Excellent Teen Devotion by Max Lucado

I am a huge fan of Max Lucado.  I really enjoy his ability to tell stories and get his point across in books and in his messages.  In this book, which is really more of a devotional by Max Lucado is called "One God, One Plan, One Life."  It’s specifically written for teens and adapted by James Lund.

There are readings for everyday.  Each devotion is about one page.  So, the readings are short which works when we are trying to do devotions with two teenage boys.  At the end of each day’s reading there is always a “One More Thought.”  It is an extra reminder of what you just read along with a question for reflection, which allows us to go a little deeper in the devotion.  We always have a conversation about what we’ve read. 

The devotion is not preachy, but Lucado and Lund seek to give life lessons which can be applied on a daily basis.  I would highly recommend this devotion for your children.  It especially works for boys. 

The devotional book itself is hardback, 389 pages, with its own orange ribbon bookmark.  At the back you’ll find Notes (a list of footnotes) and 2 different Bible reading plans (30 Days with Jesus and 90 Days Through the Bible.)

I received this book at no charge from Thomas Nelson publishers in exchange for an honest review of this book.

Nick Vujicic is Unstoppable

I have had this book for awhile and never really picked it up to read.  It’s hard not to view the story of Nick Vujicic without amazement at what he has accomplished.  In his book, Unstoppable: The Incredible Power of Faith in Action, Nick talks about adversity.  Obviously he has faced more than I can imagine facing. 

Nick was born with no arms or legs, and ever since his teens, he has committed his life to inspiring others to live an abundant life and to accept a relationship with Jesus as Savior.  In Unstoppable, Nick shares more of his story and he includes stories about people he has met and how they have inspired him.

Appearances are obvious when you’re with Nick, but his personality draws people to him and takes away some of the awkwardness of speaking with him.

The main focus of Nick’s story is that he doesn’t need legs or arms to live the life Jesus offers him.  That’s a powerful testimony from Nick.  Nick explains that there is no medical reason why he was born looking the way he is, but he believes God has a great purpose for him in his life, and he is seeking to fulfill God’s calling.

Nick was not bashful to express the highs and lows he has experienced in life, personally, socially and from a business perspective.  This is not a theological book, so don’t expect great theology, this is simply and profoundly a book of encouragement focusing on one man’s journey and how he has overcome, even to the point of getting married (and his insecurities) and now being a father.



Here is a link to an Interview with Glen Beck and Nick

I received this book free from the publisher. 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 .

MESSIAH: ORIGIN

This book reminds me of a Children's Bible, with pictures and scripture, yet this is much more than a Children's Bible.  This is for adults and children to see the Bible in pictures, as well as reading the Word.

This is the first book in a series of books which seek to illustrate through pictures the story of Christ and the Bible. 

This is not the entire Bible or New Testament.  It is a collection of scripture passages, in which we read about the life of Christ, beginning with John 1, and moving on to stories about Elizabeth and Mary, the birth of Jesus, the arrival of the Magi, the flight to Egypt and more. 

The authors, Matt Dorff and Mark Arey are true to the scriptures, but do some editorializing (not in a terrible way) and the artistry by Kai Carpenter was great!

Overall, I would highly recommend this book, especially for those who look for visual representations of what they read.  This really helps the visual reader.  The book is engaging and would also make a great gift.  It is available as far as I know in paperback only.

I received this book from Booksneeze for free, in exchange for an unbiased review.