100 Days of Peace

This collection of devotions by Stephen Arterburn is appropriate for this time in our lives. So many people are seeking peace. The only true peace can be found through Jesus Christ in the Words of the Holy Bible. I enjoyed the format of the devotions. A simple title with a key verse and two or three paragraphs offering encouragement.  Also included are three or four quotes from famous biblical writers including Billy Graham, Oswald Chambers, and C.S. Lewis. My favorite part is “For Further Reflection“ listing four or five additional scripture verses. As a discipleship coach and a Sunday school teacher, I am is always on the lookout for a relevant Christian reading. Scripture is the basis for all of my teaching and I am so glad Stephen Arterburn has included multiple selections of scripture.  Each day ends with a simple prayer. Several topics of interest include; Turbulent Times Build Character, No Problems are Too Big for God, The Right Priorities, Controlling Your Emotions, Facing Fears, Trusting God. There is a listing for almost any type of anxiety. This is a good resource for those who are seeking peace.

 This resource was offered to me for an honest review by Hendrickson Rose  publishing company. 

Evidence for the Resurrection

The booklet, Evidence for the Resurrection, was well written listing the objections and the theories skeptics offer to dispute the truth of Jesus resurrection. This resource is visually attractive and written in a manner easily presented to nonbelievers. Skeptics Theory number 2: “Jesus did not die on the cross,” was the best-documented evidence using historical data about the Roman technique for death by crucifixion.

This booklet uses 12 notable references from trustworthy authors. Many scripture texts were used to prove the evidence for resurrection. While I certainly believe the infallibility of God’s Word there are many skeptics that do not believe the Bible is true. However, Josephus was a notable historian of Jewish history. The historical information noting the unlikely use of women as witnesses was very convincing. Peter W. Stoner writes a compelling document on the probability that Jesus fulfilled the many prophecies in the Old Testament. While I have actually researched and studied at least one-third of the references, I appreciate an accurate and simple condensing of the information. This is a great witnessing tool to share facts on the  Resurrection. I was given a free copy of this PDF from Hendrickson Rose publications for an honest and accurate review of the information.

World Religions made Easy

This summer as an extension of my Internet Evangelism, I took an online course about bridging our communication with Muslims. We discovered areas in which Muslims and Christians can agree and the things we have in common. The study showed me topics that I can safely discuss with Muslims. The information in this booklet shares information about thirty world religions. While I was familiar with more than a few of the religions, but there were many groups of which I had never heard. During my experience sharing Jesus with women around the world, I was introduced to Santeria. I gained some valuable information from this resource.  Also, I had read an article about a doctor in our county that is proud of his belief in Sikhism. There were many particulars about reincarnation, karma, and the 5 K’s of this religion. My main purpose in a resource of this type was how each religion dealt with Jesus and what happens after death. This book was very clear on both counts. I was astonished at the number of men who basically founded their own religion and wrote the religious texts. It seems kind of egomaniacal on the part of the founders. I marvel that “man” has such a problem believing in Jesus and God’s plan of salvation. I did notice that several religions were covered more thoroughly and included six or seven pages of information. My suggestion would be to include more in-depth writing about Judaism and Biblical Christianity. I found this resource to have much valuable information and was given this pdf from Hendrickson/Rose Publishers for an honest review.

Ten Keys to Spiritual Growth

I am so delighted to find this resource. The Bible Study I attend suggests the book of Acts can be called the Acts of the Holy Spirit. I am enjoying learning all I can about this relationship. The illustration of a tree representing Spiritual Growth is right on. I am so excited! I can hardly wait to share at church tonight and with my CBS group. Water representing the Grace of God is perfect. He fills me us and my love can overflow to others. The soil is the Word of God enriches our lives by nourishing us, the Root is Jesus, how perfect, He is the reason for our salvation and our resurrection. The trunk of the tree represents our habits and actions. We need the living presence and guidance of the Holy Spirit for growth. Our relationship with others is represented by branches and the more we grow in the wisdom and knowledge of God we will exhibit the fruit of the Spirit. The 10 Keys listed below each appear with scriptures to Read; truths we can Know and questions we should Ask ourselves about our spiritual life. There are suggested activities to Do that will promote our Spiritual Growth. Many of the activities are habits in my life, but there is always something we can do to improve our relationship with the Holy Spirit. This pamphlet is filled with helpful suggestions.

1.      Focus on your relationship with God.

2.      Pray for growth

3.      Memorize and meditate on God‘s word

4.      Seek wisdom

5.       Obey God‘s word 

6.      Commit to community

7.      Serve others

8.      Give generously

9.      Be thankful

10.   Trust in God’s promises

Henderickson/Rose provided this pdf for my review.

Understanding the Holy Spirit Made Easy

As a child, I cannot remember much teaching of the Holy Spirit other than the mention in our Hymns. It has been my quest to learn more about the Holy Spirit and release control of my life over to Him. Understanding the Holy Spirit Made Easy seem to call my name. This Wednesday I began a 30-week bible study of the book of Acts. Although I have taught the Act of the Apostles verse by verse this past year to my women’s class of fifteen. I am excited to hear the Teaching Director refer to Acts as the “Acts of the Holy Spirit.” This resource has many excellent charts of vital information and comparisons. “We are not called to live for God in our own limited strength. The Holy Spirit is our infinite power source.” This week in my teaching in Ephesians 3, Paul is urging the church to access the power that we have been given as children of God. How wonderful that God to connect all these teaching at this time. One thing that I had never thought of is the illustration of the “Spirit is something like clothing. Without clothing, we are naked and vulnerable. When we try to live without the power of the Spirit, we are spiritually naked and vulnerable.” Repeatedly we are reminded that the Holy Spirit is not a thing. He is a person-equal standing in the Trinity with Father God and Jesus Christ. The proof was give through scripture passages. He can be lied to. He can be grieved. He has a name. My favorite name is Advocate before the Father. He can interpret my unspoken cries to My Abba Father.  Yes, He gives each of us special gifts. But I suppose my favorite gifts are the Fruit of the Spirit that He gives to all Christians. The answers to Frequently Asked Questions are most helpful in my role as a Discipleship Coach in Internet Evangelism. This is a much-needed book and I think I will order one in print to share with others. Hendrickson Rose Publishing gave me this pdf free of charge for a fair and honest review.

Christmas Cradle Picture Book

Christmas had become a time of stress for my family with all the shopping and decorating and giving of token gifts not really needed or appreciated. It was then that I simplified the holiday season by focusing on Jesus, God’s greatest gift. Acts of service in His Name gives me a peace and joy lacking in the secular holiday. Now any gifts I give are made by hand with love.  For eight years, I have volunteered during Christmas at the Library to read Christmas books to children who come from all countries to celebrate Jesus’ birth at the Billy Graham Library. One book was similar to the Christmas Cradle, but I much enjoyed the fact that children and adults can put “cards” recalling the loving service they performed for others inside a cradle. The “gifts” placed inside the cradle brings the Christmas story of Jesus full circle. It reminds us of the true meaning of Christmas, our gift of Salvation. The book is very colorful and the vivid colors are sure to attract the attention of young children. The sweet story of celebrating Christmas in Aunt Jenny’s farm turns into an opportune teaching moment to share the story of the Christ child born in a stable. Molly forgets about Santa and elves and reindeer this night and gives her heart to Jesus. Truly a much-needed reminder for our children to remember why we started celebrating Christmas. Maybe this could become a book that deserves regular reading at Christmas. The book was offered for review free of charge by the Hendrickson Rose Publishing.

Instant Bible Lessons for Preschoolers: A to Z Thru the Bible

Instant Bible Lessons for Preschoolers: A to Z Thru the Bible

By: Lindsey Whitney

As Sunday School teachers, we are always looking for instant lesson plans. This book has 208 pages and offers 26 lessons with reproducible pages. I like the alphabet format for organizing notable characters found in the Bible. It is full of ready-to-use lesson plans with a short introduction and opening activity for children that arrive early. Each character representing a letter of the alphabet includes scripture references where the story is found. Each Bible story has several paragraphs and includes an “I wonder” section. These encourage students to use their imagination, express their feelings about the story, and spark some interesting conversations. Instant Lessons provide about seven pages for teacher instructions, coloring, handwriting practice, art and craft activities, or dramatic play. These optional extra activities which utilize age-appropriate preschool skills There are plenty of different activities to keep children engaged, no matter what their preferred learning style. Included is a page of the corresponding alphabet letters to trace -these are really "balloon letters" to color. These are not the manuscript letter the children will be taught to write in public school.
“J is for Joseph” shares the story of the rainbow-colored coat that Joseph received from his father, Jacob. One activity is a coloring book outline of Joseph’s coat. Students will use small bits of paper to glue them on the coat. Another activity with Goldfish crackers utilizes skills of pouring. This helps in understanding concepts of sharing with others, concepts of little and much, and more than and less than. 

This resource can be used "in an instant" when you have a substitute at church. Thank you to Hendrickson/Rose Publishing for allowing me the privilege of reviewing this resource.