Not My Circus: Living with Courage, Conviction, and Compassion in a World of Chaos by Mark Batterson - A Book Review

  

Mark Batterson has obviously given much thought and research into the manner in which Christians can remain spiritually healthy, avoid being transformed by the world, and respond to others in a Christ-like way while interacting on social media and in person within our current social environment. Does he make it sound easy? No, but he does make it sound,with a great deal of intentionality, possible.

Batterson packs a great deal of information into 314 pages, but he does add phrases, mnemonic devices of sorts, to help readers retain the essence of the principles he is teaching. Still, this is a book that readers will likely want to revisit as they encounter situations that leave them pondering the best way to respond. Batterson covers a lot of topics which fall under a large umbrella, and seamlessly moves between those topics. He includes enough humor to sweeten the lessons, making them more palatable, and reduces defensive responses to some of those which may hit very close to home.

I highly recommend this book as a resource for Christians living in today's society. I am grateful to have received a complimentary copy of Not My Circus from Penguin Random House Christian Publishing via NetGalley without obligation. All opinions expressed here are my own.

A Million Little Miracles Study Guide by Mark Batterson - A Book Review

  

For those of you who read my review of A Million Little Miracles, you are aware of my giving it five stars. I found the accompanying Study Guide underwhelming, with the exception of the Study God's Word sections. I did appreciate how they tied important concepts back to Scripture. The questions generally didn't cause me to wrestle with anything, only to briefly give the subject more thought time. Possibly, if used in a small group rather than independently, discussion with others would create the need to go deeper.

While some may find this additional content quite valuable, it certainly isn't essential in order to get great benefit from reading the main text. I purchased four copies of the main text to give as gifts. I did not purchase additional study guides. I am grateful to have received a complimentary copy of A Million Little Miracles Study Guide from Multnomah via NetGalley without obligation. All opinions expressed here are my own. 

A Million Little Miracles by Mark Batterson - A Book Review

    

Before I had even finished the first chapter, I pre-ordered four copies of A Million Little Miracles. I had already been telling my husband we needed to pre-order before I finished the preface. In A Million Little Miracles, Batterson helps readers become more aware of little miracles that we typically take for granted each and every day. He helps us to be more sensitive to how big, close, and good God truly is, and thus how important our attention to our relationship with Him truly is. He helps us to gain, or regain, our since of awe in the God we worship.

A Million Little Miracles is an uplifting book for those who have been a Christian for a long time and may have become desensitized to God's presence in our daily lives due to long-time familiarity . It is also uplifting to those who are new to the faith and are just building that most important relationship. This book will be a great personal purchase, and a great gift purchase for friends and family at all stages of their Christian walk.

I am grateful to have received a complimentary copy from Multnomah via NetGalley without obligation. All opinions expressed here are my own.

Double Blessing: How to Get It, How to Give It by Mark Batterson – A Book Review

   

Mark Batterson shares his personal testimony of receiving the gift of a double blessing in his own life. Using Scripture, he explains the principle of the double blessing, how to receive it, and how to bestow it. God blesses us so that we may use His blessing to bless others. This book is not another health, wealth, and prosperity message. It is not a book about avoiding pain and suffering because Jesus himself said that in the world we will have trouble. It is a book about positioning oneself to receive God's blessings, recognizing His blessings, and passing on those blessings.

Batterson fills his book with a healthy dose of reality, but always paired with hope. I am grateful to have received a copy of Double Blessing from Multnomah via NetGalley in exchange for my honest opinion. I was under no obligation to provide a positive review and received no monetary compensation.