Books
-
An Appropriate Place for “George”
What you are about to read is the very first paragraph of an uncorrected proof of a book that is scheduled for publication on August 25, 2015. Let’s see if you find anything strange about that paragraph: George pulled a silver house key out of the smallest pocket of a large red backpack. Mom had sewn the key in so that it wouldn’t get lost, but the yarn wasn’t quite long enough to reach the keyhole if the bag rested on the ground. Instead, George had to steady herself awkwardly on one foot while the backpack rested on her other knee. She wiggled the key until it clicked into place. It wasn’t really too…
-
The Most Common Problem with Problem Solving
Every person, group, and relationship has them. As much as we want to do things that are right all the time, there are still going to be problems. And problems need to be solved. Meetings are held. Conversations are had. But, when all is said and done, the problem is still there. Admittedly, there are countless reasons why the problem does not get solved. Each situation is different, and I know this post is painting with a broad brush. Still, I think there is one common reason why many problems do not get solved. What is it? We talk about the problem instead of solving the problem. We name the problem.…
-
Why You Need a Hard Copy of the Bible
We live in the electronic age. Almost everything is digital and instantaneous. Whenever I see someone who is 25 or younger and I ask them a question for which they have no immediate answer they quickly pull out their phone. I can’t tell you how many times in the last few years I have seen preachers and youth ministers preach and teach without a bound copy of the Bible with them. It is all tablets and touch screens. And while I am thankful for the blessings such technology affords I would like to make an argument as to why everyone needs an actual paper copy of the “good book.” 1.…
-
3 Marriage Books to Read This Summer
We love reading. Whenever we get extra money, it is tempting to just go on a spending spree of nothing but books. Some we read for entertainment; others for information. There are some books, though, that just add value to some area of your life. Today, I want to share three books that, if you have not read them, will add value to your home; specifically, your marriage. TO READ TOGETHER: His Needs, Her Needs A classic book, Willard Harley’s book discusses what each gender in a marriage needs the most. It also discusses how husbands and wives can detract from each other’s “love tank” even without knowing it, simply…
-
“Hymns of the Heart” Now Ready to Order!
The book that I have been writing for a long time is now available. We are thrilled to let you know that Hymns of the Heart: Discovering God in the Psalms can now be ordered from our friends at Start2Finish books. The book is not meant to be a verse-by-verse exposition of all 150 of the Psalms. Instead, I chose 35 that I feel help the reader connect more deeply with the Lord, and I tried to write in a fairly conversational style about each of the selected Psalms. Thanks to some amazing editing (which was very needed!), the book is designed to help the reader draw closer to the Lord. From the…
-
When a Loved One Leaves the Faith
[Editor’s Note: Today’s post is a guest article from Kathy Pollard, who recently published the book Return to Me. You can learn more about Kathy and this great book after today’s post. We thank her for sharing today’s article.] “…Fight the good fight, keeping faith and a good conscience, which some have rejected and suffered shipwreck in regard to their faith” (1 Timothy 1:18,19). Some have rejected the faith and suffered shipwreck. How many? I don’t know. But I do know that for every wayward Christian, there is a bewildered family floundering in the wake. If you have a loved one who has turned away from God, you are not alone. The next time you go…
-
6 Ways to Encourage Your Children to be Readers
Let me say at the outset: when I was a young person (especially a teenager), I did not like reading. I think it was because in school we “had” to read certain books. I’m glad for that experience now, but I didn’t like it at the time. Today, Leah and I both love reading. We try to find books all the time and add them to our shelves. And we want our children to be readers. They both are, to an extent. Of course, some kids will enjoy reading more than others. That’s to be expected, and it is okay. We firmly believe, though, that reading is a major key…
-
Bible Study Basket: A Great Christmas Present Idea
Last year, we shared some links for a Christmas shopping list, and many of you took advantage of some of the ideas. [If you want to see that list, here’s the link.] This year, instead of tons of different products, we thought we’d give you one idea that you can build in your own way. This is a great idea for all those holiday parties or for that one hard-to-buy-for person on your list, because it is flexible and something that is actually important. It is a Bible Study Basket! The idea behind this gift is obvious: it is a collection of items that helps someone with their Bible study.…
-
Transgender Children’s Books. Surprised? You Shouldn’t Be.
A recent Wall Street Journal opinion piece had a fairly provocative title: “Heather Has Two Genders.” The title, of course, hearkened back to the infamous children’s book that clearly announced a new wave of sexual revolution in our society, Heather Has Two Mommies. Back then, Christians were told to just keep quiet if we said that the homosexual movement was just one step down a path of total revolution. We were right, of course, and we are now reaping the whirlwind. One sign of that is the constant growth of support for the transgender community. Subtly, “gay” rights was changed to “LGBT” rights (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender), as if they were all…
-
Book Review: “Bethlehem Road”
I love the Old Testament book of Ruth. The more I read and study the Bible, the more I find myself drawn to this grand narrative. I also like reading about the book of Ruth, so that I can focus again on the amazing account nestled between the books of Judges and 1 Samuel. So, when Michael Whitworth wrote a guide to Ruth, I was eager to get it and read it. Simply put, I was not disappointed. As with Whitworth’s other “guides,” Bethlehem Road is a great blend of scholarship and readability that helps the Bible student get the meat of the Word. Using the death of his own father…
