Thursday, May 26, 2011

Max on Life by Max Lucado




You know that moment when a friend asks you a question about your faith that you just can't answer? The one that makes you feel uncomfortable and squirming around looking for an out? Squirm no more. In Max Lucado's new book, Max on Life, Max answers many of the questions that have been presented to him in the last thirty years. With thoughtfulness and insight that is purely Max, he gives us the answers to questions on hope, hurt, hereafter, and many others.

I was skeptical when I first started reading, as many of the questions were pretty basic for a seasoned Christian (such as Who is God? Did Jesus really rise again? Etc). But as I dove further into the book, the questions became deeper and I was hooked. Max's responses are scripturally based and filled with the gospel. After each excerpt, I found myself uplifted and enlightened.

This will not be a book I pick up and reread, but that is not the authors intention. However, it is one that I will not be passing on. It has become a permanent part of my library as a reference for when I can't find the right words to answer those difficult topics. This book has my high recommendation.

To comply with new regulations introduced by the Federal Trade Commission, I am required to mention that Booksneeze.com has provided me with a complimentary copy of this book for review purposes. This in no way influenced my review.

Monday, May 23, 2011

iShine Bible




The iShine bible by Tyndale publishers is a compact NLT bible geared towards preteens/adolecents. There are two different designs geared towards boys and girls, however the content is the same. I
Throughout the bible are three different bold colored sections on value, identity and purpose, along with a link (and a QR barcode) to a video on each topic. There is also a section in the front that addresses common questions on such topics as death, abuse, peer pressure, and living out your faith.

I gave one copy of the bible to my son, 10, and one to my daughter, 6. They were both initially drawn to the style of the bible. They liked the bright colors and trendy design. They also liked the compact size which makes it easier to carry around. However, this bible is geared towards preteens and adolescents and because of this, my review will be based on the reactions of my son.

As I said above, the design was an instant hit with my son. The content in the three main sections are not real deep, but then again, I think my son appreciated that. It was informative without being preachy. The links for each section are not long either, they include a short discussion by a popular teen singer and a music video on the subject. That being said, I wish there had been more short sections on other topics. My son will quickly have these memorized and he will be ready to move on. I was more drawn to the questions in the front of the bible that address many subjects faced by preteens today. I plan on using these as a basis for discussion with my son.

All in all, this bible would be a great tool to help young new believers develop their relationship with God during a critical time in their faith walk. I would have to say that Tyndale did a great job of targeting the preteen/adolecent group. I believe this would also be a great tool for reaching out to those that do not yet believe. It just may not be a great fit for those that are ready to take their faith walk a step further.

To comply with new regulations introduced by the Federal Trade Commision, I must mention that Tyndale House Publishers has provided me with a coplimentary copy of this book. It in no way influenced my review of the book.