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 The complex and violent metaphorical discourse of Hosea 2 has elicited a variety of interpretive approaches. This study explores the text from the perspective of rhetorical criticism. The classical conception of rhetoric as the art of persuasion and the function of metaphor within persuasive discourses and social settings correlate with the oracular characteristics of Hosea 2 and illuminate its use of specific metaphors. A reading of Hosea 2 from this perspective proposes that the prophets of Israel may have functioned in a manner similar to the orators of ancient Greece, who delivered extended rhetorical discourses designed to discern meaning in contemporary events and to persuade audiences.  Chapter 2 is where we very clearly see the truth that we discovered in chapter 1; that God’s tolerance of unrepentant sin will run out, but even in the midst of that, his love will never stop for his beloved people. In the first part of this chapter, we see God’s mercy and kindness runn...

When Mountains Crumble offers an interactive and gracefully healing journey through the big questions and emotions of grief. This book serves as a helpful companion and guides people through the complex stages of grief.  This book is beautifully designed by a woman who understands what it’s like to be in the throes of grief. The sections are brief and help the reader feel seen and understood. The journal prompts at the ends of each chapter are relevant and meaningful without being overwhelming or unnecessary.  This book is a gentle powerhouse, not only because of the author's deep, poignant reflections. Through the journal questions help people process loss while pointing us to God’s faithful and tender compassion. She shows that God is with us through our trials.  I received a free copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.

 As part of the Blogger Grid through Bible Gateway, I recently received a copy of Spurgeon and the Psalms. This little book is a good addition to my collection. It is a wonderful book. It is a very short book but it packs a punch.  The pages are thick so highlighters and pens will not bleed through. This makes it easy for those who take lots of note. Overall, it is great for personal studying. Spurgeon's concise but poignant devotionals are an added bonus to studying the Psalms. You will not be disappointed with this purchase Pick this up and make it a habit to read. It is short but packed with practical wisdom to grow in the will of the Lord. Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free as a member of BibleGateway Blogger Grid. I was not required to write a 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 Adve...

The NIrV Journal the Word Bible is fantastic. It is well formatted and clearly situated. Its context is great. I love this Bible’s format because there's just enough journaling space on the side.  It is great for teens, including older teens. I will be gifting it to a friend of mine. It is nice and sturdy and well binded. The paper is a very soft cream color. The muted color of the paper will work well with using a colored pencil. It also makes the text easier to view in brighter light settings.  I would guess at around 28gsm on the paper. It is a touch less opaque than I would like. The show-through is not bad enough to allow you to make out words on the other side of the paper but in some areas, you can see dark shadowing from the text on the other side of the page. Overall, I am pleased with the experience. The Journal the Word Bible gives you the opportunity to make the Bible truly yours. As you are growing in your faith and walk with Jesus, you have ample opportunity to t...

This is a very user friendly book that gives depth to anyone who is wanting a deep Bible study. This book and its precepts are like reading a breath of fresh air. She goes into such deep knowledge that even myself in seminary it took time to delve deeper. In this book, Kristie breaks up each book and part of scripture into the categories of Law, Old Testament Narrative, Poetry and Wisdom, Prophecy and Apocalyptic literature, Gospels and Acts, and Epistles. Within these categories, the author has given further distinctions of stories, poetry, and speeches within the biblical story. Overall, I appreciate this book so much. I remember the first time I understood there were multiple genres inside the small library of 66 books that is the Bible. I was fascinated but also frightened and scared. It takes time to get closer to the story. I got a free copy of the book in exchange for my honest review.

 Kingdom Race Theology by Dr. Tony Evans is a great new book advancing a theoretical framework for race and theology. Evans’ message is that the different unsuccessful human efforts to bridge our racial divide cannot succeed on their own. Instead, we need a spiritual solution. “We have far too many people running to sociology books before searching the Scripture,” Evans writes. This book is wonderfully written and takes a holistic approach to race and theology. Evans does a good job examining Black Lives Matter, Critical Race Theory, and the 1619 Project. He finds that each fails to meet the biblical standard. This book shows us what the Bible says and then relates it to a holistic approach.  I give this book a 4 out of 5 stars for a must-read philosophy on what Christians should do in the midst of our world's racial crisis. I received a free copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.