Nature Poems to See By - a book review

Recently, I was given a complimentary copy of Nature Poems to See By: A Comic Artist Interprets More Great Poetry, illustrated by Julian Peters, and published by Plough Publishing House. As someone who has long loved poetry—and who also happens to be a visual learner—I was immediately intrigued. This book beautifully marries both worlds, pairing beloved classic poems with expressive comic-style artwork that brings each piece to life.

The collection includes twenty-four classic poems thoughtfully arranged by the seasons of the year. Each selection is accompanied by carefully crafted illustrations that illuminate the heart of the poem without overpowering it. The comic art format offers a fresh and accessible way to experience poetry, allowing readers not only to read the words but to see them unfold.

I believe this book will appeal to a wide range of readers. Adults will appreciate revisiting treasured classics in a new format, while younger readers—especially those who may feel intimidated by traditional literary works—may find the visual storytelling an inviting doorway into poetry. By presenting these works through art, the book gently encourages curiosity and may even spark a lifelong love for verse.

Many of my personal favorites are included—poems I first encountered in high school and others I’ve discovered over the years. Reading Daybreak in Alabama by Langston Hughes (which was new to me and a wonderful surprise), alongside classics like Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening by Robert Frost, Fog by Carl Sandburg, and Sonnet 18 by William Shakespeare, transported me back to my ninth-grade English classroom, where a teacher with a deep love for poetry faithfully introduced us to it each day. Those early encounters shaped my appreciation for the written word, and this book rekindled that same sense of wonder.

I am grateful to Plough for publishing such a thoughtful and creative work. I look forward to sharing this book with my grandchildren—some already in their teen years and others still young enough to sit close and turn the pages slowly. I can already imagine reading the poems aloud, watching their eyes move between the lines and the artwork, and witnessing that spark of discovery as they begin to fall in love with poetry and art in their own way.

A special thank you to Plough Publishing House for providing this complimentary copy in exchange for my honest review.

The Overcoming Life by D. L. Moody, a book review

Dwight Lyman Moody was one of the greatest evangelists of all time. He was the sixth child in a family of nine children, and was born February 5, 1837, in the town of Northfield, Massachusetts. After accepting Christ, his passion for seeing others come to know and love the Lord consumed him and caused him to work diligently to see the gospel spread far and wide. 

In his book, The Overcoming Life, D. L. Moody presents practical information on how to live a life that not only pleases the Lord, but one that overcomes life lived in the world. He helps the reader understand we are constantly in battle. He explains how to recognize the battle and equips us to fight it. Not only does he equip us to fight, he provides detailed strategies on learning to live life abundantly.  

According to Moody, the Christian life is a life of conflict and warfare. We can only fight by living a life of faith in Jesus Christ. Moody says, "A young believer can often become discouraged and disheartened when he realizes this warfare. He begins to think that God has forsaken him, and that Christianity is not all that it claims to be. Instead, he should consider it an encouraging sign. No sooner has a soul escaped from his snare than the great adversary takes steps to ensnare it again. He utilizes all his power to recapture his lost prey. The fiercest attacks are made on the strongest forts. The fierce battles the young believer is called on to wage is the evidence of the work of the Holy Spirit in his heart. God will not desert him in his time of need any more than He deserted His people of old when they were hard pressed by their foes."  

D. L. Moody presents Biblical information throughout his book that equips the reader to not only understand how to live a life that pleases Christ but how to life a life that overcomes all obstacles the enemy presents on a daily basis. He gives a list of internal and external foes the believer has to constantly face and explains each one in great detail. Regarding internal foes, Moody says, "An enemy inside the fort is far more dangerous than one outside." As I read this statement, I realized how very true his statement to be. Some of the internal foes included in Moody's list are temper, covetousness, and pride. External foes, Moody explains, are found listed in the Bible in the first chapter of John chapter 2 verses 16-17. "For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh and the lust of the eyes and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world. And the world passes away and the lust thereof, but he that does the will of God abides forever." A few traits from the list of external foes include pleasure, worldly habits, and persecution. 

Not only does Mr. Moody want us to understand our enemy and how to fight the battle, he wants us to learn valuable lessons from a life of repentance. By understanding how to ask for God's forgiveness and accept His free gift of grace, the reader learns all aspects of successful Christian living. 

I found this book to be a wonderful teaching tool on living an abundant life in Christ. Mr. Moody's evangelistic heart shone brightly throughout each chapter. His clear and concise explanations would prove helpful to not only the baby Christian, but also to the mature person of faith. 

I would like to thank Aneko Press for providing me with this complementary copy of  The Overcoming Life in exchange for my honest review. I was not encouraged to provide a positive review but it is my pleasure to give this book a big thumbs up. It is important for believers to walk in victory and the lessons included in this book will help them do just that. 

To purchase the book, click here. 

The Beyond Suffering Bible - book review

It was a bright and beautiful day. My granddaughter had come to visit. At three years of age, her favorite thing to do is play and oh, how she loves to be outdoors. Since I'm her favorite playmate, I never mind when her little hand reaches out for mine begging me to join her in a game of tossing the ball. As we head outside, her tiny laughter melts my heart. We tossed the ball back and forth for several minutes. Her eye hand coordination hasn't developed fully yet so she missed the ball often. Though she didn't mind, she found it funny to ask me to retrieve the ball whenever she missed. Being a good grandmother, I obeyed her gentle commands and chased after the rogue ball. This toss and miss game continued and we reveled in laughter. Once more, she threw the ball my way and it skittered down a leaf strewn path. I ran to gather the ball in my arms and in a split second, found myself on the ground. There had been a hole and I'd found it. As I lay upon the cold ground, my daughter came running over to see if I was okay. I sat up and told her I didn't know. I needed to sit there a few minutes and gather my wits about me. A few minutes passed and I thought I was probably just suffering hurt pride, but when I tried to stand, I felt a searing pain in my left wrist. It was abnormally shaped and swelling rapidly. At my daughter's insistence, we went to the doctor. After having my wrist x-rayed and examined, the verdict was in - a fractured wrist.

At close to sixty years of age, I'm no spring chicken. The next few days were filled with a throbbing pain. I quickly found myself unable to do the most menial tasks. It was frustrating to be suffering and I didn't like it one bit.

Later that day, the mail came. I'd received a package. I could tell from the size and shape that it was a book. Trying to open the package with one hand was difficult, but I managed. Inside I found a new Bible. As I pulled out the book, I read the title, "The Beyond Suffering Bible." I had to laugh! God's timing is always perfect. I slipped it out of the casing and flipped it open. The first page I came to was a beautiful devotional written about Joseph. I read it carefully and was impressed with the tender way it was written. I could imagine Joseph sitting in a dungeon year after year wondering if he'd been forgotten. But as I read the devotional, I was reminded that even in the midst of difficult circumstances, God is faithful. He does not forget us or fail to see our suffering. What a beautiful reminder as I glanced down at my throbbing wrist. Though my injury in now way compared to all Joseph experienced, it was still important to me. It impacted my life and caused me to struggle.

I continued to look through the Bible. It was too heavy to hold with only one arm, so I lay it on the table. I noticed several things about the Bible. Not only did it have devotionals throughout, it also had connection points, little reminders of how God works in our own lives. They contained practical solutions and helpful hint along with Scripture application. Profiles on important Biblical characters were included and were written to help readers grasp details about these individuals. I also noticed at the beginning of each book of the Bible, an introduction was given. These introductions included important information and contained themes related to suffering and disability.

Joni Earekson Tada has been one of my role models for some time. Due to an unfortunate diving accident, Joni was left a paraplegic at a young age. Through her suffering, Joni developed a beautiful relationship with Christ. Years of pain and physical disability caused her faith to grow stronger day by day. She has used her life to glorify God and her ministry has helped others learn to look to Christ for their strength. Joni was the perfect person to compile the beautiful Beyond Suffering Bible. She knows first hand what a life of suffering involves. (You can watch a short video of Joni here.)

My broken wrist has caused me to be unable to blog or write for the past few weeks. These are two of my favorite things to do. Since I'd committed to write reviews for several Christian companies, I had no idea how I would keep those commitments. I surely didn't feel like typing with one hand. It would have been too difficult. But I found a way to honor my commitment and was very grateful. By using a voice to text typing program, I completed today's book review. I have many more weeks of being incapacitated as my wrist heals. Thankfully, the pain has eased some but still affects my daily tasks. As I focus on all the things I can't do because of my wrist, I'm reminded, through the devotionals in the Beyond Suffering Bible, that often God uses trials and suffering to teach us.

I'm thankful I received this Bible at the perfect time! God used it to minister to me and I'm sure He will use it to minister to you as well. What a perfect gift this book would make for anyone dealing with pain or injury. It would also be a wonderful reference for those who are either just coming out of a season of suffering or just entering one.

I would like to thank Tyndale House Publishers for the complimentary copy of the Beyond Suffering Bible and for giving me the opportunity to review it for them. It was my pleasure and I was in no way encouraged to write a positive review.

The Beyond Suffering Bible is written in the New Living Translation which makes it very easy to read and understand.

Learn more about the Beyond Suffering Bible here

Joni Earekson Tada talks about the Beyond Suffering Bible here

The One Year Book of Healing - a book review

The One Year Book of Healing, Daily Appointments with God for Physical, Spiritual, and Emotional Wholeness, by Dr. Reggie Anderson, is a wonderful book. It's filled with devotionals for each day of the year.

Dr. Reggie Anderson is a primary care physician practicing medicine in a small rural area of Tennessee. He's been in practice for thirty years and has learned much about God's faithfulness in healing. Through stories involving some of his patients over the years, Dr. Anderson shares encouraging words regarding the way God continues to work in and through lives. In writing the book, Dr. Anderson hopes readers will be inspired to have hope. He says, " The devotions in this book are meant to encourage you to pursue a closer relationship with our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. I want you to see the many ways he intervenes in the lives of the sick and hurting and the many ways that he heals so that you will be inspired to have hope; the faith to know he can bring healing to our life, as well; and the patience to wait for him to act on your behalf. I want you to see what I see every day - that God is alive and that he is active in our lives."

The book is divided into twelve months and there is a devotional for each day of each month. At the beginning of the month, Dr. Anderson provides a checkup - a short overview of what might be expected during that month. As each month comes to a close, Dr. Anderson provides a booster shot, a short encouragement toward better health for the following month. Each devotional begins with a Scripture reference and following the reference is a story of healing formed into a meaningful devotion. Dr. Anderson uses his own personal interactions with patients to provide a relatable message.  At the end of the devotional, Dr. Anderson makes a suggestion, in the form of a prescription for the day (Today's Rx), suggestions a specific way the reader can feel better or grow stronger. 

Since we're currently in the month of October, I began my reading there. At the beginning of the October devotions, Dr. Anderson lists his October Checkup. Listen to the way the month begins: "October brings the smell of crisp apples and the color of pumpkins and falling leaves. As the air takes on a chill, we pull on our favorite sweaters and boots. There's no better time for a walk to enjoy the tapestry of trees transitioning from summer to winter in hues of burnt gold, rustic brown and bright orange....take a few moments in October to share gifts of kindness with those who are least suspecting." Dr. Anderson's writing style is very descriptive and instantly draws the reader into the book. October's booster shot gives a healthy tip on how to stay well. "As the cooler air drives us inside, we tend to sit more and eat more carbohydrates, leading to an increased risk of obesity, hypertension, and diabetes. So get outside and walk. Exercise will help to prevent many chronic illnesses." 

I like the way the author gives practical tips and uses encouragement as he writes. Each devotional is well thought out and revolves around the true story of one of Dr. Anderson's experiences in the medical field. Names and circumstances have been changed to protect the privacy of those involved but Dr. Anderson weaves real life situations with spiritual truths into a beautiful tapestry of words. 

This book would make a lovely gift. I am thankful to have received a complimentary copy in exchange for my honest review from Tyndale House Publishing. It has been my honor and joy to review this book although I was not encouraged to give a positive review.

Purchase the book on Amazon here.

Purchase the book on Christianbook.com here. 

Answers to the Most Important Questions About the End Times... A Book Review

Answers to the Most Important Questions About the End Times" by John Hart is full of important information regarding the end times. The book is around 189 pages and covers many topics. The author, Dr. John Hart, Professor at Moody Bible Institute researched his topics well and provides very detailed information to help the reader understand clearly what the Bible says about each subject. Some of the titles included in the book:

Why Should I be Interest in Bible Prophecy?
Will Christians Be Raptured and Escape the Tribulation?
Who is the AntiChrist?
What is Armageddon?
What is the Final Judgment, adn the New Heaven and New Earth?

With today's world events pointing toward end time prophecy, I was more than excited to read this book. For years, I've studied the book of Revelation and have had great peace knowing how the "story" turns out. As a Christian, I'm secure. I know my future is secure but for those unsaved, the future can be scary. This book provides answers for both the saved and unsaved person. As Dr. Hart tackles difficult questions, he clearly and precisely provides answers that not only settle the reader's mind but offer hope to those who may not know Christ as their Savior.

Dr. John Hart, author

As a seminary graduate and long time student of the Bible, I am a Pre-Tribulation believer. This means I believe the Bible says we, as the body of Christ, will be raptured before the Great Tribulation occurs. I was pleased to find Dr. Hart, in his book, agrees with this vein of thinking as the Bible clearly states events to support the Pre-Trib theory. Some who do not believe in this way of thinking may not want to read a book that supports it.

I feel like this book would be a great tool of reference for anyone wishing to learn more about the end times. Dr. Hart possesses a Doctorate of Theology from Dallas Theological Seminary and is well versed on all things related to Biblical History therefore, I felt his book was credible and sound.

I'd like to thank Bethany House Publishers for giving me the opportunity to review this book in exchange for my honest opinion of the book. I was not encouraged to give a favorable review.

If you're interested in reading about the End Times, you can purchase this book here.

365 Pocket Morning Prayers, Strength and Joy to Begin Each Day - A Book Review

The 365 Pocket Morning Prayers, Strength and Joy to Begin Each Day is a beautiful little devotional book compiled by David R. Veerman, Senior Editor of the Life Application Study Bible. Mr. Veerman was born in Chicago and raised in Rockford, Illinois, He received his B.A. from Wheaton College and his M.Div. from Trinity Evangelical School. Mr. Veerman and his wife, Gail, live in Naperville, Illinois, and are active in Naperville Presbyterian Church. They have two grown daughters, Dana and Kara, and one granddaughter. Mr. Veerman worked for 26 years with Youth for Christ both in the Campus Life ministry in Illinois and Louisiana, and at YFC headquarters as the national campus life director. He has authored more than 60 books.

Mr. David Veerman, author

Inside this little devotional book, the reader will find daily prayers to help guide them into each new day. The prayers are written simplistically and with great honesty. They are purposely written to cause the reader to look to God for answers. Along with each prayer page, the reader will find an accompanying Scripture that ties into the prayer perfectly. The Scripture verses included are displayed in the easy to understand New Living Translation of the Bible. The devotional prayers included in the book can be read randomly or in order. A topical index is included at the back of the book to aid the reader in seeking prayer for specific needs.

The small size of the book will make it handy for travel. Approximate measurements are 4.1 x 1 x 6 inches. The 365 Pocket Morning Prayers book is bound with a beautiful light blue leather like material and weighs just a little over 8 ounces. It's a little larger than the average shirt pocket but will conveniently fit into a purse or travel bag without adding much weight. This book would make a great gift or keepsake and can be used over and over again.

I would like to thank Tyndale House Publishers for the opportunity to review this book in exchange for my honest opinion. I was not encouraged to provide a positive review of this book.

Gratitude A Prayer and Praise Coloring Journal - book review

The front cover

I was so excited to receive the new coloring journal from Tyndale House Publishers. As a Bible journaler, I'm always happy to see books come out that make journaling fun and easy. Gratitude, a Prayer and Praise Coloring Journal is a beautifully compiled book of Scripture, prayers, illustrations and journaling pages. This new book is part of the Living Expressions Collection published by Tyndale House. It's a very colorful hard cover book that would be perfect to give as a gift or keep for yourself.

A sample prayer & journal page

Bible journaling has become a very popular hobby. Journalers are always looking for new ways to use their creativity to honor God and this book will help aid Bible journalers in meeting that need to create while absorbing Scripture at the same time.

The book contains a prayer and complimentary verse of Scripture on select pages and adjacent to the prayer page, an artistic coloring page or journaling space is found. Throughout the book, there are such beautiful illustrations. Some of the illustrations contain a small amount of color but most are completely black and white ready for the artist's imagination to complete. The layout of the book will encourage beginner and experienced Bible journalers to spend time focused on the Word in a creative and fun way. All types of art mediums can be used in this book. The pages are thick enough to prevent bleed through from markers or even some types of paints. The pages are also sewn into this well made book allowing it to lay flat for creative expression.

A sample journal prompt & coloring page

Using the coloring journal will help the reader focus on God's Word. The creativity it inspires will make the reader look forward to each day and provide joy during Bible study.

I think Gratitude, a Prayer and Praise Coloring Journal will be a best seller. I'm so grateful for being allowed to review this book and would like to take time to thank Tyndale House Publishers for providing this opportunity in exchange for my honest opinion.

Another example of one of the pages

For more Bible journaling creativity, visit Tyndale's Inspire Creativity Pinterest board.

And check out more creative and coloring journal products by visiting here.

When Crickets Cry by Charles Martin - a book review

This was my first time reading a Charles Martin novel. The book was recommended to me by a friend with high accolades. As I began reading it, I was pleasantly surprised to find the story was set in a small Georgia town. Since I'm a Georgia native, I knew immediately I'd find this book interesting. 

The story revolves around a little girl named Annie. Annie has a way of capturing the hearts of those around her and for a good reason. Annie has some major health problems. Her parents are dead. She has no insurance and though her life is full of struggles, she finds a way to keep a positive attitude. Annie has a small lemonade stand in the center of town. Every morning she greets the townspeople and offers them her sweet smile along with a cup of lemony drink. She sells her lemonade for 50 cents a glass but the jar beside her stand holds large bills. She's raising money for her own heart transplant and the people in this small town want to help. 

When a stranger comes into town, he has no idea what he's about to encounter. With a past filled with hurts, this stranger befriends Annie and their lives become instantly intertwined. The mysteries of a stranger named Reese come colliding in with Annie's need for a new heart and the healing of his own. 

I loved the way Mr. Martin wrote this story. He used such beautiful descriptive words and instantly drew the reader into the story. The book was filled with familiar Georgia towns and attractions that helped me visualize my native home and as the story unfolds, I felt like I was in the midst of the struggles the characters faced. 

When the book was recommended to me, I was told I'd cry before I completed the book. I didn't believe I'd shed tears but about midway through the book, as one of the characters prays for Annie, I lost it. The prayer was so heartfelt and genuine I couldn't help but be filled with empathy. 

This book is one I'll keep on my forever shelf. There aren't many books that make it to my permanent library but this one is a definite keeper. I loved the way the author allowed faith to be a central theme in this book, too. As a Christian, I love finding books of this caliber and enjoy looking for spiritual depth amid the story lines. 

I think you'll be pleasantly surprised if you read this book and I really hope you will. 

The God Who Heals - a book review

The God Who Heals is a beautiful little devotional filled with sixty encouraging truths from the Bible. Each devotional, written by either Johann Christoph Blumhardt or Christoph Friedrich Blumhardt, begins by focusing on a single verse of Scripture. After the Scripture verse is given, the author expounds by using real life examples of how to walk through trials and suffering. 

When I received this book from Plough Publishing, I was anxious to get started reading it. You see, I've been going through severe trials in my life. In 2014, I was diagnosed with breast cancer. My suffering has been more intense than I ever imagined it could be and without my faith, I never would have been able to get through the day to day challenges with which I was presented. I was able to find comfort in the words of the book, The God Who Heals and I use it as a daily devotional as I read my Bible. 

The book is packed with powerful truths. For example, in the devotional entry called Renewal, Day by Day, we are reminded not to lose heart though we are wasting away outwardly yet inwardly, we're being renewed day by day. The authors tell us "We should rejoice whenever someone gets well, especially after we have prayed for him. But our joy should not be because the person got well. There are many who must suffer sickness until the end of their lives, so why not this one? Rather, we should rejoice because we see that the Savior has done something for a particular person, that this person's heart has changed and is awakened with new longing....Whenever we are attacked by sickness, our first prayers should not be, Lord, heal me, I want to be healed, but Lord, Jesus bring about whatever is according to your will. I will accept quietly in faith whatever you decide just as it comes." What a powerful way to look at trials and suffering! I was pleasantly surprised to find the authors have a very deep faith. It is evident in their writings. This book would be extremely comforting to those experiencing any type of illness or trial in their lives. 

This little book would make a great gift. I would highly recommend it to anyone questioning why God has allowed sickness, pain, trial, or hurt into their lives. Many hard questions are answered through the Blumhardt's devotional writings. The truths included within The God Who Heals will minister God's peace, love, comfort to all who read it. 

I would like to thank Plough Publishing for giving me an opportunity to review this book in exchange for my honest review. 

They Say We Are Infidels by Mindy Belz - a book review

I enjoy reviewing books based on today's hot topics but at the same time infusing a strong Christian faith throughout the story line. When I received They Say We Are Infidels by Mindy Belz through Tyndale House Publishing, I had mixed feelings about reading it. While curious about the stories I knew would be included in the book, I didn't know if I really wanted to put detailed stories with specific names into my mind. It was somehow easier to listen to news reports and focus on the tragedies and events they published without knowing all the details...without grasping the fact that these were real people with real families, hopes and dreams. I'm not a big watcher of world news but any time anything involves ISIS, I can't help but find myself paying attention. ISIS has gained media attention because of the horrible atrocities they've inflicted on Christians and even their name causes fear to rise in hearts whether they are Christian or non-Christian.

Mindy Belz, in her book, reports on true life events but her perspective is not from the outside looking in, she's on the inside. She talks to those who've experienced ISIS face to face. She makes a point to listen and gather information but also to allow herself to become part of the victim's lives. She travels through ISIS territory with the help of insiders. She understands the danger and respects the culture. She knows this is real.

In the book, Ms. Belz tells the story of a young mother who was in labor with her first child as ISIS began to attack. At the hospital, her doctor was afraid to wait for her to deliver naturally and ordered a Cesarean section. This mother was Christian. This baby was going to be born to Christian parents. As soon as the baby was born, barely four hours after his mother had been through a C-section, they were sent on their way to join other families trying to escape the terror on foot. Similar stories of faith are given throughout the book by Mindy Belz as she shares real life events and real life stories of Christians living in Iraq, Kurdistan, and other predominately Muslim areas.

I enjoyed the way Ms. Belz used such description in her writing that I felt like I was right there with her. I could almost feel the Iraqi heat and desert sands blowing against my face. I could envision the women in their dark Burkas and the feeling of danger always present.

Mindy Belz weaves the history of the Jewish people in with her story of the Muslim peoples and I found that to be very interesting. Instead of making her book all about Iraq and ISIS, she made sure to include Scripture from the Bible and discuss Jewish tradition and heritage.

I would highly recommend this book to anyone seeking to understand more about the Middle East and the plight of the Christians there. I would also recommend it to those wishing to gain more insight and understanding of how the ISIS system works. By understanding more about the inner workings of ISIS, Ms. Belz helps remove some of the terror we associate with the ISIS rebels.

I would like to thank Tyndale House Publishing for providing me with a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

Bearing Witness - a book review

Recently, I was given a complimentary copy of the book, Bearing Witness, Stories of Martyrdom and Costly Discipleship, edited by Charles E. Moore and Timothy Keiderling, to review by Plough Publishing.

I was excited to read this book because I love studying about Christian missionaries all over the world, but especially about those who've taken their faith to the extreme and have become martyrs for their faith. As I began the book, the first sentence of the introduction caught my eye... "Following Jesus can be dangerous." What a profound statement for those who follow after Christ, but also one bearing complete truth. Even Jesus, in the Bible, says "If anyone wishes to come after Me, he must deny himself, and take up his cross and follow Me. For whoever wishes to save his life will lose it; but whoever loses his life for My sake will find it." Matthew 16:24-25. And as I began to read the first few pages of the book, I was reminded why it's important for us to remember those who've suffered for Christ.

The book answers the question, "So, why do we in North American still need to tell martyr stories today" with the following answer: "First, in the context of the extensive religious freedoms that North American believers now enjoy, the witness of the martyrs provides a useful reminder that following Jesus can still exact a cost. Furthermore, we should continue to tell stories of courageous witness because persecution is not just an ancient story but a contemporary reality. Martyr stories prompt us to reexamine our own faith. Martyr stories unite the church. Remembering the martyrs is a way of extending the community of faith backward in time, reminding each congregation that it is not alone in the journey, but is joined in fellowship with faithful Christians throughout the history of the church."

Most of us know the stories of famous Christian martyrs like Stephen and Peter, disciples of Jesus, and even those of later martyrs like William Tyndale and John Wycliffe, but there are so many more! All over the world, there have been those who've stood firm in their beliefs and have taken their faith with them to their death. They've fought the good fight and they've received their crown of glory.

Bearing Witness, shares the stories of 36 martyrs from Biblical times until the present. Their stories span the globe and include countries like Turkey, Germany, Austria, The Virgin Islands, The United States, Korea, and Russia. These various martyrs suffered terrible deaths from being burned alive to being torn apart by animals, but one thing remains constant in all of their cases, their love for Jesus Christ.

It is my belief that the book, Bearing Witness, should be required reading for all Christian high school and college students. By keeping the stories alive and fresh, we can impact generations and help them realize these valiant people did not die in vain. It's important for us to remember the great cost behind our Christian beliefs. Many gave their lives so we could have the religious freedoms we experience today.

I would like to thank Plough Publishing for giving me an opportunity to review this outstanding book. I would recommend it highly to anyone wanting to learn more about the history of Christianity and about those who died for their faith. If you'd like to purchase your own copy of this amazing book, you can order it here.

Queen Esther and the Ring of Power

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Aneko Press and would like to thank them for allowing me the pleasure of reviewing it.

The book, Queen Esther and the Ring of Power by Russell M. Stendal, is filled with exciting revelations about this Biblical account of a woman's faith. Mr. Stendal weaves past and present events with symbolism into his book. His writing style is very easy to read and understand.

I was impressed with the verse by verse and chapter by chapter analysis made by Mr. Stendal. I have read the Bible story of Esther many times but have never delved as deeply into it as I was able to thanks to Mr. Stendal.

The book opens with Chapter 1 of Esther, at the feast of King Ahasuerus. In the third year of the king's reign, he holds a 180 day banquet for his royal staff followed by a seven day banquet for the other people of his kingdom.

Esther, a Jewish young woman, finds herself amid those chosen for the king's pleasure. For twelve months, the young women are required to endure a period of purification. Mr. Stendal helps us understand the importance of the number twelve and explains it is not only the number associated with childhood, but it is also the number linked to divine order. He goes into great detail with his explanations and continues throughout the remaining chapters.

Esther is a story of faith and courage. Not only does Esther vow to be obedient to the Lord's will, she asks for the Jewish people in her village to commit to fast and pray for her for three days before approaching the king.  Amazingly, her people commit to do this for her and Esther is able to fast without drawing attention to herself. As she readies herself to approach the king, Mr. Stendal helps us see the importance of being led by the Spirit of God.

The story embodies both good and evil. Esther represents a God fearing woman who seeks to do the Lord's will while Haman, the king's right hand man, represents pure hatred and evil. "Queen Esther is dedicated to saving humanity and having it restored to the image of God, but humanity cannot return to the image of God while Haman exists."

The book takes an in depth look at each character of the book, each verse, and each chapter. Mr. Stendal has worked diligently to provide us with a detailed account of symbolism but also about prophetic meanings and how they relate to our current world.

I enjoyed reading this book and would recommend it for anyone who enjoys digging deep into God's Word. Mr. Stendal is very knowledgeable and has gone to great lengths to make this book clear and concise. His expertise as a missionary and follower of Christ have given him great insight. I am thankful he was willing to share that information with us through his new book.

Purchase Queen Esther and the Ring of Power on Amazon by clicking here

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