Review of Too Many to Jail: The Story of Iran’s New Christians by Mark Bradley

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Genre: History/Politics/Church Growth/Christian Life

Recommended.

Too-Many-to-Jail-196x300This book details the rapid rise of Christianity in Iran, particularly showing the spiritual hunger and growth of the house church movement with identity-protected stories of courageous converts from Islam, persecution, and other aspects of the Iranian house church experience. There is also a great deal of history of Iran’s Islamic political and religious atmosphere, and how this environment has ironically influenced many to look toward Christianity.

This book is well researched and extremely informative, while also being easy and enjoyable to read. The author writes from a balanced perspective that is consistent with the other Middle Eastern Christian voices that I have heard over the years. He reveals how the citizens of Iran have responded to the actions of their country, and why they have the spiritual desire and courage to risk everything to leave the religion of their heritage and join the dangerous movement of house-church Christianity. How is it that the church grows the most under some of the severest persecution?

I was encouraged to read of the amazing things going on among Iran’s new Christians, and hope this book will inspire many in the western world to pursue radical faith as well.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Kregel Publications.

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Review of Remember the Lilies by Liz Tolsma

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Genre: Romantic Historical Fiction

Recommended.

_225_350_Book.1507.coverAfter reading Liz Tolsma’s previous two WWII fictions, I had been looking forward to this one, and was not disappointed.

This one is set in the Santo Tomas Internment Camp in Manila, Philippines under the rule of the Japanese. Rand Sterling was a wealthy American club owner, but now is in the camp along with everyone else. Irene Reynolds was raised by her aunt doing missionary work in the Philippine jungle, and works in the camp retyping the letters that had been censored by the Japanese. When Irene recognizes that a letter to Rand is warning him not to escape, she rushes off to find and warn him, thus beginning an interesting relationship between an unlikely match.

I connected really well to the characters, and learned so much about the nature and economics of the Japanese internment camps. Tolsma has done her research, and was inspired by an interview she had with a survivor of Santo Tomas Interment Camp, who was there as a child. The themes of honesty, vulnerability, and forgiveness also touched me as the characters learned to be open and merciful to the people in their lives, whether close friends or enemies. And I was most inspired as the characters held onto their hope until the end of the war, as I am also walking through a difficult season with my health.

The narrative covers so much time: from Oct. 1943 (though starting with an earlier, Dec. 1941, prologue) through Feb. 1945. There were a couple places where the transitions were a little choppy (although it was also really great to see the effects of the camp over this longer timeline). There were also a few places were the spiritual themes felt a bit awkward. Even with these few bumps here and there, it was a meaningful and educational narrative for me, and one I would recommend to lover’s of historical fiction.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Thomas Nelson.

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Review of Deadly Echoes by Nancy Mehl

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Genre: Romantic Suspense

Series: Finding Sanctuary, Book Two

Recommended.

dechoesSarah and her sister, Hannah, are finally united again as adults after witnessing the murder of their parents years ago from their hiding place under the staircase of their family home. The murder had been entered in the system as a burglary, and the case closed. But when Hannah is unexpectedly killed in a very similar manner after looking into her parents’ death, Sarah begins to do some investigation along with the help of her handsome friend, Paul.

I really enjoyed this story. It is a little predictable, but not lacking in suspense or depth. Also, Sarah lives in the small Mennonite town of Sanctuary, and I really like the dichotomy of a murder mystery set against glimpses of the beautiful simplicity of the Mennonite culture.

As the narrative unravels, Sarah learns how to love herself, and to recognize her unique, God-given, beauty and talents apart from the sister she admired and revered above herself. It’s a touching story that has the added elements of mystery and light romance. I really enjoyed reading it.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Bethany House.

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Review of The Unveiled Wife: Embracing Intimacy with God and Your Husband by Jennifer Smith

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Genre: Women/Marriage/Christian Life

Recommended.

978-1-4143-9804-4Jennifer Smith is courageously vulnerable in sharing the challenges she and her husband faced through the first four years of their marriage, especially with sexual intimacy. They were delayed by years from technically consummating their marriage because of the physical pain she experienced during (attempted) intercourse. The emotional side effects of their situation were just as devastating for them. And she shares the mistakes they each made before eventually coming to a healthy spiritual, emotional, and physical place before God and each other.

As Smith unveils her very personal journey from challenges to triumphs chapter to chapter. She also shares devotional insights for those with similar marital hardships. The devotional questions after each chapter varied in helpfulness: some awesomely point readers to recognize the truth of what they believe versus what God is doing within their circumstances, but others focus on reflecting on the painful moments of the readers’ past. A couple of the questions nearly tricked me into thinking I had problems I don’t have (and we all have enough to work through without digging up extra dirt!); so I have to say I did not love the devotional section as much as the testimony itself, despite most of the questions being excellent and well thought.

Overall, this book (and Smith’s blog of the same name) is a helpful resource on a subject often avoided in Christian circles. Furthermore, it is not just for woman dealing with chronic pain or other sexual hindrances. Smith’s message of learning to trust God entirely, and to lean on Him rather than expecting her husband to fill her voids, is one every wife could benefit from; and I enjoyed the reminder.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Tyndale House Publishers.

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Settling Into God’s Rest

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Hebrews 4 promises that we can all enter into God’s rest. In fact, this passage of Scripture indicates that if we are not able to find our rest in God, we should be alarmed! Regardless of our circumstances, burdens, or weaknesses, we who love God can find fortitude, security, and peace in Him. His yoke is easy, and His burden is light (Mat. 11:29-30).

Sometimes this feels harder than it should. I have been finding a new level of rest in God in these past few weeks, where I previously had not fully realized my own resistance to truly resting in Him with my physical health and healing.

I was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes about five years ago, and have been looking forward to God healing me ever since. He has personally spoken to me regarding my healing–plus, it is in God’s nature to heal–and so I have been eagerly anticipating this gift. My hope in Him has been healthy, but in my active expectation I realized I had not settled into His rest.

In the past several months I came to a place of faith of deciding that I can believe God’s word, and not worry about the details. I do not need to know how or when He will heal me, but can live peacefully in Him in the meantime and be pleasantly surprised when it happens. In the past few weeks, I prayerfully came to a new level of understanding what and how this rest will look for me in my current situation, and for this season of my life. Namely, I have finally purchased an insulin pump and continuous glucose meter! I had been resisting this, even though I knew it could help me function better day-to-day, because it was emotionally too difficult for me to accept and settle into my illness. Ironically, my health has been more dis-eased in the meantime, and probably has been an over-emphasized part of my life because I have had to deal with daily challenges.

So, I am settling in! I am accepting my circumstances! And I am choosing to enjoy God in this resting season! His rest is for you too; regardless of your personal obstacles!

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Review of Esther: Royal Beauty by Angela Hunt

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Genre: Historical/Biblical Fiction

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Recommended.

Happy Purim! Esther is one of my very favorite biblical heroines, so I’ve read several fictional renditions of her story. Angela Hunt provides a fresh look at the book of Esther. This unique narrative creatively pulls together one potential historical scenario, beginning with a young teenaged Hadassah, and sharing details beyond the biblical record based on the author’s research (especially of the Greek historian Herodotus).

I did not love Hadassah’s character in the opening chapters: she is immature and annoying, focused on girlish fantasies of living in the wealth of the palace as a lover of the King, and as one assimilated into the Persian culture. I set the book down after only a couple chapters because I was having trouble getting into it. But when I resumed reading, I began to quickly engage in the story. Esther soon becomes a very likeable queen, and the transformation in her persona makes her more relatable, and emphasizes God’s work in her.

I also enjoyed the dual perspective that this narrative is written from: half from the perspective of Hadassah, interspersed with chapters from the perspective of one of the King’s eunuchs, Harbonah. Almost all of the story is “new” and from a unique and interesting viewpoint, so the details stood out and caused me to think beyond the story to consider the characters (especially the motivations of the King) in a new light. I found it a particularly interesting twist that Esther desired the company and affections of the King, since I’ve typically heard the story differently–but realized that if God gives us the desires of our hearts, why not also give Hadassah the desire to fulfill her calling as the Persian Queen?

This was enjoyable to read, would be interesting to discuss in a group setting, and–because it did not have a strong message beyond painting the historical picture–has the open-ended gift of speaking to different people in different ways.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Bethany House.

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Review of School of the Prophets by Kris Vallotton

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Genre: Charismatic Interest

schoolofpThis book was not what I expected. Vallotton spends the most emphasis making a stark juxtaposition between the Old and New Testaments, and OT and NT prophetic attitudes. I do not agree with his theology on this, even though I do come to his same conclusion that prophecy must highlight and reflect God’s love in a beneficial and uplifting manner.

I prefer to focus on the unity and continuity of the Scriptures, and think it would be helpful for believers to recognize and embrace the abundant love, grace, and goodness of God even before Jesus enters the scene in human form. I felt like Vallotton was reacting to the modern “judgment prophets,” which he reveals a personal bias against, rather than giving a thorough exegesis. He seems to resist drawing the connection between God’s forever goodness in order to avoid embracing the continuity of judgment and justice into the contemporary realm. I would argue that we just need to define and understand judgment in a healthy way, recognizing that this part of God’s nature has always stemmed from His great love for the whole world.

Once Vallotton really settles into his message regarding the role of the modern prophet, his teaching is really excellent: encouraging, thought-provoking, inspiring, and helpful. As always (I have read a handful of his books), his personal stories and analogies are insightful and engaging.

The book becomes stronger as it goes along, and I especially loved his commentary on Joseph and Daniel toward the end. He describes the interesting dynamic these men had of being God’s prophets in the midst of pagan nations, and what it looks like to bless and honor pagan leadership, thus earning a voice and attention.

I also really liked his list of six prophetic models based on the OT prophets (e.g. prophets who served leaders regarding governance, prophets who served leaders regarding only their personal lives, prophets who led countries themselves, and so forth). He wrote only briefly on this, but I think it could be a work in itself.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Chosen Books.

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Review of The First Principle by Marissa Shrock

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Genre: YA Fiction/Futuristic

Recommended.

FirstPrinciple-258x400Vivica Wilkins is the sixteen-year-old daughter of a prominent governor, and presidential candidate, in the futuristic “United Regions of North America” where government control is out of hand (but not unrealistic). The population is controlled through pregnancy-preventing vaccinations, so that only women within a particular age range are propagating, with a high tax on families with more than two children.

Vivica is a hacker (mostly using her skills to change the grades of other students), but she otherwise is okay with the “system”–that is, until she discovers she is illegally pregnant, and is no longer sure she is comfortable with the mandatory abortion. The baby’s father is a repentant Christian, working with an underground group of “Emancipation Warriors”.

I love how this book deals directly with Christian issues and political scenarios within the futuristic, government controlled setting that is so popular amongst teen literature. The faith element is not subtle. The characters talk and question God and faith in a way that is great for young readers. And despite dealing with the difficult topics of abortion and teen sex, there is not a sexual or even emotionally-romantic vibe to the story, which I really appreciated as it kept the emphasis on the more important issues of politics and faith. There is a little bit of purposefully placed violence as the story moves rapidly in an exciting action-oriented mystery and chase.

This would be enjoyable for teens or adults because of the thought-provoking themes and action packed plot. Adult readers could finish this in a day or two. I also think it could be a great resource for parents and teens to discuss some of these issues together.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Kregel Publications.

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How Much for Healing?

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I saw a commercial today for some kind of medical drug claiming to help with whichever illness it was, followed by a good 20 seconds of warnings of terrible side effects, and potentially death. I know I’ve seen similar commercials before, but this time I began to think about how terrible the people with that illness must feel in order to take such heavy risks with potent drugs.

The idea of trading one bad thing for another “lesser” bad is quite common. I learned as I was researching for a seminary paper on biblical authority over demons that one of the primary methods of spiritualist and Jewish healers in casting out demons would be to scare them out with other more powerful demons. These practices emphasized Jesus’ remarkable spiritual authority, especially since He held visible power over all demons and illnesses. It is no wonder that He was also mistaken as using the authority of the ruler of demons in Matthew 12:22-30, since His power was so beyond the norm.

Sometimes it feels like anything is better than whatever we are going through. But the Lord is the only one who can truly heal–the illnesses, the emotions, the soul–and to direct us into the methods and processes that will catalyze that healing. The safest place to be is within God’s rest: whether He directs us to traditional medicine, alternative medicine, unusual and nonsensical healing strategies (and miracles!), or if He works to redirect our focus entirely.

I have dealt with continuous chronic health issues with better and more difficult moments, and can empathize with wanting change. An experience I had a couple years ago ironically changed my heart from seeking “solutions” and helped me to push through those feelings of “what else can I do?” to the new challenge of trusting God as I rest in “the best that I can.” I had been praying to God when I clearly heard a demonic spirit say that if I would renounce God and re-join his army he would heal me in a moment. The call was so audible and so far out of the realm of possibility–God having given me so much, and the enemy having stolen so much–that I was able to put my situation in perspective. Whatever reason for being sick, whatever reason for the delay in my prayers being answered, I realized that the situation was not in my control.

Healing does not come through control, but by complete release and trust in God.

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Review of My Battle Against Hitler: Faith, Truth, and Defiance in the Shadow of the Third Reich by Dietrich von Hildebrand trans. and ed. by John Henry Crosby with John F. Crosby

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Genre: Autobiography/Historical

Highly Recommended!

My-Battle-Against-Hitler--202x300Dietrich von Hildebrand was a German Catholic philosopher, professor, and writer who recognized the dangers of National Socialism and Nazism from the start. He fled Germany in 1933 because he felt he could not remain under such a regime, and when his professorship at the University of Munich was threatened, he proudly chose to submit himself as a “non-aryan” even though he did not consider himself Jewish.

This book is a collection of pieces from his personal memoirs (which he wrote for his second wife, who was much younger and wanted to share in his experiences), followed by several short essays expounding on his beliefs. Interspersed throughout the memoirs, and as a preface to each essay are helpful notes by the translator/editor to set the scene and bring cohesion.

The writings themselves are like reading the diary of a giant in the faith, and I appreciate the editors’ choices of which of his vast writings to include. There are slower parts as Hildebrand reflects on day-to-day issues, touching personal reflections of his mistakes and the depth of his faith, exciting insights of historical moments, and brilliant commentary and philosophizing of important social issues and evils.

His life and words are a powerful and timely message for today as he urges the church not to compromise by making ungodly alliances, or by participating in social injustice by remaining apathetic. His bold warnings against anti-semitism and what he calls an “unfortunate peace” with Hitler (and thus, the spirit of the anti-Christ) are powerful, especially with the rise of anti-semitism today.

I particularly liked Hildebrand’s distinction of patriotism versus social nationalism, and his similar discussion on the value of a community in bringing out the individual, as opposed to the mass of people, which strips all individuality and diversity in order to create an enthusiastic wave of unity. Hildebrand was a significant voice in his time, even making it to the top of the Nazi’s hit list; and he is one worth taking the time to listen to today.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Image Books.

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