The Sweet Taste of Providence

Christine Farenhorst is a master storyteller, always engaging and finding new ways of pressing a message home. This book of 74 short stories from history is no different. Not all the stories are about Christians, some are about obscure and little known places and people but all are thoughtfully told so that the reader is drawn to consider and clearly see God's providential workings.  Each short chapter begins with a scripture passage and ends with well crafted 'Food for thought' questions. These are not trite, repetitive questions but at times real mind benders!
For example, in one chapter where we read about the man whose technical skills developed the techniques that led to the creation of the Gutenberg Press - the printing press that began the mass printing of Bibles. The gentleman himself was not thought to be a Christian, and he died friendless and penniless, but what wonderful good has come from the development of his techniques! In this chapter, one of the 'food for thought' points is... 'We live in an age where technology has advanced much beyond Gutenberg.  How can we be accountable and use this technology to God's glory and honour and to the advance of his kingdom?'.
I think this book really fills a gap in the market for devotionals for teenagers. It could be used as a daily reading or adapted for group discussions, but however it is used it will provoke careful analysis of the situations that face us in our daily lives and will cause the reader to consider our sovereign God who has all times, situations, people and places in his hands for the furtherance of the gospel and his glory.
The Sweet Taste of Providence - 74 Devotional Episodes from History, by Christine Farenhorst, published by Joshua Press.

Rebels Rescued

This new book is subtitled 'A Student's Guide to Reformed Theology,' but I feel it could as easily be treated as a Beginner's Guide. Something to consider giving to a person enquiring about Calvinism from a position of ignorance, albeit rather 'hip'! But Brian Cosby really deals very faithfully and unflinchingly with his subject. He litters it with many illustrations, and anecdotes which are mainly US orientated, but this does not blunt the essential thrust of his points. He goes over the '5 Solas' and through the TULIP acrostic and leaves reflection questions at the end of each short chapter. I was more impressed by this little book than I expected to be.

'Rebels Rescued' by Brian Cosby. Published by Christian Focus Publications. £5.99 p/b.

Jeremy

Teenager found!

At last I have found a teenager who is willing to be my reading guinea pig. I am referring to my WANTED - teenagers willing to read books! post back in April. Here's what this 13yr old has to say about 'Conflicts with others':
I really enjoyed this book. I have a great relationship with my parents, but this book has shown me to express my emotions to them. My parents are great and they also listen, which is special. My favourite bit was when they explained how we need to weep more and not bottle it all up before you explode. I personally struggle with that. Thankyou for giving me the job of reviewing this book it has really blessed me. It has helped me on in the walk of the Lord.
So it seems this series is enjoyed by the age group that it is written for despite my scepticism.
Lorna

WANTED... teenagers willing to read books!

This group of books, new in from Christian Focus, had me interested - finally some sensible books for teenagers covering some 'teenage' issues. However, having now read them I have mixed feelings. I know I was a teenager once, and I hate to admit that I've forgotton how it was, but I'm just not sure how a teenager would find these books. They use a fictional story (all the characters are Christians) as a starting point to discussing some serious issues - suicide, bereavement, conflicts and this is interspersed with factual information about the issues raised and suggestions for dealing with them. Is the fiction patronising? does it give too many American examples? How does it read to a British teenager? Is it helpful? I need a teenager to help me out here. Any teenagers out there willing to read these books and let me know what you think? You can have them all for a fiver if you comment on this blog (normally £2.99 each).

Lorna