On This Day in Christian History by Robert J. Morgan is a book filled with 365 inspirational stories from Christian history that will motivate and challenge you to make your life count by following the example of those who have gone before us in following Jesus. It is one of many books of its type, but I think it is a great way to learn more about our past so we can be strengthened and encouraged about our future. The stories compiled in this book are about well-known Christians as well as some more obscure or lesser known individuals. I love reading about the struggles and joys of those who have committed their lives to Christ. This book is also a great resource for group devotional readings and would be very helpful in sermon preparation as well. There is a brief topical index in the back to search for a specific category of story. This book would make a fine gift, even for those who don’t read much, because each reading is only one page in length. I have other books like this one, but I am glad to add it to my collection. I recommend this book to all.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

Book Review: Outlive Your Life

Outlive Your Life by Max Lucado is a book filled with inspirational stories that will motivate and challenge you to make your life count by following the example of Jesus in loving the poor and reaching out to those who live on the fringes of society in our world.  It is a quick and easy book to read.  The stories and illustrations he uses come from the scriptures as well as from  historical and contemporary examples of people living like Jesus.  The discussion and action guide at the back of the book makes it a useful tool for personal or small group study.  If everyone who reads this book would apply even one of the chapters to their life, God would be pleased and this world would be a better place.  Lucado reminds us that we are all in this together and our life matters most when it matters to those in need.  His stories make the point that everyone can make a big impact for the Kingdom of God, because even the smallest acts of kindness done in the name of Jesus will cause a ripple effect that affects eternity.  I would recommend this book to all fans of Lucado’s writing.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

Book Review: Transforming the Church in Rural America

Transforming the Church in Rural America: Breaking all the Rurals by Shannon O'Dell describes the author’s experience of answering God’s call to bring new life to the churches of rural communities. There is no question that God has used him to transform the lives of many people through the ministry principles he has put into practice. He learned some really hard lessons along the way and this book serves as a teaching tool for those who have been called to rural ministry. He certainly has a passion for serving God by serving God’s people wherever they may be and that passion comes through in his writing. It is a quick-moving and easy book to read. That being said, having been a pastor in rural and urban settings for 14 years, I can’t say that I learned anything new from his experience or his advice. His passion is inspiring and his results are amazing, but I don’t think that everyone who reads this book will achieve similar results, even if their passion is just as strong. I thank God for the ministry of O’Dell and pray that rural pastors everywhere would love their people as much as he does.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”