Welcoming the Future Church (Book Reviews)

By Benjamin H. Liles

          I love how, in this day and age, we in the Church are being called to lead others to be the future church. But how can we do that when it is far possible we weren't taught right? Let me explain this better: I believe Jonathan Pokluda does a wonderful thing with and in this book. He explains things rightly, but I want to show from scripture, as does "JP" with his book, a biblical approach to doing exactly that.

Chasing the White Lion (Book Review)

By Benjamin H. Liles

          The last book by James Hannibal earned worthy praise from me, The Gryphon Heist. He has done a superb job yet again, this time with his book Chasing the White Lion. James Hannibal, the way I understand it in the sense of what Louis L'Amour would say of his characters, is the kind of guy who can wake up sensing something is wrong when the day is bright and clear as day. In fact, what can be known of James Hannibal is that he "is a two-time Silver Falchion award-winner for his Section 13 mysteries, a Thriller Award nominee for his Nick Baron ops series, and a Selah Award finalist for his Clandestine Service series" (from the book cover of this book).

Made to Move Mountains (Book Reviews)

By Benjamin H. Liles

          At the time that I write this a pandemic has taken a vise-like grip on the world. There are those told by their nation, their state, their leaders to -- in short -- "Stay calm and carry on." I find that it's not only a great segue into Kristen Welch's book about being made to move mountains, but that in this time our focus ought to be on the One who heals all when we look at Him. He told Nicodemus, "Just as Moses lifted up the snake in the wilderness, so the Son of Man must be lifted up, that everyone who believes in Him may have eternal life" (John 3:14-15, Berean Study)

The Successful Speaker (Book Review)

By Benjamin H. Liles

          When I say what I do it's not that this is by any means a spoiler alert: I don't know who Grant Baldwin is. Aside from that, have I enjoyed this wonderful book? Indeed. He has wonderful ideas about what makes for a successful speaker and how to make it happen. Let's dive in a bit more, shall we?

Out of the Embers (Book Review)

By Benjamin H. Liles

          Amanda Cabot's new book, Out of the Embers, is a quick-paced, well thought out story with believable characters as well as a strong suspenseful story. While Amanda Cabot resides in Wyoming, she also has written the bestselling books A Stolen Heart, A Borrowed Dream, and A Tender Hope. She has also written numerous series: Texas Crossroads, Texas Dreams, among others.

Remaining in Christ in this Moment

By Benjamin H. Liles

          It's tragically funny how things are in this world at the moment: there are those who struggle to get things done, abusive relationships, some losing their jobs, and to top it all off we have COVID-19 (aka Coronavirus). Store shelves in the local arena around the states in America are either emptied or becoming empty. Countries abroad are also as well in panic mode. Yet there is a word for you today: "Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God" (Romans 12:2, New King James).

Star of Persia (Book Review)

By Benjamin H. Liles

        I've read a few of Jill Eileen Smith's books and every one of them are beautifully well-written stories. So, it comes as no surprise that Star of Persia: Esther's Story is as wonderful as her other works. In this version of Esther's story, she meets Vashti, the wife of Xerxes, as a young girl and is told by Vashti, "You have a place in history" more or less. Just as we're told within the pages of the Bible about Esther, her story here is just as perilous.

The Basic Bible Atlas (Book Review)

By Benjamin H. Liles

         When I think about the heritage of any group of people there's no other that I can say has a depth and beauty as those of the Hebrew faith. Beck does an amazing job with in-depth maps, pictures and explanations of places, people, and things that even though this isn't a comprehensive atlas, it gets the job done. For my wife and I we enjoyed going through this book, honestly. In our genuine faith of being more like our Lord and Savior, Jesus the Messiah, we believe this is a must have book for those who see him as their Lord.

Courageous (Book Review)

By Benjamin H. Liles

          As a peculiar people God calls out from the world, Christians (authentic and bold), are called to stand strong and firm. Regardless the many dangers and threats to themselves. Robert Jeffress has written this book to help many of us who feel bombarded daily to hold even stronger to our faith. Jeffress is senior pastor of First Baptist Church in Dallas, TX. He has written countless numbers of books that have done well: Pathway to Discovery, Pathway to Victory; Second Chance, Second Act; and finally, Hearing the Master's Voice. 

Yes Sister (Book Review)

By Benjamin H. Liles

          Considering this is a book review of Angelia White's Yes Sisters, I just want to briefly say there are some women out there who undeservingly resemble a form of Cinderella: they are beautiful, they have something to offer life and to the community, but also they are often marginalized, mistreated, and even held back by those who either love them or who don't care about their dreams. With that said, I believe everyone ought to rise to their full potential, men and women alike.

Managing Worry and Anxiety (Book Review)

By Benjamin H. Liles

        What comes to mind when you think on the word worry? Anxiety? A need to run away? Maybe to fight? Or do you feel like you can't do anything at all? There's no need to panic. Franklin Delano Roosevelt made the phrase popular when he said, "The only thing we have to fear is fear itself." Jesus the Messiah said it this way: "Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes?...Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Today has enough trouble of its own" (Matthew 6:25-34, Berean Study).