GANTS HILL URC
  • Home
  • About
  • Minister's Blog
  • Find Us
  • Prayer
  • Photos

Book Review: Specks and Planks

3/23/2021

0 Comments

 
Picture
Title: Specks and Planks
Author: Jeff Lucas
Published: 19th October 2020
Publisher: CWR
​ISBN13: 978-1789512441
Number of Pages: 160
Available from: Amazon
Specks and Planks: Stories of hope, humility and humanity is a great book. Someone introduced me to the book before Lent to use as a Bible study. Yet, I found reading it to myself far better than having it read to me. Each chapter is only four pages, so if you do not like one of the chapters, you know there will be another one along very shortly that you may like. I am happy to say that I enjoyed every single one. It was a joy from chapter one to chapter thirty-four.

It is the sort of book that has to be savoured and not read quickly, just like superior cheese or fine wine. It benefits from being read intentionally but at a nice, slow pace so that you can pick up all the nuances. Jeff Lucas sprinkles it with humour making it so enjoyable, I did not want it to end. I enjoyed the writing quality and how Lucas made me question my thinking by gently offering alternative viewpoints. He is very Christ-centric and suggests a solution to world peace, which involves the world collaborating on a giant jigsaw. It is Lucas’s sideways looks and creative thinking that makes the book an absolute gem.

There are some powerful stories (for instance, chapter 32), but there are many light-hearted ones that meant I finished the book quite quickly, despite attempting to take my time. Jeff Lucas’s theology is similar to my own. He sees Jesus in much the same way as I, offering continual love and being continually available. Whilst on occasions it may seem that he is hidden, Jesus is always there for you. 

Specks and Planks is very up to date. Jeff Lucas wrote it during the outset of Covid-19 and offers comfort as well as intelligent insights into the New Testament. I looked forward to my spare hours when I could sit down and read, and I would happily reread the book. The book is suitable for any Christian who enjoys a cup of tea and a good book in the morning or afternoon. Although there are moments of profound thinking, it is generally a gentle read. To benefit from the text,  you need to read it slowly because it gives you lots to think about. You will find yourself making time to read it and relax.
0 Comments



Leave a Reply.

    ©Copyright
    We are happy for you to use any material found here, however, please acknowledge the source: www.gantshillurc.co.uk

    Author

    Rev'd Martin Wheadon
    I have been ordained as a minister since 2001, working on my own and within a team. I am currently the minister at Gants Hill URC as well as one of the ministers at Wanstead URC. I also have 34 years of banking behind me, during which I enjoyed developing teams and working to deadlines. Pastoral care, preaching, being alongside people and journeying with members of congregations on their spiritual journeys are my delights. 

    Archives

    March 2021
    February 2021
    January 2021
    December 2020
    November 2020
    October 2020
    September 2020
    August 2020
    July 2020
    June 2020
    May 2020
    April 2020
    March 2020
    February 2020
    January 2020
    December 2019
    November 2019
    October 2019
    September 2019
    August 2019
    July 2019
    June 2019
    May 2019
    April 2019

    Categories

    All
    Book Reviews
    Christian Women
    Colours In The Bible
    Hymns
    Minister's Letter
    Mountains In The Bible
    Numbers In The Bible
    Prayers
    Preachers
    Sermons
    The Bible
    Towns And Cities
    Twelve Disciples

    RSS Feed

Proudly powered by Weebly
  • Home
  • About
  • Minister's Blog
  • Find Us
  • Prayer
  • Photos