Thom S. Rainer and his wife, Nellie Jo, set out to discover the lives of those who turned from other religions and their influences to find Christ. Although it is neither a theological treatise, an apologetics primer, nor a Bible study The Unexpected Journey is sure to motivate any reader to explore more via all three.
In my opinion, this book should be required reading for all Christians and it deserves a place on their shelves next to Mere Christianity, Purpose Driven Life, and of course The Holy Bible. Rainer's narrative style and the amazing stories from so many different backgrounds (Satanist, Muslim, Agnostic, to name a few) drove me to the end wishing for more and hoping his afterward would speak of a timeline for a follow-up book.
I hope you will pick up a copy soon and share your thoughts here.
In Him,
David
Showing posts with label book. Show all posts
Showing posts with label book. Show all posts
Thursday, August 20, 2009
Sunday, August 2, 2009
The Cardinal of the Kremlin
Tom Clancy is well known for his detail-oriented military/government espionage thrillers. In this regard, The Cardinal of the Kremlin is a mainstay. This is Clancy's fourth book and it picks up where The Hunt For Red October left off. Regular allusions to previous events add to the saga of Jack Ryan and his friends and new characters are woven in with clever twists and turns to keep the reader guessing.
There are no amazing lessons learned and I did not finish it with a much better feeling than I started with. But, like chocolate, this work satisfied my desire for some just plain fun in reading.
This book covers everything that Clancy is good at - spies, the Navy, special ops, family, the White House, and uber-geeks. The basic premise of the book is that a long-standing spy in Russia gets compromised and Ryan et al work tirelessly to get the agent out safely. Of course, in the meantime Clancy involves the usual potential for worldwide destruction, double agents, super-detailed scientific exchanges, and the occasional sexual innuendo between some of the lower "billed" characters.
If you have read any Clancy (real Clancy) than you will have either already read this one or you need to read it now.
There are no amazing lessons learned and I did not finish it with a much better feeling than I started with. But, like chocolate, this work satisfied my desire for some just plain fun in reading.
This book covers everything that Clancy is good at - spies, the Navy, special ops, family, the White House, and uber-geeks. The basic premise of the book is that a long-standing spy in Russia gets compromised and Ryan et al work tirelessly to get the agent out safely. Of course, in the meantime Clancy involves the usual potential for worldwide destruction, double agents, super-detailed scientific exchanges, and the occasional sexual innuendo between some of the lower "billed" characters.
If you have read any Clancy (real Clancy) than you will have either already read this one or you need to read it now.
Monday, March 30, 2009
Ronald Reagan, How an ordinary man became an extraordinary leader
Ronald Reagan was an extraordinary human. Because of this, I must be very careful not to turn this into a review of him rather than the biography written by Dinesh D'Souza. The single most remarkable aspect of this account was not necessarily the subject (although Reagan stands alone, in my opinion, from the last sixty years of American Presidents) but the sourcing. D'Souza, a domestic policy analyst in the Reagan administration, was certainly close enough to have some personal knowledge of the "Great Communicator" and yet he relied on other people's accounts so much more than his own that I often forgot that he was even there himself.
Interestingly enough, D'Souza addresses this aspect indirectly throughout the biography by consistently describing Reagan as a very private person with few good friends. Reagan's circle was tighter than most (basically him and Nancy) and access to Reagan as a staffer was extremely limited. Against the odds, however, D'Souza produces - and does it in style. He draws on countless stories from heads-of-state, congressmen/women, aides and other administration officials, as well as limited personal experience to paint the mural of a true American hero.
The story of Reagan's life, like most biographies, is presented chronologically, yet D'Souza added a twist. He focused on a certain quality of Reagan during each time period or situation, ending with an answer to the question he poses at the beginning: Was Reagan a great leader? Why/why not?
It was my first real exposure to the president that helped preserve the freedom I had to ride my bike down the road or build a treehouse in my backyard without fear. Reagan made the 80's I remember a memory and not a dream. He comforted me when we lost the Challenger. He also gave me a profound respect for that house on Pennsylvania Ave and its occupants - a respect I still maintain.
The one phrase that invaded my mind with every page was, "And now I know why." See, I had always admired Reagan - probably more because my parents did and I was raised under conservative values - but I never really knew all the details. Now I feel enlightened as well as justified. Reagan was a great man, and Dinesh D'Souza makes it clear.
Now I just need to get my hands on Reagan's autobiography. . . .
Interestingly enough, D'Souza addresses this aspect indirectly throughout the biography by consistently describing Reagan as a very private person with few good friends. Reagan's circle was tighter than most (basically him and Nancy) and access to Reagan as a staffer was extremely limited. Against the odds, however, D'Souza produces - and does it in style. He draws on countless stories from heads-of-state, congressmen/women, aides and other administration officials, as well as limited personal experience to paint the mural of a true American hero.
The story of Reagan's life, like most biographies, is presented chronologically, yet D'Souza added a twist. He focused on a certain quality of Reagan during each time period or situation, ending with an answer to the question he poses at the beginning: Was Reagan a great leader? Why/why not?
It was my first real exposure to the president that helped preserve the freedom I had to ride my bike down the road or build a treehouse in my backyard without fear. Reagan made the 80's I remember a memory and not a dream. He comforted me when we lost the Challenger. He also gave me a profound respect for that house on Pennsylvania Ave and its occupants - a respect I still maintain.
The one phrase that invaded my mind with every page was, "And now I know why." See, I had always admired Reagan - probably more because my parents did and I was raised under conservative values - but I never really knew all the details. Now I feel enlightened as well as justified. Reagan was a great man, and Dinesh D'Souza makes it clear.
Now I just need to get my hands on Reagan's autobiography. . . .
Saturday, November 10, 2007
The Holy Bible: New International Version
The Holy Bible: New International Version, GodFirst, the confession - I haven't read it, cover to cover. I'm closer now than I ever have been, though. I started about two years ago reading all the way through the New Testament, for a lot of reasons. I'm sure I've read everything in there at least once, just never in order. So, that took a while - too long, honestly, and when I got to the last word of Revelation ("Amen"), I thought, "hm, maybe I should just try to finish this whole thing out." So, I turned to Genesis 1:1, the beginning of a book I've read many many times and started reading it, once again. This time, however I was intent on finishing. For whatever selfish reasons, I got all the way to 1 Chronicles and hit a brick wall. (This was probably six months ago) Last night,God gave me the strenth to climb the wall and now He's pacing me through all these really weird names.
God loves us, a whole lot. I know it's easy not to see that, what with all the war that the Bible mentions and the plagues and the anihilation of those who turned from Him. But, at the end - He did everything because we are his most prized creation. We are the only thing on this earth that received his spirit to wake up. Whether we acknowledge it or not - He is in all of us. The Bible is not full of heroes or saints, as some may believe. Rather, it is overflowing with common folk, like ourselves, who only see face value. Person after person, people group after people group, the Bible shows that a moment of humility and an ounce of faith in His plan, rather than our own flimsy ambitions, equate to mountains of blessings that are heaped upon us like burning coals!
That's what I've gotten out of the Bible so far. Maybe it will change. If so, I'll keep you posted.
God loves us, a whole lot. I know it's easy not to see that, what with all the war that the Bible mentions and the plagues and the anihilation of those who turned from Him. But, at the end - He did everything because we are his most prized creation. We are the only thing on this earth that received his spirit to wake up. Whether we acknowledge it or not - He is in all of us. The Bible is not full of heroes or saints, as some may believe. Rather, it is overflowing with common folk, like ourselves, who only see face value. Person after person, people group after people group, the Bible shows that a moment of humility and an ounce of faith in His plan, rather than our own flimsy ambitions, equate to mountains of blessings that are heaped upon us like burning coals!
That's what I've gotten out of the Bible so far. Maybe it will change. If so, I'll keep you posted.
The Genesis Question
The Genesis Question, Hugh Ross, PhD
Very interesting. I find it very sad that there is almost a bigger debate going on between Christians who believe in a really old earth and Christians who believe in a really young earth than there is between those who believe in some intelligent design model and those who think it was all odds.
Well, this work focuses on the theories posed by Dr. Hugh Ross, founder of Reasons to Believe, an organization that focuses attention on capturing scientific data that support the Bible, and specifically, the first 11 chapters of Genesis. For example, the Hebrew word for day, "yom", can actually mean many different things. Dr. Ross asserts that it's use in the first chapter of Genesis is in reference to "a very long period of time" versus a 24-hour period. By making this hypotheses, he claims to support everything written from the Bible using a scientific and historical critical approach.
I think that his work lacked some substance. It seemed like a plausible hypotheses, however there wasn't enough meat to support his skeleton of a theory. I wrote a critical book review that was not graded very high, but you are welcome to peruse, if it piques your interest.
Regardless, if creation science is your "bag", this book needs to be on your list, as his hypotheses will undoubtedly come up in conversation at some point
Very interesting. I find it very sad that there is almost a bigger debate going on between Christians who believe in a really old earth and Christians who believe in a really young earth than there is between those who believe in some intelligent design model and those who think it was all odds.
Well, this work focuses on the theories posed by Dr. Hugh Ross, founder of Reasons to Believe, an organization that focuses attention on capturing scientific data that support the Bible, and specifically, the first 11 chapters of Genesis. For example, the Hebrew word for day, "yom", can actually mean many different things. Dr. Ross asserts that it's use in the first chapter of Genesis is in reference to "a very long period of time" versus a 24-hour period. By making this hypotheses, he claims to support everything written from the Bible using a scientific and historical critical approach.
I think that his work lacked some substance. It seemed like a plausible hypotheses, however there wasn't enough meat to support his skeleton of a theory. I wrote a critical book review that was not graded very high, but you are welcome to peruse, if it piques your interest.
Regardless, if creation science is your "bag", this book needs to be on your list, as his hypotheses will undoubtedly come up in conversation at some point
Lone Survivor
Lone Survivor, Marcus Luttrell
Of course, if you've read any of my blog of late, you will know that I think very highly of this book, its author and the Navy SEALs in general. The language is a little violent for sensitive eyes and minds, however the author knows where his faith lies and he doesn't mince words about it! I recommend this book to anyone who is interested in learning about the stories of heroism that are all throughout the Global War on Terror. This is one amazing story and you will be moved by the time you read the prologue. Pay full price, enjoy and let me know what you think!
Of course, if you've read any of my blog of late, you will know that I think very highly of this book, its author and the Navy SEALs in general. The language is a little violent for sensitive eyes and minds, however the author knows where his faith lies and he doesn't mince words about it! I recommend this book to anyone who is interested in learning about the stories of heroism that are all throughout the Global War on Terror. This is one amazing story and you will be moved by the time you read the prologue. Pay full price, enjoy and let me know what you think!
The Total Money Makeover
Total Money Makeover, Dave Ramsey
I have one debt left in this world (other than my mortgage), and it is to my next oldest brother and best man. He sent me this book in the summer of 2005 and from page 1, my financial life was turned upside down and brought onto a straight and narrow path of success. Rachel got on board with me and together we got on board with Dave's plan for financial peace, and our family has been changed, forever. You could consider it an experience akin to being "born again" financially, because that's exactly what's happened since.
God sent more counselors our way; my boss at my previous assignment, a free "Financial Peace" class held by the base chapel, friends who shared our struggles and shared the job of holding eachother accountable, and most importantly - people who are worth giving to, especially when they need it most. That doesn't make sense? How could someone who receives your money be a financial counselor? My answer is simple - they are why I want to be a serious prodigious accumulator of wealth (PAW). To give, is to receive! Try it and you will see what I mean!
Dave's personal success story is certainly a good one, but the better stories come, honestly and humbly, from average folks like me. We read his book, together, following "Baby Steps" and prayed a lot. 14 months later, we paid off over $17,000 in debt, eliminating all debt in our life, and started our financial lives over. More importantly, we were finally in control of our money! Ask yourself, "Am I determining where every dollar goes, or am I letting the daily grind decide for me?" If you answered "yes" to the latter, you need to e-mail me. I will send you a free hardback copy of this book (as long as you promise to read it) while supplies last!
I have one debt left in this world (other than my mortgage), and it is to my next oldest brother and best man. He sent me this book in the summer of 2005 and from page 1, my financial life was turned upside down and brought onto a straight and narrow path of success. Rachel got on board with me and together we got on board with Dave's plan for financial peace, and our family has been changed, forever. You could consider it an experience akin to being "born again" financially, because that's exactly what's happened since.
God sent more counselors our way; my boss at my previous assignment, a free "Financial Peace" class held by the base chapel, friends who shared our struggles and shared the job of holding eachother accountable, and most importantly - people who are worth giving to, especially when they need it most. That doesn't make sense? How could someone who receives your money be a financial counselor? My answer is simple - they are why I want to be a serious prodigious accumulator of wealth (PAW). To give, is to receive! Try it and you will see what I mean!
Dave's personal success story is certainly a good one, but the better stories come, honestly and humbly, from average folks like me. We read his book, together, following "Baby Steps" and prayed a lot. 14 months later, we paid off over $17,000 in debt, eliminating all debt in our life, and started our financial lives over. More importantly, we were finally in control of our money! Ask yourself, "Am I determining where every dollar goes, or am I letting the daily grind decide for me?" If you answered "yes" to the latter, you need to e-mail me. I will send you a free hardback copy of this book (as long as you promise to read it) while supplies last!
The Millionaire Next Door
The Millionaire Next Door, Thomas J. Stanley and William D. Danko
This is a must read for ANYONE who wants to become wealthy. It has been revised many times and I recommend you buy the most current revision, with the most current stats.
Dr. Stanley presents an amazing image of today's American millionaire - usually a self-made businessperson wearing target polos and levis, driving a F-150 with a car seat in the back, living in a decent 10-15 year old home, with loads of cash in a well-diversified portfolio. In short, you wouldn't recognize the millionaire if you saw them!
He explains extremely critical terms such as "Prodigious Accumulator of Wealth", "Under-Accumulator of Wealth", and "Economic Outpatient Care". He sets the boundaries of what it takes to be truly wealthy and challenges the readers to become wealthy as well.
This is an excellent, easy read that will keep you up at nights afterwards worrying about all of your friends who "look" like millionaires and how you can help them wake up out of their coma!
This is a must read for ANYONE who wants to become wealthy. It has been revised many times and I recommend you buy the most current revision, with the most current stats.
Dr. Stanley presents an amazing image of today's American millionaire - usually a self-made businessperson wearing target polos and levis, driving a F-150 with a car seat in the back, living in a decent 10-15 year old home, with loads of cash in a well-diversified portfolio. In short, you wouldn't recognize the millionaire if you saw them!
He explains extremely critical terms such as "Prodigious Accumulator of Wealth", "Under-Accumulator of Wealth", and "Economic Outpatient Care". He sets the boundaries of what it takes to be truly wealthy and challenges the readers to become wealthy as well.
This is an excellent, easy read that will keep you up at nights afterwards worrying about all of your friends who "look" like millionaires and how you can help them wake up out of their coma!
Start Late, Finish Rich
Start Late, Finish Rich, David Bach
I'm working on it. So far I've got a few questions about some of the stuff he says - doesn't seem to match up with what I've clinged to, so I'm trying to withhold judgment until I finish it. I'll keep you posted.
I'm working on it. So far I've got a few questions about some of the stuff he says - doesn't seem to match up with what I've clinged to, so I'm trying to withhold judgment until I finish it. I'll keep you posted.
Atlantis
Atlantis, David Gibbons
Just a fun novel about the greatest deep-sea diver in the world with millions of dollars of non-profit save the seas/save the world type assets who gets intertwined into an evil empire run by the father of this cute archeologist he hooks up with. . . .anyway, he flies all these jets, the good guys win and discover a whole new civilization while he and the chick hook up. Same old same old, but fun nonetheless!
(Kind of like "Top Gun" for the sea)
Just a fun novel about the greatest deep-sea diver in the world with millions of dollars of non-profit save the seas/save the world type assets who gets intertwined into an evil empire run by the father of this cute archeologist he hooks up with. . . .anyway, he flies all these jets, the good guys win and discover a whole new civilization while he and the chick hook up. Same old same old, but fun nonetheless!
(Kind of like "Top Gun" for the sea)
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