Book Review: The Insanity of Sacrifice

My latest review is of the book, "The Insanity of Sacrifice" written by Nik Ripken.  Nik Ripken is a mission veteran of 30 years.  He is a leading expert on the persecuted church (in Muslim contexts), and is a bestselling author.  I became familiar with Nik when I watched his documentary, "The Insanity of God".  It was about the persecuted Church.  It was an eye-opening film, and I was very convicted by the way I live my life as a Christian in the United States. 

 When I saw this 90 day Devotional by Nik Ripken, I requested it right away.  In my opinion, this devotional is not meant to be an uplifting, encouraging one, although you may be uplifted and encouraged. "The Insanity of Sacrifice" is meant to be read in hopes that it will cause one to devote himself to a life of sacrifice...a deep call to obedience and sacrifice for our God and Savior, Jesus Christ.  It is not an easy read, but a needed one for all that call themselves followers of Jesus.

Nik will share many stories from around the world of men and women that are persecuted for their faith in Jesus. I love that he shares stories of other believers that are living in a state of persecution, because it is something that I am not familiar with as a Christian living in America.  These stories remind me to pray for my fellow brothers and sisters in Christ around the world.  Not only to pray, but to be challenged by their example, and live my faith out boldly in my own sphere.

As stated before, this is not an easy read, but one I think all followers of Jesus should read. Thank you B&H Publishing for this complimentary copy. 

Book Review: He Numbered the Pores on my Face

My latest review is of the book, "He Numbered the Pores on my Face" written by Scarlet Hiltibidal.  I had never heard of Scarlet until I saw her book release for "Afraid of All the Things".  Afraid of All the Things is Scarlet's book written about her struggle with Fear.  Once I saw what the book was about, I had to read it.  I loved Afraid of All the Things, so I wanted to read Scarlet's new book too.

He Numbered the Pores on my Face is about Scarlet's teen years (middle school).  She wrote this book for middle school girls (parents too) to point them to God and the Gospel.  Scarlet shares very personal stories in this book.  She talks about beauty, dating, insecurities, eating disorders, and much more.  Scarlet's ability to remember the small details of her middle school years is amazing.  It made me think of my own middle school years and how insecure I was.

The best thing about this book is that Scarlet makes sure to share the truth of the Bible and how girls/women can apply it.  Yes, it is easier said than done, but it is what girls will need to do if they want to experience true freedom from the things that plague them in their younger years.  Girls/women are adored and given value, not because of their popularity, beauty, clothes, boyfriends, etc., but because Jesus values them. 

I highly recommend this book for middle school girls and their moms.  Actually any woman can read this book and find it meaningful and helpful.  I have become a fan of Scarlet.  I love the way she always points her readers back to God and the Gospel.

I was given this book from B&H Publishing, and I in turn agreed to write this review.

Review

My latest review for B&H Publishers is of the Teen To Teen Academic Planner (2019-2020).  I received the planner for free, and in turn agreed to write this review.  This review will be short and sweet.

 I really liked this planner, as it had everything you would want in it.  It includes monthly calendars with room enough to write in each day's space. In addition to the monthly calendar, it comes with space to write down checklists for each day.  I feel like this is a perfect planner for those that want to keep up with their busy schedules (including teens with busy school schedules).

 As a person of faith, I like that each page has either a bible verse on it, or an encouraging quote.  Teens or adults could use this planner and be very happy with it.  I would recommend this planner for those that like to use planners.

Book Review: Who Will Play with Me?

My latest review is of the book, "Who Will Play with Me? (A Slugs & Bugs Story)", written by Randall Goodgame.  This book is based on the Scripture, Philippians 2:3, with an emphasis on how we should put others first.  B&H Publishing gave me a complimentary copy of this book, and in turn agreed to write this review.

 I am a Preschool teacher, so I wanted to review this book to see if it would be a good one to read to my class.  I work at a private Christian school, so we can talk about the Bible.  This book is geared to helping children see that they should not think only of themselves, but how we can think about others first. 

The book is beautifully illustrated with fun pictures of the slug and bug (the main characters).  The text is big, so it is very easy to read when reading aloud. The story flows smoothly with some rhyming words.  It is a little on the long side for younger children, but it is just fine for children ages 4 and above. 

This story is a good one to teach your children a valuable lesson about humility and valuing others. I would read this story to my Pre-K class, and definitely would recommend it to parents with younger children.  Overall, it is a solid story with  colorful and fun illustrations.

Book Review: Why God?

My latest review is of the book, "Why God? (Big Answers About God and Why We Believe in Him)", written by Dan Dewitt.  "Why God?" is a children's book, and it deals with the basic question of why believe in God.

  Why God? was illustrated by Christine Grove, and the pictures are really well done. The book is very colorful, and the pictures are cutesy (my word).  There is a picture of the earth drawn as a smiling face...you can't get more cute than that!

The story is about a brother and sister who ask their mother, why they believe in God, after one of the brother's friends says he doesn't believe in God.  The last part of the story is dedicated to the mom answering the children's question.  The author uses a simple form of "apologetics" to answer the question of why believe in God.  The mother in the story introduces God as creator, and also goes into a little bit of detail about how sin entered the world.

 I think this book is a good way to introduce young children to the "Why God" question.  I would read this book to my own children, and to my preschool class.  B&H Publishing gave me a complimentary copy of this book, and I in turn agreed to write this review.

Book Review: What Am I Feeling?

My latest review is of the book, "What Am I Feeling?" written by Dr. Josh and Christi Straub.  I am a Preschool teacher, so I was very interested in a book about emotions, written by a couple, with a Christian viewpoint.  This review will be short and sweet.

 I really like this book because it was very simplistic and easy for a child to understand.  The book is about a little boy named, Sam, who is feeling nervous about his upcoming "Show and Tell" turn at school.  At first, Sam doesn't know why he feels so funny, and he talks to his parents about how he is feeling. I love that his Dad explains to him that "a feeling is just a feeling, and it doesn't have to be in charge of you (Sam)".  What a great thing to explain to a child when he/she is experiencing all kinds of powerful emotions.

 The story continues with Sam going to school and interacting with all of his friends, whom are experiencing their own "feelings".  All the basic emotions are mentioned in this book.  I love that the authors mention that kids can pray to God to help them with their feelings.  The Straubs included a "feelings" poster that can be detached and used, as well.

 I would definitely recommend this book for small children (3-6).  B&H Publishers gave me this complimentary copy of this book, and I in turn wrote this review.

Book Review: Open-Door Living

My latest review is of the book, Open-Door Living, written by Jen Schmidt.  Jen is a popular speaker, worship leader, and is passionate about helping people find ways to show God's love through hospitality.  She actually wrote her book, "Just Open the Door" about that very subject.  I received this book from B&H Publishing, and in turn agreed to write this review.

 First of all, this book looks like one that you would leave on a coffee table.  It has a beautiful hard back cover that would look very nice anywhere in a home.  This book is about 100 pages, and is not a book that you just read through.  It contains recipes, beautiful pictures, artwork, and a lot of ideas of the "how to" of hospitality.  You can read it in one setting if you would like to, but I think you should go slowly and try all Jen's ideas :)

Jen shares that we do not have to have a special gift to entertain, and be hospitable.  Hospitality is for anyone that is willing to just open her/his door.  She gives examples of how to entertain on a small and bigger budget. Simple or Grand. No time, or can plan for hours.  Jen covers all the possible scenarios.

 I like to entertain, and open up my home, and after reading this book, I am excited to try many of Jen's ideas. I think women in general would love this book.  Thank you B&H for giving me this book. 

Book Review: Afraid of all the things

My latest review is of the book, "Afraid of all the things (Tornadoes, Cancer, Adoption, and other stuff you need the Gospel for)" written by Scarlet Hiltibidal.  This is hands down the best book I have ever read about the subject of fear.  Outside of a few major life differences, I feel like I could have written this book.  I have had a lifelong struggle with fear and anxiety, and reading this book has literally helped me begin to see life, and my fear through a different lens.

   I love that Scarlet shares her own struggle with fear and anxiety, in great detail.  It was almost as if I could predict what she was going to say, or as if she could read my mind.  For people that deal with fear (and anxiety), it seems so irrational and even "crazy" to those that do not struggle with fear.  Reading Scarlet's life story made me not feel so "crazy" or alone.   However, if Scarlet only shared her life story and how she was "afraid of all the things", the book would have been incomplete.  I am so thankful that Scarlet shared her story, but also went into detail about how the Gospel of Jesus Christ can set us free from all fear.

    I could probably write a book about this book, but I shall end here.  This isn't a quick fix book, but one that will point you to the truth of how Jesus sets us free from fear.  This side of heaven, we will have things that will make us afraid.  We cannot escape this reality, but Jesus has already overcome death and the grave, and there is nothing that can touch the soul of those that are His.  Thank you Scarlet for sharing your story, and challenging your readers to believe Jesus and His Words. 

I received this book from B&H Publishing, and in turn agreed to write this review.



   

Book Review: Sacred Holidays

 My latest review is of the book, Sacred Holidays, written by Becky Kiser.  I think I have heard her name before, but I am unfamiliar with any of her work.  B&H Publishing generously gave me a complimentary copy of this book, and I am writing this review in response.

 The question of the back of Becky's book states, "Do you wish every holiday was full of less Chaos and more Jesus?"  OF COURSE I DO! As a follower of Jesus, I feel like I miss the mark when it comes to celebrating the holidays, especially the ones that celebrate Him.  So, that is why I chose to request this book and review it.

Sacred Holidays is not a book that you read and store in your bookshelf, or give away to a friend.  It is a book for you to keep and use all year long (for many years to come).  The book is divided into three parts.  The first part is the introduction explaining the concept of the book and how it is to be used.  The second part of the book is the Holiday section (New Year's, Valentine's, Lent/Easter, Summer, Halloween, Thanksgiving, Advent/Christmas, and Birthdays).  This is the section that you are to read 30 to 60 days before the actual holiday, so you can prepare for it.   Part three is dedicated to common struggles, and it is there to read as you need to (IE: budgets, drama, realistic expectations, grief, etc.)  The book is full of space to journal and take notes.  Becky asks readers many thought provoking questions, in hopes that it will help alleviate some of the unneeded stress that comes with the Holidays.

 My favorite part of this book is it helps me come up with ways that I can make each Holiday more "sacred",  holy and set apart to God.  Becky fills this book with all kinds of ideas and activities that you can do all year round.  I think this book is a must for everyone that celebrates Holidays :) !  A book that you need to keep out on your coffee table all year.

 

Book Review: Gay Girl, Good God

  My latest review is of Jackie Hill Perry's book, Gay Girl, Good God.  I first came to know of Jackie through an interview I saw on the internet.  I was intrigued and blown away by her testimony of how she came to know God.  Since then, I have heard her speak at a couple of conferences, and she has definitely been gifted by God to speak His truth with boldness and compassion.

   Once I found out that Jackie wrote a book about her life, and how she came to know God, I wanted to know her full story, as I had only seen a tiny portion of her testimony on the video interview.  Some may also know Jackie, as a "Spoken Word Poet" (not sure the correct title).  She also has been gifted by God to tell a story through poetic expression.  Her gift with words is so evident in her book, Gay Girl, Good God.  Many times, I had to stop and reread a section in the book to truly soak it in. 

 I am sure that many reading this review would be intrigued by the title of Jackie's book, and want to know where she stands on the issue of homosexuality.  All I will say, as I really want everyone to read this book (whether you believe in God or not) is take a chance and PLEASE READ THE BOOK.  Jackie doesn't so much focus in on her past, but on who God revealed Himself to be.  God really is the focus of this book. 

  Even if you do not agree with Jackie,  I feel like you would at least be able to say she demonstrates much compassion and understanding throughout the entire book.  Homosexuality is such a hot topic for the Church (collective body of believers) right now, and I feel like Jackie is one speaking truth that could bring healing with God's help.  Buy the book, and pass it on. 

I received a complimentary copy of this book from B&H Publishing, and in turn agreed to write this review. 

Book Review: ThoughtFull

 My latest review is of the book, "Thoughtfull (Discovering the Unique Gifts in Each of Us)".  I received a complimentary copy of this book from B&H Publisher, and in turn agreed to write this review. 

"Thoughtfull" is a children's book about a boy named Ahanu, and his friend, Joshua.  Ahanu is a boy with Down Syndrome who wins an award for being "thoughtful".  In the story, Joshua overhears a couple boys making fun of Ahanu.  This troubles Joshua, and he finds a way to help the boys understand how special, and very thoughtful, Ahanu really is. 

 I love that this book is about a boy with special needs.  As a mother of a special needs child, I think it is important for children to read books about children with all different kinds of abilities.  I think this book would be great for Preschool and Elementary age children.  I believe this book can generate some very good conversations in the home and school.

 I highly recommend this book if you have young children.  I enjoyed reading it as an adult too!

Book Review: The 4 Wills of God (B&H Bloggers)

 I love Dr. Emerson Eggerich!  His book "Love and Respect" was a game changer for me in regards to my marriage.  If he writes a book, I want to read it.  So. it is no surprise that I requested to review his latest book, "The 4 Wills of God (The Way He Directs Our Steps and Frees Us to Direct Our Own).  The title of the book also intrigued me...4 Wills of God?  I had to find out what Dr. Eggerich was referring to in his book.  (I received a complimentary copy of this book, and in turn agreed to write this review)

  One of the biggest questions in Christian circles has to do with knowing the "will of God" for your life.  I have heard this question asked so many times among my peers. I too have uttered the same question... God, what is your will for my life?  Dr. Eggerich went through the Bible, and discovered that God revealed 4 specific universal commands (or wills).  Eggerich says that there is more to God's universal will than the 4 the book refer to, but he wanted to begin with the 4 God declares in His Word.

 The 4 "Wills" based on Scripture (which he cites in the book) are: Believe in Jesus Christ, Give Thanks in Everything, Submit in Doing Right, and Abstain from Sexual Sin.  Dr Eggerich goes on to say that if we begin with, and do these 4 things that God tells us to do, we will be following God's will.  When we are obedient to do these 4 things, we can experience God's unique and individual will for our lives.  If we are obedient to God's Word and are not in known sin, we have freedom to make decisions that are unique to our own lives. 

 I love how Dr. Eggerich breaks down the 4 Wills in the book, and gives Scripture references about each "Will".  He shares personal testimonies throughout the book.  Personal testimonies always help me to better relate to a subject matter.  Dr. Eggerich writes in a way that is so easy to read and understand.  I think this book can help people to not get so stressed about knowing God's specific detailed will for their lives.  Dr. Eggerich reminds us to do what God has already told us to do in regards to His will for us, and in that we may discover His will that is uniquely designed for our lives.

Book Review: Why Her?

My latest review is of the book, Why Her?, written by Nicki Koziarz.  I received this book from B&H Publishing, and in turn am writing this review.  Nicki is an author, bible study teacher, and speaker with Proverbs 31 Ministries.  I had never heard of Nicki until last year when I attended a conference where she was one of the speakers.  I enjoyed her message, so I definitely wanted to read her newest book.

 Why Her is about fighting the trap of comparison.  The subtitle of Nicki's book reads, "6 Truths We Need to Hear When Measuring Up Leaves Us Falling Behind".  Measuring up and comparison are things that most women seem to struggle with at some point during their lives.  Nicki does a wonderful job at identifying the traps that we can fall into when we measure ourselves against other women.  As always, I love when authors are vulnerable and share their personal stories of struggle.  Nicki has dealt with asking the "Why Her" question many times in her life.

 I especially love that Nicki uses the story of Rachel and Leah from the bible to introduce the subject of comparison.  Even in biblical times, women were dealing with heart issues of not measuring up.  Throughout the book, Nicki addresses 6 foundational truths that we need to know when we feel like asking the "Why Her" question.  I feel the 6 truths would be helpful in dealing with overcoming comparison.

 Overall, I really liked this book.  It was an easy read, as I read through it in 2 days.  Although, I read through it quickly, this is a book that one should go through at a slower pace to really digest what Nicki is trying to convey.  At the end of each chapter, she has written questions for you to ponder and answer.

 I would definitely recommend this book, and am happy that Nicki has written a corresponding bible study that goes with this book.  Thank you B&H Publishing!

Book Review: The Big Book of Bible Stories for Toddlers

B&H Publishing sent me a complimentary copy of "The BIG BOOK of Bible Stories for Toddlers", and I agreed to write this unbiased review. I love this book, and wish that there were toddlers in my home, so we could enjoy this book together. The first thing you notice are the bright and bold colors of the book cover. The beauty of colors continue throughout every page of the book. The pictures of the stories are captivating, and I love how the characters in the story are illustrated. I believe children/toddler's attention will be captured as one reads through the story. The book includes 19 bible stories taken from the Old and New Testament. Some of the Bible stories include; Adam and Eve, Abraham, Moses, David and several stories about Jesus. Each story is a paragraph long (with the Bible references above them), which is just perfect for a toddler or small child. Below each story are 2 circles. One circle is the "Big Picture Question" and the other is the "Big Picture Answer". The "Big Picture" questions and answers are the main ideas of each story. I love that a child can memorize small bits of information that will help them to understand the bible stories in the book. I am super excited about the interactive aspect of this book. You can download a free app that goes with the book. Once downloaded, the app will bring the illustrations to life. No kidding! The app uses technology that will cause the pictures in the book to become 3D. The pictures literally leap off the page with the use of your phone. The app also has a feature that will "tell" the story out loud. Toddlers, kids and adults will enjoy this fun feature. I would highly recommend this book for anyone with kids. This book is a great beginning resource to introduce children to Bible stories. I think this book would make a great gift as well. Thank you B&H publishing!

Book Review: The 365 Storybook Bible

I received a complimentary copy of "The 365 Day Storybook Bible published by B&H in exchange for this review. The 365 Day Storybook Bible is a book that you can read through in a year with your children, if you want to move at that pace. The book begins in Genesis and moves through the biblical stories up until the book of Acts. The stories of many of the Old Testament characters are covered (Adam and Eve, Noah, Abraham, Jacob, Joseph, Moses, Joshua, Samson, Elijah, Jonah, Esther and more). The stories that are told from the New Testament cover the lives of Jesus, the early church, Peter and Paul. In a world full of activity with little time to spare, this book makes it easy to share wonderful biblical stories with your children. The book advertises the fact that it contains "5-minute stories for every day". Most people can spare 5 minutes :) Hopefully, this book could be a catalyst to more than five minute devotions with your children. In most of my reviews, I am always drawn to children's books with beautiful illustrations. This book does not disappoint, as it contains illustrations that are bold, bright and colorful. This Storybook is not a specific bible translation, but a retelling of specific chapters of the stories chosen. For example, on Day 298 (Jesus Brings Lazarus to Life), it also lists the reference of John 11:20-44. I love this because as a parent, I can also read the exact bible verses that go with the story. I love when people retell a story, but when it comes to the bible, it is always best to go back to the Bible and make sure you are getting the truth from Scriptures. This book would be a great addition to a child's library. Thank you B&H for allowing me to review it.

Book Review: My Merry Christmas

My latest review is of the children's book, "My Merry Christmas" by Sally Lloyd-Jones. Sally Lloyd-Jones is a New York Times best-selling children's book author. I know of her because she is the author of the Platinum Award winner, The Jesus Storybook Bible. I am a preschool teacher and I am always looking for books that share the story of Jesus.
First of all, I have to say this book is beautifully illustrated. The colors are rich, and children will love the illustrated animal and people characters. It is a board book, and that is especially good for young readers that are still learning to be gentle with books. I too love that the book is a rhyming story. As an adult, I love to read stories to children that rhyme, as it makes the reading experience more enjoyable.
My favorite part of the book is that Sally Lloyd-Jones helps children relate popular holiday symbols (trees, lights, etc) to the true story of Christmas. I love any time an author can help one to see the story of Jesus in Christmas, especially young children. This book is one I would suggest for parents of young children to purchase, and add to their Christmas book collection. Thank you B&H Publishing for giving me a complimentary copy of this book.
(I agreed to write this unbiased review for a complimentary copy of this book).

Review: She Reads Truth Bible (CSB)

I was so very pleased to be able to review the brand new "She Reads Truth" CSB (Christian Standard Bible) from B&H Publishing. "She Reads Truth", founded in 2012, is a worldwide community of women that are reading the bible together daily. I love that "She Reads Truth" is committed to equipping women to become students of God's Word. First, I like the translation of this bible. It is the CSB text that is a blend of scriptural accuracy and readability. I also think the Bible itself is pretty (such a girly thing to say :) I absolutely love that it comes with wide margins for note-taking or journaling. I think more people today actually write in their bibles, and many people love to create "art" in their bibles too. This bible will be perfect for both of those activities. As far as aesthetics, my favorite feature is the beautiful artwork with scripture that accompanies each book of the Bible. I like when you turn the pages of the Bible you get random pops of color. Included in this bible also are full color maps, timelines, and charts. The "She Reads Truth' bible also includes a one year bible reading plan. This is perfect for the person that wants to read through the Bible in a year because they do not have to buy a special bible or download a reading plan from a website. A special feature to this bible is the 189 devotionals that are included as well. This bible is a one stop shop, a blessing indeed. A few other features of this bible are the reading plans for each book of the bible, key verse lists, and detailed book introductions. This Bible is perfect for those wanting to go deeper into God's Word. I would definitely buy this Bible as a gift. The "She Reads Truth" bible is a resource that any women would love to receive. I received mine complimentary from B&H Publishing, and agreed to write this non-biased review.

Review: The Apologetics Study Bible (CSB)

I am always very excited when I get a chance to review a Bible. B&H Publishing has released a CSB (Christian Standard Bible) "Apologetics Study Bible", and I jumped at the opportunity to review it. B&H gave me a complimentary copy of this Bible, and I in turn agreed to write this review. I think the most exciting feature of this Bible are the study notes that are written with an "Apologetic" view in mind. (Quotes from the Study Bible) "Christian "Apologetics" is the practice of giving reasons that support the Christian faith and responding to objections raised against it. Apologetics contributes to the restoration of a view of the Bible as a source of knowledge of its subject matter as opposed to a source of true belief to be accepted by a blind act of the will." I know as a Christian there have been times that people have asked me questions or challenged me in my faith, and I have not always had answers for them. Yes, I know that the Bible is true, and I have always had an easier time believing in God, but I know there are many people that are not like me. Many want to see how the Scriptures actually support what we (Christians) say we believe. There will always be an element of "faith" in our belief, but Scripture also beautifully supports what I say I believe. The "Apologetic" study notes are written so effectively with the intention to support the claims of the Bible. As I read the notes, I was encouraged in my belief, and also felt that the notes were easily written, so that I could share them with others that have questions. Another great resource in this Bible is the "Twisted Scripture" feature. "Twisted Scriptures" are short explanations of the most commonly misunderstood or "twisted" passages in the Bible. What a great addition to this Bible. There are many other features in this Bible that make it a wonderful resource for every Christian to own, but I will just spotlight one more in this review. I absolutely love that this bible has over 140 articles that deal with a broad range of apologetic issues. Articles such as, "Isn't Christianity Intolerant?", "Can Evolution Explain Ethics?", and "Can Something be True for You and Not for Me?". As I read through the titles of these articles, I realized that I too have heard these questions, and have really not known how to answer them from a biblical understanding. The commentary and articles are written by a group of over 90 leading apologists (IE: Ravi Zacharias, Lee Strobel, Chuck Colson, etc). I know today that many of us that call ourselves "Christians" probably have several copies of the Bible, but I do think this Bible would be a great addition because it can teach us how to defend our faith better. I think that in and of itself, would be a good reason to add this Bible to your resources. On the other end of the spectrum, I think this Bible would be a great resource for those that do not call themselves "Christians", but are searching to find out if the Bible is true.

B& H Blogger Review: Absolute Surrender

My latest review from B&H Blogger is of the book, "Absolute Surrender" by Andrew Murray. B&H gave me a complimentary copy and I in turn agreed to write this unbiased review. Absolute Surrender is one of the great Christian Classics written in the early 1900's. I absolutely love the Classics as they are rich with theological truth and based on sound doctrine. Absolute Surrender was written by Andrew Murray, and this edition has been updated to include bible study questions, personal reflection questions, and prayers based on each chapter. I highly recommend this book, and would say that it can be life changing. I have seen many 5 star reviews on this book, as well as people calling this book life-altering. I totally agree. The book in and of itself is not life changing, but the Scriptures the author based his writings on are life changing. I have been a Christian for 30 plus years, and as I read this book, I felt like I had a better understanding of some of the Scriptures I have read a hundred times over. The book is easy to read, but yet one could spend a lifetime applying the Biblical truths from this book. I was amazed how a book originally written in the early 1900's could be applied to the situations of today. AMAZED! I felt challenged and convicted as I read this book. I cannot wait to study the Scriptures from this book more, and learn how to truly surrender all to God, so I can live a different way. Add this book to your Christian library.

Book Review: This Is Our Time

  My latest review is of a book from Trevin Wax, titled "This Is Our Time (Everyday Myths in Light of the Gospel)".  I received a complimentary copy of this book from B&H Publishing Group, and in turn agreed to write this non-biased review.

   Trevin Wax is the Bible and Reference Publisher for Lifeway Christian Resources.  He hosts a blog at the Gospel Coalition and has been a regular contributor to The Washington Post and Christianity Today.  In this book, Trevin analyzes our current "American Life" in order to help Christians recognize the myths of society that we may be believing.  His main goal is for us to see the world through the lens of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

  Trevin discusses topics, such as, our smartphone habits, entertainment intake, shopping, sex, marriage, politics and life's purpose.  These are some hot button topics, and I was a little nervous to read them as I was sure I would find myself convicted about my own practices and habits.
  Why did he have to start with the smartphone? Ouch!

 I think one thing I learned from reading this book is that as a Christian I too fall prey to the world's ideology, and see things through what society says is OK, and not through what Jesus says about the world.  Yes, as Christians we live in the world, but we don't have to accept and go along with what society says is OK.  There is a better way, and that is to know the Bible, and live the way Jesus called us to live.

 I especially was challenged and loved the chapter about  marriage.  This is not an easy topic to discuss, and I felt like Trevin did a wonderful job reminding us of what marriage is from God's perspective.

  I do feel like this book is more targeted to those whom identify themselves are Christians. This book is definitely a wake-up call to the Church (Christians) to see the world through the Gospel of Jesus Christ.