Faith for Exiles (Book Reviews)

By Benjamin H. Liles

         There are a slew of voices every where telling us which way to go and to grow. First off we have our parents and friends, next we have extended family like grandma, grandpa, aunts, uncles and even cousins. But what can we do to help our next generation grow up in a world of technology and in this digital world? David and Mark both answer that with this book Faith for Exiles. It comes to my attention, even as a programmer myself, that there is a time and place for technology to take a back seat and to re-prioritize our family time.

Pray Big Things (Book Review)

By Benjamin H. Liles

          Julia Jeffress Sadler has her first book Pray Big Things. It's a wonderful book about pray and to be fearless and audacious with our prayers. Julia is both a minister's wife, being married to her high school sweetheart Ryan Sadler, as well as the daughter of pastor Robert Jeffress. It's packed full of practical ways to pray better, to even pray for bigger things we thought possible.

Reasons Why Healing Doesn't Happen

By Benjamin H. Liles

          There is a trend in which certain Pastors and Biblical leaders are starting to say things such as "once the New Testament was finished, those sign gifts ceased to have a function", and ended with the conclusion of the Apostolic Age, around 100 AD" (1 Corinthians 12-14). The comment stems from the misunderstanding that the power of the Holy Spirit of God seeming to be non-functional by and large. The real reason the miraculous doesn't happen much any more is due to in large part of those events don't necessarily bring glory and honor to God as it once did, almost 1900 years ago.

Stitches in Time (Book Reviews)

By Benjamin H. Liles

          The latest book of Suzanne Woods Fisher, Stitches in Time, will keep readers riveted to each page. It is the newest addition to The Deacon's Family series she's been working on. While I was not able to read Mending Fences, book one of the series, I can imagine it's just as good as this book. Mollie is a teacher doing her best to reach the children of the community of Stoney Ridge. But at the same time she gets herself into trouble. Sam Shrock is a horse trainer who has done his best to remain detached, but he can't remain so because of Mollie Graber, the teacher.

Breaking Anxiety's Grip (Book Review)

By Benjamin H. Liles

          I want to take this moment to praise the work and faith of Dr. Michelle Bengston. To go from feeling hopelessness as well as from depression to having a thriving and successful practice in helping people break free from their chains is wonderful. I count her story and struggles as being the kind of thing we all need as a Christ-centered community and people. If we all knew of those things and reasons and ways as to why we suffer the way we do with a careful and compassionate heart as she's given, we'd all be far better off. But that praise only goes so far. For it is by the power and grace of Jesus Christ that has enabled her to putting her faith, her activity of work into helping others find hope and healing.

Top Performance (Book Review)

By Benjamin H. Liles

          I do get the point Zig Ziglar makes in this book Revell re-released, and it's one I believe Ziglar learned from the life of Solomon and Paul, the apostle: "A generous soul will prosper, and he who refreshes others will himself be refreshed" (Proverbs 11:25) and "if it is encouraging, let him encourage; if it is giving, let him give generously; if it is leading, let him lead with diligence; if it is showing mercy, let him do it cheerfully" (Romans 12:8).

Always Look Twice (Book Review)

By Benjamin H. Liles

          Always Look Twice by Elizabeth Goddard is a wonderful book and an amazing read. I was able to read it no time flat, it just took some motivation to read it. She is an amazing and gifted writer who gives her best in telling a story the right way. She has believable characters, a great cast within the pages, and you see how Goddard thinks through the story she gives.

A Reason to Explain

by Benjamin H. Liles

          In the whole of time that I started this blog/website I not once have taken money for any service I provided. It's because I don't believe it's right to profit from God's word in the least bit. I take a look at how the world has been doing it's best at taking things of Christ's and making it in it's image, specifically con-artists, such as health and wellness preachers, feel good charlatans, as well as prosperity teachers. I don't want anything to do with them or be like that in any point.

A Distance Too Grand (Book Review)

By Benjamin H. Liles

         This is a wonderful book by Regina Scott about the beginnings of America's historic and famous landmarks being documented. While it is true she does so in a fictional story, she captures the essence of time and the awesome beauty that she takes us to in these pages. I recommend the book to be read on the basis of the fact it's a great story, well written characters, the dialogue she has written, and for the reason there's a love story attached as well.

Love Changes Everything (Book Review)

By Benjamin H. Liles

          Micah Berteau does a great job talking about the love Christ has for mankind. Nowhere within the pages of the book do I find much at fault. He's wonderful at explaining the differences between worldly, fleshly love as well as about the kind of love Christ gave us at Calvary's cross. This sacrificial love is the kind of unconditional love that changes hearts; it changes the way we think, the way we do things, and gets us to come around to the thought of: "Hey, I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me" (Philippians 4:13).

Forged Through Fire (Book Review)

By Benjamin H. Liles

          Mark McDonough didn't just face a trial by fire when he was a young man, he lost his mom and younger brother as well. His harrowing story is told within these pages. He has seen what pain and heartbreak first hand in his life. Since his youth he has managed to become the man he is now, both known for his faith as well as work as a doctor, helping patients heal in their lives as well. So, when I say Forged through Fire is a hard but worthwhile book to read I mean it with my whole heart.

Unscripted (Book Review)

By Benjamin H. Liles

          The latest from Davis Bunn is a tale worthy of an Oscar nomination. It feels about as fast paced as other Davis Bunn books do to me. That's a good thing too. It reminds me of James Scott Bell's books I've read before. Altogether, the book is a wonderful read. Bunn has written numerous books which are worthy of becoming movies, and he has had numerous books gone to being made into movies as well.

Why Content Creators Give Back (A Christian Perspective)

By Benjamin H. Liles

          Encouragement. It goes a long way for those with weary souls. Then again, Jesus also said, "Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy" (Matthew 5:7, New King James). Why do a number of us do that? What moves us to do the things God calls us to do even when things are hard for us to do? First off, because it's a command Jesus gave; secondly, love is what fulfills the letter of the law (see Romans 13:10). The biggest reason a sincere follower of Christ, the actual Christian does what he does is because of Christ within Him. Here's another verse I love as well: "Whoever believes in Me, as the Scripture has said: ’Streams of living water will flow from within him’" (John 7:38, Berean Study).