The Edge of Over There (Book Review)

By Benjamin H. Liles

           One thing I will say for Shawn Smucker is that in regards to his book The Edge of Over There the lines are blurred between the forces of good and evil.  Unlike others who have read the previous book in this series, I have not been able to read the previous book, so I couldn't gauge whether or not the continuation between The Day the Angels Fell and his latest book, Edge.

Having a Relationship with God

By Benjamin H. Liles

          "We know that whoever is born of God does not sin; but he who has been born of God keeps himself, and the wicked one does not touch him. We know that we are of God, and the whole world lies under the sway of the wicked one. And we know that the Son of God has come and has given us an understanding, that we may know Him who is true; and we are in Him who is true, in His Son Jesus Christ. This is the true God and eternal life" (1 John 5:18-20, New King James).

Unwrapping the Bible (Book Review)

By Benjamin H. Liles

          At a whopping four hundred thirty-two pages, Unwrapping the Bible is a fun-filled, information packed book! I truthfully believe David Veerman has done an amazing job in unpacking the "essential truths" of God's word, the Bible, in an amazing and playful fashion. While he takes great measures to make sure we understand what he's saying about "understanding God," he also adds some thought-provoking questions so we can see where we are either missing facts on God, or how close we are to Him.

Minding the Light (Book Review)

By Benjamin H. Liles

          Suzanne Woods Fisher has done it yet again! With her latest book in the Nantucket Legacy Series she started, Minding the Light hits all the right notes just as Phoebe's Light did. I have to say that as little as I know about Quakers and the history of the whaling industry of that time. Also, I found out while reading through parts of the book that Benjamin Franklin descends from a couple who were Quakers who came from the Nantucket area. I suggest picking up this book to find out more.

Acts of Random Kindness

By Benjamin H. Liles

          He didn't do anything to harm anyone else. More often than not, Him and his followers, just twelve ordinary men, did what God--the Father--gave Him a command to do. He knew His mission. And countless times He wanted to stop, to simply give up. More than likely His feet were blistered, but we don't know for sure as scripture is silent on that issue. But Jesus Christ of Nazareth, born in Bethlehem, a descendant of David, the shepherd-boy who became king, gave up everything He was to do what God commanded of Him.

The Hope of Azure Springs (Book Review)

By Benjamin H. Liles

          Rachel's book The Hope of Azure Springs is the kind of book you would want to have in your library. I can say that in the best of what I have to say here. Of all the westerns I have read, and they are many, she has come the closest (in my opinion) to being a new version of Louis L'Amour, who was one of a kind in his own time.

Worrying Less

By Benjamin H. Liles

          I don't recall how many times I have touched the subject of worrying through here, but I think we should revisit it once more. Jesus Christ told us, "But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added unto you" (Matthew 6:33, Berean Study). What would happen if we re-prioritize our daily lives and actually put God first? I know of one person who said they make a daily list of things "Doable." At first things never got finished.

Qualities Needed

By Benjamin H. Liles

          "Therefore lay aside all filthiness and overflow of wickedness, and receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls" (James 1:21, New King James). What is it James is telling us here? Why should we know this? What kind of man is it James is calling for when it comes to dealing with burdens and trials?

Never Thought of this Before: Proofreading

By Benjamin H. Liles

          This early afternoon I was thinking over things (after having paid bills and all). I realized something rather amazing. I have been using my blog. this site to teach a lot about God's word. That's not a bad thing, but I noticed something as of today. I tend to go through everything I write and make sure everything is correct before things go to print. Sometimes, even after I post, my wife catches little errors in an effort to help me out. In that sense I consider her my built-in editor.

Ungodliness versus Faith-filled Life (Ezekiel 26)

By Benjamin H. Liles

          "And it came to pass in the eleventh year, on the first day of the month, that the word of the Lord came to me, saying, 'Son of man, because Tyre has said against Jerusalem, "Aha! She is broken who was the gateway of the peoples; now she is turned over to me; I shall be filled; she is laid waste"'...I will make you a terror, and you shall be no more; though you are sought for, you will never be found again'" (Ezekiel 26:1-21, New King James).