Looking at David's life to draw closer to God
920417
I got Facing Your Giants by Max Lucado from Book Sneeze last year but then things just went badly in my life and it ended up getting packed up. I finally have everything unpacked and finished the book. I loved this book and how much it has helped me deal with issues in my life. This book is about the life of David. God called David a man after his own heart and yet when you read the life of David you see that he wasn't perfect. I find this encourages me that if I will just keep striving to put God first and do repent then He will always be willing to meet me and forgive me. Every time David took his eyes off God then the giants in his life would attack him. I love how Lucado can take words that we have read a thousand times and yet show us what they mean to our lifes and how to use them to draw closer to God. I really enjoyed the key points that were brought out such as "Focus on giants - you stumble. Focus on God - your giants tumble" One of the early points that was brought out and really meant something to me is that the giants we face are often things we should have been over but we tried to keep in our lives. For example if the Isrealites would have done as God commanded, and eradicated the Philistins then all the troubles would have been avoided. When we try to hang onto things of this world, it ends up being a stumbling point for us again and again.

All in all, I would recommend this book and its one that I will read again when I need encouraged.
2409333
An outstanding book for those seeking to deepen their relationship with God.
2773442
The first part of the book presents a very engaging presentation of bible

The first part of the book presents a very engaging view of David more easily understood than from the old testament.  Easily held my interest even as I have read David's story in the bible many times before.  The second portion of the book dissects the Psalms, sometimes in depths only a bible scholar can appreciate, even so I preserved and learned much.
4962456
Gary Wilkerson gives us a behind-the-scenes look at the life of his father in this very readable and heartwarming biography of David Wilkerson.

When I read the story of David Wilkerson taking the gospel of Jesus Christ to the gangs of New York in the book The Cross And The Switchblade, I was absolutely mesmerized! Here was this country preacher from Pennsylvania confronting some of the toughest gang members all alone on the streets of New York City ... wow!

I had visions of a man with a commanding physical presence, a man who was so confident in what God had called him to do, and a man who had an unshakable faith in God. So when I picked up this biography, I was prepared to meet this giant of a man. Instead I found someone who was, in a word, real. He wasn't physically imposing, he struggled with Gods calling on his life at times, he worked himself almost to exhaustion, he made mistakes, and he sometimes doubted if what he was doing was making a lasting difference.

But in one facet my youthful impression was correct: David Wilkerson was a man of unshakable faith in God. Even in moments where he battled depression and his own shortcomings, he never wavered in his clinging to God.

Gary Wilkerson tells this life story of his Dad lovingly and honestly. He shows us so clearly how God can use a real man, with all of his faults and shortcomings, if that man will simply remain surrendered to Gods will.

This is a highly encouraging biography! I would especially recommend this to anyone who was as thrilled with The Cross And The Switchblade as I was, because I believe it will give you a whole new level of appreciation for the amazing work God did through David Wilkersons life.
4054410
I have recently discovered Iain Duguid's writings and can't seem to get enough of them.  He has a wonderful fresh perspective on subjects that have been written about for years by other theologians.

The stated goal of this series is, "We are committed to the proposition that the Bible, both Old and New Testaments, is a unified revelation of God and that its thematic unity is found in Christ."  So, in this little book Duguid is examing the lives of two Old Testament figures, Isaac & Jacob.

To talk about these two characters you also have to talk about Abraham.  The interesting points that Duguid points out is how similar a child's life follows the parents life.  Many things that dad did the child now does.

Another proposition is that God uses us even when we are not perfect people.  God is able to still have his honor and glory revealed even through flawed, sinful people.  An early quote from the book expresses this thought, "The few events recorded of Isaac's life are mostly downs, and Jacob is no great hero, especially in his early life.  They do not begin to live up to the pattern set for them.  There should be great encouragement here for those of us who are all too aware of our shortcomings."

That is a great concept.  We all know that we are flawed, but God still desires to have relationship with us, work with us, use us to further His Kingdom, etc.

This is a quick read, only about 150 pages long.  But within this short read is packed many good application points for our lives.  You will be greatly encouraged as you take another look at the lives of Isaac and Jacob.  The book covers Genesis 25 through 35.

One example of a challenge you will receive in reading this book is this; the people living in the same areas as Isaac and Jacob are continually stating that they can see God in the actions and attitudes of these men, even when they sin (because they see God's forgiveness & blessings).  Duguid's question to us is, "Could it be said of your lifestyle that 'we see clearly that God is with you?'"  I think that sums up a great point to all of us.  Do we live our lives in such a way that those who don't know God will recognize that we walk with God because of how we act.

That is just one example.  The book is filled with many reflection points.  I don't think you will be disappointed with this short Bible study.

Enjoy!
1631908
Dr. Swindol has done a terrific job of showing David in his weakness and his strength of character and integrity.  Many of his pitfalls can be avoided in our own life if we learn David's life lessons.  We can gain strength through his example of an intimate and open relationship with God.
281828
Angela Hunt brings biblical persons to life. This is highly evident in the story of Bathsheba whose life is intertwined with King David. You cannot write about Bathsheba without also writing about David. Hunt uses the biblical text as a framework wherein she weaves deductive imagination and biblical narrative into a tapestry of their lives. You feel as if you know David and Bathsheba; you feel their joy and pain.

King David stands out as more than a king. He is shown to be a Godly man who sins. A man taken in by passion and lust who allows his fear of the consequences to drive him to commit murder. David is a man heartbroken by the consequences of his sin; the death of his children and betrayal by those he loves. Hunt doesnt whitewash Davids suffering but she also shows throughout Bathshebathat in both the good times and the bad David never forgets his Lord. He continually pours his heart out in supplication to God knowing that He is his defender, provider, and Lord. David worships and serves the God of his ancestors.

As a book named Bathsheba would infer, the primary focus is of course Bathsheba. She is physically beautiful but more importantly she has a beautiful and Godly character. Bathsheba is a greatly loved, a strong and wise leader, a role model. She had to be strong after being raped by King David and then having her husband murdered by her rapist because he made her pregnant. I only have one little niggling concern regarding the portrayal of Bathsheba. There were moments when I believe she was portrayed as too strong. I cant help but think that she was given too much credit for leading David towards a number of his decisions. David was a king. A mighty king. A king renowned for his leadership in battle. David followed God and was able to make wise decisions.

Writing a fictional biography about a person whose life has been deemed important enough by God to add to the biblical narrative cannot be easy. This book is written using the authors understanding of scripture and her creative imagination. Only God is infallible. I wish to exhort you to always seek Gods Word first and foremost; read the biblical narrative and compare it with the fictional portrayal. What an adventure.

I received agalley in exchange for my honest and unbiased review. My thanks to NetGalley, the author, and publisher.
For all of my reviews visit my blog at https://blessedandbewildered.wordpress.com
4259687
David the King is a central figure in the history of the Jews. As a champion of faith he is an example of manliness in strength or in weakness. It is a blessing to be able to read a sequential presentation of his life.
This well-written and entertaining book is actually a scholarly analysis and report of the Bible record of the life of David. The first section of the book reprints those portions of the (English Standard Version) Bible dealing with Davids life. The chapter headings, called Parts, are arranged in chronological order .
The second section of the book presents a narrative commentary for each of the Parts of the Bible portions. Paragraphs are given descriptive headlines helping the reader enjoy its content.
The third section comprises extensive notes detailing the chronology and dates of the recorded events in David's life. Differences with other scholars' theories are examined and dealt with.
Readers will appreciate that the author's reflections are based on the conviction that the Scripture provides an accurate account of the character and career of David.
3278019
The book tells of a family's journey of unwavering faith as they faced the birth and growth of a developmentally challenged son. It is an affirmation that each life is precious and that God can see you through the difficulties. Much food for thought and discussion for book clubs or Bible studies.
432621
David does an amazing job of uncovering both the depth of Gods word and the passion of Gods heart in worship. As I read, I find myself being fueled to love and worship God in a deeper way. He is an anointed writer and brings a perspective that the church needs to hear! Its an amazing book! -Christina King
3159417
This will help a believer to go deeper in the word of God and grow in their relationship with Him.
4582218
This extraordinary book from actor/producer David A.R. White, offers a look at God-given dreams, and explores how we all have them -- and the passion it takes to pursue them.  Through Scripture and his own personal experiences, the author holds a mirror up, allowing us to look at ourselves and recognize the dreams we have, and what God may have in store for us.  From small-town Kansas boy to tinsel-town star, White breaks down the barriers we erect ourselves and helps the reader discover their God-given dreams.  It is a blessing, and highly recommended.
4817130
I have read most of David's books and I really like this one.  I guess when we think that our life is almost complete, God has a different plan.  Hold on.  Grab this one and give to your friends as a beautiful gift.
1508958
God in My Life is a thoughtfully written book that encourages individuals to further pursue their relationship with God. What I most appreciate about the book is how real and insightful the author was in talking about her walk with God. She talks about the struggle places and the hope she found. She invites the readers into an intimate, daily walk with God. I hope and pray that when people read this they are able to experience Jesus in the sincere, thoughtful way the author has shared about. Thank you for this book. It is life giving.
3198497
This book will take you some time to work through - and it will make you think - and it will draw you closer to the Lord.
2732523
Great! Helped me understand how near God is to each person!!!
3085289
I absolutely love this book. I looked over some of the negative ratings and they mentioned that it was depressing and David Brainerd was too upset all the time. I honestly believe God kept him in this state of self examination, self denial, and shining the light on his sin, so that God could keep him humble for the work and be of the most use for the Lord. Of course it wasn't always like that either. God didn't leave David destitute of joys and encouragements. It really just shows how close he was to God! The first half of the book are his personal feelings, the second half is when the Indians started getting converted and is about his work day by day and what he was seeing. His writing is beautiful and it gives us a glimpse into who this man was. I love this man that I have never met and look forward to meeting him in eternity. It can be a bit repetitive but not in a bad way. He talks about how many are coming to Christ, it's something to be very grateful for. I can hardly put the book down. And I loved that there was a summary of Jonathan Edward's life in the front of the book first. That was really interesting. And he wrote notes throughout the first half of the book as well to help the reader with insights. This book has had an inspirational affect on me spiritually. I will be looking for more books on David Brainerd and on Jonathan Edwards too.