All In by Mark Batterson

Mark Batterson is a best-selling author and I hate to admit I’ve never read him before. You can bet I will be reading him in the future.

There are so many nuggets in this book, I cannot hope to give them justice. The author says, “If Jesus is not LORD OF ALL, then He is not Lord at all.” Ultimately, the book explains how so many believers are not fully experiencing what God has for us/them, because we/they have not fully given ourselves to Him.

Using clever illustrations, Batterson encourages you to give 100%, stop being a rim-hugger, and take the hike. Experience God, don’t just observe Him.

An excellent book, well-written and easy to read, All In is definitely a book to read. Five stars!

 I received a complimentary copy of this book for an unbiased review.

Bold as Love by Bob Roberts, Jr.

Subtitled "What Can Happen When We See People the Way God Does," Bold as Love takes a candid look at how to truly love your neighbor. Mr. Roberts points out that it’s easy, particularly in our American culture, to love those who believe like we do, who value the things we value, etc. But the world is becoming smaller every day. We have Christians, Muslims, Jews, and Atheists living next door to one another. On page 27, Mr. Roberts says, “Loving others isn’t something we do when we agree with them, or when they’re like us, or even when we like them. Loving others was made for when it’s hard, scary, and near impossible.”

Frequently using Paul as an example, Mr. Roberts wrote, “Serve not to convert; serve because you are converted.” He is not saying that you don’t care if the person(s) you are serving choose Jesus, but that they don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care. When you show that you’re going to love and serve someone despite your faith difference, when you show respect for their beliefs, they will be open to discussing faith differences. Just be sure “truth is wrapped in boldness, but with humility, not arrogance or hate.” (p. 39)

I found this book encouraging, particularly as I currently have Hindu, Jewish, and Muslim neighbors. It was an easy read and while it was not as organized as I would have liked, it did all come together as a treatise on developing respectful and loving multi-faith relationships. There are other nuggets to be found as well. Witnessing to and praying for your other-faith friends is certainly part of the process.

This is a great book to challenge the way we live in and interact with the world as we enter the new year. Filled with stories of his own encounters with people of other faiths, Bold as Love is a call for Christians to live radically, love boldly, and serve unconditionally, as Christ did.

A complimentary review copy of this book was provided with no expectation of a positive review.

Reggie by Reggie Dabbs with John Driver

Wow! Wow! Wow! This book was a surprising gem. An inspirational autobiography of a man from humble beginnings who found his way, his purpose, and his value in Christ. 

To be honest, this  was one of those books that I thought might be a good story, but I didn’t expect it to be a favorite. I tend to gravitate toward fiction. But I decided to give it a shot and I am so glad I did. I began reading this in a dentist’s waiting room, not the place one usually shows emotion, and by page 21, I had both laughed out loud and felt tears run down my face. And it got better from there.

Emotional, inspirational, challenging, entertaining, faith-building. Reggie was all these things. Extremely well-written, Reggie was a real pleasure to read and I will be recommending it to others. I especially want my teenage children to read it. 

A complimentary review copy of this book was provided by Thomas Nelson Publishers with no expectation of a positive review.

Max on Life by Max Lucado

In this book full of questions, Max Lucado answers in true Lucado fashion. He tells it like it is, uses Scripture to back it up, and still manages to be compassionate. Questions about life and death, angels and demons, heaven and hell. He tackles it all. Sections include Hope, Hurt, Help, Him/Her, Home, Haves/Have-Nots, and Hereafter. All take on the big questions. If you’re struggling to understand something in light of Scripture, if you find it difficult to reconcile today’s world with the God of the Bible, the answers are here.

Not as enjoyable as other Lucado books to read straight through, Max on Life is perhaps better utilized as a reference book, a resource. Having said that, I did read it straight through and found many parts of it insightful. I’ve never read a Lucado book that was not worth reading, and this was no different. 

 A complimentary review copy of this book was provided by Thomas Nelson Publishers with no expectation of a positive review.