Book Review -- Jeanette Li: The Autobiography of a Chinese Christian - translated by Rose Huston

 Surprised and delighted was I to find this autobiography of Jeannette Li back in print. It was thirty eight years ago that I stumbled across the Banner of Truth edition of this book in a church library in Maine and read it with fascination.  This new Crown & Covenant edition is printed on good quality paper and is of a larger size than the Banner of Truth edition. Each chapter title includes a wonderful pen and ink drawing. The middle of the book contains a number of photographs.

This new edition includes a forward by J. Bruce Martin, President of The Reformation Translation Fellowship. It contains a very helpful history of RTF in China and a wonderful summary of the Gospel being spread while Christians were under great persecution by the Chinese and Japanese. I found it a great reminder for the need of the church in America to remain constant in prayer for these brothers and sisters in Christ.

Although this book is an autobiography, it clearly shows some character development. The book starts with Li’s childhood and stories of her understandably childish behavior. It includes her struggle with alcohol, her struggles with her circumstances and her spiritual growth, her long service as director of an orphanage and ends with her gutsy, but spiritually mature encounters with officials in trying to leave China for America to be with her son in her old age.

Li serves as a wonderful example for us in how to struggle with God in prayer. One example of this is her grief at the death of her mother. On pages 68 and 69 she describes her prayer life during this time as one of complaining. Yet God, by his Spirit and by Li’s great familiarity with scripture, reminds her of God’s listening ear and his love, mercy and wisdom. She then sings from Psalm 37.  What a wonderful pattern for us to follow: scripture memory, prayer and psalm singing.

I loved the short chapters in the book. It allowed me to focus on a single theme/incident and to ponder them between readings. Her confidence in God and persistence under difficulty encouraged me in my own difficulties at the time I was reading the book.

Chapter 31 includes a story about the difficulty of Chinese to give up idols. It contains an extended dialogue that serves to model an apologetic against idol worship.

Chapter 35 on the children of Daigang includes stories of guidance received as a result of prayer and the role of earnest, constant prayer in missions work.

Chapter 36 includes a story of how Li’s strong but polite stand against worshiping idols and other Gods brought her respect from some of the Japanese officials.

I am so glad I had the chance to reread this book again after 38 years. What a wonderful testimony to the faithfulness of God, and of Christians under persecution. I will be praising God more often for his faithfulness to them and praying more earnestly for Christians now under persecution.

Book Review - Haunted Man by Charles Dickens - Abridged and Annotated by Dave Swavely

What a great find this is! This annotated and abridged version of Charles Dickens’s Haunted Man made it possible for me to read this not so well known classic profitably and with pleasure. Swavely’s introduction has several features that prepare one for reading, understanding and appreciating the theme of the book. He explains why he took out some language that was not necessary to the flow of the story and reduced the length by removing about 4,000 words to make it read smoother. I was therefore encouraged to slow down and appreciate some of the lengthier conversations. The “Who’s Who” section prepared me for the characters as they arrived in the story and helped me to keep them straight. My mind, therefore, was freed up to contemplate the message behind the story. I was surprised by the depth and breadth of the theology and the spiritual issues discussed.

Swavely’s afterward is a great addition to the work, helping me to make a number of connections I missed. It would be particularly helpful for those who are struggling to see how a good God uses hard times and man’s sin for his own glory and our happiness.

This is a book that I will reread as it clearly requires a little more thought than most fiction. This annotated and abridged edition encourages me to do this.

My Favorite Books for Model Prayers

In chapter 1 of D. A. Carson’s book “A Call to Spiritual Reformation: Priorities from Paul and His Prayers”, Don Carson explains 8 lessons he has learned from scripture and from more mature Christians.  One of these lessons is learning to listen to some good model prayers. Here are some excerpts from that section of chapter 1.

“Most of us can improve our praying by carefully, thoughtfully listening to others pray. This does not mean copying everything we hear. . . . Not every good model provides us with exactly the same prescription for good praying, exactly the same balance. All of them pray with great seriousness; all of them use arguments and seek goals that are already portrayed in Scripture. Some of the seem to carry you with them into the very throne room of the Almighty; others are particularly faithful in intercession, despite the most difficult circumstances in life and ministry; still others are noteworthy because of the breadth of their vision. All are characterized by a wonderful mixture of contrition and boldness in prayer.”

Models prayers have different personalities.  Some are chatty others formal, some use a simple vocabulary while others are erudite and others reflect the geography or time period they were written. However, good model prayers will in some reflect the priority of scripture. Learn from these prayers, not to copy, but to inform and shape your own praying.

1. The Pastor in Prayer: A Collection of the Sunday Morning Prayers of Charles Spurgeon
2. My Grandmother is … praying for me: daily prayers and proverbs for character development in grandchildren by March, Ferris and Kelton
3. The Lutheran Book of Prayer: 1951 edition
4. Everyday Prayers: 365 Days to a Gospel-Centered Faith by Scotty Smith
5. The Collects of Thomas Cranmer by Barbee and Zahl
6. Great Souls At Prayer: Fourteen centuries of Prayer, Praise and Aspiration, from St. Augustine to Christina Rossetti and Robert Louis Stevenson selected and arranged by Mary W Tileston
7. The One Year book of Personal Prayer by Tyndale House
8. Prayers from Plymouth Pulpit by Henry Ward Beecher
9. A Diary of Private Prayer by John Baillie
10. The Book of Common Prayer – The Anglican, Episcopal and Presbyterian churches all have one.
11. A Simple Way to Pray by Archie Parrish
12. New Morning Mercies: A Daily Gospel Devotional by Paul David Tripp
13. A Method for Prayer by Matthew Henry
14. Valley of Vision: A Collection of Puritan Prayers and Devotions by Arthur Bennett
15. Face to Face: Praying the Scriptures For Spiritual Growth by Kenneth Boa
16. Prayer Portions Sampler for the Family by Sylvia Gunter
17. The Divine Hours: Prayers For Summertime by Phyllis Tickle
18. God is No Stranger by Sandra Burdick

Book Review - Next Life by Dave Swavely

I am not sure what either the Apostle Paul or the Apostle John meant my being “caught up”, but I think their experience had a different focus than protagonist Pastor Tim Carler. I think the Bible describes the IS as being more about worshipping God while we wait for the Second Coming, than in being ministering spirits to the living. That aside, this truly was a very interesting read.

Unlike other fiction books that attempt to describe the intermediate state, the conversational style of the author interacted with scripture in competent ways. It was usually quite clear what was mere speculation and what had biblical support. Although I liked the biblical references that explained his understanding of what was happening, the net effect was to have a good story that kept getting interrupted with explanations.

  

I did like the way the book ended. In closing the book, Dave Swavely describes the evidence he finds for the events he participated in as a ministering Angel.  Particularly interesting and helpful was the backup data he found for Hitler’s decision to invade Germany.

As a book of fiction that gets us thinking about heaven, this is a worthwhile read. 

Book Review – The Mona Lisa Mirror Mystery by Latayne C. Scott

Here is a book that is short, clear, inexpensive, with substantial content and written for teens. Being only 78 pages, it can easily be read in two evenings. If you like the fantasy novels of Madeleine L’Engle or C.S. Lewis then you will probably like this book.

While I was not particularly drawn to the everyday conversation between the main character Addy and her teenage friends, I was drawn to the art history of the painting of the Mona Lisa as Addy was ‘whooshed’ back into time when she looked at the painting. Here is Art History told as a story, which made it more memorable then reading it in an Art History Book.

A side theme included an apt apologetic for the truth claims of the bible. When Michaela, one of Addy’s friends says the bible is “A book [that] can be true, have truth in it, without being real” we get treated to a developing dialogue between Addy and her dad and Addy and Michaela which eventually leads to the apologetic Lee Strobel uses to prove the historicity of Jesus Christ. Well done without being preachy.

While this book is a fantasy, the book also portrayed the reality of living in a broken world. One of Addy’s friends has weird behavior around an Uncle, which I think too predictably turns out to be because he is a sexual predator. This part of the story is written without details, but does reveal the value in telling parents when inappropriate behavior is taking place.

All in all, a good read, even for this 70 year old reviewer!

Book Review - Departing In Peace: Decision Making At the End of Life by Bill Davis

“Decisions at the end of life create deep anxiety for those involved. But it is possible to find peace and comfort amid the hard choices”– The Publisher. 

This book is undoubtedly the best book I have found on the subject. First, the author has had extensive experience on hospital ethics committees and has taught bioethics at Covenant College and Pastoral & Social Ethics at Reformed Theological Seminary. Second, his experience as a Ruling Elder in the Presbyterian Church of America has given him experience advising parents and children in making Biblically based end of life decisions. Third, the biblical analysis and practical advice offered have been read-tested, both in the hospital and in the classroom.

Dr. Bill Davis says “This book aims to make a more detailed biblical case for the principles found in the 1988 PCA Report on Heroic Measures, and to give more practical guidance about how to apply those principles, especially in the hospital setting of today.”

To give you a flavor for the type of advice Dr. Davis gives, the heart of the instructions he left with his doctor is the desire not to have medical means used to keep him alive unless the means are humanly likely to restore to him the ability to enjoy “the ordinary means of grace”. He says this because, in his words, “The delight of reading God’s Word and hearing it preached, the unity found in taking the sacraments with other believers, the peace and involvement known in corporate prayer, and the thrill of singing God’s praises together with God’s people are more fulfilling to our whole selves than anything else on earth.”  

While the book tends to be pretty detailed, it is quite readable and full of very practical advice. One of the chapters include six true stories. In this chapter Dr. Davis sets up the end of life situation, then works through the situation asking the kinds of questions the person or loved ones ask. He gives several options for answers and discusses the pros and cons of each, with his suggested response.

The book includes study and discussion questions at the end of each chapter, but the real bonus is the free and extensive lesson plans for a four-class series available at the publishers (P&R Publishing) website.

What follows are a few more endorsements.

“This book combines mature biblical teaching with the brass-tacks practical questions that we all face with the death of loved ones. These are the things that we don’t usually think about until they happen. I highly recommend Departing in Peace as essential preparation.”  —Michael Horton, J. Gresham Machen Professor of Systematic Theology and Apologetics, Westminster Seminary California

“Dr. Davis is an exemplary teacher and guide. His personal experience with end-of-life issues and his experience as a guide to others are invaluable for those who want to be ready.”  —Richard R. Pesce, MD, MS (ethics), FCCP, FACP, Medical Director of Critical Care, Memorial Hospital, Chattanooga

“This book by Bill Davis fills a real gap in the literature. . . . Departing in Peace deserves to become the go-to book for those seeking solid guidance on difficult end-of-life decisions.”  —James N. Anderson, Associate Professor of Theology and Philosophy, Reformed Theological Seminary, Charlotte

“This book is a fine reflection on crucial issues of life and death. As we would expect from Bill Davis, it is careful, thoughtful, and biblical, and it will be genuinely helpful to families and pastors.”  —W. Robert Godfrey, Professor Emeritus of Church History, Westminster Seminary California

This book along with several other new books can be seen at Somethin's Brewin Coffee Shop in DeMotte. I also am always adding books to the list of recommended books at https://perkins.libib.com/

Check out my list of recommended books at https://perkins.libib.com/

Also -  for those who live in DeMotte, Indiana be sure to visit Companion Books Bookstall at Somethin' Brewin Cafe on Halleck Street where you will find used and discounted books!

Book Review – Graciousness: Tempering Truth With Love by John Crotts

Real Practical Help and Motivation for Developing Graciousness

A self-righteous, angry person who is argumentative and lacking graciousness in dealing with others needs this book, but probably won’t be willing read it. Such a person would not think the book relevant. But rip the book in half and hand him chapters 6-10 and the book might just serve him as Nathan the prophet did David when Nathan said: “You are the man!”  These last chapters get practical and specific about what graciousness looks like and what behaviors need to change to make one gracious.

I found chapters 1-5 hard to wade through, as I am already convinced that graciousness is required of us. But I absolutely loved the clear, practical, detailed instructions given in chapters 6-10.

This book will well equip you to counsel or confront an ungracious person with tools that will really help. It will encourage you that change is not only required but possible.

I was given a review copy by Cross Focused Reviews in exchange for a fair review.

Help For Bible Teachers Tired of Moralistic Lessons

Bible teachers won't want to miss today's Kindle deal. This series of plenary talks on the book of Nehemiah comes out of the Gospel Coalition's 2014 National Women's Conference. Each chapter covers 2 chapters in Nehemiah, authored by some well-known favorites including Kathy Keller, Tim Keller, Nancy Guthrie, John Piper and D.A. Carson.

While the book has some excellent 'Reflect and Pray' questions at the end of each chapter, I found the reflections on how the chapter demonstrated thinking as an expositor incredibly helpful. The Introduction "On Exposition" and the conclusion "On Old Testament Narrative" by Kathleen Nielson made me happy to have purchased the Kindle version 2 days ago at full price, BUT you can get this treasure today on Amazon for $2.99. Don't miss it!

If you own a Kindle this is a great deal!
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00FEZM4FU//ref=cm_sw_su_dp…
Only $1.59

A Great New Board Book!

The Biggest Story ABC Board book by Kevin DeYoung Illustrated by Don Clark

I knew this book would be good even before I saw it.  Kevin DeYoung is the author of the excellent children’s book The Biggest Story: How the Snake Crusher Brings Us Back to the Garden and several adult books.

From the publisher: “From Adam and Eve in the garden of Eden to Zion and the new creation world, the Bible is telling one big story—the story of God's promise to deliver his people. Kevin DeYoung, best-selling author of 'The Biggest Story,' has written a new, 32-page board book to help kids ages 1 to 3 make connections from Genesis to Revelation and from A to Z”

Two Wonderful Examples of How To Ask For Forgiveness

Anne of Green Gables by L. M. Montgomery

I enjoyed watching the Netflix TV series Anne With An E so much I just had to read the book on which it is based. I loved the way irrepressibly optimistic Anne, a bright 11-year-old orphan girl, used her wit and imagination to cope with the difficulties of her childhood. From the very beginning of this story, Anne captured my heart as she navigates her way through what promises to be a turnaround in her life.  

Perhaps of interest to those who attended Pastor Jims evening series on forgiveness, the story also just happens to have to two wonderful examples that illustrate so well what makes a good apology (express regret, accept responsibility, make restitution, genuine repentance, request forgiveness). The first is when Anne has to ask a neighbor to forgive her for being rude. The second is when Marrila, the girl's ward, has to ask Anne for forgiveness.

A friend of mine says he read this book 41 times when he was growing up. The storyline, the writing and the character development make this a very worthwhile and enjoyable read even as an adult.

A Great Conversion Story

Surprised by Oxford: A Memoir by Carolyn Weber 

Once in a while, I like to read a book that stretches me and a book I would not ordinarily read. When the Kindle version of this book recently went on sale I purchased it and was rewarded with a well-written look into the life and mind of a Canadian women who won a full scholarship to study literature at Oxford.

Arriving in London as an agnostic, the memoir describes her conversion to Christianity in the midst of liberalism. The stretch in this book for me was understanding the quotes from Byron, Lewis, Milton and other romantic period writers.

What I liked about the book was the story of God’s pursuit to capture this women’s heart and the skill of the author in showing how faith is compatible with intellectual pursuits. In this regard, it reminded me of Rosario Butterfield’s The Secret Thoughts of an Unlikely Convert.

This book is not for everyone, but if you are looking for a gift idea for someone who likes memoirs, conversion stories or well-written literature, this one is a good bet.

Book Review – One Nation Without Law: The Rise of Lawlessness, the End Times and the Power of Hope by Phil Hotsenpiller

So much written about prophecy tends to be narrowly focused and speculative. However, Phil Hotsenpiller has made a helpful contribution to understanding the source and working of evil in the passage of time toward the return of Christ. He shows how lawlessness, as the bible predicts, increases as we reach the end times, giving specific examples from history.  At the same time, the author encourages us to endure to the end, as the victory over lawlessness is assured.

While I do not agree with all the correlations between historical events and the bible, I was convinced that I need to reconsider the special place that the nation of Israel has in God’s heart and the future ingathering of the Jews. A worthwhile read.

I was given this book by Chosen in exchange for an honest review.

Book Review - Treasures in Dark Places by Leanna Cinquanta

It is true what many reviewers have said; this book is hard to put down. Part of the attraction for me, is that I am in the process of reviewing my thoughts on whether the healing, visions and dreams that existed in the early church, continue today as means God uses to guide and use in building believers up in the faith. For that reason I very much enjoyed her well written account in chapter 2 of her reoccurring dreams and the role that played in her decision to follow Christ, go to Bible school and go to India.

The book has no stated purpose, but can easily be read as an autobiography. As such, I found it an intriguing read, full of adventure, lovely descriptions of the many places she lived and the homeschooling environment she grew up in. I think Leanna Cinquanta is a very gifted writer and story teller.

This book was a joy to read, informative about the great work being done in India and caused me to stop and pray for those in extreme poverty and subject to human trafficking.

I was given this book by Chosen in exchange for an honest review.

Book review – Bible Studies on Mark by William Boekestein

Bible Studies on Mark is a handy reference book for a teacher leading a small group through Mark’s Gospel. This short guide is written from a Reformed Theological perspective and draws on such authors, pastors and scholars as Dan Doriani, John Calvin, Louis Berkof, Kent Hughs and from the historic Reformed confessions and catechisms.

Each chapter ends with eight questions; a good mix of observation, interpretation and application. The book is sufficient for a short, moderately placed look at the book of Mark.  If you are looking for a deeper study that models for the student how bible study is done, I would recommend Sinclair Ferguson’s Let’s Study Mark.

I was given this book by Reformed Fellowship, Inc in exchange for an honest review.

Book Review - Finding Forgiveness: Discovering the Healing Power of the Gospel by Stanley D. Gale

Answers to most questions you have about asking for or receiving forgiveness can be found in this well illustrated and biblically faithful explanation of forgiveness. New believers will find some well roasted meat to chew on.  Mature Christians will discover new richness to the theology found in the old hymns and catechisms as author Stanley Gale sometimes summarizes his exposition of scripture with one or more of these.

The inclusion of questions at the end of each chapter makes this book suitable for a small group study.

This book is an expanded version of his pamphlet “Why Must We Forgive”. Stanley Gale has added a really helpful chapter on “What About Forgiving Ourselves?” The writing is clear, concise and his explanations are well developed, making very helpful distinctions in the nuances of words often used carelessly in conversation.  The inclusion of many personal stories makes this an enjoyable read that communicates well the essential theological understanding of forgiveness and the implications for putting it into practice.

I found Gale’s answer to the question “Why does John say that God is ‘faithful and just’ to forgive us when we confess rather than ‘faithful and merciful’ most enlightening. In this, as in the rest of the book, there are clear connections to the finished work of Jesus Christ as what we trust in. He calls this “Kingdom Currency”. Gale says “Mercy does not give us the consequence deserved. ‘Just,’ however, necessarily captures the transaction involved in forgiveness, how that forgiveness was achieved.”

The second most helpful discussion for me was the discussion around the inadequacy of “apology” to achieve authentic forgiveness.  An apology may recognize a wrong, but it does not necessarily bring about a plan of action to address a wrong. In contrast, saying “will you forgive me” engages the other person and brings about the beginning stages of reconciliation.

Are you having difficulty with forgiveness?  This book is a timely, helpful, uplifting and encouraging read.

I received this book from Reformation Heritage Books in exchange for an honest review.

Book Review - Christ All Sufficient: An Exposition of Colossians by Brian G. Hedges

This book has the best characteristics of Puritan writing while possessing the clarity and simplicity with depth that Brian Hedges brings to this exposition of Colossians. Following the practice of some of my favorite Puritan authors Brian Hedges opens the book with an outline of his exposition. The main body of the book then expands on each point in the outline, bringing in differing historical interpretations and the thoughts of more contemporary theologians and writers. Every chapter wraps up with a concise summary and possible applications.

This commentary would be a very helpful addition to the library of any preacher, bible teacher or diligent student of the bible.

I received this book from Shepherd Press in exchange for an honest review.

Book Review - Martin Luther by Simonetta Carr

Long after my grandchildren are grown, I’ll still be reading this series of Christian Biographies For Young Readers. The author does not talk down, but uses words that flow smoothly and clearly. This book is wonderfully illustrated by Troy Howell and the pictures allow this book to be used in family devotions even if younger children are present. A parent or older child could read the text and a parent explain the text using the wonderful illustrations.

At the end of the book is a section called “Did You Know?” which makes valuable contribution to the author’s realistic biography of Luther. Included is an explanation of Luther’s changed attitude toward the Jews, helping children to know that even heroes have faults that need forgiveness. Included at the end is also a timeline of Luther’s life and a portion of Luther’s Small Catechism, making this a good addition to any homeschooler’s library.

I was given this book by Reformation Heritage Express in exchange for an honest review.

Book Review - The Dynamic Heart in Daily Life: Connecting Christ to Human Experience by Jeremy Pierre

This is one of those rare books that skillfully combines theological insight while providing very clear helps in self-discovery and in counseling others. It has helped me listen a whole lot better, allowing me to frame better questions that help counselees understand themselves better and resolve inner conflict.

The book is organized into three sections. The first lays out how the heart responds to life with the interplay between the cognitive, affective and volitional components of the heart. The second section explores what the heart dynamically responds to (God, self, others and circumstances).  The third section lays out a counseling methodology. This third section is also quite useful for interpersonal ministry of the Word.

In the first section the author gives a definition of what the bible means by the word “heart” and lays out implications for our understanding of the unity of the mind, will and emotions in our responses to life. He covers the heart as corrupted, redeemed and explores how the heart is affected by external conditions.

The second section has a very helpful chapter titled “Self and Identity” where he carefully explains how beliefs, values and commitments get absorbed into the center of our identity and how this gets directed either to self-glory or to the glory of God.

Everything is pulled together in the third section where there is practical help in four areas: listening that helps us hear where people’s hearts are, reflecting or helping people to understand their heart responses, relating to Jesus as the author and finisher of their faith and renewing or calling people to new responses from faith.

This book has helped me to see more clearly the nature and causes of inner conflict that I often experience due to conscience and the dynamic interplay between what I know, what I actually love (tainted by sin) and what I want to do because of circumstances or desire to please others. Because this is often complicated, the framework and the suggested questions in the third section helped me sort out the reasons for my response in certain troubling situations and thereby helped me to pursue the right remedy for a more Godly response.

At times the book seemed to be repetitive and a little confusing. One example is the use of different terms for the functional areas first defined as cognitive, affective and volitional. Sometimes the author refers to these as thought-desire-choice, mind-emotions-will, cognitive-affectional-volitional or as verbs think-feel-value.

This book is a worthy addition to the library of experienced counselors, Stephen Ministers or anyone who desires to help people live more Godly lives.

I received this book from New Growth Press in exchange for an honest review.