The Searchers by Joseph Loconte

The Searchers by Joseph Loconte

Join Jesus and the two men journeying to Emmaus as they confront the doubts that they faced after the death of their savior. After they saw Jesus give his life on the cross, these two men were distraught and lost, confused in their faith. What they didn’t know was that their savior had risen, conquering death and at that very moment was walking right by their side. In his book, The Searchers, Joseph Loconte explores the emotions and issues those two men were wrestling with thousands of years ago, and, using history, poetry, pop culture and more, compares their journey to the very one each of us go through during our time on this earth.

While starting out a little slow, the information that Laconte weaves together makes for an informative and engaging read. There is a lot of information to digest in this short book, but Laconte succeeds in shedding light on our own choices and doubts today and how those very same feelings have been confronted throughout history. Just as he was on the road to Emmaus, Jesus is right by our side while we walk out our faith and confront our doubts today.

I received this book from the publisher in exchange for an unbiased review.

Twelve Unlikely Hereos: How God Commissioned Unexpected People in the Bible and What He Wants to do With You by Jon MacArthur

Each chapter of MacArthur’s book outlines the story of one of the twelve “unlikely” heroes: Enoch, Joseph, Miriam, Gideon, Samson, Jonathan, Jonah, Esther, John the Baptist, James, Mark and Onesimus. We learn how God was able to take each and every one of these men and women and use them to accomplish His will, even when they messed up, made mistakes, or out and out fought doing what God asked of them. MacArthur’s compilation and examination of these particular stories is a humble reminder that God can use anyone to His glory if only they will trust in Him. I would have enjoyed a little more in depth practical information regarding the second part of the book: “what He wants to do with you”, but overall this is an interesting and valuable read. I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for a fair and honest review.

No Wonder They Call Him the Savior by Max Lucado

In his book No Wonder They Call Him the Savior, Lucado delves deeply into the meaning of the cross. He takes his readers through the familiar story of Christ’s crucifixion, but focusses on the small details that are so easy to breeze past and overlook, without uncovering what each little detail adds to the truth of the cross. By examining Jesus’ journey to the cross, Lucado helps us see that Jesus went through some of the same trials that we face every day and is compassionate to our needs. I received copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for a fair and honest review.

Running for My Life: One Lost Boy's Journey from the Killing Fields of Sudan to the Olympic Games

By Lopez Lomong

This is the absolutely amazing story of a young child who was literally torn out of his mother’s arms at a church service in their home of Sudan. He was taken by rebel forces, along with many other children, and what followed was a horrific, heart breaking and ultimately triumphant journey. I was so inspired by Lopez’s story. It is humbling to realize there are people who have been forced into such desperate situations and not only survive, but actually use their experiences to reach out and help others. Lopez tells his story in such a way as to draw the reader in and not let go until the final word. This is a must read book and I would challenge anyone to read his story without being changed for the better. I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest and fair review.

Ascent from Darkness By Michael Leehan

Wow! This was an intense read and an unbelievable story…but I DO believe it! This first person narrative makes you marvel at the depths a man can sink to when he turns to the forces of evil for power and control. At his wits end over family strife and relationship troubles, Leehan turns to drugs and alcohol for comfort, and ends up having a near death experience in the process. As he lay dying, he hears a voice call out to him telling him he has much left to do. It is a voice that soothes and comforts him as the doctors fight to save his life. And he is saved…bodily. However, his soul is anything but saved. What follows is a fascinating, highly disturbing look inside the world of Satanism and how the forces of evil use this man to do their heinous bidding. And just when you think this man is doomed…in steps God. An amazing story of redemption and how one man really did go from being a Soldier of Satan to a Warrior for God. I received this book from the publisher in exchange for a fair, unbiased review.

Stuck by Jennie Allen

I was so excited to receive this small group Bible Study to review. It is very nicely packaged, and I love how everything is laid out so clearly…you know exactly what materials to use when. On a practical level, this study is great because each session can be gone through rather quickly if your group is short on time, or you can really dig into it and really get a lot out of each session. On  a spiritual level,  this is a much needed study of the ways woman get caught up in everyday life problems and end up “stuck” there, unable to pursue the life God has planned for them. I believe many women will benefit from this study and would recommend it to small woman’s Bible study groups. My favorite feature of this set is the discussion cards. Often the biggest hurdle in Bible study groups is getting everyone engaged in the discussion, and these cards are the perfect catalyst to make that happen. A wonderful resource! I received this Bible study from the publisher in exchange for a fair and unbiased review.