Primal Fire Book Review

Book Review of Primal Fire

  by Neil Cole with Dezi Baker, Ed Waken, Phil Helfer and Paul Kaak
"Reigniting the Church with the Five Gifts of Jesus"


REVIEW BY: L. Bankhead

      Right now!  Don't even bother reading my review.  Just go get the book. 

    If you are in ministry in any capacity  - pastor, missionary, nursery care, Bible study leader, Sunday morning muffin baker - you need to get this book. 

    Sometimes we wonder where we fit in the Great Commission, it's God's Kingdom and within our church.  We feel pressure to "do it like her" or "be like him".  You aren't "him" and you certainly aren't "her" - you are YOU!  You were created in God's image which means you hold in your soul one of Jesus' five gifts.  This book will help you identify where you will best fit in ministry - and it's probably not what you think.  The book is so much more than that as well.  There's historical theology and Cole's exegesis is phenomenal.  Everything points back to Jesus' ministry, really equipping you to get out and do what you are called to do.  I think not only the congregation of a church, but all church leadership needs to get a hold of this book, and fast.  The hierarchical leadership in modern churches is pushing out people with gifts that need to be used in the church.  Isn't the church about furthering God's Kingdom?  Isn't that the whole point of the Great Commission?  Doesn't everyone sitting in a church wonder blankly, "Where do I fit here?"  This book will help guide the reader to what ministry position they are best suited for; and help leaders point their members to the right direction, and not stick them in a place they won't thrive.  A fire will light inside of you begging you to find your place, and urging you on for something more.  Not all of the gifts are leading a Sunday School class - some are out in the wilds and on the road.  Are you excited yet?   I recommend this book for 16 years old and up, or for a younger student seriously considering where they fit within the church and out in ministry of any kind.

(I received this book free from Tyndale Blog Network as part of their blogging program. 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 Commissions 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.") 

NEXT UP!  Reviews coming your way this Spring.... 


Hidden Falls (some episodes) by Olivia Newport

Blessings of The Cross by assorted authors

Blind Descent by Brian Dickinson

Blessed Child Book Review

Book Review of Blessed Child

  by Ted Dekker with Bill Bright


REVIEW BY: L. Bankhead

      I will tell you right now that this is the third, possibly fourth time I have read this book.  Obviously, I'm going to tell you I really like it. 

    This books opens with a bang, like any other Ted Dekker book you may choose to read.  The action begins at the Debra Damarro, an Ethiopian Orthodox monastery in a remote corner of Tigre in northern Ethiopia.  A boy is rescued from near death, all the while, his liberators are running for their lives as well.  Ending up in America, this rescued boy, Caleb, is unveiled to be something special.  Something so remarkable, the world has not seen anything like him before.  You must read to find out if his powers are psychic, supernatural, miracles, or purely a child that walks with God. 

    I have always loved this book for many different reasons.  Mostly because it will really make you deeply question your own ability to walk in God's kingdom.  Also, because Dekker is just a plain out amazing author.  I don't think there are many stories tellers as good as he is around today.  He may just be the best.  This book is followed up with the sequel A Man Called Blessed which is also remarkable.  I recommend this book to anyone ages 12 and up for a good adventure read that also contains strong life application.  Note to parents:  There are guns, shooting, and some mild violence by a horrid caregiver.  Grab a copy and get to reading!

(I received this book free from BookLook Bloggers as part of their blogging program. 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 Commissions 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.") 

NEXT UP!  Reviews coming your way this Spring.... 

Primal Fire by Neil Cole 

Hidden Falls (some episodes) by Olivia Newport

Blessings of The Cross by assorted authors

Rich in Years Book Review

Book Review of Rich In Years

  by Johann Christoph Arnold
"Finding Peace and Purpose In A Long Life"

REVIEW BY: C. Szymoniak

      I'd like to introduce to you, my mother, Cynthia.  She's joining me today to be a guest blogger and reviewer here.  I asked her to read this book and let me know what she thought about it. 

     "This book is about entering your older years with peace and contentment.  To find wisdom for the decisions you need to make as an older person.  Also, it encourages the reader to have a teachable spirit as we grow older, so you can offer something to life and society.  To be still, and know that God is God.  This book is a compilation of short stories, with the contributors being a variety of older people.  It gives their take on life and the process of growing older.  Each short story takes about 10 minutes to read.  Not only is there Scripture is in the mix, but also poems and anecdotes along the way, my favorite being...'Even if I don't need an proffered arm, I learned to say, I don't really need it, but I love to have your company.  My philosophy is, 'keep going as much and as long as you can, but don't let it isolate you."
    "I really enjoyed this book, and found that I would read different passages through more than once.  I wanted to soak in the treasures within the pages so that I to could be a comfort to others and keep an open spirit and teachable heart as I approach my older years.  I would recommend this book to a caregiver, men or women, and anyone that has a godly-character and would like to express it in their older age.  I did find the book uplifting, but do think that it only pertains to the group of adults that are 50 years old and older.  I want to close by relating to you that older people in your life are very valuable.  They possess wisdom and knowledge for those younger.  The aged person is not for discard, but a credit to society that should not be overlooked."

(I received this book free from Handlebar Publishing as part of their blogging program. 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 Commissions 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.") 

NEXT UP!  Reviews coming your way this Winter.... 

Blessed Child by Ted Dekker