Explore the Bible: personal study guide: 1,2 Kings, summer 2022 by G.B. Howell

 

 

5 out of 5 stars  *****

This study guide covers the end of King David's reign to the diaspora of Israel and the fall of Judah. The Israelites go into captivity because of their connection to the world of gods and not the One and only true God. The teachings of the devout are not received well by the generations who show an undisciplined behavior and a growing trend away from the teachings of scripture. The accounts reveal that there is a price to pay for sin and it must be paid. The purpose of Jesus Christ coming into the world is to pay that price that mankind cannot achieve by himself. The only requirement is faith in Christ and belief that scripture is God, as well.

The Federalists Papers (Amazon Classics Edition) by Alexander Hamilton, James Madison, John Jay, James Anderson Foster (Narrator)

 4 out of 5 stars  ****

A most important work on the birth of our government. The language is such that it is difficult to focus on the content of this audiobook when I listen with headphones and go about my daily tasks. This comprehensive explanation about procedures and process besides structure bases the world's best attempts to achieve a fair and just government for and by the people and not a tyrannical blueprint copied from history's strong nations that control its people for the sake of the government. America benefits greatly from these early, foundational concepts that are preserved in The Federalists Papers. It is a reference source that enlightens readers to why and how the United States government is so successful. Attacking these principles weakens the exceptionalism of America.

In Touch: Daily Readings for Devotional Living, June 2022 by Dr. Charles Stanley

Another eventful month tempered by the inspired words of Dr. Charles Stanley. June's devotional reading is grace from God which blesses readers with fruits of His Holy Spirit. It just takes a reminder to trigger a chain reaction of processes that soothe the soul and alleviate physical pain from tense muscles and poor posture. This participant welcomes the opportunity to surrender to the Lord, commune with Him directly, and bolster saving faith.

Everybody, Always: Becoming Love in a World Full of Setbacks and Difficult People by Bob Goff

This is a wonderful book of witness and testimony. These are stories Bob Goff brings to the public about maturing in Christianity. Bob's real struggle with intentional behavior that attempts to walk with Christ, in love, proves his humanity but grows his spirit in moments of perseverance, longsuffering, and communication with God. The stories uplift because the Holy Spirit reveals itself and lessons nurture the soul to witness God's word proven true to those whose eyes are open.

Follow the Wind: Our Lord, the Holy Spirit by Steve Brown

5 out of 5 stars  *****

Pastor Steve Brown writes an honest account of his experience with the Holy Spirit, not just what he has learned about Him. He admits his own interpretations may be wrong or may be right; the important fact is that he believes in the Holy Spirit as part of the Triune God with the Father and the Son, Jesus Christ. He also admits in this book that he is an effective sharer of God's word and he attributes that to his relationship with the Holy Spirit, the Wind. That relationship is not predicated on fear and submission but rather a friendship and love. This point Pastor Brown stresses for Christians to see how much the Holy Spirit is involved in their lives. To support this thought, Brown presents the fruits of the Holy Spirit in an in-depth look at its application in his life.

Without judging how anyone else interprets their faith, Brown realizes people perceive differently and worship differently. The difference does not make anyone wrong or right, just different. Once one drops their own perceptions and surrenders to the Holy Spirit; then he experiences God's will instead of trying to identify, categorize, dissect, and create it.
 

Explore the Bible: 1,2 Thessalonians: Spring 2022 by Tod Tanner

5 out of 5 stars  *****

This Bible Study Guide covers the letters written by the Apostle Paul to the Thessalonians. Paul escapes Thessalonica after starting a church there. Members of this church are under persecution. Timothy, a companion of Paul's, stays in Thessalonica until he meets up with Paul in Athens. Timothy reports that the church is still active but some church members are struggling to remain faithful to the teachings Paul shares with them earlier. So, Paul writes two letters on two separate occasions that Timothy brings to the Thessalonian church. These letters rebuke those who are not living a disciplined life based on faith in Jesus Christ who dies for mankind's sins and promises everlasting life in heaven.

 

The Last Emperor of Mexico: The Dramatic Story of the Habsburg Archduke Who Created a Kingdom in the New World by Edward Shawcross

 5 out of 5 stars  *****

A chapter in history of which I know very little, this book beautifully tells the story of Mexico's political growing pains. The discovery of the New World becomes fertile soil for European powers, opportunists, and anyone who could conquer indigenous people to blend cultures, if not, assert existing foreign culture in the challenging territories of the Americas. This account does not cover Mexico's initial conquest but the battles among the conquerors, themselves, to establish a Monarchy in this part of the world.

The influence of Spain is great but the French appetite for riches and dominance begin the story of The Last Emperor of Mexico: The Dramatic Story of the Habsburg Archduke Who Created a Kingdom in the New World. The tradition of European Monarchy is the excuse Napoleon, of France, uses to employ a prince of Austria as Emperor of Mexico. This insertion accompanies the French Foreign Legion, French and Prussian advisors in military and foreign relations besides carving out a palatial existence in the rugged terrain of Mexico.

The interesting facets of resistance to Monarchy and the threat of Republicanism cause events to remain in a state of flux for the upper class dignitaries who look to share the stage of prominence in the world of aristocracy. The story reveals mankind's ambition with greed, pride, and power producing an unfavorable outcome and hardships along the way.