Unexpected Love: God's Heart Revealed in Jesus's Conversations With Women by Julie Zine Coleman

Unexpected Love was a breath of fresh air! This anointed work by Julie Zine Coleman highlighted nine women of the Bible and their interaction with Jesus in the Bible. The tone in which the author used was conversational but rich in context. I actually felt like I was there in each scene with Jesus and the women, listening in on their conversations!

I learned about water used for purification rites as well as being a part of the first miracle (wedding at Cana). Water has so much more meaning than to satisfy our thirst!

Every word in the Bible is used to demonstrate God's love and plan for each of us. Often, someone will throw out the lie that God disrespects women or seeks to repress women. This lie from the pit of hell is refuted over and over again in each Biblical account in this book. I saw the woman at the well in a new way as well as Martha and Mary. The author dove into a word here or there and expounded on the context and  historical perspective of that word. Her digging and explanations were so rich and she was an excellent teacher for this reason.

There were many great comments such as (page 150), "Being part of a Christian organization doesn't give you a relationship with God any more than touring the White House makes you the president."

I recommend this book to anyone seeking to grow closer to Jesus (which includes a lot of us!). This book would also make for an excellent women's or teen's Bible study book as there are two sections: "For Today's Woman" as well as "Food for Thought" at the end of each chapter. There was also a section titled "Journaling" at the end of each chapter with excellent questions to challenge the reader to journal.

Unexpected Love was all about Jesus being in love with women. This book will bless you and remind you to take time every now and then to spend time at Jesus's feet as He truly longs for us to take a breath and a moment to inhale His sweet aroma. What a blessed God we serve!!! Truly, Unexpected Love.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their 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.” 

Are you a manufacturer of a product or currently market a service? Christina will review it! Email christina@wordsofgrace.info with product name, description and manufacturer's suggested retail price along with any other information relative to said product. You will receive a response via email within two weeks if product will be reviewed. Please note not all products will be considered reviewable. Please do not send products without prior consent. Note: Products sent for review will not be returned. Product submission authorizes consent for said product to remain in sole possession of recipient. No monies shall be exchanged for product submission nor permission granted for reviews prior to submission. Reviews shall remain effective and in full force at sole discretion of blog administrator and/or authors related to http://www.christinawillreviewit.blogspot.com.

The Truth About Forgiveness by John MacArthur

This book is one in a series titled The Truth About Series. This petite 118 page book was delivered in John MacArthur's usual conversational style. Mr. MacArthur has a way of allowing me to feel he is there beside me, teaching and gently exhorting me to understand and apply God's truth about forgiveness.

One nugget was on page 49 in which I quote, "I recently overheard a radio talk-show psychologist attempting to give a caller an ego-boost: "God loves you for what you are. You must see yourself as someone special. After all, you are special to God." But that misses the point entirely. God does not love us "for what we are." He loves us in spite of what we are. He does not love us because we are special. Rather, it is only His love and grace that give our lives any significance at all."

Mr. MacArthur then gave Scripture support as he always does. Psalm 106:6 NASB  and Isaiah 64:6 were explained and the lesson unfolded about salvation (Mark 2:17).

I loved this book merely for the fact that every time I picked it up I received a nugget that stuck with me and the next time I read more I was blessed with more teachings that challenged me to see forgiveness from God's perspective to me and not the other way around. Only God can bring about true forgiveness in our hearts. And how liberating truly forgiving others can be!!!

Pick The Truth About Forgiveness up today. The $12.99 cover price will be well worth it, as it would be a great addition to any library, along with the other books in Mr. MacArthur's Truth About Series. One can never have enough sound Doctrine these days!

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their 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.”

Are you a manufacturer of a product or currently market a service? Christina will review it! Email christina@wordsofgrace.info with product name, description and manufacturer's suggested retail price along with any other information relative to said product. You will receive a response via email within two weeks if product will be reviewed. Please note not all products will be considered reviewable. Please do not send products without prior consent. Note: Products sent for review will not be returned. Product submission authorizes consent for said product to remain in sole possession of recipient. No monies shall be exchanged for product submission nor permission granted for reviews prior to submission. Reviews shall remain effective and in full force at sole discretion of blog administrator and/or authors related to http://www.christinawillreviewit.blogspot.com/.

Then Sings My Soul Book 3 By Robert Morgan

I requested this book to review with one question in mind, "How could Book 3 be any better than Book 2?"  Book 3 in Then Sings My Soul is not better, but just as special and just as amazing as the previous songbook.

This book, the same as the previous book, has the tattered thick songbook pages which are unevenly seen upon immediate inspection. This splicing of the pages was a nice touch to a classicly-inspired work. However, book 3 is quite different in its format. There are divisions in topic: Biblical Hymns, Medieval Hymns, English Hymns, Contemporary Praise (my favorite), Ancient Hymns, German Hymns, and Gospel Songs. I learned some new words also - one of which is "hymnody"!

My favorite section in this book was Part 4 Hymning in Private and Public. I truly believe this section, located at the very end, is a gem for the true music lover who has gleaned much throughout the book and just cannot put the book down. A nice ending to a wonderfully annointed work, Part 4 spoke to me as an encouraging, hopeful beginning to something extra special in the world of music.

Clearly, this book has not only inspired me to worship in a more meaningful way, but also to be able to share the amazing journeys of those who went before me, who also were touched and changed by hymns and Gospel music throughout the ages.

Buy it today for the music-lover in your life - - or for yourself. Music is here to stay and we will be singing all the time in Heaven so why not learn the words (and the stories behind the songs) now so you can be perfectly in sync with the angels and the children of God one day!!!

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their 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.”

Are you a manufacturer of a product or currently market a service? Christina will review it! Email christina@wordsofgrace.info with product name, description and manufacturer's suggested retail price along with any other information relative to said product. You will receive a response via email within two weeks if product will be reviewed. Please note not all products will be considered reviewable. Please do not send products without prior consent. Note: Products sent for review will not be returned. Product submission authorizes consent for said product to remain in sole possession of recipient. No monies shall be exchanged for product submission nor permission granted for reviews prior to submission. Reviews shall remain effective and in full force at sole discretion of blog administrator and/or authors related to http://www.christinawillreviewit.blogspot.com.

Heaven is for Real "Deluxe Edition" by Todd Burpo and Lynn Vincent

Before digging in to the meat and bones of this meal, I wanted to share the primary reason I chose to review Heaven is for Real. I wanted to review it to find evidence of correct or point out incorrect theology. My question was, "Does it align with what the Bible says?" This question is in the forefront of every review I post but moreso in this review - - simply because of it's forthright title.

I applauded and celebrated the fact that this book does in fact support the fact that Heaven is for Real. Hell is also for real, but that was not the clear message as presented.

The premise of the book was that a Pastor's son became quite ill and though his medical records did not show his breathing or heart stopped during surgery (or that he had temporarily even lost consciousness), this boy claimed to have gone to Heaven for just three minutes.

The story began with a background of the family and then a flashback to the time of the illness. I began taking notes starting on page 60. Chapter Twelve titled Eyewitness to Heaven opened with a statement by Colton (the son) in which while in Heaven Jesus "told" Colton he had to be good. Well now that statement as presented is not biblical (Romans 3:10&12 just two examples). I understand the boy may have been stating that "do gooding" a.k.a "behaving" from a child's perspective, but I feel doing so was dangerous to those who profess salvation by works alone - salvation on one's being good, which only leads to their demise. Because no one is good according to God. My Christian faith as outlined in God's rulebook the Bible tells me that Jesus Christ is what even allows God to see me as "precious!"

Also, the boy shared about seeing "markers" on Jesus' hands which his father assumed would be the wounds on the hands of Jesus. Historically, the location of the nails that went through Jesus' flesh may possibly have been through the wrist bones. Greek and Aramaic language refer differently to the anatomy in their native tongue. Bones of contention (pardon the pun). Some of the greater details of Jesus' 33 years on this earth are not as important to debate, as one day we will know the Truth about everything. At least those who realize heaven is for real and make the decision (Romans 10:9-11).

Colton's father (and also the narrator) stated something that caught my eye on page 84. I quote, "I learned that I didn't have to offer some kind of churchy, holy-sounding prayer in order to be heard in heaven. "You might as well tell God what you think," I said. "He already knows it anyway." This statement was about a turning point in this man's life. He had been a Christian since childhood at that point and a pastor for half his life when he came to the realization that God actually heard his prayer.

I appreciated his transparency, but couldn't help but wonder if this man had a true calling to be a pastor. Kindly I state that God does not call the equipped, but He equips the called. Another reminder that many can play "church" until God in His mercy gives us a Job experience to remind us that He is in control and is always listening to our prayers no matter how grandiose or simple (This book could have been given another title Being a Christian For Real, or Praying For Real - even Believing the Bible for Real).

Page 97 shed light on the author's flawed, inaccurate idea that the Bible remains relatively silent about babies going to Heaven. Not true. Be a Berean here and research, seek God, pray about it and read what His Word has to say about this sensitive topic. One day God may use you to comfort a mom or dad in their grief over losing a child. We give hope when we share the Truth of God's Word with others.

Several other theological red flags arose in Heaven is for Real: strange theology (page 133), (page 149) I quote,  "When you look at the book of Revelation and other biblical teachings about heaven, it's kind of fragmented", animals in heaven to include dogs, birds and lions and Colton supposedly seeing departed ones wearing wings (some small and some large).

Where in the Bible does it state that the ministering angels wore wings? And those who choose Christ, are higher than the angels Hebrews 1:1. Surprisingly, missing was Colton's description of people floating around on clouds doing nothing (which is by the way also not in the Bible).

Overall, I am blessed to have reviewed this New York Times bestseller courtesy of Thomas Nelson. I pray it gives hope to those seeking the salvation that only comes from our Lord Jesus Christ. Ultimately, the Bible is our source of all inspiration, hope and Truth. This book will no doubt sell millions of copies. However, the greatest book of all time, the Word of God - the Bible will  never be replaced as the real source on what is real - and what is not! Heaven is for real. Hell is for real too Read the book. The Book of Life.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their 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.”

Are you a manufacturer of a product or currently market a service? Christina will review it! Email christina@wordsofgrace.info with product name, description and manufacturer's suggested retail price along with any other information relative to said product. You will receive a response via email within two weeks if product will be reviewed. Please note not all products will be considered reviewable. Please do not send products without prior consent. Note: Products sent for review will not be returned. Product submission authorizes consent for said product to remain in sole possession of recipient. No monies shall be exchanged for product submission nor permission granted for reviews prior to submission. Reviews shall remain effective and in full force at sole discretion of blog administrator and/or authors related to http://www.christinawillreviewit.blogspot.com.

Thank You, God, for Blessing Me by Max Lucado

This book was written for pre-school age children and effectively taught its reader how to be grateful. Beautifully illustrated and simple to understand, Max Lucado has once again caused me to tear up at the words a bug emits. I love flowers and the fact was not lost on me that the bugs were engulfed in large flowers, a beautiful blue sky and colorful fruits and greenery.

The sun beamed brightly across an entire page as the ladybug and purple fly held dandelions as if they were ready to shake them and let loose the wispy seeds (remember growing up - blowing the dandelion seeds into the wind as your dad yelled because they would make more work for him?! I do, so that page was extra special for me).

This petite storybook ended as the night ushered in stars and a periwinkle sky. This book was comforting and simply delightful. No doubt this book would be a great stocking stuffer or part of a baby shower gift. Thank you, God, for Blessing Me is a blessing. Thank you, Max Lucado, for blessing me once again with your gift of writing and your sharing Little Hermie's gratitude in a big way!

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their 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.”

Are you a manufacturer of a product or currently market a service? Christina will review it! Email christina@wordsofgrace.info with product name, description and manufacturer's suggested retail price along with any other information relative to said product. You will receive a response via email within two weeks if product will be reviewed. Please note not all products will be considered reviewable. Please do not send products without prior consent. Note: Products sent for review will not be returned. Product submission authorizes consent for said product to remain in sole possession of recipient. No monies shall be exchanged for product submission nor permission granted for reviews prior to submission. Reviews shall remain effective and in full force at sole discretion of blog administrator and/or authors related to http://www.christinawillreviewit.blogspot.com.

Bonhoeffer: Pastor, Martyr, Prophet, Spy by Eric Metaxas

How blessed was I to have the chance to review this anointed work by author Eric Metaxas!  The New York Times best-selling author of Amazing Grace has once again delivered a book that helps one better understand how evil can take hold of a nation yet how one person can stand up for righteousness. I am a passionate student of everything Bonhoeffer. I digested this 544 page book in quick order.

One cannot read this book without also reading the Foreword by Timothy J. Keller and the Prologue which introduced the context of WWII as it related to those loved and best knew Dietrich Bonhoeffer. As the subtitled Pastor, Martyr, Prophet, Spy so aptly gave this man several hats, the Prologue segues the reader into a well laid foundation for Dietrich Bonhoeffer the child into the man with all of the hats the subtitle awarded him.

I found it fascinating that Dietrich's mother home schooled her children and had a liberal slant in regard to faith. Dietrich grew into a faithful follower of Jesus Christ after his travels brought him to realize who God was and how the face of evil belonged to the enemy of God.

A nice touch were the photos in two sections of the book. There were several photos of Adolph Hitler and the Holocaust Museum. A copy of his handwritten poem Who Am I was also included. Here is a link to it. It is too special not to share in this review. Hear it below with text.

The biggest takeaway for me after I digested Bonhoeffer was my increased ability to relate to him. Clearly, his love for God allowed me to understand his passion to fight evil at all costs. He loved God and sought to serve Him and only Him. He became a martyr because he did not back down in the face of evil. This book inspired me to keep serving God despite persecution on a small or very large scale.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their 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.”

Are you a manufacturer of a product or currently market a service? Christina will review it! Email christina@wordsofgrace.info with product name, description and manufacturer's suggested retail price along with any other information relative to said product. You will receive a response via email within two weeks if product will be reviewed. Please note not all products will be considered reviewable. Please do not send products without prior consent. Note: Products sent for review will not be returned. Product submission authorizes consent for said product to remain in sole possession of recipient. No monies shall be exchanged for product submission nor permission granted for reviews prior to submission. Reviews shall remain effective and in full force at sole discretion of blog administrator and/or authors related to http://www.christinawillreviewit.blogspot.com.

God's Love Letters To You by Dr. Larry Crabb

Speechless. That was the one word that came to mind as I cracked open this book for the very first time. I am not often without words especially when presented with hundreds of thousands of words awaiting my review.

This book packed a powerful punch from Genesis through Revelations in a way which only Scholar Dr. Larry Crabb would be capable of delivering. Personal, direct and Scripture laden, this book exuded love and faith all rolled into one.

This would be the one book (besides your Bible) that you would pack in your overnight bag. The one book that you would sneak out to your car in the black of night to retrieve before turning the light out "just because you wanted to read one more page before getting your zzzzs". The one book you would buy several copies of even before recognizing to give as a gift.

What made this book truly special was the very direct way in which the author whispered Truth to the reader. The format was simple. There was a short devo, then a Take A Moment to Reflect section followed by Take A Moment To Pray. Concisely written but powerful this was a book that I shall not forget.

Clearly the Lord was glorified in God's Love Letters to You. He know doubt sang over the author (at the top of his "lungs") - Zephaniah 3:17. A party broke out in Heaven when this book landed on bookshelves around the world. 

Throughout the book, I was challenged to pursue a more personal relationship with God. The back cover confirmed this was the intended goal of the book as it stated,

Dear (your name here),

I love you.

Love, God.

Though I obviously reviewed this book in less than 40 days (the author's stated timeframe for this annointed devotional-style book) I was blessed beyond belief to read it in several sittings. I no doubt will pick it up again and again. I also intend to purchase many copies for people I know and may meet. I will keep a copy in my car, in my house, in my favorite lounge chair outside. I will enjoy this book for many years to come. 

Thank you Dr. Crabb for a book of love letters that truly enabled me to connect with God in a way I had almost forgotten existed! God's love will never let us down. God's love is endless....His love letters (the Bible) the best letters one could hope to read. Get your copy today. Someone may just ask you if you fell in love cause you will not be easily able to wipe that smile off your face!

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their 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.”

Are you a manufacturer of a product or currently market a service? Christina will review it! Email christina@wordsofgrace.info with product name, description and manufacturer's suggested retail price along with any other information relative to said product. You will receive a response via email within two weeks if product will be reviewed. Please note not all products will be considered reviewable. Please do not send products without prior consent. Note: Products sent for review will not be returned. Product submission authorizes consent for said product to remain in sole possession of recipient. No monies shall be exchanged for product submission nor permission granted for reviews prior to submission. Reviews shall remain effective and in full force at sole discretion of blog administrator and/or authors related to http://www.christinawillreviewit.blogspot.com.

The Quotable Rogue by Matt Lewis

The Quotable Rogue was just that. Quotes by Sarah Palin written by Matt Lewis. In the Foreword, author Matt Lewis shared, "Before most Americans knew the name Sarah Palin , I blogged about this exciting conservative governor from Wasilla, Alaska."

Apart from the Foreword and Introduction the author steps aside, as this book is actually from Sarah Palin. In her own words, Ms. Palin reminded me of the exciting (and disappointing) time in which she came alongside John McCain as he attempted to become our President.

Having heard many "Palinisms" in the past, I wrongly assumed this book would just be more of the same quotations. I was impressed by how many media outlets Ms. Palin participated in interviews with and how many times she repeated what she said on the major networks, but in more depth. Seems the major networks would take one sentence out of many and repeat the same quotes over and over. From this book I realized there was no doubt so much more than the captions conveyed in the major media outlets.

I enjoyed hearing her speak about big government and warning the reader in a prophet-like fashion years ago - the problems we would be facing if the President and government did this and did that... Many of her predictions are now being fulfilled. As we know, a prophet is only as good as his/her predictions. Ms. Palin surely has made good on many of her predictions as stated in black and white in The Quotable Rogue.

This book was unique in its format. I learned about the Constitution actually as well as states rights and how states rights are being violated by big government today. The "chapters" (they weren't really chapters but sections actually) were brief and several quotes were included in each section. I read through the book quickly. However, this book will be one I will refer to again and again. I say this because it was meaty in the prophetic sense.

I did want Sarah Palin to become Vice President. I was so disappointed when things fell apart with John McCain. I hope she will consider running for President this season. In any event, this book confirms the fact that Sarah Palin knows her history, the Constitution, the Government and so much more. However, throughout this book it was also clear she loves her husband, her family and her country with reckless abandon. She is a rogue in many ways. Her quotes not only made me smile but cheer - - for we live in a country that allows all of us to be a bit rogue like in however we choose.

Well done Matt Lewis! Keep blogging and writing books for us Palin fans. The world can never contain enough Palinisms!
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their 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.”

Are you a manufacturer of a product or currently market a service? Christina will review it! Email christina@wordsofgrace.info with product name, description and manufacturer's suggested retail price along with any other information relative to said product. You will receive a response via email within two weeks if product will be reviewed. Please note not all products will be considered reviewable. Please do not send products without prior consent. Note: Products sent for review will not be returned. Product submission authorizes consent for said product to remain in sole possession of recipient. No monies shall be exchanged for product submission nor permission granted for reviews prior to submission. Reviews shall remain effective and in full force at sole discretion of blog administrator and/or authors related to http://www.christinawillreviewit.blogspot.com.

Money Secrets of the Amish by Lorilee Craker

New York Times Best-Selling author Lorilee Craker's Money Secrets of the Amish was an interesting read. Subtitled Finding True Abundance in Simplicity, Sharing, and Saving, I expected a well-organized book of frugal tips and tricks. While the book was relatable to me as person who grew up in a frugal household, this book left me wanting much more. It left out the application of just how to simplify, share and save.

In the Introduction the author shared her Amish roots. Her explanation of her ties to the Amish was more of a connection with tradition in the way of dress, eating and verbiage. I don't recall mention of Amish theology. I did appreciate the logo on the back of the book with the website www.amishliving.com as I am intrigued with the simple lifestyle of the Amish in this country.

Secular cultural references (Oprah, Nate Berkus, NPR, etc.) as well as websites and retail stores for hard to find items were threaded throughout the book. Unfortunately I found the topics in each chapter to be randomly scattered. While I did enjoy the author's conversational (and sometimes humorous) writing style, if I had purchased this book to save money, I would have been disappointed. After reading this book I cannot recall one money-saving tip that I would implement into my own lifestyle.

While the author's testimony of repairing her dented car with white tape (dents became almost invisible!) saved her money, I have to say that this technique is not something I would personally attempt. Many accounts the author shared of situations in which she wanted to buy something but did not (almost a WWAD - What Would Amish Do? as opposed to WWJD - What Would Jesus Do?) "because after all the Amish wouldn't" was not a mantra I would adopt.  The subtitle Finding True Abundance in Simplicity, Sharing, and Saving was a promise not kept.

For an offering in the Business & Economics/Personal Finance/General category this book needed more practical how-to save money tips, tricks and practical secret sharing. Personally, I do not believe driving a nice car, wearing nice clothes and jewelry is bad. I work hard, play hard and strive to look nice. Everything in moderation is my mantra. If I can pay my bills, tithe my ten percent, and meet all other financial obligations, I can rejoice in the blessings that God has given me. If you've got it, wear it!

The Amish  lifestyle is to be applauded. I would have liked to hear more about the Average Joe Amish and less about how to save a dime by living the American lifestyle while trying to "be Amish.". The cover of the book hooked me as it depicted four Ball jars. I would have enjoyed hearing how the Amish live from the land and put away for the future. Practical tips and tricks to save money was my goal in reading this book. However, if I had paid the $15.99 cover price I would have asked for a refund. Sorry to say but that would not have been very Amish of me....

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their 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.”

Are you a manufacturer of a product or currently market a service? Christina will review it! Email christina@wordsofgrace.info with product name, description and manufacturer's suggested retail price along with any other information relative to said product. You will receive a response via email within two weeks if product will be reviewed. Please note not all products will be considered reviewable. Please do not send products without prior consent. Note: Products sent for review will not be returned. Product submission authorizes consent for said product to remain in sole possession of recipient. No monies shall be exchanged for product submission nor permission granted for reviews prior to submission. Reviews shall remain effective and in full force at sole discretion of blog administrator and/or authors related to http://www.christinawillreviewit.blogspot.com.

Lead. Serve. Love. By Gregory Lang

Lead. Serve. Love. Three words. Consisten with its title, this petite book was designed around three words. Each chapter heading is three words. The subtitle is the mission statement, "100 Three-Word Ways to Be Like Jesus."

The author's passion for God clearly displayed in red, "Dedicated to my Lord, who died for me so that I might live." Truly this author is also a humble man of God. In the Acknowledgment at the back of the book he shared," Indeed, I am a depraved, morally bankrupt, wretched sinner through and through. I've attended church sporadically most of my life, haven't spent a minute in seminary, and only recently gave the Bible more than a cursory review. I've attended exactly one theology class, and I dropped out of it."

Mr. Lang then gives all the glory to the Holy Spirit. He gives thanks for his salvation through Jesus Christ his Lord and Savior. With each turn of the page, a three-word title is listed and underneath an exhortation to change is announced. The next page is a list of appropriate and contextually accurate Scripture references with the reference written out. Perfect for a daily devotional or a quick break from your day! How often do we not take even three minutes to crack open a devotional book because we think our devotion time has to be more in-depth? Guilty. Guilty. Guilty.

I love the description on the back of the book, "Lead by example. Serve each other. Love the unloved. Simple yet profound, these three-word messages will help you live like Jesus. Give second chances. Help others succeed. Believe in miracles. Change doesn't have to be overwhelming. Practice one down-to-earth message each day, and see your life change in an eternal way."

Great gift book. Wonderful daily devotional. Inspirational pick me up. Buy it today!!
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their 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.”

Are you a manufacturer of a product or currently market a service? Christina will review it! Email christina@wordsofgrace.info with product name, description and manufacturer's suggested retail price along with any other information relative to said product. You will receive a response via email within two weeks if product will be reviewed. Please note not all products will be considered reviewable. Please do not send products without prior consent. Note: Products sent for review will not be returned. Product submission authorizes consent for said product to remain in sole possession of recipient. No monies shall be exchanged for product submission nor permission granted for reviews prior to submission. Reviews shall remain effective and in full force at sole discretion of blog administrator and/or authors related to http://www.christinawillreviewit.blogspot.com/.

The Final Summit by Andy Andrews

Having first read the first book in this series The Traveler's Gift I realized one without the other would not suffer. However, having a background of the main character Mr. David Ponder, I better realized his depression in Chapter One.

The Final Summit by Andy Andrews was a challenge for me to review. As a reviewer of mainly Christian non-fiction works, this type of Christian historical fiction left me with mixed emotions regarding take away and entertainment value.

I appreciated the "Seven Decision For Success" which was certainly the theme throughout. The story unfolds at the end of Chapter One as Mr. Ponder is an old man and though he has overcome many financials struggles and was at the pinnacle of affluence, he is lonely. The archangel Gabriel is ushered in and the adventures begin starting in Chapter Two.

Without being a spoiler of events, there was a lot of interesting historical discoveries and intermingling accounts of the human sinful condition, which was relatable to me. Hopefully relatable to readers also. There was a considerable amount of reminiscing about past time travel and the character seemed to take the role of a man with the purpose of helping humanity.

Though the writing style was inspirational, encouraging and warm as well as entertaining, I was left with one question. Wouldn't Scripture have added a deeper value to this book? I do believe God's Word would have added a point for further discovery.

The text on page 217 entitled A Personal Declaration was awesome! I appreciated the encouragement that writing provided as well as the beautiful images the author shared his reader. However, ultimately the point of any Christian truly is to give God all the glory and honor and praise. I felt there was a flavor of New Age mixed with a positive, self-help style of preaching to the reader. No doubt if Scripture had been infused into the pages of this book there would be no doubt as to what The Final Summit truly was all about (giving Glory to God).

The Reader's Guide at the end of the book was a great idea for a Christian Book Club to utilize (along with the Bible of course). This resource will drive the reader back into the book and hopefully be a tool to introduce the Gospel.

I am still absorbing this interesting read. It was a book I shall not soon forget. The take away was no doubt our free will and how we make decisions according to the choices we are daily presented.

What is your final summit? I pray every reader that closes this book will understand that though the archangel Gabriel (with or without wings) may never visit them, they are going to be facing their final summit one day. Romans 10:9-11. They may never travel through time or space. However, the God of the Bible is and was and shall ever be. And this He has accomplished without ever having to launch the Time Travel machine once. This story of the Bible as outlined in Genesis I will no doubt refer to again and again...
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their 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.”

Are you a manufacturer of a product or currently market a service? Christina will review it! Email christina@wordsofgrace.info with product name, description and manufacturer's suggested retail price along with any other information relative to said product. You will receive a response via email within two weeks if product will be reviewed. Please note not all products will be considered reviewable. Please do not send products without prior consent. Note: Products sent for review will not be returned. Product submission authorizes consent for said product to remain in sole possession of recipient. No monies shall be exchanged for product submission nor permission granted for reviews prior to submission. Reviews shall remain effective and in full force at sole discretion of blog administrator and/or authors related to http://www.christinawillreviewit.blogspot.com/.

Eat Your Peas Daughter by Cheryl Karpen

Beautiful work of art inside and out! I was pleased with the feel of the pages and the cover as no expense was spared with the luscious stationary paper and textured cover.

Eat Your Peas Daughter is described by the author as "a 3-minute celebration." This book will become a keepsake gift from mom to daughter. I cried tears of joy just thinking about a daughter receiving and keeping this book from her mom or dad (and possibly passing on to her own daughter one day). This book would be perfect for the unborn baby too as it is screaming "hope chest."

Each pastel-shaded page contains affirming statements as well as either a pea pod, flower silhouettes or curlyques on the opposite page. The verbiage is plain and direct but the simplicity in which the statements flow is precious.

Psalm 139 was included which was very special as seeing this Scripture verse confirmed to me that this book truly would be a great baby shower gift. The one page a man and woman held a baby and the caption was, "When you were first placed in my arms, I had no idea what wonders awaited me." Interestingly, the man is holding the baby with the woman leaning over his shoulder. Therefore this book could also be from daddy!

The title Eat Your Peas Daughter was explained by the author in commentary at the back of the book. In the P.S. author Cheryl Karpen explains, "My mama always said, "Eat your peas! They're good for you." The pages of this book are filled with nutrients for your heart. They're simply good for you too!"

One criticism I had was that though this book is designed to be read in three minutes, I was disappointed how quickly I read it. I would have loved to have basked in that pastel, positive place alot longer!!

I also wish I had a daughter to give this book to or even have been given this book by my own mom or dad. I truly enjoyed reviewing this book. I recommend this book for everyone to buy to give to their daughter!

If the rest of the Eat Your Peas series is as amazing - The French Peas in Veggie Tales may need to be re-cast as The French Ears of Corn...

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their 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.”

Are you a manufacturer of a product or currently market a service? Christina will review it! Email christina@wordsofgrace.info with product name, description and manufacturer's suggested retail price along with any other information relative to said product. You will receive a response via email within two weeks if product will be reviewed. Please note not all products will be considered reviewable. Please do not send products without prior consent. Note: Products sent for review will not be returned. Product submission authorizes consent for said product to remain in sole possession of recipient. No monies shall be exchanged for product submission nor permission granted for reviews prior to submission. Reviews shall remain effective and in full force at sole discretion of blog administrator and/or authors related to http://www.christinawillreviewit.blogspot.com/.

Max Lucado's Hermie & Friends: A Bug Collection DVD Box Set

A Bug Collection consists includes 3 Complete DVDs. Disc 1 was so relatable! Milo in "Milo The Mantis Who Wouldn't Pray" does everything he can think of to hear from God. The storyline is comical but sad because we do relate to his struggle with not being willing to wait on God to answer our prayers.  I realized halfway through the story that every character had perfectly white teeth and and a tongue. Also each face including the eyes moved and expressed human emotions. Fantastic!

The second disc included Buzby who is an Elvis impersonator and also a Spelling Bee. Quite clever as no doubt kids will learn to spell new words as they watch this program. Buzby's sister Bar-bee asks him to "babee sit" her "misbeeving" children. A dramatic transformation takes place in the children's "beehavior." So cute!

Victoria Jackson does an excellent job in conveying Buzby's niece as a spoiled bee. "Behave in the Beehive" is a song the bees sing and it is quite catchy. The music in the entire collection was great. There are extras after each program that follow the credits in which the characters talk and interact with each other. There is an actual Spelling Bee which had me in stitches!

The characters throughout are all bugs with the exception of a big blue turtle that obviously is never automatically included in the lives of the bugs. God is mentioned on all three discs, however on the third disc Max Lucado mentions Jesus. I enjoyed the teaching time with Max Lucado and Hermie the catepillar.

I was reminded of how Mr. Rogers in "Mr. Roger's Neighborhood" would interact with the characters in his show. I smiled because this interaction I have not seen before in a Christian program. Yes, we all know "Sesame Street" as a fabulous way to interact and allow the children to watch an adult without losing their attention just because an adult is involved.

My favorite program in the collection was "Hailey & Bailey's Silly Fight" on Disc three. Hailey & Bailey are twin sister beatles who cannot unite on a feeding program they devised. An actual bug food fight ensues. Eventually, the twins come together and someone shouts, "It feels good to help other bugs!" My one criticism which I hammer often in these children's products is it would have been great to see not only a mother beetle with the daughters but a father beatle involved. It would  have been a thumbs up for the traditional family.

Followed by the last story we watch Hermie the catepillar play the role of "Goldilocks" but by a different name. "Hermilocks" is explained as a popular "buggy tale." Girl beatle power wins in the end. The lesson of the story? Proverbs 1:10 is explained. A great takeaway to an even greater collection which will no doubt inspire and teach many generations.

Children will respect parents, obey those in authority and learn to spell. They may however, never swat a fly or allow a bee to be destroyed. This DVD set is the result of the wonderful writing of Max Lucado. His willingness to ponder the things of God with a catepillar named Hermie opens wide the gate for godly living.

A DVD Collection with Biblical value for all ages. Well done!
For more information please visit Thomas Nelson Product Page.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their 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.”

Are you a manufacturer of a product or currently market a service? Christina will review it! Email christina@wordsofgrace.info with product name, description and manufacturer's suggested retail price along with any other information relative to said product. You will receive a response via email within two weeks if product will be reviewed. Please note not all products will be considered reviewable. Please do not send products without prior consent. Note: Products sent for review will not be returned. Product submission authorizes consent for said product to remain in sole possession of recipient. No monies shall be exchanged for product submission nor permission granted for reviews prior to submission. Reviews shall remain effective and in full force at sole discretion of blog administrator and/or authors related to http://www.christinawillreviewit.blogspot.com.

The Shelter of God's Promises By Sheila Walsh

Another inspirational book by Sheila Walsh!! This book targets ten 'bedrock promises of God.'  The Chapters Titles are: Promises, Provision, Peace, Confidence, Love, Grace, Hope, Strength, More (this is knowing God has blessings in store for His children) and Home. Not only is this book timely considering all the peril this world is plundering into deeper and deeper each day, but this book is biblical.

I enjoyed reading the Introduction. Most people probably skip the intro, but don't this time! The story of Sheila losing her tent to a sheep! Exodus 33:21-22 was so perfect in this intro as Sheila slept in a cave to get out of the cold one night while on a girl's camping outing. Her friends were confused when they woke up the next morning and she was not in her tent but instead a sheep took her spot on her tent. That story stuck with me.

Ms. Walsh's sharing of personal accounts is not only enjoyable but relatable. On page 27 I read about John The Baptist. The biblical account was given from Herod's perspective Luke 9:7. Amazing account and just one example in this book in which the author provokes the reader to ask the hard questions and to ponder the Truths of God's Word.

I quote, "The disciples must have been distraught too. John had given his life to prepare the way for Jesus - and his life ended in a barbaric way for a drunken crowd. Where was God? What about His promise to provide protection and care? The chapter continues with Jesus' response to John The Baptist's death Mark 6:32. Ms. Walsh writes, "Mark 6:32 tells us simply: "so they went away by themselves in a boat to a solitary place." Do you see how Jesus meets us in our need? How He met the disciples? There are times when words don't  help, when friends can't touch our grief. Our deepest need is to pull away with Christ - "Far from the Madding Crowd," as Thomas Hardy titled his book."

One resource included in this book is a chapter-by-chapter Bible Study. Questions are listed along with Scripture references to read, questions to challenge, and a Scripture memory verse. Quite useful for a group study guide!

So much to take away from The Shelter of God's Promises! I will never bless food the same way again (page 34). You too will not be the same person who started in the intro as the person who completed the Bible Study at the end. And for this we rejoice!

"When we come to the end of ourselves, Jesus, our Cleft in the Rock, calls. Come away with Me."

- Sheila Walsh

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their 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.”

Are you a manufacturer of a product or currently market a service? Christina will review it! Email christina@wordsofgrace.info with product name, description and manufacturer's suggested retail price along with any other information relative to said product. You will receive a response via email within two weeks if product will be reviewed. Please note not all products will be considered reviewable. Please do not send products without prior consent. Note: Products sent for review will not be returned. Product submission authorizes consent for said product to remain in sole possession of recipient. No monies shall be exchanged for product submission nor permission granted for reviews prior to submission. Reviews shall remain effective and in full force at sole discretion of blog administrator and/or authors related to http://www.christinawillreviewit.blogspot.com/.

Unto The Hills by Billy Graham

In perfect timing, I received this book just in time to review it on January 1!!! This devotional is the type of paperback you can display on your coffee table and read each and every day! The cover greets you with the orginal artwork from the first devotional Mr. Graham put into print 25 years ago.

The book is divided into months, and each month artistically labeled on it's own page mirroring the cover (to the right). Then each day has a title with a Scripture verse and discussion below followed by a heartfelt prayer in the author's own words below. Mr. Graham's prayer is written in first person but I related easily to his pleas to God which line up with God's Word.

Within the pages of this book was a common thread which was the author relating to the reader, not using psychology or man's advice but pointing the reader to God through Scripture and Biblical accounts.

Mr. Graham's wisdom is evidenced in the Foreword in which he shares the mountaintop experiences of life in contrast to the valley experiences. I quote, "Some of you will read this book as you search for answers to the problems in the valley of life. You have tried everything else and have not found satisfaction. It is you that I am particularly interested in reaching. Others of you who are already believers still need assurance that, as you walk through the valley of the shadow of death, God has not forgotten you and is, in fact, still with you. I hope this book will be a help to you as well."

Undoubtedly this book will inspire, encourage and challenge any reader seeking God to live a better life - one day at a time. Unto the Hills is based on Psalm 121.

I lift up my eyes to the hills-- where does my help come from?

My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth.He will not let your foot slip-- he who watches over you will not slumber; indeed, he who watches over Israel will neither slumber nor sleep.

The Lord watches over you-- the Lord is your shade at your right hand; the sun will not harm you by day, nor the moon by night. The Lord will keep you from all harm-- he will watch over your life; the Lord will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore.

Thank you Mr. Graham for reminding us of these facts not just one day but 365 a year or 24/7/365 as we hide the Word in our hearts and memorize the verses in Unto the Hills...

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their 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.”

Are you a manufacturer of a product or currently market a service? Christina will review it! Email christina@wordsofgrace.info with product name, description and manufacturer's suggested retail price along with any other information relative to said product. You will receive a response via email within two weeks if product will be reviewed. Please note not all products will be considered reviewable. Please do not send products without prior consent. Note: Products sent for review will not be returned. Product submission authorizes consent for said product to remain in sole possession of recipient. No monies shall be exchanged for product submission nor permission granted for reviews prior to submission. Reviews shall remain effective and in full force at sole discretion of blog administrator and/or authors related to http://www.christinawillreviewit.blogspot.com.

Book Sneeze Review: A Time To Embrace By Karen Kingsbury

As usual, Karen Kingsbury blessed me with this amazingly surprising story of forgiveness, laughter tears and human frailty all rolled into one.

Without being a spoiler, I was surprised by one topic discussed in particular. I do not recall this particular sin being mentioned as included in the story line. However, the discussion of this struggle was introduced in a subtle way as if the author had woven it into the story without making it the book's focus. I will not soon forget the discussion and the subtle way this sin creeps into many lives and stays. I cheered as this character overcame it and sought to help others with the help he had been given.

Basically, as in all of the novels I have read by Ms. Kingsbury I was welcomed into the family. I enjoyed a front row seat in witnessing the character's ups and downs, their successes and failures as well as their quirky personalities playing games and being silly as well as being quirky being serious!

Midway through this adventure, I put the book face down and asked the question Why would this book need an independent review? Obviously, A Time To Embrace like all Ms. Kingsbury's books would no doubt be a huge success. The author beloved by many - - so why a review? Why not? Thomas Nelson provided. I'll review! I picked up the book and disappeared once more into the story.

I consider this book a blessing to receive and review - not more of a blessing than other titles I have reviewed but this title being sent for review is a gift from the author. I will pass this book on to another enthusiastic Kingsbury fan and pray he/she will also be touched by the love, joy and Holy Spirit-inspired writing that resides in each page of this work.

The families in the storyline love God, love each other and exemplify the Americans in this country that love sports, family and forgiveness. It is an inspiring book with a message that all need to hear. Kudos to Ms. Kingsbury - - even though she never did need to hear this 5-star review from me!
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their 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.” Are you a manufacturer of a product or currently market a service? Christina will review it! Email christina@wordsofgrace.info with product name, description an

d manufacturer's suggested retail price along with any other information relative to said product. You will receive a response via email within two weeks if product will be reviewed. Please note not all products will be considered reviewable. Please do not send products without prior consent. Note: Products sent for review will not be returned. Product submission authorizes consent for said product to remain in sole possession of recipient. No monies shall be exchanged for product submission nor permission granted for reviews prior to submission. Reviews shall remain effective and in full force at sole discretion of blog administrator and/or authors related to http://www.christinawillreviewit.blogspot.com.

Book Sneeze Review: Then Sings My Soul by Robert J. Morgan




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Imagine opening the wrapper on this book and realizing the pages are frayed as if it were a real songbook. Nice! This book contains sheet music on the first page of every new song title.

I enjoyed reading through the song book and regretted not having the ability to read sheet music! This book was organized in an easy-to-read, clear, concise yet interesting format.

One of my favorite accounts was on page 75. "I Will Sing of My Redeemer" was composed in 1874. Philip Paul Bliss had just written the music to "It Is Well With My Soul" when he and his wife grabbed the opportunity to sing at Moody's Tabernacle. Aboard the Pacific Express, a bridge collapsed. Many cars fell 75 feet into a snowy ravine. Philip survived the crash. He noticed fire had just broken out and Lucy was still inside. The other survivors urged him not to go back in. Philip gallantly stated, "If I cannot save her, I will perish with her," he shouted, plunging into the fiery car. Both died.

In his trunk which arrived in Chicago were the words to "I Will Sing of My Redeemer. " A wonderful ending to a very sad story.

Page 106 is a great story for the Pro-Life Movement!! You have to read it for yourself. Basically a couple finds out they are pregnant while they are in the midst of health issues and political instability.

I quote, "While pondering and praying about these things, we came to realize anew that our courage does not come from a stable world, for the world has never been stable. Jesus Himself was born in the cruelest of times. No, we have babies, we raise families, and risk living because the Resurrection is true! Our baby arrived safe and sound, and we named him Benjamin, which means "most beloved son.' A few weeks later 'Because He Lives' was born in our hearts and poured from our souls:

How sweet to hold our newborn baby

And feel the pride and joy he gives;

But greater still, the calm assurance -

This child can face uncertain days because He lives.

The name of the song? "Because He Lives." Though the song was composed in 1971, the words are for everyone in any situation. Reading about the stories behind the songs was not only interesting but inspiring as well.

Starting on page 127 were patriotic accounts. This book would be a great resource for not only a music teacher but a history teacher! I was not aware of many of the facts presented along with the words for "The Star Spangled Banner", "My Country "Tis of Thee", "Battle Hymn of the Republic" and more...

Happily, my favorite song of all time was included. I have heard the story of John Newton oodles of times but this resource gave me a new fact. There is a verse that Newton added to the end of the song but somehow those words seem to be forgotten for some reason. The words are:

The earth shall soon dissolve like snow, the sun forbear to shine;

But God, Who called me here below, shall be forever mine.

Who knew?

One critique I had (only had one) is the fact that this book would benefit from the inclusion of a picture under the title and year of each song. I do believe having a visual of the composer would give value and a serve as an homage to the person behind the hymn. However, the author most likely did not include a photo as this book really was all about glorifying God. Howeer, a suggestion would be to include some sort of artistic or photographic feature between the pages.

Then Sings My Soul by Mr. Robert J. Morgan is an amazing work and a wonderful gift to all who love the Lord, as worship is something we all will do on into eternity. Inspirational and educational all rolled into one with sheet music - this is a book that will remain on the book shelf or better yet - the music stand - to be referred to over and over again...

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their 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.”

Are you a manufacturer of a product or currently market a service? Christina will review it! Email christina@wordsofgrace.info with product name, description and manufacturer's suggested retail price along with any other information relative to said product. You will receive a response via email within two weeks if product will be reviewed. Please note not all products will be considered reviewable. Please do not send products without prior consent. Note: Products sent for review will not be returned. Product submission authorizes consent for said product to remain in sole possession of recipient. No monies shall be exchanged for product submission nor permission granted for reviews prior to submission. Reviews shall remain effective and in full force at sole discretion of blog administrator and/or authors related to http://www.christinawillreviewit.blogspot.com.

Book Sneeze Review: The Least Among You DVD Published By Lionsgate

This movie is aimed at many audiences. I say this because there was a clear battle between religiosity vs. faith, racists vs. those who see no distinction in color and those who get involved and those who watch others be involved. There are many angles to this story but it is no doubt God-centered and Holy Spirit driven.

Clearly the takeway was the importance of surrendering to God - to not just knowing His Word, but living it, hiding it in one's heart to use when one must go on the offensive against evil. This movie was also a reminder to true believers in Christ to constantly look for others (the underdogs) to help along the way.

Richard Kelly (Cedric Sanders) got a scholarship to Wesbury Theological College in or around 1965 (this is based on a true story) by writing an essay - and by being a "Negro." Without spoiling the story I will leave out some details which are later presented which form the true foundation of the reason Richard avoids prison.

Oh the blessed brother in Christ that comes alongside Richard! Samuel J. Bennett(Louis Gossett Jr.) befriends Richard and welcomes him into his home whereby his wife also shares godly wisdom and points out the Holy Spirit's leading in Richard's life. This relationship is a trinity of true believers who band together against the evil forces hell-bent on tripping Richard up with the intention of sending him to prison.

Female teacher "Kate" is living in the past. She was a former missionary to Africa. She is hopeless yet she is a teacher of the Bible. Richard seeks her out for help with racism. Right after his room is set on fire, actually a cross that his Mother gave him is lit in his room. Kate has no solutions biblical or other. She is self-absorbed with her loss from the past.

Throughout this movie the battle of good vs. evil is hammered and hung high making it impossible to miss. The struggle to survive is demonstrated in Richard's battle to get money to help his sick mother. Throughout this movie Samuel is a father figure/big brother hero. The relationship is not only heartwarming but inspiring. Seeing the love of God and the understanding of Spirit-led faith lived out by Samuel is something we all need to witness more often. I was inspired by his willingness to lose alot by being a helper to Richard.

The fact that Richard was the first and only person (and the only person of color) to quote Scripture was not lost on me. A scene with Kate teaching the class stuck with me. The students were parsing Scripture with no context whatsoever and Richard set them all straight with his declaration of Isaiah 55:11 and Proverbs 3:5-6. He did not state the actual references however he quoted verbatim (I looked them up).

The title is the theme of this movie. I found four references to the theme, "The Least Among You.' http://www.blueletterbible.org/search/translationResults.cfm?Criteria=The+Least+Among+You&t=NIV Matthew 2:6, Matthew 11:11, Luke 7:28, Luke 9:48. Richard also quoted Heb 4:14-16.

Lastly, the President of the college exited the movie with his admitting he basically wanted to be God by stating, "I am the Gardener. I do the pruning." He hung up his pruning shears in that scene. He won't be needing his gardening gloves in Hades.

Not about to be a spoiler, I just want to close with this. In summation, Richard Kelly knew the Word, hid it in his heart. He may have been many things, but he was not a hypocrite like the rest of the class. I cheered for this hero and his friend. I cheered because the world needs the Word not religiosity. I grieved because sadly the rest of the class represents much of 'Christianity' today. However, God will always provide the hero in each generation. They just have to show up for class. He will do the rest. Rent it today!
 
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their 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.”

Are you a manufacturer of a product or currently market a service? Christina will review it! Email christina@wordsofgrace.info with product name, description and manufacturer's suggested retail price along with any other information relative to said product. You will receive a response via email within two weeks if product will be reviewed. Please note not all products will be considered reviewable. Please do not send products without prior consent. Note: Products sent for review will not be returned. Product submission authorizes consent for said product to remain in sole possession of recipient. No monies shall be exchanged for product submission nor permission granted for reviews prior to submission. Reviews shall remain effective and in full force at sole discretion of blog administrator and/or authors related to http://www.christinawillreviewit.blogspot.com.