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
The Overcomer: God’s Answers To Overcoming Life’s Greatest Challenges
The Overcomer by James Collins is a heartfelt, scripture-filled guide on how to rise above life’s toughest challenges through faith. Each chapter tackles a different struggle, from stress and fear to temptation and loss, all with the common thread of biblical wisdom and personal anecdotes from Collins’ own experiences as a chaplain. The central message is simple yet powerful: trust in God, even when life feels overwhelmingly bleak, because His strength will carry you through. If you’re looking for spiritual encouragement and practical biblical applications, this book is like a faith-based toolbox.
James Collins writes in a warm, conversational style that’s easy to connect with. He opens each section with relatable stories, often laced with humor, like the tale of a misinterpreted letter about a campground’s “BC” facilities, which stands out in the chapter on overcoming lies. It’s a memorable way to remind readers not to mistake man-made maxims for God’s truth. What I appreciated most were the personal anecdotes that brought authenticity to his teachings. Collins recounts gut-wrenching experiences, like witnessing the horrors of war or comforting grieving families, to illustrate that God’s strength is essential when we’re at our lowest. This vulnerability makes his advice more impactful because you see a man who has walked through fire and come out faithful, albeit scarred. Collins tends to repeat ideas, especially when emphasizing the importance of humility and reliance on God. While these are crucial themes, the reiteration sometimes slows the book’s momentum. This scripture-heavy approach will be a goldmine for those who seek solid biblical grounding in every piece of advice. Still, I craved a bit more balance between scripture and actionable steps in some chapters.
The Overcomer is a deeply moving and spiritually rich read, perfect for believers needing a boost of hope. It’s geared toward those facing hardship and who seek strength from a faith-based perspective. If you’re struggling with loss, stress, or just the day-to-day grind, this book will remind you that no burden is too heavy when shared with God.
Pages: 116 | ASIN : B0DGDMC6BZ
LITERARY TITAN 