Review: Your God Is Too Glorious

Where does worship occur? This is the question that Lutheran pastor Chad Bird seeks to answer in his book Your God Is Too Glorious: Finding God in the Most Unexpected Places (Baker Books, 2018). Bird argues that our image-driven culture has obscured our vision of God. Instead of looking to celebrities, he argues, we ought to look to the ordinary situations of our lives and see how God might show up there. Probing Old and New Testament stories and church history, Bird makes the case for returning to a simpler Christianity—one where the Gospel is concealed in the everyday life.

Bird's text is a refreshing reminder of the grace that exists in the ordinary. For those who are tired of traditional spiritual self-help books promising amazing miracles, consider this book. Bird writes in a humble, simple, approachable manner, engaging the reader to believe that the true miracle is that God promises to show up in the mundane situations of our lives. It is a short read—only 10 small chapters—but it can be read devotionally, chewed and meditated bit by bit as we recapture the glory that is the Christian life. And there's nothing ordinary about that.

(My thanks is given to Baker for providing a complimentary review copy in exchange for an honest review.)

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Product Review: LL Bean Extra-Large Rolling Adventure Duffle

Overview When adventure strikes, the right bag makes all the difference. Too often, however, luggage bags are either large, ponderous suitcases or small, flimsy duffle bags. I have traveled to Central and South America multiple times with terribly large suitcases. It added extra complication to my trip—especially lugging the bag up the steps! This is the problem which LL Bean seeks to rectify in the LL Bean Extra-Large Rolling Adventure Duffle. With a 137-liter capacity, this duffel is able to hold the items of the biggest pack-rat while being easy to transport. It features a telescoping handle, smooth-gliding wheels, and cinch straps. Specifications Capacity: Approx. 8,350 cu. in., 137 L. Weight: 9 lb. 3 oz. Dimensions: 17"H x 34"W x 15"D. Highlights This bag is sturdy. Not only is it capable of holding many items, but it is incredibly durable. It has a reinforced nylon bottom and a thick plastic frame so that the bag does not sag or become weak.

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