Kingdom Man: Every Man's Destiny, Every Woman's Dream by Tony Evans

Kingdom Man: Every Man's Destiny, Every Woman's Dream by Tony Evans

When a man follows the principles of biblical manhood, those around him benefit from his leadership and care. Kingdom Man challenges and equips men to fully understand their position under God as well as their position over what God has given them. The biblical definition of a man is one who has learned to operate under the authority of Jesus Christ while carrying out responsible and legitimate leadership within the sphere of influence that God has placed him. Kingdom Man provides concepts men can follow that will help them to actively pursue ways to maximize and develop the character qualities of biblical manhood in their lives.

 

› Visit Amazon's Tony Evans Page

Biography

Dr. Tony Evans is one of the country's most respected leaders in evangelical circles. As a pastor, teacher, author and speaker, he serves the body of Christ through his unique ability to communicate complex theological truths through simple, yet profound, illustrations. While addressing the practical issues of today, Dr. Evans is known as a relevant expositor. New and veteran pastors alike regard him as a pastor of pastors and a father in the faith.

The first African-American to graduate with a doctoral degree from Dallas Theological Seminary (DTS), he served as an associate professor in DTS' Pastoral Ministries Department in the areas of evangelism, homiletics and black church studies. He continues to serve DTS on the Board of Incorporate Members. Dr. Evans holds the rare honor of serving as chaplain for the NBA's Dallas Mavericks over the last three decades, the longest standing NBA chaplaincy on record. He also serves as chaplain of the Dallas Cowboys.

Through his local church and national ministry Dr. Evans promotes a Kingdom agenda philosophy that teaches God's comprehensive rule over every sphere of life as demonstrated through the individual, family, church and society.

This philosophy connects biblical spirituality with social responsibility. Dr. Evans teaches that the church, not the government, is the best social service delivery system since it is closer to the needs of the people, offers the largest potential volunteer force, has facilities for outreach programs, and provides a moral and spiritual frame of reference for making right choices.

At the heart of this vision is the use of church and school partnerships to effect spiritual and social change in communities. Dr. Evans' church and school outreach philosophy has been attributed as a catalyst for former President George W. Bush's Faith Based Initiative, which was his first formal act of office. Dr. Evans seeks to train churches, schools and volunteers in this philosophy, as well as in the functional practicalities, through the National Church Adopt-A-School Initiative which is a ministry underneath the umbrella of The Urban Alternative.

Dr. Evans has served as the senior pastor of Oak Cliff Bible Fellowship for over 35 years, witnessing its growth from ten people in 1976 to now over 9,000 congregants with 100 plus ministries.

Dr. Evans also serves as president of The Urban Alternative, a national ministry that seeks to bring about spiritual renewal in America through the church. His daily radio broadcast, The Alternative with Dr. Tony Evans, can be heard on more than 500 radio stations throughout the United States and in more than 40 countries.

Dr. Evans has written numerous books and booklets including his legacy work, Oneness Embraced, as well as his vision work, The Kingdom Agenda. Some of his most recent books include Kingdom Man, How Should Christians Vote, Marriage Matters, Between a Rock and a Hard Place and Victory in Spiritual Warfare.

Dr. Tony Evans is married to Lois, his wife and ministry partner of 41 years. They are the proud parents of four children, all who serve in ministry: Chrystal Hurst, Priscilla Shirer, Anthony, and Jonathan as well as the proud grandparents of ten: Kariss, Jessica, Jackson, Jesse, III, Jerry, Jr., Kanaan, Jude, Joel, Kelsey, Jonathan II.

Dr. Evans has received many honors, including the Father of the Year award voted by the Dallas Father of the Year Committee and the Marian Pfister Anshutz Award for "dedication to protecting, encouraging, and strengthening the American family" from the Family Research Center. 

Review:

Great book for men to read -- almost a handbook for how a man can fulfill his destiny AND be the husband a wife needs and desires. Pick this up for the man in your life!

I received a review copy of this book from Tyndale in exchange for an honest review.

So Shines the Night by Tracy L. Higley

As I have stated previously, I am part of a Caravan to promote Tracy L. Higley's new book So Shines the Night. I've posted a couple of other blogs about the book and I wanted to go a little deeper about the book and the author.

I was introduced to Tracy (forgive the formality) when she was giving away 5,000 of her books. (For more information, read about it -- http://tracyhigley.com/the-great-book-giveaway/) I love free books - after all, isn't that why I started blogging and reviewing books was to receive them for free?? (Yes!)

Author Q and A:

What inspired the theme of So Shines the Night?

The idea of community is dear to my heart, and the struggle we all have to not live in isolation. I wanted to take a look at two people struggling to do the right thing, but going about it the wrong way because they were isolated both from other people and from God, and to see what would happen when they brushed up against a community like the first century church.

What's one thing you learned about Ephesus and its importance to Christians that you found surprising/interesting/challenging?

I had never realized or noticed until studying this time in Paul’s life, how much time he spent there (nearly three years). I always pictured him hopping around from place to place fairly quickly. I was challenged by the time that he invested in people’s lives, the relationships and bonds he formed. Later, when the Ephesian elders said goodbye to him, the book of Acts tells us that they were literally weeping. It’s easy for me to minister to people “from afar” but I was really challenged by Paul’s relational approach to sharing Christ.

How do you do your research?

It’s a multi-tiered approach, with very basic research at first (sometimes even juvenile non-fiction), to get a high-level view, then going deeper into the specific days/years I’ll be writing about, and then getting a broad view of the daily life and culture through dusty textbooks. All of this goes into my “notebook” and inspires specific plots and scenes. As I am actually writing the first draft, I often leave placeholders where more specific research is needed, like an XX where a number or detail should go. At the end, I go back and find all those placeholders and research the details, often online where it’s much easier to search for very specific information.

What is the condition of the Ephesian church today?

Ephesus was eventually abandoned as a city because the harbor became clogged with silt, so there is no real city or church there today. The nearest city is Selçuk, which is a predominantly Muslim population. I did a quick Google search in answering your question, and came up with this page, which is really cool: http://www.worshipinephesus.com/

My Review
I have read a couple of her books, Marduk's Tablet and So Shines the Night. I have started Isle of Shadows, but I haven't gotten too far into it (b/c of lack of time). Over the years, I have discovered that I enjoy reading historical fiction. I really enjoy a story that can teach me about another time period and is interwoven with people and stories from the bible. It's a win/win for me! So Shines the Night is set during Paul's time in Ephesus and explores all the activities happening during that time frame. I have enjoyed reading about other events going on during that time and getting a fuller picture of all that people were exposed to during this time. Our current day struggles aren't so different from their struggles. I highly recommend this book if you enjoy suspense, historical fiction and drama. You will not be disappointed.

Don't forget!

Contest Entry

To enter to win the $50 Gift Card, send them to this page:

Get more books!  Enter to win a $50 Gift Card to Amazon or Barnes and Noble

I was given a complimentary copy of So Shines the Night in exchange for being part of the Caravan and for promoting So Shines the Night. My review is my opinion.

So Shines the Night - Blog Tour and Giveaway

I am very excited to be part of the Tracy L. Higley's Caravan. Caravan members are sharing the news about Tracy L. Higley's newest book So Shines the Night.


What's it about?
Daria’s new home with Lucas in Ephesus both beguiles and confounds her, until she meets followers of The Way.
Her past has taught her that evil is real, that it can consume a person. She saw it happen with her husband, before he took his own life. Widowed but well-educated, Daria becomes a tutor to Lucas, a rich traveling merchant from Ephesus. There she discovers evil has a strong foothold and that Lucas himself seems drawn to evil and sorcery.

As her relationship with her employer grows, she fears that she will be unable to pull him from demonic influence. Tension in the city is about to erupt, as a new sect called The Way continues to draw followers.  The man Paul leads a movement against the economic and political strength of the city, found in its goddess cult.

When she learns more of the ways of the Christians and their ability to defeat evil, she begins to have hope, but when Lucas is arrested and jailed for a brutal crime, it seems not even the Christians can help.

Tensions escalate in the city until thousands are pouring into the arena to protest the influence of the Christians, and a plot to kill Paul is underway. When Lucas’s execution is scheduled, Daria must find a way to prove his innocence, save his life, and help her new friends before everyone she loves is destroyed.
 

Bio:
Tracy L. Higley started her first novel at the age of eight and has been hooked on writing ever since. She has authored nine novels, including Garden of Madness and Isle of Shadows. Tracy is currently pursuing a graduate degree in Ancient History and has traveled through Greece, Turkey, Egypt, Israel, Jordan and Italy, researching her novels and falling into adventures. See her travel journals and more at TracyHigley.com

Contest Entry

To enter to win the $50 Gift Card, send them to this page:
Get more books!  Enter to win a $50 Gift Card to Amazon or Barnes and Noble

Coming Soon - So Shines the Night by Tracy L. Higley

I'm excited to share that Tracy L. Higley is coming out with a new book! Check out her site for more information.

Be on the look-out for more info about this blog tour and book!

Crowned by The King

Crowned by The King 

The necklace is a vehicle that carries a powerful message for women. When women wear the “Crowned by the King” necklace it reminds them of their beauty, their value, and their purpose in Christ.  You carry this message by wearing and sharing the “Crowned By The King necklace.” This ministry is easy, and so much fun, seeing the power of God work through women, by simply wearing a “Crowned By The King” necklace. This program is a great ministry opportunity for women who want to change a person’s life forever simply by sharing the love of God.

This exciting ministry began with Judi James, a devoted wife and mother, who humbly stepped out in faith to start this necklace ministry.

Right now, Judi is a stay-at-home mom and part-time Speech-Language Pathologist.  Through her work, she has the opportunity to share the love of Christ with students, teachers, and administrators all over Central Arkansas.  She is an active leader with the couple’s and women’s ministries of New Life Church in Conway, Arkansas.
Her desire is to see women impacted through this ministry and the message of love and hope that Christ provides spread throughout the world.  Her passion is to see women fall more in love with Christ and share His power and love with others. She has developed this fun and exciting women’s ministry around this passion and the “Crowned By The King” necklace.

My thoughts:
I LOVE LOVE LOVE this concept. I cannot tell you how many times I have been wearing a necklace that someone compliments and the small tiny voice tells me - Give it to her in My Name! I sometimes protest a little but then give her the necklace and tell her it's a love gift from Her Father.

I love that this necklace is designed for me to be reminded of my worth but also to give it to someone else so she can know her worth! If you visit the Crowned by the King site, you can order necklaces in groups so you can give out many, or just order a small amount and give out a few. The site is easy to navigate and informative.

Disclosure: As a member of The CWA Review Crew, I received a free copy of this product to review. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC Regulations. 

Everyday Matters Bible for Women

Today’s Christian Woman is so busy handling the challenges of day-to-day life that spending time in the Word can easily become yet another ‘should’ buried in that growing list of daily ‘musts.’ Created in partnership with Kyria.com,Christianity Today’s women’s magazine, the Everyday Matters Bible for Women is designed to help women develop spiritual practices that will make their lives richer, not harder. It offers practical encouragement and tools to renew, reinvigorate and restore meaning to everyday life.
This Bible features twenty-four disciplines—or practices—that position us to receive power and strength to do those things that we cannot possibly do on our own and make everyday life fuller and deeper. Each discipline is represented by a colorful icon whose illustration is a reminder of its meaning.
The contemporary language of the New Living Translation combines with content from today’s foremost Christian leaders to help readers understand and apply spiritual discipline.


Every discipline is explored in four ways 
• Everyday Matters. Two-page articles introduce major themes and focus on an essential part of understanding and practicing a discipline.
• Everyday Profiles. Profiles of twenty-five Biblical women highlight a particular discipline.
• Everyday Q & A’s. Short articles delve into a difficult aspect of the spiritual practice and offer practical help on incorporating the discipline into your daily life.
• Everyday Reflections. Selections illustrate ways to personalize and apply God’s Word to your own situation.
More than 300 articles and features by more than 140 of today’s most well-known Christian leaders and writers, including: Kay Warren, Priscilla Shirer, Elisa Morgan, Nancy & John Ortberg, Richard Foster, Liz Curtis Higgs, and Lauren Winner.
Special Features include . . . 
• 4-color throughout
• Color-coded icons identify each Spiritual Discipline addressed in contributors’ material
• How to Use This Bible in a Small Group Study
• Index of Spiritual Practices
• Resources for further reading
Everyday Matters on Publisher’s website: http://www.hendrickson.com
Everyday Matters on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/EverydayMattersBible
Everyday Matters on TWITTER: https://twitter.com/bibleforwomen

My review:
I love this Bible! I love the features that it includes - but most of all I have enjoyed the Everyday Reflections and the articles by some of my favorite authors. I am enjoying the New Living Translation - I typically only use NIV - so a switch is always good.

If you are looking for a gift for a Mom, teacher, friend, then I recommend picking this bible up for her. Click here to purchase this on Amazon. (As of this writing, it is 47% off - for a price of $23.79!)

Disclosure: As a member of The CWA Review Crew, I received a free copy of this book to review. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC Regulations. 

The Moses Quilt by Kathi Macias

The Quilt Series sounds interesting, but what makes it unique or sets it apart from the many other quilt books that are so popular right now?
First, I must confess to NOT being a quilter. I’ve never even considered taking it up! Second, I love quilts and have always been fascinated by the stories behind them. I combined that fascination with my passion for writing issues-related fiction, and I ended up with a three-book series that is, for the most part, contemporary but told against historical backdrops.

Sounds interesting! Can you tell us a bit about each of the three books in the series?
Sure! Book one, The Moses Quilt, involves an interracial romance, where the couple works through their concerns and apprehensions as they learn the story of Harriet Tubman’s faith and courage as told through the patches of the Moses quilt that represents her life. Book two, The Doctor’s Christmas Quilt, deals with the topic of abortion told against the backdrop of the life of America’s first woman doctor, Elizabeth Blackwell, who was strongly pro-life. Book three, The Singing Quilt, deals with a young woman overcoming a physical disability; the background for that story is based on the “Queen of Gospel,” Fannie Crosby.

Was it difficult to do the research on these women, particularly Harriet Tubman? What did you learn about her in the process?
I knew more about Harriet Tubman than I did about Elizabeth Blackwell or Fannie Crosby, but I expanded my knowledge of each as I did the research. Harriet Tubman’s amazing faith and courage is what stood out most to me about her life. Here was a woman born a slave, penniless for the majority of her life, and illiterate except for the scripture verses she had memorized (even if she couldn’t read them). Her prayer life was powerful, even as a child. After she escaped to the North and began making forays back into the South to help bring others out of slavery, friends would caution her against it. “Harriet, there’s a reward on your head—dead or alive. Aren’t you afraid?” She brushed off their fear and explained that she believed God had called her to help rescue her people; therefore, He would protect her. When her job was done, He would take her home to heaven, so what was there to fear? Wow, what a dynamic woman of God! I also learned that her achievements went far beyond rescuing slaves,though that’s what she’s best known for. She also served as a spy for the Union Army, worked as a nurse, and opened a home for indigent elderly former slaves. She died there herself in her mid-nineties, and the entire town flew their flags at half-mast in her honor.

Tell us a little more about the contemporary story in The Moses Quilt. 
The majority of the contemporary story is set just outside San Francisco. Mazie is white and deeply in love with Edward, an African-American lawyer who adores her and wants to marry her but tries to be respectful of her hesitation to make a commitment. What he doesn’t know is that Mazie is disturbed by what she considers secrets in her family’s past, secrets that begin to be unraveled as her great-grandmother, Mimi, tells her and Edward the story behind her Moses quilt, which she bought years earlier in Gee’s Bend, Alabama, a little town famous for its quilts. Edward thought he knew everything there was to know about Harriet Tubman, who had always been somewhat of a hero to him, but Mimi’s story opens up new avenues of discovery for both the young people in this relationship—and takes them straight back to the quilt’s origin in Gee’s Bend.

This sounds like more than just a “feel-good” story. Can it be used as a study book in some way? Absolutely! As with nearly all my books we have free downloadable discussion questions at www.newhopedigital.com that will enable The Moses Quilt to be read as a study book for individuals or used as a discussion/study book for groups.

___


About the Author: Kathi Macias
Kathi Macias is a multi-award winning writer who has authored nearly 40 books and ghostwritten several others. A former newspaper columnist and string reporter, Kathi has taught creative and business writing in various venues and has been a guest on many radio and television programs. Kathi is a popular speaker at churches, women’s clubs and retreats, and writers’ conferences. She won the prestigious 2008 member of the year award from AWSA (Advanced Writers and Speakers Association) at the annual Golden Scrolls award banquet. Kathi “Easy Writer” Macias lives in Homeland, CA, with her husband, Al.











For more opportunities for free copies of THE MOSES QUILT by Kathi Macias, please follow this book tour on Facebook at: http://www.facebook.com/CSSVBT.KathiMacias. This blog host was given a complimentary copy of this book from the author in exchange for posting the author’s interview and/or book review on this blog. CSS Virtual Book Tours are managed by Christian Speakers Services (http://ChristianSpeakersServices.com).

Constantly Craving by Marilyn Meberg

Constantly Craving

By Marilyn Meberg
Published by Thomas Nelson

Book Description

Our cravings are written into our DNA. They’re influenced by our childhood experiences. They’re driving the choices we make as adults. And often, they’re keeping us hungry. Never satisfied. Ever searching.

What do they mean? What are we to do with them? Should we feel guilty? Are there solutions?
Counselor and author Marilyn Meberg knows all about cravings. She also knows the One who knit us together, desires and all. With wit and compassion, Marilyn helps us understand our appetites, offers advice for managing them here on earth, and encourages us to eagerly await the day when we will find total satisfaction in heaven.

In the meantime, Constantly Craving is an excellent reminder that our desires for more can lead us to the One we really need, the only One who will quench our thirst forever. Really? Really!


I picked this book to review because I have heard Marilyn Meberg speak at a Women of Faith conference and I have enjoyed reading other material written by her. She is funny, yet insightful. I am always craving more - more of what? Time? Food? Alone time? Together time?  I'm constantly craving more of Jesus - not the empty fillers that I think I need. Let Marilyn Meberg talk to you about cravings, people in the bible who had cravings and how those cravings were filled. 

I think my decision to review the book was a good one :).Click on the name of the book to be taken to amazon.com to purchase the book or click on Marilyn's name to go to her blog. You'll be glad you did.


[I downloaded this e-book free from BookSneeze in exchange for an honest review.]

I am Second - Forgiven

Earlier, I posted about the new book from I am Second - you can read about the I am Second movement and book here.

One of my favorite stories in the New Testament is the story of a woman walks in and pours a year’s wages worth of perfume on Jesus’ feet. A woman known in her community not for her generosity or goodness but for being a “sinner”—the kind of woman found on late-night street corners. Her scented offering became the expression of her faith, of her desire and gratitude for the forgiveness that Jesus brought. She used her tears and her hair to wipe His feet clean. She gave much because she was forgiven much. Luke 7:36-50


I can relate to people who are broken and who have done things in their lives to cover up or mask hurt and pain by doing something that momentarily feels good -- only later to regret those decisions or actions -- to be ashamed of things I have done to feel like if people knew who I really was or what I had been, they would not want to associate with me. To look at myself and just think "Why? Why are you trying to destroy yourself?"

And then, in the midst of all of that - I find that I am loved and I am forgiven. That because of Jesus and his sacrifice, my sins, my dirtiness, my poor decisions and actions, my past, present and future sins are wiped away. That not only are they wiped away but my life is a testimony to what God can do in a life given to Him. Oh, I get weepy just thinking about how much He has done for me. Jesus, I am Second.

Jesus knew the greater the sinner, the greater the appreciation for the beauty of forgiveness. No matter our sin, no matter our history, our mistakes or our struggles, Jesus offers forgiveness.  No life is too tattered, no soul too battered, no heart is too dirtied to be saved by the forgiveness of Jesus.


Your sins are forgiven. . . . Your faith has saved you; go in peace.
—Luke 7:48, 50

I Am Second

I am Second is a movement meant to inspire people of all kinds to live for God and for others. Actors. Athletes. Musicians. Business leaders. Drug addicts. Your next-door neighbor. People like you. The authentic stories on iamsecond.com provide insight into dealing with typical struggles of everyday living. These are stories that give hope to the lonely and the hurting, help from destructive lifestyles, and inspiration to the unfulfilled. You’ll discover people who’ve tried to go it alone and have failed. Find the hope, peace, and fulfillment they found. Be Second.

For years, I have been moved by the videos and stories that are posted. It has allowed me to look in someone's life and be a part of his/her testimony. And, it makes me think of my own testimony and ask if I am Second or am I First? Other times, I think, "I just can't do ____________ (whatever it is at the moment)" and the still small voice tells me "But God can" and I find others who have been on my journey.

I was very excited when I found out there is a daily devotional,
LiveSecond: 365 Ways to Make Jesus First being released on 12/9/12.

I have been fortunate to be part of a the launch team and I have been reading through the book. At the first of the year, I always start looking for a devotional for the year - this one is a keeper. Each day hits a certain area to focus on - you will read scripture, possibly watch a video and read how scripture relates to your focus area.  You will be asked questions to prompt you to reflect on how to be second.

You can pick up the book at any retailer and at amazon.com, barnesandnoble.com, christianbook.com, etc.

Thank you, I Am Second, for the opportunity to be part of the launch team and for providing much appreciated support and information. And, of course, for giving me a free book to review.