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In Touch
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5 out of 5 stars *****
Dr Charles Stanley has a gift explaining scripture and its application in the real world. In Touch Daily Readings for devoted Living is an uplifting, sober connection to our Creator on a daily basis. What better way to start the day than with Good News that nourishes the soul.
5 out of 5 stars *****
This is an excellent book, guide, program about the differences between five popular worldviews, what makes each different from the other, and, unlike many of the apologetic literature, intentionally directs the participant in this body of work toward Christianity. In fact, Jeff Myers calls all other worldviews toxic, as a virulent disease.
Christianity teaches that there is only one way to Heaven and that is through faith in Jesus Christ, who states, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me." - John 14:6 (NIV) A Christlike walk in life is a righteous one, one that demands obedience to God's will. This worldview also teaches that God can be wrathful, when necessary, but wants to shower mankind with His benevolence, "That in the ages to come he might shew the exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness toward us through Jesus Christ." - Ephesians 2:7 (KJV) All other worldviews either deny God's existence or deny His loving interventions with mankind.
The author describes misleading worldviews as an Idea Virus, each idea full of despair because they separate mankind from the One, true God, Creator of Heaven and Earth. Secularism teaches that there is only the material world and no life after death. Marxism (Atheists) believe that the wealthy need to be overthrown and their wealth redistributed. Post-Modernism thinks that humans are devoid of meaning and hope because only the material exists. New Spirituality believes that mankind's problems are all spiritual and all else is an illusion. Finally, Islam preaches submission to Allah with rebellion against those who are not Muslim. Islam is a Totalitarian worldview. Muslims must follow Muhammad, its prophet, and Allah as slaves. The history of Islam and Western Civilization is rich with jihad, blood, and atrocities of war.
As participants, the author wants Christians to have true hope. Their faith and trust in Jesus Christ blesses them with joy, a gracious gift from the Holy Spirit. Their hope is joyous, awaiting eternity with Jesus, one day, in Heaven. This lesson informs Christians not to hope in themselves but to involve themselves in God's work, spreading His Good News, the gospel, restoring hope in others. People become agents of life, that precious gift of God that other worldviews regard differently.
Myers knows that the way of the Christian is fraught with persecution and resistance. He brings out the resiliency of Christians because they are, once more, blessed by the Holy Spirit's fruit of longsuffering, restraint in the face of turmoil, also known as patience. Christians bring stability in volatility. Genuine faith saves Christians who receive the Holy Spirit as a great companion, counselor, and comforter.
Human beings are full of faults. Christians are, too, since they are not different from anyone else, in this regard. Other worldviews can lead followers to a life of fear and regret. These bind them to toxic ideas that enslave them. Christians must face their mistakes, overcome obstacles, and remain loyal to God, through it all, with fearlessness. They are confident in their hope and faith. If not, they are prey to counterfeit worldviews, no hope, and a contagion of despair, the Idea Virus.
5 out of 5 stars *****
This paperback workbook outlines 30 principles for communing with God. In this process, using video online with a group of fellow Christians, citing scripture by chapter and verse, and applying each principle to our daily lives, this book engages us introspectively and outwardly by our fellowship and discussion. Charles Stanley writes this book for this purpose, A Study for Growing in Knowledge and Understanding of God, the subtitle of this book. I become closer to God as I read and study Stanley's gifted presentation on the logically sequenced principles over 30 chapters.
5 out of 5 stars *****
The protagonist and author, Peter Gatien, starts buying old clubs and renovating them into successful, well-known establishments. He has a great work ethic, his finger on the pulse of nightlife clubbing, and a common sense that saves him from tragedy early on in his career. In the midst of his world collapsing around him, losing his first family, and doing a short prison stint, he learns from his mistakes and produces even greater success in the Nightclub scene around the world. The fall of this world-class celebrity comes at the persistence of a famous New York City prosecutor and eventual Mayor, Rudy Giuliani, who suspects Peter is involved in the drug world.
This story is a look at Gatien's humble beginnings and his catapulting fame and fortune due to his bold plunges into projects he extensively researches. He has connections with those who have connections; so, word of mouth is his main form of advertisement. The knowledge of what is cutting edge, successful, safe, and enduring make his clubs the place everybody wants to be. The big names in Hollywood, Washington D.C., London, and Paris frequent his clubs spending top dollar for top shelf bottles.
Many famous people owe much of their careers to Peter Gatien. Another impressive quality Peter shows throughout the book is his organizational skill. He is rarely caught off guard. Even at the end of his trial, he arranges a solution to live the best life possible between Canada and the USA with his present family.
I find this subject easy to relate to because it occurs during my younger days. I learn from this book background information about the music scene, the street scene, LGBTQ, and the introduction of sophisticated, potent cosmetic drugs. I do not identify with but understand the crazy characters that came out of blight and into fantasy that offers safe space for a night. Peter Gatien offers this account of his contribution to that therapeutic escape, all because he keeps his wits about him as those around him party.
3 out of 5 stars ***
Tragedy happens and a decade later a young woman says she is sent by that tragic figure, the woman who, in the past, jumps off the bridge known as, "The Easy Way." Investigation reveals that events are not as reported. The protagonist, the husband of that woman, hears about a nine-year-old who claims to be possessed by his wife. She claims she is pushed off the bridge that night, she did not jump. The plot opens wounds and new investigations to reveal the truth. In the end, main characters chat about their experience and reflect on its consequences. The writing is good and the story line interesting but this reviewer is not riveted by its telling. This is why Second Skin rates a three out of five stars.
