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NIV Giant Print Compact Bible
2011: Zondervan
ISBN: 9780310435303 I was excited by the description and price of this Bible. As a pastor, I thought this would be an ideal size to use while preaching, and the large print would be an advantage as well.
What I didn't realize is that this NIV translation is not the same as most pew Bibles or NIV Bibles my congregants have. It appears to be a modification done in 2010 that takes some of the popular translation methods of the original NIV and merges it with the gender neutral style of the TNIV they tried to sell in 2005. I will not be able to use it for my intended purpose, and would not have bought it if the publisher had been clear that this is a new translation.
I'm not saying that this Bible would mislead people in any way, nor that the new translation is theologically or doctrinally flawed. I was disappointed that the great packaging (size, font, leather, price, etc) does not contain the customary NIV version I thought I was buying. |
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The Butterfly and the Stone
 by Dan Mayhew 2011: Smashwords Press This is a great book - a wonderful discovery for everyone that loves a prodigal. The chaos and trauma introduced into families and communities by prodigals disrupts and calls attention to the rebellious one. "It's all about me," he screams. Dan openly shares his heart as he loves the rebel, and discovers it's about him, too. There is comfort in asking and pondering the immense questions about a God that is too big to fit in a box of preconceived ideas or Sunday school answers. This is real life, and it promises hope irrespective of resolution. |
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have a little faith: a true story
by Mitch Albom 2009: Hyperion
ISBN: 9780786808728 Mitch Albom grew up Jewish and married a Protestant. This little book is an easy read about his visits and relationship with his life-long rabbi named The Reb. He builds a relationship with this man of God when the rabbi asks Mitch to deliver his eulogy after he dies. This creates an interesting journey in Mitch's past and looks at the conflict in his present faith having lost the habit of practicing Jewish traditions. Meanwhile, he begins reluctantly to build a relationship with another man of God, also called the Reb. This second man is an African American pastor that came from a life of drugs, prison, and corruption. In the heart of Detroit the redeemed pastor cares for homeless in an old church building desperately in need of help. Read along with Mitch in his engaging style to discover the common ground between a life of faith (rabbit) and a conversion to faith (pastor) witnessed by an enquiring mind of little faith. I recommend this short book to anyone that wonders about the church, religion and faith. It is not a complex writing or indepth development of theories or doctrines. It is a practical depiction of God's desire to have relationship with everyone. Amusingly, it is written by a man that never demonstrates a willingness to enter into that relationship, although he reluctantly recognizes the presence of God in his surroundings. |
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Sun Stand Still: What Happens When You Dare to Ask God for the Impossible.
by Steven Furtick
2010: Multnomah Press
ISBN: 9781601423221 Steven Furtick shares his observations and heart in an accessible way, with a light hearted touch and enthusiastic faith that draws in the reader. I was encouraged, even spurred on, toward bigger dreams and greater deeds. My prayer life expanded along with my expectations. As a church planter and pastor, he shares accounts and examples of contending in faith for God to do great things. It makes a difference to his family, friends and congregation. It is inspiring and challenging.
I highly recommend this book to people in ministry that need to quench their thirst with a little living water. |
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Book Reviews 
