Guide's Greatest Hope Stories: A Review

Guide’s Greatest Hope Stories is the most recent release of the Guide’s Greatest series.

For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope. Jeremiah 29:11, NKJV

You know that feeling when you’re in deep trouble, but you know that God can get you out? That feeling is called hope.

The 25 true stories from the pages of Guide magazine in this collection deal with hope.

Meet Sarah, the little girl lost in the woods, whose only hope of rescue was an unbelievable dream.

Learn about the day prayer was the only thing standing between Peter’s farm and the swarm of grasshoppers.

Ride the Underground Railroad to freedom with Henry.

Try to figure out how Tom’s dog is going to rescue six men in danger of drowning after a shipwreck.

As you read about God rescuing the young people in these stories, you will understand for yourself just how valuable hope is.

These true stories are especially written for Junior age young people. However “young people” of all ages enjoy these stories.

To read the first chapter of this book on line click here.

Gold for My Girlfriends: A Review

Author Kay Kuzma provides Nuggets of wisdom for those who are growing older. She has specifically written this for her “Girlfriends”. However much of the advice I think applies to men as much as to women. I read it through and enjoyed it very much.

Life should not be measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the number of moments that take our breath away. Once you start living by this standard you’ll find yourself really living regardless of the date on your birth certificate. So forget about spending time trying to mask your age with glitter and glamour or pushing yourself to achieve more fame and fortune. These things are just temporary. Instead, focus on creating breathtaking moments that can never be taken away from you, never lost, and never devalued. If you do that, then every age can be “golden.”

Brenda Walsh, general manager of 3ABN Kids Network says-Truly you will find “gold” in this book as Dr. Kay Kuzma shares how to prepare…and live in the “golden years” with true joy; perseverance, and celebration for each new day. Whether you are dreading retirement or looking forward to it, Kay gives you a reason to get up in the morning, smile, embrace each new day, and live the abundant life God wants you to have. Gold for My Girlfriends is truly that-pure gold.

Kay Kuzma uses lots of stories from her life and others to illustrate the points she is making.

I do recommend this book and you can click here hereto read the first chapter on line for free!

From Cotton Fields to Mission Fields: A Review

This is the amazing story of Anna Knight, a woman of courage from the Deep South.  She was born to a slave mother and a white father in Jasper County Mississippi cotton fields. She realized living and working the cotton fields were not what she wanted her life to be so she taught herself to read and write and eventually became the first in her family to graduate from college.

As a young person, she started a school for black children in the area and eventually went to Battle Creek Sanitarium in Michigan where she studied nursing.  She traveled to India as a missionary and served for nearly 7 years before coming to Mississippi and restarting the school that had been burned by the Knight riders.

Anna Knight kept a detailed record of her work from 1911 until she retired. She conducted 9,388 meetings, made 11,744 missionary visits, wrote 48,918 letters and traveled 554,439 mile, which did not include miles traveled in India.

She was, indeed, a woman of purpose and determination and made life better for others following in her footsteps.

For more information about the book and information on ordering a copy click here.

Boot Camp For The Last Days: A Review

Randy Maxwell author of Boot Camp for the Last Days, is a pastor, writer, prayer leader, and speaker. He has written several bestsellers including If My People Pray.

When you hear the words boot camp you probably think of discipline, rigorous training, and hard work-and you’d be right. Boot camp is getting serious about anything you take seriously. There’s no boot camp for couch surfing. And there’s no boot camp for pew warming either.

Maxwell quotes 1 Peter 1:13-16 from the Message Bible, “So roll up your sleeves, put your mind in gear, be totally ready to receive the gift that’s coming when Jesus arrives. Don’t lazily slip back into those old grooves of evil, doing just what you feel like doing. You didn’t know any better then; you do now. As obedient children, let yourselves be pulled into a way of life shaped by God’s life, a life energetic and blazing with holiness. God said, ‘I am holy; you be holy’”.

The blood of Jesus has purchased a full-ride scholarship to heaven. The tuition has been paid, we have free room and board in the Father’s house, and our school uniform has been fitted and paid for. That’s what God could do, and we couldn’t do that part; but what we can do we must. We have everything we need to succeed, but we must maximize this amazing opportunity.  Since grace is so amazing, we’ve got to do something with it-not to earn salvation but in gratitude for it.

Maxwell quotes from 2 Peter; “Add to your faith …goodness…knowledge, …(and) self-control.”

Maxwell reminds us these are not works of salvation but works of faith.

For more about this book and to read the first chapter on line click here.

Unified How Our Unlikely Friendship Gives Us Hope for a Divided Country: A Review

Authored by Senator Tim Scott and Congressman Trey Gowdy, this is a remarkable book about friendship and reconciliation:

If friendship and reconciliation can happen in Washington, DC, it can happen anywhere.

Unified tells the remarkable story of two men who came from very different backgrounds: one the ambitious grandson of a cotton picker, the other trained as a lawyer. Decades ago, no one would have predicted their paths would one day be intertwined. But they became good friends and an inspiration to others. If such a friendship can thrive in the competitive world of Washington DC, it can happen in your community as well.

If we’re going to heal the division in our nation, it will only happen through dedicated friendships that overcome our differences. That’s why Senator Tim Scot and Congressman Trey Gowdy are committed to sharing their story to encourage and inspire others.

We can restore our communities-one friendship at a time.

Both Tim and Trey are from South Carolina. Tim is African American and Trey is Caucasian. They have become very close friends and they would like their story to help the rest of America see that people of different colors or nationalities can be Unified.

In this book, they emphasize that in building relationships, one should emphasize what is common ground first followed by developing the relationship such that it’s easier to discuss the differences. Both men emphasize that one must intentionally take time to build these relationships.

You can learn more about this book- go to www.Tyndale.com and on the search bar type in Unified. I would encourage you to either order a copy or visit your local book store and purchase one there. I personally thoroughly enjoyed reading this book

 

Answers To Prayer: A Review

The author George Muller was an English Christian Evangelist in the nineteenth century. He devoted his life to directing the Ashley Down orphanage in Bristol, England. In his lifetime he cared for more than 10,000 orphans. This alone is a great feat of faith, but what makes him a pillar of prayer in Christian history is that he never once requested financial support for the orphanage nor did he go into debt. He prayed for what was needed, and God provided-many times just hours before funds or provisions were needed. His story and journals stand as the picture of God’s faithfulness.

Prayer is vital to the Christian life, and no author of Christian literature has exemplified this more than George Muller. In Answers to Prayer, Muller shows how powerful prayer and God’s provision can be when it is fully relied on. Reflection questions at the end of each chapter help the reader to take the inspiring lessons Muller’s life presents and apply them to their own life.

Muller states that not only was he concerned for the orphans he also desired to demonstrate that God is faithful. Muller wrote:

I desire that all the children of God, who may read these details,              (details of answered prayer and God providing) may thereby be lead to increased and more simple confidence in God for everything which they may need under any circumstances, and that these many answers to prayer may encourage them to pray, particularly as it regards the conversion of their friends and relatives, their own progress in grace and knowledge, the state of the saints whom they may know personally, the state of the church of God at large, and the success of the preaching of the Gospel. Especially I affectionately warn them against being led away by the device of Satan, to think that these things are peculiar to me, and cannot be enjoyed by all the children of God…All believers are called upon in the simple confidence of faith, to cast all their burdens upon Him, to trust in Him for everything, and not only make everything a subject of prayer, but to expect answers to their petitions which they have asked according to His will, and in the name of the Lord Jesus.

This book is published by B&H Publishing group. ISBN is 978-1-4336-4996-7 If your local book store does not stock this ask them to order it for you or check online—many online venues are selling this book.

We can all definitely be blessed by the message in this book.

The Acts of the Apostles: A Review

I have just finished reading this 600 plus page book by Ellen G White. Originally published in 1911 it is a masterpiece in telling the stories of these three Apostles, Paul, Peter, and John.

A major portion of the book deals with the Apostle Paul, his conversion and his missionary journeys as well as his imprisonment and his martyr death.

To Paul the cross was the one object of supreme interest. Ever since he had been arrested in his career of persecution against the followers of the crucified Nazarene he had never ceased to glory in the cross.  At that time there had been given him a revelation of the infinite love of God, as revealed in the death of Christ; and a marvelous transformation had been wrought in his life, bringing all his plans and purposes into harmony with heaven. From that hour he had been a new man in Christ. He knew by personal experience that when a sinner once beholds the love of the Father, as seen in the sacrifice of His Son, and yields to the divine influence, a change of heart takes place, and henceforth Christ is all in all.

At the time of his conversion, Paul was inspired with a longing desire to help his fellow men to behold Jesus of Nazareth as the Son of the living God, mighty to transform and save. Henceforth his life was wholly devoted to an effort to portray the love and power of the Crucified One… If ever his ardor in the path of duty flagged, one glance at the cross and the amazing love there revealed, was enough to cause him to gird up the loins of his mind and press forward in the path of self-denial.

For information on this book and information on ordering this book click here

Well Driven Nails: A Review

This is a book about Ecclesiastes- The idea for the title comes from Ecclesiastes 12:11 where it refers to the words of the wise as goads or Well Driven Nails.

Author, Larry L. Lichtenwalter takes the reader through the book of Ecclesiastes offering a practical, fresh look at the book, setting a straight nail in the wall on which to hang your thoughts, your heart, and your hope.

Is life an endless, nagging cycle?

What meaning is there beyond the moment?

When you get where you’re going, where will you be?

What is it really all about; this life “under the sun?”

Be sure of what you believe.

Make sense out of life-understanding relationships.

Find real happiness. Listen to the Word.

Experience the Son “beyond the sun.

Discover God-a God who can straighten the crooked, fill the empty, provide the perspective, be the hope. A God who longs for a personal relationship with you.

If any of these questions apply to you I encourage you to read this book and find and discover the message of Ecclesiastes.

I  was very blessed by reading this book. Never before had I given so much thought to Ecclesiastes before reading this book.

I especially enjoyed the stories that Larry Lichtenwalter has used throughout the book to illustrate the meaning of the words of Solomon in Ecclesiastes.

The Legacy: A Review

The Legacy-by Michael Phillips is the 3^rd and final book in the series Secrets of the Shetlands. This dramatic conclusion follows The Inheritance and The Cottage.

The Shetlands Islands are off the coast of mainland Scotland and Whales Reef is where Michael Phillips places this story.

This is a wonderful way to learn about the people and geography of this part of the world.

In brief here is what you will find in this story.

Loni Ford’s unexpected inheritance of substantial real estate-not to mention a title in the Shetland Islands has caused more than a stir in the quiet fishing hamlet of Whales Reef. How can life ever be the same with an outsider-and a woman at that-playing such a pivotal role in the life of this traditional community? But it isn’t just the locals who have deep misgivings about the current situation. Loni herself never imagined this in her wildest dreams and wonders whether she’s cut out for it.

Loni would hardly let herself acknowledge that she’s falling in love-with Whales Reef, with its hardy people, and with local chieftain David Tulloch, whose inheritance she has usurped, at least in the eyes of some. Or has she merely been seduced by the simple, peaceful way of life that exists here?

Yet life in Whales Reef is rarely without drama, deep rifts exist between certain lifelong neighbors, and when a dead body is discovered, suspicion is cast in the direction of the Tulloch family. How Loni and David face up to this challenge will profoundly shape their relationship, as well as the future of the island.

My wife and I enjoyed this complete series and especially enjoyed the way the author brings in the story of Loni’s ancestors through journals and letters that she acquired.

This series of books is a great way to travel to Scotland and the Shetland islands without having to leave the comforts of your home and learn of the people and the land; the spiritual and family values that the story brings in add to the value of this inspirational story.

Look for this entire series at your local book store or on www.Amazon.com

In Search of the Cross: A Review

The book by Robert J Wieland was first published about 50 years ago.  I first read it in 1972 and just finished reading it for the 7^th time here in February 2018.

I still consider it one of my very favorite books!

The apostle Paul’s “thing” is the subject of this book. According to the King James Version, he says, “God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ.” Galatians 6:14 We have no word in modern English that fully covers what that word “glory” means. Combine all the will to attain, the pride of possession, the passion to know and appreciate, the charm of beauty, the yearning for thrills, that modern man knows in his endless quest for life’s pleasures. Then you can begin to sense what Paul meant when he said, “I…glory…in the cross.” I determined not to know anything among you, save Jesus Christ, and Him crucified.” 1 Corinthians 2:2.

A glimpse of the cross is better than all the labored arguments employed to prove that Jesus is divine. Once discern the nature of the love revealed there, and the Victim stands out clearly as none other than the Son of God. Only, “God is Love,” 1 John 4:8.Human love could never stage or invent the demonstration that we see at Calvary…Jesus’ love carries its own built-in witness to prove its credentials are divine.

This love sends the appeal of the cross home to human hearts in the awareness that the One who died thereon is every man’s truest and closest relative, the unfailing Friend who has always loved him when he was most inclined to hate himself, the Companion who has remained with him in his shadows and believed in him when he doubted and disowned himself. Every man has at times been faintly conscious of this brightest of all hopes—that Someone trusted him and believed in him while knowing the fullness of all his guilty secrets. Sweeter than the words “I love you” is the assurance, “I believe in you; I trust you all the way; I risk everything on your future.”

This timeless book In Search of the Cross reveals the power of Jesus’ Cross. I highly recommend it. If your local book store does not stock it, you can order it at  www.Teachservices.com. You can also order  this book from www.amazon.com

Preparation For The End Time: A Review

This brand new book by Norman Gulley is recommended as a companion study helps to go along with the 2^nd quarter 2018 Adult Bible Study Guide However it is also a very good stand alone book on this very important subject.

I would like to share here some quotes from the book that I like very much:

Our heavenly Father has a thousand ways to provide for us, of which we know nothing. Those who accept the one principle of making the service of God supreme will find perplexities vanish, and a plain path before their feet.

Because we have the only authorized High Priest on our side, we should not worry about final events on planet Earth.

We can move forward with courage. We are on the winning side. Christ our Savior works for us in heaven’s sanctuary. He works to defeat Satan in our lives. He works to fit us for heaven. He works to give us assurance that we are saved, safe in His strong arms of love that are wrapped around us on our pilgrim journey.

Ultimately Christ remains in control of events on planet Earth. In the end good will triumph over evil If you are weighed down with the cares of life, Christ invites you, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. (Matthew 11:28)

There is no need to fear these end-time events. Christ has defeated the enemy and delivered His people. In the Cross there is great rejoicing!

A saving faith in Jesus will carry you through. “When these things (end time events in this world) begin to take place, stand up and lift up your heads, because your redemption is drawing near.” (Luke 21:38.

Of course there is a whole lot more in this book. You can read the entire first chapter on line for free Click .here