"Lead Your Family Like Jesus" by Ken Blanchard, Phil Hodges, and Tricia Goyer

Snack of Choice:
My internationally known Rice Krispy treats. No credit to me for the receipt, but it’s all in the execution. Here are two keys I will share with you to have success with these treats. One, use finely cut butter, don’t buy into the “You can use margarine too” talk – you can’t. Two, despite the cute commercials, don’t let your kids help make them – it’s a sure fire way to ruin them.

Story behind the Story:
Speaking of kids, the two in our house just turned two – and in reality, I can’t wait to make treats with them. However, the gravity of this progression is making me nauseous! So, I was looking for some leadership, and even NPR thinks Ken Blanchard is an authority on the subject. Litfuse Publicity provided me with a copy of this Tyndale title as a part of the blog tour for the book.

Story Line:
Three authors, experts, and parents share the incredible responsibility of parenthood from the perspective of “What Would Jesus Do?” How would He lead your family? What examples did He set for us?  Each author takes turns writing chapters under three parts – the Heart, the Head, the Hands, and the Habits.

The Real Story:
I haven’t read many parenting books, but I get the feeling they deal with a lot of the individual behaviors or specific ideas to train your children (think “Super Nanny”) – but that’s not this book. “Lead Your Family Like Jesus” is more about the vision and missions statements that define who and what your family is. It’s the bigger perspective of the culture that you are creating in your home. This “seeing the forest” perspective is refreshing. Take a step back from the crazy and the busy of family life and set your course.

I love that it’s filled with Scripture from which to draw these overarching principles. I don’t, however, like its overuse of “the Message” for the biblical text.  It’s supposed to be readable and relatable, but a cursory study of translation theory reveals that those priorities don’t always leave room for “reliable.”

I’m also trying to figure out how I feel about the multiple authors approach. There are a couple other books on my list with multiple authors, so I guess I’ll find out. These authors do seem to be on the same page together, but also have the opportunity for their individual voices to be heard.

Check out:
Deuteronomy 6:6-9; Luke 11:11-13

What parenting book would you recommend?

Rating:
4 out of 5 batches of Rice Krispies on the floor. Love those kids!

"The Legend of the Monk and the Merchant" by Terry Felber

Snack of Choice:

It’s not the authentic NY style, but for $5 you can’t really complain. Thank you, Caesar (but your better watch out for Brutus).  

Story behind the Story:
I’ve been craving the smell of a real book. You know what I mean, the ones that just smell like a library. I’m missing it this go round because of new technology. First book I officially read on the i-Pad. Check out the last time I tried to read an e-book: [Church in the Making]. Book Sneeze by Thomas Nelson provided a digital copy of this book.

Story Line:
Financial and Business Guru, Dave Ramsey highly recommends and passes this book around to everyone who comes on board his company.  The main tenet of the book is “The Merchant is a minister too.”  I love that. As a pastor, I love having fellow ministers in the market place partnering together to accomplish the purposes of the Lord.

This short story, set in the boom of Venice, shared how generations pass on 12 principles of business for the believer. The second half is a small group study guide that delves into some real life application of the story.  

The Real Story:
While I love the premise, I’m confounded by the seeming contradiction of messages.  Instead of being on the same team, the “monks” (ministers) are portrayed as misusing Scripture (104, digital) and discouraging the merchants who are supporting the Lord’s work with their money. One quote that seems to mark the authors belief of these roles is as follows: “God has designed a special relationship between businessmen and leaders in the church. We, as businessmen, can provide the provision for the vision of the priests” (135 – also see 136, 138).  But in truth, the “Great Commission” isn’t exclusively for ministers.  It does not say to the merchant, “Give you’re money, and let the monks do the witnessing, the teaching, the discipling.” It says, “All of us have are to get our hands dirty.”

Fortunately, the small group study got it right. “Under the new covenant, because all Christians now have the Holy Spirit, all believers are priests and can personally worship God and minister to God and his people” (148). “But whether in vocational ministry (monks) or ministry in the marketplace (merchants), we are call called to ‘go’”(149). “Everyone in [our] building knows that they’re operating under a higher calling, because our work is holy” (150).

There were some other contradictions between the story and the guide (ie. 77 & 162) to the point that it seemed to be written by two different authors. (See acknowledgements, looks like it was). Oh, and I wasn't a fan of the story telling either.

Check out:
Dave Ramsey stuff – great biblical principles for businesses and life.

The Book of Acts – all kinds of regular people serving God in extraordinary ways.

Rating:
3 out of 5 Venetian Trade Beads (and that's out of respect for the small group material).

"Bible Stories that End with a Hug" by Stephen Elkins (ill. by Simon Taylor-Kielty)

Snack of Choice:

Mr. Reese. I don’t know you personally, but I feel like we have a connection.  I’m not sure what other important things you’ve done in your life, but the pieces you somehow shaped have changed my life.  The “movie box” of Reese’s Pieces has been open!

Story behind the Story:
I’ve been on the hunt for some books that would really benefit my kids.  They LOVE books! In fact, they DIGEST books – literally. I think the Bible’s Ezekiel (3:3), Jeremiah (15:16), and John (Rev 10:10) would have a lot in common with these girls. Tyndale provided them with some pages to chew on (free copy) as long as they gave an honest review of the flavor vs. texture conundrum they’ve been dealing with.

Story Line:
Let me just point out the obvious, each of the 74 Bible Stories end with a hug! Awwww... Ok, now let’s move on. Also, essential, the book is designed for little ones.  Each Bible Story is on a two page spread. One page has title and Scripture where story is found along with an illustration with chubby kids filling the roles of David and Goliath (wouldn’t want to mess with him on the playground) as well as Daniel surrounded by some cuddly lions. The second page is a story summary with some questions in the middle. Along the far right column is the “BIG IDEA” application time. Each one ends with your kids giving you a hug. Maybe that’s why I like it so much.  Oh, and parents, feel free to give hugs back. The book is a padded hardcover with durable pages (for the most part).

The Real Story:
Children’s Bible story books are riddled with surface stories that don’t even contain any SCRIPTURE!  I understand the thought, but let’s give our kids more credit.  Let’s encourage them to READ the Bible, not just ABOUT the Bible.  I was very glad to see the balance in this book.  You are provided with the “story” portion, but you’re given God’s Word in two more ways. First, each story contains a passage reference to read together as they grow. And Second, a verse is written out that is pertinent to the subject matter. Love that!

Also there are A LOT of stories.  If you aren’t familiar with the stories of the Bible, it can be a great journey for you as a parent as well.  There is enough material in here to do devos with your kids (or without them) out of it for a while... then start again.

Check out:
Honestly, I can’t remember the name of it,  but my Mom used to read Bible stories from it. It was HUGE, I can still see the picture of Joseph being thrown into the pit by his brothers. His story has stuck with me because of that.

Rating:
5 out of 5 tasty morsels of the Word of God.

OH, and the girls said that the first purple page was especially tasty!

"What You Need to Know About Bible Prophecy" by Max Anders

Snack of Choice:

Those mini powdered doughnuts. Not doughnut holes, just mini’s. While I don’t mind the white powdered ones, I prefer the cinnamon ones.  But beggars can’t be choosers considering I have none of them in the house right now.  But I can almost taste it – that count’s right?

Story behind the Story:
I first encountered Max, may I call him Max? Ok. Sorry. Mr. Anders. I first encountered Mr. Anders... oh, DR. Anders... [sigh]. My wife bought me a set of commentaries with this distinguished theologian as it’s editor (Holman), so when I saw his name, I figured I could go with it. Also, it was a nice complement to “Dug Down Deep” which totally avoided the “Bible Prophecy” and eschatological discussion (end times).  Thomas Nelson provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for a honest review.

Story Line:
Sometimes when we talk about Bible prophecy, we jump to those end time debates; but Dr. Max takes his time to introduce the idea of prophecy and it’s part in the story of the Bible. It’s one book in a series of “What you need to know[s]” that deal with many key doctrines of the Bible. It is intended to be a study that is broken up into 12 lessons with application times at the end of each.  He is methodical in defining terms and ideas that are important to understanding the whole. He gives each perspective a “chance” to speak without ridicule and shame.

The Real Story:
There is a tendency when dealing with difficult subjects to give credence to every viewpoint without pointing out potential weaknesses.  I appreciate the focus on what we do agree on; but as a book written by a Biblical scholar, I’d expect to hear an opinion.  The following seems to sum up the Doctor's philosophy:  

Equally bright, well-educated, spiritually mature people hold to different views of the Millennuim.  Therefore, we must conclude that we are now not able to discern the true interpretation of Scripture and that, in God’s grace, there will often be more than one interpretation that is responsible, even if none gains the full agreement of all our brothers and sister in Christ.  As a result, while each of us holds a deep conviction concerning our own view, we should do so with grace and with respect for others who hold one of the other two positions (99).

Let me be clear, I agree with the above statement; but I’m disappointed that Dr. Anders didn’t share his deep conviction with us.

Some of the standout aspects of this books format is “Speed Bumps” with discussion questions, fill in the blanks, deeper study, and additional resources. Great, great stuff!  Helps the reader to slow down and make sure they know what they are learning. I love the way the main headings in question form are answered in a definition sort of way before details are delved into. For example, [Heading] “What is the Rapture?” [Sub heading in italics] “The Rapture is the sudden departure of all Christians to meet Christ in the air.”

All in all, I still think this is a great resource for a believer who is trying to understand Bible prophecy.  I’d recommend it in conjunction with some godly counsel and, of course, God’s Word.

Check out:
Books of Daniel and Revelation – or “Dan/Rev” as Dr. Bowman always called it.

“Plowshares & Pruning Hook” by D. Brent Sandy – it’s a good conversation about how literal is literal. Subtitled: “Rethinking the Language of Biblical Prophecy and Apocalyptic”

Rating:
4 out of 5 fulfilled prophecies, and looking forward to the Lord taking care of the rest. 

"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.