The Principle of the Path: How to Get from Where You Are to Where You Want to Be by Andy Stanley

Direction determines destination. Sounds pretty simple. In "The Principle of the Path," author and pastor Andy Stanley expounds on this idea, fully develops it, and helps us apply it to our lives and decision-making process. In ten brief but well-thought-out chapters, Stanley takes us through the motions of decision making, and helps us develop a Godly strategy that will get us where we want to go.

You can read great descriptions for this principle on other web-sites, so I'll not bother to formulate my own. Let me just say that the concept is wonderful in its simplicity, and thought-provoking in its practicality. This is the book I probably would have ignored at age 20, and (I hope) embraced at age 30. Now, at age 49 I read it with some wistful regrets. But - with many years left to live, I plan to remember The Principle of the Path in my decision-making process.

When providing examples of correct and incorrect decision-making, Stanley wisely bypasses modern media examples, and instead walks us through scenarios from Bible history. This is refreshing, and many modern pastors/teachers give examples from TV shows and secular movies in an attempt to be "relevant" and "seeker-friendly." (I recently visited a church in which the pastor showed clips from secular movies to show the congregation how they should treat each other. Needless to say, I did not return!) Stanley also spices the book with self-depreciating accounts of his youth, as well as his experiences in counseling as a pastor.

This is a book I wish I had read at 30. I'll be passing it on to my daughter, who is 23 and finishing grad school. Christian men would do well to share this book with his family, adult children, and friends.

A rare gem. Read it. Apply it. And share it.

(five stars out of five)

What in the World is Going On? by Dr. David Jeremiah

In What in the World Is Going On? 10 Prophetic Clues You Cannot Afford to Ignore, Dr. David Jeremiah presents a solid, introductory exposition on end-times prophecy as it relates to current events.

The book is well-researched and thought-provoking. Jeremiah is at his best when analyzing scriptures that relate to end-time events. Chapters about the Rapture, Armageddon, and Christ’s triumphant return are the best, giving Jeremiah a chance to flex his well-earned academic muscle. Chapters about the oil market and Islamic terrorism contain almost no Biblical references, and are comparatively weaker. Perhaps Jeremiah thought it was important to include these chapters, and I won’t argue with him. However, that information might best be presented in an introductory chapter, or as an appendix.

The book reflects the author's pre-tribulation view of the rapture, and this stance contributes to the calm, assuring message. Mid-trib or post-trib readers might get a different feeling from the book altogether.

Dr. Jeremiah cites his abundant research, but oddly an index is missing. Because so many topics appear in several chapters, an index would be valuable.

Unfortunately, it is quite possible to attend a church for many years and never hear a sermon or lesson on end-time events. For someone with little or no knowledge of these prophecies, “What in the World Is Going On?” would be a good beginner’s book. However, readers with prior knowledge will want a more in-depth study.

1/2 (three-and-a-half stars out of five)

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”