Educational & Thought-Provoking | God Among Sages: Why Jesus Is Not Just Another Religious Leader by Kenneth Richard Samples

ABOUT THE BOOK

Was Jesus just a spiritual leader, like Krishna, Buddha, Confucius, and Muhammad?
Or is he something else entirely?

In God Among Sages, Ken Samples presents a biblical and historical portrait of Jesus, grounded in the claims Jesus makes about himself. Then he compares and contrasts Jesus with Krishna, Buddha, Confucius, and Muhammad and explores the competing philosophies of religious pluralism, inclusivism, and exclusivism. The result is a clear understanding of what sets Jesus apart as not simply a teacher to follow but God himself, worthy of our full allegiance and worship.

Christians who struggle to answer claims that Jesus was just a good teacher, as well as those haven't quite made up their minds about Jesus's claims to divinity, will value this accessible introduction to comparative religions.

Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Christianbook.com

One Dress One Year: One Girl's Stand Against Human Trafficking by Bethany Winz with Susanna Foth Aughtmon

★★★★✩
Goodreads | Amazon

One girl. One dress. One year. For freedom. 

When sixteen-year-old Bethany Winz learned about the millions of men, women, and children around the world trapped in slavery, her stomach churned. How can anyone do that to another human being? she wondered. And why aren't we doing something?

This is the story of Bethany's "something."

Journey with her as she wears the same black dress every day for a year to focus attention on the lack of choices people in modern-day slavery face and raise money to help end human trafficking. As Bethany works to bring freedom to people worldwide, she'll discover how much she too needs freedom. You'll be inspired not only to change the world in your own way but also to experience the life-changing freedom of God's irrepressible love.

The title of One Dress One Year: One Girl’s Stand Against Human Trafficking shares right away much of the book’s perspective and purpose. Bethany Winz decided to wear one black dress for an entire year in order to raise awareness about modern-day slavery and now shares her experiences with the Dress. Her initiative and passion to make a difference shine throughout this book and inspire readers to do something, too. I enjoyed reading One Dress One Year and discovering Bethany’s desire to take a stand. Overall, it’s a quick but worthwhile read.

Thanks to Baker Book Bloggers, I received a copy of One Dress One Year and the opportunity to provide an honest review. I was not required to write a positive review, and all the opinions I have expressed are my own.

Remarkable! Maximizing Results Through Value Creation by Dr. Randy Ross & David Salyers

★★★★✩
Goodreads | Amazon

There is only one differentiating factor between average and Remarkable: value creation.

Remarkable! is an entertaining and enlightening business parable that has the power to turn around any team. Through the humorous and eye-opening story of Dusty Harts, you'll discover how to build a workplace culture that inspires your team members to bring the best of who they are to the table every day, creating an environment that maximizes value creation in every endeavor.

Addressing the three dimensions of workplace culture--values, thinking, and behaviors--Remarkable! shows managers and CEOs alike the keys to building a strong team and avoiding the common workplace problems that sap energy and break down teamwork. By seeking to bring creativity, positivity, sustainability, and responsibility to every endeavor, you can craft a corporate culture in which people thrive and do their best work.

When it comes to qualities such as passion, enthusiasm, energy, and creativity, a majority of the workforce could be described as "severely lacking." Too many people go through the motions, viewing work as something they have to do rather than something they love to do. This translates into lackluster performance, lost opportunities, and a staggering loss of profits. So how does a team leader turn a business-as-usual team into a remarkable one?

Discover the secret in Remarkable!

Remarkable! Maximizing Results Through Value Creation offers readers plenty of practical insight delivered in a parable-style story. This book by Dr. Randy Ross and David Salyers is straightforward and applicable, and the subject matter could definitely benefit readers in leadership roles and corporate environments. It’s certainly an interesting and worthwhile read.

Thanks to Baker Book Bloggers, I received a copy of Remarkable! and the opportunity to provide an honest review. I was not required to write a positive review, and all the opinions I have expressed are my own.

The Heart of Revelation: Understanding the 10 Essential Themes of the Bible's Final Book by J. Scott Duvall

★★★★★
Goodreads | Amazon

The Vision of Hope in Revelation

Despite gallons of ink spilled and hours of movies made on the book of Revelation, it remains one of the most misunderstood books of Scripture. But Scott Duvall has good news for the discouraged reader--you don't have to figure out a complicated string of timelines and political theories to understand the heart of God's message to his people in Revelation.

Taking a thematic approach to Revelation, Duvall helps you focus on the vision of hope Revelation provides believers by exploring the biblical themes of God, worship, the people of God, the Holy Spirit, our mission, the Lamb of God, judgment, perseverance, and more, allowing you to understand and apply the message of Revelation--right here, right now.

If the last book of the Bible is still a mystery to you, or if your knowledge of it is limited to what you've read in novels or seen in movies, get ready for an eye-opening, faith-strengthening read.

The book of Revelation has always intrigued me, since people have found so many different ways to interpret it over the years. It can often seem confusing or scary when discussed, so I like to read about it when I have the chance (William Hendricksen’s More Than Conquerors from a couple months ago is one example) and eagerly took the opportunity to read J. Scott Duvall’s The Heart of Revelation: Understanding the 10 Essential Themes of the Bible’s Final Book. Duvall uses his book to highlight the encouraging themes woven throughout the book of Revelation and show its relevance for Christians today. I really enjoyed the perspective Duvall offers Revelation and highly recommend it. It’s another beneficial book for Christian readers.

Thanks to Baker Book Bloggers, I received a copy of The Heart of Revelation and the opportunity to provide an honest review. I was not required to write a positive review, and all the opinions I have expressed are my own.

Ask the Question: Why We Must Demand Religious Clarity From Our Presidential Candidates by Stephen Mansfield

★★★★✩
Goodreads | Amazon

The time for religious vagaries in politics is over.

For most of American history, the conventional wisdom has been that religion is too private a matter to ask a political candidate about. But in a political landscape in which we see Muslims, atheists, Mormons, Buddhists, and Christians of all stripes running for high office, we cannot afford to avoid religious questions. It is the right of American voters to know what their candidates believe since those beliefs shape policy and thus action.

In this rousing call to action, Stephen Mansfield shows readers:

· what religion can mean in a presidential race

· how the media, both left and right, get religion wrong

· the reasons the faith of candidates such as JFK, Mitt Romney, and Barack Obama caused issues with voters 

· why Hillary Clinton is among the most religious politicians on the American scene today

· how to ask the right questions to get honest answers

· what giving candidates a "religious pass" can cost the country

· how religion in American politics impacts America's role in the world

· and more

Frustrated and confused voters across the country and on both sides of the aisle will find here a balanced and essential guide to understanding the importance of religion in America's political system.

Ask the Question: Why We Must Demand Religious Clarity From Our Presidential Candidates is an important read, especially considering the current election season. Throughout this book, Stephen Mansfield explains in a compelling manner the importance of understanding the faith and religion that guide each candidate running for office and offers many examples to illustrate the impact religion can have in politics. It’s an interesting and engaging book with a thought-provoking relevance and challenge. I enjoyed it and recommend it.

Thanks to Baker Book Bloggers, I received a copy of Ask the Question and the opportunity to provide an honest review. I was not required to write a positive review, and all the opinions I have expressed are my own.

Be You. Do Good: Having the Guts to Pursue What Makes You Come Alive by Jonathan David Golden

★★★★✩
Goodreads | Amazon

Almost anyone you asked would say that they want to do work that matters. Yet just one third of Christians feel "called" to the work they currently do. Others may feel a sense of calling but lack either the courage or the supportive community to carry it out. But if God created each of us "on" purpose, "for" a purpose, we should be ordering our lives "around" that purpose.

Jonathan D. Golden, founder of Land of a Thousand Hills coffee company, has discovered and is living out his unique calling to promote social, spiritual, and economic justice while providing a living wage to 2,500 farmers in Rwanda and Haiti. Now he reveals to readers how to identify their calling, dispels the myths and misunderstandings we often have about what constitutes a calling, and challenges them to pursue that calling with a courage that can surmount the many obstacles that may lie in their path. He also shows readers how to cultivate a community of support that will help them fulfill their calling.

For anyone who is dissatisfied with the work they are doing, especially young Christians just entering the workforce, this book shows how to embrace the meaningful life they were meant to live.

Be You. Do Good: Having the Guts to Pursue What Makes You Come Alive is an inspiring and motivational book. Jonathan David Golden shares from his personal experiences of working in his Land of a Thousand Hills coffee company to speak about purpose and calling. With this combination of interesting stories and practical lessons, Be You. Do Good. is an engaging, relevant, and quick read that I quite enjoyed. I recommend it.

Thanks to Baker Book Bloggers, I received a copy of Be You. Do Good. and the opportunity to provide an honest review. I was not required to write a positive review, and all the opinions I have expressed are my own.

About the Author

Jonathan David Golden is the founder of Land of a Thousand Hills, a multimillion-dollar coffee company that provides a living wage to more than 2,500 Rwandan farmers and their families. He and his company have been featured by CNN, Fox News, Christianity Today, Relevant, the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, and Charisma. Learn more about Jonathan at BeYouDoGood.com.

Growing God's Church: How People Are Actually Coming to Faith Today by Gary L. McIntosh

★★★✩✩
Goodreads | Amazon

Reaching a changing world with the unchanging gospel.

God does not change--but people do. The ways people are hearing the gospel and connecting with churches today are not the same as they were even twenty years ago. It stands to reason, then, that if we want our churches to grow--if we want the kingdom to grow--it's time to reevaluate the way we do outreach.

Based on ten years of comprehensive research, Growing God's Church unveils how people are actually coming to faith in the 21st century. Church growth expert Gary L. McIntosh answers questions like:

· How are new Christians hearing the gospel today?

· How are they finding churches?

· What makes them stay at a church?

He helps you evaluate your motives for ministry, your church's priorities, the reality of churchless Christians, the name of your church, and much more in light of the Great Commission and the changing face of our modern world.

Gary L. McIntosh discusses the ways people connect with faith and the church these days in his book Growing God’s Church: How People Are Actually Coming to Faith Today. It’s a relatively interesting read as McIntosh shares various statistics and data and explores how Christians and the church today can be most effective in reaching people and sharing the Gospel. While I didn’t love some parts of this book, it still provides plenty of beneficial information and, for readers interested in evangelism today, could prove to be a valuable read.

Thanks to Baker Book Bloggers, I received a copy of Growing God’s Church and the opportunity to provide an honest review. I was not required to write a positive review, and all the opinions I have expressed are my own.

About the Author

Gary L. McIntosh (PhD, Fuller Theological Seminary) is president of the Church Growth Network and professor of Christian ministry and leadership at Talbot School of Theology. He is an internationally known speaker and church consultant who has written twenty-four books, including Biblical Church Growth, Beyond the First Visit, and What Every Pastor Should Know.

Adapt or Die: Leadership Principles From an American General by Lt. Gen. (Ret.) Rick Lynch with Mark Dagostino

★★★✩✩
Goodreads | Amazon

The world needs you to lead.

And in order to lead, you need to adapt.

Sharing stories from the front and insights born from overcoming adversity on the battlefield and in the boardroom, Lt. Gen. (Ret.) Rick Lynch offers nine impactful leadership principles to help you develop your own effective, flexible leadership style. From earning respect and working effectively with diverse teams to adapting to new technology and laying a foundation of trust built upon integrity, these principles are what separate the leader who is merely equipped and the leader who excels.

Are you ready to start your training?

Adapt or Die: Leadership Principles From an American General is an interesting read in which Lt. Gen. (Ret.) Rick Lynch shares insight gained from his experience and success in the military. This book is straightforward and easy to read with clear principles and advice for leaders. It’s an interesting read, though I’m not really a fan of success-oriented books, and could be a benefit to readers looking to hone their leadership skills.

Thanks to Baker Book Bloggers, I received a copy of Adapt or Die and the opportunity to provide an honest review. I was not required to write a positive review, and all the opinions I have expressed are my own.

About the Authors

Lt. Gen. (Ret.) Rick Lynch has commanded at all levels of the Army, from company to Corps to commander of all U.S. Army installations. He spent a total of over thirty months in Iraq, including fifteen months as one of the leaders of the 2007 surge, and is now president and CEO of R Lynch Enterprises. He and his wife, Sarah, live in Texas.

Mark Dagostino is a New York Times bestselling coauthor and former senior writer for People magazine. He wrote Courage to Stand with Minnesota Governor Tim Pawlenty, and is the coauthor of Rudy: My Story with Notre Dame legend Daniel "Rudy" Ruettiger. He lives in New Hampshire.

More Than Conquerors: An Interpretation of the Book of Revelation by William Hendriksen

★★★★★
Goodreads | Amazon

"What a wealth of comfort; what an insight into the future; above all, what an unveiling of the love of God are contained in the words of the prophecy of this book!"

With an uninterrupted printing history since it was first published in 1939, this treasured interpretation of the book of Revelation has served as a solid resource and source of inspiration for generations. Using sound principles of interpretation, William Hendriksen unfolds the mysteries of the apocalypse gradually, always with the purpose of showing that "we are more than conquerors through Christ." 

Both beginning and advanced students of the Scriptures will find here the inspiration to face a restless and confusing world with a joyful, confident spirit, secure in the knowledge that God reigns and is coming again soon. This straightforward interpretation makes a helpful resource for pastors, teachers, students, and anyone who desires a deeper understanding of the Scriptures.

Celebrating its 75th anniversary, More Than Conquerors: An Interpretation of the Book of Revelation is a highly beneficial book for Christians hoping to understand the daunting Book of Revelation a bit better. Hendricksen does approach the topic from an amillennial perspective, which may be new or different for some readers, but his interpretation offers a completely compelling and thought-provoking exploration of Revelation. I enjoyed reading this book and discovering Hendricksen’s perspective. I think I could easily recommend More Than Conquerors to fellow Christian readers.

Thanks to Baker Book Bloggers, I received a copy of More Than Conquerors and the opportunity to provide an honest review. I was not required to write a positive review, and all the opinions I have expressed are my own.

About the Author

William Hendriksen (ThD, Princeton Theological Seminary) was professor of New Testament literature at Calvin Theological Seminary.

What We Believe: Understanding and Confessing the Apostles' Creed by R.C. Sproul

★★★★✩
Goodreads | Amazon

"When a person embraces the Christian faith and says with assurance, 'I believe…,’ then that person has truly embarked upon life.” -R. C. Sproul

To be a Christian is to be one who believes. But believes in what? In an age of cafeteria-style religion--a little bit of this, a little bit of that--believers new and old may be overlooking the basic tenets of faith in favor of modern trends that have no biblical basis.

For millennia, Christians have affirmed the Apostles' Creed because it summarizes the tenets of Christian belief, boldly declaring that there is uncompromising truth that is foundational to life. In this book, renowned theologian R. C. Sproul presents the creed statement by statement, unpacking what it means to believe in God the Father, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit, and what Christians believe about the church, salvation, and eternal life.

What We Believe: Understanding and Confessing the Apostles’ Creed offers Christians a solid overview of the different theological aspects of the Apostles’ Creed. It’s a straightforward and easily understood exploration of biblical truths, as R.C. Sproul explains and supports this creed’s various statements. As I read, I enjoyed this book and found it to be a great reminder of the basic truths at the core of Christianity. I recommend it to readers wanting to understand better the Christian truths professed in the Apostles’ Creed.

Thanks to Baker Book Bloggers, I received a copy of What We Believe and the opportunity to provide an honest review. I was not required to write a positive review, and all the opinions I have expressed are my own.

About the Author

R. C. Sproul is founder and chairman of Ligonier Ministries and the author of more than ninety books, including The Holiness of God, Faith Alone, and Everyone's a Theologian. He is also copastor of Saint Andrew's Chapel in Sanford, Florida, chancellor of Reformation Bible College, and executive editor of Tabletalk magazine. Dr. Sproul's teaching can be heard daily on the radio program Renewing Your Mind, which is broadcast on hundreds of radio outlets in the United States and in more than forty countries worldwide.

Unstoppable Gospel: Living Out the World-Changing Vision of Jesus' First Followers by Gregg Matte

★★★★✩
Goodreads | Amazon

The path of least resistance is seldom the path of greatest impact. 

The apostles boldly proclaimed the gospel, every day and at great risk. Today the church wants to avoid risk, avoid stepping on toes, and avoid any bad publicity that might come with going out on a limb. But giant leaps forward in God's kingdom don't come without a big vision and a great big dose of risk.

In Unstoppable Gospel, pastor Gregg Matte calls us to take up the mission of the early church and go change the world. He shows how using ordinary, everyday people to spread the Word like an unquenchable fire has been God's plan from the beginning. He shares practical ways you can take advantage of the countless opportunities you have to make lasting kingdom impact in our world.

In Unstoppable Gospel: Living Out the World-Changing Vision of Jesus' First Followers, Gregg Matte looks at the book of Acts to show how the Gospel is powerful and truly unstoppable when believers can embrace it and proclaim it despite the risk. He offers many lessons gathered from these early believers that could easily benefit members of the church today. I greatly appreciated reading Unstoppable Gospel, as it is an encouraging, valuable, and worthwhile read. Interested readers should certainly read it.

Thanks to Baker Book Bloggers, I received a copy of Unstoppable Gospel and the opportunity to provide an honest review. I was not required to write a positive review, and all the opinions I have expressed are my own.

About the Author

Gregg Matte (MA, Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary) is the senior pastor of Houston's First Baptist Church and founder of Breakaway Ministries at Texas A&M University, one of the largest college Bible studies in the nation. He is the author of Finding God's Will and I AM Changes Who I Am. An energetic communicator, he and his wife, Kelly, have a son and a daughter and live in Houston, Texas.

Imagine Heaven: Near-Death Experiences, God's Promises, and the Exhilarating Future That Awaits You by John Burke

★★★★✩
Goodreads | Amazon

1 out of 25 Americans has had a near-death experience. 

Do they reveal the Heaven of the Bible?

All of us long to know what life after death will be like. Bestselling author John Burke is no exception. In Imagine Heaven, he compares more than one hundred gripping stories of near-death experiences (NDEs) to what Scripture says about our biggest questions of Heaven: Will I be myself? Will I see friends and loved ones? What will Heaven look like? What is God like? What will we do forever? What about children and pets?

Burke shows how the common experiences shared by thousands of near-death survivors--including doctors, college professors, bank presidents, people of all ages and cultures, and even blind people--point to the exhilarating picture of Heaven promised in the Bible.

This thrilling journey into the afterlife will make you feel like you've been there, forever changing the way you view the life to come--and the way you live your life today. You'll discover Heaven is even more amazing than you've ever imagined.

With so many stories of near-death experiences circulating these days, it is important to understand the biblical portrayal of heaven. In Imagine Heaven: Near-Death Experiences, God's Promises, and the Exhilarating Future That Awaits You, John Burke compiles numerous stories of near-death experiences and highlights the commonalities the stories share. As he shares these stories, he also ties in Scripture and shows the connections to the biblical glimpses of heaven. A fascinating read, Imagine Heaven is one book I appreciate reading, and interested readers should definitely take the time to read it.

Thanks to Baker Book Bloggers, I received a copy of Imagine Heaven and the opportunity to provide an honest review. I was not required to write a positive review, and all the opinions I have expressed are my own.

About the Author

John Burke is the author of No Perfect People Allowed and Soul Revolution, and the founder with his wife, Kathy, of Gateway Church in Austin, Texas. Since 1998, Gateway has grown to over 4,500 members, made up mostly of unchurched people who began actively following Christ at Gateway. John is also the President of Emerging Leadership Initiative (ELI), a non-profit organization, working to help church planting pastors and ordinary Christians "raise the church out of the culture." John has spoken in fifteen countries to over 200,000 church leaders and Christians about reaching a postmodern, post-Christian culture. He and Kathy have been married twenty-one years and currently reside in Austin, Texas, with their two teenagers, Ashley and Justin.

The Last Days According to Jesus: When Did Jesus Say He Would Return? by R.C. Sproul

★★★★✩
Goodreads | Amazon

Speculation and theories concerning what the last days have in store for us abound. In the hype of sensational books and movies, one important question is often obscured: 

What did Jesus believe and teach about the end times and the timing of his return? 

In his characteristically precise and compelling style, renowned theologian R.C. Sproul points us to the words of Christ as providing solid, biblical footing amid ever-shifting opinions about the age to come. He covers key questions, such as:

· What exactly did Jesus teach about the last days on Mount Olivet?

· What generation will witness the end?

· What did Paul teach in his letters?

· What did John teach in Revelation?

· When is the resurrection?

· When is the millennium?

In addition to answering these important questions about the last days, Dr. Sproul presents an authoritative explanation of biblical teaching about the end times and the timing of Christ's return.

Understanding the “last days” according to Bible is a difficult task, as many varying interpretations exist. In The Last Days According to Jesus: When Did Jesus Say He Would Return?, R.C. Sproul tackles several of the challenging questions regarding the “last days” and offers his interpretation of the words of Jesus. He does use a lot of quotations from scholars and commentators as support, which makes a bit tedious at times, but overall, the book is quite interesting. Whether or not readers agree with his conclusions about the “last days,” The Last Days According to Jesus is an entirely thought-provoking read.

Thanks to Baker Book Bloggers, I received a copy of The Last Days According to Jesus and the opportunity to provide an honest review. I was not required to write a positive review, and all the opinions I have expressed are my own.

About the Author

R.C. Sproul has served the church as a seminary professor, pastor, and author of more than ninety books. He is the founder and chairman of Ligonier Ministries, and his teaching can be heard on the radio program Renewing Your Mind, which broadcasts daily on more than three hundred radio outlets in the United States and in more than fifty countries.

Love Casts Out Fear: A Jihad Survivor's Journey From Revenge to Redemption by Brother Nathan with David Culross

★★★★✩
Goodreads | Amazon

A true story of forgiveness and God's incredible provision.

As a boy in Egypt, Brother Nathan witnessed an unthinkable attack on his father, a Christian pastor in a majority-Muslim country. After the attack Nathan sought revenge and vowed to avenge his father. As a man, by God's incredible provision, Nathan ministers in the village where his father was targeted, as well as in countless other cities and villages across Egypt and throughout the Middle East.

Love Casts Out Fear tells a gripping true story of danger, overwhelming anger, and forgiveness that's beyond comprehension. Through Nathan's experiences in Egypt, his beloved homeland, you'll see firsthand the joys and difficulties Christians face in the persecuted church in the Middle East. And you'll marvel at God's ability to care for those who follow his call and to change hearts in one of the most dangerous places in the world to claim Christ as Lord.

Love Casts Out Fear: A Jihad Survivor’s Journey From Revenge to Redemption tells Brother Nathan’s incredible story. Though the pain of witnessing his father’s murder initially stirred up his anger, hatred, and desire for revenge, God’s work in his life shows the powerful capability of love and forgiveness. His story is very inspiring, as well as important, and I couldn’t stop reading it - I recommend it.

Thanks to Baker Book Bloggers, I received a copy of Love Casts Out Fear and the opportunity to provide an honest review. I was not required to write a positive review, and all the opinions I have expressed are my own.

About the Authors

Brother Nathan is a Christian leader currently working in Egypt, where Christians are a small minority and face difficult and challenging situations on a daily basis. He graduated from university as a veterinary surgeon, but followed the call of God he felt on his life by leaving his job in 1986 to study at New Life Bible School in New Zealand. Upon completion of his studies, he returned to Egypt to begin his ministry. He and his wife have three children.

David Culross has been involved in various ministries for over forty years, including church music ministry and sacred and symphonic music publication. His global mission work has taken him to more than sixty countries around the world. His up close and personal encounters with Christians all over the world give him unique insight into the persecuted church. He currently lives in Grand Rapids, Michigan, with his wife, Sharon.

The Boy Born Dead: A Story of Friendship, Courage, and Triumph by David Ring with John Driver & David Wideman

★★★★★
Goodreads | Amazon

Where we see tragedy, God sees possibility… 

In 1953, in Jonesboro, Arkansas, a baby boy was born – dead. The attending physician set his little body aside and tended to his mother for eighteen minutes. Now, more than sixty years later, that boy leads an internationally known ministry that encourages hundreds of thousands every year. The Boy Born Dead traces the roots of this harrowing, humorous, and heartfelt story.

Few American epics of tragedy, intrigue, friendship, and faith will entertain and challenge the soul like the narrative inspired by the real-life events of David Ring – a boy literally born dead who survives but not without sobering consequences. Living with the harsh realities of cerebral palsy, Ring faces impossible odds yet stumbles into an improbable life of inspiration and influence in the small, unassuming town of Liberty, Missouri, in the 1960s.

As a teenage boy, Ring finds himself tragically orphaned and being shuffled about to various homes. Along this journey, he faces secret, unspeakable atrocities that eventually plunge him into the depths of depression and attempted suicide. But amid the harsh troubles of life, he encounters another boy his age named David, the son of a local pastor. Their unlikely friendship begins on the rocks, but eventually develops into something extraordinary and unique that alters the trajectory of both of their lives – and the whole town of Liberty – forever.

The Boy Born Dead: A Story of Friendship, Courage, and Triumph tells the fascinating and inspiring story of David Ring. Originally born dead and only later began to breathe, Ring experienced many and various challenges and struggles during his growing-up years. Still, God finds him and transforms him in incredible ways. In telling this story, The Boy Born Dead is a well-written and quite amazing read and will not leave its readers unmoved. I enjoyed it and highly recommend it.

Thanks to Baker Book Bloggers, I received a copy of The Boy Born Dead and the opportunity to provide an honest review. I was not required to write a positive review, and all the opinions I have expressed are my own.

About the Author

David Ring has been an internationally known speaker since 1973, sharing his story with over 100,000 people each year at churches, conventions, schools, and corporate events. He is frequently featured on national television outlets, such as TBN's Praise the Lord, The Old-Time Gospel Hour with Dr. Jerry Falwell, and Focus on the Family. He and his wife, Karen, live in Nashville, Tennessee. They have four children and three grandchildren.

Every Little Thing: Making a World of Difference Right Where You Are by Deidra Riggs

★★★★★

"If you've ever thought that you aren't one of the world changers, get ready to be proven wrong." -Sarah Bessey, author of Jesus Feminist and Out of Sorts

Everyone has had that moment – we see a need and we think, Someone really should do something about that, never imagining that we might be the answer. We don't have the time, the expertise, the money. We've got careers to manage, bills to pay, meals to prepare, and families to attend to. Besides, who are we to think we can change the world?

In this encouraging and empowering book, Deidra Riggs calls you to accept God's invitation to join him in making a difference right where you are, right now. She shows you that you were created with a purpose and with the capacities to fulfill that purpose. And she reminds you that while it's not up to you to fix the world, it is up to you to join God – and his people – in his redemptive work.

Every Little Thing: Making a World of Difference Right Where You Are is an inspiring book. Deidra Riggs writes with grace and encouragement to help her readers understand that even the little things matter. With God, each person has the capacity to make a difference, big or small, and this is important to remember. Every Little Thing is a greatly beneficial read, and I enjoyed it and have no hesitations in heartily recommending it. Read it.

Thanks to Baker Book Bloggers, I received a copy of Every Little Thing and the opportunity to provide an honest review. I was not required to write a positive review, and all the opinions I have expressed are my own.

About the Author

Deidra Riggs is an influential blogger who writes at her own blog, Jumping Tandem, as well as DaySpring's (in)courage and TheHighCalling.org, for which she is managing editor. She has been a speaker for TEDx and women's retreats. She and her husband have two adult children and live in Nebraska. Learn more at her website.