Warning: Challenging! Are you willing to take the oath?

5 STARS

REVIEW: The Martyr’s Oath: Living for the Jesus They’re Willing to Die For by Johnnie Moore

This is a hard book to read. Not because of the writing style, but because the stories are so hard to hear. In this book, you read personal testimonies and stories that are unimaginable to us in the Western world. Stories like Rose from Nigeria who watched as her husband’s head and children’s heads were cut off in front of her because she and her family believed in Jesus. Or Peter from China who was put in unthinkable prison conditions because of his Christian faith. Each of the book’s 15 chapters highlights a personal testimony from around the world from someone who was a martyr for their faith.

This book is so intense and convicting that I could only read a chapter a day or even just one a week, as I let these immensely difficult stories sink in to my soul. But just because something is hard does not mean you avoid it. Actually, reading this book can challenge you and transform you and help you empathize with persecuted Christians around the world, and realize what Christians in the rest of the world endure. The author’s hope is that by the end of reading the book, you will be ready to stand with Christians around the world in harm’s way and take the Martyr’s Oath yourself, a page-long document that says that you are a follower of Jesus and are willing to give your life for Him.

If you would like to read the oath as well as download the first chapter for free chapter, click here.

*Tyndale House Publishers has provided me with a complimentary copy of this book for my honest review.

This book echoes what your soul wants and needs to hear

5 STARS

REVIEW: When God Made You by Matthew Paul Turner and art by David Catrow

If you have a child, know a child, or just even need some encouragement as an adult—go get this book now! Because we all long and desire to know how we fit into this world. We all need assurance that we are deeply loved and a unique creation. And this book delivers on just that through vibrant and adorable artwork, and inspiring words.

It is a story told through the eyes of a narrator reminding a precious little girl that God made her, thinks about her, sees her, delights in her, and smiles over her. Amen! Words we all need to hear deep in our soul.

As someone who is preparing for an adoption, and loves collecting books for my soon-to-be little one, I was excited to read in this book where it says: “Out of billions of faces from cultures, all races, people God made, from all different places, God knew your name. Your picture is framed. God’s family without you would not be the same.” It reminds us that everyone, from everywhere, brings unique color, rhyme and rhythm to the world through God’s great design.

The book is recommend for age is 3-8 years old, but as an adult, I found this book to be a tender devotional read to remind myself who I am in God, and that He adores me. So, I recommend this book for all ages and places! It echoes what your soul wants and needs to hear.

For more information, click here. 

*I received this book for free from Blogging for Books for this unbiased review.