Friday, November 19, 2010

Arena by Karen Hancock

One of my all time favorite books. This book takes you on an adventure that is an allegory of the Christian life. The author does an amazing job with the characters and creating an "Arena" that is so much more than meets the eye. A great book for discussion as well.

Israel, My Beloved by Kay Arthur

This is not usually the type of book I read but I heard this was a great book on the history of Israel and I agree...it sure is. The book is an overview of the history of Israel starting around the time of the Babylonian captivity (slightly before that) up until today and includes the "certain yet unknown future". The story takes place from the perspective of "Sarah" who is Israel personified & is the bride of God. It is an intense journey of persecution but reveals the faithfulness of God. I have a better understanding of Israel and what they have been through. It really is amazing when you look at their history to realize how much persecution they have been through.

The Centurion's Wife by Davis Bunn & Janette Oke

The Centurion's Wife is the first book in a series called Acts of Faith. Taking place at the time of Jesus and right after his death and ressurection it places you in Jerusalem with the people who were trying to figure out who Jesus really is. I thoroughly enjoyed the character development and looking at it through the perspective of the Roman's at the time. It has many elements in this book from history to romance to action. I am eager to keep reading this series.

From the Belly of the Dragon, by Mark Mynheir

Another good story that will keep you from putting this book down. It is full of action and suspense. The police detectives get personal as this story involves the one detective's daughter getting in the middle of a huge spiritual battle. They must find a way to get her out but it becomes more difficult than they could ever imagine.

Rolling Thunder by Mark Mynheir

The first book in the Truth Chasers series is in my opinion the best one. While it is mainly about police work and searching for a missing boy the sub plot is about the main character forgiving his father. It is a beautiful story of forgiveness and the power of how it can change your life.

The Void by Mark Mynheir

This is the 3rd book in his Truth Chaser series. It involves police detective work and a spiritual journey for the only female detective, Robbie. I found it interesting as the story is about scientists who are able to perfect human cloning and the consequences of their success. I enjoyed the spiritual battle that goes on in the lives of the detectives but it was a little over the top for me. It seemed to be rushed and predictable but I would still recommend it. It was an easy, fast read that definitely kept me interested.

Wednesday, November 17, 2010

On This Day in Christian History by Robert J. Morgan

On This Day is set up like a 365-day devotional.  Each day has a short, 1-page story about people in Christian history which is an easy way to introduce some of these martyrs and heroes.  I think it would be especially inspiring for someone in ministry or missions who is or has the potential to encounter tough situations.  Many of the people in this book died for their faith; others perservered through amazing situations to create profound changes.

Especially helpful as a devotional tool is the Index of Topics in the back; however, adding an index by person would have made it a useful tool for research also.

Monday, November 8, 2010

Blink by Ted Dekker

My first Ted Dekker ... excellent!  My first thought was "impossible" for this "clairvoyance" to happen but if you believe that nothing is impossible with God, you may want to think again.  Action, terror, thrills, love. 

Monday, November 1, 2010

Head Game by Tim Downs

Finished!  In the beginning, I kind of thought "hmm, a little predictable"; however, some excellent character twists that I didn't expect plus some action, some danger, some conflict, some personal struggle and yet, thrown in here and there, some humor.

If you like Ted Dekker, give this one a read!