Book Review Update

I've been terribly unfaithful at not only keeping my book reviews up to date but at even attempting to blog faithfully about anything.  For this I apologize and hope to keep as a discipline this useful tool.  In this blog I'm going to quickly let you know of a few books I've read over the past few months and maybe add a few comments as to catch up on my reviews:

Book #3 The Lamb & the Fuhrer by Ravi Zacharias

Book #4 The Lotus & the Cross by Ravi Zacharias

I have put these books together since they are a part of small collection of books Ravi uses to discuss various religious topics through the use of made up conversations between historical/religious figures and present day people.  A very interesting, down to earth way to communicate theological and gospel truths.  These books are very short (around 100 pages) and easy reads.

Book #5 John Calvin: His Life and Influence by Robert Reymond

Book #6 The Acceptable Sacrifice by John Bunyan

This book is part of the Puritan Classics series and is full of beautiful gems.  Bunyan uses Psalm 51: 17 as his principle text; "The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit, a broken and a contrite hear, O God, thou wilt not despise."  He urges the reader to seek after a broken heart that through this we are truly able to grow in our depth and love for God.  He offers the signs of a broken heart as well as why the heart must truly be broken and finishes with how to keep a broken heart.  Here are a few lines that I will take with me:

"The heart, as it is by nature hard, stupid, and impenetrable, so it remains, and so will remain, until God, as was said, bruiseth it with his hammer, and melts it with his fire."

"Therefore, I say, a broken heart is of great esteem with God; for it - and I will add, so long as it retains its tenderness - covets non but God, and the things of his Holy Spirit; sin is an abomination to it."

Book #7 Wild Goose Chase by Mark Batterson

This book is Batterson's latest although by the time I finished this he in turn is sending his latest book off to his publisher for final critique which is a good thing for Mark writes with a clean and easy approach on inspiring subjects.  This book derives its title from the name the Celtic Christians gave to the Holy Spirit calling Him the Wild Goose.  Mark takes this theme and is off to the races compelling us to not cage in the work of the Holy Spirit in our lives to a cage of expectation but to open our minds and hearts to all that God has in store for the adventure of our lives.  Mark's writing style is easy to read since he weaves personal story so well with creative thought on a certain idea.  My main take away from this book is that when I start assuming things for my life and ministry is most likely the moment I begin to stifle all that God has in store for me.  I should never assume things when my faith and hope is in Christ and the work of the Holy Spirit and when I rest on this foundation my life will be full of broken assumptions and impractical thoughts carried on to fruition.

More to come later...