Intriguing Commentary, Alongside Sometimes Humorous Experiences

Reading Devotions from a Friend is similar to sitting down with a trusted friend and discussing various topics with a treasured friend over a cup of coffee or a meal. The author suggests making a routine out of sitting down and ingesting the Word of God, stating, “…remember, while scheduling time with God is a great spiritual discipline, the most important thing is that you spend time with Him.”

I loved reading Devotions with a Friend, by Ken Tatum. The book is a 21-day daily devotional, stemming from Ken’s time hearing from God and his life experiences. I like that Ken shares the thoughts and expressions that God put on his heart in regards to each subject that he shares which includes a scripture verse, a daily devotional, and ends with a Prayer Emphasis. 

This 21-day devotional relates to subjects such as Grace, The Great Choreographer, Good King Bad King, Dry Bones: A Mystical Vision, Who is My Enemy and so much more which makes this an enjoyable book to sit down and read.  

Intriguing commentary, alongside sometimes humorous experiences, from the author that challenge, uplift, teach, exhort, and encourage. All his commentaries come from a life seeking God, and daily striving to hear and follow the commands of Jesus. Very nicely written.  

The Dreaded “C” Word - Healing, Hope, and Health for Others

An amazing read - Jeff Schmiedel writes his love story with Kris, his wife of only 3 short years, and her untimely diagnosis of brain cancer. Jeff starts at the beginning of meeting Kris, their journey to falling in love to their wedding, and their plans for the future of family. 

She was the love of his life he stated. Then one fatal day when she had a seizure at work their lives were turned “upside down.” Lovingly sharing fond memories and the terrifying rollercoaster of events that ensued, until the final day. 

Every day was a step into the unknown and they took it together and also as a family. His book is written to help reveal to readers the availability of other medicines, what helped them, and what they found that did not work. In addition, he advises other healing treatments that are available, including letting the readers know the benefits of natural health. 

From the moment one embarks on this journey, I knew this book would be a difficult one to endure. This is a touchy subject – the dreaded “C” word, on top of that, a brain cancer that came back with a vengeance. What struck me most is his strong faith in a loving God. He states that this faith carried him through, although he doesn’t pretend to know the “why” of it all. Clearly, his faith has increased, not decreased, which is what I really want to point out. 

Compassionately he has compiled this book to bring healing, hope, and health to others. Each chapter shows the arduous journey and the trials that not only affected Kris, but engulfed an entire family. Each person, each opportunity reveals a husband committed to his love and also the never-ending support of family that helped carry the couple through their darkest hours. This book will bring tears, I guarantee. 

This is a tribute to the “Jeff and Kris Story” that readers will find captivating, heartbreaking, and soothing. He shows that one can let go after such a tragedy; however, most certainly his landscape of life is forever changed after Kris. Hearts and hugs go out to him and the entire family! This is one of those books one will always cherish and find memorable.  

This book is highly recommended for those who are searching for hope and health, and also for those who are going through the dreaded diagnosis of cancer. The author again offers other pathways to healing, rather than conventional medicine. 

A highly recommended, heart-touching read.

Persevering with Brain Cancer: 
A Search for Hope and Health
Jeff Schmiedel
A CBM Christian Book Review
10.0 out of 10.0 stars

You may get your copy of Persevering with Brain Cancer at Amazon 
or in Kindle as a download. 

New Release - The Magnificent Jesus: The Christ of Heaven Revealed (Vol.1) by Johan den Hartogh and Ken Gott

 

The Magnificent Jesus: The Christ of Heaven Revealed (Vol.1) by Johan den Hartogh and Ken Gott is the first book in a trilogy that guides readers toward a deeper relationship with Christ.

The Magnificent Jesus - Walking in Intimacy

The Big Picture - Gospel Basics

 

“In order to build a biblical-theological framework for understanding God’s mission, the church’s mission, and the church’s mission to the nations, one must first understand the unified biblical narrative, including its four major plot movements—Creation, Fall, Redemption, and Restoration.”   David Nelson: The Story of Mission: The Grand Biblical Narrative

 

The “big picture” or grand narrative of the Bible is vital in understanding the basics of the Christian faith.  We need to understand why God created man, how man fell from God’s favor, why God initiated his secret plan of redemption to allow man back in His fellowship, and how (and where) God and man will spend eternity together once this restoration is accomplished.

 

CREATION:  God, the Father, created man in order that we may fellowship with Him now and forever.  Here is the WHOLE truth as to why we were created. Man was created to:

  • Worship God for who He is

  • Honor God for what He owns

  • Obey God for what He promises

  • Love God for what He does

  • Enjoy God  for what He provides

 

FALL:   Adam and Eve disobeyed God’s command in the garden “not to eat of the tree of good and knowledge.”  As a result of this first sin by man (also called the fall), Adam and Eve became immediately alienated from a perfect, holy God.  Adam’s dominion over the world was legally handed over to Satan and they (as well as every subsequent generation) were forced to die both physically and spiritually.

REDEMPTION:  Thankfully, the loving Creator who, by His just nature must punish all sin is determined to turn this sin and its consequences into good that will be His ultimate glory, through His secret plan.  In the person of Jesus Christ, God Himself came to renew the world and restore His people through their faith (alone) in Him and His redemptive purpose.

RESTORATION:  Thankfully, the story doesn’t end with redemption.  God has promised to renew the whole world to Himself.  There will be a final judgement for all mankind.  Those who put their faith in Jesus will spend eternity in the glories of heaven with God, the angels, and fellow believers.  All those who reject the free gift of salvation will spend eternity in the torments of hell, without God, forever.


The Big Picture - Gospel Basics

Wars and Rumors of Wars - God's Timeline


  In Genesis God declares that He created the sun and the moon for signs. 
On April 8, 2024, is the Great American Eclipse that crosses over the United States on the first day of the Hebrew month of Nisan (Passover). This was the same first day of the three days of darkness that occurred during the original plagues in Egypt. This solar eclipse is a HEAVENLY sign from the Creator which will be the starting gun for a series of wars over the next several years, including the final war against Amalek which is represented today by Radical Islam - Iran and its Hamas, Hezbollah, Isis, the Islamic Jihad, the Houthis and, some of which, are already attacking US soldiers and facilities in Iraq and Syria almost daily. In this book you'll find every Shemitah Cycle and Jubilee Cycle from the Creation of the World until today. 
You'll see the timing of major biblical and important historical events.

Available In Kindle As A Download

Pre-Deployment Guidebook from a Christian's Perspective
Author: Brad D. Nelson PhD

Whether you and your family are experienced deployers or first-timers, deployments are arguably one of the most challenging and unsettling experiences you’ll ever have. As exemplary of a job the military does to prepare servicemembers and their families for both the knowns and the unknowns, only God, who knows the end from the beginning, and the best and safest route for us to take, can bridge the gap between human limitation and the miraculous, from unbridled anxiety to a peace that surpasses all understanding.

Walk with me through this unrestrained guidebook as I share mine and my family’s journey from fear to faith, from skepticism to divine perspective and awe. Suggestions are provided on how to process the announcement, informing loved ones, understanding the cycle of emotions, getting one’s affairs in order, and a host of other invaluable insights. Bottom line up front: Don’t leave home without Christ!

Brad D. Nelson, Ph.D., is from Hillsboro, OH, and is a 2023 Marquis Who's Who Listee and active-duty Air Force officer assigned to Wright-Patterson AFB, Ohio. Mr. Nelson is active in his church and community, a "Big Brother" for Big Brothers, Big Sisters of America, and an impassioned advocate for improving the plight of Returning Citizens. His favorite Old Testament scripture is, "The fruit of righteousness is a tree of life, and he who wins souls is wise" (Proverbs 11:30). Mr. Nelson and his wife (Amanda) call the Dayton, Ohio, area home.

You may get your copy of Pre-Deployment Guidebook from a Christian's Perspective at Amazon or in Kindle as a download. Be sure to visit the author at God's Guidance on the Battlefield.

Available at Amazon and in Kindle

Order your copy today! Keys to the Troubled Soul: A Self Guide to Daily Struggles by Dr. Oladapo OsuntoKun, a pastor and psychiatrist, has seen many afflicted by mental and emotional struggles. He understands people's troubles and has written a practical self-help guide to help one make sense of life’s maladies, thus offering wisdom, to include practical solutions based on years of experience, coupled with a Christian background. 

This wonderful book uplifts the readers to help them in their time of need. Ultimately, the author leads readers to the “real truth” in life stating, “His name is Jesus.” Within this book, he offers keys to spiritual life in overcoming that include perspective, prayer, and meditation.  

Stating that, “There is no growth without obstacles,” and that “adversities are common,” this self-guide is written with great compassion. Knowing the plethora of human struggles that can take place in one’s life, the author also relates that darkness and hopelessness can plague the mind and soul of an individual, especially wherein one feels isolated with no one to help or talk to. Reading this book is like consulting a caring friend and finding the help one needs in various areas of life, which are all common to mankind.

Giving readers a “how to” achieve “spiritual and mental clarity”, while also addressing practical solutions, and “steps to overcome challenges,” this book is laid out easily, double-spaced with powerful statements. Each sentence has a way of sinking in while reading with this format (instead of paragraphs) that is utilized. The author has created a book with the overall goal of managing daily stress and mental positivity while trusting Jesus and participating in daily Christian disciplines such as prayer; again, his book is extremely practical. Specific issues such as jealousy, betrayal, sorrow, resentment, despair, depression, drug, and alcohol use, stressed, or feeling “stuck”, regret, defeat, and failure produce a true self-help guide. 

Discovering who you are and taming emotions, along with perspective and the inner thought life of a person fosters maturity and transformation. The keys to a positive outlook on life with the aid of functioning as a Christian, seeking Jesus, helps one become “resilient” through life’s trials.

He states, “A real knockdown” can lead to “pin-down” wherein the person is unable to arise; this is where morals, values, and character come into play. One can learn to navigate their response to unannounced calamity. How one responds is key. He continues to give the keys through each chapter that bring maturity and build character. He encourages readers to “Always think positively, the next adversity may contain the path to your success.” Failure, hardship, disappointments, and discouragements are not the end of your story, but can be flipped to a future one may never have imagined. His message is clear: It is not the end when facing adversity.

The “Take Home Summary” at the end of each chapter is especially helpful, as the author encourages readers to keep close to God, keep peace in their heart and mind, as one hears from Jesus and the Word of God for relief, strategies, and solutions.

This book comes as a highly recommended read for those that find living in this world feels more like a battlefield! This author has put a great deal of work into writing a self-help guide that includes many issues that no one on this planet has escaped. Real, practical, uplifting, encouraging, and full of sound wisdom backed by the Biblical wisdom found in Scripture bring much hope to readers. Surely, this book helps one to become a champion in life and leads to a positive mindset that is achievable.

Surely, this book can be of much use to pastors, missionaries, parents, and the next generation as they mature into adults, giving many the tools and keys to unlocking their destinies in life.

You may get your copy of Keys to the Troubled Soul: A Self Guide to Daily Struggles at Amazon or in Kindle as a download.

Title: Keys to the Troubled Soul: A Self Guide to Daily Struggles
By: Dr. Oladapo Richard Osuntokun
A CBM Christian Book Review
10.0 out of 10.0 stars

Truth, Truth, Truth and More Truth

Christian apologist and published author Clinton Bezan proclaims the truth of the Bible as God's word and the gospel of Jesus Christ. His unique appreciation and passion for Christ are evident in his answer to God's call to write.  

Find out more about the author and his books at 
Partnered With Christ and at Clinton Bezan at Amazon.

Christian Author Abraham Joseph Ajenifuja - A Must Read Book


 There is a gap in our gospel that is creating an environment of division along the lines of race, class, ethnicity, culture, language, age, and socio-economic status. But deep down in the core of our being is a VIP Light that wants to shine to bring the broken pieces together. Songs have been composed about it; sonnets and poems have been written about it; philosophers have pondered on it; and prophets have spoken of it. 

The cross section of humanity in all social structures of women, children, and men from all cultures, languages, and color cry for this light to shine. If this light is to break out and pierce the pockets of darkness in all our social structures (family, education, business, media/politics, arts/entertainment, government/military, and religion), God's VIP Christians will have to lead the way. When Jesus asked "Who do people say I am" Peter said "You are Christ the Son of the Living God." If we were to ask our families, friends, neighbors, colleagues, and coworkers, "Who do people say we are," would people know us as God's VIP Christians? 

Check your VIP status and see the gap in your gospel and be the successful Christian God has created from eternity. The VIP Christian is first in the VIP Series consisting of the "The VIP Prayer", "The VIP Family", The VIP Education", The VIP Church" and the "VIP Business"

The VIP Christian 

Finding Victory In Christ

Available at Amazon and in Kindle - Reverend Matthew Hogan writes, How to Be a Christian in Today’s World, is aptly subtitled, Shame or Fear of Failing vs. Living Confidently in God’s Love. 

This sets the stage for his book that blends his own upbringing and life to shed light on ultimately God’s Word, as he and his wife came together in their faith. Growing up in the early 60’s presents an era gone by as he segways into advocating an understanding of God’s love. Admittedly, no one is spared trials and tribulations of life, as he shares intense family hardships and deaths that shaped his young childhood. 

Coming from a place of deep trauma experiencing the loss of his brother and the further dissolution of his parent’s marriage, he writes a book that presents a Biblical way to understand trials, maturing in Christ, and overcoming by the Spirit of God. Full of compassion and true to Scripture, readers will find his book refreshing.

Separated into four categories such chapters as: Baby Steps, I am Loved! Churchese vs. the Word,  and Walk it Out. With a Workbook section with questions in the back (6 sessions), which  can be utilized as an at home personal study guide, or even within a close group setting. He addresses real life issues, feelings, and behaviors bringing a deeper faith, and reliance upon God, His Spirit, knowing we are loved by God, as he delves into the truth of the Word of God.

This is one of those books that doesn’t smooth over subjects, but helps readers understand the immensity of God’s grace and love, offering solutions for the person that has been wounded and that has dealt with trauma. He has known this all too well in his own life, and he presents an easy read that is full of encouragement. 

In his last Chapter (p. 102), He states, “Like love, we can see that the ability to live a Godly life comes from God.” Further stating, “Everything about the Spirit will free us, guide us, and teach us, providing for Godly living.” He gives further instruction to readers that summarizes and shows readers the “how-to” relying on God by and through the leading and guiding of the Holy Spirit. It is his firm belief that we cannot do “Christianity” by ourselves, but we “love” because God has loved us first. 

A Wonderful, well rounded Biblical guide to navigating life in culture that is against “walking in the light.”  Highly recommended for all, new or mature believers,  also to those who want to deepen their faith. Living as a Christian requires growth, maturity, and then full reliance on God. 

Title: How to Be a Christian in Today’s World
By: Reverend Matthew Hogan
A CBM Christian Book Review
10.0 out of 10.0+ stars