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Posts Tagged ‘Thomas Nelson’

The Sacred Meal, by Nora Gallagher (The Ancient Practices Series)

The Sacred Meal by Nora Gallagher is a delightful book; period. There was nothing that I disliked or even remotely found issue within its contents. This is a lofty claim when speaking about something as sacramental as the Eucharist or Lord’s Supper. There are very diverse and polarizing positions regarding this holy practice, but Nora Gallagher has done an absolutely wonderful job of sharing insight about this communal, personal, sacred, public, and intimate practice. I loved reading the journey of her personal experiences and the gentle way she used them to explain the practice and purpose of this holy meal.

This book isn’t about instruction, nor is it about defining doctrinal perspective… it is about communion; coming together in order to remember and experience the breadth and body of our Savior Lord, Jesus Christ, and His Church universal. The Eucharist is much more than holy writ carried out by holy “roters.” The Lord’s Supper summons us (the church) to come to the table of our Lord forcing introspection and examination while in the presence of visible union with other believers doing likewise; unity and oneness that cannot be escaped. Nora Gallagher paints this picture using multiple scenes that give the reader permission to explore their own beliefs, but almost inescapably arriving at similar destination-conclusions regarding this practice…unity and oneness with Christ and with His Body, the Church.

As I have written, I loved the stories and experiences shared by Nora Gallagher in this book. Without giving too much away, I especially enjoyed her parallel comparing the Lord’s Supper with a soup kitchen; A Sacred Meal indeed. I think, if you are looking for instruction and information regarding the Eucharistic practice, this is a great book to supplement your journey. I don’t think it should stand alone, but it is an excellent companion to any other work you might have at your disposal. Highly recommended – more reviews here.

This book was provided by Thomas Nelson through their blogging for books program.

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The Liturgical Year by Joan Chittister, available through Thomas Nelson Publishing, marks the fifth book in the Ancient Practices Series that I have read. I have not been disappointed by any of the books and have learned from them all. This volume was of particular interest to me since my own tradition does not place liturgy or the church calendar as a priority in our teaching or services. Through my personal studies (concerning the liturgical year), and my observations of real life becoming more fast-paced and hectic seemingly with each passing day, I (we) need a place of grounding that keeps us close to the work and revelation of God. I am sure the Liturgical Year is a divinely inspired tool for just such grounding.

For someone who has limited experience in observation and participation with the church’s liturgical year, I find the order and approach of Joan Chittister in this book very friendly. The book is extremely readable and easy to understand, I might even call it a primer for preparation to more comprehensive studies. One of the personal longings I have had is to enjoy unity and “connectedness” with the Church universal; all those calling themselves by the name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus. I think the Liturgical Calendar helps to facilitate this and Joan Chittister’s contribution to the Ancient Practices Series helps those of us who do not have a history of experience with it to join in.

Update:

I continue to use The Liturgical Year as a reference in my devotional journey for the 2009-2010 “Church Year.” As I experience this book for a second time, with a slower and more intentional meditative reading, I am all the more captured by the grace and wisdom with which Joan Chittister writes. See additional reflections and quotes from this book in my “Living the Liturgical Year” thread.

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Fearless: Imagine Your Life Without Fear by Max Lucado – Published by Thomas Nelson

Fearless, the new release from prolific author Max Lucado, arrived in my mailbox about a week ago. I’ve had the opportunity to spend some time with it and can add it to my ever-growing list of resources for pastoral insight into teaching about trusting God. This work also includes a discussion guide helpful for the individual or the small group; it is found at the end of the book.

First, let me say I wish I had the easy going flow of words that Pastor Max has. His conversational story-telling style of writing makes it an absolute joy to read his works. His subtlety of weaving the profound truth and wisdom of God’s word into his teaching is a true gift.

In this particular volume, he tackles Fear, as the title implies. However, beyond the immediate obviousness of the word “fear” lays a much larger-than-life issue… and that is trusting our God. Lucado puts to rest one classic fear after another with empathy, understanding and sensitivity. He recognizes the fears that so many of us face and deals with each of them without becoming trite or cavalier.

In one particular story he shares from his real-life experience, Max recounts a ride in a jet fighter. He tells of the diving, rolling, and banking of the jet having an “ill” effect on his equilibrium and how he figured to resolve his disorientation. He writes; “Didn’t take me long to figure out where to stare. No more looking down or out. My eyes were on the pilot. If T-Mac was okay, I was okay. I know where to stare in turbulence… Peter learned the same lesson the hard way. Exchange the plane for a thirty-foot fishing boat, the San Antonio sky for a Galilean sea, and our stories begin to parallel…” I think you can see where this story is going; keep your eyes on Jesus! This is the theme of this book, Fearless. While we are faced with many difficulties and uncertainties in this life, God gives us the assuredness of His Presence that is certain to get us through anything this life can throw our way. In this, we learn to trust Him and live our lives without Fear.

Another great read from a gifted author and wonderful pastor.

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“Every path leads somewhere…and the road I’m on always determines where I end up. Direction-not intention-determines our destination.”

This is the substance of The Principle of the Path by Andy Stanley. While some of this may seem rather pedantic, the evidence of our lives as well as the lives of people we know, proves that we do not put a great deal of action and effort behind making the principle work to our benefit…at least not by a rule. Stanley’s writing style is very conversational and I was able to read better than seventy-five percent of its one hundred eighty pages in a single sitting.

I think the book would be a great tool to help pastors and counselors with helping people who have been victims of destructive and/or difficult paths. Andy has also included a study guide at the end of the book that might be helpful in facilitating discussion in one-on-one sessions as well as group settings. Personally, I think this book would be a great gift for graduates…and my own children. Stanley says so many things I have realized in my own life, yet he shares them with fresh words.

Great truths in this book; highly recommended!

“Because sometimes it is the destinations that are out of our reach that create the circumstances God uses to remind us that we are never out of his reach.” Andy Stanley

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Guest Blogger: Laurie Borden

The Noticer by Andy Andrews

If you enjoyed the television series, “Touched By An Angel”, you’ll enjoy this book.  Just as the angels in the series are sent by God into people’s lives to bring perspective and insight before it’s too late, “The Noticer” appears throughout the book for the same purpose.  He is described vaguely, indicating that he reveals himself in various ways so as to be best received by his listeners.  Throughout the book, The Noticer encounters people in common situations such as marriage strife, despair, hopelessness, and pursuit of the American dream at the expense of ethics.  To each situation, he politely and compassionately gives insight and perspective by asking questions and pointing out things he “notices”.    The insights given are the sort of things that make perfect sense once we hear them, but somehow we don’t tend to think of them on our own, particularly when we are in the midst of a situation which clouds our perspective.  The book cover refers to the insights as “common wisdom”.  I would agree with this summary.  The author has successfully compiled these words of wisdom in the form of this little novel.

My favorite question was at the very beginning of the book.  The Noticer asked a man who felt like no one appreciated him to consider this question… “What is it about me that other people would change if they could?”   While I found this question and others in the book thought-provoking, I couldn’t come up with an immediate answer and thought it would be helpful to discuss the questions with a group.  Apparently, the author agreed because at the back of book, discussion questions are provided for each chapter.  I think this book would be most beneficial if read in the context of a book-reading group.  Because each chapter focused on a separate issue, the insight and perspective given would be more easily applied if the reader were actually discussing the topics with others.

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the Word of Promise Next Generation New Testament

Dramatic Audio Bible in MP3 format

I love this.

I really like the mood set by the sound effects and background instrumental music. I also appreciate the ICB (International Children’s Bible) translation for ease of listening and understanding. The MP3 format, which is accepted by many media players today, makes this New Testament translation transportable on just three CD’s and it can easily fit on my iPod (or most portable MP3 players. Considering the audience that this particular offering is targeting, I have no criticisms to offer. I am an adult and a pastor; if there is anything that I might offer in way constructive advice, I would ask for more background information at the start of each book or a more comprehensive narration to setup the reading of each book. Again, let me add that I don’t think my suggestions are apropos for the younger market. I think this product hits the mark in a magnificent way.

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The Word of Promise: The Gift of Psalms

I really liked this little devotional…for a number of reasons.

First, it is aesthetically pleasing. It is hardbound with a padded cover and “feels” very good in my hands. The pages on the inside are printed on a semi-glossy stock quality paper and embossed with a simulated texture that I find visually gratifying. I really like the look and feel of this book.

Secondly, I really enjoy the Psalms for my own devotional reading and particularly enjoyed the selection (50 were chosen) that were provided for this work. The layout of the daily readings is nice and there is section at the end of the book that provides space for reflective journaling or note taking.

Finally, and this is where I think this book really separates itself from other devotionals, the multimedia interaction and enhanced CD’s are wonderful. This can be especially beneficial for people with exceedingly busy lives. Listening to the Psalms (I personally think this is the intended way of learning and growing in God’s word) is a marvelously inspirational exercise. The authors and editors have done an awesome job of putting these works into a multisensory experience.

I’m sure this would be a wonderful addition to any home library, and it would serve as a cherished gift to anyone who might receive it as such.

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I received the book, For these Tough Times, by Max Lucado (published by Thomas Nelson) a few days before Christmas. While it is a small book, and easily read in a single sitting, I was a little busy over the holidays and unable to sit down with it for any amount of dedicated time. I finally had the opportunity to sit down with it over the course of a few mornings and now offer my thoughts and review of the book.

If you are familiar at all with Christian literature, you will recognize the name of Max Lucado. I think he is probably among the most (if not the most) prolific writers of our day. I only make this point to say any critique or comment that I may have to offer isn’t going to be in the realm of technical ability or style; the gentleman obviously understands his craft. Sharing vocations with Lucado as a pastor, I was interested to hear what insight he has to offer those in need of answers during the tough times of life. I have been on the “hard side” of the table when difficult questions have been asked, I have entered into heart-wrenching sessions of grief counseling, and I have been speechless when a grieving parent and/or spouse is asking; “Why would God let this happen?” I am always in search of wisdom that may help me in bridging these moments with others, so it was with this interest that I approached For these Tough Times. Read the rest of this entry »

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