Book Review: Thank God for Bedtime by Geoff Robson

A theology book about sleep?

Really now?!

Are you serious?!

And if there is such, why should I care or even pick up that book?

We just don’t think much about sleep because we just do it.

But if you think about it, sleeping is something we all do. And does the Bible said whatever you do do it for the Lord. That certainly includes sleep.

Picking this book to read and review is out of curiosity. Sure there is also a book about sleep and I have a audiobook on rest by David Murray, but being specific with the topic about sleep will be a walk in a park for me. However, Thank God for Betime  isn’t just about putting your head on a pillow at night. It’s making most of God by sleeping and beyond it.

In this accessible volume, Geoff Robson shows us how important sleep not for us but for God. If you think there is nothing to talk about sleep biblically then you got it wrong. Finding rest through sleep is more than being unconscious for a few hours but it’s deeper implications of it in how to view God.  The Christian life is surprisingly plenty things to do but we shouldn’t take sleep out of the equation. Robson address sleeping, our lack of it and oversleeping that affects us believers in dealing with God and our neighbors’ that we should love.  It also has it takes on social media, productivity and laziness to name a few, which are integral in understanding why we or we don’t push the snooze button.  However, Geoff Robson is also cautious to what this book is not addressing which might be sensitive to others who would pick up this book.

Thank God for Bedtime is an engagingly precise and clear message of how this God given gift should be viewed and gives utmost importance. Robson wrote a book the unfolds to the reader like flowing water. Easily reach out and take a drink. You’ll easily be immerse by the topic and be refreshed by giving you a new perspective on sleep. You won’t be disappointed with this book. Highly recommended!

My verdict:

5 out of 5

(Review copy of this book was provided by Matthias Media)

8 Favorite Quotes From the Book “Thank God for Bedtime” by Geoff Robson

Lifeway.PH is underway and as of now I’m inviting friends to contribute articles. Please uphold us as we write for local pastors and ministry leaders for this website.

Anyways, here’s some quotes from the book, Thank God for Bedtime by Geoff Robson published by Matthias Media. If you like these quotes please get the book by clicking here.

“God has been alert, fully functioning, and perfectly attentive for every single nanosecond of history. What’s more, not
sleeping has never caused him to become anything less than perfect for even a moment. I get grumpy and irritable when I have to wake up half an hour early; God has never slept, yet
remains utterly flawless.Stop and ponder that for just a moment longer: God. Never. Sleep.”

“God never disregards his people—not for a second—and our ways are never hidden from him. Why? Because he simply never gets tired. He never sleeps.”

“If you wake up tomorrow morning still trusting in Jesus as your Lord and Saviour, it’s because God has given you the gift of ongoing faith in Jesus.”

“Declaring that God is good, even in a seemingly chaotic world, is more than wishful thinking; it’s a historically-based, cross-centred trust in God’s character. The only thing better than knowing all the answers is knowing that God knows all the answers and that, somehow, through it all, he’s working for good. “

“Every day, God gives us the gift of being able to climb into bed and leave everything in his hands. Sleep is incredibly humbling—and therefore incredibly glorifying to the God who never sleeps. God does not expect us to be super-human. He expects us to work hard, and he graciously gives us responsibilities to meet”

“We were never meant to eat the toxic bread of anxious toil. So God invites us to rest, to trust him to provide for us, and to receive the delightful gift of sleep.”

“God cares much more about our character than about our competencies. He cares much more about our works being good works—works done in holiness, in love for others—than about the sheer volume of works we accomplish.”

“Because we are whole beings, our sleep is complex and multifaceted. The more we understand the physicality of the good things that happen when we sleep, the more we’ll be driven to seek it, and to praise God when we find it.”

How To Create A Digital Rack Full of Christian Magazines on Zero Budget

You might think that this blog is all about books. With all of those book reviews, book quotes post and freebie round ups, you’ll conclude that it’s all books. But actually this blog is not all about books. If you ask me it’s all about reading. I love reading and writing about what I read. I’m not bound to books. I read  (and collect) comic books and children’s books. I read and follow blogs.  I advocate reading to people whenever I’m given an opportunity. So this blog is all about reading and not all about books.

Loving different reading format makes me think that not all will appreciate one format, specifically books.  I believe people will read something for sure but not my favorite format. For this I know some of you folks out there, books are not your turf. Maybe you just love to read something short, with attractive photos and lots of variety of topics covered. I think you might be into reading magazines. If you’re that kind of person then this post is for you.  And I know you don’t want to pay not a single dime for it, don’t you?  Well this post is really really for you lol.

I wrote already a post on how to create a digital library of free books, so this time I’ll share you on how to create a digital rack with free magazines. I hope this will help you appreciate reading and eventually appreciate reading books.

Like my post on creating an instant digital library free, you’ll need an e-book reader. I’ll post it again here my favorite e-reader apps that, like those digital magazines are also free.

Kindle – Some tablets and phone have this app on default but you can get one for free over the Apple Store or Google Play. After downloading, create an account over Amazon. This is useful not just in opening e-books but also when you stumble upon a free ebook over Amazon (or getting a free e-book alert in your e-mail that I’ll share later) .

UB Reader – Another free app that is so versatile because it reads almost all digital format of a book.

Moon Reader – Basically it’s like the UB Reader and  but if you go for the paid one, its a totally different story. I highly recommend you get the its premium app.

And now the magazines!

But before that, I have to tell you something. You can actually subscribe or request a sample some of the magazine on the list, free of charge. Yes free physical copy delivered in your mailbox! Isnt that awesome?

 So on with the list!

Eternal Perspectives – The ministry of author and Bible teacher, Randy Alcorn. Aside from it’s ministry updates, it also features encouraging articles that tackles doctrines and the Christian life. You can subscribe to physical copy of this quarterly magazine for free.

The Banner of Sovereign Grace Truth – This periodical is published bi-monthly that provides solid biblical truth for every member of the family. You and your family will surely find something encouraging and enjoyable through its 48 page.

Christian History Magazine – Learn about Christianity and Church History through this magazine. Lot’s of well research articles and great photographs you’ll love learning by going back to this time machine of a resource.

9 Marks’ Journal – A quarterly magazine that focuses on church and ministry topics. Every issue contains relevant, insightful and helpful articles. You need an e-mail to receive the files.

The Gospel Magazine – This is probably the oldest and longest running Christian magazine in the planet. It’s been in circulation since 1766 and that’s so so old. Enjoy the latest issue or dive in with it’s massive past issues that will keep you occupied for 100 years or so.

Light Magazine – This magazine is part of the Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission and the roster’s article contributes are superb. You’ll find this magazine a worth while read.

Reformed Perspective – The magazine is a paid subscription but you can get all the contents by free download. The magazine aims to promote reformed theology in every area of the Christian life to help learn and think biblically.

Hope you like reading these magazine over your mobile or tablet. If you know other downloadable and free Christian magazine, please comment it on the section below.

Book Review: Sacred Endurance by Trillia J. Newbell

I think Perseverance of the saints,  is a candidate being a discouraging letter in the TULIP acronym.   Christians will be glad that it is found in the end of the popular nickname for Doctrine of Grace. Believers will be more happy the “P” is actually left out.  As if you’re looking for a happy ending, you get this notion that it is not. You might say “With all those talk it all boils down to persevere and I thought God did it all for us?” Christians like me feels like walking on glass everytime someone talks about the letter “P”. I find it discouraging sometimes when I don’t do the “persevering” part for God.

Sacred Endurance answers the call to help Christians struggling on what it means to endure. Newbell lays it here clearly and joyfully that persevering won’t feel like a burden to us. This book is a map that will cLear out the fog out of persevering.

 As you read this book, you’ll see Trillia as an encouragement machine. Whenever you’re going down, Trillia will cheer you with her biblical insight and personal stories again and again. She won’t let you down. She’ll be your personal coach pumping you up and shouting “Focus on Jesus!” Page after page you’ll be encourage to endure in any circumstances in your Christian walk. Don’t just pick this book up when your down, get it to help you go on an extra mile with your faith.

Sacred Endurance is a book that will tell you not just the “what’ but the “whys” and the “hows” of enduring. Some of us gets bogged down by the “what” that we dread to ask the “hows” and the “whys.” This is coming from an author that has been through a lot in her family life and not a theologian on an ivory tower. She us coming as a fellow learner that we will meet along the dusty road. After reading this book you’ll find joy to go on and run the Christian race with joy!

 My verdict:

4.5 out of 5

(Review copy of this book is provided by InterVarsity Press)

8 Favorite Quotes From the Book “Sacred Endurance” by Trillia J. Newbell

I’m doing a giveaway tomorrow so stay tuned on this blog. This raffle is exclusive to Philippine residents only. What am I giving away? Watch out my big reveal and enjoy the SPURGE! This giveaway is sponsored by Lifeway.

Anyways, here’s some quotes from the book, Sacred Endurance by Trillia J. Newbell published by InterVarsity Press. If you like these quotes please get the book by clicking here.

” There’s nothing and no one who compares to our God. And this truth provides strength to our hearts. Our flesh may fail, our hearts may fail, but we will endure because God is the strength of our heart.”

“Troubles are part of the Christian life, but we’re instructed to take heart. How do we keep our hearts from being troubled? We believe and trust in God.”

“So how do we fight for truth and love in a world of hurt and rage? One way is to be subversive. We need fighters, but not the kind that burn down the nation. We need people willing to keep doing good. Yes, overthrow the culture with good. We need warriors willing to do good to their neighbors—as Jesus commanded us to love our neighbor.”

“Endurance that lasts can come only out of motivation marked by grace, faith, love, and God’s glory. Accompanied by the right motivations, living by grace sounds a lot like freedom, doesn’t it?”

“You and I are going to get this wrong again and again. We’re going to turn our anxious thoughts to inadequate things to give us security. We’re going to be tempted to lean on our own understanding. That’s because we have a battle with sin. But God, being rich in mercy, has given us a way of escape through his Son. And God doesn’t condemn us for our weakness; instead he invites us to come to him.”

“Our motivation comes out of our faith in a God who will never fail us. All others in our life might, but not the Lord. To fail us would go against his very character. So to be motivated by faith is to be motivated by the very character and trust­ worthiness of God.There is no foundation as sure as him.”

“The world tells us to follow the motivations of our hearts—in other words, to do whatever we want. In contrast, Scripture gives us boundaries that aren’t meant to stifle us but instead to help us to walk in the freedom of Christ.”
“The Christian life is a race that will have an end. One day we’ll be complete in glory and with Christ. We’ll receive a prize when this race is finished.But until that time, we must learn to run, endure, persevere, and finish.”

(Review copy of Sacred Endurance was provided by InterVarsity Press)

Audiobook Review: Unashamed by Lecrae Moore

I opened the new decade with an audiobook from my Christian Audio library. As you know they have the free audiobook of the month and since it’s free I got nothing to lose. So for a couple of years I have accumulated some free audiobooks from Christian Audio. Sweet!

Before you go to the review, I would like to invite you to check some quotes from the audiobook. If you like what you read, you can buy a copy by clicking here.

Now on to the review!

Unashamed chronicles the life of Christian rapper Lecrae Moore or simply Lecrae. But first some clarifications.  If you think that a Christian rapper is an oxymoron well their is a sub culture in the Christian music scene and its doing well. If you think attaching “Christian” with the word “rapper” would make you think Lecrae’s life are all bed of roses well it is not. As you go through the book, the struggles are in and out of the Christian realm.  It is also worth saying that it would be  a cliche that rappers would be associated with a life of drugs, gangs and guns yet in this book, Lecrae confesses how those sort of stereotypes molded him to what he is (and is not) today. So by those clarifications alone you might have a hint of what to expect with this book about Lecrae.

Unashamed presents a vulnerable and honest confession of Lecrae. He takes you in his journey from his fatherless childhood, his teenage rebellion stage, his conversion, backsliding and getting up again. But in the midst of those struggles you can see how God works through (even if its not in a comfortable way). His involvement with drugs, sex and guns is examined as well as some (spoilers) controversial parts like abortion. The book tackles how hip hop music and rap influence his life and eventually the career who took. He didn’t end the book with a “happily ever after” thing. He ends it with a sort of cliffhanger that even if he on the top of his game he still struggles. And that goes to us Christians. Like Lecrae, we struggle too. But its not the end of the story for us and God.

What’s so extra special about this audiobook is not only it was read by the author himself, that is Lecrae but in the every chapter you can listen to some snippets of his songs. Some are with music and some are without, which is so cool. Also I love how Lecrae reads his book. Lecrae reading is like conversing with a friend. Totally enjoyed his voice to beginning to end.

Unashamed is not just a tell all tale of a rapper shooting to stardom but a struggle on how Lecrae fit in the secular and the Christian side. It speaks to creative Christians that doesn’t seem to fit on both sides. So take heart someone is with you with those struggles.

It’s a brief 5.5 hour listen that will take you to the world of Lecrae and shows that your not alone in struggles both the personal and the creative side. Listen to Unashamed presents what it means to be a Christian in the hard places.

My verdict:

5 out of 5

Top 10 Best Books I Read in 2019

Last year was my “out of the comfort zone book adventure”. I read a few books but I enjoyed the way I got my copies of the books. I joined book launching teams and I got listed in IVP weekly release e-mail. Even got physical copies of the books. This journey was so amazing for a small book blogger like me. I hope and pray that 2020 will be much bigger for me and you my readers.

Anyways here are 10 best books that I read last year (plus some comments). I also included the links to the book review and quotes I enjoyed from the book.

The New Testament in Seven Sentences by Gary M. Burge – Among the IVP books I read, this is so far the best.

Read the book review and favorite quotes from the book.

Revolutionary Work by William Taylor – I don’t know why Lego is in the cover of this book but if you want to pick something compact on the biblical view of work, this book will do the job.

Read the book review and favorite quotes from the book.

Abide by Warren W. Wiersbe – The best thing in life is free and indeed it’s the best because of this book. If you haven’t sign up with the weekly free ebooks from 10 of those better head on their website. It’s a surprise to include a book from Wiersbe in their e-mail that you’ll love because it’s short but meaty.

Read the book reviewand favorite quotesfrom the book.

Richard Dawkins, C. S. Lewis and the Meaning of Life by Alistair McGarth – Get to know the views of these intellects without reading tons of books about them. Alistair McGarth distilled it all for you in this book.

Read the book reviewand favorite quotes from the book.

A Week in the Life of a Slave by John Byron – Jump start your historical fiction genre by getting this book. This is the first book I requested from the weekly emails of IVP and I loved it!

Read the book review and favorite quotes from the book.

So The Next Generation Will Know by Sean McDowell and J Wallace Wagner – Sean McDowell reads his e-mails. Because I requested this then new book from him and he gave me a digital copy. So cool! And through him, he gave me the idea to change from Quotable Round-Up to 8 Favorite Quotes.

Read the book review and favorite quotesfrom the book.

A Place Like Heaven by Samuel Miller – I read this booklet while falling in line at a comicbook convention and enjoyed finishing it after stand for 30 minutes.

Read the book review.

The Future of Everything by William Boekestein – Been trying to get a review copy of any book Pastor Bill is releasing specially the children’s books. Finally I got one and have the physical copy as well.

Read the book review.

Defining Deception by Costi Hinn and Anthony Wood – Requested the review copy of this over Twitter and Costi mailed it to me.

Read the book review and favorite quotesfrom the book.

Sunny Side Up by Dan DeWitt- A part of this book tackles the topic about forgiveness which really touched my heart. Forgiveness is an issue I battle and thank God this year I forgave people who hurt me.

Read the book review and favorite quotes from the book.

Thank you guys for reading my blog this past year and I hope 2020 will bring more books for us to share.

Book Review: Carpe Diem Redeemed by Os Guinness

Before you dig in with this review, I would like to invite you to read my favorite quotes from this book by clicking this link just in case you missed it.

Carpe Diem Redeemed is a book of kaleidoscopic convergence of different topics pertaining to time. From history, atheism, purpose, salvation, significance, truth to culture, wars, philosophy, anti-intellectualism, chronological snobbery, nostalgia, destiny all came together under one book and was handled with superb care by Guinness setting a path to the God of the Bible who has superior clarity of what it means of making much of our moment. Sure this is one endeavor that is monumental however Guinness gave us the lenses of an intellect and another is for the average Joe.

The Introduction is a bit intimidating because of the multiple quotes from prominent persons which has something to do book. Then again it serves as some appetizer of sort for the reader. It gives you the thought that whoever you are, time is essential to you. Another is that it lets you know that this small volume is filled to the brim of biblical insights on time.

As you step into the ever first chapter, you’ll find how old school Os Guinness in writing (and I think that’s why the book cover looks like something from the 80’s or 90’s cover design). The chapters are large even in this small book and the insights from Os feels like your reading an editorial.  There are lots of going on as he unravels his thoughts in the subject matter that are one point engaging then in another you’ll get overwhelm you’ll get lost along the way. In those places I suggest to keep on reading till you get back to the path. Also it will be beneficial if you’ll read this in a slow pace and consider re-reading if you miss out something from this book.

Don’t expect Os Guinness to throw bullet points about time management that easy. He did give some ways to redeem the moment but it’s sandwiched in between. Those takeaways are at “the eye of the storm” of the book, as Guinness unfolds what it really means for a Christian to seize the moment.

I like the way he incorporate his life with his family as Christians in China in this book. You won’t put down this book without being moved or into tears with his story. It’s a fascinating read as you near the end of this book.

Carpe Diem Redeemed is a short read but be prepare as Guinness shares his intellectual and biblical insights that will floor you. Redeeming the time never had this intellectually satisfying taste. So dig in and feast on this great book.

My verdict:

4.5 out of 5

(InterVarsity Press provided the digital copy for this review)

 

Book Review: “Enjoy Your Prayer Life” by Michael Reeves

Before you dig in with this review, I would like to invite you to read my favorite quotes from this book by clicking this link just in case you missed it.

The first book I read from Michael Reeves is Delighting the Trinity which is awesome. Reeves wrote it as if it’s not introducing the doctrine of the Trinity for the reason he lifts up the preconceive burden of understanding a complex doctrine. Instead, he pointed out the relationship of the between the Godhead. In similar vein, the same treatment can be found with this short book, Enjoy Your Prayer Life. 

  Reeves acknowledge that we struggle with prayer. The reasons might be the lack of time, becoming a dead routine or just plain boring. Reeves attempts in this book to convince us that prayer is not just important but it is enjoyable. Enjoyable? Yes, prayer is enjoyable. Well this book doesn’t present a new method of prayer or drive some guilt for your lack of praying. Instead, Reeves states that prayer is more than an abstract thing. It’s  a natural expression of faith that flows from the relationship of the Godhead. Reeves focuses on how each of the Godhead relates to the praying believer. Like what Reeves treatment with his award winning book, Delighting the Trinity , he handles the subject of prayer well and penetrating.

A short read but has meaty content,  will give you a refreshing perspective on prayer. Praying is truly enjoyable in the light of who we are praying to. If you want a new light for your prayer life let Enjoy Your Prayer Life shine on it.

My verdict:

4.5 out of 5

Book Review: “The New Testament in Seven Sentences” by Gary M. Burge

I’m so pumped up this set of new books by IVP that I never think twice of getting this book and Write Better by Andrew T. Le Peau. I think I’ve  been reading and reviewing books that are either about salvation or Christian living that I long to read something about the Bible. This new book by Gary M. Burge really rewarded me of that craving.

The New Testament in Seven Sentences tackles the major themes of the Bible and not just the New Testament as the title may suggest. These themes helps us better understand the Bible and it’s message. Further it helps us focus on what God’s sovereign plan through Jesus from here and eternity. Burge crafted this book that as you read, you’ll find the Old and New are inseparable and indispensible. Burge is absolutely good in this part stitching both OT and NT together, that you’ll get glued in reading this book. He imparts his skill to provide a solid read that requires less illustration that won’t overwhelm or bored you to death. I was hooked that I read a big chunk of it the moment I started reading it. And I hope you’ll find that enthusiasm over connecting youself with the topic of this book.

The seven sentences in the title are seven verses in the New Testament that presents the seven themes. They are Matthew 16: 16, fulfillment;  Mark 1: 15, kingdom; Luke 9: 22, cross; 1 Peter 2: 9, covenant; Romans 8: 9, spirit; and Revelation 21:1, completion. Some of these verses are familiar and you might know what they convey.  You might dismissed this as another one of the books that will have the same content discussing themes of the Bible. Think again! Burge breaks the familiarity and brings insights that you might have missed as he digs deeper to the OT to bring light to these themes.

My favorite chapter of the book is Burge tackling grace. Burge excellently delivers the the familiar mash up with insights that will further elavate the familiar and illuminate insights you might not heard of. The well balanced blend in the book is a delight for the readers.

The New Testament in Seven Sentences is an engaging book that supersedes its intention as an introduction for the major theme of the Bible. It’s not an introductory book that you will feel hurried or summarized that will leave you wanting but gives you a satisfying read. Please don’t supplement it for something less or it might steal the other book’s thunder. In fact, you might just need this one to do the job in understanding the crucial themes in the Scriptures. Highly recommend!

My verdict:

5 out of 5

(InterVarsity Press provided the digital copy for this review)