Book Review: SABBATH

Although I had not read any of Dan Allender's previous works, I knew of his reputation, and I both hoped for and expected great things from this book, Sabbath. I was not disappointed.

Reading this book really challenged my thinking on both the purpose and the pleasure of Sabbath. Allender encourages us to take delight in this God-created day, not to spend it in pious, legalistic solemnity. After all, God is pleased when we relish in Him and His creation.

"Sabbath is not about time off or a break in routine. It is not a minivacation to give us a respite so we are better prepared to go back to work. The Sabbath is far more than a diversion; it is meant to be an encounter with God's delight . . . [And we] will never know Sabbath delight unless God delivers us from drowning in the noise and grime of our soiled days," says Allender.

The "Sabbath Pillars," as Allender calls them, include Sensual Glory, Holy Time, Communal Feast, and Play Day, and he describes each of these in such simple yet pleasurable ways, encouraging us to consider and act upon what God bestows upon us that truly brings us pleasure. And as we indulge in and savor these gifts, we are ultimately bringing glory to God Himself.

Allender brings to light the fact that we often feel guilty for taking pleasure in things--that we somehow feel that we don't deserve to and that we should be working instead. I personally appreciate the reminder that it is actually God's command to us to rest and delight in the Sabbath--to keep it holy or set apart from all the other days. Why is this a commandment we feel okay about ignoring?

Sabbath is refreshing, encouraging, and exciting to read and then live out.

*Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their Book Review Blogger program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”



 

Book Review: ORPHANS AND THE FATHERLESS: Making Ourselves Known

There is a growing awareness around the globe--and particularly among Christians--of the enormous need to care for the millions of orphans in the world. In her book, Orphans and the Fatherless: Making Ourselves Known, Julie Chandler offers statistics, testimonies, Scripture, and personal insight to assist in this wake-up call for us to attend to the needs of the fatherless.

It's a strange thing, I confess, to realize that we actually need a wake-up call for something so vitally important and widespread. But we do. It is not the fault of the children that they are without a mother and/or father. It is, however, a need that they have, and it is one that many of us can meet in one way or another.

Julie Chandler offers a variety of ways to minister to orphans and the fatherless. Since many people are unable (for various reasons) to actually adopt a child, Chandler is attentive in providing a plethora of ideas for caring for these children. And the ideas range in time, money, and energy required, so that just about anyone can latch onto at least one or two of the suggestions and make them happen.

I appreciated this book, although I was expecting a more in-depth, unified work. Instead, Chandler offers numerous brief chapters that can basically stand alone. There isn't much transition from one chapter to the next. This works to one's advantage, though, if you only have time to read in short spurts. It might also be good for a small group to go through together, particularly because of the call to action in which they could participate together.

I value Julie Chandler's passion and commitment to this widespread, saddening, problem. I pray that God uses her book to challenge people all over the world to care for the orphans and the fatherless.

*Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this e-book free from Julie Chandler. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Denver Moore's Perspective

“Since I been visitin a lotta churches, I hear people talkin ‘bout how, after readin our story, they felt ‘led’ to help the homeless, to come alongside the down-and-out. But when it comes to helpin people that ain’t got much, God didn’t leave no room for feelin led.

"Jesus said God gon’ separate us based on what we did for folks that is hungry and thirsty, fellas that is prisoners in jail and folks that ain’t got no clothers and no place to live. What you gon’ do when you get to heaven and you ain’t done none a’ that? Stand in front of God and tell Him ‘I didn’t feel led’?”--Denver Moore, co-author of WHAT DIFFERENCE DO IT MAKE?