2 stars (Nothing New Here) - I had heard people speak of this book and saw the author on the news so I figured it was worth reading. Unfortunatley there is very little that is new here wich has already been said by others. I personally don't agree with a bit of Mr Warrens conclusions and statements about what God's purpose for us is. In my opinion if you want to know What God's purpose for us is, read Neale Donald Walsch's books "Conversations With God" series and the others he has written. These books have changed my life and how I view God. They give many more answers wich are true to me than does "The Purpose Driven Life". But I will also say that if this book helps you,I am happy for you and Thank God. 5 stars (Live life with a purpose!) - The book is extremely well structured. Plenty of material to read and reflect upon. I recommend as a 'must read' and 'act upon'. Personally, will read this book once again in 6 months. 5 stars (The Purpose Driven Life) - A book that will lead you straight to God. Second only to The Holy Bible. EXCELLENT reading for ALL Christians! ... Zondervan :: Religion & Christian Life :: CHRISTIAN LIVING SPIRITUAL GROWTH SPIRITUAL FORMATION :: Religion - Christian Living :: Religion :: Christianity - Christian Life :: The Purpose-Driven Life- What on Earth Am I Here For-
1 stars (An unfortunate addition to Rainer's fine history of work) - I am sorry to report that this is one of the worst books I have ever read. It's hard to believe it was authored by Thom S. Rainer. The fundamental problem with research stems from the selection criteria for "breakout churches". The criteria was so abysmally biased by Rainer's desire not to promote growth that stemmed from the involvement of a new pastor that they only produced 13 churches out of 400,000. Rather than taking another pass at identifying churches that would energize us in our calling, they instead decided to write a book lauding these 13 churches as the "good to great" of our time. Before you put this in your shopping cart consider the criteria led them to the selection of churches who: -Have pastors with an average tenure of 21.6 years with this one church (pg. 57) -Current pastor must have participated in both the declining years, as well as the break-out growth (pg. 16) -None of the 13 churches seek to discover a vision (pg. 111) -"Are careful, even plodding in making changes" (pg. 150) If you're looking for a book that will make you feel better about your church which has been declining for years, without giving you much in the way of actionable strategies, you've come to the right place. I hope Jim Collins received a quarter every time his name, his book title, or a page number in Good to Great was referenced! The only thing this book inspired me to do was re-read my copy of Good to Great! 5 stars (Character Counts) - I must start by saying that I am not an advocate of what is typically known as the "Church Growth Movement." However, I believe "Breakout Churches" breaks all the molds of this genre of books. What the remarkable research of this book has demonstrated is simple and yet profound in our day: Church growth is directly related to the godly passion of its leadership and not to the promotion of pragmatic strategies. Several things struck me about the results of... Zondervan :: Religion & Christian Life :: CHURCH AND MINISTRY CHURCH LIFE CHURCH GROWTH :: Social Theology :: Religion - Church Life & Growth :: Religion :: Parish And Churc :: Breakout Churches- Discover How To Make The Leap
1 stars (Wasted Money......) - Wow, I know that I can be a fool, but I was definately robbed of $16.00, even after reading the front and back of this very deceiving book! I mean, I know that I need help with anger, but this book just seemed to make me ANGRIER! I spent $16.00 on a wanna-be Bible (Something I could have gotten for free at my FORMER Church) and the contents only seemed to anger me more! Not only did half of their text not make sense, their descriptions of anger and recognizing anger only seemed to categorize the entirety of this country! The verbage used and perspective in which this ~story~ is told borderlines an autobiography of a man named "Tom". If you like a good bedtime story, like to waste time and money, and do not need real anger management help, then by all means buy this "novel". My opinion~ Dont waste your time or money, you already wasted enough reading my review! Kyle.... 5 stars (Great help!) - This book changed the way i veiw anger. Yes, i am a bible believing Christian and this book does use the bible as a source of reference. I learned so much about my anger and the anger of others. It encouraged me and gave me tools to work with to choose to control my anger. I can't wait to read their next book! I also understand how to respond better to angry people. It is a real eye opener! 5 stars (Anger Managment) - This workbook provided immediate results on how to deal with anger. I did not believe anger was an issue with me until I read and understood anger also comes in the form of frustration and irritability. In reading and working through this book I found that I have a choice on how I respond to situations and it's up to me to decide how I will deal with issues in my life. I am glad I purchased this book to use as a reference or to offer to my friends. ... Nelson Impact :: Religion & Christian Life :: Self-Help :: Religious aspects :: Problems :: exercises :: etc :: Family & Parenting & Childbirth :: Christianity - Christian Life - In :: The Anger Workbook (Minirth-Meier Clinic Series)
5 stars (great tool for team and conference) - I thought this book was extremely helpful with ideas on how to improve service and thereby improve business 5 stars (The Fred Factor) - We purchased "The Fred Factor" to use as part of an all day retreat in our department. During the earlier part of the day, we discussed the previous fiscal year results, our plans for the current year and then used questions on the book for discussion of what it would be like to be a "Fred" and work and live with people like him. All were requested to read the book before the day, and so it proved a helpful backdrop to the focus of our day. Our groups had some interesting perspectives...great tool for team building! 5 stars (Nice review of the value of going the extra mail) - This short book focuses on a mailman Mark Sanborn met, a man named Fred. When the author first met Fred, Fred took an effort to get to know his new customer, and find ways to do a better job as a mailman. This book about the value of doing a better job, how to build relationships, and why we should take initiative. In short by going the extra mile we'll have a better life, and others will benefit. It is a good book, and a short book. It is well written. The book is entertaining and at the same time makes many good points. The first of four sections covers how the author met Fred the mailman, and how very quickly the author realized that Fred was a superstar mail carrier. The basics of what a "Fred" is are explored, and then the author mentions sightings of other "Freds." The second section explains how you can become a Fred. Basically you need to build relationships with others so you know them well enough to then be able to be create, take initiative and make a difference. The third section gives pointers on how you can help others grow into being Freds. The basic steps are to: 1) Find - how do you recognize a Fred 2) Reward - how should Freds be rewarded 3) Educate - how help people improve thei... WaterBrook Press :: Religion & Inspirational :: Success :: Religious aspects :: Religion :: Motivational :: Inspirational - General :: Christianity - Christian Life - Business :: Chris :: The Fred Factor - How Passion in Your Work and Life Can Turn the Ordinary into the Extraordinary
2 stars (dissapointed...) - i could only read an hour of this. the 1st 3 chapters are on the bible code. the rest is probably just as bad. 5 stars (The Bible as a Whole) - I was exposed to this book as I was visiting Regent College and talking with Gordon Fee in his office there. It was about a week prior to the release of the volume and he was excited about it. Dr. Fee pointed out that this was actually mainly his own project and Dr. Stuart acted primarily as a consultant for the Old Testament material. He explained his vision in very canonical terminology. He wanted to create a reader's guide to the Bible as a whole and explained that this is more of a one-person project in order to give the book unity. Verses are descibed in relation to surrounding passages. These passages are included in the individual book of the Bible. The books are a part of larger section of Scripture (e.g., Genesis is part of the "Narrative of Israel in the Biblical Story"). These sections combine together to make the whole of the Bible itself. There is an overview to the whole Biblical story and one for each section. The chapters about the individual works of the Bible have the following setup (using Genesis as an example): ORIENTING DATA FOR GENESIS -Content (brief synopsis) -Historical Coverage (estimation of time the events take place) -Emphases (short list) OVERVIEW OF GENESIS (few paragraphs to summarize material) SPECIFIC ADVICE FOR READING GENESIS (a page or two of advice) A WALK THROUGH GENESIS (divides the book into sections and gives short commentary on each section) The chapters end with a brief concluding paragraph which reiterates the books role in the whole of the Bible. This book is extremely accessible for the layperson wanting a guide to reading the Scriptures. All too often verses and passages are used apart from their biblical story and this guide is a wonderful reminder of those dangers as well as a helpful tool in changing our perspective. Of course it is hel... Zondervan :: Religion & Christian Life :: BIBLICAL STUDIES GENERAL STUDIES GENERAL :: Religion - Biblical Studies :: Religion :: Reading :: Criticism :: interpretation :: etc :: C :: How to Read the Bible Book by Book
5 stars (A book for everyman) - By everyman I mean, of course, men and women, young and old, retired and working, republicans and democrats, believers and non-believers. This is a book I wish I'd found years ago (before it was written)! Almost everyone lives the divided life. (I suspect the Dalai Lama does not). As Palmer notes, sometimes we have to -- this is a choice we sometimes must choose to make. One of the reasons I love this book so is that Palmer does not have rigid judgmental expectations of us (we probably are harsh enough on ourselves). He offers guidelines and explanations for the human condition, and some help on getting through. Parker Palmer takes a long time Quaker practice -- the Clearness Committee - and uses it to provide for everyone a Circle of Trust. This mutual support network is unusual -- it isn't an advisory committee but more support for listening to that inner voice which we may joke about, but which exists (you know, the one you should have listened to, that nagging feeling, that annoying little warning sign). One thing that makes us crazy is the denial of that inner voice, our true self, the divided side of self that knows the questionable aspects of our work life, the one we hush up so we can get by and make a living. This isn't just a teacher's issue or a spiritual issue. For some it may be a spiritual divide; for others, a more humanistic one. In any case, we become emotionally, mentally and otherwise unbalanced if our day to day movements and choices feel separate from -- or in conflict with -- our beliefs and values, and yet we deny that they are so. We do not allow ourselves to hear that inner voice, afraid of the changes we might have to make. We smush it down, despite knowing intellectually that anything you smush down in one area pops up in another. This book offers recognition of this conflict we are in, and gives us ways we can listen without, necessarily, having to make changes that will make us walk ou... Jossey-Bass :: Religion & Beliefs :: Spirituality - General :: Spiritual life :: Religion - Prayer & Spirituality :: New Age :: Christianity - Christian Life - General :: Christ :: A Hidden Wholeness - The Journey Toward an Undivided Life
4 stars (Oh Yeah!) - Great book for anybody who is burdened for the lost and believes they are being called by God to do more than the Christian next door. I recommend this book to everyone thinking of going into ministry or missions, or for anyone who knows someone already involved. Maybe it will help you understand why they act like they do. Peace! 4 stars (Where Do We Go From Here?) - McManus says it like it is. The church has become a tame, domesticated version of what Jesus seemed to introduce. Nearly every page of this book highlights invaluable concepts for the Christian life as it was meant to be lived. I can relate to the author; I was born and raised to walk the barbarian way--living my faith in a way that demands obedience at any cost. While others have tackled similar subjects, they often times seem to be full of bitterness and rebellion toward the church at large. McManus never gives off that sense of a grudge; instead, he wants to raise the church from its slumber. His "barbarian" way is a way of sacrifice and servitude. This is no mamby-pamby gospel that he's talking about. This is a commitment to a life lived for Jesus, no matter the cost. I loved everything this book had to say. My only complaint is what it didn't say. It didn't give us any practical ways to walk the barbarian way while dealing with the existing church. How do we make these concepts real without seeming divisive? Or, if we are to be divisive for a purpose, how do we go about it with Godly accountability? These are issues I've wrestled with for years. This book encouraged me to keep wrestling, but it failed to answer some of my deepest questions. For those who are still "civilized," this book might change your world. For those still trying to reconcile McManus' concepts with everyday church life, you will be inspired. The question remains, though...Where do we go from here? 5 stars (Insightful and quick read...) - Erwin McManus once again demonstrates how he underst... Nelson Books :: Religion & Christian Life :: Spirituality - General :: Religion - Prayer & Spirituality :: Religion - Christian Living :: Religion :: Christianity - Discipl :: The Barbarian Way - Unleash the Untamed Faith Within
4 stars (Not just for married people) - I thought this would be a really stupid marriage book when our church started this study (and I'm single so I didn't want a stupid marriage study), but I have really enjoyed the videos, the book, and the downloadable study guide. I decided to take the study seriously and discovered this book is a practical guide to how to make ANY relationship better. The review at the end of each chapter is a quick way to refresh your mind on the main points of what the previous chapter taught. The quiz at the end of the book is great and helps you to identify your core fears - what sets you off in what Smalley calls the "Fear Dance," when you have conflicts with others. Each conflict boils down to one of two core fears - fear loss of connection, or fear of loss of control. Women usually have the first fear, and men the second, though there is overlap. ALL fears we have boil down to one of these two. I have learned that I need to take responsibility for my buttons and allowing people to push them (the chapter "The Power of One"). No one can make me do or feel anything. This book has also forced me to take a hard look at myself and how I treat others, and whether I have created an anvironment where they feel safe to share their heart with me. 4 stars (Makes sense to m) - The book is easy to read, and the exercises really make you think. My ex and I are going through this book with our pastor to see if there's any hope of reconciling and so far it's helped us realize all the things we did wrong in our marriage and why. It's helping us to take the focus off who's to blame and refocusing on what's the right thing to do. We're about 2/3 of the way through the book so we haven't finished it yet, but I expect the rest of it will be as helpful as what we've already covered. I'd recommend this book for anyone considering a serious relationship, in the middle of a relationship, or trying to rebuild one. It does a good job of covering them all. ... Tyndale House Publishers :: Religious aspects :: Religion - Christian Living :: Religion :: Interpersonal relations :: Christianity - Christian Life - Interpersonal Relationships :: Christ :: The DNA of Relationships
5 stars (...Out of the dark night he leaps like a stranger to cripple and to bless...) - My guess is that readers who think they already have a good handle on life and Christian doctrine will probably be disappointed with this book. Likewise, this book will disappoint readers who want to see concepts like faith, hope, love, idolatry, grace, election, predestination, etc., expressed in religious language with which they are familiar, and not in language (and metaphors) in which people of our culture commonly express what is important to us and what drives us. Many thoughtful, ardent, traditionally-minded, well-meaning Catholics, Calvinists, etc., will not like this book. Readers, however, who are desperately asking questions like, "Why do I have to hurt so much? When can I finally get out of the situation I am in? Why am I so burned out even though I have done everything I know to be faithful to Christ? How can I be so lonely? Why does this addiction keep re-surfacing? What is God doing here?" will probably find this book a God-send. I re-read this book recently at precisely such a time in my life, and it was wonderful. It reminded me that God is not after my religious devotion and doctrinal comformity, he wants my *heart*, the deepest center of myself, and that he may well invade my life in a way that hurts me, that strikes me as ruthless and devastating, in order to get it. God is committed to my sharing and radiating his glory--nothing less. Amazing. In my view, one of the best aspects of this book is its emphasis not just on what God has promised to share with us (beauty, intimacy, adventure, glory), but *when* he will share it. Yes, we get a substantial foretaste now, but our deepest longings will be finally, fully satisfied only when we see him. Until Jesus comes back, God will mess with our lives and our idols in order to make sure that we don't get distracted by anything less than the awesome destiny he is preparing for us. As eloquently expressed toward th... Nelson Books :: Religion & Christian Life :: Christian Living :: Spirituality - General :: Spiritual life :: Religion - Christian Living :: Religion :: Christianity - Christian L :: The Sacred Romance- Drawing Closer to the Heart of God
3 stars (Not bad, but way below my expectations) - I think one of the most important subjects in christian theology is Grace. After reading the book by Erwin Lutzer titled ''How you can be sure you will spend eternity with God'' (one of my favourite books on that subject), i decided i need to give more time reading and studying about Grace. That's how i stumbled upon Whats so Amazing about Grace. Reading a fairly good reviews about it, i was so anxious to get it. But alas, i was very disappointed. The book has some excellent chapters and ideas for sure, but all in all, i am afraid its a boring book and doesnt present any new insight on Grace. Some ideas are very redundant and repeated over many chapters. The author uses very very limited bible referencing and you feel as if the author isnt bothering with scripture, and speaks more from a ''social'' point of view. I agree with another reviewer when he said 'Grace got lost in the way' as Yancey doesnt speak about the real Grace (God towards man) but more like grace as in man towards man. At the end of the day, i didn't learn anything new on Grace and was more or less bored. This book is ''ok'' but nothing more. I would give it 2.5 over 5. 2 stars (Grace gets lost in the mix) - I have read and reviewed The Jesus I Never Knew and Rumors of Another World by Yancey and loved them both...See reviews on those pages. However, I was completely disappointed with this book. There are few pages on which Yancey does not accuse and condemn the church for various imperfections. He uses several stories to show how the church lacks grace. Several of these include non-Christians accusing Christians of lacking grace. Yancey seems to side with any who condemn Christians for what they deem as "ungrace." One example is an addicted mother of a 2 yr old girl who has prostituted the girl for drug money. She states she did not go to a church because they would make her feel bad. This story opens the book and is referred to several t... Zondervan :: Religion & Christian Life :: CHRISTIAN LIVING SPIRITUAL GROWTH SPIRITUAL FORMATION :: Religion - Christian Living :: Religion :: Christianity - Theology - Sot :: What-s So Amazing About Grace-
5 stars (A Solid Foundation) - Saddleback Community Church gets a lot of criticism stating that it is too "seeker sensitive" and therefore implying that they water down or distort the truth. This resource is one example of how that isn't the case. The doctrinal studies found in the Foundations study are some ofthe best that I have seen in years. I have used these in small groups as well as adapted these for large group. These studies provide exactly what they advertise - Solid faoundations on which to build your life. ... Zondervan :: UNDATED ELECTIVE CURRICULUM ADULT BIBLE STUDY ELECTIVES TOPICAL :: Religion & Christian Life :: Religion - Christian Living :: Religion :: Christianity - Theo :: Foundations Participant-s Guide
5 stars (A life altering book) - I first listened to this book in audio form on a long drive, so heard the entire text in one session. It really was an inspiring experience. I actually listened to it a second time on the return trip. Lewis' gift for verbalizing complex logical and moral issues amazed and inspired me. As one reviewer said, Lewis is the "ideal persuader for the ... good man who would like to be a Christian but finds his intellect getting in the way." His discussions are logical, yet human. A masterful book. 3 stars (Good stuff, except for the Arminian slant) - C.S. Lewis makes many insightful points, but his Arminian (vs. Calvinistic) views distort his presentation at times. For example, he suggests that it isn't God's "fault" that pain and suffering entered the world, i.e. God's sovereign will was thwarted by man. When of course Calvinists like myself argue that it's the Biblical view that our all powerful and sovereign God foreordains all things as the prophet Isaiah says. But overall, it was a worthwhile read. 5 stars (Thought Provoking Jack Lewis) - I'm a blogger. Blogging makes me read. It makes me turn off the television and read. This is very good. What I have been reading lately is C. S. Lewis. Particularly, I've been re-reading The Chronicles of Narnia. After reading through The Magician's Nephew and The Lion, The Witch, and the Wardrobe, I decided to shift gears and read one of Lewis's theological works before resuming the Chronicles. All I can say is, "Wow!" The Problem of Pain is not what I expected. I'm not sure what it was that I did expect. Perhaps something more along the line of a good evangelical book - you know, shallow, but with lots of Bible verses. Pain is exactly the opposite. Deep and with very little use of prooftexting. How the Church of the twenty-first century needs more minds like C. S. Lewis! We have been drowning in the fluff of "make-me-feel-good-like-Jabez-bless-me-bless-me" Christian publishing for years. It is ... HarperSanFrancisco :: Religion & General :: Religion & Christian Life :: CHRISTIAN LIVING PRACTICAL LIFE PERSONAL GROWTH :: Suffering :: Religious aspects :: Religion - Classic Works :: The Problem of Pain
5 stars (I'm thankful God loves Ragamuffins.) - This is a thought-provoking book, worth reading slowly. The message is pretty simple -- but not easy to internalize. I used the book as a daily spiritual meditation for a time. Then some friends and I reread it and met together weekly to discuss it. There is much in common with Phil Yancey's "What's So Amazing About Grace?" It mixes stories from the author's experience with spiritual insight about God acting in human affairs. The main point is that Christians need to honestly consider God's love and grace and appreciate it for what it is. It is human nature to resist God's grace, to try and prove oneself really "good" and "spiritual", but this is foolishness. Instead, ragamuffins focus on God's grace and enjoy God. If this were EASY to do, you could stop with this review. You wouldn't need Yancey or Manning to explain it again and again. But I find I really need people like Brennan Manning to lay it out for me.... The book has caused some controversy. Both Protestants and Catholics have claimed that it argues for "casual grace" or even that Manning is a universalist. Those charges are false (Manning deals with them in an appendix) but not everyone will agree with Manning's message. The author, a former Catholic priest, an alcoholic, divorced -- has painfully proven himself a ragamuffin and God is still in love with him, so maybe God can work in you and me? Enjoy the book. 5 stars (Enjoyable Read) - There is just something that stays with you when you read a book by Brennan Manning. Before digesting the Ragamuffin Gospel, I had never heard of the author. After reading the book, I was challenged to remove God from the box I had put him in, and I was drawn to explore more of Manning's writings. The Ragamuffin Gospel isn't just another book that will fill you full of God's expectations, and cram your "to do for God" list full of activities. Nor will the Ragamuffin Gospel remind you of all the Christ... Multnomah :: Christianity :: Spirituality :: Grace (Theology) :: Christian Life :: Religion & Inspirational :: CHRISTIAN LIVING & PRACTICAL LIFE & GENERAL :: Theology :: Spiritu :: The Ragamuffin Gospel
5 stars (Experienced Love) - Abba's Child is a revelation that all of us, as believers - Christians - need in order to ove the kind of life that will truly glorify The Lord Jesus. Ian 5 stars (One of those few "turning point" books) - Do you struggle with your insecurities? Is rejection something that haunts you? When was the last time you FELT the Father's love? If you answered yes, or never, this book is for you. Abba's Child grips you with the tender compassion that our heavenly Father has for each of us, because of that theme, I think that this book is dangerous and offensive to those whose spiritual security comes from empty religiosity. Throughout the book, Manning demonstrates that he has walked the difficult path to intimacy with God. He has found a way to intimacy that a generation of broken families can follow to reach new depths in their relationship with God and with others. For me personally, this book was the catalyst in my journey to the Father heart of God; of learning that I am acceptable and have worth. Through Manning's experiences, words, and the words of the wise whom he quoted, I have become an entirely different person. I was one of those Christians who liked to wear different masks, then I read this book. I have read the reviews of the naysayers, and can only conclude that they missed out. Oh, and I have read three other of Manning's books since this book, and they're all incredible. -Ragamuffin Gospel -Ruthless Trust -A Glimpse of Jesus 1 stars (utter crap) - God is about relationships and fruits of the spirit, He is not about abandoning everyone and everything to find Him. This dude is so contradictory, depressing, negative, angry etc. I just don't see how anyone can read his stuff and not vomit. If you're depressed and need to feel worse, dive right into his stuff, if you are a Christian trying to learn more about God, yourself, and the world around you in a positive, enlightening, Godly way then skip this waste of trees and... Navpress Publishing Group :: Self-esteem :: Religious aspects :: Religion - Christian Living :: Religion :: Intimacy (Psychology) :: General :: Christianity - Christian Life - General :: Christ :: Abba-s Child- The Cry of the Heart for Intimate Belonging
4 stars (The Real Truth) - I think this is a good book for those people who are willing to take a deep look at themselves. I didn't agree with everything in the book, but many of the points that were made were eye openers. It might help, as well, for the less scholarly reader to have the workbook because a list of relevant scriptures aren't as readily available in the book. 3 stars (Almost great) - When I saw a book called "lies women believe" I thought my prayers had been answered! This book would have been ideal if they had left it at that but they had to go and spoil it with the nonsense about the truth that sets them free. A shame. 4 stars (Potentially Life Changing Book) - I had been a longtime listener to Nancy Leigh DeMoss's radio series (Revive our Hearts) on WAVA in the DC area and I finally picked up this book after hearing her talk about it for a long time. I loved the simple language and her forthrightness in going right to the heart of many of the 'lies' we believe today. And this book really hit home for me. I had known for some time that as Christians we are called to follow a different path than those who would live exclusively in the world and follow worldly ways. But no one before had ever specifically come out and said "When you buy into the American consumerist mentality that more things will make you happy, that is Satan speaking! That is a lie -- that you can find fulfillment in things! Only God's grace is sufficient for you! Christ alone can make you happy and to some degree, you will always feel unfulfilled until that day that you come home to His heavenly kingdom. Only there will you feel completely fulfilled." I absolutely LOVED the literary device that she used throughout the book. She starts each chapter with a letter from Eve to her friends, talking about the difficulties she has encountered since being thrown out of the garden of eden -- the difficulties with the children, the difficulties with her husband, her feelings of ... Moody Publishers :: Religion - Christian Living :: Religion :: Christianity - Christian Life - Women's Issues :: Christianity - Christian Life - General :: Elisabeth Elliot :: Nanc :: Lies Women Believe- And the Truth that Sets Them Free
5 stars (You can't go wrong with Max) - Is there any better way to compliment study or prayer time with a little Max Lucado. In a world which we must live with our antennas up and dealing with sin and heresy -- even in our own lives and our own churches -- the writings of Max Lucado always calm the soul and refresh the spirit. He can tell why the Bible says not to sin in a way that's not abrasive and hypocritcal, yet confrontational. He can write about the Holy Spirit in a way that accentuates the love of God, yet contains discernment of the sweaty TV evangelists who tear apart believers. He explains stories and life experiences in a manner that connects us directly with God. The most compelling issue: how Max writes about faith in God. The last chapters are the most memorable for me. He writes of the promises of our eternal security in Christ, according to Romans 8:38. Indeed, nothing can separate us from God's love, and Lucado's "Come Thirsty" is just another one of his simple yet strong reads that brings every Christian that reads it closer to God. 5 stars (Pour me a glass, please!) - Mr. Lucado continues to write on spiritual truths in a way that makes them easy to understand and relevant to everyday life. "Come Thirsty" is no exception and a must read for all Lucado fans. Also would make a great gift for anyone who feels they are too far from God and undeserving of His grace. 5 stars (Goose bumps by page 10) - Max Lucado hits another home run with this book. "Come Thirsty" arrived at my house just when I felt I was going through a dry spell. His method of conveying God's love and the promise of your spiritual thirst being quenched by the living water of the Lord is,as always, clear, concise, and uplifting. Don't miss having this one in your Lucado collection. ... W Publishing Group :: Religion & Christian Life :: Religion - Christian Living :: Religion :: Christianity - Christian Life - General :: Christian Life :: Max Lucado :: :: Come Thirsty - No Heart Too Dry for His Touch (Lucado- Max)
5 stars (Excellent!!) - Shipping was quick, everything was exactly as advertised! Two thumbs up, five stars, all of the above!!! 5 stars (Recorded Grief) - C.S. Lewis can almost be described as a contradiction. For much of his life, he was an agnostic, eventually coming to accept Christianity not through any miraculous transformation, but through rational thinking. He was a confirmed bachelor, but wound up marrying late in life, to the American divorcee Joy Davidman, his perfect counterpart in almost every manner. His life was awakened by Joy's presence, but their brief marriage (just nearly four years) was terminated when Joy died of cancer. C.S. Lewis kept track of his thoughts and ramblings after this event in a series of notebooks that became " A Grief Observed ". " A Grief Observed " is at times almost too personal. Lewis leaves nothing hidden, allowing readers access to his anger and his questioning of God. He claims that these are not all his thoughts, merely 'one in a hundred', that he has recorded as he tries to sort through his sorrow and grief. He likens his pain to various metaphors, including that of an amputee who still feels the pain of the lost limb - for Lewis, his lost wife who was part of him. He finds that it is always easy to offer comfort to those who have lost loved ones, to even pray for them, when they are not our loved ones. He questions God at every turn, eventually finding his way back to faith, seeing this challenge as a test of his faith and love. "God has not been trying an experiment on my faith or love in order to find out their quality. He knew it already. It was I who didn't. In this trial He makes us occupy the dock, the witness box, and the bench all at once. He always knew that my temple was a house of cards. His only way of making me realize the fact was to knock it down." " A Grief Observed " is a short book, under one hundred pages, filled out with an afterword that is a brief biographical sketch on Lewis ... HarperSanFrancisco :: Religion & General :: Religion & Christian Life :: Lewis :: C S :: CHRISTIAN LIVING PRACTICAL LIFE GRIEF :: SUFFERING :: CONSOLATION :: Religious aspects :: Religion :: A Grief Observed
4 stars (Understanding and Healing a Woman's Soul.) - If your a man and just can't seem to figure out woman, then this book is not necessarily for you. I would encourage you to read John Eldredge's, the co-authors other book, "Wild at Heart". It touches on everything in this book, and will also help you understand yourself better as a man, which in turn will help you come to a better understanding of what makes woman tick. If you are a male that is into counseling woman then I would recommend this book to you. From my interaction with woman over the years, I can see this book bringing healing to many a woman's life, as long as they give the book a chance and are honest with themselves. I do see some anger in some of the other reviews, but I really think these reviewers are just missing the point. As a man I do find the type of woman that the author tries to lead all woman to become, to be the only ones that I truly find Captivating. And no matter what some people would say, as a woman you are entitled to be Captivating. So buy the book and enjoy becoming all that you can be. 5 stars (Every man and women on earth should read this and Wild @) - Hello!! Jesus came and died for our sins. We have been released from the curse of sin and death, this includes the curse issued in the Garden. I believe that this book should be read in conjunction with Wild at Heart for we can not understand our roles as men and women unless we understand each other. John has taken on an incredible task - to understand a woman's heart. He did the only thing that he could do, he asked his wife to help. They have taken modern culture and showed us the desires reflected in unsaved and saved humanity. Then they showed us how to meet those desires - to pursue a romantic relationship with God. In order to give ourselves permission for this romance, they had to first show us that God needs us - no one else on earth can fulfill the purpose that God created us for. Then they showed us th... Nelson Books :: Religion & Christian Life :: Spirituality - General :: Religious life :: Religion - Prayer & Spirituality :: Religion - Christian Living :: Religion :: Christ :: Captivating - Unveiling the Mystery of a Woman-s Soul
