The Miracles in You by Mark Victor Hansen

In The Miracles in You, Mark Victor Hansen attempts to help the reader recognize God’s amazing work in you and through you. Hansen is the co-creator of the well known and widely read Chicken Soup for the Soul book series that has sold more than 500 million books worldwide. In this book, Hansen states that though most people believe that miracles happen, they don’t know when, how, or why they happen. He points out that there are other kinds of miracles that are not necessarily supernatural. These miracles happen multiple times a day all over the world. These might be simple actions or words that enter people’s lives and change them for the better. But what is not clear is if miracles happened all the time would we still call them miracles? Or should we adopt a different word to describe these events. There is no doubt that God works in miraculous and mysterious ways that are beyond our comprehension. But should we be using this word to describe virtually every phenomenon around us? The book is essentially divided into three parts: (1) Believe the Miracles; (2) See the Miracle and; (3) Be the Miracle. And there twelve chapters that make up those three parts.

God of the Big Bang by Dr Leslie Wickman

Can faith and science coexist? That has been the perennial question that has haunted skeptics, seekers, and saints alike. In God of the Big Bang, Dr Leslie Wickman makes the case that scientific evidence strongly supports that our universe had a beginning. She explores many different and difficult questions. Can anyone prove that God exists or is it based on probability? How should the creation account of Genesis be interpreted in light of modern scientific evidence? Is Christianity rational or is it just another leap into the dark? Can it stand the scrutiny of science and logic? How should Christians respond to the environmental problems? Is there a reason that the universe is rational, understandable, and orderly? Does that have any impact in our philosophical reasoning? Wickman is clear and concise in her explanation as she tries to ferret through the “extreme” positions held by materialists and young earth creationists. This is a valid critique because the real arguments are often obfuscated and undermined when people of these two extremes tend to hi-jack the debate. Read this book to be informed about the issues that surround this fundamental question of human existence - namely the existence of God.

13 Women you should Never Marry by Mary Colbert (A Must Read)

I’m actually looking for a wife right now so this book is a God-send for me. I have been praying for a Proverbs 31 wife and there couldn’t be a better time for the arrival of this book. In 13 Women you should Never Marry, Mary Colbert introduces us to 13 types of women or personality types in such a way that anyone could easily spot, recognize, and stay away from. Colbert is clear, concise, and practical in her advice as she explains each of these 13 types of women and how we need to back away.

 What is most beautiful about this book is that Colbert weaves in biblical insights and principles along with her own experiences to drive home her points. The chapters are short and yet they are powerful enough for you to get the message.

The thirteen personality types everyone needs to stay away from are:

Beware of blinded Brenda;

Ditch dominating Donna;

Hasten from Holy Holly;

Turn away from trophy Tina

Take a Pass on Prideful Patty;

Chase Away Critical Cathy;

Avoid Addicted Annie;

Back away from Broke Betsy;

Mind your Manners with Married Mindy;

Leave behind Lying Linda;

Let go of Lazy Lucy;

Stay Away from Sad Sally;

Navigate away from Nervous Nellie

You can catch a glimpse of each of those women just by reading the title but you need to read each of those chapters in its entirety to fully catch the import of the message she tries to communicate. Even if you are not looking for a wife, you still need to read this book so you can be informed to convey this information to someone else.

Jesus, Jihad, and Peace by Michael Youssef - A Review

Michael Youssef was not only born in the Middle East but spent his early years there. He is not only aware of Islam but he is also qualified to speak about the social, cultural, political, economic, and religious climate surrounding the area and the people of the Middle East. In Jesus, Jihad, and Peace, Dr Youssef provides concise answers to the issues in that region and how it affects the rest of the world. One of the best features of the book is the simple and understandable side-by-side comparison of Islam and Christianity. It would have been great if he had provided references from the Koran and the Bible so readers can look up the passages and be ready during their evangelistic encounter with their Muslim friends.

	Islam	Christianity
1.       Allah/God	Distant (unknowable). Does not reveal himself; reveals only his will Merciful (depending on his mood) Capricious (he leads and misleads) Vengeful Almighty (emphasis on power)	Personal (knowable) Reveals Himself through the Incarnation of Jesus Christ Loving (His love is unchanging) Truthful Just and loving Almighty (power balanced by love)
2.       Christ	A prophet Not God incarnate	God’s Son The Word made flesh
3.       Bible	Revealed by God Changed and corrupted by unfaithful Jews and Christians	Revealed by God Authoritative Word of God
4.       Trinity	God, Jesus, and Mary (Islam’s distorted version)	Father, Son, and Holy Spirit; One God in three persons
5.       Faith	Intellectual agreement that Allah is One and Muhammad is his prophet	Recognition that we are sinners and unable to save ourselves; we trust in Christ’s substitutionary atonement for sins
6.       Sin	Rebellion against God Result: shame, embarrassment Dishonor to family People are inherently good We are absolved by good works	Rebellion against God (primarily) Result: guilt Requires God’s forgiveness People are inherently fallen The penalty of sin is death; Jesus paid the penalty for our sin
7.       Salvation	God saves those whom he chooses Faith and works are required We cannot be assured of salvation	Salvation is available to all who believe Our works cannot save us All who believe in Jesus will be saved
8.       Sanctification	Based on rituals and obedience to the Koran Keep the Five Pillars of Islam External and ceremonial	Based on our growth toward Christ likeness through the work of the Holy Spirit Inward, spiritual, based on a living relationship with God
9.       Love	Islam recognizes erotic love and family love Self-sacrificing love is seen as weakness	Highest form of love is Christlike, self-sacrificing, agape love Family love, friendship love, and erotic lovehave their place, but secondary to agape love
10.   Belief in supernatural	Belief in unseen world Angels (good and evil) Satan is a force of hate and power Islamic belief is fatalistic; all events are foreordained by Allah	Belief in spiritual realm Belief in angels and demons are described in the Bible Satan in the rebellious archenemy of God, completely evil, but his power is no match for God’s power Human beings can overcome evil only through the power of God that is supplied by the Holy Spirit

Heartfelt by Joneal Kirby, PhD

               Dr Joneal Kirby gives practical advice from her personal experience to equip women to cultivate meaningful relationships with women through all the different seasons of life. In Heartfelt, Kirby includes prayers and discussion questions at the end of each chapter that will guide the reader to get the conversation started in their small group. She states that one of the most important aspects of Titus 2 ministry is learning how to cultivate authentic relationships with one another. In other words, women have to be real with each other and since church services are not the proper venue for this type of relationship, the small group format provides an excellent opportunity for this endeavor. She also provides some great advice to study and glean from God’s word. The combined efforts of many women lead to discussions and dissecting of the Word that will enhance their understanding in ways that cannot be realized in isolation. Kirby provides some great insights and encouragement in her book. Read it to be wise!