James Stuart BellRecensioni

I downloaded this years ago, when it was free for the Kindle, and read it - one section per day - through 2019. Great to have something like this on my Kindle, offering a brief 'thought' or 'devotional' each morning, based on the various women of the Bible.

Sometimes the commentary was relevant to me; more often not, but usually interesting. Occasionally I was dubious about the motivations or virtues ascribed to various Biblical women, who are barely mentioned in Scripture itself. And at times I found it too 'American' in outlook, with a few references I didn't get, and assumed characteristics which I don't have.

Still, overall it was a pleasant read; worth having if you can find or read it free or at low cost. Particularly interesting if you feel that women are under-represented in the Bible.

Longer review here: https://suesbookreviews.blogspot.com/2019/12/a-cup-of-comfort-women-of-bible.htm...½

There has been a resurgence in evangelicals reading of patristic sources. The work of Thomas Oden, Ronald Heine, Peter Liethart, Hans Boersma and D.H Williams and others have called for a ressourcement which makes use of the Great Tradition. The value of patristic exegesis is a hot topic in the academy, but few works have given the words of the early church for popular consumption. James Stuart Bell and Patrick J.Kelly has just done that with theirt new devotional.

I have noted before the difficulty in reviewing devotionals. Reviewing a devotional after only having it for a couple of weeks, means that at best my thoughts on it are provisional. To know the true value of it, I would need to use the book daily for a time. Awakening Faith is a year long devotional and I haven’t had time to give a full assessment of its value. However I am fairly impressed by it. This is a daily devotional which culls together readings from patristic sources. Readings from sixty-nine different Church Fathers, from the first to the eighth century, challenge Christians to live out their faith in a compelling manner. There are theologically rich reflections and prophetic calls to holy living from everyone from Ambrose and Augustine to Zeno of Verona.

Awakening Faith is beautifully bound with a ribbon book mark. There are 366 readings from the church fathers, with a scriptural reference at the head of each entry. This book looks good and the contents are pure gold. I absolutely love it. However the book is limited in a couple of respects.

First, I wish that it reflected the church calender more. The daily reading format sets it apart from IVP’s Ancient Christian Devotionals (edited by Thomas Oden). Those volumes follow the liturgical cycle and draw together different patristic commentaries on the readings for each Sunday. By contrast Awakening Faith is a daily devotional without an evident seasonal dimension. It is possible to start this devotional on day one reading each day until you finish the book (there are no dates are given for the readings). There are specific readings for Easter and Christmas (and other holy days) but these are scattered throughout the book. This makes me wonder what the internal organization of the readings is. It is not straight forward. It tends to bounce back and forth from various topics.

Another limitation of this devotional is the lack of references. Each reading reflects on a passage and tells you the author. It does not tell from which of their works the reading was taken from or their context. Sometimes this is obvious. For example, Athanasius’ readings on the life of Anthony, came from the Life of Anthony. Prolific authors like Augustine, Basil the Great, or guys named Gregory are harder to track down. I would have appreciated a reference to the actual work at the end of each reading. That way I could delve deeper into particular topics or authors. This may just be my academic bent. I happen to love footnotes in everything I read and am miffed when I don’t see them. I do like that the indexes of this volume give me a bird’s eye view of each author and the scriptural content.

The selection of readings themselves are quite good. Here is a random selection of topics covered:

Basil the Great on the value of the Psalms (reading 10)
Tertullian on Prayer (reading 88)
Augustine on Martyrdom (reading 90)
John Chrysostom on standing firm on the rock of Christ (reading 121)
Ambrose on freedom in Christ through grace (reading 204)
. . .and much more. Bell and Kelly did a great job of selecting devotions for this collection (I just wish I knew where they were all from!). This is a great compendium of Christian thought. I happily recommend this book as either a daily devotional (as it is intended) or a bathroom reader (as I have been using it). There are beautiful passages here which are worth copying into your journal and I plan to use this book for years to come. I give it four stars: ★★★★☆

Thank you to Zondervan and Cross Focused Reviews for providing me a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

Jesus Talked to me Today is a book of 41 short stories compiled by James Stuart Bell. These stories are about children who have experiences with Jesus and how they all came about.


This was a very inspirational and uplifting read. I felt myself tear up on multiple stories. Some were obviously better than others but overall this was a wonderful read in the world filled with violence and anger. This was also a very quick read, I could have read this in a day if I would have just sat down with it and read all day.

Since this was written by the individuals telling the story rather than an author, some of the stories were not written overly well. However, none of them were awful or full of mistakes. They were written and told so that you could really feel as though you were watching the story unfold. I felt close to some of these people by the time the story was over.

I would recommend this book to anyone who wants something inspirational and happy to read.

*I received this book in exchange for my honest review*

Jesus Talked To Me Today by James Stuart Bell is an inspirational book full of stories of children's encounters with angels, miracles, and God.

I was captured from the very first page, each chapter is only a few pages long and tells a different child's story. This book brought tears to my eyes and a smile to my face as I read these children's stories. A fast read inspirational and uplifting, has been added to my favorite books.

One of my favorites is 'Giants in the Land' where 3 children were met everyday after school by bullies wanting money from them. Until their family prayed with them about it and asked God to send his angels to protect them. And that is EXACTLY what he did!

A 15 year old boy who has stage 4 cancer - my favorite quote from this chapter
"With His single touch, my terminal disease recoiled. He alone stilled my storm with one command."

I received an ARC (advanced readers copy) of this book from Bethany House in exchange for my honest review. I highly recommend this book, you won't regret reading it.

Helped me come closer to Jesus and God.

I chose the wrong style of book to read about the Reformation. This book is highly repetitive which it is designed to be. I was also not looking for a book with the bias toward Protestantism that this one has. I was looking for a simple, concise history and this is not that book.

Of the many "Lewis related" books released in the four decades since his death, this is one of the most fascinating. As one of the most influential and popular Christian intellectuals of the past century, Lewis has generated inevitable interest in his literary and spiritual influences, and this anthology is the ideal introductory guide to the subject. - Adam

A very inspirational book. The stories are short enough to truly enjoy but are informative enough to be very uplifting. Real people, with real miracles. A must read for a better understanding of "miracles" that happen today!

I received the book Heaven Touching Earth from Bethany House Publishers for an honest review. In the book, various stories were compiled by James Stuart Bell of everyday people who have stories of supernatural occurences that can only be explained as a miracle from Heaven. Sometimes as Christians, living here on Earth, all we see around us are our problems and dire circumstances, but there is another dimension that takes over sometimes, and it is by the love and grace of God. These are just some of those stories. I find them very inspiring, and comforting, knowing God does hear our prayers and cries to Him in desperate situations, and sometimes, just ordinary situations. For me, this book really helped with feelings of being alone and afraid. I do live by faith, but this book shows us that we are not alone. God is closer than we can imagine and is always working all things for our good behind the scenes. I'll bet I've even seen and met an Angel unaware and didn't realize it. The book is esay reading, smooth flowing. There are short bios of the contributors in the back of the book that gives further information about their lives. Very enjoyable, uplifting read.

just finished reading Heaven Touching Earth by James Stuart Bell, I absolutely LOVED it! It is filled with true stories of miracles. Basically each chapter is a testimony by a different person who has experienced a miracle, angels helping out, or some type of Heavenly encounter that can not otherwise be explained. A car that drives itself, an Angel that prevents a wreck, and pulls another out of a wreck, prays for a married couple who are having problems. A woman who was expected to die from uterine cancer but goes on to have three more children! These are just some of the stories that you will read about. Forty-three different accounts of miracles, Angels,and/or Heavenly encounters! I tremendously enjoy hearing or reading testimonies of God still working miracles today. Some people may find it hard to believe all the different stories that the author and others have shared, but I know that such things do still happen.

I have had experiences of my own with miracles or things that others would have a hard time believing. So yes I am believer! Jesus is still performing miracles today and God is sending his Angels to help out where needed.

I highly recommend this book to anyone who likes to hear (read) testimonies of miracles and Angels. Or anyone who is curious about these things. Would also make a great gift.

I received a free copy of this book from Bethany House in exchange for my honest review rather it be good or bad. Thank you.

Concise accounts are given by early Christian leaders, who are truly the "Fathers of our faith" - and every page is provided with Scripture references. Even though these devotions were written a few hundred years ago, they are still relevant to our life today. Done in a simplistic, modified language that is easy to understand, the writings offer spiritual nourishment with great depth as well as being powerful and thought provoking.

An absolutely beautiful collection, from the striking cover, to the ribbon marker, to the profound readings - a devotional that has a richness about it - these are truly God inspired writings. What a wonderful way to enhance your scripture readings. Awakening Faith is a great daily devotional and companion to the Bible. 5 stars. I highly recommend.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from BookSneeze in exchange for an honest review.

I have enjoyed many of the excerpts contained in this book, but the lack of citations and bibliography was a bit of a deal-breaker for me. In my fuller review here, I registered some further concerns regarding the devotional reading of the fathers -- at least as their writings are presented here, with minimal background or context given -- in an evangelical or confessional Protestant setting; I am not sure something like this really works as a solid introduction to the fathers. But then, I have not made great use of devotional books in the past, and it's hard for me to turn my historian's brain off, so others' mileage may vary.

Title: Awakening Faith: Daily Devotions from the Early Church
Author: James Stuart Bell with Patrick J. Kelly
Pages:
Year: 2013
Publisher: Zondervan
With this book, readers are provided a collection of daily devotions from some of the earlier founding fathers of the Christian church. There is a short devotion for each day of the week on a various topics, but there is no real continuity of theology in certain matters. Also, the source for these daily brief writings is not given. I thought there needed to be more cohesiveness so as to create less confusion for the general reader. Let’s face it, this could be a daunting and some might say difficult undertaking to read these early writings. I wanted more information on where these writings came from, and I think others might too, especially if they are interested in learning more about the early church. I think the idea of presenting readers with thoughts of early church leaders is interesting and would encourage readers to research more about this interesting subject.
There are some inspiring and wonderful pieces I very much enjoyed reading, and I also liked the wide time period chosen (7-8 centuries) as well as the cultural or ethnic backgrounds of the writers. I found the brief notes in the back of the book about each author interesting and informative. I also liked that the readings were short and fairly concise, so it was easy to take away what I wanted or needed from a particular days’ excerpt. Very important to me was the use of Scripture with the writings and the thoughts about the Scripture and not the other way around of using Scripture out of context to fit an author’s viewpoint. The rating I assigned is based on my opinion that some readers might take all of these writings as biblically and theologically sound when they all are not.
My rating is 3 stars.
Note: I received a complimentary copy for an honest review of this book. The opinions shared in this review are solely my responsibility. Other reviews can be read at http://seekingwithallyurheart.blogspot.com/ . Also follow me on Twitter @lcjohnson1988, FaceBook at https://www.facebook.com/lisa.johnson.75457

Why read this book? Why the author wrote the book is a good starting answer to this question, that is, “…several misconceptions remain concerning the adventures of Bilbo Baggins…[and] these misconceptions prevent readers from fully appreciating and benefitting from Tolkien’s genius”. (from page 13)

I would also say that by reading this book you won’t need to purchase and read through Christopher Tolkien’s (J. R. R.’s son) , 12 volume history of Middle Earth, in order to get the background information necessary to understand The Hobbit story line. This book’s author pulls information from those volumes and J. R. R.’s, Silmarillion, as well.

Some of the scriptural parallels seem exaggerated at first, until I reminded myself of what this author said, that, “In the Hobbit, Tolkien’s theological underpinning is subtler and frequently beneath the surface.” (from page 14)

Mr. Bell advises the reader to read this book along with reading The Hobbit. I would second that recommendation. Read a chapter in The Hobbit, then read the explanation in this book.

One of the main scriptural parallels that keeps coming up and seems to run through the entire book is that Bilbo Baggins doesn’t start out being very hero-like and instead he is a work in progress, much like we are a work in progress in our spiritual lives. Another similar spiritual theme is that Bilbo (the Hobbit character) is on a journey becoming who he is created to be. He is changed. Again this is very much like us becoming more Christlike as we go through our journey here on earth.

By the very nature of the book, The Hobbit, that is, it being a fantasy novel means that not everything has to mean something. It is make-believe after all and is meant for entertainment. God alone only knows how much spiritual stuff J. R. R. Tolkien actually meant on purpose to put into his book as opposed to it simply slipping in from just him being a spiritual Christian person. Either way it was interesting and entertaining to see some of the spiritual themes and parallels.

If you are a J. R. R. Tolkien fan this is a must-read (unless perhaps you already own that 12 volume set that I mentioned earlier). If you are a fan of C. S. Lewis’ Chronicle of Narnia series you will most likely enjoy this book also. If you like Christian fantasy books in general you will like this book, too.

Interestingly, another Hobbit movie is set to come to the theaters in early December of this year. I recommend reading the book (and this one as well) before seeing the movie.

To get you own copy of this book go here:Spiritual World of the Hobbit, The

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Bethany House as part of their Blogging For Books 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 16CFR, Part 225:”Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

(c)2013 Cheryl Cope

I tried reading this timely Christian classic, but couldn't draw myself to finish. It seems this book was written after the American Puritan style of Christian beliefs where right behavior, rules, and morality are key... not Jesus. The premise of the book is about a congregation who promises to ask themselves, "What Would Jesus Do?" before making any decisions in life. They are then to go with what they believe Jesus would have done in each situation in their lives. The only problem is that this doesn't seem to be the same Jesus I have come to know or read about in the Gospels. Jesus isn't about rules, morality, and right behavior. Instead, He is about grace, relationships, servanthood, and love. He didn't expect society to change or conform to a set of rules and standards. The Pharisees did this. Instead, He wanted to usher in a new kingdom, a kingdom of God that entailed each believer to die to self, carry the cross, love God, and serve others. Instead, it seemed each of the congregants in this book wanted society to conform to their standards rather than getting to know their society, developing relationships with them, and telling them about Jesus. The newspaper magnate dropped questionable ads, dropped a story about a boxing match, and stopped the Sunday paper because he felt everyone needed to go to church on Sundays. The beautiful singer refused to get paid for singing in the theatre because she thought it was evil to be paid for something God gifted her with. In the town square where open air preaching was conducted, the people who attended were referred to as heathens, sinners, and "needless traffic"... where saloons were evil and tobacco was a work of the devil. Remember, these are the very people Jesus loved and befriended. Jesus wouldn't be hanging out at churches or revivals. No, He would be hanging out in the "Red Light" districts, bars, saloons, and other places of debauchery. Not to partake in these things, but to rescue the sick and downtrodden (remember Mark 2:17).

I read the first 100 pages of this and after not seeing the Jesus of the Gospels, but rather an American Puritan theology with an American revivalism theme, I decided to not finish the book. Perhaps it was a bit premature of me to not finish it. And, perhaps the story later takes a turn for the better, following after the true Jesus of the Bible. But, after 100 pages I just wasn't seeing it. The only positive thing I can say about the story is the tag line "What Would Jesus Do?". We should indeed be asking ourselves this question every moment of our lives. And, for that I applaud Mr. Sheldon for coming up with this wonderful and thought-provoking question.

Amazing read, and at times you will get goose bumps. Sometimes I don't like to think about surpernatural world, as I often in my mind think of the occult. This book brings it to into a Godly realm, with real life stories of miraculous experiences.
I think we have all had encounters and sometimes not realized God had sent help. With some of the stories in this book I have seen myself and things that have happened to me and mine.
I recently lost my husband, he was in Hospice, and when the time was getting near morphine and lorazepam was used, he no longer would be in pain. I knew I would not be able to communicate with him, and the reality of the situation was really hitting me. I was alone in the house with him, the nurse was still in the drive, and in walks in my dear husband's cousin. I knew without a doubt who had sent her.
I found this book so wonderfully refreshing and enjoyable. To think we have Him with us at all times, how blessed we are. Enjoy these wonderful short stories, and find them touching your heart.

I received this book from Bethany House Publishing, and was not required to give a positive review.

The name A.W. Tozer is widely known in the world of Christian Bible teaching. Though Tozer passed away in 1963, his books, messages, and teachings continue to influence Christians today. From the Library of A.W. Tozer, compiled by James Stuart Bell, offer readers a unique look into the writings that influenced Tozer and his ministry. These selections range from prayers and poetry to letters and sermons. Well-known authors such as John Bunyan, John Milton, and Dwight L. Moody are included alongside anonymous and obscure authors.

I found reading From the Library of A.W. Tozer: Selections from Writers Who Influenced His Spiritual Journey as a supplement to my daily devotions was a helpful tool. Many of the selections are based on solid Biblical teachings, some are prayers of worship, and some are letters with practical teachings. While I did not agree with every selection in the book, I think that the majority of the selections are useful and applicable to Christian life. My advice in reading this book is to keep your Bible right beside it. The teachings in the book are good, but what the Bible says trumps anything that man says.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Bethany House Publishers as part of their Blogger Review 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."

a very good basic introduction for both reading and reference

This refers to the audio version of this book read by John Ratzenberger.

If you want to know the basic outline of the Bible, this book will serve that purpose. I am in no way a biblical scholar so I have no way of knowing if there were major parts left out, but the stories everyone is familiar with are here.

I have a few critiques:
There is almost no historical context. Even when introducing people like Darius there isn't even an explanation as to when this occurred or what else was going on in the region at the time. This would have provided some extra insight into the story.

The authors claim to be objective, but certainly come from an Evangelical point of view. They do not even acknowledge the Apocrypha exists, let alone include it in their summary. Also, they tend to quote the verses often quoted by Evangelicals and ignore verses that support Catholic theology. There is no, "You are Peter and upon this rock I will build my church." I don't recall hearing any of the verses that are used in the Hail Mary. Neither is the verse from James about "not by faith alone" present.

Speaking of James, they flatly state that he is the brother of Jesus. That will come as a shock to anyone who believes that Mary remained a virgin and knows that the Aramaic word for "brother" has broader meanings that include "cousin" and "relative." This presumption by the authors flies in the face of 2000 years of tradition to which more than a billion Catholics (and a lot of Protestants) subscribe.

An acknowledgement about some of the differences of biblical structure and interpretation that exist between the major segments of Christianity would have been a more honest way to write this book. Especially if you assume that a book like this will mostly be read by biblical novices who may not know that some great differences exist.

The Chronicles of Narnia are some of eh most beloved books of all time. Know, for the first time ever, a group of children’s book experts have created an iterative guide for young readers to help them further explore The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe. This book answers many of the “who, what, when, where, and why” questions of the Narnia book. For example:
Why is Aslan a lion?
What exactly is Turkish Delight?
How was C. S. Lewis inspired to write The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe?
Why did Father Christmas show up in Narnia? How can you throw a Narnia-themed party?
Are you fit to be a king or queen in Narnia?
Plus, a fun look at the myths an legends that may have inspired the creation of Lewis’s beloved Characters
The guide also includes Trivia, games, and fascination facts about Narnia. This is a great resource for readers who love The Lion the Witch and The Wardrobe.

Inspritual stories that will lify your soul.