Grace Plus Nothing by Jeff Harkin
Grace, what is it? Is it lawlessness, is it "I can do anything I want, because I'm covered"? Is grace scriptural? Is it safe? These are all worries and questions that arise when the word grace comes forward. This book does an excellent job going through the Word of God and showing not only our need for, but also how we receive grace and what a grace filled life should truly look like. This book came to me a few years ago as my church began a study into the gospel of grace. If you are a believer who is struggling with law and grace understanding, or who someone who just really needs to see the way that God really truly sees you, then I would recommend finding a copy of this book, then finding a nice quiet place where you and God can work through His word and this book to uncover the simplicity of the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ. You do not need this book to see grace in scripture, but the author, like a good friend, does an excellent job walking you through the concepts, questions, concerns, and the like.
Bruchko by Bruce Olson
I got up one day after having some quiet time with the Lord and went to go check my mail. As I opened my door there was a book at my feet. I picked it up. Bruchko. That was a strange title, and I had never heard of the author. I looked around, there was no note, or anything, just a book. Who would have just left it there? Despite all my curiosity I had no answers. I stepped back inside and began reading. After about six hours, I reached the end of the book and was left speechless (and hungry too, I hadn't stopped to eat). I had never read or heard anything like it. Bruchko is the story of Bruce Olson, who, at the age of nineteen had left home to evangelize a headhunting tribe in South America. This story isn't some missionary glorifying praise-athon. It's a powerful testimony to the power of God, and to the reward given to faithfulness. There's capture, torture, disease, parasites and such throughout the book, but the overpowering theme of the book is God's desire for the nations, and the importance of not only loving, but taking the time to truly understand the indigenous culture. Anyone remotely interested in missions, or if you know someone who is interested in missions, then I highly recommend that you read this book.
I got up one day after having some quiet time with the Lord and went to go check my mail. As I opened my door there was a book at my feet. I picked it up. Bruchko. That was a strange title, and I had never heard of the author. I looked around, there was no note, or anything, just a book. Who would have just left it there? Despite all my curiosity I had no answers. I stepped back inside and began reading. After about six hours, I reached the end of the book and was left speechless (and hungry too, I hadn't stopped to eat). I had never read or heard anything like it. Bruchko is the story of Bruce Olson, who, at the age of nineteen had left home to evangelize a headhunting tribe in South America. This story isn't some missionary glorifying praise-athon. It's a powerful testimony to the power of God, and to the reward given to faithfulness. There's capture, torture, disease, parasites and such throughout the book, but the overpowering theme of the book is God's desire for the nations, and the importance of not only loving, but taking the time to truly understand the indigenous culture. Anyone remotely interested in missions, or if you know someone who is interested in missions, then I highly recommend that you read this book.
The Hobbit by J. R. R. Tolkien
The Hobbit is one of my all time favorite stories. I love the fantasy genre, and the words that Tolkien uses in his writing are like masterful brushstrokes that paint a living and breathing picture. This is the first book by Tolkien that I ever read, and I can remember to this day the way his writing inspired my imagination, and tugged at my heart as the journey unfolded. If you find yourself hungry for adventure, and desperate for the unexpected, then swing by a bookstore and pick up this timeless classic.
"In a hole in the ground there lived a hobbit. Not a nasty, dirty, wet hole, filled with the ends of worms and an oozy smell, nor yet a dry, bare, sandy hole with nothing in it to sit down on or to eat: it was a hobbit-hole, and that means comfort."
The Hobbit is one of my all time favorite stories. I love the fantasy genre, and the words that Tolkien uses in his writing are like masterful brushstrokes that paint a living and breathing picture. This is the first book by Tolkien that I ever read, and I can remember to this day the way his writing inspired my imagination, and tugged at my heart as the journey unfolded. If you find yourself hungry for adventure, and desperate for the unexpected, then swing by a bookstore and pick up this timeless classic.
The Lion the Witch and the Wardrobe by C. S. Lewis
"A book worth reading ONLY in childhood is not worth reading even then."
-C.S. Lewis
This is the story of Calvary told in such a manner as to insight the imagination and to over flow the heart with thanksgiving. Truly C.S. Lewis took his above quote to heart when pouring fourth this story so many years ago. I would encourage any person of any age to pick up this book and read it. Whether you have read it a thousand times or none at all. It brings a fresh look at and re-simplifies the Gospel. I have seen the church try complicate the Gospel beyond the reaches of all but scholars and intellects, but I find this story as a beautiful proof that the message of the Cross is so simple and captivating, that it can be placed within a small children's book to be understood, appreciated, and accepted. Again, if it has been more than a few months since you've read it, you're long over due!
Mysterious Island by Jules Verne
As a child I really enjoyed reading Jules Verne's work. I read all of his well known works. Once I had finished all of those, I felt at a loss. Where would I find another book such as these? With a reluctant heart, I began the novel Mysterious Island, only to be drawn in more strongly than I had ever been pulled before. It is based on the true story of Alexander Selkirk, who survived alone for almost five years on an uninhabited island off the coast of Chile. It is about five men and a dog, that crash on an island and overcome great difficulty with the attitude that they are not castaways, but instead deem themselves colonists. What unfolds is, in my opinion, Jules Verne's masterpiece. I have recommended this book to many, and each person who takes my advice, has placed this book among their favorite. Even as I write this review, I have a copy on my Kindle that I have been working my way through at an alarming rate. For your great pleasure, I recommend you do the same.
As a child I really enjoyed reading Jules Verne's work. I read all of his well known works. Once I had finished all of those, I felt at a loss. Where would I find another book such as these? With a reluctant heart, I began the novel Mysterious Island, only to be drawn in more strongly than I had ever been pulled before. It is based on the true story of Alexander Selkirk, who survived alone for almost five years on an uninhabited island off the coast of Chile. It is about five men and a dog, that crash on an island and overcome great difficulty with the attitude that they are not castaways, but instead deem themselves colonists. What unfolds is, in my opinion, Jules Verne's masterpiece. I have recommended this book to many, and each person who takes my advice, has placed this book among their favorite. Even as I write this review, I have a copy on my Kindle that I have been working my way through at an alarming rate. For your great pleasure, I recommend you do the same.
Flatland by Edwin Abbott
Subtitled as A Romance of Many Dimensions, this book has become a staple in the literary diet of mathematicians, physicists, philosophers, and all around geeks. It is hailed as "the best introduction one can find in the manner of perceiving dimensions" by Isaac Asimov. Despite the highly academic audience of this book, it is actually a fun and thought provoking book that is to be appreciated by any and all people. Edwin Abbott was a school teacher, and in this book, he uses the social hierarchy of Victorian culture to present a foundation for understanding how a two dimensional world would perceive a three dimensional world, and from there your mind will allow you to slowly wrap your mind around what a 4D world would look like, and what would be possible there. This is not some boring text book, but rather a 100 page comedic, and enjoyable story with characters that will keep you thinking. Read this, it will stretch your mind.
The Pilgrim’s Progress by Paul Bunyan
What means this? The Interpreter answered, 'This is Christ, who continually with the oil of grace maintains the work already begun in the heart, by the means of which, notwithstanding what the Devil can do, the souls of his people prove gracious still. AND IN THAT THOU sawest that the man stood behind the wall to maintain the fire, this is to teach thee that it is hard for the tempted to see how this work of grace is maintained in the soul.
This is the story of a man named Christian, who meets many different kinds of people and travels through a great many places all to reach a place called the Celestial City. This book is widely considered to be one of the greatest allegorical works ever written, and I whole-heartedly agree. This is a must read, for any and all. It is an accurate and in depth illustration of the Christian life. It serves to teach and equip any reader to be prepared for the schemes of the enemy, and the pitfalls of sin. And most important of all, it teaches of the precious grace that has been so lovingly poured into those who choose to flee from the city of destruction.
Spiritual Leadership by J. Oswald Chambers
Do Hard Things by Alex and Brett Harris
Most people don't expect you to understand what we're going to tell you in this book. And even if you understand, they don't expect you to care. And even if you care, they don't expect you to do anything about it. And even if you do something about it, they don't expect it to last. We do.
-Alex and Brett Harris
I was given this book shortly after I arrived to Cambodia as I began spending time with some of the missionary kids on the team. I read it and was blown away. I was raised in a home where these things were expected, where I was expected to do hard things! And I am thankful for it! But I had never really come across other people in my generation who had a similar experience or even desired it. At least, not until I had read this book. The Harris brothers sound the war cry of a "rebel-ution" that my generation and those that follow are desperately in need of, whether they recognize it or not. This book is for every young person, read it and recognize the bondage of low expectations that this world has placed on you. This book is for every adult, read it and let it change you, change the way you interact with young people, and change what you expect of them. We must break free of the shackles the world has placed upon young people, we must break the deception the world has placed upon young people and the church.
A Walk Across America by Peter Jenkins
I read this book for summer reading in high school, and normally, assigned reading bores me as I grudgingly press through it. Not this time. This book was written by Peter Jenkins who walked from New York to New Orleans in the mid 1970's. We live in a country made of individuals that live individual lives, and few people have a big picture of "America". The desire to discover what America is, is what drove Peter to plan prepare and execute a life changing journey through America during a changing time in our history. It's a story he shares with his readers as he takes them back through the experiences that shaped his view not only of himself but also of his country. If you are an American, then this is a book for you. There are many things about my country's politics and practices that I am not proud of. But after having read this book, I feel more connected to my country, and I am grateful to have been born and raised in a land such as this, despite it's flaws.
I read this book for summer reading in high school, and normally, assigned reading bores me as I grudgingly press through it. Not this time. This book was written by Peter Jenkins who walked from New York to New Orleans in the mid 1970's. We live in a country made of individuals that live individual lives, and few people have a big picture of "America". The desire to discover what America is, is what drove Peter to plan prepare and execute a life changing journey through America during a changing time in our history. It's a story he shares with his readers as he takes them back through the experiences that shaped his view not only of himself but also of his country. If you are an American, then this is a book for you. There are many things about my country's politics and practices that I am not proud of. But after having read this book, I feel more connected to my country, and I am grateful to have been born and raised in a land such as this, despite it's flaws.
