BooksSpirituality

By Jason Lilly

Once again, Christian living master Max Lucado impresses with a study of the life of David, failure and success, a Biblical figure whom God himself proclaimed "a man after his own heart" (Samuel 13:14).

As usual, Lucado chooses an important theme for Christians to follow. Too often in our lives, we focus on the overwhelming stresses in our lives, fear, failure, doubt, a shady past, whatever it may be. In the beginning of the book, Lucado vividly paints a portrait of tiny David and how he stood firm against a nine-foot giant, against all odds, in the midst of others' doubt, and dropped the behemoth with one stone hurled from a sling, the simplest of weapons. Lucado cleverly and effectively shows that David's focus was on God, not the towering threat that loomed over him. This is how we should live our own lives, with our focus on the Master, on the one who sits upon the throne and guarantees our success if we just trust in Him.

I say in the title of this review that the book was released just in time because the book's release coincides with the phenomenal Christian movie, Facing the Giants, which harbors the same themes as this book. Lucado himself has marveled that God works in amazing ways, as we learn in this book by studying the tumultuous but God-seeking life of David.

This book is for anyone, Christian or not, who know they have been dwelling in the negatives of their life, overpowered by "giants", and encourages them to set their sights on God instead and ask him to help you face these giants and understand: "Focus on giants -- you stumble. Focus on God -- your giants tumble."

By Dr. Alex Tang "the reader" (Malaysia) -

Yancey, Philip. 2006. Prayer: Does it make any Difference? London: Hodder and Stoughton. This review is based on the British edition which was released earlier.

Philip Yancey, author of best selling Disappointment with God and Soul Survivor, is a popular author because he puts in words, what many Christians are feeling but are afraid to articulate. He deals with controversial topics of living a Christian life with brutal honesty. Hence a book on prayer is most welcome. Prayer is the most talked about subject in Christian life yet least practiced. Yancey stated that to him, prayer is the area where two themes of struggle in Christian life meet: "Why God doesn't act the way we want God to and why I don't act the way God wants me to."

In Part 1, Yancey developed the theme of who God is and who we are in relationship to Him. He also highlighted the fact that God wants to keep company with us. It is in this context that, Yancey developed his argument why we should pray. To him, prayer is a partnership with God which he developed in Part 2. God wants to partner with his creatures in His great redemption plan of the present fallen creation. Prayer then is a form of negotiation. Skillfully skirting the theological issue of whether an unchanging God can change His mind, Yancey explored the numerous passages in the Bible that God did changed His mind. He concluded that the underlying reason that God does change His mind is because of love. "For God so loved the world..."

In Part 3, Yancey explored the `language of prayer.' Basically, this section is a `how to pray' section. However I am glad he explored the silence of God in his chapter `the sound of silence'. For some reasons, most churches do not teach the fact that in a life of prayer, there are times when God does not seem to be present. Spiritual writer like John of the Cross talked about a dark night of the soul- an experience where God seems to be absent. One reason why this is not commonly taught may be that many Christians may not be able to accept the fact that God will voluntarily withdraw the awareness of His presence from us. However as many spiritual writers have attested, these dark nights are necessary for our spiritual growth. Another reason may be that almost all Christians are struggling with prayer (or time to pray). A God who seems absent may not fit into their theological framework.

Part 4 is the climax of the whole book. I was looking forward to discover what Yancey would say about two important issues for us who are struggling with prayers- unanswered prayers and prayers and physical healing.

Regarding unanswered prayer, Yancey wrote, "Some, but not all, unanswered prayers trace back to a fault in the one who prayers...to God's mystifying respect for human freedom and refusal to coerce...to dark powers contending against God's rule...to a planet marred with disease, violence and the potential for tragic accident." What about the unanswered prayers not due to these causes mentioned? After 15 pages, Yancey concludes, "In the end, unanswered prayer brings me face to face with the mystery that silenced Paul: the profound difference between my perspective and God's". It is a mystery but it does not help those of us who are struggling with unanswered prayers.

Imagine sitting with David, before he became king of Israel, and hearing his laments and frustrations with God which eventually circled back to an attitude of praise. You might hear some of the same questions and observations in this book. I've always admired Yancey's willingness to wrestle with the tough issues, to share from his own weaknesses, and to engage his brain while also relying on faith. His latest book embraces these same qualities, presenting a theological yet practical look at prayer's place in the lives of Christians.

So, does prayer make a difference? That's the central question of the book, and it points poignantly at a relationship with the living God. It does not, however, sugarcoat the harsh realities: those who die despite numerous prayers of faith; those who prosper while living sinful lives; the seeming distance of God when we yearn for his nearness.

Throughout the book, sidebars give insight into the joys and turmoils of believers from around the world. These add a nice touch of humanity to the narrative, a reminder that the issue of prayer is not merely an ethereal one, but one that affects each of us to our core. Some never receive the easy answers they hope for, while others rarely pray and find wide paths of apparent blessing. Yancey deals with questions of sickness, prosperity, spiritual destitution, sin, and the ultimate desire to know God and to be known. One particular thought hit home: Why is that God doesn't do the things we want him to, and why is that we don't do the things he wants us to?

If you're looking for an easy, 1-2-3 step book on abundant living through prayer, look elsewhere. If you want everything to fit into a nice, tidy box, this isn't the book for you. If, however, you are earnest in your desire to bring your honest fears and doubts before the Lord, to think through the answers of Scripture, to know that you are not alone, than Phillip Yancey's latest book is sure to be a breath of fresh air. This is a book rich in ideas and biblical truth, yet accessible to the average reader. Indeed, it can--and probably will--make a difference in many lives.

Book Description

When governments collapse, human philosophies fail and your life is crashing down around you, Rediscovering the Kingdom will become your guide through the treacherous storms of the 21st century. All of the past ideologies have failed—humanism, communism, totalitarianism, fascism, socialism and even democracy. This is a philosophy, an ideology that will not fail, for it was bore in the heart of God Himself.

As Dr. Munroe unveils the reality and the power of the Kingdom of God, you will be challenged to the core of your religious soul as you discover realities that few have seen, let alone talked about.

Rediscovering the Kingdom will defy almost every concept you have about religion as it shifts the focus away from religion towards the ultimate issue—the Kingdom of God. In this book you will discover:

• The keys that make the Kingdom function in your life.

• Why religion cannot solve your problems.

• Why governments and world leaders continue to fail us.

• Why religion can never fulfill your deepest desire.

• Why power is the pursuit of all mankind.

• The present and future reality of the Kingdom among us.

• The original message and purpose of Jesus.

When governments collapse, human philosophies fail and your life is crashing down around you, Rediscovering the Kingdom will become your guide through the treacherous storms of the 21st century. All of the past ideologies have failed-humanism, communism, totalitarianism, fascism, socialism and even democracy. This is a philosophy, an ideology that will not fail, for it was bore in the heart of God Himself.

Amazon.com

The spiritual premise in The Purpose-Driven Life is that there are no accidents---God planned everything and everyone. Therefore, every human has a divine purpose, according to God's master plan. Like a twist on John F. Kennedy's famous inaugural address, this book could be summed up like this: "So my fellow Christians, ask not what God can do for your life plan, ask what your life can do for God's plan." Those who are looking for advice on finding one's calling through career choice, creative expression, or any form of self-discovery should go elsewhere. This is not about self-exploration; it is about purposeful devotion to a Christian God. The book is set up to be a 40-day immersion plan, recognizing that the Bible favors the number 40 as a "spiritually significant time," according to author Rick Warren, the founding pastor of Saddleback Church in Lake Forest, California, touted as one of the nation largest congregations. Warren's hope is that readers will "interact" with the 40 chapters, reading them one day at a time, with extensive underlining and writing in the margins. As an inspirational manifesto for creating a more worshipful, church-driven life, this book delivers. Every page is laden with references to scripture or dogma. But it does not do much to address the challenges of modern Christian living, with its competing material, professional, and financial distractions. Nonetheless, this is probably an excellent resource for devout Christians who crave a jumpstart back to worshipfulness. --Gail Hudson

By Soozie4Him

I own many devotional books, but this one is my favorite! This classic book, released the same year as Oswald Chambers' "My Utmost for His Highest", has been edited by James Reimann. It maintains the original beauty of the language and ideas while making it more reader-friendly for the readers of today.

Mrs. Cowman used many sources to come up with her the readings in this wonderful book. There is a list in the back of all the people whose works she had read in compiling this devotional.

In my opinion, one of the most useful features of Streams is that it has a Scripture Index. If you are studying a certain book of the Bible or specific passage, you can find out which days' devotions contain discussion of that particular Scripture. I lead a small group Bible Study in my home and I use Streams almost every week to gather information on the chapter we are studying. Streams in the Desert also has an Index by Contributor and a Subject Index.

I have given this book as a gift several times to people going through difficult times. People tell me that God really used this book to speak to them during their time of need. This devotional isn't just for people going through difficult trials -it is an excellent daily devotional on it's own.

Whether you use this book in your daily devotions, or for researching specific passages or topics, this is a must-have for any Christian's library! The CD project by the same name is an excellent album also.

I have wanted to write a review of this book for a long time, but have hesitated because I knew that I could not do it justice. Please order this book ... ... now and be blessed!

I first discovered "Celebration of Discipline" through Terry Glaspey's "Great Books of the Christian Tradition." Glaspey listed Foster's book as one of the top ten (cream-of-the-crop) books that every Christian ought to read and know. His opinion is obviously shared by many others as shown in Christianity Today's listing of "Celebration of Discipline" as one of the top twenty most influential books of the 20th century. Why is the book so influential? Because it gives Christians important and practical details regarding the scriptural key (self-discipline) to living a holy life which is the door to true liberty in all its facets. The 12 spiritual disciplines he expounds on, if faithfully practiced, will lead to inward and outward harmony (wholeness; holiness) with oneself as well as social harmony with others both within and without (as an evangelistic light) the corporate body of Christ. Four disciplines are allotted to each one of the spheres (inward, outward, and corporate) and valuable insights from the spiritual masters within Christian history are provided as supplements to the biblical foundation that grounds the book.

Another book that makes a nice companion to this one is Dallas Willard's "The Spirit of the Disciplines." Willard's book is highly recommended by Foster who considered it the book of the decade (1980s) and now considers Willard's new book "The Divine Conspiracy" as the one he has been searching for all his life because of its biblically comprehensive, holistic and practical nature. Both Foster and Willard value the deep, spiritual insights of the older Christian classics (including those penned by so-called Christian "mystics") as seen by their many references and quotes. Also, both authors have seen that the deep spirituality that underlies those classics flowed from a self-disciplined life. Those who think that God will progressively sanctify them apart from their obedient and disciplined life are sorely mistaken and, if they don't change their thinking and practices, are in for a rude awakening.

A few words regarding the spiritual discipline of meditation are in order. Meditation in general involves learning through practice to control one's thoughts and redirect one's attention for the purpose of sustained concentration on a given object (whether physical via the eyes or mental via the imagination or spirit). This is NOT always easy, especially at first, because our thoughts tend to be wild and bounce disjointedly from thought to thought in a stream of consciousness. This is one reason why vocal prayer (which IS easy) is important during private prayer times to aid in concentration. This is also important to understand in order to appreciate the purpose of repetition in, for example, Eastern Orthodox practice (read "The Way of a Pilgrim" and notice the anonymous author's use of the Jesus Prayer and its corresponding fruit in his life). This is NOT "vain" repetition, but repetition with an important, sacred goal! Having made this point, I appreciate Foster's emphasis on obedience. He stated that "Christian meditation, very simply, is the ability to hear God's voice and obey his word." Obedience is indeed integral to Christian meditation and holy living because the Christian purpose of such a discipline is to sensitize us to the Holy Spirit's "still, small" voice. I also appreciated Foster's balanced understanding of detachment and attachment. He stated: "The detachment from the confusion all around us is in order to have a richer attachment to God." Amen! I am glad to find myself in a growing company of Christians of various denominations who appreciate the importance of Foster's book and the greater importance of practicing the disciplines in order to live a "devout and holy life" (*) that is pleasing and acceptable to God. (* Also recommended: William Law's "A Serious Call to a Devout and Holy Life")

Celebration of Discipline by Richard Foster is an excellent starting point for those brave travelers who wish to travel deeper into the forests of Christian Spirituality. Mr. Foster introduces us briefly to what each path holds; all the while showing us practical steps we can take to get us started in each area. This book is exceptional as an introductory not only because it gets us started down the path but because it calls us deeper and deeper in. I wholeheartedly recommend this book to all Christians; and to all those interested in the life lived in and by the Spirit.

Foster wonders if he is the right person to write this book, and indeed who would be. (It seems clear that he was exactly the right person.) Our culture is at war with simplicity. Material neediness is almost demanded of us. We need new stuff -- techno-toys, fashions, cars, amazing new whatnot. Says Foster: "Stress the quality of life above the quantity of life. Refuse to be seduced into defining life in terms of having rather than being. Cultivate solitude and silence. Learn to 'listen to God's speech in his wondrous, terrible, gentle, loving, all-embracing silence'... Value music, art, books, significant travel. If you are too busy to read, you are too busy... Learn the wonderful truth that to increase the quality of life means to decrease material desire..." Foster leads the reader to understand that Christian simplicity is not merely a reinvention of self focus, a stripped-down version of self indulgence. It is both carefully inward-looking and thoughtfully outward-looking, always seeking to need only One. This is not the Christianity that the skeptic will find easy to assail, but rather the type of human concerns illuminated by Christ: "A million hogs in Indiana have superior housing to a billion humans on this planet."

This said, the book is indeed a fascinating inquiry into what is perhaps the greatest historical mystery of all. Using his background as a journalist at the Chicago Tribune, Strobel opens each chapter with an account of a criminal case that illustrates the importance of a careful examination of the evidence. This of course is a rhetorical device intended to present Strobel himself as a hard-headed, no-nonsense inquirer. And even though it does help clarify some of the aspects of rational proof, it has the unfortunate effect of associating Christianity with rather grizzly news items.

Some of Strobel's points, I think, are irrefutable: Jesus did exist, his life is much better documented than that of any figure of the same era and he did not merely swoon on the cross, but actually died there.

However, I found some of the key arguments for his divinity, resurrection and miracles less than convincing. For instance, one of the scholars interviewed, J. P. Moreland, argues that the best circumstantial evidence for Jesus's resurrection is the conversion of "an entire community of 10,000 Jews" to Christianity within five weeks of his crucifixion. This is all the more striking, he says, as the Jews' extremely resilient beliefs and religious practices have survived over the millenia.

I find this argument deficient on at least two counts. First, the practice of baptism was not originated by Jesus, but by John the Baptist who apparently attracted large crowds (at least in the movies I've seen ;-) even though he did not perform any miracles and certainly was not resurrected. Second, to argue that just because the Jews *as a group* are very strongly attached to their beliefs, the defection of many *individual* Jews requires a miracle is to commit the fallacy of composition.

I also think that the number and dedication of a religious leader's followers are irrelevant to the factual or moral truth of his teachings. Joseph Smith, the founder of the Mormon Church, for instance, was a documented bum and quack whose fabrications are so ludicrous that they are not even worthy of scholarly refutation. And yet the Mormon Church counts about eight million members today.

I do recommend *The Case for Christ* though, both as a good counterbalance to the sometimes misinformed dismissiveness of many TV documentaries, and as probably the best place to start with on the subject. Though the occasional Creationist creeps in, Strobel's bibliographical recommendations at the end of each chapter seem to be generally excellent. I have for instance begun reading Craig Blomberg's *The Historical Reliability of the Gospels*, and it is a work of a much higher caliber then Strobel's, which even refutes some of the arguments Strobel considered as decisive. In the last paragraph of his introduction, for instance, Blomberg refutes C. S. Lewis's 'trilemma', with which Strobel chose to conclude his book.

And whatever the ultimate decisiveness of its arguments, *The Case for Christ* is an exciting book that should be of interest to all those who love a good mystery.