"Radical" by David Platt

You and I can choose to continue with business as usual in the Christian life and in the church as a whole, enjoying success based on the standards defined by the culture around us. Or we can take an honest look at the Jesus of the Bible and dare to ask what the consequences might be if we really believed him and really obeyed him.

If Jesus is who he said he is, and if his promises are as rewarding as the Bible claims they are, then we may discover that satisfaction in our lives and success in the church are not found in what our culture deems most important, but in radical abandonment to Jesus.

Radical, by David Platt

There is a longing inside us — if we are honest — to discover that life is about more than it seems. Platt asks us to look at our lives, are we really living out the gospel? Are we really doing as Jesus called us to do, or are we fitting Jesus into our “American dream?”  Platt allows us to look at the lives of people who take Jesus at His word, who are sold out in a radical way to follow Christ. This book reminds me that the “stuff” we place importance on isn’t important at all. It’s about living authentic lives for Christ. It takes courage to live this way, but you can only win. It is Jesus way, there is nothing but gain. We are settling for a Christianity that revolves around us when the central message of Christianity is actually about abandoning ourselves and living for Him, for others.
Abandoning ourselves is easier said than done. It costs to follow Christ the way he demands to be followed. Indeed, if you read the Bible carefully, he often tried to talk people out of following him! But the rewards for those who do…”We will discover that our meaning is found in community and our life is found in giving ourselves for the sake of others in the church, among the lost and among the poor.”
David sums up his book with a radical one year experiment. He introduces it by saying this:
Real success is found in radical sacrifice. Ultimate satisfaction is found not in making much of ourselves but in making much of God. The purpose of our lives transcends the country and culture in which we live. Meaning is found in community, not individualism; joy is found in generosity, not materialism; and truth is found in Christ, not universalism. Ultimately, Jesus is a reward worth risking everything to know, experience, and enjoy.
I know it is kind of skipping ahead, but do you want to hear the one year challenge?

1. Pray for the entire world. Get an aid such as OperationWorld and literally begin praying for everywhere around the world in this one year. You’ll be amazed, he says, at the way prayer opens our hearts and minds. Jesus asked his disciples to pray not for the poor and the sick, but for the people who would go to them. He wants us to pray for people to go to the countries you will learn about. Great family project.
2. Read through the entire Bible in one year. “We have settled for far too long for “Bible lite,” both as individual Christians and in the community of faith. We have adopted a Christianity consumed with little devotional thoughts form God for the day…” Imagine the power of praying around the world and reading the Word for an entire year! Do you think you would be transformed at the end of that year?
3. Sacrifice your money for a specific purpose. Pick a concrete project and devote every dollar you can to it for one year. Set a cap on your lifestyle for this one year and get involved with changing your world personally through your giving.
4. Spend your time in another context. This is the one we’re all afraid of, isn’t it. Go. We have to change our context and go. He suggests that if we could just give 2% of our time (roughly one week) to changing our context and bringing the Gospel to the world, it would revolutionize the other 98% of our time.
5. Commit your life to multiplying community. Find a place within your body of believers to make disciples and support each other. “If the radical, simple living we see Jesus talking about were more common in the church, it would be much easier for us to live simply as well…give liberally, go urgently and live dangerously together.”

Are you willing to follow Jesus at His word and live a "radical" life?

You can download the first chapter here:
http://www.radicalthebook.com/materials.html

This book was provided for review by Walter Multnomah blogging for books program.

"Then Sings My Soul" by Robert J. Morgan

I love singing. I love to spend time worshipping God in song. Something about it helps me connect with Him in a way nothing else can. I especially love worshipping throught hymns. There is something about timeless hymns, the words of those who have gone before us, served Him before us, worshipped the same Lord before us, that are comforting to me.
This book, "Then Sings My Soul" is a collection of 150 of the most well-known, beloved hymns. From Easter, to Christmas, to Thanksgiving, patriotic holidays, and just your every-day loved hymns...this book has them all.
It is written in devotional style so that you can see the hymn (written music and all) on the left side of the page and then read the stroy behind who wrote the hymn on the right side of the page.
What a gift, what a precious way to worship Him even deeper. To see the pain, the struggle, the story that spurred on each of these love songs to our Lord. I couldn't help but just smile as I read through the great hymns. What love for our Lord and what a precious way to express it.
This would be a great gift for those in your life who love God and love music.

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.”

"A Year With God"

At first glance of this book you can see it's done in "devotional" style. 365 entries to carry you through the year. They aren't dated as most devotionals, so there in no requirement to go back and catch up if you are off on a day, it will flow naturally.
I love that it's a solid portion of the Old Testament each entry. Straight words from God, no fluff. But the unique thing about this book as that the readings/days are divided by category....a new way to see who God is. The categories are:

Hope and Fear
Love and Hate
Perseverance and Quitting
Faith and Doubt
Loyalty and Betrayal
Companionship and Isolation
Mercy and Judgment
Forgiveness and Anger
Joy and Sadness
Peace and Conflict

This is a great book. A great way to get you into God's word each and every day and learn more and more about His character as you study His "love letter" to you.
I can't wait to spend my next year diving into this book further.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the 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

Outlive Your Life by Max Lucado

Have you ever wondered if God can use you? Have you ever questioned your significance or purpose in this life? Lucado reminds us that God can use each of us for HIS significant purposes. Jesus didn't use the popular, perfect, or even remotely together people. He went for those that were down and out. The outcasts of society- He chose them...to lead His people, to spread His message. He can use you. No matter where you are or where you've been, He has a purpose for you.

Like Lucado says, "God doesn't call the qualified, He qualifies the called." When you read this book you'll see everyday characters from the Bible come to life. Stories you've heard and read over and over are brought life. Given new meaning and seen in a whole new light through Lucado's take on it.

His writing is easily readable, personable, and enjoyable. This would be a great gift to those on your list this year. It's the top of mine to be giving out.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the 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

Jesus Calling: 365 Devotions for Kids

I have just finished reading through Sarah Young's new devotional for kids that is called "Jesus Calling." I have read the adult version of this devotional for almost the last year and love that version. This one is tailored specifically for kids and I absolutely love it. My daughter is 5 and sits and soaks each of these daily devotions in.

The words are written in a way that she can understand the material. Each devotion is divided up by day and you can flip right to where you need to be, no matter how many days you have read or missed. For a busy mom, that is a huge plus.

The sweet words speak truth into my precious daughter, but also ring true in my own life. It is amazing the comfort and knowledge that I, the "adult," have gleamed from this. It truly is a book for all ages.

I would definitely recommend this to anyone looking for a way to start quiet time with their children. It is great for all ages and would be a perfect family devotional.

This book was provided for review by Thomas Nelson Publishers