I'm lovin..

My bookshelf has become amazing. I am learning loads of things lately.

By Brian Fikkert, Steve Corbett - Moody Publishers (2009) - Paperback - 208 pages - ISBN 0802457053

Churches and individual Christians typically have faulty assumptions about the causes of poverty, resulting in the use of strategies that do considerable harm to poor people and themselves.  When Helping Hurts provides foundational concepts, clearly articulated general principles and relevant applications.  The result is an effective and holistic ministry to the poor, not a truncated gospel. A situation is assessed for whether relief, rehabilitation, or development is the best response to a situation.  Efforts are characterized by an "assest based" approach rather than a "needs based" approach.  Short term mission efforts are addressed and microenterprise development (MED) is explored.

This book is teaching me loads of things. I have a feeling that GOD is trying to tell me something about DOING instead of just HEARING. It's a theme sliding through all these books. Although I haven't made it passed chapter two in this particular book, it's rocking my world. It has exercises in which you plan for a mission trip based upon small knowledge of REAL events that happened. I've never planned a mission trip, so this was eye-opening for sure. I've never been on an out-of-the-country mission trip, yet. I am sure my heart would break into a thousand million pieces. Americans break my heart, too. We have SO much and have been so blessed, but keep it all for ourselves and look out only for ourselves, because that is what the world teaches. The Bible does not.

By Francis Chan, Danae Yankoski - David C. Cook (2008) - Paperback - 192 pages - ISBN 1434768511

Have you ever wondered if we're missing it?It's crazy, if you think about it. The God of the universe-the Creator of nitrogen and pine needles, galaxies and E-minor-loves us with a radical, unconditional, self-sacrifi cing love. And what is our typical response? We go to church, sing songs, and try not to cuss.Whether you've verbalized it yet or not.we all know something's wrong.Does something deep inside your heart long to break free from the status quo? Are you hungry for an authentic faith that addresses the problems of our world with tangible, even radical, solutions? God is calling you to a passionate love relationship with Himself. Because the answer toreligious complacency isn't working harder at a list of do's and don'ts-it's falling in love with God. And once you encounter His love, as Francis describes it, you will never be the same.Because when you're wildly in love with someone, it changes everything.

We are reading/studying this book in small groups. It's amazing. It'll turn your world, your thoughts, your passions upside down. I received this book for graduation from SFBC. Upon finally reading and studying it, it in fact has changed my selfish worldly unbiblical desires. Again, this book is about DOING not just HEARING. In fact the author, Francis Chan, recently resigned as Pastor from his church in a step of faith. He's taking his family into the mission field than into the larger cities to mission to them. Did you know that the International Mission Board is starting to send Missionaries to the USA? Isn't that OUR job??!!!! 

B&H Publishing Group (2007) - Hardback - 2048 pages - ISBN 1586400312

Available in Black Genuine Leather with Thumb Indexing. THE APOLOGETICS STUDY BIBLE WILL HELP TODAY’S CHRISTIAN BETTER UNDERSTAND, defend and proclaim their beliefs in this age of increasing moral and spiritual relativism. More than one-hundred key questions and articles placed throughout the volume about faith and science prompt a rewarding study experience at every reading. Highlights of this new thinking person’s edition of God’s Word include the full text of the popular Holman CSB® translation, an introduction to each Bible book focusing on its inherent elements of apologetics, and profiles of historic Christian apologists from Justin Martyr to C.S. Lewis. Also featured are valuable contributions from a who’s-who of modern apologists such as Chuck Colson, Norm Geisler, Hank Hanegraaff, Josh McDowell, Albert Mohler, Ravi Zacharias, and many more.• The best apologetics thinkers of our day in one resource• The study Bible for customers asking the really hard questions about their faith• No other study Bible has the depth of resources that address the hard questions of faith and life• Serious help for Christians of all types• Tears down the obstacles to unbelief• Shows why the Bible is trustworthy• Allows Christians to dig into false teachings to see why they’re false• Will strengthen the church and give confidence to those who share their faith• Will better equip church leaders THE BEST APOLOGETICS THINKERS OF OUR DAY IN ONE RESOURCE (90+ CHRISTIAN APOLOGISTS):- Ted Cabal- Lee Strobel- Chuck Colson- Paul Copan- Norm Geisler- Hank Hanegraaff- Josh McDowell- Albert Mohler- J.P. Moreland- Ravi Zacharias- and many more Features MORE THAN 100 FEATURED ARTICLES IN CATEGORIES SUCH AS• Ethics• Interpreting the Bible in Light of Science• The Impact of Archaeology and History on Our Understanding the Bible• The Bible in Light of Theology• Christian Faith and Non-Christian Belief Systems• Christian Faith and Philosophy• Featured study notes that explain alleged “problem” passages in the Bible• 50 sidebars (Twisted Scripture) focusing on Bible passages misused by cults• Index of special articles for quick and easy access• Book introductions with special emphasis on anything of an apologetics nature• Profiles of key Christian apologists  - Anselm  - Athanasius  - Augustine  - Joseph Butler  - C.S. Lewis  - Irenaeus  - Justin Martyr  - Origen  - William Paley  - Blaise Pascal• End of verse Scripture references• Presentation page• Plan of Salvation• Two-column Bible text setting• Topical subheads• Translation footnotes• Holman CSB® bullet notes• Introduction to the Holman CSB®.

I purchased this Bible in 2008 for my Birthday while Chris was deployed. It was my Birthday Gift from him. I really love this Bible. I actually have the leather bound one because it's easier to thumb and flip through and stuff for me. Chris has the one pictured. It has been super helpful with all the tidbits floating around in the pages, the study guides, the topics of interest and twisted texts. Plus in the back, there is a contrast/comparison of the most 'popular' world religions. It's brightly colored and well thought out. I've learned a lot in this Bible and besides my VeggieTales one, it ranks as my favorite. I will use it for YEARS to come. Plus, it's helpful to know what and why I believe so I am SOAKING that information up like a sponge. 

With these books, I am also reading some study guides on Esther because the entire book is astonishing me and has been on my heart for at least a year. I am going to finish the study, and possibly do the Beth Moore study on her. "For Such a Time as This." 

And these books have all been rated by at least 50 consumers on Amazon and have 4.5 stars EACH! God's Word will not be taken for granted.

Linking to: TIDYMOM's I'm Lovin It Fridays. (even though it's Saturday!)