A Real Solution in the Middle East!

I should be better versed on this topic, but it is so complicated with so many points of view, that it becomes confusing, so I think we stay away from really examining what Caroline Glick is proposing. 

In her book, The Israeli Solution: A One State Plan for Peace in the Middle East, she has examined the difficulties surrounding Israel literally being one single state.  She has introduced the plan, looked at the positives and negatives; and the negatives include the fallout of the Palestinians, Europeans and those who would dissent from this type of epic decision.

Glick is willing to make statements which most people are not willing to make.  What she is proposing is not the popular idea, but she believes the concept is the right one.  She put aside any fear she might have of retribution and negative feedback regarding this book.  I found that very refreshing.

Her belief is to create a one state plan for Israel which would incorporate the Palestinian Arabs.  This would give them a home and rights which they really do not have at the present time.  The goal is to have peace in the Middle East, which is not present.

If you are interested in learning more about this topic, then I would encourage you to read this book.

I was provided a complimentary copy of this book by WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group through the Blogging for Books program in exchange for an honest appraisal.

The Greatest Words is a Great Resource

The Greatest WORDS Ever Spoken is a wonderful resource book.  It can be used by any person who wants to see what Jesus said about a particular topic.   Of course, one must understand that the topics are arranged by the editor, Steven Scott.  You can check out his website here.

You get to read what Jesus has to say about everyday life situations.  Having a book like this makes it easier to understand the fact that Jesus wanted us to live the abundant life.  In some ways this can be a "how to manual." 

 

For those who do Christian counseling and want to incorporate God's Word into their counseling this would be a great resource. 

Again, this is really more of a reference book.  But for some, they may just read from start to finish.  That would actually be a new way to read through the Words of Jesus. 
 

This could be a great book to give to someone for a gift.  When you just can't remember where you read something Jesus said, but you remember the topic, this book will come in so handy.  It would also be great for Sunday School teachers.  

 

I received a free copy of The Greatest Words Ever Spoken from Waterbrook Multnomah in exchange for an honest review.

 

PRIDE a Poem by Beth Moore

MY NAME IS PRIDE

By BETH MOORE

 

My name is Pride. I am a cheater.

I cheat you of your God-given destiny...

because you demand your own way. 

 

I cheat you of contentment...

because you “deserve better than this.”

 

I cheat you of knowledge...

because you already know it all.

 

I cheat you of healing...

because you are too full of you to forgive.

 

I cheat you of holiness...

because you refuse to admit when you are wrong.

 

I cheat you of vision...

because you’d rather look in the mirror than out a window.

 

I cheat you of genuine friendship...

because nobody’s going to know the real you.

 

I cheat you of love...

because real romance demands sacrifice.

 

I cheat you of greatness in heaven...

because you refuse to wash another’s feet on earth.

 

I cheat you of God’s glory...

because I convinced you to seek your own.

 

My name is Pride. I am a cheater. 

 

You like me because you think I’m always looking out for you.

 

Untrue.

 

I’m looking to make a fool of you.

God has so much for you, I admit, but don’t worry...

If you stick with me you’ll never know.

Enjoying the power of Giving!

Most people have a very difficult time giving away their money and possessions.  We want to receive money and possessions, but freely giving away our "stuff" is so difficult.  Brad Formsma has written a book in which he focuses on the act of giving.  He has entitled the book, "I Like Giving: The Transforming Power of a Generous Life."

As Formsma writes,

There is something incredible about giving when it's our idea.  Opening our eyes and ears to the people around us and asking "How can we give?" is a profoundly life-giving and satisfying way to life.  One of Jesus's ideas was that it is more blessed to give than to receive.  I have found that to be true.  The generous life is the only life worth living.

Formsma has many illustrations which help the reader learn more about the nature of giving and what happens to us when we freely give.  There are times when reading the book that I felt he was being redundant.  At times I was not certain what his point ultimately was.  Yet, in the end, I believe Formsma makes his point about the joy and transforming power we can receive when we joyfully and freely give to others.  

Chapters include ~ 

1. The Power of One Gift
2. Beginnings
3. Try
4. What Happens When We Give
5. The Science of Giving
6. Giving Filters
7. Tactics
8. Family
9. Community
10. Receiving
11. Becoming a Gift
12. A Generous World

You can watch a short video by Brad Formsma, which describes the reasons for the book, HERE.

 Overall, this is a book which can energize people to begin the process of giving.