Harvest Time Book Reviews

Rehearsing for Heaven

2011-07-29T17:05:00.000-07:00

Rehearsing For Heaven

Author: Mark B. Reed

Publisher: Createspace 2010

ISBN: 9781450597777

Pages: 447 Paperback

Genre: Non-Fiction

Reviewed by Pamela R. Jeffers

We live in a day and time where everyone is professing to have some sort of knowledge of God and what it means to be spiritual. There is a hunger in each of us to discover our purpose and live purposefully. But what about after we have lived this life? What’s next? Is there a Heaven that we should be aiming for and a Hell that we should escape? In his book, Rehearsing for Heaven, author, Mark B.Reed challenges the reader to hope and prepare for Heaven. He believes that throughout our life, God gives us glimpses of what Heaven is like; and it is our choice as to whether or not we go. We make this choice when we choose a relationship with God. While this is a fitting statement to make when writing a book of this nature, it conveys only a partial truth, which I will explain further later in this review.

The book is segmented as a play would be, with acts and scenes; however, the scripture references noted in the “Endnotes” felt text bookish. Personally, when reading a book that references scripture, I would rather have the scriptures noted in the text, so I can simultaneously refer to my Bible. As I referred to these scriptures, questions arose that were not quite answered by Rehearsing for Heaven. I won’t go into all of them but one crucial question was, “Who do you say Jesus is?” The author of course refers to Jesus a number of times, but quite often only in the manner of the lessons that He taught. If our entrance into Heaven is contingent on the truth that we must choose to be in a relationship with God then Jesus has to be a part of the equation...A crucial essential part! It is through one’s belief in Jesus as God, His shed blood on the Cross and His sacrificing His life for us that gives access to eternal life; Heaven.

Rehearsing for Heaven gives comfort that there is more to experience after this life. It assures that God has prepared a place for His people; a place of peace, rest and eternal worship of a God that wants us to spend an eternity in His presence. However, the vehicle of Jesus and the road map of the Cross that is required for our salvation and entrance into Heaven, Rehearsing for Heaven skims over and neglects to inform the reader of this complete and fundamental truth.

Help Wanted! VACANCIES in the Kingdom of God

2010-11-14T18:26:00.000-08:00

Author: Linda Gourdine-Hunt
Publisher: McDougal & Associates 2009
ISBN: 978-1934769249
Pages: 96 Paperback
Genre: Non-Fiction
Reviewed by Pamela R. Jeffers

Just the title alone informs that there are opportunities of service that have been neglected to be filled.
Author, Linda Gourdine-Hunt uses poetic illustration and creative storytelling to enlighten the reader of what these needs are; for the advancement of the kingdom of God. The homeless, pregnant teens, prisoners, gang bangers, hurting clergymen and many more are waiting for these vacancies to be filled.

Ms. Gourdine-Hunt challenges all Christians to seek God for what He would have them to do. As you read, you will be motivated to action; however Ms. Gourdine-Hunt wisely advises that one should first prepare oneself for service. As prayer being the first call to action, she offers a list, supported by scripture, of things that we should all do to prepare.

“Help Wanted! VACANCIES in the Kingdom of God” is a must read for all Christians. While reading, you will be reminded that we are God’s workmanship and called for one another. As author, Linda Gourdine Hunt effectively points out, all who has received Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior has been called by God to better the human condition.

LIFE Is What You Make It: seven steps to moving forward

2010-10-29T10:18:00.000-07:00

LIFE Is What You Make It: seven steps to moving forward

Author: Carl Mathis

Publisher: Tate Publishing 2010

ISBN: 9781616634650

Pages: 104 Paperback

Genre: Non-Fiction

Reviewed by Pamela R. Jeffers

Learning from the adversities that we face in life, and allowing God to birth His purposes in us, is proof that the victory is truly ours. As is the case in “LIFE is What You Make It: seven steps to moving forward” where new author, Carl Mathis spells out 7 life lessons that God taught him to use to turn his situation of being the victim to the victor.

Carl Mathis’ life took an unsuspecting turn, when the death of his wife, leaving him to raise 2 sons on his own, left him devastated and looking for someone or something to rescue him. Grieving, stressed and in disbelief of his present situation, Carl Mathis had to come to grips with his new reality and through prayer, God gave him the will and steps to move forward.

Mr. Mathis does a fine job in detailing the steps that he used to get his life back on track; steps that the reader will be able to apply to their own life. The applications of these biblical truths are key and Mr. Mathis backs up his theories with a wealth of scripture. I was impressed that because it was in recent years, his lost took place; Mr. Mathis was willing to share his story so profoundly, proving the spiritual growth that took place in his life.

“LIFE is What You Make It: seven steps to moving forward” will be an asset to any readers’ library. The reader will easily identify with his struggles and come away with the motivation that although bad things happen to good people, there is hope.

On Solid Ground: Inspirational Poetry for All Occasions

2010-10-12T13:30:00.001-07:00

On Solid Ground: Inspirational Poetry For All Occasions

Author: Jo Anne Meekins

Publisher: AuthorHouse 2008

ISBN: 9781434372734

Pages: 108 Paperback

Genre: Poetry

Reviewed by: Pamela R. Jeffers

Poetry with a profound purpose would be one way to assess the value of Jo Anne Meekins’, On Solid Ground: Inspirational Poetry For All Occasions. But even this description doesn’t seem to fully grasp the enormity of the effect it will have on its readers. Each poem will connect with the reader on a spiritual level and leave a lasting impression that it was written to and just for them. This was the case with one of the poems that spoke to the depths of my being. It is entitled, “Live On”. As someone who recently lost a dear loved one, my mother, it was as if she wrote this poem herself.

The poems in this book are rich in relevance and the structure of its execution appears to be intentional. The book is arranged into seven sections, with eight poems each in six of its sections and one section with 16 poems; representing God’s perfect number seven and the new beginnings number of eight. Each section is prefaced with its intended aim and all of the poems are accompanied by relative scripture in the King James Version of the Bible. Giving it a once over read will not be enough, you will find yourself referring to its contents over and over again. It can be used as an added addition to your devotional time with the Lord or a source of reference in times of need for comfort and strength.

A book with an anointing of this kind cannot be written without having a deep personal and prayerful relationship with Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. Ms. Meekins has proven that in fact she does have this relationship and her readers will reap the benefit. The reader will be blessed reading this Godly inspirational book of poetry, which truly speaks to the heart, mind and soul. On Solid Ground: Inspirational Poetry For All Occasions is a must to be placed on your all occasion gift giving list.

I Remember Gospel: And I Keep On Singing

2010-07-18T19:56:00.000-07:00

I Remember Gospel: And I Keep On Singing
Author: Minister Gene Viale
Publisher: AuthorHouse 2010
ISBN: 9781449076818
Pages: 272 Hardcover
Genre: Autobiography
Reviewed by Pamela R. Jeffers

In his book, I Remember Gospel: And I Keep On Singing, Gene Viale gives an eloquent account of his life as a white singer (in complexion only, since he is of Italian/French/Mexican/Puerto Rican descent) with among the Black Gospel greats of the past. From singing in his home church as a young boy to a career spanning some 40 years in gospel music; readers are taken through a journey that tells of this experience, both career and spiritual. As expressed in his forward, Mr. Viale hopes that by reading his book, readers will come to recognize that God has His hand on all of us.

Early on, the reader will realize that there aren't any chapters.There was so much detail of the 40 some years that was covered in Mr. Viale's story, having chapters would have been a welcomed relief, as at times the adventure was rather exhausting. But this is purely, from a point of view of personal taste; other readers may not mind.

As I read Mr. Viale's accounts of his admiring from afar, the gospel greats such as Mahalia Jackson, James Cleveland, Albertina Walker & Shirley Ceasar to their actual introductions and eventual collaborations, I was moved by his sincere love for Gospel music and his ability to convey his emotions to the reader. He tells of how strange it was for him to travel throughout the south with these artists during the racially charged 60's. He expresses his appreciation of how he was accepted and protected by them as he was often the youngest in the group. I particularly enjoyed reading of his experience with meeting and then singing for the Queen of Gospel, Ms. Mahalia Jackson and the Father of Gospel, Dr. Thomas A. Dorsey.He credits the anointing of the Holy Spirit for his ability to move the crowds where he was called to minister, and expresses his disappointment on how he was not compensated fairly during some of these engagements.

Mr. Viale writes about battling insecurity and a deep need to be accepted stemming way back from childhood. He doesn't inform the reader as to why he thinks this was. He does state that along the way he realized that he was always trying to be forgiven, grateful and then failing again; until he discovered that he should please God because of who He is and not because he was going to be punished.

It was amazing how Mr. Viale is very descriptive and expounding in his recollections of past events. Most autobiographical books are a collection of summarized events that loosely tell its story. As vividly candid Mr. Viale is at telling some of his story, one can discern that there is much that he isn't telling. However, the reader will enjoy reading about the early days of Gospel music and how the Gospel greats of old, paid the price and paved the way for today's Gospel artists.