Spiritual direction and help with ethical decisions in our everyday living.
God Doesn’t Do Waste
by Dave Bookless
A multi-layered book. On one level it is the story of how a derelict waste tip in Southall became Minet Country Park, and how the Christian environmentalist group A Rocha came to the UK, but it is also the story of the awakening of the Bookless family to the fact the God loves and sorrows for His entire creation, not just mankind, and what they felt led to do about it. Their ideas have not always been greeted with enthusiasm and agreement – they have faced accusations of jumping on a worldly band-wagon and failing to put people first as Jesus did, but Dave Bookless remains entirely convinced that he has the mind of Christ in this. Any hubris, however, is more than balanced by his honest account of his own character flaws, the drawbacks, difficulties and strains of the greener life, and the reverses the family has suffered as they attempt to pursue it while inspiring others to do the same. Ultimately the message is to respect all that God has made – ourselves, each other, and everything He has given us to be stewards of, because sooner or later we will have to account for our stewardship. A sobering thought.
On nearly every page I felt like I was reading some more of Solomon's wisdom - a continuation of the book of Proverbs. Each chapter looks at a particular aspect of life which may be a challenge to us when we reach middle age - topics such as 'Age and beauty', 'Letting go', 'The art of leaving' and 'Sexuality'. Mike Riddell mixes his own searingly honest reflections on life with 'stories' scattered throughout the text, illustrating his message. I found his wisdom captivating and my copy of the book is much underlined. For example, in his chapter entitled 'The creative spark' I underlined this sentence: 'Many visions need a time in silence and darkness before they are ever articulated.' Some of the author's beliefs are not orthodox (for example his musings on reincarnation) but this did not stop me from appreciating his profound insight into the mystery of life and our journey through it. I think the name of Jesus is mentioned only two or three times in the book, and yet somehow He is everywhere present.
Originally published 2005 and reviewed 2007
This is a straight-forward, down-to-earth book about the community of those who trust Jesus being known by their love for one-another, and what this means for Christians today. Modern individualism and self-sufficiency is not the way; only interdependence will enable the church family to grow in unity and show God's wisdom to the world, as he intends. The church is God's idea, and the gospel can still transform it and its members through biblical example and teaching, despite inevitable mistakes and failures. Beynon avoids any stereotype organisation for this, although showing house-groups can be important in this intimate, family-style nurturing, as we accept and help each other grow in knowledge of God in various ways.
Whether you are looking to explore the bible for the first time or have been reading it for longer than you can remember, don't be fooled by the title of this book, because it is so much more than just a beginners guide. Michael Green not only skillfully guides the reader through the key 'What' questions, such as: What is the Bible and What can it do for me, but he also clearly demonstrates the 'How to's', whether you're reading it as an individual, with a friend or even as part of a Bible study group. Chapter 9 is especially useful, if you are considering setting up a new Bible study group. Reading this good book cannot fail to spark your enthusiasm into reading the 'Ultimate Good Book'.
Originally published in 1999
Lion has produced a new self-help series entitled ‘First Steps'. In First Steps out of Eating Disorders the authors draw on their professional expertise with examples and firsthand experience to produce a very readable and accessible self-help book for those struggling with this illness. The book explains carefully and effectively the issues surrounding the illness and gives excellent help to sufferers and carers alike. The whole series has sections entitled “Over to You” – which focuses the reader on the issues that have been covered in the current chapter and encourages an open assessment and sets targets for getting through.
Lion has produced a new self-help series entitled ‘First Steps'. In First Steps out of Depression Sue Atkinson has written a very readable and accessible self-help book for those struggling with this illness. Climbing out of depression seems almost impossible for sufferers, yet as with all the books in this series, this book offers practical, and spiritual help. Atkinson draws on her own battles with depression. She does not write as an expert but as someone who knows how it feels; the result is that her book contains useful tips, quotations and illustrations.