As
a book reviewer and blogger, I read scores of books on Christian
living each year. Usually only a few strike me as life changing. This
book is one of them. I had no idea how three words could be so life
changing. GOD is here. (Yes, GOD, not god, not even God.)
Novotny
shakes up what we might think it means to love GOD or follow Him. He
challenges us: What if we realize how truly awe-inspiring GOD is,
that His presence “makes every other blessing unnecessary for our
peace, hope, and joy?” (Loc 118/2901)
GOD
is the most satisfying thing for our souls, Novotny says. All the
“stuff” we have will never satisfy. It is hevel
(Hebrew for “mist,” from Ecclesiastes). Even the sights
and sounds and pleasures we experience are given by GOD so we would
think more of Him. But He is hidden and it takes practice, devotion,
and effort to see GOD, glorious, exalted, and soul satisfying.
Surprisingly,
pain is a gift. “Without suffering, we would never know if we loved
GOD for his presence or his presents.” (Loc 1526/2901) Pain can be a
powerful tool to make us think much of GOD and the glory to come.
(Rom. 8:18) GOD uses the struggles of life to force us to keep
searching for what can satisfy – GOD. (Loc 1029/2901)
This
book is like no other I have read. Novotny points out the frustration
and hopelessness of trying to find happiness apart from GOD. This
book challenged me in everything I thought I understood about loving
GOD. I highly recommend it. May you think much of GOD as He is the
only thing that can satisfy your soul.
You
can read an excerpt here.
My
rating: 5/5 stars.
Mike
Novotny is a copastor at The CORE, a church affiliated with the
Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod, is the lead speaker for Time of
Grace media ministry, and serves as the chairman of Conquerors
through Christ, a ministry to help people reject, resist, and recover
from pornography. He lives with his wife and children in Appleton,
Wisconsin. Learn more at www.timeofgrace.org.
Bethany
House, 192 pages. This book releases January 7.
I
received a complimentary egalley of this book from the publisher. My
comments are an independent and honest review.
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