Tag Archives: Ann Coker

Book Review & A Giveaway: Journey with Bunyan’s Pilgrim

Journey with Bunyan’s Pilgrim says, “God uses our memory to remind us of the past so we do not repeat our sins. At the same time, He wants us to see clearly His love, mercy, and grace in the examples of what Jesus has done. These bring perspective to our relationship and give hope to our future.”

Journey with Bunyan’s Pilgrim was written by Ann L. Coker, wife to former pastor Bill Coker. In the book, Words of Endearment, Ann also partnered to bring Bill’s sermons to life in written form. Ann asks, “What is the goal of your Christian walk?”

Ann furnishes this companion guide for The Pilgrim’s Progress as a study tool to apply the lessons and ferret out the nuggets from John Bunyan’s famous book. She presents insights into the allegories and journaling prompts for processing the truths there. Indeed, Ann acts like a helper throughout the route. She reminds us, “we do not travel alone, for God has sent companions to enable us along life’s journey.”

Ann recognizes the need for self-care for a successful trek, and our need for a shepherd. She says, “Sheep need tending; they are often careless about their needs and unable to stay on the way. With his staff, a shepherd will rescue a wandering lamb and get him back on the right path.”

Journey with Bunyan’s Pilgrim provides an overview of John Bunyan’s work and through that summary gives a takeaway for the reader to process their own way through the valley and peaks of life in our times.

I am giving away a copy of Journey with Bunyan’s Pilgrim to one reader in the continental United States. Leave a comment on my blog (at the top of this post, under the title). You will be entered into the drawing to be held on Saturday morning, November 1. Tell me about when you first became acquainted with John Bunyan’s book, The Pilgrim’s Progress. Get an extra chance to win, when you share this post on social media (let me know where).

Sally

Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for a fair and honest review.

Book Review & a Giveaway: The Scandal of Christmas

The Scandal of Christmas

The Scandal of Christmas asks how we handle our difficulty to understand God’s ways when He doesn’t answer prayer. It’s one thing to praise God when things go as we desire, but what happens when God is silent?

Dr. William B. Coker, Sr. chose four unlikely personalities to highlight the weeks of Advent—the approach to Christmas. Teacher and then pastor for 19 years, Bill’s “command of the dictionary often stretches our understanding and challenges us to the depth of word meanings.”

Take a look at Zechariah. He remained faithful through years of service, but seemingly had no answers to his plea for an heir. Or, Joseph, an unlikely candidate whose story remains hidden in the shadows. What did he sacrifice for the young bride’s reputation? Obedience was the hallmark of his life.

Bill says Mary is not an object of our faith to be worshipped, but a pattern of faith to follow. “From confusion to amazement to surrender, she offered her willingness for whatever God wanted.”

And then, there’s Jesus—The One of mystery and revelation who defies all protocol.

Take a step back from Christmas this year to consider what it means to prepare for Christmas. Bill says God used ordinary people in the Christmas story to remind us we can do the exceptional to bring His message to a needy world. When we grant God access to our lives, He reminds us He has not forgotten about us, but remembers us and His word.

The Scandal of Christmas has great applications for our culture today, stunning illustrations from artist Dave O’Connell, and personal takeaways to implement. It will encourage you to use prayer as “a personal approach to an approachable God!”

I am giving away a copy of The Scandal of Christmas to one reader in the continental United States. Leave a comment on my blog (at the top of this post, under the title). You will be entered into the drawing to be held on Friday, December 10. Tell me a tradition that draws you into Christmas. Get an extra chance to win, when you share this post on social media (let me know where).

Sally

Disclosure of Material: I received a copy of The Scandal of Christmas from the author in exchange for a fair and honest review.