Tuesday, June 18, 2013

Undaunted by Christine Caine

                    

                      Human sex trafficking is a hot topic in some segments of the media in our day and age. But, while many discuss this epidemic problem and how it devalues life and enslaves multitudes who are trapped in it's snare, very few are willing, unafraid and determined to do something about it. Enter Christine Caine. And, while her new book Undaunted, is not exclusively about the sex trafficking industry, it does explore what it means to obey God in the face of fear, uncertainty and giants that stand in our way from the vision He has given us to fulfill. Part of her vision is the founding of A21, an organization dedicated to rescue those who are bound in the nightmare of sex trafficking. The book tells the story of how A21 began, as well as many other of Christine's life changing encounters with the God who inspired her to live undaunted in life.
                       Before I give any detail about the book itself, let me begin by saying that it was a fantastic book to read, and if I had only been able to keep my eyes open (alas, I was not able), I would have probably finished it in one sitting. Christine Caine is widely sought after conference speaker who has a tremendous ability to communicate simple truths in profound ways and with memorable illustrations. This book is no exception and is filled with her own personal pains and joys, which weave a picture of the hand of God at work in the lives of those who willingly submit themselves to be touched by his hand.
                       The book is not a theology text, if that's what's you were expecting. nor would I necessarily classify it as a biography, though many life stories line the pages. It is more of a documentary with Biblical principles that uphold the stories Christine shares in this book. It is very easy to read and at times humorous as she openly shares her own struggles, which many of us may find all too familiar as we examine our own life experiences.
                        This book was given to me complimentary as a part of the book review program for bloggers at www.booksneeze.com. What can you gain from Undaunted? You can gain the encouragement to know that no matter who you are, what you've been through or what obstacles you face, God can help you to overcome anything. You can gain a perspective that nothing is impossible with God. And you can learn to follow the dream and vision God has birthed in your heart, knowing that He will do things supernaturally that only he can do when you obey Him. But, you will only gain these things if you too choose to live an undaunted life for Jesus

Wednesday, June 5, 2013

Nearing Home by Billy Graham

                      Billy Graham is probably the best known evangelist in American history. He has reportedly preached the Gospel of Jesus Christ to more humans than anyone in history and has spoken in 185 nations of the world. It is also no secret that Dr. Graham has gotten older, has suffered from numerous physical challenges and, like all of us, is coming closer each day to his final day of rest. So, as he nears the end of his life, we find a book release from him that discusses not just what lies ahead of him in eternity, but the new challenges he has faced in the journey toward that goal. His book, Nearing Home, is a practical book that discusses life, growing older and the after life, and is a must read for all of us.
                     Most people do not particularly like to think much about their own death. For those who do so, we may often believe that they are unusual and perhaps even morbidly preoccupied with a subject that few people desire to address. But, in this book, Dr. Graham does not shy away from the subject and chooses to tackle the issues head on that most individuals might not want to discuss openly. Some of the chapter titles include "Consider the Golden Years" and "Death's Destination". But, each one of them has relevance for each of us, because each of us do grow older, will most likely witness the death of someone we love and will have to deal with the effects of age in this life. Most importantly, as the title implies, this earth is not our home and each day we draw closer to our home in heaven. Are we prepared for that moment when we arrive 'home'? Are we prepared for all our journey entails before we arrive? These are topics that are covered in the pages of the book.
                     I was somewhat hesitant to read the book Nearing Home, as I found the subject uncomfortable. And, while I do not promise that reading this selection will give you warm feelings of joy, I do recommend that everyone read it. It will be food for thought, will spur you on to prepare for the future and will make you think more about eternity than you may have done in quite some time.
                    This book was given to me complimentary as a part of the book review program for bloggers at www.booksneeze.com. Though you may find the topic unpleasant to think about , it is a needed read for all of us and will help you look closer to heaven as you begin your journey of "Nearing Home".