"Worth Fighting For" (John Pavlovitz)

TITLE: Worth Fighting For: Finding Courage and Compassion When Cruelty is Trending
AUTHOR: John Pavlovitz
PUBLISHER: Louisville, KY: Westminster John Knox Press, 2024, (168 pages).

It has been said that "No news is good news." This is obvious when we read the news today. On every page we turn, chances are, there is more bad news than anything else. From the poverty and homelessness crisis to global-warming; corruption to leadership scandals; rising inflation to unemployment; political turmoil and wars; social uprising and injustice; wherever one turns, the world seems to be getting from bad to worse. This world is broken. Systems are broken. People are broken. Everything is broken. No wonder many people are feeling more helpless and hopeless than ever before. Worse, people are turning from sympathy to lethargy to apathy. If a broken world remains unfixed, it will not be fixed. For all the talk about goodness and love, author John Pavlovitz writes that "Love isn’t real until it moves from aspiration to incarnation." We need action that speaks louder than words. Using a metaphor of the car warning lights, Pavlovitz urges us to use despair as the impetus for action. Our actions include attention to mental health matters; creating a safe space for people to share their struggles; encouraging empathy toward the vulnerable; harnessing righteous anger; resisting the tendency toward depression; cultivating good attitudes like gratitude, rest, joy, and simply being well. Fellowship with people who give us hope. Adopt faith over fear. Move beyond mere niceness. 

"Heavenward" (Cameron Cole)

TITLE: Heavenward: How Eternity Can Change your Life on Earth
AUTHOR: Cameron Cole
PUBLISHER: Wheaton, IL: Crossway Publishers, 2024, (200 pages).

Life is difficult. For some, life is terribly cruel. In an honest lament after losing his firstborn, author Cameron Cole writes about the need for hope by cultivating a heavenward perspective of life. Linking personal experience with Scriptural teachings, he describes what heavenward means, who the book is for, and some ways to live with heavenly thoughts while on earth. Written in three sections, Section One begins with a description of what "heavenward" means for the Apostle Paul and for the rest of us. Using Paul as an example, Cole shows us from the Bible how heaven-mindedness transforms Paul's entire life. From Paul, Cole then moves to what it means in our present world. In top-down, we let the love of God from above motivate our earthly living. In bottom-up, he links earthly circumstances with a perspective of heavenward mindset. Another heavenward posture is through waiting.

Section Two looks at five different factors affecting Paul's heavenly outlook. The first is about seeing the coming of the Kingdom with Christ as the centre. The second is a powerful take on how the way to transform conventional earthly living with heavenward earthly living. Whether on earth or in heaven, we can live that eternity perspective and that changes everything. The third points moves this further along toward a target: Jesus. Heaven is less about a material place but more about that spiritual union with Christ. The fourth takes us even deeper toward seeing God for who He is. This glorious outlook is beyond understanding. Finally, the power of the Holy Spirit moves us to become heavenward people.

"Five Lies of Our Anti-Christian Age" (Rosaria Butterfield)

TITLE: Five Lies of Our Anti-Christian Age
AUTHOR: Rosaria Butterfield
PUBLISHER: Wheaton, IL: Crossway, 2023, (368 pages).
 

In a post-Christian world, speaking out against mainstream societal beliefs is becoming harder. In some cases, it is virtually impossible to speak out without becoming ostracized or persecuted for asserting biblical truth. Politicians wanting to be elected or re-elected often have to mirror the mainstream opinions about some of the most divisive issues of this age. Ongoing divisive issues include Abortion, liberal views on Sexuality,  Gender Bias, Women's roles, etc. Before anyone starts labeling the author with nasty labels, note that author Rosaria Butterfield writes with a specific audience in mind: "This book is for Christians not embarrassed by the Bible and its teaching on women’s roles and callings." She writes with conviction on what the Bible teaches. Her targets are not fellow humans per se but on how the devil is poisoning society with lies, in particular, lies that accelerate the anti-Christian mindset. Such mindset has emboldened extremists to threaten anyone holding on to a biblical standpoint with increasing hate, verbal abuse, and even violence. Instead of obeying the laws of God, humans are increasingly building a modern tower of Babel, one that defies biblical wisdom and challenges God's authority. Highlighting five lies in such an anti-Christian era, Butterfield boldly challenges the status quo that claims the following:

"Exit the Cave" (Blaine Hogan)

TITLE: Exit the Cave: Embracing a Life of Courage, Creativity, and Radical Imagination
AUTHOR: Blaine Hogan
PUBLISHER: Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Books, 2023, (256 pages).
 

Each of us has our own cave. It is a place where we could feel comfortable, relaxed, and honest with ourselves. For author Blaine Hogan, his cave is more than that. It is about him boldly taking a step out of the cave of addiction, depression, self-pity, and encountering health issues among his loved ones. He shares about past broken relationships, broken marriages, and emotional struggles.  As an actor, he toggles from the highs of success to the lows of addiction. He shares his ups and downs through personal stories told with brutal honesty. Some of his most painful episodes were about the hurts he had inflicted on others and the resultant turmoil that tormented him emotionally and spiritually. He thought singing can help him feel better but any positive vibes didn't last. He shares about his constant travels because of his gigs. His search for peace continues with his foray into theological education in Seattle. While disappointed with the city and the school for various reasons, he soon finds inspiration in the stories of Hagar and Sarah. He would be challenged by two simple questions:

1. Where have you come from?
2. Where are you going?

These two questions would gradually help sprout other questions that not only probe his inner self and relationships but also his purpose in life. The bulk of this book deals with the way he answers these two questions. On the question of where he came from, Hogan shares honestly about his past, celebrating the highs as well as admitting the lows. The second question about where he is going deals with his desire to move forward from his checkered past. His journey in search of healing does not come easy. He summarizes his life with "four straight lines" or more specifically, our imperfect efforts to draw four perfectly straight lines. In a throwback to life in general, he shows us that we ought not be chained by our imperfections. Spirituality is essentially about not giving up in spite of our imperfect drawings of life. This is such a liberating thing to learn. 

"Hollywood Heroes" (Frank Turek and Zach Turek)

TITLE: Hollywood Heroes: How Your Favorite Movies Reveal God
AUTHOR: Frank Turek and Zach Turek
PUBLISHER: Colorado Springs, CO: Tyndale House Publishers, 2022, (256 pages).
 

We watch a lot of movies. During a pandemic when most of us are either locked down, working from home, or simply spending more time isolated from the general public, we tend to stay indoors and in our leisure moments, watch even more movies While some of us simply want to be entertained, in the midst of searching for nice movies to watch, there is a little child inside each of us craving for hope. This heart desires to be inspired by heroic acts and heroes who could save the world. Whether fantasy or sci-fi, drama or romance, we all want something good to happen in this world. With the popularity of Marvel movies, characters from Justice League, and memorable personalities from Harry Potter, Lord-Of-The-Rings, etc, these superheroes have captivated our imagination about special powers and unique abilities. These are skills that the common person does not have. Spiderman can swing. Harry Potter casts spells. Batman has his special gadgets and the futuristic Star Wars gives us an out-of-this-world experience. Common to all movies described in this book is the hero who aids mankind with the accomplishment of the greater good, and often to save the world. This hero figure essentially tells us that fictional characters represent hope and inspiration in real life. Throughout these movies, there are many other lessons we could glean from, such as questions about the divine, ethical dilemmas, the reality of evil, the downfall of arrogance, the consequences of personal choices, and the sanctity of life. Authors Frank and Zach Turek assert that these movies actually reveal our desire for God. With an intrinsic sense of good battling evil, these stories speak of salvation, justice, senseless evil, and the eventual culmination of good. These superheroes and gallant protagonists often represent the inner human need for retribution against evil and the victory of the good. Yet, they assert that however heroic or virtuous each of these heroes may be, they are a far cry from the God of the Bible. This book is essentially about how these Hollywood heroes reveal our hearts' desires and how they ought to point us to the Greatest Hero of all: God. 

"Breaking Ground" (Anne Snyder and Susannah Black, editors)

TITLE: Breaking Ground: Charting Our Future in a Pandemic Year
AUTHOR: (Anne Snyder and Susannah Black, editors)
PUBLISHER: Walden, NY: Plough Publishing House, 2022, (400 pages).

If there is any specific life-changing event at the turn of this decade, it would nonetheless be Covid-19. Never before have there been so many deaths, fears, disruptions to the local economy, and global repercussions for the general public, businesses, friends, families, and loved ones. From multinational corporations to non-profits like charities and churches, the arms of the pandemic have spread like wildfires affecting every continent, every country, and every culture. In early 2020, a group of thoughtful individuals came together to ask the question: "What would a post-pandemic world look like?" Refusing to accept a mere "Things will never be the same again," the contributors boldly attempt to see the future through renewed thinking of the many facets of life we have often taken for granted. That is not all. Even after removing the pandemic factor, there remains a deep-seated self-deception among people that they are presumed correct until proven otherwise. That sets the stage for arrogance and pride that refuses to learn, to the detriment of our future generations. We need a way to help us humbly learn from our mistakes and to break new ground for growth and human progress. This collection of essays is written by individuals who hail as cultural critics, scholars, speakers, businesspersons, professors, psychologists, philosophers, poets, political observers, professionals, researchers, venture capitalists, and many more. Written between June 2020 to June 2021, the writers explore issues pertaining to three types of needs, the need to:

"Made to Worship" (Phil Stacey)

TITLE: Made to Worship: Empty Idols and the Fullness of God
AUTHOR: Phil Stacey
PUBLISHER: Carol Stream, IL: Tyndale House Publishers, 2021, (272 pages).

He was set apart for a singing career. Yet, the very things that made him famous are also the very reason for breaking him down. Growing up in a family of singers, Phil Stacey has a gifted voice and a love for music. As a son of a pastor, Church is like his second home. He and his family thrived musically everywhere they went. For Phil, his music was what attracted people to him. It was the reality show, American Idol, that launched him to fame. This book is his memoir of faith, of his humble beginnings, his journey to American Idol, and the subsequent darkness that befell him in the midst of glittering images of fame. Writing about his fall from grace, he shares also about his return via the path of faith. He ends with a powerful note to proclaim that all his music, all of his experience, and all of his life are essentially made for worship. 

"From Widows to Warriors" (Lynn Japinga)

TITLE: From Widows to Warriors: Women's Stories from the Old Testament
AUTHOR: Lynn Japinga
PUBLISHER: Louisville, KY: Westminster John Knox Press, 2020, (217 pages).

Through the years, I have heard comments from various people, especially women that the Bible is too patriarchal for their comfort. With the gradual activism of feminism and groups that advocate for gender equality, women's rights have formed a big part of Western society. Many people could readily remember key Old Testament characters like Moses, Joshua, Gideon, Samuel, David, Elijah, Elisha, and so on. Yet, when asked about women characters, they might recall relatively less. Of course, the books of Esther and Ruth are named after female leads, but in terms of time and space allocated to various gender leads, most of the prominent biblical characters are male,. This might explain the general perception about ancient society being more patriarchal than in our times. The thing that spurs author and professor Lynn Japinga into action is when she saw so many people who miss out on women in the Old Testament. Plus, stories about women were often deemed uninteresting or mainly about sex and violence; or stories that paint women in a negative light. This is Japinga's contribution to correct that. She offers a way for us to discern how God uses these women in spite of their weaknesses. At the same time, she offers us another way to "dive deeper" into these stories not only to see them in another light, but also to see them for who they are. With over 46 female characters, the book categorizes them as follows:

"Lifelong Leadership" (MaryKate Morse)

TITLE: Lifelong Leadership: Woven Together through Mentoring Communities
AUTHOR: MaryKate Morse
PUBLISHER: Colorado Springs, CO: Tyndale, 2020, (240 pages).

Leadership is tough. It is a marathon. It is often lonely. As leaders minister to others, who ministers to them? Those who lead in the Name of Jesus, do they then claim that their strength comes from above? Theologically, that is true, but practically, God has placed people among us to be His avenue of support. Enters the notion of mentoring. In recent years, mentoring has become popular. There was a time in which people learn from famous leaders who are experts in their specialty fields. Going to conferences and seminars, leaders and trainees would lap it all up all the knowledge and experience they could gain from these top leaders. When they return back to the grind, they start to yearn for the next shot of spiritual adrenaline. What if leaders could do more than just depending on gurus and inspirational talks? What if they could be freed from the expectations of leadership molds that are beyond them? What if they could be truly themselves without having to carry around a facade of invincibility? Wouldn't that be liberating? Wouldn't that be comforting? What if the thing leaders need most is not knowledge nor the inspirational stories other leaders tell, but a special place of safety and encouragement that could help them grow? Enters this book that teaches the importance of mentoring communities. Author MaryKate Morse defines a mentoring community as:

"a yearly, three-to-five-day gathering of a mature leader mentor and five to ten younger leader participants who step away from work and daily life and come together to rest, listen, and pray for each other."

"Able Soul" (Lucy Goncalves)

TITLE: Able Soul: Empowering God's Spirit Within
AUTHOR: Lucy Goncalves
PUBLISHER: Vancouver, BC: Able Soul Wheel Press, 2019, (90 pages).

Many of us take our physical freedom and mobility for granted. Those who lack the use of any part of the body would be labeled either "disabled," "handicapped," or the more politically correct phrase, "physically challenged." For many people, this would pretty much define our outlook in life. As the saying goes, it takes one to know one. What about a book where we can see life from the eyes of those who are physically challenged? This book is a beautiful example of one who has multiple challenges. Speech impairment and the inability to walk may restrict one's lifestyle choices, but the most crippling of them all, is a broken and downhearted spirit. Such a mood would easily break down one's enthusiasm for life. Lucy Goncalves discovers this early, that the biggest barrier is put up by oneself. She writes with honesty that she's "the one who puts up the barriers" with her negative emotions and unwillingness. Her story challenges us to pray in spite of helplessness; to press on in spite of weakness; and to persevere on in spite of challenges. She shares twenty personal reflections on God, faith, life, and lessons. Each time she compares and contrasts what she lacks with what she receives from God, family, friends, and the kind things that are visible to her when she is willing to see it. I like the way she credits the writing back to God, that the books was "birthed in prayer." This is the essence of all books written about spirituality.

"Courageous" (Dr Robert Jeffress)

TITLE: Courageous: 10 Strategies for Thriving in a Hostile World
AUTHOR: Dr. Robert Jeffress
PUBLISHER: Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Books, 2020, (272 pages).

What are we afraid of? What do we do when our faith is under attack? What strategies can we adopt when living in a hostile world? Can we live beyond simply surviving toward thriving? In this book, author and pastor Robert Jeffress gives us ten practical "survival tips" which are actually a disguise for helping us to thrive instead. These ten tips are:

1. Don't panic
2. Gain situational awareness
3. Take inventory
4. Develop a victor, not a victim mindset
5. Trust your training
6. Bend, don't break
7. Beware of celebrating the summit
8. Learn from the past
9. Help others
10. Do the next right thing.

"Aging" (Will Willimon)

TITLE: Aging: Growing Old in Church (Pastoring for Life: Theological Wisdom for Ministering Well)
AUTHOR: Will Willimon
PUBLISHER: Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Academic, 2020, (192 pages).

One of the world's biggest concerns is a growing aging population. As people live longer, world leaders are increasingly concerned over the costs of medical care and the rising infrastructure requirements to take care of the elderly. In many societies, the aged are no longer net contributors to the economy. It costs the state more money to take care of them. Of course, it can be argued that during their younger days, the aged have done their fair share to bless the economy. Retirement benefits are a way in which the state show appreciation for their past contributions. However, if the aging numbers continue to dwarf all other age groups, it does pose not only a financial concern, but many other issues as well. Projected numbers by various research groups show that if the trends continue, many aged will be living in abject poverty. Measured on such a scale, it can be downright depressing. Author Will Willimon writes that many people in this age group, "unaffordable health care, poverty, housing insecurity, and painful dislocation will fill their last years with anxiety and fear." This is indeed a major concern. For the Church, financial matters are not the main concern. They need to help address the spiritual and emotional side of aging as well. More importantly, we need to ask the question: "Where is God leading me in this time of life?" Willimon aims to help us do just that. This is also something crucial to the author's ministry as the average age of his large Church denomination is 62!

"Strength for the Cancer Journey" (Deborah Barr)

TITLE: Strength for the Cancer Journey: 30 Days of Inspiration, Encouragement, and Comfort
AUTHOR: Deborah Barr
PUBLISHER: Chicago, IL: Moody Publishers, 2020, (208 pages).

Cancer is a tough experience to go through. Not only is it difficult for the patient, it also wreaks havoc on family and loved ones. In fact, just to say "hard" would be an understatement. For many, it begins with shock and denial; proceeding with anger and anguish; followed by resignation or depression. Individuals express it in their own ways. In this book, author Deborah Barr writes a 30-days inspiration with inputs drawn from eight different cancer patients. The emotional ups and downs range from sleepless nights to physical pain. The key question posed in this book is this: Would you face cancer on your own strength or God's strength? If you choose the latter, this book is definitely for you. Meant as a 30-days devotional and journal, this book helps us to journey along both spiritually and emotionally along the difficult path of cancer. Each day introduces a particular thought or emotion. Barr parallels each occurrence with a corresponding set of Bible text to help us lament and learn. We lament the state of brokenness while learning to deal with faith matters. Using real life stories to describe the human experience, Barr helps readers to meander through the many range of emotional expressions without dumbing anyone down. Remembering our pain does not necessarily deny the reality of faith. Acknowledging our questions does not mean we answers are immediately available. Each day is an opportunity to build strength through daily meditation and prayer. With intentionality, the book helps us not only to honestly deal with our questions but also to wait for spiritual enlightenment.

"Impossible People" (Os Guinness)

TITLE: Impossible People: Christian Courage and the Struggle for the Soul of Civilization
AUTHOR: Os Guinness
PUBLISHER: Downers Grove, IL: IVP Books, 2016, (240 pages).

When Os Guinness writes, it is always a challenge not simply to sit down and read but to rise up and do something. Filled with biblical conviction and a faithful desire to be obedient to God's calling, Guinness harnesses his years of experience and knowledge of our culture to raise a battle cry for Christians to take their stand. There are four major challenges not only to the Christian faith but to Western civilization. First, the challenge of being weakened. The Judeo-Christian faith has been weakened and overrun by secularism and modernity. Second, the challenge of internal splits which has two post-Christian forces that threaten to move society toward nihilism on one side and extreme humanism on the other side. Third, the challenge of two major external forces. With a weakened Christian perspective, Western civilization becomes more vulnerable to aggressive secularism and radical Islam. Fourth, the need for courage and bold witness in the light of such obstacles. Can Christians rise up to these challenges?

Guinness compares this present challenging age to the first three centuries clash with the Caesars and the sixteenth Century threats from the Ottomans. He coins the "four infamous S factors" as Secularism; Secularization; Separationism; and Statism. In order to survive against the grand showdown, we need to take a leaf from history. Be reminded about how Daniel and his friends stood up against the idolatry of Nebuchadnezzar; how the early Christians would rather die than deny their faith; and how Athanasius fought the heretics of old. The tragedy of many mainstream WWII German Christians is how easily they cave in to the political ambitions of Hitler. Will the West today commit a similar error of omission? Instead of reforming from within, many are becoming more accepting of the outside world, even compromising their biblical principles.

"Five Stones" (Shane Stanford and R. Brad Martin)

TITLE: Five Stones: Conquering Your Giants
AUTHOR: Shane Stanford and R. Brad Martin
PUBLISHER: Nashville, TN: Abingdon Press, 2013, (192 pages).

Do you know that the word 'miseri' is literally "Egypt" in the Swahili language? Ever wonder why God chose a short and unfancied shepherd boy like David to defeat a large size fearsome Philistine like Goliath? What about moments of tough challenges in our lives? Do we take flight or do we fight? Maybe there are some giants in our lives that we have the potential to overcome, but for some reason we have failed to stand up against them. The authors begin by sharing the reminiscences of their own past, where they see how giants of life are slain by the most ordinary people with extraordinary hearts. Like Shane Stanford's grand uncle, whose bravery in WWII Normandy is often hidden as he wanted to avoid the pain of reliving the horrors of the war. The act of remembering is a way in which one can overcome the fear of pain with the reality of victory gained. Or the story of how a girl from Kenya became a symbol of hope, that as she battles the plight of being an orphan, she unconsciously helps others battle their own "emotional orphanages." Or the stories of Citizen Kane vs the victorious comeback coach in Hoosiers. Over and over, the authors reiterate that all of us can slay the giants of our lives, through the adopting of two attitudes and and using of five stones. The first attitude is interdependence, and to learn to fight battles together with others, not alone. The second is remembering that many others have conquered their own giants, and have paved the way for us to conquer our own giants.

The First Stone: A Picture

The key to fighting a victorious battle is to be clear in our minds what we are fighting. It is one thing to be gifted and skilled in a certain way. It is yet another to channel these skills toward a clear battle strategy. Like the famous golfer Jack Nicklaus who understands that the key to putting the ball is to visualize and "imagine the shot." Similarly, one needs to build a clear picture by recognizing fact from fiction; by visualizing the big picture; and by setting achievable goals. Before one flexes the muscles and throws the stone, one needs to reflect and recognize the actual challenge and the big picture of the target.

The Second Stone: Your Tools

Tools that are blunt will not give us the cutting edge. Not only that, tools that are unused will also go bad, just like Paganini's violin that became worm-eaten when kept unused in its case. The unused tool is also a metaphor of missing and avoiding opportunities when they present themselves. Three principles are put forth for the reader to sharpen, to use, and to excel in the tools we have. We first decide what is at stake. Then we take an inventory of what we have. Finally, we share our burdens and the battle we take. It reminds me of how easy it is for the stone that David threw to just embed itself fatally into Goliath's forehead. It must have been sharp to do just that!

The Third Stone: A Plan

Like the old adage, if one fails to plan, one plans to fail. How did David defeat Goliath? It is not enough just to have a big picture or powerful tools. One needs a plan in order to maximize both of them. being prepared is one core requirement of any successful battle. The authors also present three principles for planning. First, it needs to be solid but flexible. Solid in its comprehensiveness, and flexible in its implementation. Second, we learn from the Bible that seeking godly and wise counsel is critical in any battle plan or strategy. Having good mentors is a critical part. Third, keep the plan simple so that it can be easily communicated and effectively implemented.

The Fourth Stone: Your Training

We do not simply train for training's sake. We train with a purpose. We train on the basis of knowing ourselves. We train in a manner that knows what we need, what to build upon, and when to stop. Through five ways, we learn to adopt a targeted cultivating of skills. We learn when to put our skills into overload in order to strengthen. We learn to take a rest for recovery when needed. We learn to adapt. We learn to remain consistent.With the principles of sacrifice, obedience, and effort, our training will not be in vain.

The Fifth Stone: Your Nerve

One of the biggest challenges in any battle is on the inside. Whether it is psychological, emotional, or somewhat hidden, we need to cultivate boldness that is not easily given in to fear. It would have been easy for David to retreat back into the safety of his shepherding work, or the ordinary lifestyle of a normal Jewish boy. Yet, he built up nerves of steel to come face to face to battle with the Philistine. Living boldly is an act of faith. How do we do that? The authors suggest two principles. The first is to be prepared. The second is to be committed. Together, the preparation and the commitment will help build boldness in fighting our giants.

So What?

The authors then share their real life stories of their battles with all kinds of giants in their own lives. Like Martin's recovery from a bitter divorce. It took a lot of work before he is ready to try again in another marriage. Training, planning, and committing are core ingredients. Toward the end of the book, there are many exercises to help readers develop and build upon these five stones for overcoming any giant.
It is very practical and easy to follow. It will be easy for readers to just say that this book is another of those spiritual motivation books that provides the adrenaline for a while. Lest readers miss it, note that the book is written out of the ashes of brokenness and humbled lives. The authors themselves are not just writing theories. They have personally experience the humiliation by giants in their lives. Honestly and humbly, they have given us a manual soaked with their experience and learning, that we too can be encouraged to battle our own giants, and hopefully, avoid potholes along the way.

I am encouraged indeed, to know that we can use the five stones to defeat any giant. Let me add in a cautionary note. We must always remember that when we face any giant, we come against them not in our own five-stones effort, but in the name of the Lord. Choose our battles wisely. As disciples and soldiers of the Lord, we cannot simply get involved with every battle. Sometimes, we need to discern with the Spirit of God, whether to advance or to retreat, whether to reinforce or to just let go. Distinguish between winning battles or winning wars. We may win short term battles and still lose the eventual war. Do not fight unnecessary battles foolishly. Beware of red herrings. The wisdom and counsel of the Lord must always be sought first. If the book has given readers the idea that they can do it with their own strength and their own five stones, then readers will be doing themselves a disfavour for that is not what the authors have intended.

The battle always belongs to the Lord. Even when we fail to use the five stones properly, or even when we fail despite our best efforts, God is faithful and just, and will win the battles in His Name, according to His time, for His ultimate Glory. That must be the reason for our boldness and our commitment. Glory must go to God, and only God!



Rating: 4.75 stars of 5.

conrade

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This book is provided to me free by Abingdon Press and NetGalley without any obligation for a positive review. All opinions offered above are mine unless otherwise stated or implied.

"Redeeming Church Conflicts"

TITLE: Redeeming Church Conflicts: Turning Crisis into Compassion and Care
AUTHOR: Tara Klena Barthel and David V. Edling
PUBLISHER: Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Books, 2012, (254 pages).

This book is not about Church conflicts. It is about redeeming people. It is about restoring one's focus on Christ. It is about learning the biblical way of becoming a united body of Christ. Based on Acts 15, the authors give readers a 'why' as well as 'how-to' manual for implementing a biblical peacemaking process. As an ekklesia, a called-out people of God, we are warned against submitting to two extremes of the "slippery slope." The first extreme is to escape from conflicts through denial, through flight away from the problem, or suicidal methods that essentially deprives oneself of any reconciliation, and in the process, denying the Church of a valued member. The second extreme is through "attack responses" like assaulting the other party, going the way of litigation that bogs down the entire Church testimony, and in the worst case, murder of one another, especially character assassination. The authors define redemption as follows: "Redeeming church conflict means intentional dependence on the humbling and heart-changing grace of Christ's Holy Spirit by turning relational crisis in the church into compassionate care as you take every thought and deed captive to him" (17).

Barthel and Edling use four core principles to help turn crisis of conflicts into opportunities for compassion and care. The first principle is "perspective," which is to cultivate a clear understanding of who the Church is, and what it means to trust God. This means keeping a firm grip of the ways of God instead of the ways of the world. It means learning to seek counsel from the wise among us and outside of us. It means learning biblical peacemaking resources. It also means honing a sharper focus on eternity purposes, God's attributes of love, and letting them all apply to our actions, our desires, and our deep-seated beliefs.

The second principle is "discernment," which is primarily about being honest with our heart's motivations, and being earnest about conforming ourselves with God's perspectives. This means continued discussion and debate among people in question. Ask about the purpose of our talking. Is it to change others, or to change ourselves? Or is it to be humble to acknowledge we are not as right as we think, or others as wrong as we made them out to be? It also means learning to ask the "best questions," not just the right questions. This requires substantial reframing of every concern into a beneficial, eternal, and most appropriate question. Questions like:

• How does it best serve the people of God, and not personal interests?
• What is Jesus' first priority among many other priorities?
• Is this the best use of the limited resources we have?
• How can we ourselves be changed to think, act, and behave more Christlike?
• Have we listened carefully, fairly, and humbly?
• Have we loved our brothers and sisters the way God wants us to love them?
• Have we become spiritually blinded by self-concerns that we fail to see God's concerns?

The third principle is "leadership" which means recognizing any spiritual idols of self, and learning to lead by providing appropriate responses that are biblical, accountable, and sacrificial. This principle also involves learning to fulfill our God-given duty and not be enslaved by self-love or personal selfish desires. Leadership means caring for the flock, like a Shepherd for the sheep. This section can be really hard to read for leaders, emotionally speaking. It is a chapter for serious self-examination for moral failure, immaturity, failing God's expectations of us, personality differences that fail to honour God, and many more. The authors warn us against four dangerous and harmful kinds of leaders. Failed leadership has often lost sight of the main purpose of being a leader. They adopt a "hired-hand" mentality that forgets the holy duty in favour of one's position and status. They lack leading by example. They have no long term vision. Most importantly, a leader needs to lead by following Christ. This leads on naturally to seeking out accountability to one another.

The fourth principle is "biblical response." Though this has been interspersed among the earlier three principles, this principle has to do more with the whole church, together. It is the summary, the ultimatum of the church. It means confessing to one another our wrongs, our sins, and our unforgiveness. It means forgiving one another unreservedly. It means loving even those, our harshest critics. This fourth principle is demonstrated through overlooking one another's weaknesses, being reconciled to one another, willing to negotiate for the better of the Church, desire to mediate or be a part of the mediation process, and to be willing to be accountable to one another, even to our worst of friends. For more serious, we may need to seek arbitration help.

My Thoughts

There are many goodies and tips to take away from this book. I like the 4Gs of Peacemaking:

1. Glorify God: focus on our purpose
2. Get the log out of your eye: resist judging
3. Gently restore: inner reflection
4. Go and be reconciled: outer action

I also like the frank manner in which the conflicts are approached, like the "slippery slope" responses, the case studies of LCC, and the four promises of forgiveness. The authors do not mince their words when it comes to grabbing the bull of conflicts by the horns.  They know that letting the bull loose is risking the fragile glassware and china in the shop. Once broken, it may never be repaired. The key is redeeming in the light of God's Word, God's love, and God's direction. Far too many leaders say and think all the right ideas, but fail to put them adequately into practice. This book takes away any excuse not to practice forgiveness. It restores the need for us to recollect God's perspective. It sharpens our need for discernment. It increases the importance of leadership by example. It boldly calls for a biblical responses as individuals as well as as a body. Very importantly, conflicts are here to stay, which is why it is critical to cultivate long term character change instead of short-term magic steps. The former grows in loving growth while the latter treats conflict management like a disposable diaper. The problem with diapers is that it forgets that babies poo/urinate all the time. If conflicts are never ending, make sure our works of redeeming church conflicts never end as well.

Peacemaking is not a one-off project. It is a life-long endeavour. As long as sinful people are around, be prepared for conflicts. As long as love is present, there is hope for redeeming church conflicts. As long as we let God be at the center of all our lives, grace will be present abundantly. This book is a bridge to help readers see exactly that.

Rating: 5 stars of 5.

conrade

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"Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc. Available at your favourite bookseller from Baker Books, a division of Baker Publishing Group".

"Linsanity" (Timothy Dalrymple)

TITLE: Jeremy Lin: The Reason for the Linsanity
AUTHOR: Timothy, Dalrymple
PUBLISHER: New York, NY: Center Street, 2012, (186 pages).

What's the reason for Jeremy Lin's rise from mediocrity to linsanity? This is the underlying question that laces the entire book. The overnight hero and unlikely star has not only become a basketball sensation, he has galvanized hope for many in a society that is currently economically depressed and spiritually hungry for hope. Jeremy Lin provides glimpses of hope that tell us that any ordinary person who works hard will always have a chance at stardom. Jeremy comes from an Asian culture staunch in educational pursuit and a work-hard attitude. Like any typical Asian American family, his parents put a huge emphasis on academic excellence, and sports often become a distant second or third priority. At the same time, it is hard for any Asian to break into the domain of the world of sports, usually dominated by non-Asian Americans. Despite these barriers, the way Jeremy rescues his team from the brink of defeat, to become a genuine force to contend with in the tough NBA league has made him a household name not just in sports-mad America, but in many Asian communities worldwide.

The author interviews Jeremy, and writes a captivating summary of the events that made Jeremy a star. Using the seven game winning streak by the New York Knicks to coincide with the significance of the number 7 in Hebrew culture, Dalrymple details the background and the ups and downs of the emotions from Game 1 to 7. Like a skilled storyteller, the author weaves in Jeremy's background stories in the midst of an exciting coverage of how Jeremy manages to outshoot, outwit, and outplay some of his toughest and most formidable basketball opponents. In Game 1 against the New Jersey Nets, Dalrymple highlights the role of perseverance in Jeremy's upbringing and character. In Game 2 against the Utah Jazz, the author points out a mysterious and miraculous way in which Jeremy was offered a chance to continue his magical play. As Jeremy celebrates his team's victory with lowly and down to earth humility, the media bursts out highly praising his virtues. The next Game 3 happens to be away against the Washington Wizards.  By then, Jeremy already has a sizeable following, especially among Asians. Dalrymple compares Jeremy's attitude with that of the famous Chinese General Li, whose passion for excellence took center stage. Not only is his team beginning to climb up the table, he is rising up in fame and popularity. It is Game 4 against the LA Lakers that cement his heroic status. It pits a rising superstar in Jeremy against the world famous Kobe Bryant. In a culture split between ethnic cultural expectations and somewhat tense inter-racial relations, coaches, supporters, even players are forced to look at the damage and the silliness of discrimination. As long as Jeremy is playing, the fans keep on coming. By the time Game 5 is played against the Minnesota Timberwolves, Jeremy has become a household name. The underdog has become the hero. Winning five in a row makes Jeremy an automatic first team player. In a world of basketball, Asians are a force to be reckoned with. Game 6 against the Toronto Raptors has one of the most sensational endings. With only 2.2 seconds left to win the game, guess who threw the winning shot? Jeremy's faith in his game stems from his deep faith in God. Even many of the local Toronto fans (with a huge Asian population), scream in delight as they watch the Knicks win the game. Game 7 against the Sacramento Kings shows how Jeremy has played his point guard role to perfection.

My Thoughts

This book is inspiring and gives readers a background on how and why Jeremy Lin has become such a sensation. Not expected to perform, he outperformed all expectations. An unknown on the morning of February 12th, 2012, he became a superstar in a matter of days. Against all odds, Jeremy defines for many of us what "possibility" means. His faith shows Christian believers one version of what hope and trust in God looks like. Dalrymple makes this observation about something that makes Jeremy different. While stars like Kobe Bryant are expected to win, it is stories like Jeremy Lin's that connect better with the everyday man and woman in the street. Just like the story of David and Goliath. While Goliath is "awe-inspiring," David is "inspiring."

Personally, I am inspired by Jeremy Lin's never-say-die attitude to persevere on in a tough environment marked by competitiveness, brutal expectations, discrimination, and unequal status. At the same time, it is also humbling to see how a star like him can continue to maintain a low profile, choosing to honour others before self. Perseverance in one's faithfulness. Humility toward people. Faith in God. These three are the hallmarks of any star. Jeremy Lin has shown us the way. Let more of us be inspired to live not just for ourselves or for others, but for God.

Rating: 4.5 stars of 5.

conrade

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This book is provided to me free by Center Street Publishers, part of the Hachette Book Group of companies, without any obligation for a positive review. All opinions offered above are mine unless otherwise stated or implied.

"I Am Second" (Doug Bender / Dave Sterrett)

This review was first published on Yapdates on 5 Mar 2012.

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TITLE: I Am Second: Real Stories. Changing Lives.
AUTHOR: Doug Bender and Dave Sterrett
PUBLISHER: Nashville, TN: Thomas-Nelson, 2011, (226 pages).

This is a book that brings together stories of ordinary people who experience the high of achievements in their respective areas of difference, and being cruelly brought down by the circumstances of life. Following the pain, the sorrow, and the torment of being thrown at the bottom of the pit, the protagonists in each chapter find hope, meaning, and purpose as they receive a second chance. More importantly, this second leash of life begins with a confident declaration that one is no longer a self-seeking 'I am first.' Instead, it is a brand new attitude that is not shy to say: "I am second."

The twenty stories in this book have essentially this message, that "I am second, because God is first." Through the pop singer Brian 'Head' Welch, we read about how Welch learns the futility of money, pleasure, and fame, and that these things do not really matter as much as he thought in the journey of life. Michelle Aguilar tells of how her parents' broken marriage affects her self-image, and subsequently her relationship with her mum. Even after winning the TV series, 'The Biggest Loser,' she is able to attribute her inner strength and motivation back to God. There is also a pastor struggling with a life of duplicity where he is a porn addict on one hand, and a pastor on the other hand. There is He confesses that his road to recovery begins when he confesses himself as a broken and needy person, and found support in an accountability group. There are stories of drug addictions, failed relationships, the futility of fame and riches, of recovery from racial hatred, war ethical dilemmas, marriages broken and healed, and others. One of the most visible stories is that of Bethany Hamilton whose bravery in coming back to the surfing scene despite losing her left arm to sharks has inspired the making of the movie, "Soul Surfer." There are many more well-known personalities who tell of their riches-rags-zero-newlife transformation. All of them have one thing in common, that God is first, and they are happily second.

Closing Thoughts

It is difficult not to be moved by the openness and honesty as each testimony speaks of the wonderful feeing of being #2 in a world that is crazy about being #1. The authors of the book have helpfully pointed readers to other similar stories on the Internet. Conveniently stored in the "iamsecond.com" website, there are videos, audios, and pictures to supplement the book. This book is powerful in at least three ways. Firstly, it reminds us of the futility of putting our hopes in the things of the world. Worldly things are temporal and will not last the length of time. Secondly, it reminds us that there is hope in God. The world picks and chooses what it deems suitable at that time, place and circumstances. God accepts people regardless of the ups and downs of life. Thirdly, it gives us a brand new meaning and purpose in life, which comes very powerfully when we declare "I am Second."

As I think about the white chair on the book cover, and how each person in the story sits to tell their testimonies, I see the symbolism the following way. An empty chair symbolizes that the invisible God is first sitting on the chair. It is the grace of God that invites individuals to come and sit with God, and to learn intimately that there is no shame in "I am second." All of us will have a chance to sit on the chair and to experience renewed hope and joy in our lives. Most importantly, these experiences are but glimpses of our eternal life in God. A life in Jesus that will last and last and last.


Rating: 4.5 of 5.

conrade

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Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

"Disciplines of a Godly Young Man"

TITLE: Disciplines of a Godly Young Man
AUTHOR: R. Kent Hughes and Carey Hughes
PUBLISHER: Wheaton, IL: Crossway, 2012, (192 pages).

This book may be addressed to young man explicitly, but it implicitly applies to all believers in Christ. Using 'discipline' as the main operative word throughout the book, the author's conviction is that without discipline, one cannot grow up to be the mature man in God. Beginning with stories of mainly famous sports persons, the authors continuously hum the chorus:

"No manliness, no maturity! No discipline, no discipleship! No groans, no growth! No training, no triumph!" (22)

Written in 5 sections, the authors attempt to instil the need for discipline in relationships, in the soul, in character, in ministry and in grace. In relationships, one needs to rein in one's weakness to temptations, and at the same time strengthen one's resolve to pursue purity in God. At the same time, one cannot live a solitary life, but to develop deep friendships. Relationships are key to maturity in community.  Then there is the discipline of soul which talks about one's mental discipline and spiritual devotions. This section on SOUL is perhaps the strongest part of the book.

The third section deals with the personal development of character. By controlling the tongue and to use it wisely, one builds up the discipline to manage the rudder of one's life. Characted building can also be in terms of work. The authors give a really concise overview of the theology of work, followed by a need to cultivate perseverance.

The fourth section deals with Church in terms of Church life, giving, witnessing, and serving. The last section ties everything together by softening the stance on any tendency to make 'discipline' legalistic. Grace is the word.

My Thoughts

Reading this book reminds me of Paul's instructions to Titus about young men.

"Similarly, encourage the young men to be self-controlled." (Titus 2:6)

In that short letter, Paul has one of the shortest instructions for the young men in the Church. Self-Controlled. I see 'discipline' as a way in which Titus 2:6 can be practised. This book certainly goes wide in terms of reaching out to young men in very important spheres of their lives. There is something for the relational young man. There are many good ideas to cultivate the mental prowess. There are great stories regarding the building of character. There is also the responsibility to be a part of Church through serving, giving, and regular attendance. All in all, though the book is targeted at young men, it can benefit a wider audience. In fact, if all young men can read this book, and apply the suggestions in it, our future is bright. Our nations will be swarming with future leaders who will be strong, faithful, and will honour to home, to country, and to God.

The best way to use this book is to read it together with a group, or another person. Teach it in a young adult class, or read it as a group. Discuss it with a friend, a mentor or your pastor. Otherwise, it is easy for young men to be distracted. Due to the demands in this book, reading it will require a discipline in itself. Beware. This book is not for the weak and faint-hearted. It is for those who want to grow up to be godly and mature in God.

Maybe, for those of us who are older, and have missed out on the disciplines when we were younger, it is never too late to begin. This book may also be used to cultivate the inner man in us, regardless of how old is our outer man.
Rating: 4.5 stars of 5.

conrade

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This book is provided to me free by Crossway Books and NetGalley without any obligation for a positive review. All comments provided are offered freely.

"The Resolution for Men" (Stephen & Alex Kendrick)

TITLE: The Resolution for Men
AUTHOR: Stephen and Alex Kendrick with Randy Alcorn
PUBLISHER: Nashville, TN: B&H Publishing, 2011, (264 pages).

This is a companion book that pairs very well with either; 1) the Courageous film made by Sherwood Pictures, or 2) the "Courageous Living" book by Michael Catt. It begins with a terse warning to readers not to take the book's contents lightly. Following a brief introduction, a one page RESOLUTION is issued like a paper plaque. The resolution contains 12 clear resolutions. The first is a personal reminder about one's commitment to God to take full responsibility for self, wife, and children. The other eleven resolutions put this commitment to practice. Beginning with the responsibility and commitment to the home and family, the resolutions gradually include commitments to be honourable and exemplary outside of the home. Commitments to honour authority, to stand up for justice, to bless others, to forgive others, to be faithful to Church, and to serve society at large, and several more.

The main part of the book is subdivided into two parts. Part One is a call to men on why resolutions are necessary. It re-establishes the need to bring back fatherhood in a largely fatherless society. It calls upon fathers to break the chains of sinful nature, worldly nurture, and sinful choices. Part Two contains 12 chapters which deals with each of the 12 resolutions printed at the beginning of the book. The Appendices are especially helpful as they contain lots of helpful information about basic Christian Living. It even has a transcript of the final moving speech in the movie 'Courageous.'

I find my heart palpitating with excitement as I turn each page. Every part dares me to become a better father.Every chapter challenges me to man up and be the man God has called me to be.  The book is unapologetically written. It does not mince words but tell it as it is. Throughout the book, biblical examples, verses, and lessons are interwoven to show readers that the ideas in the book are not invented by people, but biblically derived. Each chapter begins with a resolution statement, proceeds with a description of what, why, who, and how it affects us and our neighbours, and ends with a 'Courageous challenge' and a Bible verse.

For its sheer courage to challenge and to counter the prevailing culture of laxity, luxury, and rootless liberty, I give this book a high five.

Rating: 5 stars of 5.

conrade

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"Book has been provided courtesy of David C Cook and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc. Available at your favourite bookseller from B&H Publishing Group".