Permission to Speak Freely

Today is the official release day of Ann Jackson’s new book, Permission to Speak Freely; Essays and Art on Fear, Confession and Grace. I bought a copy last week and have been enjoying it. She has posted several of the essays from her boon online, the first of which is posted here.

Back in 2008, Ann posted a question on her blog, “What is the one thing you feel you can’t say in the church?” The response was overwhelming and has resulted in her latest book. Get your copy [here].

what i am reading

I spent quite a bit of time reading and studying the Book of Judges over the summer months. I throughly enjoyed preaching from Judges and was sad to end it. I am now spending large chunks of my Scripture reading in Revelation.

I also started reading two recently published books.

1. The Good and Beautiful God by James Bryan Smith. I have read the first two chapters multiple times so far and learn new things each time I read them. So far, it is one of the best books I have ever read. I look forward to reading the rest of the book.

2. Permission to Speak Freely by Ann Jackson. Ann wrote Mad Church Disease, a book that helped change my focus. I look forward to learning from her again.

What are you reading?

Isaac Newton by Mitch Stokes

Isaac Newton, written by Mitch Stokes and published by Thomas Nelson, is part of the Christian Encounters series. The book is a brief introduction to the life of Isaac Newton. Newton was not only a great scientist and mathematician, but also a Christian. The author discusses Newton’s theological studies as well as his scientific ones. Newton saw his scientific studies as a way to worship the Creator. He had a deep belief that as he studied God’s creation he would learn to know God better. I found it interesting that Newton was a private individual who craved solitude. This personality trait allowed him the time he needed for his studies, and many of his greatest discoveries were born of this solitude. At times, Newton was reluctant to publish some of his findings. He seemed to be more interested in the knowledge he gained than in public acclaim for his discoveries. Stokes’ tactfully handles some of the controversies that Newton’s findings caused in the scientific community.

John Bunyan by Kevin Belmonte

In this little book, Kevin Belmonte writes about the great Puritan, John Bunyan. Bunyan is famous for writing the classic piece of literature, Pilgrim’s Progress. Belmonte looks at the life of Bunyan from the angle of the events that shaped the man who wrote this great piece of literature. Bunyan is known as being uneducated, but that is due to lack of opportunity, not lack of desire. To overcome this deficiency, he studied each book he came across until the words lived in him – including the text of Scripture.

This book is a great, simple overview of the life of John Bunyan. It is small and succinct, so it doesn’t go into major details. Belmonte has seemingly read everything that was ever written about Bunyan and quotes those sources extensively, almost to a fault. He often examines briefly the life of those who wrote about Bunyan, which was a bit much to me. I wanted to know more about Bunyan, not about those who wrote about him.

That said, the book is easy and quick to read. For those who know noting about John Bunyan, it would be worth your time to pick up a copy of this book and read it. For those who are familiar with the life of Bunyan, you would be disappointed if you purchased it.

My rating:  3 out 5 stars.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their BookSneeze.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Buried Alive by Roy Hallums

Imagine being buried alive for 311 days wondering if you will get out alive, wondering how your family was making it. Buried Alive: the True Story of Kidnapping, Captivity and a Dramatic Rescue, published by Thomas Nelson, is the true story of Roy Hallums. Roy is a retired Navy Commander and was working as a civilian contractor in Iraq. The company that he worked for provided food for the US Army in Baghdad. He was taken as a hostage in 2004 by Sunni Muslims. For almost a year, his kidnappers demanded money from his family and his employer.

Buried Alive is quite an intriguing piece of non-fiction. Roy paints the picture of his harrowing account and at times you are with him. You can smell the sweat of the guards, feel the humidity of the oppressive heat of the Middle East, and feel an overwhelming sense of appreciation for what he endured. Today, very few new books grab my attention and hold it for the entire book. This one did. Commander Hallums is to be commended for keeping his mind while enduring the abuse and horrid conditions of his captivity. I highly recommend the book.

My rating: 4 out of 5 stars.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their BookSneeze.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

an amazing library

I saw this video on the internet (I forget where so I am unable to give credit) of Dr. Al Mohler’s personal library. I can’t get over how impressive his library is. He has a few jars of coffee beans sitting around his library and he explains why in the video.

Al Mohler – Study Video on Vimeo.

Press On

Nothing about God will change. Tomorrow he will be no more anxious to help our lives, our families, and our churches then he is right now. If we simply avail ourselves of his promises, we will see him do things we could never ask or think, just as he did in the New Testament. It is time to press on.

from the book, Fresh Wind Fresh Fire by Jim Cymbala