The Truth About Forgiveness by John MacArthur

In The Truth About Forgiveness, pastor and author John MacArthur discusses God’s great gift of forgiveness.  In this easy to read compact book, part of The Truth About series, MacArthur first explores our need to be forgiven of our sins.  Our redeemer, of course, is Jesus Christ.  God, in the form of His only son, paid the only acceptable sin sacrifice.  His love for us was that great.

MacArthur first deals with the reason for forgiveness, man’s sin: “to deny personal guilt is to sacrifice the soul for the sake of the ego.”  The example is given of the paralytic who was lowered from the ceiling to receive Jesus’ healing.  MacArthur notes “Healing is actually a perfect metaphor for forgiveness.”  Forgiveness for sin must come to a repentant heart in order for reconciliation with the Father to occur.

MacArthur also counsels those who have been so violated that they find it hard to forgive others. Using Jesus’ own example from the cross, MacArthur advises, “The greatest measuring rod of love in the life of a Christian may be forgiveness.”

Clearly arranged in short chapters with appropriate subtitles, this book could serve as a week’s personal devotional study. It could also be the basis of a book club or small group discussion. It answers questions we all struggle with throughout our spiritual walk; moreover, it is pure Gospel shared by one of our master preachers, John MacArthur. I received a complimentary review copy of this book from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review and the opinions expressed are my own.

Need You Now by Beth Wiseman

A compelling read for parents and teenagers, Beth Wiseman’s Christian fiction novel, Need You Now, presents problematic issues of today in a no-holds barred format.  Wiseman deals with autism, teen rebellion, and the psychological addiction of cutting. Her story also explores the effects that children’s problems can have on a marriage. Continually emphasizing the need and benefit of prayer, the author leads Darlene and Brad  through trials that are surely faced by many families today.

The story begins with the family‘s move to a small Texas town, in part to avoid adolescent attractions and distractions of the big city for their three children.  Darlene, who had always been a stay at home mom preparing gourmet meals and keeping a spotless house, takes a job at a school for special needs children. She develops a unique bond with one student, but the student’s widowed father appears to seek a bond with Darlene. Darlene must deal with these pressures and also a movie star neighbor who needs her friendship. Then, when her own daughter needs her more than anyone, Darlene can’t seem to count on her husband for support.

In this plain spoken novel, Wiseman explores real life problems in an authentic manner. Indeed, married couples often disagree on child raising, and indeed children can have serious issues. The author captures real life and captivates the reader with a fast paced story that is difficult to put down. This would be a helpful book for teens and parents to read and discuss together.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review and the comments here are my own.

Simply Grilling: 105 recipes for quick and casual grilling by Jennifer Chandler

Serving up appetizers such as bacon-wrapped dates and desserts such as grasshopper icebox cake, chef and cookbook author Jennifer Chandler presents mouth-watering recipes in Simply Grilling: 105 recipes for quick and casual grilling.  The author bills her book as “easy, no-fuss grilling.” She urges readers to try grilling “even on the busiest night of the week.”   Although she reminisces about backyard slow cooked meats that required hours on the grill, she shares recipes that fit today’s hectic life style. Chandler’s Honey Mustard Salmon, for example, can be prepared in less than 20 minutes.

To encourage even the most reluctant grillmaster, Chandler includes “Grill 101” in which she discusses types of grills, temperatures, and essential gear. But it’s her recipes that capture the attention and the hunger pangs of the reader. Ginger-Soy Flank Steak gets its flavor from a spicy marinade; Lemon Oregano has a tasty herb-garlic mixture just under the skin. Grilled Avocado BLT Salad makes a fresh and flavorful lighter meal. Grilled Bananas Foster features the fruit grilled in its own skin.

Food photographs accompany each recipe.  It’s helpful to see what the food will look like in finished form. Some of the pictures appear a bit too charred, but perhaps grill marks are the essence of the barbecue aficionado.

Grillers, both authentic ones and wannabees, will find this book not only interesting but inspiring. Chandler encourages all of us to read her tips, try new recipes and, above all, to get out and grill. 

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review and, after reading the book, the comments here are my own.