And The Shofar Blew

Title: And the Shofar Blew
Author: Francine Rivers
Genre: Fiction

Paul Hudson is a associate pastor at a solid, growing church when he agrees to pastor Centerville Christian Church, and their small, struggling congregation. Packing up his wife Eunice and their son Timmy, they travel to Centerville to finally see with their own eyes their new church and the parsonage they will live in. Along the way they make several new friends including Samuel and Abigal Mason.

Before long the church is literally transformed, attendance sky-rockets, the choir grows, and the children's program reaches record high numbers. But, somewhere between the building program and Sheila Atherton, Paul winds his way in a different direction and is faced with some difficult and serious choices to make.

Throughout the story, Francine Rivers brings in an array of different characters that all interact with the main characters of Paul and Eunice on many different levels. This gives the readers a nice large picture of what is going on. I've heard different comments on this book that possibly could put the church in a bad light. My personal opinion is that a Christian would best understand what is being written because as all Christians know...we all make mistakes and we are not perfect. Also, I just took the book for what it was, a fiction story. It's not a story directed to, or about any one person or any one church. Comments welcome!

Blessed Child

Title: Blessed Child
Author: Bill Bright & Ted Dekker
Genre: Fiction

Well, this was quite an interesting novel. I have to admit, the reason I was drawn to this book was the combination of authors. Bill Bright, an 80 year old church father (who has now gone on to be with the Lord), and Ted Dekker, a 38 year old novelist. What an incredible story their combined talents managed to tell.

Relief expert Jason Marker agrees to escort a young boy named Caleb from an Ethiopian monastery back to the United States. This was the last mission for Jason before he returned to the states and was supposed to have been a simple one, a favor actually for his interpreter. Unfortunately, as Jason approaches the monastery, a small Eritrean army was facing him head on. Jason, complete with a doctorate in agriculture, and armed with a thirty-ought-six, has to makes some quick decisions. He manages to rescue Caleb, along with Leigh, a French Canadian nurse desperate also to get back to North America.

The trio soon discover that Caleb has stunning powers that enable him to actually do miracles. But along with these powers come some pretty powerful enemies. This novel weaves an exciting story of good verses evil with deep spiritual truth woven throughout the pages.

Hadassah, One Night With the King

Title: Hadassah, One Night with the King
Author: Tommy Tenny (with Mark Andrew Olson)
Genre: Historical Fiction

Ancient tradition being maintained. A young bride to be uncovers an age old scroll. Thus the the gripping, action-adventure tale unfolds as Tommy Tenny lays out the ground work for the story Hadassah.

This book had me turning the pages as fast as I could read! The story starts in modern day Jerusalem as descendents of Queen Esther (originally called Hadassah) begin reading an account of her life. This letter takes the readers to a story of what could have possibly happened to Hadassah's family (remember she was raised in the home of her uncle Mordecai?). After reviewing a few historical accounts to bring all readers up to speed as to why there were Jews living in Babylon, the actual story of Hadassah begins.

Filled with palace intrigue, suspense and even a touch of romance, I drank in the pages of this book from start to finish. This is the first fiction book that Tommy Tenney has written, and I sure hope he doesn't stop! He has also written a companion book called Finding Favor in His Presence, which shows how Esther was able to find favor with King Xerxes and how we can apply similar principles to find favor with the King of Kings.

In order to really appreciate this book, I would suggest you quickly read through the Biblical account of Esther. Also, my understanding is that there is a move in the words called "One Night with the King". For some reason I was thinking that it was due out soon. Here is the link: http://www.8x.com/onenight/.

The Pursuit of God

Title: The Pursuit of God
Author: A.W. Tozer
Genre: Christian Living

The Pursuit of God reminded me of a prequel to The God Chasers by Tommy Tenny. Both books have inspired me to deepen my walk with the Lord. I wish that A.W. Tozer was still around as he was called a "20th century Prophet" even in his own time. Even though he died in 1963, I'm grateful for his shelf of writings that he has left behind. The Pursuit of God was the first of his books that I have read and look forward to reading more. (I counted 41 books that he has written.)

The Pursuit of God is a book written to Christians to encourage them to deepen their relationship with God. It reads a bit more complicated than books written by today's authors, but none the less, the wording is beautiful. He quotes many hymns, that were written long ago, that took me reading them a few times through to really grasp the meaning. All of the scripture he quotes is taken from the King James Version giving even more emphasis to his written words.

Here is one passage that I have read over and over again allowing to sink in my soul: "Long periods of Bible meditation will purify our gaze and direct it; church attendance will enlarge our outlook and increase our love for others. Service and work activity- are all good and should be encouraged in by every Christian. But at the bottom of these things, giving meaning to them, will be the inward habit of beholding God. " Later on down the page he quotes: "Social religion is perfected when private religion is purified." (These quotes were taken from the chapter entitled "The Gaze of the Soul" on page 87.)

I never want books like these to take the place of my regular Bible reading, but I sure do appreciate authors such as Tozer using the annointing God has given them to help others deepen their walk with God.

Life Everlasting

Title: Life Everlasting
Author: Robert Whitlow
Genre: Christian Fiction

This is the second book in the "Santee Series" and provides the exciting conclusion for Life Support. In his book Life Everlasting, Robert Whitlow once again twists the lives of Baxter & Rena Richardson along with attorney Alexia Lindale, and music minister Ted Morgan.

Baxter has not yet recovered from his fall several weeks earlier and still lies in a comatose state in a cottage behind his home. Rena retains Alex to represent her on a growing number of legal issues, but when criminal charges come to light, handsome attorney Sean Pruitt comes on the scene. Alex and Ted embrace a "more than just friendship" relationship, but feels intimidated by the talents and interest of nurse Sarah Locklear.

All in all, I enjoyed Whitlow's newest novel, but was disappointed with the hasty ending. I wonder if Whitlow will expand the Santee series at all because it seems like although the story line did come to a close, I still had many un-answered questions.

Life Support

Title: Life Support
Author: Robert Whitlow
Genre: Christian Fiction

If you like reading John Grishom, you will love the legal thrillers by Robert Whitlow. In this fast paced novel, the lives of Baxter Richardson and Rena Richardson become entwined with music lover, attorney at law, Alexia Lindale and music minister/concert pianist, Ted Morgan.

After Baxter survives his fall of a cliff while hiking in the mountains with his new bride, Rena, his survival over the next several weeks is unclear. His father wants to keep him alive for several reasons, money being a big one. Several conflicting legal documents send Alex on a trail to seek out the truth. Rev. Ted Morgan believes in the power of prayer and in a God that can heal.

As a big fan of Robert Whitlow, I really enjoyed this book. I was disappointed however when I got to the end of the story to find out that the conclusion would be given in a later book at a much later date. Life Support really left me hanging. Late last year Life Everlasting came out and I enjoyed reading the conclusion to the story.