The Self Centered Spouse

This is one small, yet power packed book. This title really resonated with me because I was one of those self-centered spouses for way too many years. I was an entitled, controlling, ego-maniacal husband and father.

Though this review is not about me and my narcissistic issues, it is about my kind. I saw myself in page after page, and came to the determination that Brad Hambrick had somehow been listening in to my life.

This book is indeed a much needed help to any broken marriage. Mr. Hambrick’s prescriptions are correct, based in scripture, and just plain sensible.

A short book length doesn’t mean that we’re getting some sort of mini-overview of issues regarding an ego-centric spouse (this is a very common symptom of men/husbands/fathers, who leave in their wake, broken lives, broken families, and a massive lack of trust.

I highly recommend Mr. Hambrick’s mini-book. Not only this title, but any title in the series. You will be educated, edified, and challenged to become a better man/woman, a better husband/wife and a better father/mother.

I received this title as an ARC from the publisher in exchange for an honest and timely review. There are no expectations beyond this. You may also find this review on my blog: JonReviewsBooks1.wordpress.com, at Amazon.com, and at Goodreads.com.

An Excellent Book with a Perfect Ending

It is with a high degree of satisfaction that I am able to present a very positive review for Robert Jeffress’ latest book entitled: “Perfect Ending: Why Your Eternal Future Matters Today”.  Jeffress has been a long time favorite author of mine, and his latest book did not disappoint. 

 

In fact, dear readers, I believe this may be the best Christian Eschatological book I’ve had the pleasure of reading.  What I enjoyed most was the time the author took to bring even Christian “newbies” a clear understanding of what the Bible  has to say about end times.  He shows us that the end times are first addressed by God in the Book of Genesis. And then we are shown throughout the Bible that God and His prophets spoke of and taught the end times throughout the entire Bible. 

Jeffress also gives us an overview of many eschatological terms, such as: Pre-Tribulation, Mid-Tribulation, Post-Tribulation, Milinnialism, the rapture, the Abomination of Desolation, the White Throne Judgment, and many other important terms and topics related to the end of the church age. 

The book is incredibly informational, while not sounding like a technical journal article.  Pastor Jeffress’ writing, as well as the pastor himself, is very approachable and provides clear definition and understanding for the newest of Christians. 

I’ve read a lot of books on end times.  And the topic has always been one of high interest to me.  I read my first book on “Eschatology” back in high school, when Hal Lindsey published “The Late Great Planet Earth”.  Since that time, I’ve cultivated a short list of prophecy teachers and authors that would include Lindsey, Grant Jeffrey, John Hagee, Perry Stone, and Irvin Baxter.  These writers offer a wide spectrum of end times perspectives.  And while I don’t necessarily agree with these perspectives, I find that I am a better apologist by knowing and somewhat understanding the many sides of this topic.

I offer my opinion of this book because it’s packed with good and important information, it’s scope is wide, which makes it more understandable and more illuminating .  And it is an easy read for any level of students of this subject.

I do commend this book to you with near certainty that it will mold and strengthen your understanding of The Word.  It’s a book that all Christians, regardless of their level of biblical knowledge, should read and consider.

I was provided an Advanced Review Copy of this book by the publisher, as part of their First Look Program, in exchange for a timely and honest review.  I have no additional ties to the author or publisher and the opinions expressed are solely my own.

A Political Commentary (sorry, this isn’t a book review)

 

America sorely needs Statesmen. We don’t need enablers of a whacked out, out of touch, Socialist Community Organizer named Barry Soetoro.  Where are the brave leaders and statesmen like Lincoln, Madison, Jefferson, Reagan, William Jennings Bryan, etc. ?  In their places we have created and elected a group of elitists who DO NOT operate in America’s best interests.  They operate and vote for their own personal interests, along their party lines, and within their own strategic alliances. 

If my Senator (Mark Pryor) votes to continue funding  Obamacare, more appropriately called “Barry’s Clusterf**k”, I will vote for Mr. Pryor to join the ranks of Arkansas’ unemployed in 2014.

These elitist idiots work for US, WE THE PEOPLE!! Problem is, the majority of WE THE PEOPLE, are more consumed with Kim and Kanye, Cyrus’ exhibitionism, Lohan’s latest DUI arrest, or Bynes’ most recent psychotic tweets.  In our societal ignorance, we elected these Washington buffoons, and probably got what we collectively deserved.

Desperate times call for desperate measures, and I, for one, applaud the citizenry of Egypt, Syria, and other Arab Spring countries. They (the citizens of those countries) got their fill of oppressive, elitist leaders, who destroy lives and run their nations into the ground. They (again the citizens) had the gumption to pull themselves together, and revolt against the destructive status quo.

I believe it’s time for a bloodless coup d’ tat in Washington, and move every one of these elitist opportunists out of town. I don’t care what party they belong to.  We need statesmen. People who not concerned about being re-elected, but concerned about doing the right thing for America.

I can imagine some of you sitting there think I’m a racist.  I am not a racist.  I do not dislike Barry Soetoro Hussein Obama because of the color of his skin.  I dislike Barry Soetoro Hussein Obama because he is a totally inept, incompetent, Socialist, nincompoop, who is bent on destroying capitalism.  I dislike him because he has never held a leadership job in his life before the White House.  And his idiocy shows.  Foreign leaders scoff at him.  Vladamir Putin openly disrespects him and mocks him.  Cases in point are the Edward Snowden affair and the Syria boondoggle.  Soetoro-Obama was a freakin’ ACORN community organizer, taught under the extreme left wing radical Saul Alinsky. 

I am not a racist.  I would vote for Condalezza Rice in a heart beat.  I would openly campaign and vote for Dr. Benjamin Carson.  Not because of the color of their skin, but because of the quality of their character.  This president is an amoral shill, who has pulled the wool over the eyes of idiots in the mainstream media, over the eyes of the Hollywood elite, and kowtows to left-wing extremists like radical LGBT leaders, and the murderous lemmings of the Planned Parenthood crowd. 

We need a Constitutional Convention that will further delineate and  limit the powers of all three governmental branches. We don’t need an egomaniacal runaway train in the White House. We don’t need judges who legislate based on their own political leanings or personal tastes, but we need judges who interpret the law of the land (the Constitution) in the spirit and context in which it was written. And we certainly don’t need 535 cronies in Congress who are constantly in a re-election mode, and vote for convenience, TV facetime, and a sound-byte, rather than voting according to the desires of their voters back home.

Problem is…. no body in Washington has the kahones to be a statesman, and make the first move.

This idiot in the White House is too stupid to see what kind of harm his “Affordable” Care Act is having on the middle class, as this nation becomes a nation of part-time workers. He has already brought America to our knees and made Vladamir Putin the most powerful man in the world.  He is reducing our America to Third World status at breakneck speed. 

Do we really want someone who is intentionally out of touch with Americans?  Who disrepects his voters and citizenry to shove his evil policies down our throats?  Do we really want him with access to the nuclear launch codes, or on the phone with Putin or Netanyahu, bringing even more humiliation to this nation?

Like author Joel C. Rosenberg, I pray for America’s Third Great Awakening; and I honestly and sincerely pray for a 2nd American Revolution.  A revolution where character, morality, and the rebirth of a once great republic is the goal.  And the plans of the current cast in Washington become yesterday’s news.

God Bless America!

“Four Blood Moons” by John Hagee

One of my favorite preachers and writers tackles end time prophecy from a totally new viewpoint.  Looking at astronomy, specifically full moons, John Hagee hits a home run and opens up a world of new thought and questions regarding the last days.

Without being a spoiler, I’ll just say that there have been three times in history that the Four Blood Moons have appeared in the sky.  Each incident is connected with one of the Hebrew Festivals, a total solar eclipse, and specific years important to the history of Israel. 

In his usual accessible style, Pastor Hagee gives the reader the necessary scriptural evidence to support his research, and that evidence is mind staggering.  The most recent occurance of the four blood moons occurred in 1967… timed to coincide with the 6 Day War, and Israel’s recapture of the Holy City, Jerusalem.  The next four blood moon cycle is to take place in 2014-2015.  And with what’s happening on the Geo-Political map today, end time prophecies seem to be falling right into place.

I listen to or read a number of end time teachers, including Irvin Baxter, Perry Stone, and Hal Lindsey.  Pastor Hagee, however, is the most learned, the most academic, and the most scripturally correct of them all.

I could go on and on with this incredible story, but I leave it to the reader to find out for yourself.  Hagee’s book is full of fact and faith.  And it is especially timely as we witness the goings on in Syria, Iran, and the rest of the Middle East.  Most importantly, John Hagee’s message is the Jesus Christ is coming soon, and we must prepare for His return.

I received an e-copy of this book as a publisher’s ARC, with the understanding that I would provide a timely and honest review.  This review can also be found on Goodreads.com, Netgalley.com, and will appear on Amazon.com after the release date.

“Day of the Elephants” by Ron Swager and Ed Chinn

Ron Swager and Ed Chinn deliver an excellent recollection on life during the Civil War in the African nation of Liberia.  The protagonist of their non-fiction tale is a young Liberian refugee named Roland Deah.

Through the pens of Swager and Chinn, Deah tells the story of his boyhood, the loss of his own family, his extended family, and friends.  The atrocities of this brutal Civil War were witnessed first hand by the young Roland, who survived for many years as a refugee through his own efforts, as well as the love and support of fellow refugees.  The brutalities witnessed by this young man are atrocious.  The fact that Roland survived these years is a miracle in itself, and the basis of the story.

The book is not terribly long (around 100 pages) and can be a quick read.  I, however, found myself stopping along the way to really grasp the realities that were Roland’s life.  Being a short, and very well written book, I’m hesitant to discuss specific stories as they will be spoilers.  In a book of this sort, I think it’s important for the reader to experience Roland’s life through the story.

And., through the entire book, you find yourself worrying, fretting for him, as well as experiencing feelings of relief and celebration, as Roland’s life is touched by God’s magnificent grace.   Roland Deah is indeed a captivating individual, and the author’s have managed to show that in their skillfully written story.

It’s a story of tragedy and triumph.  But, be prepared for some disturbing recollections about the realities of war.  I do, however, highly recommend this book for the mature reader looking to broaden his/her knowledge about the struggles of individuals in the Third World.

I believe that you, too, will grow to love and respect this soul, and will rejoice as his triumph finally comes.  Enjoy!!

I received a review version of this book for the purpose of providing the publisher with an honest and timely review.  This review is also posted on Netgalley.com, as well as Amazon.com.

“The Man of Steel: Superman vs. the Doomsday Army”

I had the opportunity to review “The Man of Steel: Superman vs. the Doomsday Army”.

This book contains a very limited number of illustrations.  The artwork, however sparse, is very good.

I was pretty much disappointed in the content of this graphic comic.  I was disappointed in the quality of writing, as well as the storyline.  Call me old-school, but when I think of Superman, I think of Clark Kent, Lois Lane, Jimmy Olsen and Perry White.  There was only a passing mention of Lois Lane, but no involvement in the storyline.

Realizing this is a rather short review, I just don’t have a whole lot to say.  This is probably the weakest Superman episode I’ve ever read.  I’m sorry, but the effort is disappointing.

I received a complementary copy of this book for the purpose of providing a review. There are no other obligations, beyond a timely and fair review.

This review will also appear in my blog: JonReviewsBooks1.Wordpress.com, and will appear on Amazon after the release date.

Louis L’Amour Still Rocks

The graphic novel “Law of the Desert Born” hits bookshelves on October 8, 2013.

One clear memory of childhood was looking at my dad’s recliner chair.  He was a hard working laborer who struggled to put food on the table, and clothing on our backs.  Sometimes I would sit in his big chair when he was at work, or away for whatever reason.  There was one constant in this picture….

There was ALWAYS a small stack of paperbacks sitting next to his chair.  All written by Louis L’Amour.  I believe my dad read every book, short story, and article by or about his favorite author.

When I gained the opportunity to read and review this new graphic novel, I jumped at the chance.

With excellent artwork, and a fast paced dialogue, this L’Amour short story did not surprise.  This tale first appeared as a short story in 1946.  Louis was very popular with the post-war men of this country, and was highly regarded by many during this incredibly important time in our country’s history.

Son, Beau L’Amour, exhumed this story from the vast archives of his father’s work.  And, the graphic novelization of this story fits very nicely into this genre.  Sharp, short conversation among these cowboys, we’re treated to fist fights, gun fights, a sheriff’s posse and more, that makes these Westerns classics.  Beau very nicely took his father’s short story and transformed it to a very successful graphic presentation.

I generally don’t read or review graphic novels, comics, etc., but this one caught my eye, and I’m glad that I was able to procure a copy.  It’s a very quick and entertaining read.  I’m very pleased that the iconic work of Louis L’Amour lives on, touching future generations.  A 4-Star Effort!!

I received a complementary copy of this book for the purpose of review.  There are no other obligations beyond a prompt and honest review.  This review will also be posted at my blog, JonReviewsBooks1.Wordpress.com, and will appear on Amazon upon the book’s release.

“Authentic Christianity: A Transition to Divinity” by Sammy P. Crimson

South African born Sammy P. Crimson delivers a look at Authentic Christianity from a very fresh and compelling perspective.

Though the book is short (around 50 pages), it is not a quick read.  The reader is constantly faced with a new perspective of God’s matchless grace.  A perspective that causes us to pause and reflect on the message the author is bringing forward.

The book is written in a very reader-friendly, conversational, style, which makes the message come across quite clearly.  It’s obvious in just the first few pages that this book was not only a labor of love, but a work spawned by deep thought and prayerful consideration. 

Sammy Crimson delivers a message of our transition from sinner to the divine, only through God’s amazing grace.  I believe that the tone supporting each chapter is a very contemplative look at the subject of grace, and our resultant redemption.

Authentic Christianity is a good read, and causes one to direct their thoughts inwardly.  I do urge you to take the spiritual journey mapped by this fine message.

I received an ARC of this book from the author in exchange for a prompt and honest review.  In addition to appearing in Goodreads, this review may be found on my blog: jonreviewsbooks.wordpress.com., and will appear on Amazon on or after the release date.

“Musical Ink” By Jon Blacker

 

Let me start this review with saying that I’m your typical, middle-aged father, politically conservative, and (per my kid’s perceptions) somewhat puritanical.

I’m generally (generally = 99% of the time) not a fan of skin ink, or other body alterations.  I’m one of those guys who wonders why a stunningly beautiful girl turns around to show an arm that is one solid tattoo, or having some crazy symbol like a skull inked onto her neck.  I’m the same guy who wonders why a handsome young man has holes gauged in his ears the size of a half-dollar.  I want to ask him if, on a windy day, he turns just the right way, do his ear lobes whistle?

All kidding aside, while I don’t necessarily “like” tattoos of any size or stripe, I’m intrigued by our post-modern society’s penchant for any type of body alteration.  What drives those choices?  I’ve heard many say that once they got their first ink, they became addicted.  I find it utterly fascinating.

This fascination is what caused me to look at Blacker’s “Musical Ink”.  For, within the covers, there are hundreds of black and white photos of primarily rock musicians and their body art.  Along with them are the stories.  The stories of why they got a tattoo honoring a person in their life, or honoring a significant event in their life.  It seems a way for them to permanently etch those important people, places, and events in their lives into a daily reminder.  While making a statement that is quite fashionable these days.

While intrigued with the stories, I was more intrigued by the stunning photography.  All pictures were done in black and white, but with an incredible depth and texture reminiscent of the black and white nature pictures of early 20th century master photographer Ansel Adams.

At the very end of the book, we get a short overview of how these pictures were created.  Photographer Blacker used special equipment to capture the near infrared (IR) light spectrum.  The author states: “Generally IR light interacts differently than visible light with skin and tattoo ink. IR wavelengths do not penetrate skin very deeply and give it a milky, ethereal appearance, while tattoo ink absorbs the IR wavelengths, rendering a much higher contrast between the skin and the ink.  It’s this effect that makes these portraits unique and allows you to see these artists in a whole new light.”

The photos are captivating, both as cultural statements, and works of art, and I think this book will appeal to students of both.  If tattoos and body art are your thing, I do recommend this to be your next coffee table book.

I received an e-copy of this book as an ARC from the publisher.  It came with the expectation of a fair and honest review.  There are no personal nor professional ties between the publisher, the author, or this reviewer.

This review will be posted on NetGalley.com; Goodreads.com; my blog: JonReviewsBooks1.Wordpress.com; and will be posted on Amazon.com after the publishing date.

“Tough Topics” by Sam Storms

“Tough Topics” by Sam Storms is a well presented, and well researched work that is appropriate for both new Christians and seasoned Christians.

Storms tackles 25 dogmatic questions that run the gamut from “What is Blasphemy?” “Are babies who die saved?” to “Can a Christian be demonized?” “Should all Christians speak in tongues?” and “Are Christians Obligated to Tithe?”

Virtually every question was addressed, some from a number of points of view, and backed by scripture.  I learned a whole lot more than I thought I would.  Herein lies the reason that Christians of all ages must continue to nourish their hearts and minds in their walk with Christ.

Sam Storms is a pastor of a large church in the Oklahoma City area.  He bills himself as an “Amillennial, Calvinistic, charismatic, credo-baptistic, complementarian, Christian Hedonist…”

This book is not a quick read.  It’s based on research, and in the process, the reader will be moved to do some research of his own.

I took away several truths from this excellent resource.  First, Storm’s treatment of tithing brought me some new insights in that those in early Israel may have been required to tithe up to 27% of their income.  I enjoyed Sam’s presentation of this.

I scratched my head in a number of discussions, but found myself sharply disagreeing with but one point in the entire volume.  During his discussion on whether a Christian can be demonized, I hold a firm opinion on the trichotomy of man.  We are body, soul, and spirit.  Dr. Storms is of an opposing position, claiming that soul and spirit are one in the same.  Thus man is a dichotomous being.

Other than this theological difference, I enjoyed and embraced all of Sam Storm’s teaching.

When you get this book, and I certainly hope you do, be prepared to read and re-read many sentences or paragraphs to let the Truth soak in.  Have your Bible at the ready, to consult scriptural passages that support the author’s arguments.

This reading experience was an excellent one.  I took much away from the book, and will indeed encourage others to get a copy of their own.  I read this in e-book format, but plan to purchase a hard copy when it arrives on the market.  Thus, I can highlight and mark up, and add my own thoughts to the margins.  That is precisely how a seeker should tackle a book like “Tough Questions”.

I received this book as an ARC from the publisher in exchange for a fair and honest review. There are no expectations beyond that.  I have no personal or professional ties to either the author or the publisher.