Subtitled, Finding Meaning for Your Life in Genesis, this introduction to the creation of the Earth and the history of mankind, as told in the first eleven chapters of the Bible, is written by the daughter of world evangelist Billy Graham. Her previous book, The Vision of His Glory, based on Revelation, the last book of the Bible forms a companion to this book, but God’s story can be enjoyed for itself. I am now interested in finding a copy of the companion book to complete the series.
Published in 1997, God’s Story is a chronological meditation of the Scriptures revealing Him through four sections as, Your Creator, Your Father, Your Saviour and Your Redeemer. Her introduction poses the question ‘Who was the eyewitness to Creation?’ answering this by saying God Himself. The prologue, based on Genesis 1:1-3, sets the scene for what follows and is invitingly entitled, The God You Can Know. Concluding the book, notes to the Scripture references and other published works referred to, plus comprehensive explanations of theories about Earth history, provide additional reading material. I found this section extremely helpful, often referring to it as I progressed through the chapters and then again on completion.
But this is not a book focussing on scientific creationism; it is an invitation on a journey through the history of mankind and our relationship with Almighty God. Anne Lotz uses many personal and contemporary examples to illustrate her points. Her teaching is rooted in everyday living covering the full spectrum of the state of the human heart and our capacity to know, or ignore, the living God. Throughout, she challenges the reader with numerous questions, elongated sentences and multiple statements around the same topic, often presented on the page in creative layouts, breaking up the solid text to use diagonal indentation and drawing the eye across, down and back over the page. Generally, I found this technique helpful, but there were times when this was repeated, sometimes twice on one page, which I found slightly inhibited the fluency of the text. However, this is not a book to be read quickly, it is to be pondered over, allowing the Holy Spirit to highlight areas where the reader recognises the need to deepen their relationship with their Heavenly Father.
Anne Lotz skilfully draws together parallel topics and similar themes running throughout the Bible, leading the reader gently from emptiness to completion, revealing the purpose and power of the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Her extensive understanding and knowledge of the Bible’s teachings, reveals Jesus’ presence before the foundation of the Earth, His involvement with the Godhead at Creation and His function as Saviour and Redeemer, right through the history of mankind on the Earth. She repeatedly encourages the reader to assess their spiritual state, by reflecting on fruitfulness in different areas of life, thereby provoking a peeling back of the layers of self centeredness and allowing more of the riches of Christ to penetrate and build a strong foundation.
I found this a great read, full of insights and perspectives which both challenged and comforted, causing me to deepen my communion with the Lord.
Highly recommended.
Wednesday, March 26, 2008
Friday, February 29, 2008
Heroes of the Faith - D L Moody, by Bonnie C Harvey
This is the second book I have read in the series Heroes of the Faith; the first being the life story of Eric Liddell. Dwight L Moody is most remembered now for pioneering the Bible Institute, bearing his name, in Chicago. This was in 1889, ten years before he died, but his previous 55 years were also filled with extraordinary endeavours on two continents, preparing the way for his legacy as the “father of the evangelical movement”.
This little book retells his fascinating story, from childhood and his acceptance of Christ at age seventeen, to his life’s work. It commences with these words, “The world has yet to see what God will do with a man fully consecrated to Him”, said in Moody’s hearing in Britain in 1872, by lay preacher Henry Varley. Challenged and envisioned, Moody vowed to be that man, and from that point his already energetic and sometimes hectic lifestyle, gained new purpose and direction.
His early life, as the youngest of seven children, brought up in a farming community in Northfield, Massachusetts, was very humble and difficult, but those early trials enabled him always to identify with those at the very bottom of the social structure. Right throughout his life, although he spoke to crowds of thousands and received acclaim from Royals, he retained a desire to see the poor and needy given the opportunities to receive salvation and be trained for the work of Christian mission.
Moody’s first Christian venture was to set up Sunday Schools for ragamuffin children, becoming known around Chicago as a “children’s missionary”. He then preached to the troops during the American Civil War and later developed the nickname “Crazy Moody”, because of his frenetic schedule, which left his assistants exhausted. His vow to not allow a single day to pass without speaking to someone about Christ set the tone for his life’s ministry.
Expanding his horizons, his first trip to Britain, in 1867, came about because his English-born wife Emma suffered from Asthma, but he desired to meet three people whom he greatly admired: George Williams, founder of the YMCA; George Muller, founder of an orphanage and missionary organization; and Charles Spurgeon, Baptist minister whose sermons were becoming known worldwide. During this short trip he also met Henry Varley, a man of prayer who made a deep and lasting impression on Moody.
His introduction to singer songwriter Ira Sankey in 1869 forged a lasting friendship and partnership, the legacy of which was the publication of Moody and Sankey hymnals, still used throughout the world. Then in 1871, came a turning point in his almost ceaseless activity, which had grown more and more complicated. An Englishwoman, Sarah Cooke, who became convinced that Moody needed the power of the Holy Spirit in his ministry, along with her friend Mrs Hawxhurst, sat on the front row at every meeting praying for him. God began to speak to him about going to all the land to preach the Gospel, but he resisted. Through a ferocious fire which destroyed much of Chicago, including everything he had built, he realized where his future ministry lay and finally submitted to the fire of the Holy Spirit to transform him from “Crazy Moody” to “Moody, the man of God”.
His energy never depleted as he embarked on an itinerant ministry in America and Britain, which resulted in extended revivals in Northern England, London and Scotland. Returning to New York after two years, Moody and Sankey were now international celebrities, and Dwight finally had a platform from which to reach out to his home town of Northfield. By 1880 he had set up a Christian girls’ school in the town, designed for those in ‘the humbler walks of life’. A boys’ school along the same lines, quickly followed. This later became a seminary, with minimal fees and manual labour as a character-building part of the course.
Although Moody was never ordained as a Christian Minister, could not read Greek Testament and was self-taught, he could explain Scripture in a down-to-earth manner, which everybody understood. In all, Moody travelled to the British Isles seven times. He became adept at coercing money for building projects from wealthy Christians and his entrepreneurial ways continued, as he longed to set up a school in Chicago to train Christian laymen for the church. His Bible Institute dream was finally realized when he bought thee large houses in Chicago Avenue. He continued to preach to the end of his life, and finally died peacefully at home in Northfield, after seeing a vision of heaven.
There is obviously much more to Moody's story, which is beautifully retold in 200 pages. His passion to fulfill the great commission helped to birth the great missionary thrusts which followed. His was a truly inspiring life and I would recommend this version of Moody’s biography.
This little book retells his fascinating story, from childhood and his acceptance of Christ at age seventeen, to his life’s work. It commences with these words, “The world has yet to see what God will do with a man fully consecrated to Him”, said in Moody’s hearing in Britain in 1872, by lay preacher Henry Varley. Challenged and envisioned, Moody vowed to be that man, and from that point his already energetic and sometimes hectic lifestyle, gained new purpose and direction.
His early life, as the youngest of seven children, brought up in a farming community in Northfield, Massachusetts, was very humble and difficult, but those early trials enabled him always to identify with those at the very bottom of the social structure. Right throughout his life, although he spoke to crowds of thousands and received acclaim from Royals, he retained a desire to see the poor and needy given the opportunities to receive salvation and be trained for the work of Christian mission.
Moody’s first Christian venture was to set up Sunday Schools for ragamuffin children, becoming known around Chicago as a “children’s missionary”. He then preached to the troops during the American Civil War and later developed the nickname “Crazy Moody”, because of his frenetic schedule, which left his assistants exhausted. His vow to not allow a single day to pass without speaking to someone about Christ set the tone for his life’s ministry.
Expanding his horizons, his first trip to Britain, in 1867, came about because his English-born wife Emma suffered from Asthma, but he desired to meet three people whom he greatly admired: George Williams, founder of the YMCA; George Muller, founder of an orphanage and missionary organization; and Charles Spurgeon, Baptist minister whose sermons were becoming known worldwide. During this short trip he also met Henry Varley, a man of prayer who made a deep and lasting impression on Moody.
His introduction to singer songwriter Ira Sankey in 1869 forged a lasting friendship and partnership, the legacy of which was the publication of Moody and Sankey hymnals, still used throughout the world. Then in 1871, came a turning point in his almost ceaseless activity, which had grown more and more complicated. An Englishwoman, Sarah Cooke, who became convinced that Moody needed the power of the Holy Spirit in his ministry, along with her friend Mrs Hawxhurst, sat on the front row at every meeting praying for him. God began to speak to him about going to all the land to preach the Gospel, but he resisted. Through a ferocious fire which destroyed much of Chicago, including everything he had built, he realized where his future ministry lay and finally submitted to the fire of the Holy Spirit to transform him from “Crazy Moody” to “Moody, the man of God”.
His energy never depleted as he embarked on an itinerant ministry in America and Britain, which resulted in extended revivals in Northern England, London and Scotland. Returning to New York after two years, Moody and Sankey were now international celebrities, and Dwight finally had a platform from which to reach out to his home town of Northfield. By 1880 he had set up a Christian girls’ school in the town, designed for those in ‘the humbler walks of life’. A boys’ school along the same lines, quickly followed. This later became a seminary, with minimal fees and manual labour as a character-building part of the course.
Although Moody was never ordained as a Christian Minister, could not read Greek Testament and was self-taught, he could explain Scripture in a down-to-earth manner, which everybody understood. In all, Moody travelled to the British Isles seven times. He became adept at coercing money for building projects from wealthy Christians and his entrepreneurial ways continued, as he longed to set up a school in Chicago to train Christian laymen for the church. His Bible Institute dream was finally realized when he bought thee large houses in Chicago Avenue. He continued to preach to the end of his life, and finally died peacefully at home in Northfield, after seeing a vision of heaven.
There is obviously much more to Moody's story, which is beautifully retold in 200 pages. His passion to fulfill the great commission helped to birth the great missionary thrusts which followed. His was a truly inspiring life and I would recommend this version of Moody’s biography.
Friday, February 15, 2008
The First Judgement: Messiah - Wendy Alec
This is the second novel in the series Chronicles of Brothers, based loosely of what we know of the Archangels: Michael, Gabriel and (fallen) Lucifer, from the Bible. The prequel, Book One, The Fall of Lucifer, sets the scene, vividly describing the events from the Creation of the Heavens and the Earth, and up to the Fall of the ‘Race of Men’.
Book Two, The First Judgement, covers a period of 2025 years from 4BC to 2021AD. It embellishes the events surrounding the coming of Christ to the Earth, up to His death on the Cross, His Resurrection and Ascension back to the First Heaven, to sit alongside His Father, in the Godhead. But running alongside these events the scene is being set for a sequel novel set in the future, linking into what is described in the Bible as the Tribulation period. I felt that the text does not pervert Scripture, but fundamentalists may consider that she is trying to add to the historical record.
Wendy Alec is the co-founder of GOD TV and has a strong prophetic ministry. But she is adamant that her novels are works of fiction. I find it intriguing and at times challenging to wear a prophetic hat whilst reading them!
The First Judgement is set in Heaven and Hell with the host of Angelic and Demonic creatures dwelling there. The interaction between the physical Earth and the unseen spiritual realm, which stretches right across the cosmos and beyond, is told in a way that draws the reader into fantastical images of the different characters and the confrontations and ensuing battles between the forces of Good and Evil.
The triumphant section where Jesus takes back the Keys of Death and Hades was one of the best chapters, in my opinion, encouraging the reader to enlarge their vision of where, how and why this event could have occurred.
Throughout the book there are constant time shifts and also dimension shifts, from the physical realm to the spiritual realm. Some of the sections are very short, barely a page, giving just a tiny glimpse of a character or event. I found this quite difficult, and I lost track of some of the characters, which are drawn out gradually. At times I couldn’t see how they fitted into the overall story. It would benefit from being read over a shorter space of time and in fewer chunks than I was able to give it. I also wanted more development of the real people in the story, as the focus tends to be on the supernatural creatures. Two real characters have the name, Jotapa, and they are linked through history, but I didn’t feel that the link went far enough to connect them within the time frame. Also, the analogy between the three heavenly brothers and the three earthly brothers, set in the 21st Century, is rather weak, but this may be a deliberate way of the author setting the scene for the sequel novel.
Nevertheless, the story is fast-paced and gripping, using rich, vivid descriptive language and it has some clever sub plots. It is a compelling narrative and I would recommend this to anyone who reflects on Heaven and Hell, and how the coming of Jesus Christ to the Earth fits into the bigger picture, giving it focus and relevance for each one of us.
Book Two, The First Judgement, covers a period of 2025 years from 4BC to 2021AD. It embellishes the events surrounding the coming of Christ to the Earth, up to His death on the Cross, His Resurrection and Ascension back to the First Heaven, to sit alongside His Father, in the Godhead. But running alongside these events the scene is being set for a sequel novel set in the future, linking into what is described in the Bible as the Tribulation period. I felt that the text does not pervert Scripture, but fundamentalists may consider that she is trying to add to the historical record.
Wendy Alec is the co-founder of GOD TV and has a strong prophetic ministry. But she is adamant that her novels are works of fiction. I find it intriguing and at times challenging to wear a prophetic hat whilst reading them!
The First Judgement is set in Heaven and Hell with the host of Angelic and Demonic creatures dwelling there. The interaction between the physical Earth and the unseen spiritual realm, which stretches right across the cosmos and beyond, is told in a way that draws the reader into fantastical images of the different characters and the confrontations and ensuing battles between the forces of Good and Evil.
The triumphant section where Jesus takes back the Keys of Death and Hades was one of the best chapters, in my opinion, encouraging the reader to enlarge their vision of where, how and why this event could have occurred.
Throughout the book there are constant time shifts and also dimension shifts, from the physical realm to the spiritual realm. Some of the sections are very short, barely a page, giving just a tiny glimpse of a character or event. I found this quite difficult, and I lost track of some of the characters, which are drawn out gradually. At times I couldn’t see how they fitted into the overall story. It would benefit from being read over a shorter space of time and in fewer chunks than I was able to give it. I also wanted more development of the real people in the story, as the focus tends to be on the supernatural creatures. Two real characters have the name, Jotapa, and they are linked through history, but I didn’t feel that the link went far enough to connect them within the time frame. Also, the analogy between the three heavenly brothers and the three earthly brothers, set in the 21st Century, is rather weak, but this may be a deliberate way of the author setting the scene for the sequel novel.
Nevertheless, the story is fast-paced and gripping, using rich, vivid descriptive language and it has some clever sub plots. It is a compelling narrative and I would recommend this to anyone who reflects on Heaven and Hell, and how the coming of Jesus Christ to the Earth fits into the bigger picture, giving it focus and relevance for each one of us.
Sunday, February 3, 2008
Where Will I Find the Time? - Sally McClung
The subtitle for this little book is Making Time Work for You. It is basically a time management study based on Biblical principles. Sally McClung, wife of Floyd McClung, takes the passage from Ecclesiastes Chapter 3, which begins “There is a time for everything and a season for every activity under Heaven” (NIV), and draws out guidelines and practical suggestions and hints for each area of our lives.
Her study covers topics such as marriage, family, friendship, work, leisure, and renewal, and is based upon her own life experience as a wife and mother of two children, working within an active ministry (Youth with a Mission). The book was written in the late eighties, when her children were teenagers and the family lived in the heart of the ‘red-light’ district of Amsterdam. But the teaching is relevant to anyone, anywhere, at any time.
The nine chapters each focus on one aspect of life. For example, Chapter 1, ‘A Time to Organize’ is based on Ecclesiastes 3:6 “A time to seek, and a time to lose; a time to keep, and a time to cast away”. This is quite a difficult chapter to start the book with, as her personality type leans towards organizing in a particular way. The following chapter ‘A Time to Build’ focuses on building our relationship with God, and personally I would have preferred that chapter first. The verse order of Chapter 3 of Ecclesiastes in not rigidly adhered to, but the topics covered do flow naturally and allow for progression, through to ‘A Time for Healing’.
Her question ‘Are you busy but barren?’ cautions us against the ‘tyranny of the urgent’ which will squeeze out planned time for refreshment and restoration in our body, mind and spirit, and necessary building of relationships within marriage and family, and with friends. I was relieved to reach ‘A Time for Fun’, as I was beginning to feel that I would never meet her very high standards of organization in all areas.
For me, there was nothing really new in her open and frank discussion, but it served as a timely reminder to keep vigilant about maintaining balance in all things, and being prepared to make small adjustments to constantly improve in the time-management arena. I could relate quite well to the McClung family anecdotes, which really helped to carry the book along.
Where will I find the Time? is a quick and easy read, which could also make an interesting discussion starter or group Bible study.
Her study covers topics such as marriage, family, friendship, work, leisure, and renewal, and is based upon her own life experience as a wife and mother of two children, working within an active ministry (Youth with a Mission). The book was written in the late eighties, when her children were teenagers and the family lived in the heart of the ‘red-light’ district of Amsterdam. But the teaching is relevant to anyone, anywhere, at any time.
The nine chapters each focus on one aspect of life. For example, Chapter 1, ‘A Time to Organize’ is based on Ecclesiastes 3:6 “A time to seek, and a time to lose; a time to keep, and a time to cast away”. This is quite a difficult chapter to start the book with, as her personality type leans towards organizing in a particular way. The following chapter ‘A Time to Build’ focuses on building our relationship with God, and personally I would have preferred that chapter first. The verse order of Chapter 3 of Ecclesiastes in not rigidly adhered to, but the topics covered do flow naturally and allow for progression, through to ‘A Time for Healing’.
Her question ‘Are you busy but barren?’ cautions us against the ‘tyranny of the urgent’ which will squeeze out planned time for refreshment and restoration in our body, mind and spirit, and necessary building of relationships within marriage and family, and with friends. I was relieved to reach ‘A Time for Fun’, as I was beginning to feel that I would never meet her very high standards of organization in all areas.
For me, there was nothing really new in her open and frank discussion, but it served as a timely reminder to keep vigilant about maintaining balance in all things, and being prepared to make small adjustments to constantly improve in the time-management arena. I could relate quite well to the McClung family anecdotes, which really helped to carry the book along.
Where will I find the Time? is a quick and easy read, which could also make an interesting discussion starter or group Bible study.
Friday, December 14, 2007
An Introduction to The OLD TESTAMENT TEMPLATE - Landa Cope
Landa Cope has worked with Youth With A Mission (YWAM) for over 30 years, preparing young people to become missionaries: to communicate the Gospel of Jesus Christ and to disciple the nations. So it was rather a bombshell for her to discover around 10 years ago, that some of the most evangelized and Christianised nations of the world were now amongst the most corrupt, poorest, crime-ridden, war-torn, socially-deprived nations too. How could this happen? That was the question she sought to answer, and the outcome is expanded in this book, subtitled Rediscovering God’s principles for discipling all nations.
How she came to this realization and her extensive research around the globe sets the scene for the mandate revealed in Scripture that she is now passionate about all believers seeing, understanding and being part of its fulfillment. She explains how God revealed to her that “the devastation you see is the fruit of preaching salvation alone, without the rest of the biblical message.” (p19) and her quest took her to prominent church leaders, who were also coming to this realization but at the time no one had any real solutions to offer.
Landa, therefore decided to delve into Scripture to unearth the principles for herself. This has not been a ‘quick fix’ discovery, but a decade of life transforming revelation, renewing her thinking and sharing the strategies and principles she found and is still finding. She readily admits that this book is but an introduction to the topic and encourages her readers to explore for themselves, applying the principles to their own lives and searching for answers which will radically change the way we view every aspect of our lives
Her method was simple but ingenious: to colour-code passages, dealing with the eight domains of life that she discovered, starting with the Torah, or the books of Moses, the first five books of the Bible, then confirming her findings by studying what Jesus said about these domains in the New Testament. To date, she has completed the Old Testament, and found that the more she studies the Bible in this way, the more God confirms the truth that He has laid out a mandate for discipling any and every nation.
I was introduced to Landa’s message, when she came to speak at a local church in Cape Town. As a result I bought some DVD’s of her teaching YWAM students in 2000 and have recently read this book, detailing her journey up to 2006. It is compelling viewing and reading; each component complements the other, but each are complete in themselves.
This is not a book for those who are comfortable with their lives, or for those who are insecure about change. But it would provide a wealth of material for discussion starters, in almost any setting, the breadth of her findings cover every area of society. They are far reaching and provoking.
I would recommend this book to anyone involved in missions, anyone who runs a church, anyone involved in government, business or education, and anyone involved in communication, science or the arts. In fact everyone should read this, especially every Christian
How she came to this realization and her extensive research around the globe sets the scene for the mandate revealed in Scripture that she is now passionate about all believers seeing, understanding and being part of its fulfillment. She explains how God revealed to her that “the devastation you see is the fruit of preaching salvation alone, without the rest of the biblical message.” (p19) and her quest took her to prominent church leaders, who were also coming to this realization but at the time no one had any real solutions to offer.
Landa, therefore decided to delve into Scripture to unearth the principles for herself. This has not been a ‘quick fix’ discovery, but a decade of life transforming revelation, renewing her thinking and sharing the strategies and principles she found and is still finding. She readily admits that this book is but an introduction to the topic and encourages her readers to explore for themselves, applying the principles to their own lives and searching for answers which will radically change the way we view every aspect of our lives
Her method was simple but ingenious: to colour-code passages, dealing with the eight domains of life that she discovered, starting with the Torah, or the books of Moses, the first five books of the Bible, then confirming her findings by studying what Jesus said about these domains in the New Testament. To date, she has completed the Old Testament, and found that the more she studies the Bible in this way, the more God confirms the truth that He has laid out a mandate for discipling any and every nation.
I was introduced to Landa’s message, when she came to speak at a local church in Cape Town. As a result I bought some DVD’s of her teaching YWAM students in 2000 and have recently read this book, detailing her journey up to 2006. It is compelling viewing and reading; each component complements the other, but each are complete in themselves.
This is not a book for those who are comfortable with their lives, or for those who are insecure about change. But it would provide a wealth of material for discussion starters, in almost any setting, the breadth of her findings cover every area of society. They are far reaching and provoking.
I would recommend this book to anyone involved in missions, anyone who runs a church, anyone involved in government, business or education, and anyone involved in communication, science or the arts. In fact everyone should read this, especially every Christian
Saturday, December 1, 2007
Fasting - Lynne M Baab
The subtitle to Fasting is Spiritual Freedom beyond our Appetites. The book deals with many different types of fasting, not just fasting from food. Lynne Baab draws on much material by other established authors in this field, including several research projects conducted by students. She also draws on her own experiences, in an open, honest account of her struggles with fasting, particularly as someone whose weight has see-sawed and for whom dieting has been a life-time preoccupation.
Her opening metaphor for Biblical fasting is the Statue of Liberty in New York, whose face is stern and austere, compared with its smaller version in Seattle, having a soft almost fleshy face. She contrasts the two faces, drawing parallels between costly freedom and indulgent benevolence, drawing the reader to the challenges of sacrifice and commitment in a culture that has become self-absorbed and pleasure-seeking. Her claim is that in our quest for freedom we actually burden ourselves and have forgotten what lack and true liberty feel like.
Using numerous examples from biblical and church history, and testimonies from people today, her study takes the reader through current attitudes towards food and fasting; a brief history of fasting in Christian history; an excellent chapter which she calls ‘A photo album of biblical stories’; abstaining from food and an introduction to the vocabulary of fasting, including a useful table of definitions; other fasts, including TV and entertainment fasts, and fasting for those with eating disorders; and communal fasting with others.
Each chapter concludes with questions for reflection or discussion and a short prayer focus. On almost every page, quotes by other writers or succinct testimonies by people who have fasted are highlighted, breaking up the block of text. The use of an empty bowl, from the cover photo, punctuates each chapter and quotation, creating a frequent visual reminder of the book’s topic. Two short appendices are included: one, on further sources of reading about fasting, and the other, on the challenge of finding fasting in the Bible, reminding the reader that fasting was implied in many of the biblical texts referring to prayer, as it was part of Jewish culture and background.
Baab’s style is easy to read and she presents her findings in a down-to-earth way, filled with practical examples and hints to encourage the novice faster. She is not preachy or superior, readily admitting her own difficulties with fasting, but nevertheless urging the reader to explore this much misunderstood and largely ignored discipline by Christians today. Her challenge is for her readers to broaden their understanding, to see fasting as something attainable and to rediscover the spiritual benefits of fasting within a 21st century western lifestyle.
Lynne Baab's other books include Sabbath Keeping and A Renewed Spirituality. Fasting is the first book of her's that I have been introduced to. Having read it fairly quickly, I now need to reread unhurriedly, pausing at the end of each chapter for serious reflection and subsequent action. Fasting is a topic which I have read briefly about, dabbled a little with, but never really uncovered its hidden treasures.
I would recommend this book to anyone else in a similar position.
Her opening metaphor for Biblical fasting is the Statue of Liberty in New York, whose face is stern and austere, compared with its smaller version in Seattle, having a soft almost fleshy face. She contrasts the two faces, drawing parallels between costly freedom and indulgent benevolence, drawing the reader to the challenges of sacrifice and commitment in a culture that has become self-absorbed and pleasure-seeking. Her claim is that in our quest for freedom we actually burden ourselves and have forgotten what lack and true liberty feel like.
Using numerous examples from biblical and church history, and testimonies from people today, her study takes the reader through current attitudes towards food and fasting; a brief history of fasting in Christian history; an excellent chapter which she calls ‘A photo album of biblical stories’; abstaining from food and an introduction to the vocabulary of fasting, including a useful table of definitions; other fasts, including TV and entertainment fasts, and fasting for those with eating disorders; and communal fasting with others.
Each chapter concludes with questions for reflection or discussion and a short prayer focus. On almost every page, quotes by other writers or succinct testimonies by people who have fasted are highlighted, breaking up the block of text. The use of an empty bowl, from the cover photo, punctuates each chapter and quotation, creating a frequent visual reminder of the book’s topic. Two short appendices are included: one, on further sources of reading about fasting, and the other, on the challenge of finding fasting in the Bible, reminding the reader that fasting was implied in many of the biblical texts referring to prayer, as it was part of Jewish culture and background.
Baab’s style is easy to read and she presents her findings in a down-to-earth way, filled with practical examples and hints to encourage the novice faster. She is not preachy or superior, readily admitting her own difficulties with fasting, but nevertheless urging the reader to explore this much misunderstood and largely ignored discipline by Christians today. Her challenge is for her readers to broaden their understanding, to see fasting as something attainable and to rediscover the spiritual benefits of fasting within a 21st century western lifestyle.
Lynne Baab's other books include Sabbath Keeping and A Renewed Spirituality. Fasting is the first book of her's that I have been introduced to. Having read it fairly quickly, I now need to reread unhurriedly, pausing at the end of each chapter for serious reflection and subsequent action. Fasting is a topic which I have read briefly about, dabbled a little with, but never really uncovered its hidden treasures.
I would recommend this book to anyone else in a similar position.
Monday, November 26, 2007
Against All Odds - Wendy Alec
Against All Odds is subtitled 'The story of GOD TV's visionary pioneers Roy and Wendy Alec'
It is the autobiographical account of GOD TV, which was Europe’s first daily Christian Television network. This is the third edition of the book, which was originally published in 1996.
I had read the first book some years ago, but recently borrowed this updated version. I re-read from the beginning, as I wanted to refresh my memory and see any additions or changes that had been made to the rewrite.
I have watched GOD TV in the past from the UK, but not in recent years, as we have lived in other countries, where either GOD TV was not broadcasting or we have not had satellite TV. So, although I had picked up various parts of their story along the way, this edition presents a complete history, up to 2006. As a rewrite there are several pages of explanation before the story unfolds, including selected prophesies given publicly to Wendy and her husband Rory.
The story of how the Alec family came from South Africa to the UK in 1991, having lost everything materially, was re-read with renewed interest, having lived in Cape Town for the past 10 months. Their vision for transforming the media has great resonance with our own, and although the circumstances were totally different, I identified with their struggles and passion to fulfill the call on their lives.
The events are retold in a dramatic style, which at times make it hard to believe. I wondered if there was exaggeration as each story seemed to be set at a slightly higher level than the one before. However, by the end of the book I realised that the drama is part of the telling. There are many miraculous accounts of provision, which do deserve being dramatically told. Equally, there are many desperate situations which help to place the miracles in context. As such the reader feels like they are on a roller coaster, being part of the scary ride with them.
As the GOD TV ministry expands and grows, steadily at first and then expotentially as they move the broadcasting headquarters to Jerusalem, the pace of this roller coaster story increases. At times, the book was hard to put down, and Wendy’s deeply personal style of writing draws you into their marriage and family. You cannot help but feel similar emotions to those she is describing.
The part where they moved to USA to launch GOD TV was very moving. I didn't know any of the story previously. I admired them for responding to the call to move back to UK, and felt excited for my own nation when I read the prophesies about the UK at the end of the book.
But, I also found the book rather preachy, as Wendy uses their personal experience to speak to people going through similar circumstances. I can understand her motives, but I felt those parts of the book didn’t work so well. Rather than letting the message speak for itself, she interprets it for others, whose circumstances cannot be the same as theirs.
Fans of GOD TV will love this book. Those who hate the idea of televangelists, or even of so-called, Christian television, should read it, just to understand where GOD TV fits on that scale and draw their own conclusions. Whatever your viewpoint, Against All Odds is a compelling read.
It is the autobiographical account of GOD TV, which was Europe’s first daily Christian Television network. This is the third edition of the book, which was originally published in 1996.
I had read the first book some years ago, but recently borrowed this updated version. I re-read from the beginning, as I wanted to refresh my memory and see any additions or changes that had been made to the rewrite.
I have watched GOD TV in the past from the UK, but not in recent years, as we have lived in other countries, where either GOD TV was not broadcasting or we have not had satellite TV. So, although I had picked up various parts of their story along the way, this edition presents a complete history, up to 2006. As a rewrite there are several pages of explanation before the story unfolds, including selected prophesies given publicly to Wendy and her husband Rory.
The story of how the Alec family came from South Africa to the UK in 1991, having lost everything materially, was re-read with renewed interest, having lived in Cape Town for the past 10 months. Their vision for transforming the media has great resonance with our own, and although the circumstances were totally different, I identified with their struggles and passion to fulfill the call on their lives.
The events are retold in a dramatic style, which at times make it hard to believe. I wondered if there was exaggeration as each story seemed to be set at a slightly higher level than the one before. However, by the end of the book I realised that the drama is part of the telling. There are many miraculous accounts of provision, which do deserve being dramatically told. Equally, there are many desperate situations which help to place the miracles in context. As such the reader feels like they are on a roller coaster, being part of the scary ride with them.
As the GOD TV ministry expands and grows, steadily at first and then expotentially as they move the broadcasting headquarters to Jerusalem, the pace of this roller coaster story increases. At times, the book was hard to put down, and Wendy’s deeply personal style of writing draws you into their marriage and family. You cannot help but feel similar emotions to those she is describing.
The part where they moved to USA to launch GOD TV was very moving. I didn't know any of the story previously. I admired them for responding to the call to move back to UK, and felt excited for my own nation when I read the prophesies about the UK at the end of the book.
But, I also found the book rather preachy, as Wendy uses their personal experience to speak to people going through similar circumstances. I can understand her motives, but I felt those parts of the book didn’t work so well. Rather than letting the message speak for itself, she interprets it for others, whose circumstances cannot be the same as theirs.
Fans of GOD TV will love this book. Those who hate the idea of televangelists, or even of so-called, Christian television, should read it, just to understand where GOD TV fits on that scale and draw their own conclusions. Whatever your viewpoint, Against All Odds is a compelling read.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)