Tuesday, January 25, 2011

Soulprint

Soulprint by Mark Batterson is a book about identity, self-discovery and a journey of figuring out who you are in Christ  and being fulfilled.

In this book he uses several examples from Scripture. It is a very encouraging book, exhorting the reader to remember our uniqueness and how we are the image of God. Though it states clearly this is not a "self help book" at times if feels that way mostly because it encourages and advocates life change.

I enjoyed this book and am looking forward to reading more books by Mark Batterson. His writing style is concise and quite enjoyable.

Note: Per the FTC Guidelines, I am disclosing that I received a free copy of this book from the publisher.

Friday, January 21, 2011

Fasting: The Ancient Practices Series

I was so excited to read Scot Mcknight's Fasting: The Ancient Practices Series. I've heard so much about fasting recently and wanted to know more about it. I loved how he says that one doesn't fast to get something, and yet, whenever I speak with friends that are fasting, that is exactly what they want: to get what they want, or a clear vision of something. In the introduction McKnight writes,

"I have come to this conclusion about fasting: when the grievous sacred moment is neglected and instead we focus on the results, fasting becomes a manipulative device instead of a genuine, Christian spiritual discipline. far too much of the conversation today about fasting is about what we can get and not enough about the serious and severe sacred moments that prompt fasting. "

If you wish to know more about yourself and what fasting really means, I recommend this book.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the [...] <[...]> 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."

Sunday, January 16, 2011

Sun Stand Still

Recently I had the chance to read Sun Stand Still: What Happens When You Dare to Ask God for the Impossible by Steven Furtick. I had heard of Mr. Furtick before, as a dynamic leader and pastor of a fast growing, large church and was excited to read his book, that promised to inspire me to "audacious faith." 

While I'm still working on the "audacious faith" part, I must say that there was so much in this book that I enjoyed and some things that I really did not care for, or perhaps just not ready for. 

I enjoyed the author's personal stories and I enjoyed his emphasis on prayer. I had never really thought that much about the text of Joshua 10 and enjoyed his message. I want to ask God for the impossible and have that transforming power in my life, but I'm still a bit of a skeptic. 

Still, I enjoyed this book, found it quite interesting and inspiring. 

I received this book free from Waterbrook Multnomah publishing. 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