Tag: book review

Book Review: The Shepherd, The Overseer, and The Soul

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Author: Funmi Adebayo
Pages: 150
Publisher: The Christ A Poet Concepts, Nigeria.
Reviewer: Adeleye Olaoye, Ubamara Ezenobi, Zoe Ziva, Ebubechi, Clement Victor

Funmi Adebayo, the author of this book, gives us this gem of a book through the light of the Spirit of God penetrating into 1 Peter 2:25 and Ezekiel 18:4. The Shepherd, Overseer and the Soul is a book aimed at building foundational knowledge on the role that the soul of a man plays in the life of a believer. The Author has broken this book down into 7 Chapters to help relate his message.

The author started by making clear that the human soul is eternal. It cannot be dissolved by death, unlike the human physical body. The soul is the representation of a man in the spirit realm. Therefore, what becomes of the soul of man is the reality of that man

He then further compared the mind as a signal analyzer. An example of a signal analyzer is an Oscilloscope,  it’s a device that analyzes signals of different forms and has a wide application in different fields and professions today. From the author’s analysis, the mind acts as the signal analyzer while the heart takes the final decision.

If man wasn’t already dead spiritually then God wouldn’t have bothered about giving him a new spirit and a new heart.

Funmi presents a compelling argument by clearly stating that it is not enough to just claim you believe in Jesus Christ. You must also prove that by obediently following Him. If you truly believe in Him, you will hear Him and do His sayings. God’s desire for His children to be tamable and coachable just like the sheep because hardly deviate from the path channeled by the shepherd and are much sensitive of intruders or strangers.

We are not of the world. Yet at the same, that does not mean we are not meant to be in charge. This is quite a salient point made in the book reminding us that we are the light of the world and while we remain here we are to be in charge by and for our Lord Jesus Christ and make known the manifold wisdom of God to the principalities and powers among the celestial ones.

Talking about God as Shepherd, Funmi posits that God is completely charismatic in his leadership; strong communicator, empathetic and relatable, confident, motivational. This in return gives us joy, loveliness and makes resources available. His final words were “As we have returned to the Shepherd of our soul, let us trust Him for the best in life. Remember He is the good Shepherd, Who gave His life, His soul, for us His sheep. (John 10:11.)”

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BOOK REVIEW: REVERSED

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Author: The Christ A Poet Team
Publisher: Christ A Poet Concepts
Reviewer: Olufunke Ajegbomogun

When I began the review of this book, I made a decision to use a few days to go through the poems but as I started reading, I was gripped and couldn’t let go of this anthology. That is exactly the experience you are likely to get when you open Reversed to read!


Reversed is a collection of poems that takes us on a journey reminiscent of the times of Jesus and other biblical characters. The messages are woven around biblical stories which help us relate to scriptures in the most simplified way we could ever imagine. We see the experiences of ordinary men like us play out right before us as if we were there. Even animals and inanimate objects echo their stories, leaving them entrenched in our minds.


Through the pages of Reversed, we see Jesus Christ, and Him crucified. Most of the poems are short and freestyled although some use traditional rhyme schemes and poetic sound effects. Each poem’s unique style plays a role in relaying its message. Some poems also contain graphic images that paint a picture in the reader’s mind. “Cock Coo Roo Coo” reminds us of how God can use an animal to remind us that none of His words that come forth from His mouth dies without fulfilling its purpose. The poet alludes to the experience of Peter to remind us of the importance of having a voice even if it’s that of an animal to caution us when we derail from the path of life.


We also see beyond the agony and pain that took place on the cross when Christ died as we read “I Saw Evil”. This poem helps us to see that there is more to the death of a sinless man by revealing to us what took place on the cross that had otherwise been invisible to the eyes of an ordinary man. “Evil died when Jesus was crucified! That line is explosive. Time and space will not permit me to talk about the other poems’ deep and inspiring messages that words alone may not be able to capture.


If you are the kind of person who reads scriptures with a sense of detachment, get hold of Reversed and see how you’ll get a new perspective from reading scriptures.


So, let me leave you with this: Reversed is an anthology you got to read yourself, let no man tell you the stories, go get a copy and be part of the journey.

You can download a free copy of Reversed here.

CAP MONTHLY E-MAGAZINE // JUNE 2020 (FREE DOWNLOAD)

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In this edition of Christ A Poet’s Monthly E-Magazine we talk about The Righteous Man. Our special guest Ugochukwu Eluchie, shares a bit of her journey with us and her idea of being righteous conscious. As you download and read we pray you take a conscious step to study God’s Word with an open mind to discover who you truly are in Christ, and all you’ve been freely given.

You can get your free download here and also share with your friends. Be sure to share with us your questions, concerns, and what you look forward to in next month’s publication.

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Book Review: The Alchemist by Paul Coelho

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Title: The Alchemist

Author: Paulo Coelho

Pages: 241

Reviewers: Beatrice Ani and Imani Dokubo

The Alchemist tells the story of a young shepherd named Santiago who finds out from a king about his treasure lying in the basement of the faraway Egyptian pyramids. Along the way, he learns to listen to his heart and more importantly realizes that his dreams/Personal Legend are not just his but part of the Soul of the Universe. The novel is both entertaining and educational.

The author’s portrayal of real-life principles in simple terms that are easy to recognize and connect with is a highlight.

Just like the young shepherd, most of us are on a journey to find our ‘personal legend’, some of us have, and some are already depositing our unique legend to the world.

Where ever you are on your journey, the lessons from this book are beneficial to you.

Some notable eye-opening lessons the book captures are:

1.The power of courage: Fear is a bigger obstacle than the obstacle itself

“Tell your heart that the fear of suffering is worse than the suffering itself and that no heart has ever suffered when it goes in search of its dreams, because every second of the search is an encounter with God and the universe.”

The power of truth: “Truth cannot be veiled by smoke and mirrors — it will always stand firm. When you’re searching for the ‘right’ decision, it will be the one that withstands the tests of time and the weight of scrutiny”

The power of gratitude: “Gratitude is the practice of finding the good in each day. Life can easily become stagnant, mundane, and monotonous, but that changes depending on what we choose to see. There’s always a silver lining if you look for it.”

The power of decision: “When someone makes a decision, he is really diving into a strong current that will carry him to places he never dreamed of when he first made the decision.”

The power of focus: “It’s easy to be influenced by others, but you’ll be miserable if you end up living someone else’s life. There’s nothing wrong with taking advice and learning from others, but make sure it aligns with your desires and passions.”

The power of action: “There is only one way to learn. It’s through action.”

(You can study, read, and listen until you turn blue in the face, but the full experience is when you take action and let the rubber meet the road… Once you’re done aiming, pull the trigger.)

Here’s what the book suggests: when you seek to create something, things will eventually fall in place to enable you to bring it to life.

Of course, there are exceptions to this rule. It’s just crucial that we undertake the journey to making the most of the life that God gives us. Or, as Jesus’s parable says, to use our talents to the fullest.

What phase of life’s journey are you on?

We recommend this book to everyone in search of a formula for reaching their goals, discover, and realize their potential.

 

BOOK REVIEW: NORTH by BUSAYO KEHINDE

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Reviewer: Ubamara Ezenobi.

Life happens to everyone. It’s inevitable. The things that you never imagine would ever happen to you could take place in the blink of an eye. You could become a person you never imagined you would be in the space of a few days. In these times we are thrown off balance, left to decide who or what to hold onto as anchor. In this book, North, Busayo Kehinde tells us in the best way possible, the best direction to follow.

North is the story of a young woman, Laura, who goes through much distress in life despite her love for God. First, she loses her younger brother to leukaemia. Next is her dad who walks out on them. And then, as though she has not lost enough, she loses her fiancé who loved God so much, to a lifestyle of drugs and women. Eventually, he dies. These tragedies turn her south, and she decides she doesn’t believe in God anymore.

Busola helps us realize that it’s not really about the many challenges you face, but about what you choose at the end of the day: life, or not. By placing special characters like little Ire who battles with sickle cell anaemia yet has unwavering faith in God, and other people who constantly remind her of God’s love, especially for her, the author shows us that God knows us inside out, and knows how best to proceed with healing us, and blessing us beyond our wildest dreams.

For Busola Kehinde, North is the direction that leads us above, and to choose north, is to choose life. In the epilogue, she shares from her personal experience how she has had to choose north at different points in her life, just like her key character. She enjoins us to choose life, to keep choosing life no matter what, and to never lose trust in God.

North is a book to read now. No matter where you are, it’s going to meet you right there and bless you tremendously.

Click HERE to Get the book

© Ubamara Ezenobi, 2019

BOOK REVIEW: EXPLORING WORSHIP, by Bob Sorge

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Author: Bob Sorge 

Pages: 262

Edition: 22nd

Publisher: GCEE BRUNO CONCEPT LIMITED, Lagos, Nigeria. 

Reviewer: PHILIPA ORAEGBU
 
 
 
God seeketh worshipers not worship. Why then do I need to worship if he seeks it not?
 
Bob Sorge, an ardent writer of thought provoking practical books, ignites hearts yet again with this piece, Exploring Worship: A Practical Guide to Worship . Bob, a former music director, expresses his belief and desire to see leaders and worshipers equipped in the spiritual and practical aspects of worship. His writing is not just theoretical; it retells real life experiences and contains bible references. With these, he is able to show the importance of spiritual sensitivity in the art and act of worship emphasizing the place of the Holy spirit and a worshiper’s ability to discern.
 
“Worship”, though a common term in the faith and commonly regarded as just the act of singing slow songs, is beautifully exposited in this book. Exploring Worship clarifies the diverse misconceptions of the term while expounding its simplicity, essence and exclusivity. 
 
The book is divided into two sections: The Heart of Praise and Worship, and The Leading of Praise and Worship. The first section of the book comprises 7 chapters and dwells on worship and praise as expressions unto God, while the latter has 3 chapters and relates the practical aspect of worship. 
 
The first chapter discusses praise and its distinctive extroverted nature. Its essence, and how it’s perfunctory on will and not emotion. Bob proceeds to explain when, where and how one should praise. Praise, being extroverted expression, is done in varying ways. Some of these are common; others are not very widely practised. 
 
The second chapter addresses our approach to God’s presence: an individual approach and congregational approach. Worship as a Christian communal experience is described as an excercise which requires both on the worship leader and worshippers to bring to life. The author makes it clear that there are sacrifices to be made by all involved, in order to actualize worship. 
 
Chapter three emphasizes the use of praise as a weapon of spiritual warfare. The scriptural basis of its use is not without explanation, likewise the exposition on the use of the forms of expression of praise as spiritual weaponry.
 
Chapter four explores the term ‘worship’, its distinction from praise, its essence, and how the Holy Spirit is an integral part of worship. Worship as revealed is not bound by time or place but rather is dependent on “spirit” and truth. 
 
Who really are worshipers? How does one become a worshiper? What does it mean to worship without guilt and what are the attitudes that could hinder an acceptable worship? These questions are answered in detail in the fifth chapter of the book. 
 
Worship has three aspects to itself as written by Bob, the vertical aspect where the worshipes communicates with the Lord; the horizontal aspect, in which the worshiper communicates with the congregation; and the inward aspect of worshiper’s internal communication. All of these are found in chapter six. 
 
Chapter seven talks about the link between prophecy and music, the difference between psalms, hymns and spiritual songs, and how they should be incorporated into today’s congregational worship. There’s also some discussion about walking in prophetic worship by faith. 
 
Chapter eight delves into the art of leading worship. The author wants us to understand that proper worship leadership is learned. Worship leaders don’t just spring up; they grow by learning. Further explained are the qualifications a leader should possess: musical expertise which is of great necessity; the leaders preparation both musically and spiritually; and the leaders leading– and not controlling -worship. 
 
Chapter nine exposits the importance of a worship leading team in a church, the role of the pastor and worship leader in congregational worship, the various members of the worship leading team and their place in the church. 
 
And finally, chapter ten makes known the need for planning worship services, the need for sensitivity, preparation and balance as regards worship services, creativity in providing good variety in worship services, and practical steps to writing songs and teaching new songs.
 
If you are desiring insight into the world of worship, the art of worship and leading worship, you will find this book useful. It demonstrates, among other things, that worship is not about the subject (worshiper) but the object (God) . And this, in the end, is the key message we all need to internalize.

EAT THAT FROG by Brian Tracy

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BOOK REVIEW by Ezeonyeka Godswill
TITLE: EAT THAT FROG
AUTHOR: BRIAN TRACY
PUBLISHERS: BERRETT-KOEHLER PUBLISHERS
YEAR OF PUBLICATION: 2001
NUMBER OF PAGES: 129
CHAPTERS: 21
“ It has been said for many years that if the first thing you do each morning is to eat a live frog, you can go through the day with the satisfaction of knowing that that is probably the worst thing that is going to happen to you all day long” (p.2)
Doesn’t it just annoy how you always have this big invisible and visible amount of work load you want to do and is expected of you, but somehow there’s never enough time? How you could plan and plan but somehow every task takes longer time to accomplish? Lemme guess you’ve even considered praying for extra hours included into our 24 hour per day routine. For starters, you’re not strange or even lazy as most people seem to call you! I know this cos I was once in those same shoes but good thing is I was never comfy in them neither did I settle for less so I fought on till I met my ‘frog-book’. Lols
The author, one of America’s leading authorities on the development of human potential and personal effectiveness, takes a critical look as to the cause and solution of procrastination, low effectiveness and other symptoms characteristic of people in them shoes I spoke about earlier.
With reference to the title, Tracy defines your “frog” as your most important task, the one you’re most likely to procrastinate on if you don’t do something about it now. It is also the one task that can have the greatest positive impact on your life and your results at the moment. (p. 2) The principle the author seeks to teach is that if you discipline yourself to begin immediately and persist until your biggest and most important task is complete before you go on to something else you can live at the height of productivity hence building your self esteem and ruling out all effects procrastination may have had on you!
“Successful, effective people are those who launch directly into their major tasks and then discipline themselves to work steadily and single mindedly until those asks are complete”(p.3)
Tracy’s unique style of writing is reflected in this masterpiece and on a lighter note I think it was written in a way procrastinators could finish it and do so quickly. So he craftily avoids over emphasis and long chapters and to incite interest he place a unique quote before a very chapter. That I think is genius! So before I rewrite his book do get one and remain blessed!