Blog Archives
The Shepherd: Experiencing Psalm 23
The Shepherd is a heartfelt and personal exploration of Psalm 23, written by James Collins, a pastor and veteran with a deep love for scripture. The book walks readers line by line through the famous psalm, connecting each phrase to stories from the Bible, real-life events, and personal anecdotes. It’s not a theological tome but rather a reflection, aiming to make the beauty and depth of Psalm 23 come alive for the everyday believer. With each chapter, Collins unpacks a single verse or idea, emphasizing God’s love, guidance, and care for His people in a way that’s accessible and full of warmth.
Collins writes simply, sometimes with humor, and often with deep emotion. He doesn’t try to impress the reader with scholarship; instead, he reaches for the heart. What stood out most to me was his ability to make ancient words feel fresh. His use of stories like the little boy in the hospital holding his ring finger or the Civil War soldier saved by a song brought me to tears. The message that “the Lord is always with you” is a good one, and it is repeated often.
I also appreciated Collins’s honesty about his own limitations. He says right out that he doesn’t know much about sheep, which makes his exploration of shepherding all the more relatable. That humility gives the book a kind of strength. But I also found myself wishing the book went deeper in parts. There’s a lot of comfort here, but not always a challenge. At times, it leaned into sentiment, which was moving.
By the end, I was glad I read it. This book is full of kindness. It doesn’t shout or try to prove anything. It gently reminds you that you’re not alone. I’d recommend The Shepherd to anyone who is hurting, anyone who’s looking for comfort, or anyone who wants to revisit the Psalms with a fresh set of eyes. It’s a good book to give to a friend going through something hard. It’s also a great companion to quiet mornings with coffee and prayer. It won’t shake up your theology, but it might just soothe your heart.
Pages: 114 | ASIN : B0F6M678SY
Un-Christmas: An Advent Study for Navigating Life’s UNs
The UN-Christmas offers a fresh perspective on Advent, turning the spotlight on life’s unexpected struggles. The “UNs”—like the unideal, unfair, and unexpected situations in life. Each chapter introduces a biblical figure who faced one of these UNs, connecting it with modern struggles. Through daily reflections, personal anecdotes, prayers, and interactive prompts, author Jackie Hardy crafts a unique guide for navigating Advent and beyond, emphasizing faith’s resilience.
Hardy’s storytelling approach is the book’s real charm. She introduces each character with an empathetic and personal tone that pulls readers in. Take Joseph, for instance, grappling with an “unideal” situation upon learning of Mary’s pregnancy. Hardy’s retelling brings Joseph’s emotions into focus, drawing parallels to her own experience during the 2008 housing crisis. This personal connection grounds her reflections, making the book feel as if it’s written for those who find faith challenging amidst adversity.
Day 19 centers on Tamar, whose story Hardy labels as “unstoppable.” Tamar’s resilience in the face of injustice is striking. She refuses to be dismissed or marginalized, fighting for her rightful place in her family line. Hardy brings Tamar’s bravery to life, depicting her as a woman who defies societal norms to secure justice and recognition. In exploring Tamar’s story, Hardy encourages readers to reflect on moments when they, too, might need to push past obstacles or stand firm against mistreatment. It’s an empowering chapter that highlights how faith can fuel determination.
It’s heartfelt and relatable and offers unique insights into well-known biblical stories, making it a great companion for the Advent season. The only minor drawback is that some readers might wish for more depth in biblical context, but overall, this book would be an inspiring read for anyone seeking a new way to experience Advent or needing reminders that they’re not alone in their “UN” moments.
Un-Christmas: An Advent for Navigating Life’s UNs is ideal for anyone who feels overwhelmed by life’s uncertainties and could use a relatable faith-based guide. Hardy’s candid reflections and interactive exercises make it a companion through the tougher seasons of faith.
Pages: 166 | ASIN : B0DJV99X96
Stories from the Psalms, Volume 1: Coffee Shops & Spaceships
Stories from the Psalms, Volume 1: Coffee Shops and Spaceships by Daniel G. Keohane, weaves a tapestry of narrative fiction, drawing inspiration from the Psalms of the Bible. The book encapsulates a series of character-driven stories, each exploring themes of faith and redemption. Characters like Lucas, who grapples with guilt over alcohol consumption and its impact on his family, and Mateo, a young boy whose early interest in the church leads him to the priesthood, are central to the narrative. These diverse stories collectively maintain reader engagement throughout the book.
Keohane’s approach to writing this book is noteworthy. Having read the Psalms repeatedly, he states that the motivation to write came as a divine inspiration. The lack of a predetermined plan lends his writing a spontaneous and authentic tone. This book primarily targets Christian audiences, offering inspiration and encouragement in faith. Keohane skillfully intertwines his personal experiences and reflections, effectively guiding readers through his creative journey. He reinforces the narratives with relevant Biblical verses, enhancing the thematic depth of the stories. While some tales stand out for their clarity and direction, others may seem a bit convoluted, potentially leading to moments of reader disorientation. In particular, the story of Mateo resonates deeply, prompting introspection about life and interpersonal relationships.
The book predominantly explores themes of compassion, honesty, selflessness, faith, and community. These elements are foundational to its appeal as a Christian literary work. Stories from the Psalms, Volume 1: Coffee Shops & Spaceships it serves as a meaningful devotional tool for Christians seeking to deepen their spiritual connection.
Pages: 291 | ASIN : B007CPL8YS
Broken and Redeemed
Broken and Redeemed by John Jarman tells his story of redemption. Jarman wasn’t always a spiritual person and initially wasn’t even convinced that he would want to write a book about his story. But, after seven years of trying and delaying, he finally shared his story about how he was once broken and then found redemption when he was ready for it. The title Broken and Redeemed came to Jarman one day in his prayers. It means to highlight how we all are broken, and then once we are ready to come home, we are redeemed.
I really liked this honest book because of the level of self-awareness and humbleness depicted. The author constantly reminds the reader that he, too, is just another flawed and broken human being and not a pastor. This makes the author more relatable and removes the feeling of alienation that people feel in their darkest times. At the end of each chapter, readers will find a set of “Reflection or Discussion” questions that encourage them to actively engage with the book. The author does not want to just share his story; instead, he wants to help readers take steps to find their own redemption.
The overall format of the book is well written with multiple styles. It is interspersed with various quotes, poems, images and formatted with headings and bullet points. This helps keep the reader’s interest and makes the book easier to grasp while still maintaining the conversational and personal tone of the book.
Broken and Redeemed would be an excellent book for those looking for a simple spiritual read. The Christian perspective will be inspiring to those who identify as part of the Christian faith. It is also a short memoir for those that enjoy reading about others’ personal transformations.
Pages: 187 | ASIN : B09TS8MM3T
LITERARY TITAN 