The Faith of Ronald Reagan by Mary Beth Brown

Genre- Biography & Autobiography/ Presidents & Heads of State/General
The Faith of Ronald Reagan by Mary Beth Brown
Published by- Thomas Nelson
Copyrighted- 2011
Number of pages- 327
Age Group- Teen/Adult
Description of Book- paperback, list price $15.99, ISBN 978-1-5955-5353-9
Extras- Bibliography and Eulogies

Mary Beth Brown wrote this book using interviews and Ronald Reagan’s own words. She shows how Reagan’s devotion to God helped him as a child, adult and a politician. Ronald Reagan always had a strong belief in God, which is shown in the eulogies by his children and others at the end of the book.

About the Author- Mary Beth Brown writes a nationally syndicated column, speaks to Christian and Conservative audiences, and lives in Arizona with her husband and kids.

My Thoughts- I thought this book was very good. I have always wanted to learn more about Ronald Reagan’s faith and this was certainly the book to do it. One of the most important things I learned from this book was the support network Ronald Reagan had. He always had people to turn to that supported him and helped him grow in his faith in God. He passed that knowledge and devotion to God onto his children. It was fun reading the parts that showed how much Nancy Reagan was valued by him and his first children, Maureen and Michael.

Ronald Reagan’s relationship with his mother showed me how I need to be with my children to raise them to follow God.

I would recommend this book.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

Radical by David Platt

Genre- Christian Living
Radical by David Platt
Published by- WaterBrook Multnomah
Copyrighted- 2010
Number of pages- 219
Age Group- Teen/Adult
Description of book- paperback, list price $14.99, ISBN 978-1-60142-221-7
Extras- www.RadicalTheBook.com

“Taking back your faith from the American dream” Taken from the front of the book this quote encompasses this book.

Jesus wanted his disciples to leave everything to spread the gospel. In this book David Platt show us how we live the gospel according to our cultural preferences. And he shows how one church started living according to the gospel.

About the author- David Platt lives with his wife and family in Birmingham, Alabama where he is the pastor of The Church at Brook Hills. He holds a doctorate from New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary.

My thoughts-
I thought the best part of this book was the last chapter, “The Radical Experiment.” In this chapter David Platt shows us how to implement his plan for one year. The plan has five parts.
“ 1. pray for the entire world
2. read through the entire Word
3. sacrifice your money for a specific purpose
4. spend your time in another context
5. commit your life to a multiplying community”
I thought it was a great idea to take a year to do this experiment, because it does take time to develop habits. I know I am going to fill out the commitment in the back of the book and make my plans to live the life Jesus wants me to live.

Would I recommend? I would recommend this book to people who are ready to live a life for Jesus.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the WaterBrook Multnomah “Blogging For Books” program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

What Does God Want From Me? by Mark Matlock

Genre- Youth/Youth Interest/Christian Living
What Does God Want From Me? By Mark Matlock
Series- Invert Series
Published by- Zondervan/Youth Specialties
Copyrighted- 2007
Number of pages- 134
Age Group- Young Adult, 13-16
Description of book- softcover, list price $9.99, ISBN-10: 0-310-25815-4, ISBN-13: 978-0-310-25815-5
Extra- Discussion questions at the end of each chapter

Does what kind of music we listen to matter?

Do I have to wear a dress/suit to church?

The Bible answers these questions and many more.

In this book Mark Matlock uses his experiences and Bible verses to answer these questions and more. He will show us that while we know the big sins we also need to remember the little ones such as pride.

About the author- Mark Matlock is an author, teacher, husband and father. He teaches at PlanetWisdom conferences for teens. He lives in Texas with his wife and kids.

My thoughts-
Although I had a difficult time getting into the book, it was informative.

One of the chapters I liked the best was chapter six,‘What does it look like to “do justice"?' I thought this chapter was one of the most important, because over time I have had a problem with judging people as God will do. I need to remember not to give judgment, but give justice and help restore people in their walk with God.

Would I recommend? I would recommend this book for teens. This book would work for individual and group study. The questions at the end each chapter when written out and studied will help a person know exactly what God wants of us.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Zondervan. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.