I’m a reader. I devour books, both on my iPod and the delicious old fashioned way…page by glorious page. Every once in a while, if I listen carefully, I hear about a book that has “changed” someone in a profound way. That’s what I heard over and over and over about the book:
Crazy Love Overwhelmed by a Relentless GOD by Frances Chan.
But not until my good friend Bill from the inspiring blog, Cycle Guy’s Spin, told me to “GET THE BOOK!!!”, did I download the book from Audible onto my iPod.
This book is written to the American Christian. It’s a reality check but it’s done in love and in the most gentle way possible… considering the reality.
I’ve listened to it twice and read it in “real-book” form once. The Husband ordered 5 copies to give out and he’s NEVER ordered a book from Amazon. We kinda loved the message.
One of my favorite pastor-author-theologians, John Piper says:
“There’s no must-reads but the Bible. So how do you choose what to read before you die ? I do it largely by what is awakened in me when I read samples.”
With that in mind, I’m gonna let Crazy Love speak for itself. If you feel something awakened in you when you read any of this, get the book. If not, that’s okay.
Concerning the parable of the sower in Luke 8: “Do not assume you are good soil. I think most American churchgoers are the soil that chokes the seed…”
“Lukewarm people choose what is popular over what is right…”
“Lukewarm people think about life on earth much more often than eternity…”
“Lukewarm living and claiming Christ’s name simultaneously is utterly disgusting to God.”
“We show tangible love for God in how we care for the poor and those who are suffering.”
“…treat the poor and the desperate as if they were Christ Himself.”
“There has to be more to our faith than friendliness, politeness and even kindness…”
“My suggestion as you make decisions and discern how God would have you live is to ask yourself: is this the most loving way to do life? Am I loving my neighbor and my God by living where I live, by driving what I drive, by talking how I talk?”
“I urge you to consider and actually live as though each person you come into contact with is Christ.”
I felt a shift in my thinking after reading this book. And it was a bit of an answer to prayer for The Husband as it helped him put into words a change he’s been trying to convey to me for months now. So perhaps it was just the right time. But I’ve heard so many people out here in blog-land say the same thing, so maybe it’s worth the read…
Would love to hear from you if you’ve read the book already…what’d ya think?
Love to each of you today~
First, thanks for the shout out Robin. But more than anything else: this is my favorite section of the whole book! His treatment of lukewarmness is some of the best I have ever read and as you stated- done in love- with a heavy heart but a firm hand.
Hey. I followed you here from a comment you left on Cycleguy’s Spin. I have never heard of this book, but after reading the quotes, I am headed out to audible to find me a copy.
Thank you!
.-= Dusty Rayburn´s last blog ..Unfaithful =-.
Dusty, let me know if you like it! If you don’t…blame Bill 🙂
Sounds like a wonderful book…I will definitely look for it. And I have a little one to suggest as well….Trustful Surrender to Divine Providence: The Secret of Peace and Happiness. Yes, it is a Catholic book so many would not even glance at it (sigh) but it’s a tiny little read with a big impact.
.-= Julia´s last blog ..Something about Mary! =-.
Julia…thank you so much for the book suggestion! I’m looking for it on Amazon today 🙂
xoxo
Thanks for the recommendation, Robin. I’ll have to check this one out.
Have a blessed day!
Jean
.-= Jean Fischer´s last blog ..Throwing Stones At Those Who Mourn =-.
I am buying this book today! If Calvin and I have learned anything in this International community we have lived in during the last 6 years, it has been just that, our Americanized religious way of thinking just doesn’t cut it. We have been challenged and pushed more often than not. As a result we have learned so much more about the heart of God. The biggest message for us over and over again in the last two years has been how much we are to care for the orphan, the widowed and the poor. I am excited to see what God will have us to do when we return home for good this summer! Oh yeah, Thank you again for providing a piece of “home’ for us through your blog. It has been a blessing!
Tammy
Tammy! YES! This is what Mike keeps saying to me, “the orphan, the widow, the poor…” We’ve been completely deaf in the past…
Where are you moving??? Here? 🙂 Let me knnnoooww!
xoxo
I haven’t read it but I am going to get it. I am kinda searching for a “faith basis” I guess. I don’t know what to call it actually but I am searching. I am discontent with my faith, or lack of. I do believbe but I fear I am not living it how I should….maybe I AM lukewarm???? I don’t know but I will read this for sure. Thanks, Robin. I’ll let you know how it helps me. XO, Pinky
Pinky…love and hugs sweet friend.
Hey Robin, Thanks for recommending this book. I’ll put it on my wish list and get it with my next purchase. Blessings, SusanD
.-= SusanD´s last blog ..Thankful Thursday – 3/18/10 =-.
I loved the book! I still haven’t gotten his new one though. Reading a couple of others I already have first. I got a lot out of it, and I think it deserves a second reading.
I also like “Unfashionable” by Tullian Tchvidijian. It’s along the same lines, but goes a little more in-depth. I thought it was a perfect follow-up to “Crazy Love.”
.-= Andrea Trautman´s last blog ..Bon Appetit =-.
Hey Robin…. I have the book…. started it and put it down…. I want/need to pick it up and begin again….This book is going to make me re-think me….
Hey lady, I have been AWOL recently and need to email you some love but 1st I wanted you to know that I have been praying for you and am SO proud of you:) #2 I love Crazy Love as well and am almost done w/an amazing follow up book, A Hole in The Gospel by Richard Stearns. I think I learned even more from this book (if that is possible) than Crazy Love. Put it on your “must read” list:) Love you friend!
.-= Erika Chapman´s last blog ..Good reads =-.
I have had it in my possession for months but haven’t read it yet. Uh, I know I need to, especially after reading this. Now to finish the book (books) I am reading! 😉