SISTERS OF THE FAITH ™

Bible Stories that End with a Hug: Book Review

2013-04-24T05:18:36Z

As a parent I want to bring my children up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord. My sincere desire is that they have a firm grasp on the Word of God and recognize its importance in their daily lives. So, when I had the opportunity to review Stephen Elkins Bible Stories that End With a Hug I was pretty excited. I loved the concept of a daily devotional for small children. They could have that alone time to sup with the Lord and fellowship with their parents.

The title includes 75 beautifully illustrated Bible stories that are clear and concise– simple. Each story contains a memory verse, a very short story, and a couple of questions that can help children understand a specific concept about God. Each story also has a spot to hug your child and let them know that God loves them.

The book was illustrated by Simon Taylor Kielty. Although the illustrations were beautiful, I wish more children of color were represented throughout the book. God’s children come in all shades, shapes and sizes. Failure to address the beauty in the differences in God’s various creations is a disservice to our children. More importantly, the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ are the cornerstone of our faith. It is the climax of God’s rescue plan for his fallen and tainted creation. It troubled me that the author failed to address these events in the book. Children have a remarkable ability grasp concepts that many adults cannot and will not grasp. For example, children can understand the difference between right and wrong at a very early age. They also have a built-in moral compass. The can recognize their choice to be disobedient, for example, as sin. The author chose to say that Jesus sees sin as “sickness.” This is not biblical as all sin separates us from him.

Although the overall concept and intent of the book are admirable, I cannot in good conscious recommend it without the disclaimers above.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free in exchange for a review through a bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

What’s In the Bible Vol. 10 Review + Giveaway

2013-03-20T01:36:50Z

What’s in the Bible? is a series of DVDs that teach viewers – drum role please – what’s in the Bible! The fresh approach takes viewers on a journey, book by book. Some volumes cover only one book, such as Genesis in Volume 1, while others cover two or three books – Volume 3, for example, covers Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy.

The series sheds new light on some familiar Bible stories. It also takes the time to delve into terms that many might consider too “deep” for the younger crowd to grasp. Each DVD has two, 25 minute segments. Phil Vischer, the great mind behind both Veggie Tales, Jelly Telly, and now What’s in the Bible, makes appearances in each segment.

What’s in the Bible has a website that offers a ton of wonderful resources like coloring pages and much more to supplement each video. There are sections for both parents and kids and we know that is always a plus. The blog covers current events and topics relevant to parents raising their children with a Christian worldview. You will definitely want to add it to your favorites.

Volume 10 begins with a brief review of the Old Testament and carefully leads into the New Testament. Viewers are introduced to The Gospels and their purpose. You’ll learn about John the Baptist and his job preparing the way for the coming Messiah. Volume 10 also features Phil skillfully sharing the details about Jesus’ earthly ministry, including His death, burial, and mostly importantly His resurrection.

As we approach Easter, I can’t help but think about all of the children that think about the Easter bunny, instead of Jesus, the Passover lamb. Volume 10 would be delightful to share with the children in your life. So, Sisters of the Faith is giving you a chance to win a copy of both Volume 1 and Volume 10 of What’s in the Bible! Don’t miss your chance to enter below!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

The Bible:Official Trailer

2013-01-11T20:34:58Z

Coming to the History Channel on March 3, 2013, from Executive Producers Roma Downey and Mark Burnett comes The Bible — an epic 10-part miniseries retelling stories from the Scriptures for a whole new generation. Breathtaking in scope and scale, The Bible features powerful performances, exotic locales and dazzling visual effects that breathe spectacular life into the dramatic tales of faith and courage from Genesis through Revelation. This historic television event is sure to entertain and inspire the whole family.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mz5JivD9eys

I was excited to see a much more realistic cast than previous attempts at biblical reenactments. I can’t wait to see the entire series! What do you think?

Book Review:God Loves Broken People: And Those Who Pretend They’re Not

2013-01-11T19:50:00Z

Sheila Walsh is a well known Christian singer and author. She has written numerous books on theology and the individual Christian walk. In this most recent title, God Loves Broken People: And Those Who Pretend They’re Not, Walsh takes readers on journey through brokenness and all that comes with it. Each chapter shares insight, with surprising levels of transparency, into her own life as well as the lives of a many broken people that she has come in contact with over the years. She shares observations about both their spiritual and mental conditions and how they came out victorious.

Walsh paints delightful pictures through analogies that allow the reader to see themselves in the various scenarios shared throughout the title. Readers are encouraged to let go of past pains, guilt, sorrows, and feelings of hopeless (just to name a few) and lay them at the feet of Christ. She shares how often as believers, we pretend when we really need help, the kind that can only come from Christ. Readers are encouraged to fill their minds with the truth of God’s Word, surround themselves with loving and godly people, and so much more.

Those looking for a reminder of God’s love and faithfulness, even after life has left them bruised and all but forgotten, are sure to benefit from God Loves Broken People: And Those Who Pretend They’re Not.

Disclaimer: I received a copy of this title from BookSneeze in exchange for an honest review.

Book Review: You, You Family, and the Internet

2013-01-11T05:13:28Z

In the last 20 years we have had numerous advances in terms of technology and our access to it. The Internet has made the world seem smaller. In fact, 74% of U.S. households have Internet access. As with anything, it has its pros and cons with access to both negative and positive influences. The Internet creates a gateway into our homes. Christians must take a position on and set a standard for what they will and will not allow in their homes. With all of the rapid changes of new websites and new devices being introduced daily, this can be easier said than done.

David Clark has written a useful reference for Christians navigating through this digital age. You, Your Family, and the Internet is an insightful, well written guide for believers. He focuses on the dangers of Internet and email addiction, pornography, Internet crimes and the safety of social networking. Christians are encouraged to approach their use of technology and online behaviors all be approached with the the as their guideline.

Parents are encouraged to model positive behaviors, set boundaries, and remain diligent about teaching their children to be responsible online. Clark discusses accountability, consequences, and permanency of our online behaviors. Parents are encouraged to discuss these things with their children along with other practical tips.

I enjoyed the quick read and appreciated the “real life” scenarios shared throughout the title. Clark brings it full circle when he shares many of the great resources for advancing the gospel through the use of technology. I believe that all Christian families an benefit from reading this title and embracing these best practices.

You, Your Family, and the Internet Book Trailer

The e-book edition of You, Your Family and the Internet is on sale for $3.99 at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and Apple iBooks

Kingdom Man: Book Review

2012-12-01T20:02:35Z

I have really enjoyed all of the titles by Dr. Tony Evans that I have had the pleasure of reading. I always anticipate great analogies and clear and concise explanations of somewhat challenging biblical concepts. Once again, Dr. Evans is utilizing his gift in Kingdom Man.

Dr. Evans begins by sharing many startling statistics about men. Staggering rates of absentee fathers, prisons filled to capacity and divorce rates that rival the rest of the world are before us daily. Why? Men are failing to submit to authority of all levels, especially the most important one–GOD. He states that many men call God their king, but fail to submit to his authority and their lives make it quite evident. He shares the following :

A kingdom man is a male who places himself under the rule of God and lives His life in submission to the lordship of Jesus Christ. Instead of following his own way, a kingdom man seeks to know God’s will and to carry out God’s kingdom agenda on earth. When a kingdom man functions according to the principles and precepts of the kingdom, there will be order and provision. When he doesn’t, he opens himself and those around him to chaos.

I was a bit hesitant in the beginning when I read several reports analogies, specifically football–I hate football. Since the title is geared toward men, i let it slide. But, true to form, Dr. Evans used them to illustrate the importance of each player being in position, with proper timing, as being integral parts of a cohesive unit–a team. Of course, every team’s goal is to win and finish strong. In fact, I may even watch a football game.

Kingdom Man reviews that God is the head of Christ, the man is the head of the woman, Christ is the head of every man as well as the role of the church. Dr. Evans lays out spiritual concepts for what marriage, fatherhood, and success should really be about and how they should actually be evaluated. The infallible Word of God is always the standard and measuring rod. Kingdom Man is filled with helpful information for any man wanting to be a spiritual leader at home, at church, or even at his workplace. Models are given to illustrate how men can be wise and compassionate leaders while maintaining work, life, and family balance–which is often a challenge. He calls men to the carpet for fleeing from their responsibility to lead and for blaming their wives for the chaos in their homes. He challenges them to fall in line and lead. Ouch…

Woman are not exempt from the benefits of Kingdom Man. No matter what their station is in life, women can either be a help or hindrance to the man in her life. Whether it is because of unrealistic, selfish, or even ungodly expectations, women can sometimes cast unnecessary weights and burdens on men that interfere with and sometimes derail them from their purpose. They tear down when they should be building up. Dr. Evans’ no-nonsense approach sheds light onto what women should really be looking for in their Kingdom Man and how to support him on that journey.

Kingdom Man also has many useful resources for readers. Visit the website and read the first chapter as well as the first Bible Study Curriculum session which is to be used with the accompanying DVD for group sessions. Read it, apply it, and share Kingdom Man with others and be blessed.

watch on tyndale.com

Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this title from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

Accidental Pharisees: Book Review

2012-11-17T07:05:32Z

During the recent Presidential election I saw the feed and timelines on various social media sites filled with hateful and judgmental rhetoric, along with the incorrect application of scripture. Many of my well-meaning brothers and sisters in Christ sounded a lot like the Pharisees I had read so much about in the Bible. Their misdirected zeal caused them to drive people away from Christ rather than to draw them to him. Their issue—legalism.

Legalism—our tendency to try to earn God’s love rather than accept His gift of life each day. It’s killing our ability to live in Christian community. This is definitely a message that the church needs to hear and Larry Osborne has given us a prodigious example in Accidental Pharisees.

The book is Bible based and uses scripture to illustrate the various scenarios that we can find ourselves in when we attempt to live by our own standards instead of God’s. Each chapter illustrates the necessity of examining our thought processes. Whether it’s viewing obedience as something that merits praise, flexing our spiritual muscles (or lack thereof), focusing on trivial issues, idolizing the past or human beings, the reader is challenged to utilize self- examination and allow the Holy Spirit to recondition our misguided hearts.

We all know that self-examination can be difficult, especially for those who claim they value honesty—believers. Larry Osborne helps readers embrace self-examination. Throughout the pages, we learn that everyone is better served when we examine our thinking, even if that examination is painful.

Osborne expresses need to ask yourself whether you make decisions using consistent principles and reasoning or whether you justify your decisions with any standards which suit your interests at the time, but which can be discarded when they no longer serve your purposes. Do as I say, not as I do, like accidental Pharisees. He makes it clear that this situation does not apply to everyone, but if and when it applies to you, the goal is to be honest with yourself. Confess, and of course, repent. Who wants to run this race believing that they will receive a heavenly crown and miss out because they were “over-the-top”?

This is a timely read for both the well-seasoned and the babe in Christ. I laughed, I cried, and I prayed. When I was tempted to see someone else in the book, I still saw myself. That is what I call an insightful, thought provoking read. Most importantly, I was blessed.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Cross Focused Reviews book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

We’re on the Same Team

2012-11-17T06:09:23Z

We Are on the Same Team and Fighting the Same Enemy

As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another. (Proverbs 27:17)

By Sheri Rose Shepherd

Think about what makes your heart melt when you watch a great love story. It’s not the hero’s physical strength or his beloved’s beauty, is it? No, you and I are drawn to the power of true love and its inexplicable ability to prevail over tragedy and adversity. The greater the conflict, the stronger the love must be in order to resolve the issue. When the hero does whatever it takes to save the relationship, our hearts soar with renewed hope. Likewise, as we seek to truly listen and understand our men when differences between us create friction, we set ourselves up for more satisfying and loving relationships.

The Author of love and life and the Designer of our differences knew there would be conflict between men and women. The real problem comes, though, when we get accustomed to seeing relational problems solved in the time it takes to eat a bag of popcorn. Our hero and his beauty have less than two hours to defeat the dragons and overcome unspeakable challenges. You and I are not going to magically resolve deep relationship conflicts in our own wisdom and definitely not in less than two hours.

When I met my husband, Steve, I was sure we were a match made in heaven. In fact, we have had the privilege of being in ministry together for most of our marriage. I wish I could tell you it’s been an effortless, wonderful life for the two of us, but I would be lying to you.

I learned to fight loud and strong by watching my parents. My brother and I would hide together in my bedroom as our parents tore into each other during arguments, often screaming and throwing things. Because of my broken family, when I first got married I was sure that every conflict between me and Steve would end our marriage.

Steve was raised by parents who had stayed married, so it was impossible for him to relate to my fears and worries. He was raised in quieter surroundings. His parents dealt with conflict quite differently from mine. There was no rage. No yelling. No broken furniture. His parents rarely fought—and never in front of their children. But his family also had no system to resolve conflict. That meant issues went unresolved—though not unnoticed.

Steve’s and my fighting techniques were drastically different. However, neither of us had been equipped to deal appropriately with marital conflict. That led to major challenges early in our marriage whenever we attempted to resolve a disagreement. To make things even more difficult, when I married Steve I was a new Christian and had not yet learned how to channel my anger properly.

I tried everything to get him to react or resolve conflict with me, and as I waited, I became more bitter and he became more distant. One day I couldn’t take Steve’s calm, cool responses anymore. From my perspective, he obviously needed some lessons on how to fight for our marriage. I’d had enough of his “let’s work it out peacefully by ignoring our problems” act. In my mind, he was being polite only to annoy me.

“Why don’t you ever show some emotion and prove to me you care about our marriage?” I yelled.

Steve stood there quietly, shaking his head and looking down at the ground. Then suddenly, he turned toward the mirror on our bedroom closet door and kicked it as hard as he could, smashing it to bits.

Wow, I thought, what a performance. He sure learns fast.

Suddenly I began to laugh hysterically through my tears. I was so shocked I wasn’t sure if I was relieved or ready to run from what I saw. His toenail was jutting out at a bizarre angle as he asked me, “Is that enough emotion for you? If it would help, I could probably throw myself on the floor and work up a good cry.” We both began to laugh together as we attempted to pick up the glass fragments scattered all over our bedroom floor. In that moment I realized how much we had shattered each other just because we were different and had not been trained on how to resolve conflict. Our marriage was not the problem; it was our hearts. Neither of us had a teachable spirit.

It took several years, a lot of tears, and one expensive closet door mirror to repair the damage inflicted during those early years. We still have conflict, as all couples do, but we now understand that we are on the same team and that it’s okay not to agree on everything.

After twenty-five years of marriage, we’ve decided it’s worth letting go of the little things and fighting to understand one another. Conflict comes no matter who we marry. We may be fighting about different things with different men, but there will always be major differences between men and women. I once heard a pastor say that if spouses agreed on everything, only one of them would be needed. Let’s not allow our differences to divide us any longer!

For a sneak peek of Sheri Rose’s Your Heart’s Desire Group Experience, or to learn more about her ministry, visit www.biblelifecoaching.com.

The Grande Finale

2012-11-12T02:48:30Z

There Are a Lot of Reasons to Give Up, but There Are Greater Reasons to Finish Strong

The Grand Finale By Sheri Rose Shepherd

When you have dedicated your life to loving, encouraging, praying for, and pouring yourself into your husband, only to watch him, in a moment of weakness, destroy the foundation you worked so hard to build, you may feel as if your entire world has been wiped out. If this describes you, I invite you to read a real-life love story that I believe will give you the passion you may need to persevere under any and every trial. It will also give you a true picture of what love looks like when lived out with a legacy perspective. I call this story “The Grand Finale.”

John and Marie were college sweethearts who dreamed of furthering God’s Kingdom together. During the first decade of their ministry, God blessed them with a growing church, two beautiful children, and a strong and loving marriage. Because of their commitment to God and each other, they became one of the most respected couples in the community. Their marriage was a beacon of hope to other young couples who wondered what marriage could be. John loved the ministry, and he loved the life God had given him. He was passionate about the call of God on his life, and he truly loved his wife.

One day as John was busy working at the church, a young lady burst through the door of the church office. She was crying hysterically, and John came out of his office to see what he might do to help. As she struggled to catch her breath, she told John about her desperate attempts to escape from her abusive husband. She was sure he would kill her if he found her, but she didn’t feel safe going to the police because they had failed to help her in the past. John quickly called Marie and asked her to take the young lady to a safe place. After Marie helped this distraught young mom gather her kids and some clothes, she brought them home to spend the night with her and John.

In a matter of days, Marie and John’s love for this young woman led her to become a Christian. After spending a few weeks in their home, she seemed like a new person. She was hungry for God and at peace. John and Marie felt great, knowing they had made such an impact on this young woman and her kids.

When this woman and her children were still staying in John and Marie’s home several weeks later, many of his good friends and family approached John and recommended that the woman find housing with another single mom. He was blinded, saying, “Marie is really helping her. I can’t ask her to leave now; she may fall away from the Lord.”

John’s good intentions without wisdom and his unwillingness to heed the warnings of others left him unguarded against the enemy’s attack. One night when Marie was out leading a Bible study, John was home alone with this woman. She had fallen for Marie’s husband and was determined to have him for herself. Tragically, Marie walked into her home to find John and the young woman in their bed together. Everything John and Marie had built was destroyed.

Unable to handle his guilt, John felt like such a failure that he left his marriage, his children, and his church to marry this young, attractive woman. Two years into his new marriage, however, he was diagnosed with acute leukemia and given only ten weeks to live. His second wife, who was still in her early twenties, decided she did not want to take care of a dying man. After emptying his bank account, she left him alone to die. He had no family and no loving church body to rally around him. In fact, he had nothing to show for his years of hard work and dedication to ministry.

As tragic as this story is, the ending is proof of God’s amazing grace. Marie decided that when John died, he should be free of guilt and shame. She went to his bedside, not gloating with condemnation, but offering to care for and forgive him. Her kids seemed almost angry at her for loving her ex-husband after all he had done. Her friends from church asked her why she was helping him. However, Marie wanted her children and church to remember, not how John had left them, but how she took care of him, never leaving his bedside until he drew his last breath.

On the day John died, his children and members from his church gathered around his bedside with Marie. They held hands and shared memories of how John had touched others’ lives when he was walking with God. Marie got a greater gift. By her sacrifice, she began the healing in her own heart and in her children’s hearts. Today they can all live free of regret and anger because they said a final good-bye to their father in a setting of God’s glorious love.

Marie finished strong in spite of the devastation, and she gave John and their kids an amazing final gift: she gave him her forgiveness and the opportunity to finish what he had started, even if it had to take place on his deathbed after their marriage had ended.

If you are suffering in a manner that pleases God, keep on doing what is right, and trust your lives to the God who created you, for he will never fail you. (1 Peter 4:19)

For more teaching from the Your Heart’s Desire book and Bible study, visit www.biblelifecoaching.com.

You Don’t Need a Man to Push the “Play Button” for Your Life to Begin!

2012-11-12T02:39:10Z

You Don’t Need a Man to Push the “Play Button” for Your Life to Begin!

An Article for Singles By Sheri Rose Shepherd

I have been married twenty-five years, and my husband and I joke that it has been seven of the best years of our lives. Why is it that we spend so much time searching for someone to share life with, and so many times the dream of wanting and wondering becomes better than the reality of the man or the marriage?

I believe when a man walks down the aisle and says “I do,” his every hope and intention is that his marriage will be for life. He sincerely desires to understand and take care of the beloved bride he has chosen. He romanced her and worked hard to express his love so she would want to spend the rest of her life with him. He was determined to be her hero and lovingly lead her safely through life. The challenge for a man begins after he makes his wedding vows because, generally, no one has taught him how to accomplish his God-appointed position in a woman’s life.

Eventually, a man’s attempts at love, leadership, and even heroism may miss their mark, and his beloved bride gradually withdraws emotionally from the very one she hoped would give her happily ever after. Sadly, she often closes up her spirit in order to protect her heart from any more hurt.

The man she longs for ends up feeling frustrated and angry, and he may give up trying. Their love story, which once fostered hopes of intimacy, happiness, and growing old together, withers into isolation, pain, and despair or divorce. I don’t believe our desire to find a good man is wrong, and we do have every reason to be cautious. Even in the church it seems that just about every day we hear about another man of faith who has fallen away from his wife, his family, and his moral convictions. Single women tell me about the heartache they experience after years of dating men who seem unwilling to commit.

If you are single, I would love to share with you a “love checklist” to help you avoid pouring your heart into the wrong relationship. I have discovered it is better to be single and satisfied than heartbroken in the wrong relationship. If you are willing to open your heart to some motherly wisdom, please read on . . .

The Love List . . .

Look at the way a man loves his mother because it is the way he will eventually love his wife.

Pay attention to the way he reacts when there is stress or conflict.

Meet his friends and keep in mind that the people he hangs with are a reflection of his heart.

Pay attention to what your good friends see in him, because often those who love you can see better than you can see when you’re falling in love.

Look at what he reads and what he watches on television, because they will be a reflection of his moral fiber.

Do your best not to be too physical, because it will cloud your vision and confuse your heart.

It is imperative that a man respect your boundaries without challenging them.

Ask him to pray for you often, because you will need a man who knows how to cover you in prayer.

Ask yourself whether you feel at home when you’re with him or whether you act like someone you’re not to get him to like you.

Before you say “I do,” go through premarital counseling with a pastor.

Let’s pray for your future husband. . . .

Dear Lord,

I pray for my future husband, wherever he is in the world right now. Prepare me to become the kind of bride he will need when we come together. Until You make me ready for him, let the only intimate relationship I seek be with You. Blind my eyes from wanting any other man than the one You have for me. Remove all men in my life who may keep me from recognizing him. Give me wisdom to seek what is pure and right in Your sight while I wait for him. Put such a deep passion in my heart for my purpose that I won’t be distracted or discouraged from pursuing all that You have for me. Deliver me from the traps of the enemy, and train me now to resist temptation. Keep me from falling into a counterfeit relationship, and give me the strength not to settle for second best. Give me the stamina to run this “singles” race until I cross the finish line and receive his heart—and Your blessing—as the prize. Amen.

For more teaching from the Your Heart’s Desire book and Bible study, visit www.biblelifecoaching.com.