Face to Face with Jesus by Samaa Habib and Bodie Thoene

This book left me in awe and opened my eyes in more than one way. About a young Muslim girl who finds herself in the middle of her countries Civil War life is not easy. Sunni and Shia Muslims are at war with each other and many suffer. Prominent families lose their status and wealth. They have to burn their furniture to keep warm, and many die from the cold. Food is scarce and many kill wild dogs or worse just to eat. There are bread lines but they are often fruitless and citizens are told there is no more bread to give despite standing outside for hours.
During one of these times in the bread line a commotion begins and an angry mob begins fighting. Gunshots are fired, people are trampled and Samaa finds herself praying to God. By some miracle she is spared when she could have been dead. More so they were lucky enough to get bread. Realizing that none of her prayers were ever answered by Allah Samaa starts realizing there is more to this God than she knows, and she yearns to know more.
Craving Jesus she begins finding out more and more on Christianity. She finds herself at some of their services, she begins Tae Kwon Do classes taught by Christians, and she begins to absorb all the knowledge she can. With that knowledge comes an unshakable faith that Samaa did not quite expect, and the hold she has always carried within her closes up.
Loving her new relationship with God she yearns to share His love with others, especially her family. Tentatively she starts spreading the news to others. Despite persecution, despite others throwing rocks at her, and her own family beating her Samaa does not give up. Slowly her loved ones begin transforming and Samaa realizes this is only the beginning of her journey.
An explosion at her church where she was a victim goes further to prove her theory that there is much more for her to do for Jesus in the world.

This book is not for the faint of heart. This is a real story of one young woman's harrowing experience in a land where freedom of religion is not accepted, and where all Christians are considered traitors. It is heart-breaking, heart-warming, and will send you on a roller coaster. It will leave you breathless and you cannot help but to sit at the edge of your seat. The difference between this book and many others is this is one young girl's TRUE accounting of what happened to her, her family, and her land.
I was left awed by this book. I was encouraged by Samaa's unflinching faith and I believe every encounter she detailed in this book. It is sometimes hard for us to accept such strong emotions and miracles. Sometimes it is easy for our minds to shed doubt on such things because certain circumstances are incomprehensible to us.  For me I loved this story and am grateful it was shared. I just know this book will go on to change lives, and I am thankful to have had the chance to read it. I have been recommending this book left and right, and will continue to do so. It woke me up even further to a lot of the issues pressing on Christians in other countries. Samaa's story is one of courage, faith, love, hope, determination, and the strength of Jesus. It just goes to show when we have Jesus on our side anything is possible.


::Book Details::

• Paperback: 272 pages
• Publisher: Chosen Books (June 3, 2014)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0800795792
• ISBN-13: 978-0800795795

::Purchase this book::    Paperback    Kindle    Nook

Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy of this book from Chosen Books in exchange for my unbiased review. All opinions expressed are solely my own.

365 Pocket Devotionals Inspiration and Renewal for Each New Day

Imitation Leather: 320 pages

Publisher: Tyndale Momentum (September 20, 2013)

Language: English

ISBN-10: 141438789X

ISBN-13: 978-1414387895

::Description::
Learn to walk more closely with God each passing day! 365 Pocket Devotions is a convenient, easy-to-carry, quick-access book containing daily reflections on topics like trusting God, making wise choices, and loving others. Each day begins with an inspirational, thought-provoking reading and ends with a promise from Scripture. A new edition in the popular 365 Pocket series that has touched so many lives, 365 Pocket Devotions is created specifically for those who want daily devotional time with God. (Adapted from the perennial favorites The One Year At His Feet Devotional and The One Year Walk with God Devotional.)


::My Thoughts::
I really love this little book. For such a tiny book it holds so much inspiration and hope. Most devotionals are split up by day or month, but not this one. This handy devotional is just numbered by day: Day 1,2,3,4, etc. It is so easy to read a devotional per day. It doesn't even take five minutes, and after reading my devotionals it lifts my whole day up. There are personal questions that have you thinking throughout the day which I also like about this book.
It's also very soft to touch and light-weight. It also happens to fit easily into a purse, glove compartment, etc., making it impossible not to take with you.
And handily it has a built in bookmark ribbon so you don't have to worry about losing your place.
When you lead a busy hectic life and you find yourself needing God's word this is the book for you. It has been for me at least, and I've been raving about it to everyone who will hear. It gives me the faith and inspiration I need for my day. Each devotional is only about three paragraphs at most yet hold so much meaning in so short of a read. As someone with a busy life who is always on the go I need something I can take with me that is small but easy to read.
There is a topic index in the back if your needing some of God's loving word regarding a particular circumstance in your life. That is one of my favorite features about this devotional. This book in my opinion has it all. Easy to carry, quick to read, and finally for those of us with busy lives there's a book that will still nourish us with God's word daily. And last but not least this book leaves us with a promise that will have our heart filled all day long.


Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy of this book from Tyndale House in exchange for my unbiased review. All opinions expressed are solely my own.

Persecuted The Global Assault on Christians ~ Book Review

• Paperback: 416 pages
• Publisher: Thomas Nelson (March 12, 2013)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1400204410
• ISBN-13: 978-1400204410

::From the back of the book::

A woman is caught with a Bible and publicly shot to death. An elderly priest is abducted and never seen again. Three buses full of students and teachers are struck by roadside bombs. These are not casualties of a war. These are Christian believers being persecuted for their faith in the twenty-first century.

   Many Americans do not understand that Christians today are victims in many parts of the world. Even many Western Christians, who worship and pray without fear of violent repercussions, are unaware that so many followers of Christ live under governments and among people who are often openly hostile to their faith. They think martyrdom became a rarity long ago.

   Persecuted refutes these assumptions. This book offers a glimpse at the modern-day life of Christians worldwide, recounting the ongoing attacks that rarely make international headlines.

   As Western Christians pray for the future of Christ's church, it is vital that they understand a large part of the world's Christian believers live in danger. Persecuted gives documented accounts of the persecution of Christians in Africa, Asia, the Middle East, and former Soviet nations. It contains vivid stories of men and women who suffer abuse because of their faith in Jesus Christ, and tells of their perseverance and courage. 

   Persecuted is far more than a thorough and moving study of this global pattern of violence--it is a cry for freedom and a call to action.

::My Thoughts::

This is a very well researched book detailing the persecution of Christians around the world. People often take for granted our religious freedom. The fact that we can publicly go to church, wear crosses, carry our bibles, etc. But things aren't so simple underneath it all. Every day Christians are persecuted because of their love for the Lord. 

This is definitely not a book for the faint of heart, the stories and accounts are true. It takes a journalistic approach on going into details and explaining some of the accounts that have happened to Christians all over the world. 

Living in the USA where our religion is sometimes mocked but generally accepted I admit I have taken for granted our freedom of choice. I hadn't realized some of the things that have went on in the world today in fact, and that do go on every single day. 

But don't let me turn you off of this book, even though the circumstances are devastating I admire the courage and perseverance of the Christians that did suffer because of their abuse. The fact that they kept on and did not give up, and we all know God was with them every step of the way. This is a very moving and inspiring book. One I would recommend every Christian to read, particularly if you are freely able to express your faith in Christ.

There are many facts to find in this book that you will find appalling, but will open your eyes.

This book is available in  Paperback   Kindle   Nook   and more...

Disclosure: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the Thomas Nelson, in exchange for my unbiased review. All opinions expressed are solely my own.

The Christian Alphabet

• Hardcover: 80 pages
• Publisher: Love the Dove Publishing (October 17, 2012)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0985792809
• ISBN-13: 978-0985792800

::From the back of the book::

Teaching Children about Jesus, Prayer, and the Bible

• Do you know your Christian ABC's?

The Christian Alphabet Book is a unique, visual, and enjoyable way to learn the basics of Christianity. "Love", the dove from above, guides you from A to Z with special Biblical lessons of love for all ages.

• What is more important than a firm foundation of faith?

Similar to learning to read from knowing the regular ABC's, one will be inspired to know, love, and serve God by learning The Christian Alphabet.

• Share the Gospel with your Children

Jesus told Peter, in the gospel of John, to "feed my lambs." The Christian Alphabet Book will help all teachers of children feed their little lamps spiritually. Give those you love this book to help spread the Good News about God's everlasting love and life.

The Christian Alphabet Book is more than just a children's book. It is a book that families can cherish together while sharing its timeless messages that give Glory to God.


::My Thoughts::
This is truly a wonderful book for children. Not only does it help teach ABC's but this book teaches about Jesus, the bible, and prayer.
There are questions, exercises, and tips throughout the book to help your child delve deeper into their Christian faith.
This makes a perfect book for parents, caregivers, Church teachers, etc.
Symbols are provided throughout the entire book to help explain what each symbol means should your child ask you, or if you want to explain to them in easier words.

My children 5 and 2 adored this book. They had plenty of questions to ask throughout, it helped brush up on their ABC's, and helped teach them more about Jesus, prayer, and our Christian faith. They loved "Love" the dove who is on every page with a basic lesson or activity for your child to participate in.
Everything is well laid out in this book according to the letters. Such as if your child wants to talk about Heaven just simply go to the H pages. If your child wants to learn about Prayer simply turn to the P pages.
It's wonderful for reference, study, and reading for fun.
The illustrations are colorful and will hold your child's attention with their vivid details. If your children have any questions about any of the illustrations explanations are found in the back of the book so you can easily give them answers to their questions.
I loved how the book was laid out with everything easy to find, you won't find yourself hunting through page after page to find certain references or answers to your child's question. It's something you can read with them or if they are old enough, that they can study on their own. I would recommend it more for children ages 4+, or for children just learning about Christian faith. This is the perfect book for a child learning about Christianity. My two year old didn't have any trouble staying interested in it and was asking a lot of questions regarding the illustrations. My five year old was more able to comprehend what everything meant and took away a lot more meaning, but it was something that we ALL enjoyed nonetheless.

Our book came with a wonderful CD singing the Christian Alphabet which my children took to immediately and wanted to listen to it over and over again. There are other songs such as Jesus Loves Me, Silent Night, and Amazing Grace. Some of our favorites. They can also be found on the website: www.TheChristianAlphabet.com

This book is available as Hardcover on Amazon as well as http://thechristianalphabet.com/
A big plus is if you visit thechristianalphabet.com you will find other personalized Christian gifts available!




Disclaimer: I was provided a complimentary copy of this book through BookCrash in exchange for my unbiased review. All opinions expressed are solely my own.

Reasons For Belief ~ Book Review

Paperback: 240 pages

Publisher: Bethany House Publishers (February 15, 2013)

Language: English

ISBN-10: 0764210572

ISBN-13: 978-0764210570

::From the back of the book::
How can you know God exists? Why should you trust the Bible? How can you be sure Jesus is the Son of God?


Do you know what you believe...and why? Regardless of your age or experience, if you're looking for clear, easy-to-understand answers to these important questions, you've come to the right place.

Trusted theologian and bestselling author Norman Geisler teams up with teacher/speaker Patty Tunnicliffe to provide concrete, step-by-step reasons for why Christians believe what they do. Organized around the most basic questions of faith, Reasons for Belief offers clear evidence for the existence of God, the reliability of the Bible, Jesus' resurrection, and more.

Whether you're a curious skeptic or a believer wanting to learn how to defend your faith, Reasons for Belief will give you the answers you're looking for.


::My Thoughts::
Reasons for Belief answers some very good questions that we may or may not ask ourselves daily. And if we haven't asked ourselves some of these questions you will be asked these questions:

 

How can you know God exists?

How can you be sure Jesus is the Son of God?

Why should you trust the Bible?

Who made God?

Why are you a Christian?

As Christians we are sound in our religion, we are sound in God. And yet when these questions are posed to us sometimes we can find ourselves stumbling for answers. As the years go on the Bible and God are questioned more and more. There are many other religions in the world and people want to know why our religion?

This is just the book for you whether you are looking for the right ways to answer those questions, or if you just want to delve deeper into these questions yourself to get a better grip on Christianity. The book is set up in very clear sections guiding the reader through 10 challenges, such as:

1. "Real truth does not exist. 'Truth' is just truth to you."
2. "God does not exist."
3. "If God exists, he isn't necessarily the God of the Bible."
4. "Miracles don't happen."
5. "The New Testament's many errors make it unreliable. It's more like a collection of myths and legends."
6. "Jesus never claimed to be God."
7. "Jesus didn't prove he is God."
8. "Jesus did not rise from the dead."
9. "The Bible isn't the only true religious book."
10. "Christianity is too narrow. There are many ways to God besides Jesus."
Following the challenges are evidential explanations that will help you get a better understanding, or way to defend these questions if they are posed to you. This is by far one of the easiest to understand apologetic books I have read thus far. It would be great for a new believer, or anyone looking to defend your faith. In this constantly changing world of ours we find ourselves defending our faith more and more. This is just the book to help you do that while giving you a deeper understanding yourself, and becoming closer to God as you find these answers.
At the end of each chapter are sections going over what the reader learned which is a nice touch to the book. All in all I would definitely recommend this to any believer or non-believer who wants to know more about Christianity. It's sharp, to the point, easy to understand, and shows clear evidence that one can't even begin to argue with. A must read.


This book is available in   E-Book  & Print


Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy of this book from Bethany House in exchange for my unbiased review. All opinions expressed are solely my own.