Living Without Worry by Timothy Lane

Living Without Worry: How to Replace Anxiety with Peace

By Timothy Lane

(I received this book for review purposes.)

Genre- Religion /Christian / Nonfiction /

Published by- The Good Book Company

Copyrighted- 2015

Number of pages- 141

Age Group- Adult

Description of Book- paperback, ISBN 978-1-90991-937-2, $12.99

Do you live with a certain level of anxiety?  This book will help you learn deal with that anxiety through Jesus. (Remember to consult a professional if you need to.) 

Dr. Timothy Lane talks about worry about the past, present, and future.  He shows us how to change and put all of our anxiety upon Christ.  He concludes the book with a discussion about what Jesus would do.

Sample of the Book.

About the Author- Timothy Lane and his wife have four children.  He currently lives in Georgia and is President of the Institute for Pastoral Care.

My thoughts- I don’t know about you, but sometimes I have a lot of anxiety about the present and the future.  This book helped me to remember that I always need to put my focus on Jesus.  He can help take away the anxiety.  I know He has helped me.  When I put my focus on Jesus, I am not thinking about any anxieties.  I am focusing on something positive things and not on things that are only in my mind. 

As always, I liked the questions at the end of the chapters.  Whenever a nonfiction book has questions at the end, it helps me think about the book and my life in a different way.  It is really important to me that when I read a nonfiction book about Christ or Christianity that I am able better myself and the questions help me do that.

I think this book would be perfect for a new Christian or anyone who deals with normal levels of anxiety.  

Disclosure of Material Connection- I received Living Without Worry, by Timothy Lane, for free through Cross Focused Reviews.  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.  All links were current when posted.

Uncovering the Life of Jesus by Rebecca Manley Pippert

Uncovering the Life of Jesus: Six Encounters with Jesus From the Gospel of Luke

By Rebecca Manley Pippert

(I received this book for review purposes.)

Genre- Religion /Christian / Nonfiction / Bible Study

Published by- The Good Book Company

Copyrighted- 2015

Number of pages- 61

Age Group- Adult

Description of Book- paperback, ISBN 978-1-91030-763-2, $9.99

Uncovering the Life of Jesus, by Rebecca Manley Pippert, is a Bible study that shows six encounters with Jesus, like the prodigal son, Zacchaeus, and the blind man.

Each chapter has questions, historical context, page for notes, Bible verses (NIV), and a section about how that chapter was relevant to us today.

This study is taken from the book of Luke

Sample of the Book.

About the Author- Rebecca Manley Pippert is married and has four children and one grandchild.  As well as being an author she is a speaker and the founder of Salt Shaker Ministries.

My thoughts- I thought Rebecca Manley Pippert’s book, Uncovering the Life of Jesus, had a lot of great information and thoughtful questions. 

While I enjoyed all the parts of this book.  I liked having the historical context of the six different encounters.  It was helpful for me to know what people would have thought when the prodigal son returned or what the Jews thought about the tax collectors.  I liked having the specific Bible verses in the book.  I was glad she used the NIV Bible, because it is a version that is easier to understand.

I thought the questions she asked were thought provoking.  I thought it was great that she had her comments to this book on the internet. 

I would recommend this study for people who want to learn about Jesus.  It would be perfect for a small group study.

Disclosure of Material Connection- I received Uncovering the Life of Jesus, by Rebecca Manley Pippert, for free through Cross Focused Reviews.  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.  All links were current when posted.

The One O’clock Miracle written by Alison Mitchell and illustrated by Catalina Echeverri

The One O’clock Miracle: A True Story About Trusting the Words of Jesus

By Alison Mitchell

Illustrated by Catalina Echeverri

(I received this book for review purposes.)

Genre- Christian / Religious / Children

Published by- The Good Book Company

Copyrighted- 2014

Number of pages- 32

Age Group- Children (Ages 3-6 is best)

Description of Book- hardback, ISBN 978-1-910030-743-4, $14.99

The One O’clock Miracle is the second book in a new series, Tales that Tell the Truth.

This story is all about the healing of the official’s son and the faith the official had in Jesus.  It is based on John 4. 

Book Sample.

About the Author- Alison Mitchell is involved with Growing Young Disciples and is the Children’s Editor at The Good Book Company.

About the Illustrator- Catalina Echeverri is currently based in London and is a freelance illustrator and designer specializing in children’s illustrations.

My thoughts- I thought The One O’clock Miracle was well written and told a story, which is often often overlooked. 

One of the best parts of the book was the end, where it discussed which part of the Bible this story came from, John 4:46-54.  I read the story, then I read the verses in the Bible (I read the NLT.)  I was very impressed with how Alison Mitchell took the verses and turned them into a story.  Her story was different, because she added dialogue and specific phrases.  One of them was, “he walked and walked – and sometimes ran.”  This was done to make the story more interesting for the readers and listeners. 

The illustrations by Catalina Echeverri were whimsical and told the story of the miracle.  I especially liked how she drew the illustrations to show some of Christ’s other miracles (water to wine).  These illustrations happened when the father was talking to the mother about going to Cana.  The addition of different insects made these pictures fun to look at.

I highly recommend this book to anyone who has young children in their lives.  It is the perfect way to show children one of the miracles Jesus performed.

Disclosure of Material Connection- I received The One’ O’clock Miracle, by Alison Mitchell and illustrated by Catalina Echeverri, for free through Cross Focused Reviews.  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.  All links were current when posted.

Honest Evangelism by Rico Tice with Carl Laferton

Honest Evangelism: How to Talk About Jesus Even When it’s Tough

Written by Rico Tice with Carl Laferton

(I received this book for review purposes.)

 

Genre- Christian / Nonfiction

Published by- The Good Book Company

Copyrighted- 2015

Number of pages- 105

Age Group- Adult

Description of Book- paperback, ISBN 978-1-90991-939-6, $13.99

Honest Evangelism, by Rico Tice, is a short, information packed book about why and how we should evangelize to others.  This book discusses why we should be ourselves, why we do not do it (when we should), how to get started, and what we should say to others. 

Book Sample.

About the Author- Rico Tice currently lives with his family in London.  He is the founder of Christianity Explored Ministries. 

My thoughts- I thought Honest Evangelism, by Rico Tice, was well written.

It was a short book at 101 pages, but it was full of information discussing how we should evangelize to others.  I really appreciated this book, because I know we need to tell others about Jesus, but I was not sure how to get started.  I learned that it is mostly about being the best person I can be with Jesus (being myself) and just telling others about Him.  It is o.k. to be the one who plants the seeds.  I do not have to be the one who brings the person to Him.  There was an entire chapter dedicated to this.  Tice gave examples of different people (Peter, Paul, the blind man in John 9, and the woman at the well in John 4) who were brought to Christ or brought others to Him.

There was an excellent list of resource books in at the end of the book.  Topics covered were the gospel, apologetics, and more.

This was a very helpful book for me.  It helped me realize that what I am currently doing as a mother, wife, friend, and stranger is the right thing.

I highly recommend this book to you.

Disclosure of Material Connection- I received Honest Evangelism, by Rico Tice, for free through Cross Focused Reviews.  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.  All links were current when posted.

The Resurrection in Your Life by Mike McKinley (book review)

The Resurrection in Your Life

Written by Mike McKinley

(I received this book for review purposes.)

Genre- Christian / Nonfiction

Published by- The Good Book Company

Copyrighted- 2015

Number of pages- 144

Age Group- Adult

Description of Book- paperback, ISBN 978-1-91030-703-8, $14.99

In a continuation from his first book, The Cross in Your Life, Mike McKinley discusses Luke 24 and Acts 1-2.  Each chapter begins with the Bible (NIV) text, continues with McKinley’s discussion and ends with a relevant poem written by different people, like Charles Wesley. 

Each chapter also contains relevant questions.

Book Sample.

About the Author- Mike McKinley is married with five children and currently lives in Virginia.  He has written The Cross in Your Life, Did the Devil Make Me Do It? and  Am I Really a Christian?

My thoughts-  The Resurrection in Your Life, by Mike McKinley, was a wonderful book.  There were many encouraging words to help me grow me in my relationship with God.

I liked the poems at the end of each chapter.  It would have been nice if they had been at the beginning of each chapter.  I feel that if they had been at the beginning of each chapter, they would put me in the proper mindset to read and study the chapter.

I liked having all of the Bible verses for the chapter in the chapter.  It helped the text flow into each chapter.  Using the NIV version was a good idea, because I find this version of the Bible the easiest to understand.  It also seems to be the most popular version.

As always I was grateful for the questions at the end of the chapter.  When there are questions, they help me think about what I read and how I can apply it to my life.

I think this book is perfect for new Christians and also for those who may want a refresh themselves on this important Bible text.  The death of Christ was not the end.  It was the beginning.

Disclosure of Material Connection- I received The Resurrection in Your Life, illustrated by Mike McKinley, for free through Cross Focused Reviews.  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.  All links were current when posted.

Alby’s Amazing Book by Catalina Echeverri

Alby’s Amazing Book

Illustrated by Catalina Echeverri

(based on Mary Elizabeth Blume’s work)

(I received this book for review purposes.)

Genre- Christian / Religious / Children

Published by- The Good Book Company

Copyrighted- 2014

Number of pages- 32

Age Group- Children (I think ages 1-5 is best)

Description of Book- hardback, ISBN 978-1-91030-710-6, $14.99

Catalina Echeverri has illustrated a wonderful story call, Alby’s Amazing Book.  Alby enjoys the adventures different stories take him on.  Alby has one book that is his very favorite the Bible.  This book tells about why this book is Alby’s favorite.

Book Sample.

About the Author- Catalina Echeverri currently lives in London and is a freelance illustrator.  She specializes in illustrating children’s books.

My thoughts- I thought Alby’s Amazing Book was excellent.  The illustrations were very fun to study.  I thought it was especially neat how Catalina Echeverri added the text from the Bible into the background of the story.  That meant that when the pages were talking about David and Goliath, that the in the background you could see the text from that story.  The rest of the illustrations were a lot of fun too.  It was nice that Alby was a different color from the rest of the squirrels, because it made him stand out and become more important to me.

I really liked how the story itself made the Bible sound so exciting and adventurous (perfect for all young boys who like adventure).  I also liked how this book stress the importance of reading and not learning from t.v. or video games.  I like it when technology is not important to the story.

My children were eight and ten when I read this story to them and they really enjoyed it.  I think many young children will enjoy this book.  It would be the perfect book to read to a young child before reading the Bible to them or giving it to them as a present.  Alby would be able to get them excited for the adventures that await them.

I highly recommend this book.  It would make a wonderful present to any young child. 

Disclosure of Material Connection- I received Alby’s Amazing Book, illustrated by Catalina Echeverri, for free through Cross Focused Reviews.  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.  All links were current when posted.

The Christmas Promise by Alison Mitchell and illustrated by Catalina Echeverri (book review)

The Christmas Promise

By Alison Mitchell

Illustrated by Catalina Echeverri

(I received this book for review purposes.)

Genre- Christian / Religious / Children / Christmas

Published by- The Good Book Company

Copyrighted- 2014

Number of pages- 32

Age Group- Children (I think ages 1-8 is best)

Description of Book- hardback, ISBN 978-1-910030-711-3, $14.99

The Christmas Promise, by Alison Mitchell and illustrated by Catalina Echeverri is the story of Jesus’s birth.  God promised us a new king, but He would be unlike any king anyone had ever known.  This king would be a Rescuing King, a New King, and a Forever King.  This is the story of Mary, Joseph, the shepherds, the angels who helped them, Jesus, and the wise men.

Book Sample.

About the Author- Alison Mitchell is involved with Growing Young Disciples and is the Children’s Editor at The Good Book Company.

My thoughts- I thought The Christmas Promise was the perfect book to explain Jesus’s birth to young children.  It had wonderful illustrations and it showed how he had come here to us for us.  The illustrations were colorful and they showed exactly what the story was telling.  I liked the portrayal of the kings that Jesus was not.  He was our New King, Rescuing King, and Forever King.  I liked how they were stressed in the book, because it helps the listener/reader to realize how important Jesus is to us.

I also liked the page at the very end of the book which told where the birth of Jesus is described in the book.  It even showed where some of God’s promises of Jesus are written about in the Old Testament.

I think this book would be perfect for young children and their families.  It is a perfect gift. 

Disclosure of Material Connection- I received The Christmas Promise, by Alison Mitchell and illustrated by Catalina Echeverri, for free through Cross Focused Reviews.  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.  All links were current when posted.

Live Handbook and DVD by Rebecca Manley Pippert (Bible Study Review)

Live: Your Life With Christ

By Rebecca Manley Pippert

(I received this book for review purposes.)

Genre- Religion /Christian / Nonfiction / Bible Study

Published by- The Good Book Company

Copyrighted- 2014

Number of pages- 64

Age Group- Adult

Description of Book- paperback, ISBN 978-1-90991-976-1, $7.99

Description of DVD- Physical Copy, ISBN 978-1-90991-977-8

Live, by Rebecca Manley Pippert, contains five sessions to help Christians learn why and how to be good disciples of Christ.

In each of the sessions you will have different areas to complete-

• “Introduction”
• “Historical Context”
• “Bible Study”
• “Live What You Learn”
• “Life Stories”
• “Following Jesus”
• “Praying Together”
• “Going Deeper”

Sample from the Live Handbook.

Introduction the Live DVD and series.

About the Author- Rebecca Manley Pippert is married and has four children and one grandchild.  As well as being an author she is a speaker and the founder of Salt Shaker Ministries.

My thoughts- I thought the Live Bible study written by Rebecca Manley Pippert was an excellent study for those who are new to God or who or are struggling.

I thought all aspects of the Bible study were very interesting, but I really enjoyed the “Life Stories” on the DVD.  I liked them so much, because it put to words what I had thought or been thinking over the past years.  My favorite stories came from the last session when they discussed their new lives in Christ. 

The handbook was written to work perfectly with the DVD.  I liked the session titles and the different parts of the that each session had.  My favorite part of each session was “Going Deeper.”  I liked this part, because I was able to dig deeper into the word and learn even more about each session’s subject.  My other favorite part was about living what I learned about.  It is always helpful to me when I have guidance on how to put what I have learned into my daily life.

Both the handbook and the DVD were very helpful to me.  I am really looking forward to taking a look at Grow and Know when they are available.

Disclosure of Material Connection- I received Live, by Rebecca Manley Pippert, for free through Cross Focused Reviews.  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.  All links were current when posted.

The Third Day: The Gospel of Luke Chapters 22-24 by Alex Webb-Peploe (Review)

The Third Day:

The Gospel of Luke Chapters 22-24

By Alex Webb-Peploe

(I received this book for review purposes.)

Genre- Christian / Graphic Novel

Published by- The Good Book Company

Copyrighted- 2014

Number of pages- 48

Age Group- Teens and Young Adults

Description of book- paperback (ISBN: 978-1-90991-955-6, $6.99)

The Third Day, by Alex Webb-Peploe, is taken from the Gospel of Luke and shows Jesus’s last days on this earth.  The text is taken straight from the Bible and the illustrations are dark and provoking (not for younger children).  This book can be used as an introduction to the Bible by those who prefer reading graphic novels. 

About the Illustrator-  Alex Webb-Peploe is a web designer and illustrator.  He currently lives in Cheltenham with his family. 

My thoughts- The Third Day, by Alex Webb-Peploe, was very well done.  Usually I am not a big fan of graphic novels, but I liked reading this one.

The only thing I would change would be the addition of Judas’s death.  It actively involved him, so it only makes sense to include his demise.

André Parker and Webb-Peploe did an excellent job drawing and designing the characters and panels.  Everything was well drawn and I could easily which character was which.  It was a good thing that each character wore the same thing in the panels, or I would not have been able to tell them apart since they looked so similar.

This graphic novel was a good rendition of the Gospel of Luke 22-24.  If you like to read graphic novels, then you will really enjoy this one.  If you don’t like reading them, this might be a good introduction for you.  I thought it was really good and I recommend it.

Disclosure of Material Connection- I received The Third Day: The Gospel of Luke Chapters 22-24, by Alex Webb-Peploe, for free through Cross Focused Reviews.  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.  All links were current when posted.

Eternity Changes Everything by Stephen Witmer (Review)

Eternity Changes Everything:

How to Live Now in the Light of Your Future

By Stephen Witmer

(I received this book for review purposes.)

Genre- Religion / Christian Life

Published by- The Good Book Company

Copyrighted- 2014

Number of pages- 128

Age Group- Adult

Description of book- paperback (ISBN: 978-1-90955-991-2, $12.99)

Knowing that we have a secure future in God is something to celebrate, but what do we do after we know our future is secure?  Eternity Changes Everything, by Stephen Witmer, show what to do and how to do it without becoming impatient.  There are many tips and illustrations on how to proceed.

The video does an excellent job of describing this book, so please watch it.

About the Author-

Stephen Witmer current lives in Massachusetts with his wife and three children.  He is also a pastor. 

My thoughts- I thought Eternity Changes Everything was well written, but I would have liked a summary at the end of each chapter.  A summary would have helped me take the most important points in the chapter and apply them in my life.

I liked the personal anecdotes that Witmer gave of his time in England and in America growing up.  When he related those events to our future with God it helped me to understand how and what we should be doing in the present. 

One of the best illustrations was that of Nik Wallenda when he crossed Niagara Falls on a tightrope.  It showed how we need to keep balancing, so we don’t fall off.  Some of those ways are practicing waiting, practicing patience, and ask for patience.

I thought this book was very interesting and pertinent to all Christians today.  All Christians need to read and study this book, so they can understand what they should be doing in the days ahead.

I recommend this book. 

Disclosure of Material Connection- I received Eternity Changes Everything: How to Live Now in the Light of Your Future, by Stephen Witmer, for free through Cross Focused Reviews.  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.  All links were current when posted.