Decompressing

I decided to write something here.  Get it all out in one long document and move on with life.  I'll share my thoughts and move on.

I am disappointed in the results of the election.  I really am. With the exception of State Legislature (both chambers) and US Congress, every one - EVERY ONE - of my votes failed.  So, now, what do I do with this?

1. As a Christian, I have to remind myself that God is not surprised.  He's known how this election, and the next one, and the next one, and the next one, will turn out.  That doesn't excuse me from my responsibility in the process, but I can rest in His overarching knowledge and goodness.
2. After $6 billion - $6 BILLION - dollars in campaign spending, we got the more of the same at the national level.  The House and the Senate have basically the same make-up, and so that will mean more gridlock. The last two years will probably prove to be a repeat of the past two years.
3. Historically, sencond-term presidencies are a waste. Many are bogged down by scandals, party in-fighting, media backlash, and an emboldened Congress. W couldn't do much his second term. Clinton bounced from scandal to scandal and was ruthlesslessly attacked by those in the media he thought were allies. Regan was dominated by the Iran-Contra scandal and Congressional battles.
4. Ironically, the Supreme Court will, most likely, move more conservative.  It's widely accepted that Breyer and Ginsburg are two of the most liberal members of the Bench, and Obama will be hard-pressed to find two equals to replace them.
5. Unfortunately, it looks like abortion will be left unchecked for another generation.  That's a travesty.
6. MN is in for a tough couple of years.  An untempered Dayton will be an interesting ride.
7. The Republican Party needs to evaluate itself.  Their traditional voting block is evolving, and to remain viable, it will need to understand the values of a wider base.
8. Christians are going to need to be more eloquent in how we address social issues.  I'm not talking about compromise, but we will need to be more savvy in how we communicate our message.  I think back to the church's early response to AIDS versus today.  We need to be able to address the issues respectfully without compromising our biblical standards.
9. We will continue.  Things may not look great right now, but we'll survive this. 

Thank you for letting me decompress. 

Accidental Pharisees - A Review

"The truth is that accidental Pharisees are made up of people just like you and me, people who love God, love the scriptures, and are trying their best to live by them. The thing to note about accidental Pharisees is just that. They're accidental. They're like dinner at Denny's. No one plans to go there. You just end up there." - Accidental Pharisees, p.19-20.

Reading Accidental Pharisees - Avoiding Pride, Exclusivity , and the Other Dangers of Overzealous Faith by Larry Osborne was an adventure. His style of writing is very conversational, which makes it very easy to read. His stories draw the reader in, and the book was very infuriating and convicting. I really enjoyed it.

Please view the book trailer here.

Reading the book was and adventure. I found myself, at many points, saying to myself, "yes, yes, yes - hey, wait a minute!" And I think that's the point. I found myself in many sections in the book, places where I didn't expect to find myself establishing extra-biblical rules and regulations in the name of holiness.

Osborne does a great job of defining how personal sanctification can lead to unbiblical identification of sin. For example, I may establish specific rules for myself, as I feel this is what God is asking me to do for my own walk toward sanctification. When I apply those rules as universal, however, I'm out of bounds.

One issue I had with the book was Osborne's use of "a friend of mine." He does share some first-hand stories, but the frequent use of others' stories left me with the impression the author saw himself as above some of the critique he made. I repented, and I think he would identify himself in the pages of the book, as well.

Overall, I would endorse this book. I feel, however, it's more appropriate for a more mature Christian, someone who's walked in the faith for a time, as I think the book could do more damage to a younger believer and could even confuse them in their faith.

One more note. Through November 5, you can get a copy of the book for your Kindle device for $3.99. Check it out.

I received this book for free through Cross-Focused Reviews (a service of Cross Focused Media, LLC) for this review.

Review: The Story of the Bible The Fascinating History of Its Writing, Translation & Effect on Civilization

One word describes this book: AWESOME!

I really didn't know what to expect when I requested this book.  It looked interesting, but I wasn't really sure.  What I received was well worth the anticipation.  

The layout is beautiful.  A coffee-table format, there are pockets with reproductions of manuscripts, etc.  The layout is gorgeous, drawing the explorer in with the photos and text.

I really wasn't sure about the actual content of the book, and I'm still not sure.  I don't know anything about Larry Stone.  But the forward was written by Ravi Zacharias, and he's been solid in his teaching, so I would trust the information therein.

Want a beautiful display book? Something to make you look smart and think smart? Look no further.  

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.” 

Life Without Limits - A Review

I was really excited to have the opportunity to review Life Without Limits. I have heard Nick Vujicic speak, primarily via audio, and I've found his story to be inspiring. Because of his personal testimony, I was very excited to read this book.

 I want to be able to recommend this book...but I cannot. While inspiring, it was more of a self-help, positive-thinking book than a theologically-grounded story.

One example, and probably the one that I found most disappointing, was his recommendation that people choose their attitude. There is a scriptural basis for this, but, instead of quoting one of the many scriptures about trusting in the power of the Holy Spirit, walking out that which Christ has already attained, etc., Vujicic quotes "God helps those who help themselves." This is one, but not the only, example where he uses scripture-like quotes to sound spiritual but are, many times, are off base.

 Like I said, I wish I could recommend this book, but I would have to say steer away from this one.

I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review.