Love Beyond Reason | John Ortberg

There is something bewildering about the human condition in that we all need to and want to be loved. And God has revealed himself as LOVE but we find it hard to grasp. Ortberg in this book deals with the misconceptions we have of God as an old man in the sky with a big stick ready to smack us for every misdemeanour. Ortberg writes this book in the hope we can understand the true and real nature of God’s love for us, which is beyond reason, beyond our expectations and can change our lives if we truly grasp it.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book, it’s refreshing and well worth passing on once finished.

 He also wrote ‘The Life you’ve Always wanted’ which is also very good. 

The Shack | Wm. Paul Young

A lot has been said about this novel and there are many blogs dedicated to it and many will be familiar with the general story line. I think this is a very good allegory, showing that in the modern day we can still have a new perspective on the Christian story. 

Just as C.S. Lewis in his writing embodied a new way to see Christianity, this novel opens up the way for our imagination and reinterpretation of facets of the Christian faith. Very well done and I hope he continues with this kind of work.

Clippings from my notebook | Corrie ten Boom

Corrie ten Boom has been an inspirational figure in my life since I was young. Not only her story of survival in a concentration camp during World War II but her abundant faith and positive outlook on life regardless of her suffering.

This small book is a collection of her insights and observations during her lifetime. She always kept a journal where she recorded her thoughts and those of others which inspired her. 

The entries are short, small bites to read and chew over.

I re read this one every few years. It has an inspiring quality to it.

Her autobiography is “The Hiding Place”.

The Path of Celtic Prayer | Calvin Miller

I have read Miller for a few years now and this is one of his latest books. He is on a boat on his way to Ireland and is hit by a desire to investigate and emulate the Celtic mystics. He writes this book after his time of learning and praying and it is a beautiful book.

 It is decorated with Celtic knots, borders and crosses. It includes a bit of background to each type of prayer and exercises we can follow in the pursuit of prayer. It is a very experiential book, in which we are drawn into a deeper understanding of and experience of prayer. The Celts had an amazing relationship with nature and the elements and it permeates their prayers. I enjoyed it and will re-read it often because of its refreshing approach to an ancient custom.

I have also read 'Once Upon a Tree' and ' Into the depth of God' by Miller and enjoyed them both.

Buy at fishpond.co.nz

Sabbath | Wayne Muller

‘Finding rest, renewal and delight in our busy lives’ is how Muller describes the contents of this book. It appealed to me as I am busy and involved in loads of stuff. Trying to carve out space and peace in a week let alone a day seems like a good thing so I read it. And I was really impressed by the style and the content. Muller describes the ethos of taking time out to rest and reflect and how it is necessary in all aspects of life, not just the spiritual.

The chapters are short, with specific areas targeted and suggestions on how to achieve rest specifically. For instance he describes the origin of the Sabbath meal and encourages us to make a weekly meal a special occasion with simple and seasonal things on the table to remind us to be restful. Kind of like a Thanksgiving meal only simplified and weekly.

He emphasises the need to stop and reflect on our lives weekly daily, hourly and has good ideas on how to do this.

It was quite revolutionary to read this and to try to practice some of the ideas, instilling rest, peace and reflection into my life.

Buy at Fishpond.co.nz

Devotional Classics | Richard Foster

This book explores many Christian writers, spanning history to contemporary. Each chapter gives us an excerpt and some thought provoking comments by Foster as well as exercises we can do between studies. It has made us think and rethink, discuss and disagree and overall grown in our spiritual journey. 

I enjoy reading this book every few years to regain perspective and be challenged in what can sometimes be an apathetic attitude to my faith. There is a good bibliography following each person so if one takes your fancy you can then read in full all they have written. 

The book is divided into sections which have a practical theme. Within each selection there are extracts from authors on those themes. The fist section is 'Preparing for the Spiritual Journey' and in it we hear from some like CS Lewis, Dallas Willard, Jonathan Edwards, Bernard of Clairvaux. The second section is 'The Prayer-filled Life' and in it Thomas Merton, Julian of Norwich, Henri Nouwen, Evelyn Underhill....then 'The Virtuous Life', 'The Spirit Filled Life', 'The Compassionate Life', 'The World-Centered Life'....There are many inspiring authors and a great book to read when exploring our faith.

Into the Depths of God | Calvin Miller

I am really interested in the mystical side of spirituality. In this book Miller points to a way of life which acknowledges a calmer, deeper and more profound state of faith we can live in. It was refreshing and rewarding to read. I learned a lot and was challenged to observe a quieter centre while on the surface coping with the every day bustle of life.

I hope this book is taken up and chewed on slowly because it merits careful and thoughtful reading. I really like Miller’s style and have read a lot of his books. “Once upon a Tree” and “The Path of Celtic Prayer”.

That Incredible Christian | A.W.Tozer

A.W.Tozer is an oldie but a goodie. I've read him for many years and have found him useful to refresh my memory on the basic tenets of the Christian faith. I went overseas and took this slim volume with me to have as a guide and touchstone in my travels. 
His chapters give an indication of the content.'How important is creed?', 'The inadequacy of instant Christianity','The freedom of the will','Why the Holy Spirit is given'...There are twenty chapters in all and in his careful and well thought out way Tozer is a great read.
I appreciate this book because it helps me keep grounded in the basics, the cornerstones of my faith and helps to give perspective to a lot of issues surrounding my spiritual journey in a modern world.