Looking for your next Bible study?

In her newest release, The Jesus Who Surprises, Dee Brestin provides a marvelous resource for group or individual Bible study. This 13 week study looks at Jesus through Old Testament passages specifically from the Books of Moses, the Psalms, and the Prophets. By having the focus squarely on Jesus but the passages and teaching coming from the Old Testament, those who use this study will find that they pick up on truths that they may have previously overlooked. Although Brestin focuses the studies on Old Testament passages, she does not limit the studies but draws from passages throughout the Bible.

Each study is set up to be used over 5 days. Day 1 is to read the Brestin's essay which sets up the study. These essays are delightful to read as Brestin shares stories from her experiences and of those she knows. Days 2-5 each have a passages to read and questions to answer along with prayer prompts. Each day's study could be completed in about 15 minutes. Each week's study also has an accompanying video which may be freely accessed via her website (deebrestin.com) or purchased on DVD. The study is designed to be completed in a group setting where it can be discussed but could also be used by individuals. I am very excited about the free videos as it allows the study to be accessible to more people.

If you haven't picked out your curriculum for your fall study or if you are looking ahead to spring, The Jesus Who Surprises would be an excellent choice for your women's study or a small group. While Brestin writes for a largely female audience, the study could also be beneficial for a mixed group as well. This study is excellent for both new believers who may not be as familiar with the Old Testament and for individuals who have been part of the church for a while.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received The Jesus Who Surprises via NetGalley. 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 Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.

The Best and the Worst of the Church

Home for Erring and Outcast Girls by Julie Kibler is simultaneously a look at the best and the worst of the church particularly in regards to sexual violence against women. The description drew me in immediately--a timeslip novel about an historical church-based home for girls who had no where else to go AND a modern day, university librarian who was doing research related to this same home. However, by the end of the book, I was angry at the injustices experienced by both the historical and modern day characters.

As I started to read the book, early on I found myself checking the publisher information as I didn't think this was from a Christian/religious publishing house, yet the setting of a Christian home for wayward girls allowed for numerous scripture passages and Christian teaching. I really enjoyed the emphasis on grace the girls and women who lived at the Berachah Home were given. However, early on I picked up that something would happen the cast an unfavorable view of the church as well. As I suspected, towards the end of the book there are spurious actions by those in powerful positions as well as huge twist in the identity of one of the characters. Throughout the book, as each character's story unfolds men who should protect and care for them instead abuse and use them in unspeakable ways. To say anymore would spoil the storyline. Home for Erring and Outcast Girls is recommended for mature readers. Book clubs will find much to think about and discuss in these pages. Hopefully, readers will return to their churches and communities and ask what would happen here if similar events unfolded. If you are looking for a sweet enjoyable read, this not the book for you.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received Home for Erring and Outcast Girls via NetGalley. 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 Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.

Healing and Forgiveness

Do you struggle to forgive someone in your life? Is there someone who has so grievously offended or hurt you that you struggle with forgiving that person even though you know Chris commands us to forgive everyone just as He forgive us? Or perhaps you wonder how someone else is able to forgive a horrific action. If this describes you, From Red Earth: A Rwandan Story of Healing and Forgiveness by Denise Uwimana belongs on your reading list.

Many of us are heard on the news and have some familiarity with the horrific genocide in Rwanda between the Tutsi and Hutu. Denise Uwimana is a survivor of this evil. From Red Earth is her story. Uwimana shares background information of how the division between Tutsi and Hutu began as well as her life growing up in Africa. Her early years were filled with work and school and then later marriage. Throughout this time, faith in Christ was a cornerstone of her life. However, her world as she knew it came to a screeching halt on April 7, 1994. From Red Earth tells the story of her survival during the genocide and the story of many others. As this genocide was so horrific, reading these accounts will leave you in shock and are not for the squeamish.

After the genocide, Uwimana and her three sons, including a newborn, must continue living even in the midst of tragedy. As you may suspect life is hard but she clings to her faith. Uwimana seeks refuge and direction time and time again in prayer and finds strength to forgive those who committed these atrocities. As she makes her way through difficult circumstances, She is often seen as a "light" by others whom she encourages. From Red Earth tells the story of her journey to forgive and how she encourages many others to forgive and to heal their country. From Red Earth is highly recommended both as a first hand account of this tragedy and a testament to the healing power of Christ.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received From Red Earth from Plough via NetGalley. 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 Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.

Core52

Core52 is a new book and online resource available from pastor and teacher Mark Moore. This book is "a Fifteen-Minutes Daily Guide to Build Your Bible IQ in a Year." Each of the 52 chapters focuses on a key verse and doctrine from the Bible. Each chapter focuses on an essay that provides an introduction to the verse or concept. After each essay, a This Week checklist appears which provides the daily assignments for the week. Day 1 is to read the essay. Day 2 is to memorize the verse of the week. Day 3 indicates several Bible chapters to read. Day 4 suggests several passages for meditation and day 5 provides an activity to complete. Moore also provides several additional options including the Overachiever Challenge which suggests another memory verse and a suggested book to read to learn more about the topic.

As Dr. Mark Moore currently serves as teaching pastor at Christ's Church of the Valley in Peoria, Arizona and previously taught at Ozark Christian College each essay is very thorough but is designed for individuals who do not have a Bible background. As Core52 is not a "through the Bible" reading plan, Moore is able to draw from the entirety of scripture to explore each topic. As such, although readers will not have read the entire Bible when they finish Core52, they will have a very thorough understanding of the entire Bible and it's content. Individuals who truly utilize the activities for all 5 days of each week will go beyond mere reading of scripture to truly knowing and applying it.

The combination of a book and online resources including an app provides an excellent resources that can be utilized in numerous ways. Individuals are certainly encouraged to read the book for their own spiritual growth. While reading the book, I frequently found myself thinking a discussion guide would be quite handy. I was delighted to find that a discussion guide is available on the accompanying website which makes Core52 an excellent resource for a small group or Sunday School class to study. The online app also includes a video essays for each week and other resources. Ministers will find a wealth of material to use for preaching as well. The combined use of Core52 for preaching and small groups would provide a dynamic opportunity for spiritual growth in a congregation. I highly recommend that ministers or small group leaders who are seeking material for groups that begin in the fall or January consider this resource.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received Core52 via NetGalley. 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 Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.

The Lost Girls of Boko Haram

Think back several years ago and you will recall hearing and seeing in the news the horrific story of the Nigerian school girls who were kidnapped by Boko Haram. For a time the hashtag #Bringbackourgirls circulated on social media. As news stories do, this event eventually was replaced by other stories. The recently published book Beneath the Tamarind Tree: A Story of Courage, Family, and the Lost School Girls of Boko Haram by Isha Sesay returns to this heart-wrenching story.

Isha Sesay is uniquely situated to tell this story for several reasons. To begin, while employed with CNN she reported this story from the ground and interacted with both the girls and their families. As such she had formed relationships with them and was able to tell their stories. Beyond her access via CNN, as a native of Sierra Leone, Sesay also approaches these events from the perspective of an African woman. As she indicates frequently throughout the book, this could have been her story if it not for her privileged upbringing.

Sesay alternates between telling the story of the kidnapped girls, her own story, and providing background information related to the politics and military of Nigeria as needed. The stories of specific girls, their dreams, and families allows you to get to know them personally. As you read, your heart breaks for what they experienced. However, your faith is encouraged as Sesay emphasizes the strong Christian faith of these girls and how it sustained them throughout their imprisonment. Alas, many of the girls are still being held.

Beneath the Tamarind Tree is highly recommended for many audiences. Individuals who enjoy reading about current events and other cultures will enjoy this. Mature high school students will benefit from reading this book.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received Beneath the Tamarind Tree via NetGalley. 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 Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.