"Dug Down Deep" by Joshua Harris

Snack of Choice:

It’s a classic. The original Frosted Mini-Wheats. Except take the mini out of it. I like the big bite ones. The ones I grew up with and gave me the energy to be the student that I was always supposed to be.  At least that’s what the ad agency wanted me to believe.  

Story behind the Story:
Speaking of classics – this author’s previous work is a permanent fixture in the halls of classic Christian literature.  You know the one I’m talking about.  If you went through puberty in the Christian culture in the late 90’s, you’ve kissed dating goodbye at least once, too.  So of course I wanted to see if the author had moved beyond the dating scene. And Multnomah was happy to oblige me. They provided me with a free copy of “Dug Down Deep,” and in return I provide the honest review.

Story Line:
In a world of shallow faiths, Joshua Harris sets out to explain what grounds us in ours.  It’s a self-proclaimed systematic theology book – meaning that it addresses topically issues of theology (God, Man, Sin, etc.), but unlike many of those books it is filled with personality, testimony, illustrations, and conversation. Like the back of the book says, “Readable. Relevant. Powerful.”

Strong theology is set against the backdrop of the Amish community (made more powerful by just one episode of “Breaking Amish”), his father’s faith story, and his own journey’s mistakes and breakthroughs.

The Real Story:
While reading this work, I kept forgetting he’s not still 21. Not his fault, just my own bias. And, I think, as a result, I’m blown away by his grounded words and excellent content.

Thematically, Josh Harris addresses the issues that many contemporary books are also talking about – the problems of casual Christianity.  Books and movements like “Not a Fan” and “I Am Second” are exposing our need, but my personal feeling is that this book provides the Scripture and God’s work in our lives as the primary source of that firm ground.  This book is filled with Scripture and their references.  So essential! And so lacking in much of the Christian pop books (aka, “Christian Living”) that fill the shelves of Christian bookstores. I was also glad to see a study guide tacked on to the end, great small group material.

He took some risks (and I was glad) on specifics of Christian theology that tend to put people in camps, but his heart was evident throughout his writing.  Even if you disagreed with a point of his theology, you couldn’t disregard him as a follower of Christ, because you could sense the humility and passion for the truth. It’s hard to be angry with someone like that.

Noticeably absent was any eschatological material (End Times stuff).  Maybe those camps are just too entrenched for any type of discussion among this “humble orthodoxy.”

Check out:
“Not a Fan” by Kyle Idleman - While I’m not the books biggest fan, I still appreciate it in conjunction with this one.

Rating:
5 out of 5 rocks on which to build your house and life.

"Wait No More" by Kelly and John Rosati

Snack of Choice:

Can I just say, I think I’ve rediscovered pretzels!  Not only is it a fantastic word to say – “pretzels”– it’s also a healthy snack.  Did youknow it’s fat free?  I’m surprised thatAuntie Anne’s hasn’t picked up that advertising factoid.

Story behind the Story:
You know how you’d like to read a book addressed to a very specific and perhapssmall audience, but know that its to obscure to get a publisher to stand behindit?  I wanted a book addressing adoptionby believers through the U.S.foster care system. Ta-da! Thank you Tyndale and Focus on the Family.  May is National Foster Care Month, but thatdoesn’t mean I’m required to give a positive review.

Story Line:
The Rosati family has six members.  Buttheir journey isn’t what you think.  Godplaced this family together piece by piece in various ways and circumstances,but all their children had one thing in common – a life before the RosatiFamily.  “Wait No More” is one family’samazing adoption journey through the United States Foster Care system. Just towarn you, it’s not like the commercials you hear on talk radio. It’s filledwith difficulties and disappointments and victories and miracles – and theywouldn’t trade it for the world.

Kelly and John (sounds mostly like Kelly though) have a greatwriting style and storytelling ability.  Evento the end when you think there is nothing left to say, they pull out anotherincredible story.

The Real Story:
This book is exactly what I needed.  Mywife and I have seen the struggles and frustrations of the Foster Care system,and we’ve only been doing this for a year this month.  Not only do you raise children in your housewithout knowing the long term plan for their lives, but you have to deal with bureaucracyand reading between the lines of what your social worker tells you. “Chris,”you say, “you sound so frustrated!  Whydo it then? Why build your life around this flawed and faulty system?”  As a believer, I have to ask, “If I don’t doit. If I don’t step up – who will?” God has shown in so many ways His gracetoward my life, can’t I show a portion of that grace to the innocent around me?We are compelled to serve in this way because of HIS glorious love.

You can be a part of ministering to orphans and theinnocent.  READ THIS BOOK.  Look for all the different aspects of involvement. It’s not just being a foster parent. Youcan provide respite or childcare or support or advocacy!

This book will open your eyes to the reality of foster care andadoption.  One verse the Rosati’s sharedthat I love is Psalm 68:5-6: “A father to the fatherless, a defender of widows,is God in his holy dwelling. God sets the lonely in families,...”

Check out:
“Adoption” in Strong’s Concordance. WOW!

www.iCareAboutOrphans.org

“Adopted for Life” by Russell Moore. (I haven’t read it, but Ihave it on an audio book:)

Rating:
6 out of 6 children and families who will wait no more.

"Beyond Talent" by John Maxwell

Snack of Choice:

The place were a burger means two patties and a jr only means one. That’s right, Five Guys and pile on the fries. Am I the only one who is a fan of the malt vinegar on ‘em? And no, they did not require a positive review in order for me to eat there, but I wouldn’t mind if they gave me a gift card ;) Oh... and did you know you can order online or with their iphone app? Life is GOOD!

Story behind the Story:
The last of my latent reviews. Whew. Thomas Nelson provided me with a copy of this book and, similar to Five Guys, does not require a positive review.

Story Line:
Repackaged for a new generation...well, actually, the same generation.  This is a republishing of the 2007 book under the original title “Talent is Never Enough,” but apparently heeded my homiletics professor’s warning about using negatives in your messaging. From leadership guru, John Maxwell, we learn that, yes, talent, is important, but you can’t depend on it alone for extraordinary results and success. The chapter titles reveal the necessity of passion, initiative, focus, teachability, and teamwork among others to truly be successful.  

The Real Story:
Many pastors and Christian leaders love books by John Maxwell. I do too, but let’s be real -- much of Mr. Maxwell’s material is focused on the leaders in the business world.  I’m not saying that what he writes does not apply the church and its leaders, but it makes it all the more difficult to sift through. I think maybe my problem with all of this is the focus on “success”.  I could see a Type-A personality going overboard with messages of “Successful people go the extra mile and are willing to spend as much time as it takes” to the detriment of life, health, and family. I can also see “tenacity” and “bull-headed determination” to adversity as the opposite reaction to how the Lord would have us to deal with difficulty. Be sure, however, I’m not talking about laziness or compromising or character-less-ness. (Yes, that is a word... maybe).

Leadership is not limited to the strong and courageous and the “type A” personality. Although it would have a different presentation, leadership can be true of a quiet and reserved individual who is willing to follow the Lord anywhere. So, if you aren’t “type A leadership material,” don’t be discouraged.  God uses the weak things of this world to “confound” the wise.

Ok, with that being said, it is a “leadership” book with many valuable insights.

Check out:
Nehemiah – now THAT’S a book on leadership!

“Church in the Making” by Ben Arment – Leadership for church-planters or those who want to understand it.

“Radical Together” by David Platt – great direction and humility for church leaders.

Rating:
3 out of 5 embroiled CEOs.

"Sun Stand Still" by Stephen Furtick

Snack of Choice:
Cheerios. Unfortunately, not the Honey-nut kind. Cause the kids aren't supposed to have honey yet, blah blah blah.  Eat them one at a time, they last longer... I mean much longer.

Story behind the Story:
Waterbrook Multnomah provided this book to me for review through the Blogging for Books program.

Story Line:
The tag line for “Sun Stands Still” reads, “What happens when you dare to ask God for the impossible?” It's based on Joshua's prayer to God found in Joshua 10 during the midst of battle. As the sun was going down the battle was not over and daylight was needed for victory to be complete. Joshua's “Audacious Faith” moved in heart of God and an amazing thing happened – the Sun Stood Still.

Written by Pastor Steven Furtick of mega-church Elevation Church in Charlotte, NC, the author inserts some of his own journey and the founding of Elevation. He also brings in stories of those who saw God's hand move in a mighty way because of their “audacious faith” – key words throughout the book.

The Real Story:
When I say, I've been there, done that, bought the t-shirt – It's true (except for the t-shirt, that was FREE). I was first introduced to Pastor Furtick through the first Elephant Room hosted by James MacDonald. Then experienced Elevation while visiting family in Charlotte. Oh, and he sent me a birthday card. Let's just get this out in the open – Mega-church pastors are easy targets for theological debate. Pick out their “faults” is child's play. Don't believe everything you hear.  This is true -- I believe without a doubt that God is using this ministry to reach many who are far from God. Let's rejoice over that!

As for the book, sometimes it feels like you're in the middle of a conversation. Pastor Furtick's preaching vocabulary is one of a kind, and he writes like he preaches. In my opinion, better to be heard than to be read. It's not all just fun and games “Pray, believe, and watch God move” - it's not as clean as all that and this book weighs that out. As he says, “This book is not a Snuggie.”

Check out:
The Book of Joshua: unbelievable stories of God's mighty hand.

www.elevationchurch.org

Rating:
4 out of 5 setting suns reversed.

"Is the Bible Reliable?" by TrueU and Stephen Myer

Snack of Choice:
Girl Scout cookies… Need I say more? Cause I can. Tagalongs. I think we’ve spent an entire paycheck on those puppies. I mean at $4 a box and 50% less cookies, they go fast! 
Story behind the Story:
Tyndale offered me this resource. I don’t need to write a positive review, but I know they would at least appreciate a review.

Story Line:
This is the second DVD study in the TrueU series by Focus on the Family. The first one “Does God Exist,” defends the truth by defeating erroneous objections to His existence. The second one focuses on His Word, the Bible – “Is the Bible Reliable?”. If you’ve heard of the “Truth Project,” highly recommended study material, you’re covering the same basic material in a different format. It’s repackaging is intended to draw young people and college students who are faced daily with rejecting or defending the faith.

The Real Story:
Set in a college classroom feel, you begin to think you should be paying by the credit hour. This series of lectures is very good and extremely detailed.  Dr. Myer (he really is a Dr. like not-just-playing-one-on-TV-but-also-not-the-one-who-does-CPR) takes his time and doesn’t feel forced to answer ALL the skeptics in one session. The study book was a nice addition, and the features on the DVD to “advertise” to your church or group we’re helpful. If you’re looking for curriculum that will equip believers and answer the skeptic, you’ve come to the right place. I’m sure they will continue to work through many of the same topics as the “Truth Project” and I look forward to seeing more.
Check out:
The Book of Romans: the thesis on God and His doctrine.

www.4Truth.net – Great Apologetic resource from the North American Mission Board of the SBC.

Rating:
5 out of 5 DVD box sets