the author skillfully addresses each fear.
I have not been a fan of Max Lucado's writings, mainly because he seemed, at times, hyperglib, to coin a word; that is, he seemed to strain so hard for wittiness and clever turns of phrase that his message was overshadowed. All that shucking and jiving left me weary, and I would lose interest. His latest book, though, is cut from different cloth. While there is the occasional overdone phrase, Lucado has substantial points to make and valuable perspectives to offer in this book. His choice of fears, alone, reflect his thorough consideration of his subject, offering a fresh perspective on a universal topic.
I found this book interesting, challenging, and encouraging, deeply reflecting Scripture in its solutions. I recommend this to anyone wishing to contemplate the subject of fear.
I have not been a fan of Max Lucado's writings, mainly because he seemed, at times, hyperglib, to coin a word; that is, he seemed to strain so hard for wittiness and clever turns of phrase that his message was overshadowed. All that shucking and jiving left me weary, and I would lose interest. His latest book, though, is cut from different cloth. While there is the occasional overdone phrase, Lucado has substantial points to make and valuable perspectives to offer in this book. His choice of fears, alone, reflect his thorough consideration of his subject, offering a fresh perspective on a universal topic.
I found this book interesting, challenging, and encouraging, deeply reflecting Scripture in its solutions. I recommend this to anyone wishing to contemplate the subject of fear.
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