The book is titled, "Grace Rules" by Steve McVey. I give this book 3 out of four stars.
"Grace Rules" attempts to show a side of God that often we forget to look at. The over-riding premise throughout the book is the idea that we are free to love God instead of run toward the law that we as Christians so often cling to. McVey insists that we are under the rule of grace. McVey uses great analogies like the family/ tea bags in the chapter titled, "The Nectar of Heaven".
Throughout the book, I found myself challenging every traditional thought and placing it in alignment under the New Covenant that Jesus came to bring. Very thought provoking, if you let it be. "Grace Rules" is written with study questions at the close of each chapter, but I did not find these very helpful.
As a pastor, I would suggest this book to help you remember the main objective of doling out grace to those who we see every day.
Wednesday, August 26, 2009
"God's Blogs" Book Review
The book is "God's Blogs" by Lanny Donoho and I give this book 3 out of four stars.
This is a fun book to read in that its purpose is to make you smile. All the while, you will learn the author's opinions about what makes God smile. Donoho is an excellent aesthetic writer. He puts the words on the page in a way that helps lead you to his purpose for writing. This reminds me a little of Ferlinghetti's earlier work.
I suppose my favorite section of the book is "Gotoyourroom". It is somewhere in the mid section of the book that Donoho vamps up his "thought-provokedness" and gives the reader little gems like telling us to spend time in silence if we expect to hear from God. In another chapter, He suggests that while we ask, "Where is God in the midst of tragedy," that God would be asking, "Where are you?"
A great read for any coffee table or waiting room. Simple and easy.
This is a fun book to read in that its purpose is to make you smile. All the while, you will learn the author's opinions about what makes God smile. Donoho is an excellent aesthetic writer. He puts the words on the page in a way that helps lead you to his purpose for writing. This reminds me a little of Ferlinghetti's earlier work.
I suppose my favorite section of the book is "Gotoyourroom". It is somewhere in the mid section of the book that Donoho vamps up his "thought-provokedness" and gives the reader little gems like telling us to spend time in silence if we expect to hear from God. In another chapter, He suggests that while we ask, "Where is God in the midst of tragedy," that God would be asking, "Where are you?"
A great read for any coffee table or waiting room. Simple and easy.
Thursday, August 20, 2009
Starfish and the Spider - Book Review
The book is "The Starfish and the Spider" by Ori Brafman and Rod A Beckstrom.
I give this book 3 1/2 out of four stars. Fantastic book, with just a little bit missing.
As a pastor, I truly loved this book. though it was not geared toward ministry per se, it presents a great anthropological look at the systems of business that help form groups within the church. I particularly enjoyed the illustrations that helped form this book, though at times I believe the authors overused them. The shining quality of this book is its ability to make you reconsider what you know. It is obvious that "starfish" systems are ruling supreme in the business world, but it is great to have a well studied book to help see HOW they are doing that.
The one aspect that I felt was lacking about this book was in its practical application. The book was focused more on ideology then helping me discover how to use the ideals.
All in all, I would recommend this book to anyone who wants to stay on top of the culture. Very enjoyable and, at times, very comical.
I give this book 3 1/2 out of four stars. Fantastic book, with just a little bit missing.
As a pastor, I truly loved this book. though it was not geared toward ministry per se, it presents a great anthropological look at the systems of business that help form groups within the church. I particularly enjoyed the illustrations that helped form this book, though at times I believe the authors overused them. The shining quality of this book is its ability to make you reconsider what you know. It is obvious that "starfish" systems are ruling supreme in the business world, but it is great to have a well studied book to help see HOW they are doing that.
The one aspect that I felt was lacking about this book was in its practical application. The book was focused more on ideology then helping me discover how to use the ideals.
All in all, I would recommend this book to anyone who wants to stay on top of the culture. Very enjoyable and, at times, very comical.
Tuesday, August 4, 2009
Book Review - "What a Difference a Daddy Makes"
The book is titled "What a Difference a Daddy Makes", by Dr. Kevin Leman
I give the book four out of four stars. It was one of the most enjoyable books I have read lately.
Dr. Leman's book is absolutely fantastic. It is meant to be geared toward fathers of daughters, but I believe it is applicable to a much broader group. Leman has great practical advice throughout the book, specifically the first half. In chapter 5, for instance, Leman describes a "good dad" and encourages his readers to focus on that accolade rather than trying to hit a grand slam with every child rearing experience. This is what children will remember about dad.
Leman is also a comical writer. It was quite a joy reading this work, as he did not focus on "lists to live by," but instead told stories.
For the father, (or mother) I would recommend this book every day of the week. It works to inspire and remind of our privilege in raising children.
For the pastor, I would say there are a few aspects of this book that can help your ministry. Leman's look at birth order, for instance, is elementary and insightful. Definitely worth a read to help families grow.
For the small group study, I believe another book would be better. Again, there are not a lot of lists within.
I give the book four out of four stars. It was one of the most enjoyable books I have read lately.
Dr. Leman's book is absolutely fantastic. It is meant to be geared toward fathers of daughters, but I believe it is applicable to a much broader group. Leman has great practical advice throughout the book, specifically the first half. In chapter 5, for instance, Leman describes a "good dad" and encourages his readers to focus on that accolade rather than trying to hit a grand slam with every child rearing experience. This is what children will remember about dad.
Leman is also a comical writer. It was quite a joy reading this work, as he did not focus on "lists to live by," but instead told stories.
For the father, (or mother) I would recommend this book every day of the week. It works to inspire and remind of our privilege in raising children.
For the pastor, I would say there are a few aspects of this book that can help your ministry. Leman's look at birth order, for instance, is elementary and insightful. Definitely worth a read to help families grow.
For the small group study, I believe another book would be better. Again, there are not a lot of lists within.
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