The Twelfth Imam
by Joel C. Rosenberg
I devoured this nearly 500 page book in less than a week. I love books like that. Ones that are so intriguing that you can't bear to put them down. Although I will say that the ending was less than lackluster.
The Twelfth Imam is a fictional story with many facts woven into it. It is a fast paced tale of what it could possibly look like if the Islamic awaited "messiah" comes. I do find it rather interesting that so many are viewing these as the last days. I tend to agree but I find it interesting all the same.
I was not extremely aware of the study of end times from the muslim perspective. I learned alot. It also continued to grow my heart for these people who so desperately need Jesus. I pray that as extremists grow more and more violent that many will question their faith and Jesus will reveal himself to them.
If you want a political thriller about the end times (it's not anything like left behind), this is your book.
Monday, June 27, 2011
Tuesday, June 14, 2011
Not For Sale
Not for Sale
by David Batstone
This book showcases different stories of modern day human traffiking and slavery. And not just in foreign countries but in your own backyard. It's really eye-opening. It also tells stories of the brave souls that have started organizations and minitries to help the victims of these atrocities. I am amazed at the creativitiy of those who are helping. It gives me hope that maybe I could come up with something I could do to help as well. Most of the people who help the most did not go to school for social justice or politics or anything. They are normal people who were confronted with the horrific truth and chose to act.
As I have been exploring this topic I am faced with pure evil and to be honest sometimes it is so much easier to just look the other way. It doesn't directly affect my every day life so it is easy to forget about or rather choose to ignore. It also doesn't change the fact that I do indeed have to go on with my every day life. So what to do?
One thing that I feel compelled to do is to make others aware. I honestly had no idea some of this stuff went on or still goes on. Part of it is that I didn't pay attention when things were mentioned and the other part is that it doesn't really get all that much media attention considering all the other stupid "news" we are bombarded with. I think if it really got as much attention as it deserves than people would get on board to do something more drastic. I'm not a conspiracy theorist but I do beleive that our government looks the other way on many social issues because of money or influence and hence the media follows.
Another thing I can do is pray. I don't take this lightly and I need to do it more often. Being involved in the advocacy group at our church is a great start, but I definitely want to make it more of a priority in my everyday life as well.
The last thing that I can think of to do is make myself aware. I need to continue to be aware of what's going on. I need to know where what I'm buying is coming from. I need to take stock of what's going on the world. I need to act when I can and control what I can control to help.
It seems like a small thing to do, but for now that's all I feel I can offer. Our world is an evil place and those who say any different obviously have their eyes closed. When a human can treat another human worse than an animal something is wrong. I am thankful that one day these things will no longer exists. There is hope in Christ and I cling to that with all my might.
If you'd like more info about what you can do please visit the websites below.
http://christianadvocacynow.org/ (can help you learn how to pray or start a group at your church)
http://www.ijm.org/ (International Justice Mission)
If you have any other ideas of what one can do to help please feel free to comment.
by David Batstone
This book showcases different stories of modern day human traffiking and slavery. And not just in foreign countries but in your own backyard. It's really eye-opening. It also tells stories of the brave souls that have started organizations and minitries to help the victims of these atrocities. I am amazed at the creativitiy of those who are helping. It gives me hope that maybe I could come up with something I could do to help as well. Most of the people who help the most did not go to school for social justice or politics or anything. They are normal people who were confronted with the horrific truth and chose to act.
As I have been exploring this topic I am faced with pure evil and to be honest sometimes it is so much easier to just look the other way. It doesn't directly affect my every day life so it is easy to forget about or rather choose to ignore. It also doesn't change the fact that I do indeed have to go on with my every day life. So what to do?
One thing that I feel compelled to do is to make others aware. I honestly had no idea some of this stuff went on or still goes on. Part of it is that I didn't pay attention when things were mentioned and the other part is that it doesn't really get all that much media attention considering all the other stupid "news" we are bombarded with. I think if it really got as much attention as it deserves than people would get on board to do something more drastic. I'm not a conspiracy theorist but I do beleive that our government looks the other way on many social issues because of money or influence and hence the media follows.
Another thing I can do is pray. I don't take this lightly and I need to do it more often. Being involved in the advocacy group at our church is a great start, but I definitely want to make it more of a priority in my everyday life as well.
The last thing that I can think of to do is make myself aware. I need to continue to be aware of what's going on. I need to know where what I'm buying is coming from. I need to take stock of what's going on the world. I need to act when I can and control what I can control to help.
It seems like a small thing to do, but for now that's all I feel I can offer. Our world is an evil place and those who say any different obviously have their eyes closed. When a human can treat another human worse than an animal something is wrong. I am thankful that one day these things will no longer exists. There is hope in Christ and I cling to that with all my might.
If you'd like more info about what you can do please visit the websites below.
http://christianadvocacynow.org/ (can help you learn how to pray or start a group at your church)
http://www.ijm.org/ (International Justice Mission)
If you have any other ideas of what one can do to help please feel free to comment.
Saturday, June 4, 2011
Terrify No More
Terrify No More
by Gary A. Haugen (president of International Justice Mission)
Despite what you may think of first by reading the title, this book has nothing to with terrorism as we think of it today. However, it does deal with a terrible atrocity that has been going on and I'm sure still goes on in many parts of the world. That atrocity is injustice! Whether it is slave labor, forced prostitution or abuse the International Justice Mission takes on cases like these around the world and they do it quite successfully.
As you read you learn more about the wonderful people that make up this organization and the amazing things God is doing through them. You also learn about the horrific situations that are abundant in the world and that can be at times disheartening. I am extremely thankful that they were very elusive in specific descriptions of the situations these people find themselves in. Though they are forced to come close and personal with the details of these crimes it's not something I think I could handle. As it is you definitely get the picture.
The main story this book follows is that of a raid on a town in Cambodia known for their young girls in brothels. I had no idea places like this existed. I am more familiar with the fact that women feel they have no choice and will sell themselves. I also had heard about girls being sold to do this but in this particular case the girls were young. Very young. Between 5-14 years old. I can hardly imagine that. It's nauseating! It's so difficult to read about these things and not become heart-broken for these little innocent children. I also experience anger at those who could do these things to one of these little ones. It's just another example of evil in this world and I know that it will not always be so. For that I am thankful.
You learn alot about the organization and all that goes into investigations and preparations for such a raid as the one detailed. It's a very rigorous and draining line of work but so worth it when they are able to see the smile on someone's face is set free from bondage literally and often spiritually as well.
This book was written in 2005 and the raid took place in 2003. I know that's a little bit ago but as we all know this world is still an evil place and when one evil is overcome there is plenty more to step in. The work of those fighting injustice will never be complete this side of eternity. Their work is so important and I am so encouraged by the successes.
This is not an easy read! It reads quickly and there is lots of drama and compelling stories, but it's not easy to get through. It will make you want to help. It will make you cry and pray and question God. But those are the exact reasons we need to read books like this. We need to remember what things are important in life. We need to remember that God cares about the least of these. Though we may not see or even know about every injustice going on, about every child forced to do detestable things, about every person in bondage to another, He knows each person by name and cares about them. So when we do learn about them, what do we do? That is the question I am struggling with right now as well.
I know I can pray! I don't know what else I can do at this moment though one day maybe God will answer that question more clearly, but what can you do?
by Gary A. Haugen (president of International Justice Mission)
Despite what you may think of first by reading the title, this book has nothing to with terrorism as we think of it today. However, it does deal with a terrible atrocity that has been going on and I'm sure still goes on in many parts of the world. That atrocity is injustice! Whether it is slave labor, forced prostitution or abuse the International Justice Mission takes on cases like these around the world and they do it quite successfully.
As you read you learn more about the wonderful people that make up this organization and the amazing things God is doing through them. You also learn about the horrific situations that are abundant in the world and that can be at times disheartening. I am extremely thankful that they were very elusive in specific descriptions of the situations these people find themselves in. Though they are forced to come close and personal with the details of these crimes it's not something I think I could handle. As it is you definitely get the picture.
The main story this book follows is that of a raid on a town in Cambodia known for their young girls in brothels. I had no idea places like this existed. I am more familiar with the fact that women feel they have no choice and will sell themselves. I also had heard about girls being sold to do this but in this particular case the girls were young. Very young. Between 5-14 years old. I can hardly imagine that. It's nauseating! It's so difficult to read about these things and not become heart-broken for these little innocent children. I also experience anger at those who could do these things to one of these little ones. It's just another example of evil in this world and I know that it will not always be so. For that I am thankful.
You learn alot about the organization and all that goes into investigations and preparations for such a raid as the one detailed. It's a very rigorous and draining line of work but so worth it when they are able to see the smile on someone's face is set free from bondage literally and often spiritually as well.
This book was written in 2005 and the raid took place in 2003. I know that's a little bit ago but as we all know this world is still an evil place and when one evil is overcome there is plenty more to step in. The work of those fighting injustice will never be complete this side of eternity. Their work is so important and I am so encouraged by the successes.
This is not an easy read! It reads quickly and there is lots of drama and compelling stories, but it's not easy to get through. It will make you want to help. It will make you cry and pray and question God. But those are the exact reasons we need to read books like this. We need to remember what things are important in life. We need to remember that God cares about the least of these. Though we may not see or even know about every injustice going on, about every child forced to do detestable things, about every person in bondage to another, He knows each person by name and cares about them. So when we do learn about them, what do we do? That is the question I am struggling with right now as well.
I know I can pray! I don't know what else I can do at this moment though one day maybe God will answer that question more clearly, but what can you do?
Monday, May 30, 2011
God's Smuggler
God's Smuggler
by Brother Andrew
This book is a must read! It was a wonderful testament to the faithfulness of our God for those that trust and obey. It is convicting, encouraging and a non-stop adventure, which is how much of life is in itself.
It is the story of a poor dutch boy named Andrew and how God used him to smuggle bibles behind the iron curtain and then begin Open Doors. His story is one, like many bible stories that shows how God uses the least of these to do very important kingdom work. All he needs is a willing soul.
It definitely made me want to go to China and bring a few bibles with me to see if they would allow me a few personal bibles that I could manage to leave behind. An interesting thought for sure. This book also challenged my thinking about God's provision. Here was a man that had nothing. And yet God provided for his and his ministries every need every time in every way. I want to trust as much as he did.
I think for the first time I truly grasped what Jesus meant when he said that it is hard for a rich man to enter the Kingdom of God. Not that I want to be poor but I think it is easier to trust God when you have nothing. You have to trust Him when there is no alternative. But in our country of abundance it's harder for Him to be the first you think of to provide. I mean, I trust God, but I am the one working and paying for food and necessities. We trust ourselves alot more than God. I have to check my heart on that and truly learn what it means to be dependent on God. I know He does not call all of us to a life of missions but He does call us all to be faithful with what He has given us and to trust Him for our provision, however that comes.
This book will definitely help you catch God's vision for world missions and how Jesus and His word are life-changing. I would encourage you to check out the Open Doors website as well. They are doing some great work around the world. I pray that our faith would be increased as we read another story of a hero of the faith!
by Brother Andrew
This book is a must read! It was a wonderful testament to the faithfulness of our God for those that trust and obey. It is convicting, encouraging and a non-stop adventure, which is how much of life is in itself.
It is the story of a poor dutch boy named Andrew and how God used him to smuggle bibles behind the iron curtain and then begin Open Doors. His story is one, like many bible stories that shows how God uses the least of these to do very important kingdom work. All he needs is a willing soul.
It definitely made me want to go to China and bring a few bibles with me to see if they would allow me a few personal bibles that I could manage to leave behind. An interesting thought for sure. This book also challenged my thinking about God's provision. Here was a man that had nothing. And yet God provided for his and his ministries every need every time in every way. I want to trust as much as he did.
I think for the first time I truly grasped what Jesus meant when he said that it is hard for a rich man to enter the Kingdom of God. Not that I want to be poor but I think it is easier to trust God when you have nothing. You have to trust Him when there is no alternative. But in our country of abundance it's harder for Him to be the first you think of to provide. I mean, I trust God, but I am the one working and paying for food and necessities. We trust ourselves alot more than God. I have to check my heart on that and truly learn what it means to be dependent on God. I know He does not call all of us to a life of missions but He does call us all to be faithful with what He has given us and to trust Him for our provision, however that comes.
This book will definitely help you catch God's vision for world missions and how Jesus and His word are life-changing. I would encourage you to check out the Open Doors website as well. They are doing some great work around the world. I pray that our faith would be increased as we read another story of a hero of the faith!
Monday, May 16, 2011
Percy Jackson & The Olympians Grand Finale
Percy Jackson & The Olympians: The Titans Curse, The Battle of the Labyrinth and The Last Olympian
by Rick Riordian
I finished off the last 3 books in this series one after another. I was so captivated by the story that I couldn't wait to see how it would all unfold. Would Percy be the demi-god in the great prophecy? So many unknowns!
Each story was unique in the challenges that were faced and the decisions that had to be made. All the while you are always pulling for Percy who does have a good head on his shoulders and wants to do right by his family and friends.
I don't want to give the end away but it does keep you guessing right to the very end. Overall I was very satisfied with this series. Though as I mentioned before it does make me very happy to have a God who does not need advice from kids to make good decisions.
by Rick Riordian
I finished off the last 3 books in this series one after another. I was so captivated by the story that I couldn't wait to see how it would all unfold. Would Percy be the demi-god in the great prophecy? So many unknowns!
Each story was unique in the challenges that were faced and the decisions that had to be made. All the while you are always pulling for Percy who does have a good head on his shoulders and wants to do right by his family and friends.
I don't want to give the end away but it does keep you guessing right to the very end. Overall I was very satisfied with this series. Though as I mentioned before it does make me very happy to have a God who does not need advice from kids to make good decisions.
Monday, May 2, 2011
The Invsible Man
The Invisible Man
H.G. Wells
This was a nice short read and surprisingly not all that difficult to understand. I had never heard much about this short novel before but I know it is somewhat of a classic so I thought I would give it a shot. It was intriguing and basically seemed to boil down to a science experiment not so thoroughly worked out before executed.
We’ve all thought that it would be kind of neat to be invisible at one time or another. But much like the man in the story I think we attribute other factors along with our invisibility as we imagine it. We also don’t think we will be able to be heard, which in fact you can be if invisibility is your only superpower. It’s quite interesting his experiment in becoming invisible and he takes a much more scientific look at the idea than a fantastical magic cape sort of deal.
One thing that I did not quite understand was the invisible man’s temper. I can see his frustration at times but he has an awful temper which ultimately I think is his demise. He might have had quite a nice unusual, but semi-normal existence if he had not been power-hungry, selfish and completely mad.
Saturday, April 16, 2011
Percy Jackson & the Olympians
Percy Jackson & The Olympians (Books 1 & 2)
The Lightning Thief & The Sea of Monsters
by Rick Riordan
I feel the need for a disclaimer. These are works of fiction. I do not believe in greek gods any more than I believe there is a land called Narnia or that Harry Potter's world exists. These are fiction books telling a fascinating story. That being said I think that parents should again discuss these things with their kids. I found it pretty cool actually to be thankful that our God is not like the greek gods which are way too much like humans for my liking. We have a God who never leaves us, who loves us. He's not a God confined to the sea or sky. He is God of everything and controls all. He is not limited in any way. We have an awesome God!
Ok, so back to the books. I devoured the first book. I really enjoyed the epic story that Riordan unfolds. Percy Jackson is a "normal" kid who has trouble in school. He is dyslexic and has ADHD and that makes it hard for him. But all that changes when he finds out he is a half-blood. His dad is a greek god apparently. This knowledge puts him in incredible danger. He ends up on a quest with another half blood and satyr to find Zeus' missing lighting bolt and spare the world of the war that will ensue if he fails.
It was a fun read because some of the characters they run into are ones I remember learning about in greek mythology growing up. It's a great tool to use for teaching that class. There were monsters and creatures and gods and lots of action around every corner. And at the end of the book you close it knowing that it's only the beginning and wanting to find out how the rest of the story will play out. Which is why I had to read book 2 right away.
(Sidenote: forget about the movie. It was so awful I barely made it through. They changed so much of the plot and it was not nearly as good as the book. Too many significant changes)
Book 2 did not let me down. This time Percy learns of a half brother he has. Things at the half-blood camp are getting bad and he, his brother and friend Annabeth find themselves on a another journey to rescue their friend Grover the satyr and find the only hope to rescue the camp. They run into plenty more traps and monsters and close calls with death.
The story continues to develop though and I continue to be as curious as Percy about the prophecy that may or may not be about him. As evil continues to grow stronger what adventures will these half-bloods encounter next. I can barely stand the suspense.
The Lightning Thief & The Sea of Monsters
by Rick Riordan
I feel the need for a disclaimer. These are works of fiction. I do not believe in greek gods any more than I believe there is a land called Narnia or that Harry Potter's world exists. These are fiction books telling a fascinating story. That being said I think that parents should again discuss these things with their kids. I found it pretty cool actually to be thankful that our God is not like the greek gods which are way too much like humans for my liking. We have a God who never leaves us, who loves us. He's not a God confined to the sea or sky. He is God of everything and controls all. He is not limited in any way. We have an awesome God!
Ok, so back to the books. I devoured the first book. I really enjoyed the epic story that Riordan unfolds. Percy Jackson is a "normal" kid who has trouble in school. He is dyslexic and has ADHD and that makes it hard for him. But all that changes when he finds out he is a half-blood. His dad is a greek god apparently. This knowledge puts him in incredible danger. He ends up on a quest with another half blood and satyr to find Zeus' missing lighting bolt and spare the world of the war that will ensue if he fails.
It was a fun read because some of the characters they run into are ones I remember learning about in greek mythology growing up. It's a great tool to use for teaching that class. There were monsters and creatures and gods and lots of action around every corner. And at the end of the book you close it knowing that it's only the beginning and wanting to find out how the rest of the story will play out. Which is why I had to read book 2 right away.
(Sidenote: forget about the movie. It was so awful I barely made it through. They changed so much of the plot and it was not nearly as good as the book. Too many significant changes)
Book 2 did not let me down. This time Percy learns of a half brother he has. Things at the half-blood camp are getting bad and he, his brother and friend Annabeth find themselves on a another journey to rescue their friend Grover the satyr and find the only hope to rescue the camp. They run into plenty more traps and monsters and close calls with death.
The story continues to develop though and I continue to be as curious as Percy about the prophecy that may or may not be about him. As evil continues to grow stronger what adventures will these half-bloods encounter next. I can barely stand the suspense.
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