079 - Soul Print

I've read several of Mark Batterson's books, so when I saw that one of his was available for review I jumped at the chance.  I've heard Mark speak on a couple occasions and even once he took the time to answer some of my questions at a church planting conference.  You couldn't ask for a better guy.  As for his writing, it too is powerful and inspiring.  Batterson writes in a way that comes across confident, but not arrogant.  His book is practical and simply, yet deep and Biblical.  I couldn't put Soul Print down and if you pick it up, I bet you can't either.  I strongly recommend this book to anyone seeking to know their place in life.

Waterbrook-Multnomah offered me a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review.

078 - The Sacred Journey

I'm slowly working my way through the Ancient Practices Series from Thomas Nelson and have landed on "The Sacred Journey" this time.  This has been an excellent series thus far, and again I haven't been let down.  Foster writes like a poet with incredible word choices and an excellent topic.  He delves deep into the historical pilgrimage.  An all around excellent book I would highly recommend to anyone seeking to know more about the historical practices that Christians have been using to draw closer to God many years ago.

I'm also supposed to let you know I received this book from Thomas Nelson in exchange for a fair and honest review.

077 - The Jesus Inquest

Charles Foster has created an excellent resource for those seeking an apologetic study over Christ's death and resurrection.  The topic is debated from both sides and offers excellent insights into the debate.  The book is written about a heavy topic, but still done in a lighter way.  Foster did an excellent job of taking something that could have turned into scholarly rambling and used it to create a down-to-earth and informative book.  I would highly recommend this book with Easter coming up in the next few months, it would be an excellent time to study up on the subject of the resurrection.  Go pick up a copy for yourself, and your pastor.

I'm supposed to let you know I was provided this book by Thomas Nelson in exchange for an honest review.

076 - Sun Stand Still

Powerful, well-written, and motivating.  I recently read through Sun Stand Still by Steven Furtick and that's  the words that came to me when I was finished.  A simply incredible book on prayer.  Furtick challenges his readers to simply have more faith in God.  He encourages us to pray bigger prayers, prayers like Joshua.  I would highly recommend picking this book up today.  It's challenging and engaging.  If you're looking for a light hearted easy read I would recommend something else.  This book is not fluff, it's solid.

I received this book from Multnomah in exchange for an honest review.  My review is my opinion, and was not required to be a positive one.

075 - Tithing

With so many resources out there when it comes to getting people to give money, I was skeptical about this book at first. However, as I dug into it, I was more and more impressed about how they approached the very touchy subject of finances. Rather than approaching it like normal LeBlanc tackled the subject from the view of it being a spiritual discipline. I was very impressed with the way he went about it. I would recommend this book to anyone seeking to know more about tithing as a spiritual discipline, rather than simply as a way to get rich, or as a way to fund a building.

I’m supposed to let you know that I received this book for free from Thomas Nelson in exchange for an honest review.

074 - Under the Overpass

When was the last time you read a truly powerful book?  One that changed the way you thought about things or the way you viewed the world?  When was the last time an author inspired you to follow Jesus with more passion?  If it’s been a while, I recommend picking up “Under the Overpass” by Mike Yankoski.  He gave up everything to live as a homeless person for over 5 months.  Rarely do I enjoy a book as much as this one.  Rarely am I challenged by a book as much as this one.  I would strongly, strongly recommend going and buying this book.  Buy some for family members this Christmas, buy a copy for your pastor.  Buy one for yourself. 

"I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review"

If you want to check out a sample of the book go here: http://www.multnomahemails.com/wbmlt/emails/UnderTheOverpass-Christmas.html

073 - Fasting

Rarely do I find such a great series.  I first had the chance to review the Sacred Meal and now I get the chance to review the spiritual discipline of fasting.  Scot McKnight writes an excellent book that I would recommend to anyone seeking to know more about the spiritual discipline of fasting.  His book is insightful as well as powerfully written.  I would recommend this book as something excellent for pastors or laypeople.  It's very good, and I would be hard pressed to find someone whom you couldn't recommend this book to.

I'm also supposed to let you know I received this book for free from Thomas Nelson in exchange for a fair and honest review.

072 - The Sacred Meal

In many Protestant churches we lose the impact of the Lord’s Supper. We rush through it once a week, once a quarter, or once a year and move on with the service. We forget the depth with which the early church approached the topic. Gallagher did an excellent job offering insights into the spiritual practice. I recommend every elder/deacon/pastor who is going to share communion thoughts on a regular basis read this book. It will refresh your passion for the practice and give you ideas on more ways to make sure the topic resonates with your congregation.

I’m also supposed to let you know I received this book for free from Thomas Nelson in exchange for an honest review.

071 - Then Sings My Soul

This book is a lovely collection of many favorite hymns, and as a bonus the author shares a story about each hymn in a devotional format. Each hymn is presented on its own page and on the page facing, is scripture and a bit of history on the hymn and its composer.


Although I believe a hardback edition would make a beautiful gift to anyone who enjoys old-time hymns, the paperback edition is very attractive as well. The deckle-edge paired with the creamy, heavy-weight paper gives one the feeling of having a hymnal in hand.

Worth checking into with the Christmas season right around the corner.

070 - A Year with God

I don't think that I read the part of the summary where it described the devotional as a completely Old Testament Devotional. I was incredibly confused as to why there were no mentions of the New Testament (until I read back through the introduction and the author clearly states he only wanted to use the Old Testament). I love the concept of this book. Too many times, we neglect reading the Old Testament because we feel that it is unrelatable or has nothing to do with today's problems. Through this Devotional, the author makes it clear that the words the Lord spoke throughout the Old Testament resonate with Christians today.

The book itself is very attractive- the cover was well done and the devotional is well organized and labeled. I found this devotional to be great for both beginners and as a reminder for more experienced Christians. The set up of the book is a tradition devotional. The top of the page has the Day number (from 1-365). There is a passage from the Bible at the top of the page and a short 2-3 paragraph devotional at the bottom.

I was provided this book for free to review by booksneeze.com. The opinions in this review are my own and do not reflect those of booksneeze.com or Thomas Nelson.