"Talking with Teens About Sexuality" (Beth Robinson, EdD; and Latayne C. Scott PhD)

TITLE: Talking with Teens about Sexuality
AUTHOR: Beth Robinson, EdD; and Latayne C. Scott PhD
PUBLISHER: Bloomington, MN: Bethany House Publishers, 2021, (208 pages).

Living with Teenagers can be quite an enriching experience, educational too. Not just for teenagers but more so for parents. When asked about what their parents needed to know about "teens and sex," a group of teenagers quickly replied: "Everything!" Indeed, there are many, if not everything, that parents need to know in order to relate to their growing child at an impressionable age. The curious thing is this: Parents have also gone through their respective teen phase. What else do they need to learn? It's the "other" perspective. It is one thing to experience the growing-up phase. It is yet another to be on the receiving side of teenager communications. So for many "clueless" parents, they need help, and they need it badly. For the contexts have changed drastically over the years. Compared to many parents' generation, today's kids have smartphones and ready connectivity to the Internet. Many of them are digital natives. They are also becoming immersed in a liberal culture that challenges many traditions of the past. What was taboo then is acceptable now. What seems reprehensible yesterday is embraced openly today. This is particularly true in the area of sexuality, something that teens battle with as they grapple with raging hormonal changes. The authors list some questions to show us the range of issues with regard to sexuality:

"Small Groups Made Easy" (Ryan Lokkesmoe)

TITLE: Small Groups Made Easy: Practical and Biblical Starting Points to Lead Your Gathering
AUTHOR: Ryan Lokkesmoe
PUBLISHER: Bloomington, MN: Bethany House Publishers, 2019, (160 pages).

As the saying goes, "No man is an island." We all need community. Whether it is a family related community, or having a group with people of common interest, it is the very nature of human beings to connect and be connected to one another. Sometimes, when the desire is there but the know-how is not, it can be crippling. This book is written to address that very need. How do we start a small group? What are the logistics and practical challenges? How do we go about addressing the personal and spiritual aspects? Four chapters of this book summarize the principles behind the need for small groups. Here, author Lokkesmoe talks about the need for leadership to be like Jesus. It is less about competence or knowledge; more about serving and relying on God. This is indeed a good reminder for us as leading small groups is a spiritual calling. He has good pointers for logistical matters as well, helping us think through factors for attendance; appropriate communications; raising up co-leaders; timing and place; and other practical matters to help make small group meetings a fruitful one. He then guides us through some sticky matters such as managing conflicts; gossip; and the four types of people (needy; monopolizers; silent; and the disinterested) that present unique challenges to a successful small group.

"3 Words That Will Change Your Life" (Mike Novotny)

TITLE: 3 Words That Will Change Your Life
AUTHOR: Mike Novotny
PUBLISHER: Bloomington, MN: Bethany House Publishers, 2020, (192 pages).

Is God far away? How can we experience God more intimately? All you need are three words: "God is Here." Sounds too good to be true? Perhaps, but author and pastor Mike Novotny has creatively used this phrase as a powerful catchphrase to connect us with our relationship with God. It is simple and easy to follow. Before that, he shows us some "life killers" that could derail us from properly following God. Some of these warnings include treating God like some kind of a distant "vague higher power." Some people are mystified when they think about God. In fact, many young people don't even think about God when asked about their life goals. They don't even live with any thoughts of God as they make their life decisions. Apart from thinking God as some distant irrelevant being, the other danger is to see God as some future celestial coming, which is another way of pushing away God's relevance in our lives. For if God is only God of the future and not for the present, then is He really God? Another mistake is to see God as relevant for others but not for us. This is a sad misreading. With Novotny putting to death the three erroneous "life killers," we are set to see God as Someone who is here for us now, in the present, and also in the future. God is here always. The author shares about how Ps 73 saved him and guided him to a deeper and personal relationship with God. God is bigger than any of our problems. Our biggest problem is that we don't think much of God in the first place. This needs to be corrected because it is simply not true. The Lord's Prayer is a reminder to us that we pray to a Living God who is here. Otherwise, that prayer has no meaning.

"Kingdom of the Cults" (Walter Martin)

TITLE: The Kingdom of the Cults: The Definitive Work on the Subject
AUTHOR: Walter Martin
PUBLISHER: Minneapolis, MN: Bethany House Publishers, 2019, (800 pages).

We are living in an increasingly pluralistic, multi-cultural, multi-religious, and dizzying array of beliefs, sub-beliefs, and many alternative philosophies. Author Martin calls this the "kingdom of the cults." Since 1965, while the original version is somewhat outdated, the challenge remains the same: Learning how to answer the many cults on the outside or the fringes of mainstream Christianity. It is important to note that the author uses the word "cult" not as a derogatory way but to spell out their differences from traditional Christianity. This is particularly so when many of them insist that they are the one true religion. In the Early Church, there were already heresies that attempt to call themselves Christian. The Church fought many theological battles, leading to the gathering of the bishops' council to meet at places in Chalcedon, Nicaea, Constantinople, Ephesus, and others. Backed by able theologians such as Athanasius, Augustine, Gregory of Nyssa, Gregory of Nazianzus, the Church Fathers, the Cappadocian Fathers, and many more, the Church held fast. This book may not be in the same position as the creeds of old but it showcases the differences of the various cults from Christianity. Martin gives us many historical analyses for us to understand the background; theological evaluation and comparison; and the way we could respond through "apologetic contrast." The concern is that the Church at large is increasingly less able to discern the cults. Not only that, there are some who are openly embracing them, at the risk of compromising our beliefs. This is a concern.

"The Portable Seminary, Second Edition" (David Horton)

TITLE: The Portable Seminary
AUTHOR: David Horton
PUBLISHER: Bloomington, MN: Bethany House Publishers, 2018, (752 pages).

Seminary education methods are rapidly changing. Many traditional institutions are seeing a decline in student enrolment which also impacts the rate and quality of faculty recruitment. Some are adopting more distance-learning options while a few are fully online. For all the pros and cons of the different channels of seminary education, some things do not change: The need to be equipped to do the work of the gospel. This book aims to fill the gaps left out by conventional theological education. Instead of going to the professor, it brings the professors to you. Instead of signing up for different courses each semester, we get a whole list of syllabus all bounded in one book. Apart from cost savings and time flexibilities, this book gives the mobile individual an additional option to learn at one's own pace. Some of the topics include:

• Biblical Languages
• Systematic Theology
• Old Testament Survey
• New Testament Survey
• Apologetics
• World Religions
• Church History
• Missiology
• Leadership
• Ethics
• Christian Education
• etc.

"Spirit-Led Heart" (Suzanne Eller)

TITLE: The Spirit-Led Heart: Living a Life of Love and Faith without Borders
AUTHOR: Suzanne Eller
PUBLISHER: Bloomington, MN: Bethany House Publishers, 2018, (208 pages).

What does it take to have a heart that is Spirit-led instead of self-led? In a world where Christianity is increasingly seen with disdain, and even Christians seem to feel God is far away from them, we need guidance from time to time regarding things of faith. Jesus has promised us the Holy Spirit coming to us. Even when we feel God is far away from us, we cannot let feelings dictate reality. Just like the presence of the sun. Just because we are in a dark room does not mean the sun is not out there. We need guidance to sense the presence of God in more ways than one. This book is one resource to help us do just that. In addressing each emotion that arises out of fear, weakness, and a sense of insecurity, Eller helps put things in perspective to help us recognize that God is Sovereign and He is in control. We need to trust His leading. Spurred by the prayer of her friend, Jennifer Dukes Lee, she feels a sense of relief and is released to trust God more. From uncertainty and self-doubt, she seeks out faith in God via a promise from God. Instead of relying on our own power, we learn that the Spirit-led heart is empowered by God for the greater good and purpose. Our lives are not defined by opinions or mass appeal but by truth alone. She shows us the lies that we often fall prey into and replaces them with truth; with direction; and with boldness. I like the way she describes Spirit-led direction.

"Rhythms of Rest" (Shelly Miller)

TITLE: Rhythms of Rest: Finding the Spirit of Sabbath in a Busy World
AUTHOR: Shelly Miller
PUBLISHER: Bloomington, MN: Bethany House Publishers, 2016, (224 pages).

A lot have already been written about the Sabbath but the need far outstrips the supply. What is the Sabbath? What makes this book unique compared to the other books? For author Shelly Miller, the first thing with regard to taking a rest is her mantra: "I Don't Do Guilt." There is no need to be guilty about taking a day off per week, or to rest where needed. Sabbath rest is about receiving a gift and not an excuse for guilt. While the world teaches us to rely on ourselves and our own abilities, taking a rest is in effect an acknowledgement that things will take care of themselves even as we rest. It requires surrender and deep trust. The way forward is not simply an obligation to force a weekly sabbath but to joyfully discover rhythms in which we can rest well. Sabbath is a gift. It is a reflection of God's creativity. It is an opportunity for us to demonstrate to others that rest is not only possible, it is beneficial. Miller goes beyond simply taking a break. Sabbath is a time in which we commune with God in an intentional space. It is an invitation to intimate conversation, unhurried by the hustle and bustle of the world. It is a way in which we say to the world: "You shall have no hold on me."

While the benefits are many, there are also myths and deceptions that threaten to derail our pursuit of Sabbath rest. That is why Miller spends time dispelling myths like doing Church as a form of Sabbath. She writes:

"Home" (Elyse Fitzpatrick)

TITLE: Home: How Heaven and the New Earth Satisfy Our Deepest Longings
AUTHOR: Elyse Fitzpatrick
PUBLISHER: Bloomington, MN: Bethany House Publishers, 2016, (240 pages).

Recently, there has been a spate of books about miracles and near-death-experience about what heaven is like. One was involved in a road accident. Another with an incurable illness was badly injured but experienced a miraculous healing. Still another claimed to have been to heaven and came back alive! All of them have this common theme: Heaven is real from the perspective of those who have been there (or claimed to be). Looking it from the perspective of people longing for home, theologians have spent countless hours coming the Bible and examining historical evidence about the place Jesus had prepared for believers. Some stayed with the scholarly and more academic theological treatment. Others tried to make it more palatable for popular reading. This book is one of the latter but unique in several ways. The most significant way is how the author puts into words our true longings for something far better than what earth can provide. It is way more desirable than any bucket list we could ever put together. Beginning with a personal description of tragedy and loss, Elyse Fitzpatrick helps us ponder upon the following questions:

• What will heaven be like?
• What about the biblical New Earth?
• What happens when we die?
• How will I spend eternity?
• What about our loved ones who had died?

"Discipline That Connects With Your Child's Heart" (Jim & Lynne Jackson)

TITLE: Discipline That Connects With Your Child's Heart: Building Faith, Wisdom, and Character in the Messes of Daily Life
AUTHOR: Jim & Lynne Jackson
PUBLISHER: Bloomington, MN: Bethany House Publishers, 2016, (320 pages).

Parenting is tough. Dealing with kids with particular challenges can increase this difficulty a couple of notches. How can overwhelmed parents cope with the flurry of active growing children? Recognizing the challenges and frustrations of modern parenting, authors Jim and Lynne Jackson shares out of their over twenty years of experience that discipline can be wise and gentle. This is made better if we can indeed connect with the heart of the child. The way to do this is to remember and to practice the four actions and four messages.

1. Foundation: "You are SAFE with me,"
2. Connect: "You are LOVED no matter what."
3. Coach: "You are CALLED and CAPABLE."
4. Correct:  "You are RESPONSIBLE for your actions."

The foundational message is important for the entire book, that the child feels safe with the parents. In order to reach the heart, parenting must be based on love, that engaging the misbehavior must also be accompanied by affirmation of the child's identity. Putting it another way, discipline not out to control but out to condition a child. Discipline a child not out of our own baggage of problems. Recognize our own weaknesses and emotional struggles and not let that become reasons to take out our frustrations on our kids. Learn to be a calmer parent through trust in God's Word and obedience even to instructions that we don't like. "Slow, low, and listen" are some practical steps to take when preparing to discipline a child. Learn to parent out of a relationship with God and God's love.

Following these foundational chapters, we move on to the three stages of Connecting; Coaching; and Correcting. In "Connecting," we affirm the child with our love regardless of what the child had done. See misbehavior as moments for affirming our unconditional love. This calls for appropriate timing for any form of discipline. Loving a child cannot be done only when in good times. It needs to be demonstrated at ALL times. This is how unconditional love can be powerfully shown. Recognize the connection between fear and anger and replace it with self-control and a gentle trust in God.

In "Coaching," we are encouraged to find opportunities to build positives at all times. This means learning to look beyond the surface of any misbehavior. Remember that there is no one-size-fits-all solutions. Aim for long-term goals and motivation, and align that with God's kingdom focus. Recognize the hidden gifts of children and help them discover and develop them. By identifying the use of proper words, planning a discipline strategy, considering the natural impacts, and delaying gratification, and learning how to deal with the twelve common misbehaviors like (talking back; yelling; stubbornness; strong-willed; lying; stealing; irritable; insecure; impulsive; whining; complaining; and defensive). There is a suggested response to each of these misbehaviors which parents in general would find helpful.

In "Correcting," we come back to the biblical principle of discipline, which is to restore the person. Help children to learn from the natural process, to enable them to find solutions to their own problems instead of parents giving them all the answers. Being safe is not only about physical but very much emotional and spiritual. Through rebuilding, reconciliation, and restoration, the path of correction will be more helpful for the child in the long run.

So What?
This book powerfully structures the key thesis of enabling children to feel safe with their parents, regardless of what happens. Through the processes of connecting, coaching, and correcting, the relationship between parents and children is anchored on a firm and strong foundation of love. The Jacksons make it a constant effort to point readers back to the Source of Love: God. Every chapter is written with a practical application in mind. Explanations are kept simple and vibrant through many real-life examples of parenting difficulties. They encourage readers to do a personal response at the end of each chapter so that the concepts can be internalized and applied where possible. I enjoy the part about "Kid Connection" which offers case examples and illustrations that would encourage parents to do something.

As the book is written from a Western or North American perspective, we should not be too quick to assume that it can be applied to all cultures. Readers will still have to contextualize their own understanding of their cultures using the book as a guide. The key motivation is to be connected with our children. This means learning to connect as parents to God, our Spiritual Parent. As we enjoy the way God loves us, we can take a leaf of God's attributes of benevolence, love, patience, and self-sacrifice, and to bless our children accordingly. This book indeed is a gift to help us do more of that.

Authors Jim and Lynne Jackson are founders of "Connected Families" ministry based in Minnesota. They coach parents, conduct seminars, and engage online regularly. They are parents to three children and ministers out of their over twenty years of experience and knowledge.

Rating: 4.5 stars of 5.

conrade

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This book has been provided courtesy of Bethany House Publishers and NetGalley without requiring a positive review. All opinions offered above are mine unless otherwise stated or implied.

"Reaching Millennials" (David Stark)

TITLE: Reaching Millennials: Proven Methods for Engaging a Younger Generation
AUTHOR: David Stark
PUBLISHER: Bloomington, MN: Bethany, 2016, (176 pages).

The news is grim. The statistics are not encouraging. The Church in the West are largely shrinking. The conventional belief now is that a growing number of the younger generation, especially the Millennials (Born between 1978-1998) are no longer going to Church. Is it too late to reach them? Can we stem the outflow of believers to an increasing number of "Nones" (Non-Affiliated; Non-Church-Going; and non-committal) group of people? In a book that offers to push back against the tide of dismay and discouragement, David Stark offers this book not just as a life-buoy but a firm call to re-think, to re-assess, to re-imagine, and to rebuild. Before that can happen, two things need to be done: 1) Change the Mindset; 2) Re-work the Methodologies.

In changing the Mindset, Stark studies the gospels and the Acts of the disciples to discover the way Jesus and the early believers reach out to others. He looks at the ways of evangelism; the wisdom and patterns used; the questions posed to unbelievers; and the need for cultural awareness. At the least, do not make it hard for unbelievers to come to Christ.  He shows us five ways in which we can streamline the process of changing mindsets, beginning with ours.

"An Insider's Guide to Praying for the World" (Brian C. Stiller)

TITLE: An Insider's Guide to Praying for the World: · country-by-country prayer guide · inspiring faith stories · on-the-ground insights · up-to-date-maps
AUTHOR: Brian C. Stiller
PUBLISHER: Minneapolis, MN: Bethany House Publishers, 2016, (288 pages).

One of the best and most informative books about praying for the world is Patrick Johnstone and Jason Mandryk's "Operation World." It is packed with information about each country, its general statistics, and specific items for prayer. It is now in its 7th edition. At first look, this book seems to be doing the same. The key difference is that rather than going for the breadth of countries covered, the author, Brian Stiller decides to shortlist a few countries based on a small list of criteria such as higher level of religious persecution; innovative work; dangerous missions; etc, so that he can go in-depth. For general statistics, he relies on Operation World. For more specific information that he knows about, he brings in his knowledge and first-hand experience by virtue of him being the Global Ambassador of the World Evangelical Alliance, an organization that serves over 600 million Christians.  Some features of this book are:

• Map of the country concerned and its location
• Its population and religious statistics
• A brief dispatch that came from real reports about each country
• The promises and challenges the local church faces
• A selected Bible passage
• Items for prayer and a sample prayer.

"Becoming a Disciple-Making Church" (Neil T. Anderson)

TITLE: Becoming a Disciple-Making Church: A Proven Method for Growing Spiritually Mature Christians
AUTHOR: Neil T. Anderson
PUBLISHER: Minneapolis, MN: Bethany House Publishers, 2016, (240 pages).

Another book on discipleship? Not really. Instead of focusing on beginners, this book pays attention to those who have been in Church for a long time, a group that the author calls "spiritually mature Christians." Unlike most books, this book is mostly adapted from various chapters of Anderson's other books published since 1990. Most of the chapters deal with overcoming barriers to discipleship. Barriers such as spiritual forces of darkness, emotional challenges, anger, anxiety disorders, depression, sexual strongholds, difficult marriages, conflict resolution, and so on. The key to effective ministry is to begin with the victory of Jesus at the cross. The moment that happens, we are thrust into a conflict between two kingdoms: of God's and of the world. Believers need to be serious about genuine repentance and to share the whole gospel. This starting point of victory in Christ comes about with a firm footing on the promises of Scripture. He provides biblical references to show us the meaning of being firm and secure in Christ. Anderson then brings out the need for spiritual, mental, emotional, volitional, and relational health through the three levels:

"Delighting in God" (A.W. Tozer)

TITLE: Delighting in God
AUTHOR: Aiden Wilson Tozer (compiled by James L. Snyder)
PUBLISHER: Minneapolis, MN: Bethany House Publishers, 2015, (208 pages).

What does it mean to delight in God? For Tozer, it means being engaged in the pursuit of God. It means having the knowledge of the Holy. It means longing to be in the presence of God. Though he has never gone to seminary, he has published more than 40 books, which continue to impact many readers today. His voice is a consistent clarion call for Christians to take their faith seriously and to take their worship of God even more seriously. How can we worship someone if we have not known Him? Tozer's passion is to preach about God in everything he does. His passion for God is unmistakable. Ask him to speak or write about any topic and he would eventually come back to God. This book is meant to stir our hearts with deeper longing for God.

The eighteen chapters in this book deal with perceptions that would affect how we delight in God. A man of God will naturally gravitate to want to love God. The basis of all of our perceptions in grounded in the theology of God. It is the foundational truth that enables us to pursue rightly after God. The Church incubates the Christian education needed by believers. Tozer prefers the word "reformation" over "revival" because true growth in the evangelical church comes not from charged up energy but from a renewed sense of God. Our worship can only grow when our perceptions of God are accurate. He points out some of the mistakes that lead to our erroneous perceptions of God.

1. Wrong Presumption: We assume what was in the Bible will automatically be in us. We need the Holy Spirit to convict us with the Word.
2. Spiritual laziness: How do we get people to thirst for God when they are too lazy to think?
3. Love for the World: We let the world standards define our levels of spirituality.
4. Unwillingness to die to the flesh.

"Your Sacred Yes" (Susie Larson)

TITLE: Your Sacred Yes: Trading Life-Draining Obligation for Freedom, Passion, and Joy
AUTHOR: Susie Larson
PUBLISHER: Minneapolis, MN: Bethany House Publishers, 2015, (224 pages).

Constantly busy but also consistently unfulfilled? Tired and always running? Seeking peace but never truly finding it? Faithfully serving but never experience fruitful living? These questions may strike a chord in those of us who have been Christians for a while but finding it hard to make a meaningful sense out of Christian living. Is Christianity just about speaking Christianese or doing stuff in Church? Many of us know that there is much more to the Christian Life than just Church work. We just need someone to show us the way. In this book, we have an exciting challenge to stop any forms of sloppy Christianity, unravel the chains of a shackled faith, and to liberate one toward sanctified living for Jesus. In a nutshell, the author shows us the way to move from obligation to conviction; from ought to would; from constrained to liberated; from seeking happiness to joyful living. With keen understanding on believers who are struggling to live out a meaningful faith, Larson gingerly draws out the honesty behind our spiritual sloppiness; the emotions behind shackled living; and the promises of sacred surrender. Based in Minneapolis, Minnesota, the radio talk show host with KTIS is also a national speaker and popular author. Christianity is life-giving, not energy draining. It is exciting not mundane. It is also sacred, not burdensome. It is more than just a ticket to heaven or a get-out-of-hell pass. In three parts, Larson shows readers how to move from sloppy and shackled lifestyle to sacred living.

"How to Love Your Neighbor Without Being Weird" (Amy Lively)

TITLE: How to Love Your Neighbor Without Being Weird
AUTHOR: Amy Lively
PUBLISHER: Minneapolis, MN: Bethany House Publishers, 2015, (224 pages).

How many of us actually know who our neighbors are? It is well known that Jesus commanded his disciples to love our neighbors as ourselves. Yet, it remains one of the most challenging aspects of modern Christian living. Sometimes, we try to rationalize away that our neighbors are mainly in our workplaces or social areas, and minimize the literal physical neighborhoods. That was something dealt with by Jay Pathak and Dave Runyon in their book, "The Art of Neighboring" which is about building genuine relationships with our physical neighbors. They identify fear as one of the key barriers to actually loving our neighbors. For how can anyone love their neighbor without first loving them? Some don't know how while others simply feel weird about it all. For these struggles, many people simply give other excuses for not even trying to know their neighbors. In the same vein, Amy Lively, a popular speaker and author based in Lancaster, Ohio, reinforces this need to reach out to our neighbors with a whole book dedicated to three key aspects, or should I say, gives me three compelling thoughts.

First, it is about overcoming one's fears of reaching our neighbors. Having personally experienced the weirdness of just trying to reach out, she shares about her earlier years learning from some Christian neighbors who were not intrusive but were still very influential in their welcome and care. Often we get trapped by fears of negative reactions by people who prefer us to mind our own business. Yet, what if our very neighbors are in some crisis or trouble that we will never know until we ask? What if under the external facade of wealth and well-being is a soul struggling with loneliness and discouragement? What if we have unconsciously judged our neighbors by their covers? One way to overcome fear is to let curiosity leads the way. Notice what they have been doing through the day. Smile at them. Pray for them. Be aware of their presence. They are social people, not some puzzle for us to solve. Lively also shows us that it is easier to invite our neighbors to our homes rather than our churches. Who knows. It could very well bring them a step closer to the faith. Another way to overcome fear is to recognize how diverse our communities are. Weirdness comes about often because we are different. Once we recognize that differences are common aspects of a diverse community, we can learn to live with differences and acceptance. More importantly, the battle is often within ourselves, not outside. For we can have our heads full of ideas, only to be stopped by a heart full of resistance.

Second, the focus is not conversion but conversational moments. It is about making friends. One reason why Christians fail to make good neighborly connections is their self-imposed pressure to convert people. That is not necessary for conversion is God's responsibility. Ours is conversational moments. We do the greeting. We make friends. We strike up ordinary conversations about life. We begin with natural relationships. Let God lead the rest. Do kind deeds and be a good neighbor. We may not be eloquent with words but we can certainly show kindness in ways we are able to. We can pray. Lively puts it bluntly:

"The two most important things you can do to make your neighborhood safer are to get to know your neighbors' name and to get out of your houses." (117)

Indeed, if we do not even get out of our own houses, how are we to even know our neighbors, and our neighbors to know us? In an increasingly online and virtual society, it is tempting to stay indoors so much that we forget about the outdoors. Even our most obnoxious neighbor, God still loves him or her. If those of us who spend countless of hours working or serving in Churches can broaden our perspectives to see the world as our parish, why not our neighborhoods? The spiritual gifts that we have, surely they are not limited only to church stuff? How people respond is not our responsibility. How we respond to God's calling for us to love our neighbors is ours.

Third, stepping out is a step of faith. For we speak and reach out not on our own strengths but God's. We can become like walking Marthas constantly busy with our own work that we forget that we are not living in the desert with nobody. We forget that we live in neighborhoods with people that Jesus loves. We forget that ours are not the only messy houses around. Many others have their own mess too. It is a risk that can be rewarding. Even though the results are often unpredictable, the risk is worth is simply because Jesus thinks it is worth it. After all, He died for us.

So What?
Amy Lively gives us a book of ideas and encouragement to overcome our fears and to step into our neighborhood with courage. There are many ideas but most of it all is a call for us to simply set down our fears, settle down our anxieties with prayer, step out in faith, and serve our neighbors in whatever appropriate manner. For all we know, a bit of kindness can unleash open hearts and minds not only to keep our neighborhoods safe but also fun to be in. "How to Love Your Neighbor" may not be a book written by a bestseller or poise to bring in millions of dollars in royalty payments. It is written with a desire for believers to make a difference in their neighborhoods by simply getting to know them, to recognize their presence, and to love them as best as possible.  Above all, it can put to rest those uneasy butterflies in our stomachs, those weird thoughts that are crippling our outreach, and those fears that often defeat us before we even open our house doors.

Frankly, overcoming our fears is already a major step forward in learning to love our neighbors. Many of us simply do not know our neighbors. Some may not even know their names even after so many years. That can change. Fears can provide us unlimited excuses, but only love can motivate us to open our doors of our timid minds, to step out in faith with a willing heart, and reach out in love to needy souls. If we can get to know one neighbor, just one, it would have been a soul that has been touched by God's love. Read this book and be encouraged to step forth in faith! Confucius once said, "The journey of a thousand miles begin with a single step." I say, the journey of loving a thousand neighbors begins with a simple greeting of a neighbor we meet.


Rating: 4.25 stars of 5.

conrade

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This book is provided to me courtesy of Bethany House Publishers and Graf-Martin Communications in exchange for an honest review. All opinions offered above are mine unless otherwise stated or implied.

"Blindsided By God" (Peter Chin)

TITLE: Blindsided by God: Disappointment, Suffering, and the Untamable Goodness of God
AUTHOR: Peter Chin
PUBLISHER: Minneapolis, MN: Bethany House Publishers, 2015, (240 pages).

How can one cope with disappointment and suffering despite the best being offered to God? Reflecting on the age-old question of why suffering occurs, Pastor and author Peter Chin grapples with this topic from a deeply personal angle. How does one find joy in worship in a Church painstakingly built up but only has ten people in attendance? What is God saying to him with his on-off dating relationships? How can he make sense of his wife Carol's cancer? Earlier on, Chin shares about how the words "Prepare to be Broken" were an unwelcome prophecy of what he was about to go through. From Church planting problems, diagnosis of his wife's cancer situation, miscarriage, and being a victim of burglary, Chin's life seems to be spiraling downward to depression and despair. Living in a crime neighbourhood also forced them to become physically isolated from people, but also emotional isolation which may be worse. Blindsided by God? Then there is the cancellation of insurance coverage when the insurers said Carol's cancer was a pre-existing condition. As he researched more, he realized how insurance companies often practised "rescission" which intimidates potential claimers into giving up their claims. If the madness is not enough, then there is the "Triple Negative" diagnosis of Carol's cancer that was infamous for being the "killer of young women." Not only that, the surgery was made more complicated when the doctor discovered Carol was also pregnant! Is it going to be Carol's life or the baby's survival? Will chemotherapy drugs harm the developing fetus?

By the middle of the book, readers will see the tide slowly turning. Simple acts of kindness began to pour down on this family. Mercifully, his mechanic friend was able to drive a long way from home to help bring Carol's driving license for hospital admission. Friends continued to encourage them with their advice and presence. They learned of how friends would do anything for them. Chin's greatest life lessons were learned in the seminary of suffering. They learned what it means to be freed of our own selves, our self-confidence, and our tendency to depend on our own abilities rather than on God. Chin's situation is a case of being totally stripped down of one's human wisdom and skills, and to learn what it means to depend on God totally, and not be paralyzed by the fears of people.

This fast-paced book would keep readers on the edge of their seats as Chin describes trial after trial, and with each situation often making a turn for the worse. It forces one to ask about the meaning of faith and why God would allow such hardship to befall his children. Life is exactly like that. Sometimes we have it good, other times bad. Sometimes, it would seem like it is impossible to overcome the adversities staring us in the face. Chin's book is a testimony of the possible. It is a witness of God working despite the many trials that came. Ultimately, it shows us that God is always good, even when circumstances seem to suggest otherwise. Only time and the future would tell. The details may be unknown, but the end is a glorious future in God.


Rating: 4.25 stars of 5.

conrade

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This book is provided to me courtesy of Bethany House Publishers and Graf-Martin Communications in exchange for an honest review. All opinions offered above are mine unless otherwise stated or implied.

"Sharing Christ With the Dying" (Melody Rossi)

TITLE: Sharing Christ With the Dying: Bringing Hope to Those Near the End of Life
AUTHOR: Melody Rossi
PUBLISHER: Minneapolis, MN: Bethany House Publishers, 2014, (192 pages).

Sometimes it is called, "Deathbed evangelism." Some use the "Four Spiritual Laws" or other evangelistic tracts to do some last minute sharing before their unbelieving loved ones die. It may sound a little late, but for such people, it is a case of better late than never. Other times, it is a final message of hope to bring some comfort for the living and peace for the dying. For both the living and the dying, the message of hope is an essential sending off gift of love. This book is not about any kind of evangelism that is imposing or disrespectful. In fact, it is about sharing the gospel of hope as one approaches the end of life. It is a gospel that is shrouded in compassion and love. It is about "walking" together with the dying. Originally published under the title, "May I Walk You Home," this new title is a little awkward as I shall explain later. The book tackles questions like:

• How do we minister to the dying?
• What can we do with their physical and spiritual needs?
• What if we are the only one around the dying at any one time?
• How much preparation time is needed to speak with the dying?
• What does it take to serve wholeheartedly?
• 
  

This book is designed to help such readers.

Mission Drift

TITLE: Mission Drift: The Unspoken Crisis Facing Leaders, Charities, and Churches
AUTHOR: Peter Greer & Chris Horst
PUBLISHER: Minneapolis, MN: Bethany House Publishers, 2014, (224 pages).

Every organization is prone to drifting. It is basically a matter of time. The original mission will always be threatened with change as the years go by. Authors Peter Greer and Chris Horst have come together to tackle this "unspoken crisis facing leaders, charities, and churches." This crisis has affected Ivy Leagues, Franciscan Food Banks, the YMCAs, mainline churches, and other charities. Why? Two basic reasons:

1. Personal Drift as leaders fail
2. Institutional Drift as organizations become distracted

In both these drifts, the basic answer is humility and accountability.  The first step is to recognize the problem. The second step is to revisit one's original calling and mission, and to determine the identity that started it all. The third step is to work toward becoming "Mission True" people and organizations. With remarkable insight and wise guidance, Greer and Horst points the way forward. Unlike books that tend to bash us black and blue throughout, this book has more to say about what it means to be "Mission True." Only two chapters out of fifteen are dedicated to bashing the drifting that is happening in many places. Packed with riveting observations about modern charities and churches, the authors sensitively highlight the challenges of how atheism had infiltrated the typical religious mindset, like the way the YWCA has become more secular than Christian. They bring back the importance of focusing on character rather than credentials. They question the lack of purpose in organizations that have stayed too long in their comfort zones. They provide directions for board members. They list some key performance measures that are more consistent with the mission of the organizations. They suggest a new performance scorecard that helps focused ministry. It is one thing to be all things to all people. It is yet another to be an organization that is true to its values and to let God bless as many people as possible through faithful working out of this mission.

This is indeed an act of faith. When we stay true to our mission, we are asking that God lead us to do what matters to God. We are then asked to trust God to do the rest. It is one thing to try to take everything in our own hands. It is yet another work out the things God had given us, and to put the rest in the hands of God. 

Rating: 5 stars of 5.

conrade

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This book is provided to me courtesy of Bethany House Publishers and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions offered above are mine unless otherwise stated or implied.

The Deeper Life (Daniel Henderson)

TITLE: Deeper Life, The: Satisfying the 8 Vital Longings of Your Soul
AUTHOR: Daniel Henderson
PUBLISHER: Minneapolis, MN: Bethany House Publishers, 2013, (272 pages).

It is easy to enter into faith. It is not easy to sustain a life of growth. Likewise, it is easy to talk about spiritual renewal, but it is not as easy to demonstrate what exactly that means. Using eight measurables, senior pastor Daniel Henderson brings together his wealth of experience with churches and believers, and produces a resource book for anyone seeking spiritual direction and wanting to be more intentional in their spiritual growth. Knowing how easy it is for anyone to be distracted, hurried, and needing more intentional guidance, Henderson proposes the following in spiritual warfare:

Worship + Integrity + Nonconformity = WIN.

Worship is essentially about who we live for, and the "FUEL for a deeper life." Henderson defines it as "the response of all I am to the revelation of all God is." Nice.

Integrity is defined as "the fiber of a deeper life." The more we clarify and apply the biblical truths of "identity, purpose, values, priorities, goals, and others," the more integrated we become.

Nonconformity is about the FRUIT of a deeper life, that as we resist the wiles of the evil one, and the temptations that often attack us, we will be more prepared to conform ourselves to Christ. The eight longings in this book are targeted to meeting the above three goals of worship, integrity, and nonconformity.

The eight longings are described as follows:

#1 - Who Is God? Knowing God Fully (Theology)
#2 - Who am I? Knowing Self Truthfully (Identity)
#3 - Why Am I Here? Knowing Our Role on Earth (Purpose)
#4 - What Really Matters? Knowing Our Values (Value)
#5 - What Shall I Do? Knowing Our Activity Order (Priorities)
#6 - How Shall I Do It? Knowing Our Goals (Goals)
#7 - When Shall I Do It? Knowing Stewardship (Time)
#8 - How Will I Finish? Knowing how to Finish (Legacy)

For each longing, Henderson begins with a thought provoking quote followed by a contemporary illustration. He brings in his own stories, highlights the advantages for exercising these longings, and provides easy to understand tests and practical tips to cultivate growth in that longing. This is supplemented by discovery exercises that readers can use for their own benefit, or for teachers to adopt in their Christian Education classes. The Appendices are valuable resources too. With many creative acronyms, clear frameworks, and supported by real life experiences, Henderson is a gentle guide and a wise teacher. 

I think Bethany House Publishers have hit on a winner. For anyone who feels lethargic or lacking some spiritual direction, this book may very well be the spark to ignite your spiritual flame. I recommend this book highly.

Rating: 5 stars of 5.

conrade

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"Book has been provided courtesy of Graf-Martin Communications and Bethany House Publishers in exchange for an honest review.

"Get Your Teenager Talking" (Jonathan McKee)

TITLE: Get Your Teenager Talking: Everything You Need to Spark Meaningful Conversations
AUTHOR: Jonathan McKee
PUBLISHER: Minneapolis, MN: Bethany House Publishers, (176 pages).

"How's your day today?"

If you get one word answers like, "Fine," "same-old," "whatever," or simply a shrug of "ok," you are probably dealing with a teenager. Indeed, getting this age group to talk is like opening clamshells. The default mode is shut. Only their peers can get them to open up. How then do parents and concerned adults connect with this group of people?

Even though parents and adults were once teenagers, it can be really difficult for intergenerational communications. Youth culture guru Jonathan McKee has put together five quick tips on how to get teenagers to open up, plus 180 examples called "conversation springboards." The five tips are:

1. Ask open ended questions
2. Avoid asking dull questions
3. Plan and think ahead
4. Use controversy
5. Observe first, speak later

These five tips are essential to avoid turning conversations into boring monologues into active dialogues. The rest of the book makes use of a combination of these five tips to help sustain a meaningful conversation with the teenager. Each "conversational springboard" begins with a spark of contemporary topic or interesting scenario. A few follow-up questions are quickly suggested to sustain the small flame of interest. Exceptionally brief and equipped with pithy statements, each springboard is easy to use and cleverly stirs anyone not just to respond but want to say something about it. Here are some notable springboards:

• Career guidance: "If you could have any occupation in the world, what would you want to do, and why?" (#17)
• Self-Esteem: "Name an Accomplishment you are most proud of." (#30)
• Family: "Who do you admire the most in our immediate family?" (#45)
• Companionship: "If you got lost in a foreign country for a few days, who would you want with you, and why?" (#53)
• Maturity: "Where do you realistically see yourself in ten years?" (#82)
• Knowledge/Reflection: "Of all the books you have read, what has been the most impactful?" (#85)
• Introspection: "Fast-forward thirty years. What is the best compliment someone could give you about your children?" (#137)
• ...

These and many more are essential tools to help spark meaningful conversations with teenagers. That said, it really takes someone who knows teenagers to come up with such a long list of ideas. At the same time, every teenager is unique, and uniquely different from one another. What works for one may not work for another. The key is that anyone using the book need to be as discerning as well. For example, the questions on cartoons may seem a little childish. The one about books may not appeal to those who do not like to read. The one on remembering a deceased may come across as too painful. Thus, having the book alone does not mean one has all the answers. Discernment and care need to be used to ensure that we be sensitive to the feelings of teenagers.

Perhaps, for parents who are exasperated about their clammed-up teenager, as long as one springboard question can begin the conversation, the book would have worth every cent. Those working or are interested in all things youth will certainly benefit from this book.

Rating: 4.24 stars of 5.

conrade

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This book is provided to me courtesy of Bethany House Publishers and Graf-Martin Communications in exchange for an honest review. All opinions offered above are mine unless otherwise stated or implied.