Spirituality Books

Christian George is a theologian disguised as a story teller. His writing is colorful and vivid, and each vignette contributes to a timeless picture of God for a new generation.

Parents and grandparents, take note. Christian George's book is not JUST
for the younger generation. It is a wonderfully honest book that is full of insights about God and how he is working in the life of an incredible
young man. I could not put it down, and I have shocked my grandchildren
and nephews by giving them a book with "sex" in the title.This is a great gift for birthdays and upcoming graduations, and you will learn a thing or two yourself. I expect to hear great things from this very "real" writer with such compelling writing skills.

This book tackles the tough questions and comes face to face with life's real issues. It leaves no room for fluffy, hollow theology. Where does our deepest pain and our deepest need meet the truth's of Christ and the promises of God? The Author dives in deep, leaving all false sense of security and Christian one-liners behind to make the real connections between the confusing, painful, poverty-stricken lives we live with the risen, redemptive and glorious life of the Savior. In a unique mix of poetic and yet common-place language we find ourselves following Jesus through the twists and turns of a life that in my mind, reflects the beautiful dance that God has orchestrated for the display of His glorious splendor.

For those of you who are desperately seeking to embody a faith that goes beyond an occasional, fickle flirtation or one-night stand with God, then you have just found the book for you! In Sex, Sushi, and Salvation, Christian George creatively emphasizes God's ridiculous, overwhelming love for us while also challenging the reader to respond to God's love in a way that will certainly feel both ridiculous and overwhelming at times. George's depiction of God directly and deliberately resembles the God we discover in the biblical narrative: namely, a God whose love for us is illogical, unchanging, passionate, penetrating, and relentless. A love like this, George argues, inspires and demands a response from the beloved (i.e. us)--a response that is nothing less than the continual desire and willingness to give one's entire heart, mind, and body to God.
George's writing style and structure are strikingly fitting for the book's primary themes. His seductive, tantalizing prose enable him to weave together various biblical, historical, and personal stories into a tightly-construed narrative that somehow remains seemingly carefree. He takes the reader on a journey that juxtaposes moments of laughter with moments of painful reality, times of tension with times of relief, and invitations for conviction with invitations for revival. Now I ask you, what could resemble an authentic life with God more than that?
After reading this book, I truly believe that you will feel that your faith has been intensified and your heart inspired. In a world that seems increasingly chaotic and confusing, where postmodernism points only to the fragmented nature of reality and when the American dream is said to be as good as it gets, the fact that a book like this can emerge in the middle of the mess and declare God's truth with such conviction, clarity, and confidence is itself a sign of hope I think.

This book is a wonderful read...especially for those who are looking for freshness in their Christian walk. As a Pastor who is passionate about Martial arts, Jazz, and the profound observations of the great Jack Handey ("Deep Thoughts" from SNL in the 90s for those over 45 or under 25!), I definitely resonated with "Sex, Sushi & Salvation." Christian managed to sound profound, thoughtful, and constructively critical...without coming across as the whiney-emergent stereotype that characterizes many younger Christian memoir-esque books. My only critique (which I jokingly shared with him in an email after reading the book) is that quotations come mostly from "The Message" instead of an actual translation of Scripture. While it does flow with his overall style, it would've been much better if he had used his own personal translation of the texts (which he is surely capable of doing) or a current mainstream translation and then draw out the meaning by explaining it. Other than that, the book was fantastic.

This book has been very inspiring and influential in my life. It's challenged me to take seriously the commands and teachings of scripture regarding the poor. I highly recommend this book for all Christian believers and exhort them to take seriously what it says.

We live in a culture of superstars, heroes, and saints - that one charismatic person that "changed everything". True to John Hayes' heart for communities of faith and compassion to "get down from their donkey's" to attend to the poor by the side of the road, Submerge is really a mosaic of stories, masterfully told, of Christians who've taken that step of faith to love the poor and marginalized.

This book will rock your views on the poor and ministry to and among them. Do not take lightly! Be prepared to change your heart....if this is your heart, be encouraged that others have the same desires.

Everyone who writes a check to a charity needs to read this. Everyone who lives an insulated middle class life needs to read this. And everyone who claims a faith in a supreme being needs to read this. All of us can reassess where we are, what we have, and what we want with the measure described in this work. As we sleepwalk through our privileged lives, we suffer our tragedies, and enjoy our triumphs, but they seem so insipid when we compare them to the experiences of the workers of InnerChange. This is not a finger-pointing call for self-hatred, but a impassioned plea to step outside our comfort zones.

This is not just a book for someone considering urban ministry, or ministry to the poor. It is a book for any and every Christian.

At a minimum this is a perspective book -- a mirror to hold up to your face and show the ease in which most of us in the west follow Jesus (and rarely have anything to say about how he has "shown up" in miraculous ways) and then just listen to what the Holy Spirit might say to you. This book will inspire and challenge you to examine how faith in Jesus is to be lived out by all whom He calls to follow Him.

I finished Sub-merge and immediately gave it to a woman I was talking to at the Starbucks where I was reading it. I am now ordering another copy to replace it.

I received my book Swami Kriyananda: As We Have Known Him through a book club. I picked the book up at home just to glance at the beautiful cover and skim what was inside. Time just flew by. One hour later I was still reading and feeling very inspired. The stories shared about Kriyananda's life not only uplift and inspire but make you feel you have been touched by the life of a saint.

When I first began to read this book, I was surprised by a joyful feeling, coming from nowhere and everywhere, that seemed to wash over me. It was a strong experience; perhaps the most intense I've ever had from reading a book.

It was so pronounced that, a friend, walking by at that moment, gave me a curious look, as if to say, "What on earth has got into you?"

The stories in this book are very special: some are humorous, some are profound, some excel in giving us an example to model our lives on, but they are all inspiring. This is a good book not only for someone interested in Swami Kriyananda, or in disciples of Paramhansa Yogananda, but also for anyone who would like to know what it is like to be with a saint.

The book is well written, and, because of its short-story format, is something that you can benefit from reading even if you only have a few minutes. A warning, though: I found it easy to pick up and hard to put down.

If you listen to his talks, or read his books, Swami Kriyananda seems like almost a normal person: wise, intelligent, clear, and kind, but not *that* different from everyone else.

This book gives another perspective! It can give you an experience of what it is like to be with a great lover of God, as it seemed to give me the first time I read it. Having met Swami Kriyananda, I can say: he is a step above anyone else I have ever known.

If you long to know what it takes to be a true saint and how one lives his life, this book is the key to that understanding. One such as Swami Kriyananda never speaks openly about himself but always draws the listener's attention and devotion to God and his guru, Paramhansa Yogananda. It is therefore, incumbent upon those who have lived closest to him to reveal to others the sanctity of his life. Asha Praver has done a remarkable job of revealing, through the stories of many who have lived close to Kriyananda, what his life of discipleship to God and Guru has been like. The writing is done with clarity and great sensitivity, appealing to both the mind and the heart. If you are sincerely longing to know the truth of life, this book can shed light on one who has found truth and has spent his life sharing it with others. The only challenge I had with the book is that it ended too soon. I hope that others of its caliber will follow!

I found the lecture 'new agey' and boring!
from the book:
p. 316: "Except for Swamiji's voice, the room was silent, the audience spellbound, hanging on his every word. Suddenly, the inward mood was shattered by the ringing of a telephone. ... Sternly, Swamiji asked that the phone be turned off. ... Still the ringing persisted. `Would someone please do something about this matter?' Swamiji said again. Then, with a look of sudden comprehension, he reached into his own pocket. `Oh!', he said, `It is my phone.'
......SO MUCH FOR HIS INTUITION IN THIS PARTICULAR SITUATION!!!!!!

Yesterday, I returned home with "Swami Kriyananda: As We Have known Him", in hand and have been drinking deeply of its content and context-masterfully done, deeply inspiring, and it captures not only the depth and breadth of the courage and truth that it takes to walk the spiritual path but also reveals the very essence of Swamiji's spirit and energy.

Congratulations for doing such a splendid, no-magnificent job.

When a book comes out with this much energy, clarity, and power, it is destined to help awaken many and be a treasure for all time.

Robert Frutos
author of Photographing Nature in Hawaii: Capturing the Beauty and Spirit of the Islands

If you want help undoing your ego this is your book..I read a course in miracles, then disappearance of the universe ,and finally this book and i get it . this book answers all your questions in an easy to understand written format...I will read again and again..also if you have read a new earth this is an excellent follow up to that book!

Take me to truth is one of the few A Course In Miracle related books that teaches the essential practice of trust. Within its stories, sharings and gentle wise guidance, we come to see ourselves beyond our shadows and learn to accept Holy Spirit's guidance as always leading us to the light within. Trust indeed is the essential component for every Teacher of God, yet it also is the most essential component for inner peace beyond any spiritual path. Here we come to learn, not just through Nouk and Tomas' own journey, how trust is the key, but how each of us can choose to step beyond our own challenges and desire to know the light within ourselves as real and life affirming. The lessons and sharings within Take Me To Truth are practical, real and ego-destructive! So warn your ego before you choose to delve within its pages... it just may not survive. I am proud to own this book and highly recommend it to all not only on the path of ACIM, but to all who genuinely seek to awaken.

This book was wonderful. It explained the process of letting go of ego nonsense with enormous clarity. After reading it I finally understood that my ego is not me.

Rings of Truth all the way through.

The description of the (negative) ego logic system -- and the inevitable existential consequences -- is right on the button. Once described, it is much easier to see it for what it is, let it be, and move on.

I found myself wondering what our world might be like if we were exposed to such powerful Teachings at about age 10.

I felt grateful to have the opportunity to read such a clear, profound, yet practical Spiritual Transmission -- so obviously written by two people that are walking their talk.

I HIGHLY recommend this book.

This book is a great for those who are looking for personal or spiritual growth and have the discipline to apply the principles contained within it. Without the application, the knowledge itself is meaningless. As a person who loves the "Disappearance of the Universe" I find this book to be an excellent book as it goes in depth on exactly what the "ego" does to express itself in a rather detailed way.. I believe this book is a great complement to Gary Renard's book and the two when read together are powerful tools.

This book is also great for those who are into personal growth but have ego resistance to religious references as this book keeps the religious references to a minimum and focuses more on ego behaviors and mannerisms and specifically what should be done to undo them.

There are some enneagram references and other references that may or may not help you.. if they don't, just forgive them and move onto the next section. As a general rule.. do what works for you.. discard what doesn't.

What an amazing book this is. I was thinking about fostering children and this book was so helpful in my decision. Kathy writes with honesty and although I'm usually not one to cry, through the joy and pain in this book I cried three different times. I couldn't put it down.

This book is fantastic! It offers a realistic view of what raising fostor children is like. It shows the good and the bad, yet I have never wanted to be a fostor parent more!

I could not put this book down!! I like to read about foster children because I am studdying that in college. Kathy Harrison
is a great author as well as a great foster mother as well. I hope she continues to put out more stories about foster mothering, she does so well at both!! She is very honest in her book, and states that she has a tough time with some, and an even tougher time with others. She is definitely a fighter, and it gives me more respect towards her as aperosn that she shares her tough times as well as some joyous situations while enduring the challenges as a foster mother. I also like the fact that her husband was backing her up 100%. If anyone else knows where I can read more books by her (or in relation to this same subject) email me at tbyrd6969@yahoo.com
Otherwise, happy reading!!!

I loved this book. As a therapist who has just written a book about a teen girl in foster care I think it's important to focus on the incredible work that foster parents do. They are our unsung heroes! Thank you Kathy!!!!! For a fictional, uplifting account of the journey of a teen in foster care (inspired by the foster children I've worked with in the past) check out my soon-to-be released young adult novel, RETURNABLE GIRL. Maybe it will inspire you to bring a child home.

This book is about Kathy Harrison's real life as a foster mother and the story about a couple of the children that came into her home. She talks about her true emotions and feelings as she tries to hold these "shattered" children together with, as she puts it, just love and "band aids."

Augusten Burroughs (author of Running with Scissors) said about this book...."Shocking, brutal, heartbreaking and ultimately redemptive, This is the riveting and profoundly moving story of a hero, disguised as an ordinary woman. And like every hero, it's the children she is out to save."

Unlike Augusten I did not find the book "shocking" but honest and realistic to what every foster mom goes through. I could not believe how close our stories were as I read this book. You could have taken out the names of her children and drop in some of mine, tweak their story a little, and it wouldn't ring any truer then what we have seen and gone through.

I cried as she wrote about letting Lucy go to an adoptive home. She loved Lucy but not in the same way as the children she adopted. She wanted to keep her but also wanted Lucy to have that unconditional, total love she deserved. The pain of letting Lucy go tore open those feelings and what we went through with two little boys I had for three years.

She writes about her desire to reach ever child that walked into her home and the heartbreak when she realized love, food, clothes, a home, and safety wont/cant heal all their wounds.

She talks about the times caseworkers have such caviler attitudes to their lack of action that keeps a child in the system longer then need be, or keeps them off the adoption list longer. It reminded me of the unfelt and off the hand "sorry" and "oh, well" I have heard so often. But like her, I don't know how to change things, nor do I have the time to try because there is "another child coming through my front door that needs me."

I understood as she talked about the times she stood tall and strong when she felt the weakest, because it was best for the children. Telling the emotions every foster parent feels behind closed doors. The love she has for the strength and unbelievable timing her husband had at being there when she needed him. I understood the times she wanted to yell at a parent for smoking around the baby in her care but struggles with what is good for the baby and the need to keep the communication open between them. The honest hate she felt for some of the parents that have abused the children in her care but at the same time struggle as she realizes that most likely the bio-parents were children in the same situation when they were young and haven't learned anything different. The hope that what she was doing would change things in some way screamed what every foster parent prays is true. It made me think she had a hidden camera in my home that could read my thoughts and feelings I never let others see.

The hardest part of the book, for me, was the roller coaster of emotions they went on as they tried to adopt Karen. She is elegant in relating the fear of loosing a child that, in your heart, is already yours. A feeling that can't be explained or even come close to being logical. She maps out the joys of moving forward, the pains of more hold ups, the relief that the children are in your care, but the lingering dread that things could change in an instant. She revels how everything is devastatingly out of our control and we have to stay on till the ride is done.

She is most honest about not being a saint, or perfect, or even close to perfect. I laughed so hard when she wrote about the attachment case workers visit. She says she remembers her weakest moments (when she said something she shouldn't of or didn't handle a situation the right way) when people call her a saint; so do I. It only takes one or two human reactions to realize we are not saints or perfect; but she honors us with "a warrior" doing our best.

However, she also shows why we keep doing what we do for these children. The ability to see more in these children then others do and the wonderful feeling we get when the children reach not their potential (because it is rare we get to see this) but better then when they came to our door and father then others thought they could. This might be a simple smile, or a giggle, a sentence everyone understood, going a week with out an out burst, a day with out harming themselves, or the ability to care about something other then themselves for a second or two.

I could go on and on but if you want to see what it is like to be a foster parent....read this book! If you are a foster parent and want to know you are not alone....read this book!

This is a deep, thought-provoking book that is without a doubt evolutionary. Exploring the Seven Sacred Paths of Human Spiritual Development, Jamie Sams has presented a pattern for spiritual progress that can not be absorbed in one sitting, or even in one reading. I know I am going to have to read it again. A lot of it was over my head, and yet, without being academic. I could easily identify where I am spiritually today, and have some idea where I need to go next...still I know it is a spiral, and anything is possible. This book is an essential guidebook along the way that I think I'll be hanging on to. If you are looking for spiritual nourishment that doesn't turn into fluff, this book is for you.

I believe this statement reflects Jamie's chief goal for this book: this statement is listed in the authors note, preceeding the text. I don't think it is possible to draw a universal map of consciousness applicable to all humans. The chief reason being is that some folks never get past the 1st commandment let alone rise to metaphysical heights described in the text. Further, unless the reader has more than a beginners background in the metaphysical - or enjoys flipping back and forth between the text and the glossary - the reading can be difficult.

I gave this book five stars for what it DOES do, and that is a whole lot more than 99% of the metaphysical works I have read:

It paints a picture of the onesness of all existence, even though most of existence sees itself as seperate from everything else;

It bashes the notion that only enlighted earthly masters can achieve spirituality;

It clearly describes the downfalls of anyone being overimpressed with their spiritual progress;

It provides healers with a strong dose of reality: not to forget that therapy patients come to you because they are sick...there is pressure in them staying sick so you can make money;

It confronts head on the notion that a healer can see oodles of people on end: a handful may be too many;

It rightfully makes warriors out of beings immersed in the waters of daily life and it's endless tortures and misfortunes;

It superbly raises these tribulations to the status of lessons, encouraging hope and joy in the struggle;

It clearly points out that transformation is not a linear process;

It describes this circular process as seven different paths: this description allows readers to compare, contrast, and analyze later;

It describes the first hand accounts of Jamie in her path of transformation;

Read the book for yourself: you can't put it down.

This book is easy to read, with sensible suggestions that can be incorporated into your life with relative ease.

Jamie Sams once again takes us on a journey through the layers of our spirit by bringing a complete understanding to the path we walk.

Sams book certainly provides the reader with much material to ponder. It's definitely not the type of book to be read in one sitting and it's not a real "page turner". Instead, the truths Ms. Sams explores are best digested slowly. Perhaps this is most appropriate since she is describing a spiritual journey that lasts a lifetime and more. The diagrams are helpful.

"Dr. Gail's" Insightful how-to guide brings order and understanding to why we dress and groom the way we do. It helps women to feel comfortable in their own skin by illuminating the reason behind what sometimes seems like madness. In today's cookie-cutter, judgemental time when so-called fashion gurus with flash-in-a-pan book deals and cable television shows, it's refreshing to know that there is a voice crying out in the wilderness saying, it's ok to be who GOD made you; and to reflect your individuality through your style. Kudos to Dr. Gail!

Daughters of the King : Finding Victory Through Your God-Given Personal Style by Gail M. Hayes
Walk Worthy Press -May 2005
Full of inspiration and self-reflections.

Have you ever wondered why you like the things you like or even what career would best be suited for you? Have you ever daydreamed about Mr. Right or what makes you really you? Well, look no futher! DAUGHTERS OF THE KING suggests the ideal types of careers, spouses, clothing and loads of other things! We've all seen or heard about personality analysis before, whether it was Meyers-Briggs or some other method. Yet, Dr. Gail M. Hayes provides a whole new perspective in her book DAUGHTERS OF THE KING, which opens by providing an analytical quiz to the reader to help determine which of the six types they may fall into, from Jaunty Espirit to Sensual Exotic. For instance, if you fall in the "Harmonic Refined" category, you may see yourself as some type of diplomat affecting world peace or how about an accountant keeping the numbers in order? With your distinctive traits, you like to plan your work and work your plan. You have a great eye for detail. Just like the prophetess Anna, people have great respect for you and how you get things done but their feathers may get ruffled by your directness. Whereas your "Elegant Flamboyant" sister is a woman in charge and she has no problem letting others know it. She is the free-spirit entrepreneur who loves marching to the beat of her own drummer, just like her Biblical counterpart Lydia. She could also be that talk show host who likes to be the center of everyone's spot. Although these are just two of the personality traits highlighted in the book, Dr. Hayes relates each of the six traits back to a Biblical female and thoroughly provides insight ranging from clothing and jewelry preferences to career choices and family relations.

All in all, I enjoyed the approach DAUGHTERS OF THE KING provided. It was an interesting glimpse into a subject matter that I've studied in the past. While I enjoyed the biblical references, I thought some of the generalizations about the various image types may have been just that, too general. Yet, I found myself studying the text in the book and at times, laughing out loud or shaking my head in agreement. If you're curious to see how your personality style matches up to your biblical counterpart, do not pass up DAUGHTERS OF THE KING.

Reviewed by Nedine
of The RAWSISTAZ™ Reviewers

Authors Gail M. Hayes, PHD, has written an awesome non fiction guide for women of all ages, all races, to help them to first understand that they are unique and one of a kind. A woman of God called before the foundation of the Earth to be who they are according to how God made them.

Daughters of the King helps us to recognize our personal God given style so that we will not try to fit into someone else's mold or perception of who we are. We can be ourselves proudly knowing who we are in God regardless of our personality styles, which includes our dress, what kind of jobs we enjoy, our ministries, our family lives, and who we are as a whole.

What I enjoyed the most was utilizing the Image Indicator in the beginning of the book and finding out what personality style I am and then reading further in the book to see how very accurate it was. Being called "Jaunty Esprit" was very unexpected, but after reading through the book, I found that I had a little in each personality style.

I would recommend this book to all women regardless of their race, religion, or dress size. What Dr. Hayes shares in her book will cause you to take self-inventory to find all of the amazing things about yourself that is personally and uniquely yours created by God.

Reviewed by Sharel E. Gordon-Love
APOOO Book Blub

An incredibly interesting and wildly fun - and I must admit truly accurate book - found me recently. It is Gail M. Hayes' book, Daughters of the King.

Hayes believes that every woman has her own unique sense of style that is not only how she dresses but also how she does things (like holding an eating utensil or how she thinks). It is her very essence. It is simply who women are in the world and as children of God.

Hayes presents a simple twelve-question image indicator, and from the answers can tell women what type they are; Jaunty Esprit, Harmonic Refined, Elegant Flamboyant, Creative Poetic, Chantilly Graceful or Sensual Exotic. Now you might scoff or even laugh at the thought that a short questionnaire can pinpoint style, but I must confess that when I took the test, it was so accurate it shocked me. And no, I'm not going to share my style. I'd like to quietly savor it for awhile before proclaiming it to everyone.

Once you have determined your style, Hayes discusses in depth the beauty of your unique style, the inner you, tells a biblical story, discuses your style and family life, your strengths in the body of Christ, working style, good career choices, color and clothing and jewelry choices, as well as make up and hair styles.

I absolutely love this book because it's fun, it explains my style personally and as a child of God. And because it is, as I said before, so accurate! Women, buy this book, share it with your daughter, friends and anyone who will listen. I see style parties cropping up all over the country. "What fun!"

Some Zen books are extremely down to earth, Adyashanti is very direct but very spritual. So when I'm in the mood for a more spiritual teaching in Zen, I read this from time to time. I especially enjoy his videos online, he has videos for sale I would like to watch some time.

Adyasanti's words are simply true as trueblue, and It's clear explanation about the truth. Adya's teachings will be much appreciate from one that seeking the truth ... THAT silent, stillness, emptiness, clarity and THAT happy nowhear ... I AM THAT! "It's only true that enlightement is enlightend." OM ~ Shanti.

Watch Video Here: http://www.amazon.com/review/R2K90J6J1VNKGL Please enjopy my video review of Emptiness Dancing. Mark Waller author of Awakening: Exposing the Voice of the Mosaic Mind

Adyashanti shows a fresh and impeccable clarity in this book and brilliantly leads the reader past the noise of the mind and its concepts to rediscover the constant, quiet, untaintable sense of beingness that is ever present.

Brilliant writing doesn't lie in how profound the terms are, but rather, in the simplicity that the unfathomably profound can be expressed in. Adyashanti is gifted with the ability to accomplish the task. The light that every chapter is able to shine upon the mind is put into terminology and sentence structure so simple that any individual will be able to allow the meaning behind the words immediately have an affect on them. So simplified, so wise.

I absolutely LOVE these series. I'm now reading them for the 4th time. I love how Lund breaks down the parables and teachings of Christ to make them easier to understand. I also love the historical accuracy. He brings you into the story as if you really are there. I highly recommend these books!

This book is amazing. It has truly enlightened me as to the true nature of Jesus Christ. On one hand, He seems very conservative, but on the other, He seems so liberal! What a paradox. Lund does a fantastic job of capturing just how complex our Lord is, but how loving and accepting He is, too. Truly, He is a higher form of life, and that essence is easily portrayed in the story. There is also a very interesting fictional plot unfolding all around Jesus with the story's main characters who are the Jews and Gentiles that chose to follow Him during His earthly ministry (some fictional, some historical). If you've ever wished you could get into a time-machine and go back to the time of Christ and see Him for yourself, this book will help you vividly paint this dream in your imagination better than anything else. Plus, you'll get schooled in the biblical Gospel that Jesus taught without feeling that it's preachy. It's just Jesus. Like Him, the author invites people of all religions, beliefs, and unbeliefs to partake of his words. There's nothing to fear. Jesus is SO cool, you'll definitely feel that way afterwards if you don't already!

I have heard people say that the story of Jesus is the greatest story ever told, but have wondered how that could be when I found the New Testament so difficult to understand when reading straight from beginning to end. Now having finished this series of books I add my vote that the story of Jesus Christ is really the greatest story ever told.

Upon finishing I have felt driven to explore the New Testament again. I recently purchased a version of the New Testament which attempts a chronological harmony of the four gospels. I am amazed at how closely Lund's series shadows the chronological harmony version of the King James Version of the New Testament. Lund's work has helped me attain a level of clarity regarding the Savior's ministry that I didn't even know I was missing. Lund also did a great job in helping me understand which characters in the book are really from the New Testament, and where he was favoring certain scriptural interpretations over others. The chapter endnotes were fantastic!

Having now finished the whole series that this book belongs to I realize that without the historical insights that Lund provides into the political, social, and cultural setting of the people who lived in that area of the world at that time, I would not fully understand the life and mission of Christ as the Son of God and the Savior of mankind. For me this series is now the standard for all other historical fiction that attempts to represent the ministry of Jesus Christ, or the origins of Christianity.

I am not much of a reader. In fact, this is the first novel I have read in about 30 years. (I never seem to have the time)

Boy, did I ever pick a winner on this one!

It immediately immerses you into the lives of a Roman soldier, a Galilean family, a Pharisee and a Sadducee.

It so masterfully intwines these folks into many of the gospel stories and places you into the crowds that are following Jesus. From the Birth of Jesus, to the cleansing of the Temple, the sermon on the mount and the feeding of the multitude.

It also puts in detail the difficulties of a family split between becoming followers of Jesus and denying him, and the melting of hardened hearts.

I could barely put this thing down.

Now I am ready to take on "Come Unto Me" (Kingdom and the Crown Vol 2.)

I am now on the second book... the first book in this series is so wonderful. I takes you there to Jerusalem and Galilee. You feel as if you walk with Jesus and experience his miracles and teachings first hand. It is an ambitious achievement for the author. You learn and come to know Christ more deeply. At times it can get a bit preachy and I feel like I am in one of Lund's classrooms, but I dig it anyways (other people may not). But the story is well crafted.

I always hate it when authors take too much artistic license and try to guess what a real historical person is feeling or what their motivation is (when there isn't a written record of it anywhere and it is completely up to the interpretation of the author). I am grateful that Lund never attempts that, and for Heaven's sake, especially not with Jesus. All of the dialogue that is written for Jesus can be found directly out of the New Testament.

Read this book and come to know the Savior even more deeply than you have before.

I put off reading this book for a while, but when I got my Kindle this was one of the first that I purchased for it. I can only say that I wish I had read it sooner.

I appreciate the challenge that John gives us to keep God in the forefront of all that we do. I know this may sound difficult, but I believe that as he states with practice it becomes easier.

I have found that you can't just read this book, you have to put it into action in your life. If you do I believe you will be amazed at how much more you see God in all that you do daily.

Thank you John for the challenge to sit at the feet of Jesus and learn!

The book is in great condition, but it doesn't look like the picture. I was disappointed that I received an older edition with the eye chart on the cover. It was a gift for a teenager and they would have wanted the newer cover.

Excellent book on putting God first in your life. Develop a close relationship with God. Easy pointers to use in your daily life. Beautiful!

Ortberg is a master. Next to his book, If You Want To Walk On Water, You've Got To Get Out of the Boat, this was as good as it gets for relating to God in our limited human minds. Ortberg has tremendous way of taking ordinary stories, humor and life experiences and making them clear pictures of what Scripture communicates. Excellent, excellent book.

I purchased this book for a small group setting and it fit the bill perfectly. Ortberg has a way of uncovering truth and in this book, encourages you to find Waldo, a God who wants to be part of your everyday life. I enjoyed it personally, was challenged by it and found the group setting enhanced my learning. I do look for God differently now since I've read the book. He is closer than we think.
I would have kept the orginial jacket cover. It focuses you to the subject matter much better.