Beacon2Light

2023-04-06T12:28:00.001-04:00

From Abuse to a Single-Mother Home to the US Senate: An American Redemption Story

Sen. Scott's speech, above all the others at the GOP nomination convention of 2020, made me think with surprise and admiration, "He almost persuaded me to be a Trump supporter!" That is the tact and persuasive power of this man. That and other things that I had heard in the news made me want to read his book by someone exploring a candidacy for President of the United States.

Sen. Tim Scott's America, A Redemption Story is my favorite book by a political leader to date. In it, he shows that he is able to recognize the racial tensions and difficulties in our country while acknowledging and celebrating the progress gained over our history. From his family's experiences, he aptly demonstrates how much America has changed toward redemption from his grandfather's years to his mother's and then to his own experience and beyond. Scott's glimpses at his own history as well as the nation's, shown in spotlights on specific moments and times gives the reader hope for America to become a more perfect union. He is civil at a time when being civil is not in vogue. He is a man to watch in the 2024 race and beyond. His is a voice that we need to hear. I heartily recommend this book whatever your political persuasion.

My review on Amazon.com

Buy the book

Additional links:

Charleston shooting at church prayer meeting left 9 dead

Charleston Shooting Survivors Open Up About the Power of Forgiveness

2023-02-05T21:57:00.006-05:00

For Pastors Who Struggle with Criticism, This Book is For You

Pastors and Their Critics is a well-thought out, well-rounded treatment on criticism that is directed at pastors. If one were to judge the book simply by its cover, they would come to the conclusion that it sides with the pastor vs. any and all critics. This is simply not so.

The authors begin with criticisms leveled at Old Testament heroes. This is a good study in what leading Old Testament figures dealt with in the area of criticism. Moses, David, and Nehemiah are all examined. But before them, the authors show that even God was criticized.

Then the work moves to criticisms leveled at Christ. His reactions include silence, meekness and even the calling out of injustice. This is a great summary of what Christ went through and how it applies to us who are criticized.

Principles are given to cope with criticism. In this the reader sees that the authors deal with both fair and unfair criticism. It is pointed out that there are benefits to being criticized and that sometimes even from an attack, there are things that can be learned from the critic.

The authors then encourage a culture of constructive criticism within the church. This is an environment in which the critic does so while communicating obvious love and concern for the one criticized. How to deliver constructive criticism as well as how to receive it are gone over.

The book ends with a theological view of critics and criticism. The authors encourage the criticized to continue to work for the Lord’s glory and not one’s own. And in that spirit, the reader is pointed to the glories to come.

I couldn’t recommend this book more. If you are a pastor, get this book and read it and consider what it has to say. I won’t be loaning my copy out as I have thoroughly marked it up and will be reminding myself of its counsel in the future. If you are not a pastor but you know and want to encourage someone who is, then get them this book. Don’t wait for pastor appreciation day in October or your pastor’s birthday or their anniversary at your church. Get it for them now and surprise them with it and include a card letting them know you love them, you’ve got their backs in prayer and include my review, if you wish.

Buy a copy:

From PRPBooks $12.00*

On Amazon Kindle $9.99*

On Christianbook.com $12.49*

*Prices are from the time of posting

Coping With Criticism - Dr Joel Beeke

A Life Transformed after a Suicide Attempt

2023-01-10T23:25:00.000-05:00

Kristen Jane Anderson had a good home. Her experiences were happy until things began to seriously unravel in her teen years. Her grandmom had passed away, her father was diagnosed with depression, a friend committed suicide and then she was raped. Life just didn't seem worth living anymore. Kristen wanted out and her way out seemed to be suicide by train. Her life would be no longer than 17 years. But God had other plans.

Inexplicably, Kristen survived! Though her bodily trauma now matched, if not exceeded, her mental trauma, she was still alive. At first, this was not a happy result. To Kristen, her mental anguish was now compounded by physical disability. How would she live without her legs!

Through many ups and downs, surgeries, professionals of every stripe, Kristen came out of this stronger and happier. Eventually, she came to see the losing of her legs as what God used to draw her to Himself and a life that had meaning and purpose. Increasingly, that purpose was to share her testimony, giving hope and help to others struggling with suicidal thoughts, depression or hopelessness.

When you read this story, I am sure you will see the hand of God on Kristen. Not only was He not letting her go, but He was also preparing her for something better. Read this book. You will not regret it.

Kristen's ministry page: Reaching You Ministries

On Facebook: Kristen Jane Anderson and Reaching You Ministries

Oprah Winfrey Interview - Kristen Jane Anderson

Kristen on a Billy Graham Telecast

A Gay Man’s Journey to Jesus

2020-04-11T11:08:00.000-04:00

One of the ways the Church is failing is in having an ongoing, positive yet biblical relationship with friends, relatives and acquaintances who identify as LGBTQ. Believers in Jesus seem to fall into one of two extremes: either to join in the celebration of that which the Bible obviously doesn’t celebrate or to withdraw in revulsion, contempt and judgment. I think the Jesus way is yet a third option. I believe that Becket Cook’s A Change of Affection helps Bible-believing Christians to choose that third way.

I came across an interview with Becket Cook while viewing something else on YouTube. Immediately, I was drawn to the interview. After listening to Cook, I decided that this book was one of those I wanted to read to help me be a more caring, understanding and yet biblical Christian in relation to those I know and care about who identify as LGBTQ.

In the book, Cook recounts his life. He goes into his raising and early experiences that he believes helped shape him into the man he was. A “chance” encounter with a Christian group at a coffee shop led to an invitation that brought on a transformation in his person and thinking regarding Christ, the Church and identifying as a gay man.

Becket became a new man in Christ. The old was gone and the new had come. He felt the need to inform his friends and got various reactions. Cook became a witness for Christ and the new life he had in Him. It even resulted in him going back to school.

Toward the end of the book, Becket seeks to help others in their relationships with those who identify as LGBTQ. He emphasizes speaking the truth in love and shows what the Bible has to say on the subject. Personal examples of how parents and loved ones dealt with a child or relative who came out he utilizes to urge Christians toward love, grace and truth.

Becket Cook doesn’t claim to have all the answers. He states that though his early experiences led to his homosexuality, he avoids saying that it is a cookie cutter matter. In the end, he exhorts the Church to cling to truth, to cling to love and to cling to Christ. It is what brought him out of darkness and into Christ’s marvelous light, as he would see it.

The book trailer

Buy on Amazon

Buy on Christian Book Distributors

His appearance at Biola University

Free Holiday E-book from Family Life (Ministry of Cru), Daily Advent Devotionals

2018-11-28T08:52:00.003-05:00

Prepare for the Christmas season

With useful tips and ideas, biblical reminders, and encouragement to view Christmas from a heavenly perspective, Celebrate Christmas covers a wide range of topics to help you prepare for the Christmas season, including:
Managing expectations
Dealing with in-laws/extended family
Offering hope for those who grieve at Christmas
Reducing (or avoiding!) holiday stressors
Finding ways to serve Jesus by serving others
And more

This Christmas season, spend time with your family and loved ones focusing on what’s important—worshiping the Savior, helping others, and enjoying the blessings God has given you.

Celebrate Christmas, a free e-book from Family Life

Advent Devotional

Come, Let Us Adore Him: A Daily Advent Devotional

Kindle Edition
$9.17

Hardcover

$16.19

The Dawning of Indestructible Joy: Daily Readings for Advent

Kindle Edition $3.99 Paperback $7.99

by John Piper

Puerto Rico Needs an Apology, a Huge Investment in Help and a Reason to Believe This Will Never Be Our Response Again

2018-09-19T10:32:00.001-04:00

While areas of Texas and Florida impacted by hurricanes were back on their feet within weeks to a few months, Puerto Rico still languishes a year later. Surely a superpower of our abilities could have done better regardless of the logistics of handling a crisis on the island. Thankfully, there were many who helped. Below you will see some of those described.

I would also encourage you to pay attention to the areas recently impacted by Hurricane Florence. Here is the page from Samaritan's Purse if you would like to help.

Puerto Rico revisited, nearly one year after the hurricane

Puerto Rico: 3,000 Churches Damaged, Fewer Christians Left to Rebuild
Attendance drops as 400,000 island residents move to the mainland.

Christian Aid Ministries

Samaritan’s Purse Provides Aid to 351,000 Hurricane Maria Victims in Puerto Rico (Press Release)

FCA SERVES PUERTO RICO WITH HURRICANE MARIA RELIEF

When disaster hit Puerto Rico, Ricky Ufret engaged FCA in helping bring relief and clean drinking water to coaches, athletes and their communities.

Help! My Church’s First-time Visitors Aren’t Coming Back for Future Visits

2018-06-07T16:55:00.000-04:00

If the title of this review is the lament of your church, then this book is for you and help is on the way. Thom Rainer, president and CEO of LifeWay Christian Resources, wrote this book based on information received from hundreds of first-time guests who visited Bible-believing churches. He asked why the guests didn’t return after their first visit. Rainer then listed their top ten responses. This book is a wake-up call to churches who feel that they are friendly churches but may not realize that a first-time visitor may draw the opposite conclusion. This book will help churches see things from the viewpoint of a first-time visitor and improve your church’s appeal to those looking for a house of worship to make their spiritual home.

Did you know that opting out of a certain method of getting your name out there or doing it poorly may result in your church not even getting a chance at 7 out of 10 potential visitors? In other words, a large majority of visitors may not even consider your church to begin with. Isn’t that bit of wisdom worth the price of this book alone?

I have read and reviewed various books by Thom Rainer. I Am a Church Member and Becoming a Welcoming Church are my favorites. Feel free to read my reviews of the following Rainer books also, if you would like:

I Am a Church Member

I Will

Autopsy of a Deceased Church

Who Moved My Pulpit

@davidmschroeder with BH Publishing Group provided me with a free copy of this book for an honest review.

Find this book and others at BHPublishingGroup.com @bhpub

Buy in kindle or hardcover from Amazon

My Review on Amazon. Click on the hyperlinked Beacon2Light to see more of my 69 reviews.

Ingenuity, Daring and More Than a Few Good Men Helped to Win the War of Independence: a Book Review

2018-05-03T22:35:00.001-04:00

Angels in the Sky: How a Band of Volunteer Airmen Saved the New State of Israel is a great book I would recommend. If you love history, love Israel and marvel at the miracle of the Jewish nation’s rebirth and successful fight for survival, this book is for you. It is an especially appropriate read as we near the 70th anniversary of Israel’s independence.

It was only a few years after the Holocaust when the Jews declared their independence on May 14, 1948. The modern state of Israel was born. However, five neighbors were determined to defeat the new country and the balances were weighed heavily against her. One of the reasons for this was that each of those nations had well-equipped militaries while Israel did not and international law forbade the importation of arms and able bodied men into the area of conflict. However, Jews and Gentiles, many of whom fought in World War II, volunteered to be the fledgling air force of the new Jewish state. Amazing efforts were brought to bear to find Jewish pilots around the world who were willing to commit to service despite it being against their nations’ laws to do so. Among these were many Americans, Canadians, South Africans and more.

The new Jewish state had shrewd operators in the world of business and intelligence working covertly for Israel in a world-wide search to recruit pilots, find and purchase planes, move them, refurbish them and get them to Israel. This is the story of the ups and downs of those efforts, the triumphs and the tragedies, and the twists and the turns. Some of these men died in training, others were jailed and still others became heroes of what would become the Israeli Air Force. This is their story. It is a fascinating read that I think you will thoroughly enjoy.

My review on Amazon

Supplemental Reading:

www.jewishvirtuallibrary.org/israeli-war-of-independence

Pardoned American served Israel in 1948
By JTA Staff February 28, 2001

... he was a U.S. felon, convicted for his role in smuggling airplanes from the United States to Israel as it fought its War of Independence in 1948.

Now, a half-century after his conviction, Schwimmer has been exonerated, one of the many pardons granted by President Clinton on his last days in office.

George W. Bush pardons man who helped Israel in war of independence
In a gesture of forgiveness for an American considered a hero in Israel, President George W Bush on Tuesday granted a pardon posthumously to a man who broke the law to supply aircraft to Jews fighting in Israel's 1948 war of independence.

Websightings: Free and Great Priced E-books

2018-03-21T16:31:00.000-04:00

Free Warren Wiersbe's Exodus from his Bible study series

Amazon

also on Google Play, iBooks, Barnes and Noble, Christianbook and Faithlife

Jim Burns and Doug Fields' Getting Ready for Marriage for $2.99

Amazon

also on Google Play, iBooks, Barnes and Noble, Christianbook and Faithlife

It's Not My Fault: The No-Excuse Plan for Overcoming Life's Obstacles for $4.99

Amazon

also in hardcover from as low as 25 cents

Life and Times of Jesus the Messiah for 99 cents

Amazon

Note: look for other Edersheim works for 99 cents when you click on the link

Billy Graham: Biographies, articles of note, Billy Graham library and his memorial service

2018-03-02T09:37:00.003-05:00

Billy Graham: A guidestar for preachers, as well as millions of followers

by ALEX JOHNSON and PHIL MCCAUSLAND

America's Pastor: Billy Graham and the Shaping of a Nation by Dr. Grant Wacker, Duke Divinity School

Just As I Am: The Autobiography of Billy Graham
by Billy Graham

I read this after I borrowed it from our local library years ago. It is a very good read.

The Billy Graham Library

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.'s invocation at Madison Square Garden Crusade in 1957

Russell Moore on Billy Graham's Life and Influence

A Farewell to Billy Graham, pt. 1 of his memorial service (above)

A Farewell to Billy Graham, pt. 2 of his memorial service (above)

Go inside the story of an unlikely messenger who touched the world with the message of Christ. "Billy Graham: An Extraordinary Journey" airs Sunday, March 4 at 7 p.m. ET on Fox.

Valentine Deals and Ideas

2018-02-13T13:25:00.002-05:00

$1.99
Amazon
Barnes and Noble
iBooks
Christianbook.com

Even though he was born without arms or legs, Nick Vujicic created a "ridiculously good life." But after dating disappointments and a failed relationship, he reached his mid-twenties worried that he would never find a woman to love him and share his life. Then Nick met Kanae and everything changed. But even with undeniable chemistry, they would have to navigate twists and turns worthy of a romantic comedy before becoming "one" in marriage. In Love Without Limits Nick and Kanae tell how they improbably found each other, fell in love, and then fought to overcome skepticism from others about their relationship. Filled with practical insights that will benefit any couple, this inspiring book describes a godly courtship and the early years of the Vujicics' marriage and parenting journey.

$1.99
Amazon
Barnes and Noble
iBooks
Christianbook.com

With astonishing vulnerability that engages readers from the first page, John and Stasi Eldredge openly discuss their own marriage and the breakthroughs they have won from the challenges they've faced. Each talks to the reader about what he and she have learned, providing a balance between male and female perspectives that has been absent from previous books on this topic.

Valentine Kids' Crafts

Valentine Treat Ideas

Valentine's Day E-cards

Great Deals on Commentaries and Other Christian E-Books

2017-09-14T15:38:00.000-04:00

Logos Free book of the month: The NIV Application Commentary on Mark. (currently $22.99 on Kindle)

Logos also allows you to add on Job at $1.99 in the same series and/or 1 Peter for $2.99

I Will Follow You, O God: Embracing Him as Lord in Your Private Worship

Kindle Edition

by Jerry Bridges $1.99

also in iBooks, Barnes and Noble and Christianbook.com

Battling UnbeliefJohn Piper
Kindle edition for $1.99

No one sins out of duty. We sin because it offers some promise of happiness. That promise enslaves us, until we believe that God is more desirable than life itself (Psalm 63:3). Only the power of God’s superior promises in the gospel can emancipate our hearts from servitude to the shallow promises and fleeting pleasures of sin.

Delighting in the bounty of God’s glorious gospel promises will free us for a less sin-encumbered life, to the glory of Christ. Rooted in solid biblical reflection, this book aims to help guide you through the battles to the joys of victory by the power of the gospel and its superior pleasure.

also in iBooks, Barnes and Noble and Christianbook.com

Brothers, We Are Not Professionals: A Plea to Pastors for Radical Ministry, Updated and Expanded Edition

Kindle Edition $2.99
by John Piper

The Insanity of Obedience: Walking with Jesus in Tough Places
Kindle Edition $2.99
by Nik Ripken

Darwin on Trial Kindle Edition $1.99
by Phillip E. Johnson

Hurricane Harvey Charity Links

2017-08-29T15:45:00.002-04:00

The American Red Cross

Click here to donate online

To donate by check or to a specific cause, please complete this donation form by printing and mailing to:

American Red Cross
PO Box 37839
Boone, IA 50037-0839

To donate by phone or to get assistance with your donation, please contact them at 1-800-HELP NOW (1-800-435-7669).

You can also reach them at:
Español: 1-800-435-7669
TDD Operator: 1-800-220-4095

Samaritan's Purse

click here to donate online

From the ministry site: Hurricane Harvey, a devastating Category 4 storm, hit the Texas coast on August 25. Many areas were battered, and Houston is experiencing catastrophic flooding. As waters recede, Samaritan's Purse U.S. Disaster Relief teams will fan out across affected areas and bring relief to homeowners in Jesus' Name. Specifically, our volunteers will tarp roofs, cut trees, and perform mud-outs—tearing out waterlogged walls and flooring and taking damaged belongings to the curb. Please keep families in Houston and along the Texas coast in your prayers.

Thanks to the Houston Press for this list of local food banks in Texas

Houston Food Bank
832-369-9390
houstonfoodbank.org

Galveston Food Bank
409-945-4232
galvestoncountyfoodbank.org

Food Bank of the Golden Crescent (Victoria)
361-578-0591
victoriafoodbank.org
Closed Friday

Corpus Christi Food Bank
361-887-6291
foodbankcc.com

Southeast Texas Food Bank (Beaumont)
409-839-8777
setxfoodbank.org

Food Bank of the Rio Grande Valley (Pharr)
956-682-8101
foodbankrgv.com

Brazos Valley Food Bank (Bryan)
979-779-3663
bvfb.org

Central Texas Food Bank (Austin)
512-282-2111
centraltexasfoodbank.org

San Antonio Food Bank
210-337-3663
safoodbank.org

For more information on all of these food banks head to feedingtexas.org.

Note: if you have any information on how churches in Texas and beyond are helping with the relief effort, please comment and/or leave that information.

Perhaps you would also like to leave a public prayer attached so that we all may join together in a virtual prayer meeting for those impacted by Hurricane Harvey.

Whether you can give, would you consider passing this information along by sharing it on social media or in any form you feel appropriate? Thank you.

The Rage Against God: How a Former Atheist Came to Jesus

2017-08-18T08:56:00.001-04:00

$8.99 Kindle version
$9.29 paperback CBD

The Rage Against God by Peter Hitchens is a book by the brother of leading atheist Christopher Hitchens. In it, he describes his religious upbringing and his turn from the Christian faith to atheism. Instead of the doctrines and dogmas of Christianity, Hitchens latches onto some secular idols. From there he traces his journey from having those idols fail him while finding his way, grudgingly, back to the Christian fold.

With new-found eyes, Hitchens details his attitudes and behaviors while an atheist. He spares no judgment of his former self. His self-criticism is as sharp as was his tongue against anyone who espoused Christian faith.

One of the saddest parts of the book is where he gives his assessment of Christopher ever becoming a Christian. He recalls opportunities to debate his brother and people wanting them to go after each other viciously. However, a few days before, a decision and subsequent time together changed the tone of that debate. While that worked out, Peter gives the reader the reason he believes it unlikely Christopher will ever come to Christ. Note that Christopher Hitchens died in 2011, the year after this manuscript was first published. Christopher's son gave an account to a British journalist that he had indeed held onto his atheism until his last breath.

This book will help readers understand atheists, including those who are the hate-filled and angry at God variety. It will give you hope that God is seeking to save the lost even among the God-deniers. After engaging atheists, Christians may walk away wondering why they should bother. Peter Hitchens is a living, breathing example of why believers shouldn’t give up on their atheist friends and acquaintances.

Christopher Hitchens and Peter Hitchens: Brothers debate God and War (2008)

This review as it appears on Amazon

Kindle Book Deals (Check out other retailers to see if offer applies there too)

2017-08-02T14:08:00.001-04:00

Be Decisive

by Warren Wiersbe

This commentary on Jeremiah is free on Kindle

A Life for Christ: What the Normal Christian Life Should Look Like

D.L. Moody
free on Kindle

The Truth about Forgiveness
by John MacArthur
$1.99

4 books in one for $1.99
John MacArthur

Kindle Book Deals on Overcoming Lust and Sex Addiction, the Life Story of Keith Green, How We are Fearfully and Wonderfully Made, Free E-Cards for Dad

2017-06-15T19:01:00.001-04:00

Life After Lust

free kindle edition

Recovery from sexual addiction is difficult, possible, and worth the effort. Forest knows. He’s been there. Once shackled by shame and secrecy, sex addiction therapist Forest Benedict writes candidly about his personal recovery journey, sharing many science-based strategies for successful recovery. Life After Lust provides a clear recovery roadmap for men and women ready to embark on the heroic path from pain to purpose. All who seek a renewed vision for recovery will find help and hope within the pages of this book.

No Compromise: the Life Story of Keith Green

$1.99 on kindle

He was only twenty-eight when he died in a plane crash with two of his small children, but singer/songwriter Keith Green had already created a legacy of music and inspiration that would outlive him. A spiritual revolutionary, he found freedom through Jesus, not religion, and spent his last years convincing others to refuse to accept the status quo and instead to bring compassion and honesty back to the church. He touched people through vibrant lyrics in songs like "Your Love Broke Through," "You Put This Love In My Heart," and "Asleep In The Light." Last Days Ministries, which he and his wife Melody founded, went on to challenge thousands of people to take to the mission fields of the world. Now, on the 25th anniversary of his death, Melody has updated her husband's biography with new photos, essays from current musicians who were influenced by Keith, selections from Keith's private journal, and stories about what it was like raising their two remaining children on her own.

Fearfully and Wonderfully Made

Kindle Edition

by Philip Yancey (Author), Paul Brand (Author)

99 cents on the Kindle

Mysterious, intricate, pulsing with energy...The human body is an endlessly fascinating repository of secrets. The miracle of the skin, the strength and structure of the bones, the dynamic balance of the muscles . . .your physical being is knit according to a pattern of incredible purpose. In Fearfully and Wonderfully Made, renowned surgeon Dr. Paul Brand and best-selling writer Philip Yancey explore the human body. Join them in a remarkable journey through inner space -- a spellbinding world of cells, systems, and chemistry that bears the impress of a still deeper, unseen reality. This Gold medallion Award-winning book uncovers eternal statements that God has made in the very structure of our bodies, presenting captivating insights into the Body of Christ.

Say thank you to your Dad this Father's day. You can now schedule and send free e-cards from Believers4ever

Family Life Broadcasts for Dads

Being a Strong, Effective Father
Air Date: June 12, 2017

What kind of dad are you? Learn principles for being a strong, effective father from Voddie Baucham, Robert Lewis, David Jeremiah, and Dr. Meg Meeker.

That’s What Dads Do
Air Date: June 13, 2017

Pushing through and doing hard things can make the biggest impact on your kids. “That’s what Dads do.” Find out more from Steve Farrar, Roland Warren, Ron Deal, R.V. Brown and Ben Rainey.

Rawhide Down: How We Almost Lost Yet Another President to An Assassin's Bullet

2017-05-23T23:20:00.001-04:00

(photo credit: Ron Edmonds/AP)

From a young age, I was attracted to politics. I remember rooting for Gerald Ford vs. Carter while still in elementary school. I remember Carter crying at his loss to Reagan. And even though I couldn’t vote for Reagan in either 1980 or 1984, I was a supporter so to speak. In fact, I joined the Army Reserve partly due to patriotism, a spirit that Reagan seemed to help stir up during his presidency.

Del Quentin Wilber’s book informed me about things regarding this attempt on Reagan’s life and his presidency that I did not know. I remember the attempt on his life but I had no idea how close we came to losing him until reading this book. Also, I was shocked to see how close that attempt was to the assassination of J.F.K. I recalled that James Brady was forever changed by the bullet that struck his brain, however, Rawhide Down goes into details about his injuries and how that evolved into the controversial Brady Bill. Reagan was transformative as a president but it didn’t occur to me how much public goodwill he earned as a result of this horrible day in his life and in the life of the nation.

Reagan’s demeanor in the hours, days and weeks after he was shot surprised, pleased and inspired a nation that was relieved that they did not lose yet another president to an assassin’s bullet. It is quite likely, as Wilber recounts in his book, that Reagan wouldn’t have been as successful or as popular as he was if it weren’t for Hinckley’s actions. I guess it could be said, what Hinckley meant for evil, God used it for good in Reagan’s presidency.

Speaking of God, both Reagan and the Secret Service agent in charge that day felt that God had a purpose. Read what Reagan thought that purpose was and how he sought to change the world thereby. Also, read how an agent found renewed purpose for his life after retirement borne out of this life-transforming experience.

I would highly recommend this book to anyone interested in politics or history. Whether the reader likes Reagan, loathes him or even has a grudging respect for him, this book is a good read. I trust each one who reads it will be grateful that Reagan is not remembered as yet another president lost to an assassin.

My review on Amazon

WebSightings: How to Kill Your Church; Millennials, the Church and Ethics; There's an App for That; Worst Famine Since WWII, etc.

2017-05-16T07:27:00.001-04:00

Church Members, Here Are 10 Ways to KILL Your Church
By Tejado Hanchell
-May 8, 2017

Ravi Zacharias: Millennials Have Abandoned the Church and Christian Sexual Ethics to Seek Answers and Fulfillment—They Have Found Neither
By Megan Briggs
-May 15, 2017

East Africa famine: worst humanitarian crisis since World War II

20 million stand at risk of starvation in Nigeria, Somalia, South Sudan, and Yemen

Samaritan's Purse Delivers Food to Many in Famine-Stricken South Sudan

FEBRUARY 21, 2017 • SOUTH SUDAN

10 Christian Apps

Forgiving the Past, Embracing the Future

In a discussion based on her book Forgive, Let Go and Live, best-selling author Deborah Smith Pegues explains what forgiveness is and isn't, and highlights the rewards of having a forgiving spirit. She offers practical suggestions for going through the process of forgiveness.

Christian E-book Deals: Fiction, Marriage, Bible Study, Prayer, Defense of the Faith, Teens

2017-05-11T14:55:00.000-04:00

Frank Peretti's Illusion

$1.99 Amazon Kindle

The Argument Free Marriage

$2.99 on Kindle

30 Days to Understand the Bible

$1.99 on Kindle

7 Prayers That Will Change Your Life Forever

$1.99

Stormie Omartian

Fight: Winning the Battles That Matter Most

$2.99

Case for Christ: The Student Edition

99 cents

E-book Deals: Christian biographies, Muslim converted to Christ, Christian growth and devotionals

2017-04-25T11:40:00.001-04:00

Seeking Allah, Finding Jesus

$2.99 on Amazon

A Shiver of Wonder: A Life of C.S. Lewis

by Dereck Bingham

99 cents on Amazon

The Autobiography of George Muller

99 cents on Amazon

Experiencing the Cross
by Henry Blackaby

$1.99

Amazon

Jesus Christ died not so that you would recognize a historical fact. Or memorize a particular doctrine. Or continue with life as is. No, Christ’s death was God’ s decisive deed in your life, conquering sin once and for all. The cross beckons you every day, with power to transform every detail of your existence as you begin to see Calvary from God’s perspective.

Henry Blackaby leads you on an exploration through the deeper dimensions of the cross, ensuring that the further you go, the more you will:

- Deal radically and completely with sin
- Embrace a true and lasting union with Christ
- Experience the fullness and reality of His victory in your life
- And much more

Will you yield to God’s provision in His cross? Will you receive the power and presence of Jesus Christ? Will you dare to experience the cross?

also available on Barnes and Noble, iBooks, Christianbook.com

The Man God Uses

by Henry and Tom Blackaby

99 cents Amazon

Experiencing God Day by Dav devotional
Richard Blackaby

99 cents on Amazon

A Seminar in a Book, Only Better

2017-03-21T11:35:00.000-04:00

If you are a pastor or a church leader, chances are that you have been to your share of seminars. Like me, you may have come away either thinking, “This will never work with my congregation” or thinking that it will but the reception and/or the results were less than stellar. Who Moved My Pulpit is different. This is stuff that you can use.

Book trailer:

Tom Rainer is president and CEO of Lifeway Christian resources. For a number of years, he has researched the Church and provided the Church with important data and insight. Part of his valuable experience is as a pastor. He is one of us, church leaders; not a know-it-all outsider.

In this easy-to-read book, you will find great information. It may help you to avoid common pitfalls in leading change. Motivating, insightful and practical is how I would describe it. I would highly recommend it.

Get a sample download here

@ThomRainer

#WhoMovedMyPulpit

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For What It's Worth: When God Says No (1 Chronicles 17)

2017-02-15T19:04:00.001-05:00

Note; For What It's Worth is the title of my devotional thoughts from biblical texts. It is helpful to read the text first, then this devotional thought. See 1 Chronicles 17.

What do you do when God says, "No"?

We cannot help but have a reaction. What is your reaction?

Sadness?

Anger?

Disappointment?

A loss of faith?

King David wanted to build God a temple. It only made sense. I mean, he lived in a palace made of cedar. Shouldn't God "live" in something at least as grand?

You ever notice what you want always makes sense to you? You have a desire to have this thing come to pass, this path cleared, this thing realized. Then you submit your plans to God expecting that cosmic seal of approval and you get a "No."

I'm sorry, God, DID you say, "No"?

While your disappointment, sadness or even anger make sense to you, it is helpful to know the rest of King David's story. Though God told him, "No," He gave David something better. This is where you and I often miss out. Being so blinded by our emotional letdown, you and I can fail to see that God's noes often lead to His yeses. Is that even good English? Feel free to look it up yourself.

After God told David, "No," He told him the BETTER plans that He had for the king. It involved David's past: where God had taken David. It involved his present: yes, that confusion he felt at God's answer. Even more importantly, it involved David's future; what God would do for him and for his offspring.

First, David's past: where had God taken David? The LORD stated He had taken David from tending sheep and made him ruler over God's people, Israel. When you face your disappointment at God's, "No," remember where God has taken you thus far. Don't despair, your life is filled with God's provision, direction and sustaining grace; you just need to open your eyes again to it.

Confusion at God's "No" is a place of significance for you. It reminds you that He is God and you are not. David acknowledges this in his response in v. 20.

There is no one like you, O LORD, and there is no God but you.

It is not my will be done but "Your will be done, O God." God's "No" is a place of humility. How refreshing and soul-refining is His "No" no matter how you or I may feel about it in the immediate.

In the context of God's "No," David's future was in full view. "Not that way, my child, this way instead." God promised a great name for David (v. 8).

One of the reasons we don't like God's "No" is that we want a name for ourselves. That search for significance runs the gamut from extreme pride and self-promotion to what I think God hard-wired in all of us which is a desire to make a difference. Even though God said "No" to David's chosen path of legacy, He showed David what his legacy would be and it was indeed better.

God's "No" is not Him saying that you are not good enough.

It is not God communicating that you have failed too often or in too spectacular a way for Him to use you.

His love has not been removed or has He forgotten you.

No, God's "No" is simply Him giving you HIS BEST for you.

Please take a moment and reflect upon this devotional and the text in context of your "No" from God. I hope that it will help you see where God has taken you thus far and how His "No" can release you to experience the joy of His even better "Yes" to come.

New International Version (NIV)

Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

If Only More Political-Historical Books Were Written Like This

2016-12-13T20:55:00.002-05:00

We The People by Juan Williams is an excellent read. Although I am politically conservative leaning, I have a lot of respect for Juan Williams. I find him to be a good and decent liberal voice. From the years of watching Fox News, I recall him as someone who always seemed respectful even in disagreement.

What makes this book different from other political books is that Mr. Williams does not profile just palatable leaders of the modern day. Read a book today from a conservative and you will get a book that gives positive remarks and space to fellow conservatives. The same with a liberal or progressive book’s treatment of fellow liberals. If such volumes cover someone from the other side of the aisle it is nothing more than a blistering attack ad of about 150-300 pages. Not so with Juan Williams.

He chose important characters from our modern era from both the left and the right. The reader will find those with whom they strongly agree and those with whom they strongly disagree. Often enough, Williams leaves the reader to be the judge of the personalities’ contributions to the nation.

I think you will enjoy this book for a number of reasons. It traces the history of various movements and its central characters who were leaders in each movement. As a reader, you will come away more informed. If you are a conservative, like me, you will gain some perspective on the heroes of the left. A liberal? Then you will gain perspective on some heroes on the right. In what has too often been a good vs. evil, talking over one another, poor excuse for public discourse world that we have all lived in, Juan Williams presents another, and I believe better, way.

I received this book from Blogging for Books for this review.

Advent Devotional; 50 Years Later Joni Talks of On-going Struggles,Conference Responds to Radical Cultural Shift, NT Wright Provides Encouragement to Small Churches

2016-12-01T23:57:00.001-05:00

Advent Devotiona l

by Erik Segalini

50 Years Later--Joni Eareckson Tada Talks of On-Going Struggles
post by Heather Sells

After almost 50 years in a wheelchair, Christian author and speaker Joni Eareckson Tada says getting up in the morning is still difficult. "Every single morning when I wake up I need Jesus so badly."

Conference responds to radical cultural shift
By Andrew Symes, Anglican Mainstream.

Is it really true that Jesus had no opinion about homosexual practice? Can we be sure that the children of same sex couples suffer no disadvantages from their parents’ lifestyles and ideologies? Is ‘transgender’ mainly about individuals who need compassion, or an altering of reality for all of us? Should Christians spend time analyzing and countering the effects of the sexual revolution, or does this detract from ‘Gospel ministry? These were some of the questions being asked at “The New Normal”, a conference organized by Christian Concern which took place at the Emmanuel Centre, London on 11/12 November.

A Biblical Resource for Those Who Suffer: My Review of The Beyond Suffering Bible

2016-11-29T16:31:00.000-05:00

The Beyond Suffering Bible is a great tool for Bible study and devotions. While light on theology, it majors on applying the Bible to life, specifically a life that is challenged by suffering, both long and short-term. What makes this Bible so unique and powerful is that it comes from those who have suffered; it is a project of Joni and Friends’ Christian Institute on Disability. A familiar friend on the road of suffering, Joni Eareckson Tada, contributed to the study Bible as well as wrote the introduction.

This resource follows familiar patterns yet is markedly different from other study Bibles. There is an introduction to each book. However, there are no outlines. Throughout are “connections” which are points of application. Profiles of various individuals are found inside, three of my favorites being the prophet Jonah, a man named Eliot with cerebral palsy and Doug Mazza. The reader will discover one page devotionals scattered throughout the text of the study Bible. In addition, there are 10 reading plans, a topical index and a list of recommended resources. As with other good study Bibles, there are several maps in the back. One will also find a section in the back for note-taking.

The text of The Beyond Suffering Bible is the New Living Translation. As a reader, if you are into the word for word translation found in versions such as the KJV, NKJV, NASB and the ESV, then this translation will not be of interest, though the material inside may make you forgive the translation choice. However, if you struggle with reading the Bible and you haven’t been exposed to the NLT, then give this translation a chance. You may very well love it.

I like this Bible. Already, I have made a decision after having read it. In response to a challenge contained therein to include those with disabilities in ministry, I am allowing an autistic teen to use his love of singing and bold calling out of song requests in our Awana program to help lead those songs on Friday nights with us.

This Bible could very well be an answer to your prayers and a faithful companion on your journey through life and suffering. If you aren’t suffering, you most definitely know someone who does and this would make a great gift or a resource to help you to help them.

In rating this Bible I would give it the following:

For uniqueness in content: 5

For normal good Study Bible content: 3

For the power to change lives: 5

For translation decision: 2

Overall, I would round that up to a 4 out of 5 stars.

Beacon2Light

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For What It's Worth: When God Says No (1 Chronicles 17)

If Only More Political-Historical Books Were Written Like This

Advent Devotional; 50 Years Later Joni Talks of On-going Struggles,Conference Responds to Radical Cultural Shift, NT Wright Provides Encouragement to Small Churches

A Biblical Resource for Those Who Suffer: My Review of The Beyond Suffering Bible

The Insanity of Obedience: Walking with Jesus in Tough Places
Kindle Edition $2.99
by Nik Ripken