Category Archives: Top Shelf Book
The Monster In The Hollows
North! or Be Eaten
On The Edge Of The Dark Sea of Darkness
Blah, Blah, Blah by Dan Roam
Great Book on Fear and Anxiety
Running Scared: fear, worry, and the God of rest
Edward T. Welch
Product Details
- Paperback: 317 pages
- Publisher: New Growth Press
- Date of reading: February 22, 2012
Point: Welch takes an in-depth look at fear, worry, and anxiety in his book. God is bigger than our fears, and we can trust in Him.
Path: Welch has written this in the form of meditations. He recommends reading one chapter a day and talking with someone about the chapter before moving on to the next one.
Welch shows that all people fear. It is something that we do not have to learn. We fear and worry about things which we value and cherish. Through a discussion of manna in the Old Testament and many passages about fearing in the New Testament, Welch shows the root of fear and how that can be dealt with in our lives.
Agreement: I enjoyed many of the thoughtful chapters on fear itself. One of his main points is: “We are fearful when something we value is in jeopardy” (page 80). This is apparent in all of our lives.
Disagreement: I agree with the majority of what Welch says, but there are just a few times where the reader may become confused if they do not know from where Welch is coming. For example, Welch states on page 47, “After you listen to your own heart, listen to God.” If taken out of context at all, one might think that Welch is condoning listening to our own hearts before we listen to God. I believe he is actually pointing out that we check our hearts to see if we are living in fear, and then we need to listen to what God’s Word has to say about that fear.
Stars: 4.5 out of 5
It would be worth another read and I would recommend it.
Pilgrim’s Progress I & II by John Bunyan
Pilgrim’s Progress I & II
Path: The author follows the life of Christian from the City of Destruction to the Celestial City. On his journey he meets trying setbacks, tempting snares, and awful giants. The second book records the travels of his family.
Sources: Written while in prison in Bedford County Gaol, this work relies on an understanding of the human nature, allures of the world, and the Word of God.
Agreement: There is a reason why men such as Charles Spurgeon praised this work, children read it, and it continues to be published.
Disagreement: His interpretations and applications of Scripture are some times pressed.
Personal App: There is so much applicable material here. Pilgrim’s time in the Doubting Castle is always a reminder of the key given.
Favorite Quote: “Some things are of that nature as to make One’s fancy chuckle, while his heart doth ache.”
Stars: 5 out of 5
I was reminded of this hymn by Nicolaus Ludwig von Zinzendorf, translated by Kane Borthwick
and although the way be cheerless,
we will follow, calm and fearless;
guide us by your hand to our promised land.
let no faithless fears o’ertake us,
let not faith and hope forsake us;
safely past the foe to our home we go.
when temptation come alluring,
make us patient and enduring;
show us that bright shore where we weep no more.
heav’nly Leader, still direct us,
still support, console, protect us,
till we safely stand in our promised land.
Good Read
The Organized Heart
Staci Eastin
Product Details
- Kindle Ebook
- Publisher: Cruciform Press
- Date of reading: January 10, 2012
Point: Eastin says, “My hope for this book is that it will help you serve God and your family more effectively, more fruitfully, and with greater peace and joy.”
Path: The author delves into the reasons behind the disorganized lives we sometimes live. Showing how the sinfulness of our heart often is the reason that we are not organized, she covers four main idols of the heart: perfectionism, busyness, possessions, and leisure.
Sources: She refers to several other books such as Lou Priolo’s Pleasing People, Carol Cornish and Elyse Fitzpatrick’s Women Helping Women, and Jeremiah Buroughs’ Contentment.
Agreement: This was a wonderful look at organization. Eastin brings out many reasons why we do not live organized lives, and also many reasons that the “organized” lives that we live may not be pleasing to God. Are we fearing what man may think of us if we are not organized and seemingly put-together, or are we striving to honor God?
Personal App: This was a great and refreshing way to view organization. In a culture where organization is sort of the “in” thing to do, it was a blessing to be able to look at why it is important to be organized. It makes me double-check my life and see if I am trying to be organized for the right reasons!
One of my favorite quotes was this: “God is not glorified in the amount of things we get done, the number of spaces we fill on our calendars, or the length of our to-do lists. God is pleased when we serve him with sincere hearts.”
Stars: 4.5 out of 5
It would be worth another read and I would recommend it.
The Hobbit: or There and Back Again by J.R.R. Tolkien
The Hobbit: or There and Back Again
Path: The story leads the reader through the realities of the human race. Fear, friendship, greed, courage, jealousy, sacrificial giving, lies, and loyalty all play out before the reader’s eyes. Most often the greatest danger lies not in a fire breathing dragon, but in the heart of the hero.
Sources: Based on an incredible imagination and expertise in ancient English history, Tolkien weaves a time tested story.
Agreement: This is probably my favorite book of the entire Fantasy genre, and probably Fiction as well.
Favorite Quote: “There is more than meets the eye.”
Stars: 5 out of 5
Free Audio book – Knowing God
Knowing God by J.I. Packer is an excellent book. I recommended this to a friend just a few weeks ago. Please download it at Christianaudio.com and listen through it. I guarantee it will strengthen your faith.