Beauty on the Backroads

Stories of grace for life's unexpected turns

Non-fiction

A stroll through the Gospel of Luke: Review of Jesus the One and Only by Beth Moore

I enjoy Beth Moore’s group Bible studies and video series because I get an “aha!” moment out of just about every week. Her teaching reveals new insight into familiar passages, and this trade paperback version of her study of the Gospel of Luke, Jesus the One and Only, was what I expected from Moore.

jesus one and onlyThe stories of Jesus’ life can easily become commonplace in the life of a Christian. What Moore does with this study is slow us down and focus in on a scene or a chapter of Luke’s Gospel. She sets the background and through word studies of the original language gives us context into what is happening.

I couldn’t tell you how many times I’ve read through Luke but while reading Jesus the One and Only, I felt like I was seeing it all for the first time.

It’s not designed like the group studies, but it’s perfect for individual study or daily devotional readings. The chapters aren’t long and you could read the portion of Luke she references as part of your daily Bible reading. I didn’t plan it that way, but another Bible reading plan I’m using is directing me toward Luke right now. So, I felt like my readings were enriched by each other.

The study is well-researched and full of insights for practical living. I would read it through again for deeper contemplation and application.

Read a sample chapter here to get an idea of the book’s style.

About the Author:
Beth Moore is a best-selling writer, teacher and founder of Living Proof Ministries. Her numerous books and Bible studies, including “A Heart Like His” (B&H Books), “Breaking Free” (B&H Books), “Believing God” (LifeWay Christian Resources), “The Patriarchs” (LifeWay Christian Resources) and “James: Mercy Triumphs” (LifeWay Christian Resources), have been read by women in Beth Moore Bible study groups all over the world. Her Living Proof Live conferences have reached women in all 50 states in the United States.

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In exchange for my review, I received a free copy of the book.

Believe you can change the world: Review of A Dream So Big by Steve Peifer

If you aren’t in love with Africa and its people already, then reading A Dream So Big will break your heart for them and leave you challenged to make a difference, however big or small you’re able. dream so big cover

Steve Peifer didn’t want to go to Africa, but after the death of his 4-day-old son, God impressed upon his heart to make his wife’s dream come true. His wife Nancy’s dream was to serve in Africa.

The family spent a year as dorm parents at Rift Valley Academy in Kenya. It was a challenging time and a healing time and they would leave the country changed. Steve’s heart was pierced by the extreme needs of the people, and when he encountered a classroom of children lying on the floor, his whole world was changed. He asked the teacher why the kids were lying down.

“It is Thursday,” she said. “Most of the children haven’t eaten since Monday. If they sit up, they will faint.”

That was the turning point for Steve, and when the family returned to Kenya as full-time ministries, Steve began to act on a vision to alleviate hunger in Kenya.

A Dream So Big is full of humor as Steve recounts his attempts to learn Swahili and interact with the culture. It’s also an honest soul-baring account of his transformation. What started as an escape from grief turned into a lifelong mission.

The impact Steve has made on Kenya’s schools through lunch programs and computer centers is inspiring.

If you’ve ever wanted to change the world but didn’t think it was possible, read this book and believe.

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In exchange for my review, I received a free copy of A Dream So Big from Zondervan through the Booksneeze program.