Book Review: Ordering Your Private World

Ordering Your Private World, Revised and Updated, by Gordon MacDonald

When I picked up this book, I thought it was a book about time management. However, I quickly discovered it was book about the care of an individual's soul. It is part warning against the driven, disorganized, distracted busyness that pushes people to "burnout, breakdown, or blowup" (pg. 10). MacDonald states, "A soul--our spiritual space-- is empty when one tries to do soul-based things but makes little or no effort to keep that soul filled" (pg. xviii).

It is also part instruction manual, as MacDonald explains the resources we can use to keep our souls filled. The key is disciple, or more accurately, the spiritual disciplines. He states, "If we are ever to develop a spiritual life that gives contentment, it will be because we approach spiritual living as a discipline, much as the athlete trains his or her body for competition" (pg. 121). He lists five spiritual exercises: "the pursuit of silence and solitude, singing, regularly listening to God; the experience of reflection and meditation; and prayer as worship and intercession" (pg. 128). He also deals with role of friends and periods of rest in restoring balance to the inner world.

Much of the book resonated with me. I saw myself reflected in his descriptions of the disorganized person. His discussion on journaling was helpful (although I would have liked a more detailed how-to). I liked that he included singing in his list of spiritual exercises. There is some helpful insights to glean throughout this book.

However, there were a few things I didn't like. His treatment of the spiritual exercises was uneven, and in some places, thin. While I doubt it was his intention, it seemed like reading and studying the Bible were merely options at the table and not the main course. In his effort to avoid hard and fast rules, he missed the opportunity to guide a novice into a deeper understanding.

Overall, Ordering Your Private World was a helpful book. It helped me to recognize some errors in my own spiritual development and encouraged me to approach spiritual development with more disciple. Should you read it? If you are new to the spiritual disciplines, I would recommend you start somewhere else like Don Whitney's Spiritual Disciplines for the Christian Life. If you are familiar with the spiritual disciplines, but wonder why you should bother with them, then you would probably be helped by this book.

Disclosure: I was given a copy of this book for free in exchange for an honest review.

Bold as Love by Bob Roberts, Jr.

Bold as Love is a book about loving our neighbors. It particularly addresses loving our neighbors who have different faiths. I have to admit, I found it difficult to get into the book because of my own prejudices. I kept waiting for the liberal all-faiths-lead-to-heaven boogeyman to jump out. It never did. What I found was a book that disturbed and encouraged me at the same time. Bold as Love disturbed me by reminding me that I'm not as quick to obey Jesus as I should be. It encouraged me by affirming ideas I have had for a long time.

There are several things to commend in the book. Roberts seeks to distinguish his approach from typical interfaith approaches. Interfaith approaches tend to look for the least common denominators in religions, while downplaying or ignoring glaring differences. Roberts's multifaith approach seeks to work toward common goals, while acknowledging the vast differences between religions. Interfaith dialogues often encourage discussion about religion, but discourage members from seeking to convert others to their belief system. Roberts's multifaith approach encourages honest conversation about religion, even if it leads to conversion (and often with conversion as its aim).

Roberts reminds his readers that they cannot save another person. The task of conversion is the work of the Holy Spirit. He doesn't remind his readers of this truth in order to advocate a silent social gospel. He clearly states the need for both service and verbally sharing the gospel in our evangelistic endeavors. He also proposes a model of discipleship in which every believer is faithful to share Christ wherever he places them. Followers of Christ are called to serve and share anywhere and everywhere. They are encouraged to learn and love.

Overall, I enjoyed the book. However, there were a couple things that I didn't like. Before I lodge my first complaint, I must acknowledge that I am a Southern Baptist. Roberts, also a Southern Baptist, pokes at his "tribe" a lot. Some of his comments about Southern Baptists, or at least some Southern Baptists, seem overly critical. His tone, which I may have misread, seems out of place in a work about loving one's neighbors. One other complaint, but it isn't that serious. Certain portions of the book are repetitious. In a couple of places the reader is supposed to have remembered something referenced in a previous chapter, while in other places concepts that were previously explained in detail are explained again in detail. It took something away from the overall effectiveness of the book.

If you are looking for a handbook on loving your neighbors of different faiths, Bold as Love might be helpful to you. If you are looking for a book to convict of the sin of not loving your neighbors, it will definitely help you. Bold as Love helps its reader to recognize some of their blind spots.

I received Bold As Love free for review purposes from Handlebar Publishing. The opinions in this review are mine.

The Realms Thereunder by Ross Lawhead

This is a book review of The Realms Thereunder by Ross Lawhead.

Do you remember that old song that says, "Fairy tales can come true, it can happen to you"? In an interesting twist on the fairy tale, Ross Lawhead's book suggests the same thing.

The main characters, Daniel Tulley and Freya Reynolds, discover that the real world and the world of legends, myths, and fairy tales actually overlap.

As children, Daniel and Freya, stumbled into another realm while on a field trip. In this new realm, they awaken two knights who have been sleeping for 1000 years. In order to get back to modern day England, Daniel and Freya, have to help the good knights free their land of an evil force.

As adults, eight years later, Daniel and Freya are struggling to make sense of what happened. Daniel continues to battle dark forces that have crossed into our realm, while Freya is battling OCD. Freya is nearly paralyzed by the fear of returning to the other realm. Daniel yearns to be a hero. The two of them are still at the center of an epic (and almost eternal) battle.

Overall, I really enjoyed The Realms Thereunder. I admit I have often asked myself, "What if those legends aren't really legends after all." Or "What if those creatures truly existed. I have loved knights and swords since I was little. The elements of this story tapped into a part of my imagination that is rooted deep into my heart. Swords, knights, enchantments, and the destruction of evil. What's not to love. Then, Ross Lawhead, takes all of that (myth and legend) and slams it straight down in this world. Awesome!

If you spent your free time in high school reading King Arthur stories, you will love this book. If you didn't, you might find that you can still enjoy it. I will give this caveat, the author makes liberal use of flashbacks and flash-forwards. It doesn't really slow the story down, but if you aren't able to read it straight through (and most people can't), it can make it a bit harder remembering what has already happened in the story.

One other warning. This is the first book in a series. If you hate the idea of waiting a year (or two) to read the next one (or two), then you might want to hold off on checking it out. Or you could read it now, and then read it again later when the other books come out. It's up to you.

If you love fiction, and fantasy in particular, I encourage you to check this one out. If you hate fantasy or fiction or both, try broadening your horizons.

I was given this e-book by Thomas Nelson through Booksneeze.com. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions expressed are mine.

Book Review: The Bone House by Stephen R. Lawhead

After nearly a year of waiting, I finally got my hands on book 2 of the Bright Empires series. The Bone House by Stephen R. Lawhead did not disappoint. I have eagerly anticipated its arrival since I finished The Skin Map in the early morning hours one day last fall.

The Bone House continues to unfold the fantastic story of Kit Livingstone. Kit is a young man from London, who discovers with the help of his great-grandfather Cosimo Livingstone, how to travel through the multiple dimensions of the universe. They travel through these dimensions by using ley lines. The dimensions are connected to the modern world, but they have differing time lines and geography. Kit and his friends are trying to find the Skin Map, so they can unravel the secrets of the universe.

The Bone House combines several elements of the science fiction and fantasy genres in a unique way to create a fast paced thrill ride. Although there is a fair bit of bouncing around in time and culture, the reader shouldn't get lost. Overall, I have really enjoyed these two books. They are extremely well-written and imaginative.

Let me share a couple of things I appreciated about this book. Although it is part of a series, there isn't extensive backstory. The author provides a quick catch-up in the beginning of the book for those who haven't read The Skin Map and those who read it when it came out. The reader doesn't have to be continually reminded of what happened in the first book which makes for a quicker (and more enjoyable) reading. The second thing I appreciate is Lawhead's vivid descriptions (especially about food).

There is one I didn't like about the book. I hate coming to the end of the book and knowing that I have to wait a year to find out what happens to the characters. I didn't like waiting to the next week for my favorite t.v. shows when I was a kid, and I haven't changed much. Making the audience wait a year is a bit extreme.

The Bone House is an imaginative piece of fiction. I encourage you to read it, but before you do check out The Skin Map. I found it easier to read the second book (probably because I read the first), while at the same time understanding the first one better through reading the second. They are both worth checking out.

Disclaimer: I received this book free from Booksneeze.com for review purposes. I was not required to write a favorable review.

Daddy Dates by Greg Wright

How does a father get to know his daughters? How does he become one of the leading influences in her life? These are the questions Greg Wright tackles in his book Daddy Dates. In this book, he lays out "the roadmap for any dad to raise a strong and confident daughter." The book serves to guide fathers in the practice of "dating" their daughters (in a nonromantic, non-creepy way). Dad's are encouraged to take their daughters out on "dates" which revolve around the daughter's interest and provide an opportunity from him to get to know her.   

The book has a good deal of advice. Wright offers tips on how a father can connect with his daughter. He reminds us that men, as fathers and husbands, need to learn how to listen. He rightly suggests to us that there is no substitute for spending time with our daughters. If fathers want to influence their daughters in a positive way, then they have to be connected to their daughters in a vital way. This connection take time and care to develop.

I'm struggling with the terminology of "dating" one's daughter. Wright clearly didn't intend for the concept to be misunderstood, but it still creeps me out a little.

Another thing that bothers me about the book is that it doesn't deal with spiritual issues. Wright speaks about raising "strong and confident daughters," but that isn't the same as godly daughters. I'm not suggesting that he doesn't desire his daughters to be godly, it just not explicitly stated in the book. It is wonderful that non-believer could pick up the book and use it to develop a better relationship with his daughter, but a believer should strive for more than just improved relationships. I was left wondering how the process of dating helped him with the spiritual formation of his daughters.

One final, minor complaint. The books seemed to jump around to me. Some of the chapters, although they were helpful, seemed to be out of place. It could have been better organized. Specifically, the chapters concerning divorced dads and mommy dates interrupted the flow of the book, and would have been better at the end.

Overall, I thought it was an okay book. There were several good stories (no real tear-jerkers, but after all it was written by a man for other men), but there was nothing profound. Men are pursuers. Listen. Don't screw up. I think men with daughters could benefit from this book, but only if they are going to put it into practice.


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: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Free Book by Brian Tome

Brian Tome's Free Book is about the freedom that comes from knowing Jesus. It's about stepping out in faith--overcoming fear, guilt, moralistic legalism, strongholds, and spiritual forces. It's about walking in the grace of God. It's also about dreaming big dreams for the glory of God, and pursuing them with passion.

From the moment I agreed to review this book, I wanted to like it. The title, Free Book, caught my attention, as did the orange cover (the book however is not "free," you have to purchase it. However, I got my copy free through BookSneeze). I liked the challenge reviewing a book would give me. The back cover's synopsis of the book was intriguing. I looked forward to it's arrival with great anticipation.

However, my enthusiasm waned after I began reading the book. Tome writes in a conversational style that engages his reader, but often speaks with vagueness. I found myself repeatedly asking, "What exactly does that mean?" He is also fond of making over the top statements like, "We don't need another book about the cross. . . . But a book on freedom? Yes." Tome is confident that there are ample resources that explore and explain the cross, but not many books exists to explore and explain freedom in Christ. However, it is the cross that makes freedom possible in the first place. They aren't mutually exclusive topics, and based on what he says elsewhere in the book, I believe he would agree. I found myself agreeing with much of what he said, but annoyed at how he said it.

The book felt like a discipleship manual for new believers and seekers who had negative religious experiences. It's a primer for postmodern believers who fear becoming shackled by religion. Although I have concerns, I find there some commendable things:

• Chapter 5, "The Forgiveness Freeway," is an excellent treatment of overcoming guilt and bitterness.
• Chapter 6, "Strongholds," offers helpful insights into seeing the "why" behind some of the things we struggle with.
• Chapter 10, "Blahs, Break, Blues, and Blessings," does a wonder job of explaining the process of change.

I agree with the general message of the book, we are free in Christ. However, I had to make myself finish reading the book, and I have struggled to write this review.  Overall, Free Book was a mixed bag. I didn't hate it, but I didn't like it much either.


Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com <http://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 <http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html> : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

E. M. Bound's The Power of Prayer

Grace--Old Man by Eric Enstrom

I just finished reading, The Power of Prayer in  E. M. Bounds on Prayer.  I have to say that I can't remember reading a book that cuts so deeply in a long time.  Page after page, I found myself convicted by my own prayerlessness.  His seething, white-hot rebukes poured over me like coals of fire.  I found myself crying in my heart, "Woe is me, I am a man of prayerless lips, surrounded by prayerless people."

As I worked through those fifty-seven pages of pure dynamite, I found myself tempted to flee their presence.  Days would pass between readings.  I read a little, and let is rest a little.  Yet after a couple of days, I would be compelled to pick it up again and read on. I found each chapter to be a relentless hand tearing back the curtain of my blindness. 

On almost every page, I was remind of how little I pray.  I felt the inadequacy of my prayer life.  Even as the book made me aware of the weakness of my prayer life, it also generated a desire to pray more.  I found myself yearning for a better understanding of prayer, and beyond that I was driven to pray.

Although I found the book very helpful, it had a couple of weaknesses.  First, it was primarily aimed at preachers.  It's aim may have been the reason, I personally found it convicting at every turn, but it might have less of an impact on someone who isn't a preacher.  Second, the book focuses the problem without offering much of solution.  Bound's suggests praying more and praying earlier, but he doesn't give many pointers on how to pray.

Right after beginning the book, I questioned whether or not it was a good starting point.  I will have to reserve final judgment until I have finished Bound's other books.  I can say The Power of Prayer has made me eager to learn more about prayer, as well as, to pray more.  What resources have helped you in your prayer life?  I would love the hear about them, so go ahead and leave a comment.

Adopted for Life, A Review

Having been helped considerably by some articles on adoption written by, Dr. Russell D. Moore, the dean of the School of Theology and senior vice president for academic administration at the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, I waited with eager anticipation the publication of his book, Adopted for Life. This book did not disappoint.

Adopted for Life seeks to move readers to reexamine adoption in light of the gospel. Dr. Moore writes,

The gospel of Jesus Christ means our families and churches ought to be at the forefront of the adoption of orphans close to home and around the world. As we become more attuned to the gospel, we'll have more of a burden for orphans. As we become more adoption-friendly, we'll be better able to understand the gospel. This book calls us to look forward to an adoptive-missional church. In this book I want to call us all to consider how encouraging adoption--whether we adopt or whether we help others adopt--can help us peer into the ancient mystery of our faith in Christ and can help us restore the fracturing unity and the atrophied mission of our congregations (18).

He states further, "I want to ask what it would mean if our churches and families were known as people who adopted babies--and toddlers, and children and teenagers. What if we as Christians were known, once again, as the people who take in orphans and make them beloved sons and daughters? (20)". He points out, "You have a stake in the adoption issue, even if you never adopt a child," because Jesus considered important (20).

The rest of the book seeks to demonstrate from Scripture and theology why adoption is so important. In the chapter entitled, Are They Brothers?, Dr. Moore points out, "The New Testament continually points to our adoption in Christ in order show us that we're really, really wanted here in the Father's house. The Spirit is continually telling the people of Christ that they, we, are 'blessed' in Christ through adoption (Eph. 1:3,5)" (33, emphasis in original). He states, "In fact, maybe the reason we wonder whether "adopted" children can "really" be brothers and sisters is because we so rarely see it displayed in our pews" (39).

Moore writes not as a detached academic, but as a father who has adopted, a pastor who has counseled others to adopted, and as a sinner who himself was adopted into the family of God. He writes with an intensity and passion that pierces the reader and challenges both their understanding of adoption and their understanding of the gospel. Several times I found myself crying as I read the book--sometimes because I had been there myself and other times because the Spirit had used his words to convict me of sinful attitudes and actions.

This book was written for anyone who may be considering adoption, who has adopted, who knows someone who has or is adopted, who doesn't believe they could adopt, but could help others to adopt, or who has just heard the word adoption. It is an important work for pastors/elders, church staff, deacons, Sunday school teachers and nursery workers. I really think everyone should read it and allow it to challenge their understanding of adoption.

The book is easy to read, although it is very intense and personal at times. The material is easy to grasp, thoroughly scriptural, and theologically sound. The message is pertinent and convicting. I encourage every one to rush out and get a copy. Then after you have read it, prayerfully consider how God would have you respond to the adoption call.

Just Do Something, A Review

I recently read Kevin DeYoung's Just Do Something: A Liberating Approach to Finding God's Will Or How to Make a Decision Without Dreams, Visions, Fleeces, Impressions, Open Doors, Random Bible Verses, Casting Lots, Liver Shivers, Writings in the Sky, etc. The rather long and humor subtitle explains the central thrust of the book. He states,

The conventional approach to the will of God-where God's will is like a corn maze with only one way out and lots of dead ends, or like a bull's eye with the center of God's will in the middle and second best everywhere else, or like a Magic 8-Ball that we are supposed to shake around until some generic answer floats to the top-is not helpful (43).

Written primarily to twenty and thirty-somethings, the book seeks to move readers from indecisiveness and hesitation toward a God-centered obedient faith walk. DeYoung encourages his reader to approach discerning God's will through wisdom. He states, "Biblical wisdom means living a disciplined and prudent life in the fear of the Lord" (89). He lists three ways through which we develop wisdom: a thorough understanding of the Scripture, through godly counsel, and through prayer.

As DeYoung states it, "The will of God for our lives is that we seek first His kingdom and His righteousness. The most important decision we face is the daily decision to live for Christ and die to self" (63). He adds, "If we do those two things, then we are free to choose between jobs and schools and locations. God wants us to stop obsessing about the future and trust that He holds the future" (63). Thus, the quest for finding God's will ends not is locating some indiscernible hidden will, but in doing what he has already revealed in Scripture and making decisions that are based upon the principles of Scripture.

Just Do Something doesn't get bogged down with heavy theological language, so it is very useful to the average person in the pew. The book shares a lot of practical wisdom, and does offer "a liberating approach to finding God's will," for those who are too afraid to commit to a path for fear of displeasing God and those who continually look for signs that God is pleased with their decisions. Its size, a mere 128 pages, and its readability, make it useful resources. I recommend that you get a copy and begin reading it today.

Atheism Remix Review

I finished R. Albert Mohler's Atheism Remix this morning. I found it to be a practical introduction into the movement known as the New Atheism, led by Richard Dawkins and others. Dr. Mohler explains the position of the New Atheists with straightforward precision. Their aggressive attacks on theism (belief in God) in general, and Christianity specifically, coupled with their mass appeal should compel believers to ready a defense against their empty claims.

Dr. Mohler's book is a helpful overview of the situation and concludes with a compelling challenge to be ready to engage those influenced by the New Atheists. He states, "the task is to articulate, communicate, and defend the Christian faith with intellectual integrity and evangelistic urgency. We must not assume that this task will be easy, and we must also refuse to withdraw from public debate and private conversation in light of this challenge" (pg. 107).

If you have heard the names Richard Dawkins, Daniel Dennett, Sam Harris, and Christopher Hitchens, you need to read this book. If you haven't heard these names but have heard of such books as: Devil's Chaplain, The God Delusion, Darwin's Dangerous Idea, Breaking the Spell: Religion as a Natural Phenomenon, End of Faith, Letters to a Christian Nation, or God Is Not Great: How Religion Poisons Everything, then you need to read this book. If you have never heard about any of this, you really need to read this book. These authors and their books have spent weeks and months on best sellers lists.

1 Peter 3:15 calls believers to have a defense of their faith ready should anybody ask. This book is a helpful tool toward that defence. Dr. Mohler demonstrates the error of the New Atheists and approaches that are not helpful. I only wish he would have added another chapter that presented a model biblical defense.