Review of The Romance of Grace by Jim McNeely III

Written by pastor Jim McNeely III of Dakota Creek Christian Center in Washington, The Romance of Grace is about the relationship between the Creator and his creation which is based on divine love and grace. The book helps to put God's grace in a perspective we can more easily grasp. McNeely explains how the romantic relationship between Christ and his bride should be by sharing the parable of the kingdom of God found in Matthew 13:44-46.  The reader learns the kingdom of God is like a treasure and those who want to be a part of the kingdom should be totally sold out for it and give their all for it. Such people should be driven by desire. The reader also learns that God values us like mankind values a precious pearl. Jesus gave all He had for us and was driven by divine love and grace. The law condemns, but His grace saves. As people in a relationship with God, we should not be driven by fear to obey the law. We must be driven by love. Coercion to obey the law is not true obedience. As sinners we are drawn to sin, but by God's grace we can overcome sin and choose to obey. Some people become so legalistic and focus so much on the law that they forget the most important part of a relationship with God: Love. "Virtue is the fruit not the root" (p. 18). The root of a relationship with Jesus is love. We are not good all by ourselves. It's God's love for us that saves us and our love for Him that causes us to bear fruit. McNeely's book is eyeopening and very encouraging. You will be reminded you of how much God really loves you and values you.

Book Review of Freeing Tangled Hearts by Dolores Kimball

Freeing Tangled Hearts was written by Dolores Kimball, a Bible study teacher, women's retreat speaker, and a writer and editor for Focus on the Family, David C. Cook, and Compassion International. In her book, she addresses issues all women face, issues of the heart. Kimball's book is not written as a self-help book but as an informative and encouraging piece of literature for women of all walks of life. In thirteen chapters, the reader learns about why women are such emotional beings and that having emotions is not bad. The reader learns emotions are good, because God himself has emotions, but they should not dictate decision making. The feelings of the heart can cloud and distract the ability to reason and think properly. As women, we must learn to keep our emotions in check. Kimball also addresses some of the causes behind our emotions, such as hormones and Satan, to name a few, as well as some of the most common emotions women across the globe face. These include: fear, doubt, guilt, anger, bitterness, and envy. Each emotion is addressed in its own chapter and Dolores Kimball provides personal stories for examples and scriptures to teach and encourage the reader.  In Freeing Tangled Hearts, we learn the only way to keep our emotions in check is by examining ourselves, learning about God and his attributes, and having an intimate relationship with Him.This book is an excellent read for all women. This book not only teaches the female reader about herself but it also teaches her about other women, because women share a common thread; they are emotional beings. Props to Dolores Kimball for writing an encouraging book backed by scripture. I look forward to reading more books by her.

Bragging on Jesus: He's Always On Time!

I just want to take a moment to brag about the goodness of my God. He has always been so faithful and true to me. Whether He gives me front-row parking (which happens often!) or He encourages me through a friend, He always spoils me and reminds me of His undying love for me. Recently, He blessed me with a full-time position at my place of employment!

For the six months I have been at Children's Hospital, I have been a casual employee. One week I would work thirty hours, the next week would be six. One day I would work first shift. The next day I worked second. My schedule was crazy and I was not getting enough hours to make ends meet.

Before the full-time position was posted to the public, it was posted internally. I competed with six other people for the position. The hours were perfect and the wage was right. I so wanted the job. However, the six others I had to compete with had way more seniority than I. I had a good work ethic and good attitude but was still quite new.

Nonetheless, God is bigger than our accomplishments, seniority, ability and ideas. He blessed me with then position I desired and needed. He is so good.  "I have never seen the righteous forsaken or their children begging bread" (Psalm 37:25) He is true to His word and never lets us down! Thankful for a God who cares!