I Am Second - A Review

Author - Dave Sterrett and Doug Bender
A collection of personal accounts with Christ

Excerpt:
"My relationship with my mom was like my relationship with God.  I was going through the motions. I was not completely open and honest with mom or God."  Spoken by Michelle Aguilar

I can't say anything bad about these personal accounts of individual encounters with Christ Jesus. There is a certain standard to which books in the Christian genre must adhere. Whether or not the book fearlessly points to Christ is a big deal in my opinion as a reviewer. The challenge is to reach the skeptic or at least help the believer to face realized or unrealized sin.




All of the stories touched me in some way. But among the most memorable for me were Michelle Aguilar's story of learning trust all over again. Brian "Head" Welch of the rock band Korn and his definition of what true worship is was golden information. How about Michael W. Smith on God's pleasure, and the big event was the duplicity of Pastor Nate Larkins. What a testimony.



These athletes, entertainers - former/present and leaders are exposing some real life challenges that especially help us to see that we should never think of people, ourselves included, more highly than we ought.



Great book and bold concept. I just want to say for the record I Am Second. I am a servant and hidden in Christ. This book is off the hook. You should get it!



Line that stood out:
Expressed by Pastor Nate Larkin. (p. 52)
"It never occurred to me that God let me wallow in my addiction to show me that I was not good."


Take away scripture:  (Hebrews 3:15)
While it is said, today if ye will hear his voice, harden not your hearts, as in the provocation.



CBM gave I Am Second...... 3 B's

Better

Best

Beyond

The book pointed to Christ throughout. It included real-life walkers after the narrow path.  The storytellers were transparent while sharing some real sensitive personal issues. It exposed sin without preaching. It was risky but necessary.



Remember,

pray without ceasing.
Read your Bible every day and apply it till the Bridegroom comes!

Your sister in Christ
Handiwork




Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com <http://BookSneeze®.com> 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 <http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html> : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Get Up And Walk - A Review

Author - Daryl F. Hyun

A Reconciliation novel

Excerpt:
"Get up and walk! That's what I'm saying to myself over and over."  Spoken by Michael Park.



          The title challenges us immediately by speaking to the more resistant part of the reader. Addressing someone in this manner is so powerful. It's a lot like bypassing the superficial and getting right to the part of us that no one ever really confronts.

          I believe everyone of us has a story to tell about how we took our first steps toward accepting reconciliation to Father God through his Son Christ Jesus.  For some, the journey is tumultuous  including a period when we are simply allowing life to happen without much of a fight like our main character Mike.



          Of course the end result is unhappiness due to bondage and eventually spiritual maybe even physical death. Some may not endure addictions or substance abuse but instead they weather troubles in the relationships they hold, no peace. Somehow the narrow path begins at the same place for both - the foot of the cross.





          The main family in the story were of Asian decent but their experience was universal something only helped by the restoration, repentance and forgiveness of God.  We can all relate to the real life experiences depicted in the story.  The vulnerability of the characters especially those in the support group with Mike reminded me of the condition that we are all in without Christ.


Point of Contention:
          It is not an easy task to communicate the message of reconciliation. My main focus is on whether or not the book truly points to Christ.  Throughout the story God is described as the Eternal. This I considered to be a little vague. Any religion can claim that their god is the Eternal. The main characters never really talked about Christ (the only way to Father, God).  I  felt that was a little ambiguous.  In this day and age it is important to be transparent when it comes to glorifying the only wise God.

Line that stood out:

Expressed by Michael Park (p 81 ).
"Get up and walk! That's what I'm saying to myself over and over."




Take away scripture: (Acts 3:7)
And he took him by the right hand, and lifted him up: and immediately his feet and ankle bones received strength. 

CBM gave Get Up and Walk ...... 1B

This novel, per the jacket, was loosely based on Bible story the Prodigal Son.   It could have pointed to Christ a bit more clearly in my opinion. To me it seemed more of a personal account or more of the inspirational/self help genre because in the end it motivated the reader to stop feeling sorry for himself/herself and do something positive to change their life.  

Better

Disclosure: I received a complimentary copy of (Get Up and Walk) as a member of the

Dorrance Publishing Book Review Team. Visit dorrancebookstore.com

to learn how you can become a member of the Book Review Team.

http://store.yahoo.com/cgi-bin/clink?dorrance+7XZRvv+index.html

Remember,

pray without ceasing.
Read your Bible every day and apply it till the Bridegroom comes!

Your sister in Christ
MJJaymz

More Time To Get Focused On Christ

Happy New Year you guys!  I gotta say since Jesus hasn't returned yet I've been concerned about the subtle tricks of the enemy and how to avoid falling into his traps even more than ever. With so many wordly options to stay busy how do I keep myself occupied yet remain righteous while I wait?



Well....this is a Christian books site and of course the Bible is our #1 book. I'd like to point out the fact that the scriptural advice to watch as referenced in all 5 gospels, Acts, I thess., I Peter, and revelation is the key to how we should wait. But how do we so called, watch? Keep the following 3 ideals for Christian sobriety in mind regarding getting ready and staying ready in these last days, according to the scripture....




1. WHAT GOES IN MUST COME OUT!

Protect your eyes and ears from tv, radio, dvd and any idol talk unto your heart
that doesn't belong. Read the Word and pray without ceasing. Read  I Peter 1:15-16



2. CARES OF THE WORLD BE GONE!

It's so easy to get bogged down with work, family life and activities but this is a trick.
Don't let the ememy's sublty cause your demise. Pray without ceasing.
Read: I Peter 4:7
But the end of all things is at hand: be ye therefore sober, and watch unto prayer.




3. EXPOSE THEN TURN FROM SIN!

God isn't complicated. We in our sinful nature exacerbate
things with ease. If you know to do right and don't do it then to you that thing is sin.
Revelation 3:3 says:
Remember therefore how thou hast received and heard, and hold fast, and repent. If
therefore thou shalt not watch, I will come on thee as a thief, and thou shalt not know
what hour I will come upon thee.

Remember,

pray without ceasing.

Read your Bible everyday and apply it till the Bridegroom comes!

Your sister in Christ

MJJaymz