Andy Stanley captures the essence of God's Grace beautifully in accordance with the Bible in his book 'The Grace Of God'.He explores the Grace that transformed the destinies of Judah,Rehab,David,Jonah,Matthew,Nicodemus,Paul and several other people from the Bible.The book opens up with an account of Grace in the beginning of the world.Andy highlights the theme of Grace through out the history right from the promises to Abraham to the nation of Israel...and first century church.
The ultimate expression of Grace unfolds when God sends down His only beloved son to redeem a sin-stained human race just because He loved too much to let go.After receiving His Grace...how about reflecting the same in our own relationships?
Grace is mostly misunderstood because it doesn't really fit in our 'you sow what you reap' world.Neither is it something to be earned or deserved.It is something that we receive by faith.
This book consists of some wonderful thoughts and eternal truths.The author's practical approach towards the subject makes it easier to understand a fundamental yet basic-building block of faith.
A huge applause to Andy .....
Friday, November 19, 2010
Wednesday, October 27, 2010
Out Live Your Life by Max Lucado
'Living out a life of faith' is the essence of MaxLucado's book 'Out Live Your Life'.This is also an inspiration to make a difference in the world we live in.Pain is a universal phenomenon.Max paints a picture of human suffering with hues of pain from different continents across the globe.The picture brightens as faith-filled believers reach out and act transforming lives.
What is the difference between turning a blind eye and reaching out with a compassionate heart toward a soul in pain?Is it just a cheerful or anguished countenance? or do our little deeds of kindness help the troubled soul determine their eternal destiny?The book sure makes you think.
How can you and I make a difference?Numerous examples from the book of Acts such as Paul,Peter,Stephen and many others who had impacted the world....many others from our century who made a subtle difference in their own way...provide a classic example for us all to follow.
Living in social-network connected world of Isolation,where a ocean of wealth separates the rich from the poor,people locked up in their own shells of selfishness and prejudice drenched in hypocrisy,in a world racing at a roller-coaster pace with almost no time to breathe...much less to reflect upon the adorable creator...
Is there anyone out there
to show the love of Christ,
shed the light of His truth,
share His message of hope,
extend a helping hand,
and offer a word of encouragement to a soul battling depression,poverty,rejection,disease?
Could it be you and I?we might not have to really fly across continents to reach the needy...someone just around the corner might need us.Turn around,open up your eyes and heart,pray and act!!
Is Christ living in you?Let Him live through you...
This book is a wonderful read..
What is the difference between turning a blind eye and reaching out with a compassionate heart toward a soul in pain?Is it just a cheerful or anguished countenance? or do our little deeds of kindness help the troubled soul determine their eternal destiny?The book sure makes you think.
How can you and I make a difference?Numerous examples from the book of Acts such as Paul,Peter,Stephen and many others who had impacted the world....many others from our century who made a subtle difference in their own way...provide a classic example for us all to follow.
Living in social-network connected world of Isolation,where a ocean of wealth separates the rich from the poor,people locked up in their own shells of selfishness and prejudice drenched in hypocrisy,in a world racing at a roller-coaster pace with almost no time to breathe...much less to reflect upon the adorable creator...
Is there anyone out there
to show the love of Christ,
shed the light of His truth,
share His message of hope,
extend a helping hand,
and offer a word of encouragement to a soul battling depression,poverty,rejection,disease?
Could it be you and I?we might not have to really fly across continents to reach the needy...someone just around the corner might need us.Turn around,open up your eyes and heart,pray and act!!
Is Christ living in you?Let Him live through you...
This book is a wonderful read..
Monday, September 13, 2010
Cast of characters by Max Lucado
The book is a collection of short stories of several characters from the Bible.The author ponders upon their human side,their frailties and how God moulded something extraordinary of their ordinary lives.
The story of Ester,Abigail,Peter and David are my personal favourites.As one reads along the stories,at one point or the other,you realize that our stories are kind of similar to theirs.
As their lives have been rebuilt,faith rewarded...one can not miss out to listen the note of hope.The book is a source of inspiration,encouragement and hope...there by calling out for a life committed to the master potter.
The story of Ester,Abigail,Peter and David are my personal favourites.As one reads along the stories,at one point or the other,you realize that our stories are kind of similar to theirs.
As their lives have been rebuilt,faith rewarded...one can not miss out to listen the note of hope.The book is a source of inspiration,encouragement and hope...there by calling out for a life committed to the master potter.
Saturday, June 26, 2010
The Heart mender by Andy Andrews
This is an inspiring story of forgiveness.It is a simple tale of two people who choose to forgive and let go off their past and change their destiny.
Based on the true life story of a German sailor and a war-widowed American woman during the second world war,when the German U-boats were attacking the American ships in American waters,this is a capturing plot illustrating the power of forgiveness.
The book has an interesting story and an underlying virtue, beautifully woven along the story line and kept me thinking as I read along.The conversation between Billy and Danny as Billy explains how to forgive is particularly enlightening.
I totally agree with Andy when he says we begin to forgive by choosing to forgive...by deciding not by feeling. I think its a wise choice to decide to forgive rather than rot in the bitter water of unforgiveness and anger.
Let go off the hurt and the pain and the person who caused it and you do more good to yourself than the person forgiven.The biblical principle of forgiveness is emphasised in the book in a simple yet thought provoking manner.
Andy Andrews narration with all the facts,pictures and dramatic emotions is simply wonderful and I loved the book.
Finding it hard to forgive somebody in your life....this book is a must read for you!!
Seventy times seven and keep going...
Based on the true life story of a German sailor and a war-widowed American woman during the second world war,when the German U-boats were attacking the American ships in American waters,this is a capturing plot illustrating the power of forgiveness.
The book has an interesting story and an underlying virtue, beautifully woven along the story line and kept me thinking as I read along.The conversation between Billy and Danny as Billy explains how to forgive is particularly enlightening.
I totally agree with Andy when he says we begin to forgive by choosing to forgive...by deciding not by feeling. I think its a wise choice to decide to forgive rather than rot in the bitter water of unforgiveness and anger.
Let go off the hurt and the pain and the person who caused it and you do more good to yourself than the person forgiven.The biblical principle of forgiveness is emphasised in the book in a simple yet thought provoking manner.
Andy Andrews narration with all the facts,pictures and dramatic emotions is simply wonderful and I loved the book.
Finding it hard to forgive somebody in your life....this book is a must read for you!!
Seventy times seven and keep going...
Wednesday, April 21, 2010
The Sacred Journey by Charles Foster
This book is about pilgrimage.It talks about how pilgrimage has been a holy tradition for over centuries and among different faiths.
It defines pilgrimage from various perspectives and time and again emphasises the fact that the journey matters over arrival at the destination.It explains the physical realm of things in pilgrimage such as travelling,walking,wandering and then substantiates the cause by explaining how God has travelled along with His people.
The author talks about the need of a pilgrimage,where to go and describes the required mind set of a pilgrim.He goes on to talk about the journey and the hardships on the way.He points out that the act of being on a pilgrimage is a process of re-discovering one's own self.
The central idea of the book is summarized in one line when he says that 'pilgrimage changes people'.This idea is reflected when he says that arrival at your destination is in itself a new beginning.
He concludes reflecting how life in itself is a pilgrimage and how we have an eternal companion to walk along with us as we travel towards our eternal destination.
Just before he concludes he also mentions the reformists view of pilgrimage as a profane journey
but doesn't really seem to agree.The book has several personal instances depicting his own experiences as a pilgrim.
It is an interesting read!!
It defines pilgrimage from various perspectives and time and again emphasises the fact that the journey matters over arrival at the destination.It explains the physical realm of things in pilgrimage such as travelling,walking,wandering and then substantiates the cause by explaining how God has travelled along with His people.
The author talks about the need of a pilgrimage,where to go and describes the required mind set of a pilgrim.He goes on to talk about the journey and the hardships on the way.He points out that the act of being on a pilgrimage is a process of re-discovering one's own self.
The central idea of the book is summarized in one line when he says that 'pilgrimage changes people'.This idea is reflected when he says that arrival at your destination is in itself a new beginning.
He concludes reflecting how life in itself is a pilgrimage and how we have an eternal companion to walk along with us as we travel towards our eternal destination.
Just before he concludes he also mentions the reformists view of pilgrimage as a profane journey
but doesn't really seem to agree.The book has several personal instances depicting his own experiences as a pilgrim.
It is an interesting read!!
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