Called To Controversy

Called to Controversy by Ruth Rosen tells the biographical story of Moishe Rosen. Moishe Rosen is the founder of Jews for Jesus. What many may not realize is that Rosen was born and raised a Jew in a Jewish home. Being Jewish was just who he was, it was not something that he wanted to change, yet it did not mean very much to him. It was his culture. Yet, when he would attend Jewish festivals, it was never fulfilling. What he looked forward to, always let him down. One day a man found out that he was Jewish and stated, “I’m pleased to meet you! You know, every Jew I meet increases my faith in God and the Bible.” That comment placed a seed in Rosen’s heart. It was little step towards Rosen finding Jesus. This book encompasses the happenings that lead him to Jesus and his desire to reach other Jews for Jesus. He endured ridicule, being shunned and loss, but in the end was able to found Jews for Jesus that has changed the lives of many Jews. This book would be good for someone who is either interested in Jews for Jews or for those you don’t believe that Jesus is the Messiah and that he is still to come.

Tyndale: The Man Who Gave God an English Voice

I received this book compliments of booksneeze.com for an honest review. This book, Tyndale: The Man Who Gave God an English Voice by David Teems, was not what I was expecting. First I must say that I am thankful for William Tyndale and all he did. With that being said, this was the longest, most drawn-out book ever. I had a terrible time getting myself to finish it. This is more of a factual information book. It is in chronological and historical order without a story woven into it. It was not in Tyndale's voice, but that of the author. The only thing that kept me going through the book was the beautiful quotes of Tyndale, such as this one. "I totally dissent from those who are unwilling that the Sacred Scriptures, translated into the vulgar tongue, should be read by private individuals, as if Christ had taught such a subtle doctrines that they can with difficulty be understood by a very few theologians, or as if the strength of the Christian religion lay in men's ignorance of it. The mysteries of kings it were perhaps better to conceal, but Christ wishes His mysteries to be published as widely as possible" (p. 21). What I did learn from the book was the gift Tyndale had for language. He was definitely inspired by God in how he translated the words into English. I would recommend this book to those who are seeking historical facts, but not a sit-down and read story. I will give this a 3 star rating.

The Fourth Fisherman

The Fourth Fisherman by Joe Kissack is two different stories, two kinds of desperation, but yet both having the same need. The author his life, his rise to the height of what many dream of, yet at the top, he was unfulfilled. It wasn’t until he rose all the way to the top and then all the way down to the very bottom of life that he realized all his life what he had been missing. At the same time, a world away, there were some poor, desperate fishermen from Mexico lost and doing all they knew to do to survive. Both found their sustainer and deliver in Jesus Christ. As the author stated, when Jesus came in “It came as a trickle at first, then a rush, as if my heart was a bucket and hope was being poured into it. It filled me deep into my being, and I felt it…It flowed into me as if I was a withering plant, starving for water, a pure joy flooding my entire body until there was no more room left in me. It was real. Real joy” (p. 76). Both stories gripped your heart and the reader could relate in some way to both of the stories. It is two stories of redemption that cross paths only because of God’s ordained plan. This is an encouragement to those who have lost friends and family, it shows that they can find God, but it comes only by dying to oneself and finding that the only way to survive is by giving it all up and to Jesus.

The Lucado Inspirational Reader

The Lacado Inspriational Reader is a compilation of some of Max Lucado's best written material. It is divided up by categories such as the following: comfort, compassion, the cross, encouragement, forgiveness, hope, miracles, perseverance prayer, purpose, and peace. If you are a Max Lucado fan, than this might be a good addition to your collection. Max Lucado's thoughts and stories are very heart- gripping, enlightening as well as thought-provoking. An example of this is when he stated, "Don't measure the size of the mountain; talk to the One who can move it. Instead of carrying the world on your shoulders, talk to the One who holds the universe on his. Hope is a look away. Now, what are you looking at?" (p. 227). Another quote that really stood out to me was, "You have one...An uncommon call to an uncommon life" (p. 340). If you are looking for a small, but thick inspirational book that you can pick up and read a little bit whenever you want, this might be a book that you would enjoy. This book was given to me by booksneeze. I give this a 3.5 out of 5 stars. I like it because it is like a collectable, but if you already have his books, some might not find the use for it.

The Grace Effect

The Grace Effect was given to me compliments of booksneeze.com for an honest review. This book was not exactly what I expected, yet it was an excellent read. It is about a family who had been on a missions trip to the Ukraine and met a young blonde haired special needs girl that touched their heart. Ultimately it sent them on a year long process of getting back to the Ukraine to adopt her. One can expect the many hurdles one must face when adopting a child from another country, but adopting a child from the Ukraine posed unexpected challenges. In a country where most know nothing of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, in place where one is taught that the world is a better without Christianity, you find a precious little girl. This story takes you on a journey with the Taunton family as they work with many people who know nothing of "grace". The author's style is very educated, clear and meaningful. Wading through the corruption the system, triumphantly coming through it, "The Grace Effect" is very evident throughout this book. 4 stars

Heaven Is For Real

I have had several people ask me if I've read this book and I kept just shrugging it off. I don't consider myself a skeptic, but one cannot help but just wonder if someone really has seen heaven. My oh my, by the end of this book the reader is convinced, Colton did see heaven. This book has rejuvinated my excitement to see heaven. What he saw brought such comfort to my heart, and his "no fear" of death was absolutely powerful. I guess I shouldn't be surprised at his parents skeptism, because I too had some going into this book. This book will bring so much encouragment to the Christian who is long to see the face of Jesus and even I feel it will bring comfort to those who are near death. As Colton said, if we know Jesus, we will go to heaven and oh what a wondeful place it is!

Our Last Great Hope

**Received free from booksneeze.com in exchange for an honest review**

When reading the synapse of this book, I thought it sounded like big aspirations and thought it might be just another one of those books that you really don't get a whole lot out of. To my surprise and delight, I thought this book was excellently written. One of the things I liked about this book was how biblically based it was. There were scriptures to prove what the author was trying to get across to the reader. There were many life changing thoughts to ponder such as "Life is to be lived for an audience of One...if I can focus utterly and completely on pleasing God, suddenly life becomes very simple. I've defined my path, and His Word will light that path for every step" (p. 7). I believe this book had the effect that it was intended to have on the reader. To make one realize how the Great Commission is a commandment and that it is life style of living the life and sharing Jesus everywhere. We must stand up and not compromise and as the author puts it, "Compromise always leads to weakness, because we lose the strength that comes through the purity of commitment" (p. 35).