5 comments about Rich Mullins: An Arrow Pointing to Heaven.

1. The Book Arrow Pointing to Heaven is the most inspiring book I have ever read. I could not help but write "Amen," "Praise the Lord," "I need to read this again" or some other comment in the margins as I read the book. Having known Rich Mullins briefly early in his musical career, I knew he was someone different, someone closer to God than I could imagine, yet I had no idea just how close to the Awesome God he really was. This book, so well written by Smith, is a must for anyone that believes in God. It will take you to really knowing God in much the same way as Rich Mullins knew HIM - intimately. Perfect gift for graduation presents. I have given several with notes made in the margins of the gift books. Thank you for having such an all-inspiring-book! It is a MUST for persons seeking a better relationship with God.



2. i highly recommend it to anyone whether your a fan of rich mullins music or just a christian who longs to have a deeper walk with God. Great book, inspiring, not shallow, deep, thought provoking, convicting. trust me if you ever buy a book buy this one. . you wont regret it.



3. I was not able to put down the book until I finished it.
   
   The reading I'd done on Rich Mullins previously taught me that he was an incredible person, but the book confirmed his devotion to Jesus Christ as well as his struggles to live faithfully. I was encouraged, amused, saddened, yet most of all inspired to keep contending for the faith.
   
   The author's friendship with Rich Mullins came through - I only wish that it went into more detail and told me more.
   
   I loaned the book to a friend, also a fan of Rich Mullins, and she said that it encouraged her greatly.



4. Being a long time Rich Mullins fan, I wanted anything and everything Rich Mullins I could get my hands on. This book, "An Arrow", by James Bryan Smith, gave me a whole side of Rich Mullins I never knew. But even more importantly than the man himself, this book points to a deeper walk with Jesus, and the struggles involved in obtaining that walk. This book is so inspirational. I've read it twice, and am now reading it a third time. I bought an extra copy to give away.



5. Rich's life was like my life, and finding someone who was like me, a ragamuffin, was an indescribable comfort on a lonely path from helpless addiction to freedom. Note: I am still on that path today. One day I will be able to thank Rich in person for what a gift his life was to so many of us. This book is a testament to that life. It is a treasure.

5 comments about A Thousand Shall Fall:: The Electrifying Story of a Soldier and His Family Who Dared to Practice Their Faith in Hitler's Germany.

1. I just read this whole book today. The book is fairly well-written and reads easily. The main theme I took away from the book is just how awesome God is in how He sovereignly arranges the affairs of our lives and leads us through very difficult times. It's apparent in this story how God, in His mercy and love, arranged the events of the lives this story recounts.
   
   It was particularly refreshing to read a story about those suffering persecution for their faith in Nazi Germany who were not Jews, but Christians families struggling with the persistent peer-pressure of their friends and neighbors. Further, it was nice to see an honest account of American behavior towards the Germans that included the not so nice stuff that was done under the banner of he American flag. It's very easy to believe that Americans served only in a redemptive capacity during WWII and miss the fact that many atrocities were committed at the hands of American GIs too.
   
   The story is about a seventh day adventist (SDA) family. It could just be me, but I detected a tone in the story, or an implied hint that God was faithful to the characters because of their dutiful keeping of the Sabbath rather than due to His loving nature and rich mercy. Now, before you flame me for my comments, let me just say that I do see in scripture how obedience to God in the face of difficulty pleases God (ie. Daniel,Joseph, etc.), however, this book seems relate the the law-keeping of the family involved to the miraculous way God intervened and less on God's compassion afforded to them due to being in Christ. Every miracle seemed to be credited to that right way of living. This seems to be in contrast to what the apostle Paul writes in Romans 4:4-5. There are a few instances where it seems that the writer indicates that the sabbath keepers were spared where everyone else was not as if God only spared the faithful. This is not unexpected given the traditional SDA view that only those whom follow SDA teaching are the "true church" and right with God. Again, I know many SDAs do not hold this view, however I do believe that Ellen White did hold this view and many today still do. Please don't read my comments to be anti-SDA. I believe that God loves them as much as anyone else! There's only one body of Christ and it has no denominational label or associated pet doctines. The basis of our salvation however is the sufficiency of Christ's death on our behalf, not our faithfulness to honor the 7th day sabbath.
   
   That said, I would still buy the book again and still found it to be an encouraging, thrilling testimony to God's mighty hand! I wish there were more stories from this time in history of how God preserved other Christians.



2. Let me just say that if you are looking for a fascinating uplifting read about a family who doesn't compromise their values, this is your book. You do have to get past a writing style which lacks vivid imagery and and has stilted transitions, but I was sucked in anyway after a few chapters. Just the idea that a man who is a strong Christian could join the German army as a pacifist, carry a fake wooden gun, and warn the Jews that the SS was coming the entire war and get nothing but promoted is enthralling.
   What an amazing family and what a sweet story of how God honors those who honor Him. I wish there were more stories like this one out there. I'd love to see Spielburg make this into a movie. It would rival Schlinder's List!



3. I bought this book after reading 'The Heavenly Man' and 'God's Smuggler', hoping to find a similar testimony of God's work amongst Christians following Him no matter what.
   
   The main theme of the book is about keeping the Sabbath all through the war. There was very little mention of Jesus and the incredible work of the Good News in people's lives, which stands in contrast to the above mentioned books.
   
   I also felt a bit uncomfortable about Franz's assistance that he gave to the German war effort, but I don't want to judge too harshly a situation that I've never had to experience. But I felt that it fell short of the stories of Christians who have laid down their lives rather than compromise their beliefs, and as such I found the book interesting, since it is the account of a Christian in WWII Germany, but not inspiring.
   
   As a story about WWII it did not grip me either. I thought 'Because of Romek' was much more absorbing, even though it was so plainly written. I am surprised to see 'A Thousand Shall Fall' with such high reviews, so I guess it must appeal to some. I only finished reading the book on principal and to give it a chance.
   
   Feel free to disagree, this is merely my opinion of the book, but maybe this will help someone else make a more informed choice.



4. Susi Hasel Mundy writes of her own family experience during the terrible years of Hitter's reign in Germany. She tells in her book A Thousand Shall Fall of her father's reluctance to fight in Hitler's war for empire. As a Seventh-day Adventist her father Franz Hasel wanted nothing to do with Hitler's promises of a new Germany.
   
   Franz Hasel's family life was suddenly turned upside down when he was drafted into Hitler's army. On the very day that Franz leaves in order to report for duty he bluntly informs his young son Kurt that Hitler was an evil man. "Hitler is an evil man," Franz tells him, "Never trust what he says. You must stay true to God and God only!"
   
   Franz then gathers his children and his wife Helene in the family living room and reads Psalm 91 to them: "Thou shalt not be afraid of the terror by night; nor of the arrow that flieth by day; ...a thousand may fall at thy side, and ten thousand at your right hand; but is shall not come nigh thee." The family then sings the hymn "A Mighty Fortress Is Our God." These few short moments sets the stage for the theme of the entire book. Indeed a God acted as a "Mighty Fortress" to the Hasel family. And indeed thousands died around them as Hitler's war wore on. Yet at the end God brought the Hasel family back together again.
   
   Hasel relates the story of her own birth during the war. She tells how hours after her birth an air raid forced her mother and three siblings to flee from their house to a bomb shelter. Her mother--having just given birth to child--was forced out of the home on a dark night. The family was forced to flee to a nearby air-raid shelter where they spent the rest of the night.
   
   Franz Hasel was often the brunt of jokes in the Nazi engineer regiment that he was in. They often mocked him for his Christian beliefs and absolute refusal to break his Sabbath. Being a Seventh-day Adventist Franz acknowledge the Lord's Day on Saturday--the same day as the Jewish day of rest. This of course created another problem in Hitler's Germany where any suspicion of being a Jew resulted in distrust and often worse. Franz was belittled by the mean Lieutenant Peter Gutschalk who tried many tactics to humiliate Franz.
   
   This book is ranked in my mind next to Corri Ten Boom's The Hiding Place in its distinctly Christian message. It is also interesting to read a real-life story about a family living in this tumultuous time in Germany. Our society often looks on the German army as the "bad guys",or at least Hollywood does. A Thousand Shall Fall gives its readers a glimpse at Hitler's Germany that is not often seen. It is the story of a fine Christen family and how God preserved them through the struggle of World War II. This book was indeed an adventure story well worth reading!



5. This book continued to add faith and encouragment to our live. Excellent 5 stars, A+++++++++++++

2 comments about Bruchko and the Motilone Miracle.

1. After hearing Bruce Olson speak over a year ago and reading his first book, Bruchko, I have researched every magazine article and other source I could find on the life of this very special man. So when the sequel came out I was very excited to order my copy. It does an excellent job of filling in the later years, right up to the present.
   
   The gripping story of Olson's unorthodox life in the Amazon jungle challenges every stereotype we may have of missionaries. As a passionate and driven 19-year-old, he left a comfortable, bookworm existence in Minnesota and followed his God-given dream to travel to South America, where he was violently captured by a reclusive, murderous tribe of stone age Indians. And he has lived with them ever since!
   
   Bruchko and the Motilone Miracle unfolds all the events that have happened in Olson's life with the Indians, who are now transformed into a productive and positive cultural force in Colombia. It covers the account of Olson's unbelievable response to his kidnapping and captivity in 1988 by one of the armed rebel groups using the jungle as their base of operations.
   
   There are so many reasons why I was attracted to this story. It's a high adventure journey filled with love, suffering, resurrection, social redemption, and victory over evil. I'd like to see the movie made -- and made on a big scale, because it would enthrall audiences more than the most elaborate Hollywood action film. In this case, truth is stronger than fiction!



2. The original Bruchko book is one of my favorite books of all time. So when I heard he had written a second book which updated his story into the present day, I purchased it quickly. It was like getting reacquainted with an old friend. You see Bruchko grappling with the losses of Gloria and Bobarishora. You see his spirit rekindled after hearing a couple of the younger Motilones speaking at a peace conference. You feel his joy as the nation of Columbia recognizes that 420 acres of jungle land belong to the Motilone people (truly known as the Bari people).
   
   The first 36 pages rehash the first Bruchko book, while the rest of the volume brings the story into the present day (with occasional looks back into the past).
   
   You get to read the details of Bruce's entanglements with terrorist groups and drug dealers. You get his first person account of his brutal 1988 abduction by the ENF and his mixed feelings about the current direction the Motilones are taking. You get the sense that the younger Motilones want to modernize more and to forego some of the tribal traditions that Bruce has been trying hardf to safeguard. Yet Bruce is confident in the Lord that God will continue to raise up Motilones who walk in our Lord's trail.
   
   If you love the first book, you'll definitely want this one, too. But this is also a good place to start even if you have never heard of Bruchko.

5 comments about Play of Consciousness: A Spiritual Autobiography.

1. This book is extraordinary in that in gives a first-hand account of the journey of spiritual awakening and meditation that leads to Self-realization. Muktananda writes from both the perspectives of having been a disciple of an enlightened Master and as a Guru who has much to teach sincere aspirants on the inner path. His words carry the conviction of actual experience; this is not a theortical treatise on the ultimate meaning of life and human potential. It is rather a testament to what happens when the power of grace and the longing of a true seeker meet. The intention of this book is not to inspire a belief about the enlightened state of Muktananda; but rather to impart a description of essential truth to the reader which is meant to be verified by actual experience.



2. This book is divided into two "sub-books"; 'the path of the siddhas' and the 'teachings of the siddhas'. Swami Muktananda's explanation of his meditation experiences forms the core of this book.
   
   The way he reveals his different states of meditation experiences may be different from other saints who have reached the state of samadhi or bliss but I have no doubt that his experiences are authentic and he was not hallucinating. The point is that Muktanananda has already reached the highest states of consciousness or Nirvana during his meditations.
   
   The reason why I gave this book a 4 star rating and not a 5 star rating is because Muktananda had failed to give a more detailed biography of his guru. If he had included a more comprehensive account of his guru, this book would deserve a perfect rating.
   
   I would also like to recommend the "Autobiography of a Yogi" by Paramhansa Yogananda. This saint (who is also my guruji) had also attained the state of samamdhi.



3. This book is about the experience of meditation through yoga. I read this book when I was 13 and some of the concepts were a little advanced for me at that time. Nonetheless, this book helped me to understand some experiences I had with meditation when I was young.
   
   I was raised with Siddha Yoga. Growing up, there was no place I felt safer than I did at the Siddha Yoga Ashram. For me it has been and always will be home. My spiritual journey extends beyond the confines of Siddha Yoga, but my spiritual awareness and love for God was nurtured and developed through Baba and Gurumayi's teachings, guidance, and love. I use their teachings daily.
   
   There is concern with truth or falsity of the Guru only when the seeker is looking for someone to worship rather than for a path of growth and spiritual development. I have learned a lot from people who weren't "Gurus". The word guru means to bring from darkness "gu" into light "ru". In this sense, we are surrounded by gurus all the time. All we have to do is seek them out, and they appear.
   
   It is Baba and Gurumayi who have taught me to search for the diamonds within the coals. When I am not in the right state of mind, I remember this simple teaching, and then I am surrounded by diamonds instead of black coals.
   
   In reading this book, find the diamonds and pearls in Baba's words and take them with you. Then you will feel rich and you will not be disappointed.
   
   I would also like to add that Siddha Yoga is not for everyone. The teaching of Siddha Yoga is that "God dwells within you as you". The teaching of Siddha Yoga is NOT "The Guru is your God". I have never heard Gurumayi suggest we be dependent solely on the Guru. I have on the other hand heard Gurumayi say that the Light of God dwells within us. A teacher deserves respect - whatever, or whomever that teacher may be. Yoga will reflect your state of mind, and it is not always easy or comforting to see our own reflection. But seeing is necessary for growth. Co-dependency and obsessive behaviors may surface for some, but it is not the fault of Siddha Yoga, and should be taken up with a therapist.



4. This is one of the most unique books written based on a Siddhas experience of enlightenment. Normally Siddhas do not share their spiritual experiences so elaborately; this is definitely one invaluable book for any spiritual seeker. Just holding the book can bring about spiritual experiences.



5. 
   This book is a one of the few "must reads" for those inclined toward Kashmir Shavism, or in fact, for almost anyone who enjoys eastern spiritual thought and the upliftment of consciousness.
   
   This is a unique personal autobiography by Paramahansa Muktananda.
   In the pages of this book he transmits his experiences directly to the reader in a very special way that only some great teachers can.
   
   This book does not deal with the mundane details of Swami Muktananda's life nor does it deal much with the details of his teacher Swami Nityananda's life; more of that sort of thing can be found in "Meditation Revolution" by Douglas Renfrew Brooks, or by Muktananda's earliest biographer Swami Prajnanananda.
   
   What this book does do is to transmit some of Paramahansa Muktananda's consciousness to the reader in a unique way, giving the reader some direct experience of Muktananda's life and his Awareness.

5 comments about Plain and Simple: A Woman's Journey to the Amish.

1. This book is a very fast read but perhaps a bit misleading in its intentions. Or perhaps it's more that I felt misled about the contents. Either way, this book wasn't exactly what I was looking for, but it is still a nice, quiet little book that discusses the Amish lifestyle and its effect on the author.
   
   Sue Bender became fascinated with the Amish way of life during the 1980s and eventually found her way into the homes of two separate Amish families in order to experience more of their culture. She spends a good deal of time explaining how her journey is an analogy for the Amish quilts she admires. While the premise of the book is interesting, Bender lets us know as we read that her fascination is also a personal spiritual journey into more meaning for her own chaotic life. Expecting to find more on the day to day life of the Amish, I was let down when Bender chose to focus more on herself. However, the parts that do describe the Amish lifestyle are objective and well-done, and Bender shares her surprise at the many things the Amish actually can do within their community. Her visits do sound delightful, and she did seem to receive the peace she was looking for.
   
   If you are hoping for a book that delves into the Amish community and allows us as outsiders to see and understand the inner workings, this book only partially does that. However, overall it's an interesting little book that is heavy on personal feeling and light on the Amish.



2. I felt this was an extremely well written and moving little book, and I have recommended it to many friends. In fact, I bought copies and sent them out. It made you stop and think about your own life and how we complicate and prioritize.



3. I bought this book because it was mentioned in another book I was reading. I have always had an interest in the Amish from an anthropological point of view and this was not a disappointment at all. Sue Bender runs across antique Amish quilts and is fascinated by their unique simple designs and bold colors. For years she has her contacts on the look out for more examples of this beautiful "art" that is so functional. Then she discovers the "faceless" dolls that Amish mothers make for their daughters. The dolls have no facial features because the Amish proscribe to the "no graven image" commandment very strictly. She was delighted with the doll sent to her by an Amish woman with whom she started a correspondence. She then decided she wanted to live among the Amish for a time. She was told they would not take her in; however, a small ad in an Amish paper elicited a response from a family willing to have her live with them for a time. So her journey began. Her impressions did not always fit with her romantic illusions of the "simple" life and she learned much. After several weeks, she goes home to digest what she has learned. Then, she decides to go back and try the experiment again with a different (very different) family. She learns even more. All stereotypes are mostly shattered as she lives with a midwife, her large family and her chiropractor sister and she leaves much richer (emotionally) than when she arrived.
   
   I enjoyed this volume very much. It had an excellent layout and is a fast read. The impressions are honest and introspective and Ms. Bender is kind enough to wrap the most important lessons learned into a nine-patch quilt for us at the end. There are many fine ideas we can take with us at the conclusion of the story not the least of which is how much we have in common with the Amish as opposed to how different we are. It's a book I will return to again and again for insight.



4. After Sue Bender forcefully insinuates herself into an Amish home, she proceeds to criticize and judge the family. She comments on their "bad choices" - chief among them in my view is their decision to let her into their home. She is rude, condescending, preachy and shrill. She eats the family's food and then criticizes both the food and the woman who prepares it for her. She demands fabric for a "craft project" and then kvetches when her host doesn't respond. She proceeds to purchase 1/8 of a yard from 25 bolts of fabric from a polite storekeeper. I looked up halfway into this book and told my husband "God, I hate this woman". I hated this book too. The book mostly focuses on the author, not the Amish community that she invades. We learn that the author is self-absorbed and shallow with a healthy sense of entitlement. The author's fixation on the Amish "faceless" dolls is telling - they represent her void of self-awareness. More disturbing than the book is the biography listing the author as a "therapist".



5. I received this wonderful book as a surprise gift. Knowing very, very little about the Amish and certainly never having read about them before, I was fascinated by the glimpses of their lives offered by the author.
   I believe that the title is incorrect or at least, misleading. From the first pages of the book, I was under the impression that the book was about quilts and the journey with the quilt not a book about the Amish or women in general.
   I am surprised that so many reviewers were annoyed by Ms Bender. Even though I did not always like what she wrote, I appreciate her frank and honest comments, which at times read like a private diary.
   Is it necessary to love the personality of an author, or more to the point, may we simply enjoy writing for writing's sake and overlook the personality of the author?

5 comments about They Found the Secret.

1. This is a very hard book to follow. The writing seems to jump around and at times it does not make a whole lot of sence. If you want a straight foward book this is not the one for you.



2. A very good book. Read it slowly so that the content can sink in. There is no secret, only a gained understanding of who you are in Christ, what that means, and how it affects your life.



3. The book I ordered thru Amazon arrived very promptly and it was in perfect condition. This is what I hoped and expected.
   Thanks,
   Kaye



4. For years I have read many biograpies of great Christians and found much help in them all. Here is a book that is concise and to the point in how these great Christians allowed the Lord to use them in their daily walk. It is a real blessing to find the secret as they found the secret.



5. This book is hands down the best book I have ever read on this subject. I have given it to many friends and relatives as gifts. If you are looking for a book with 20 great examples of how the Holy Spirit can change a persons life, this is the book for you. All of these men and women went beyond the simple salvation experience and there lives were changed forever.

5 comments about No Compromise: The Life Story of Keith Green.

1. Keith Green's book "No Compromise" was an in depth look at this Christian mans life. He lived his life solely for God, and never looked back. He was constantly examining himself to see if he measured up to how a Christian life should be led. He was an inspiration to me of how to live for Jesus!



2. Melody green did an amazing job at letting us in on her life with Keith Green. She is very open and honest and makes it easy to follow. It is very easy to relate to for practically anyone. Some parts brought tears to my eyes and it brings you to self reflect where you are at spiritually. I highly recommend this book!



3. I grew up listening to the Music of Keith Green. My parents were big fans, and to them, Keith was more then just a singer.
   I slowly stopped listening to his music when I got older, and thought that the new music I listened to had a better sound and a more meaningful message, simply because it was newer music. But then I started listening to Keith Green again, and saw that his music is timeless, and can still change lives.
   
   I picked up this book, and started reading it right away. The tone read very much like a novel, with pictures every now and then to show you how Keith and those around him had changed over time. At first, I wasn't sure how I felt about there being pictures so much, but then I saw the effect they had on me.
   
   I got to know Keith as if he were a friend of mine. I got to see his struggles, his fears, his likes, his dislikes; I got to shake hands with Keith. His story of how he came to know Jesus is one that can touch anyone.
   
   Ultimately, when the book started to end, I knew how he was going to die. I knew it was coming. I even looked ahead to see what chapter it happens in. Even though I knew it was coming, I still started to cry.
   I spent my time reading this book, and getting to know Keith, his children, and his friends, that I he died all over again. I missed him again.
   
   Still, with that said, I think my favorite part in the book is the story of how they had a cow die, and they couldn't get a butcher out to the farm (because the butcher has to kill the animal he'll be butchering), so they did it themselves.
   
   With all that said, this is an amazing story that every Christian should read. Even if you weren't a fan of his music, it is still an amazing story.



4. I listened to his music in the early 1980's never realizing what his life was like. Although his life on earth was brief, his intensity and passion along with his unwavering determination to discover the purpose for his life and, when he found it in Jesus, to be authentic and determined in his faith, is an encouragement to anyone journeying on the narrow path that Christ calls us to. His life clearly displays how much God loves and seeks us out even when we are not living according to His will. A definite must read!



5. Such a great subject for a biography. Keith was such a genuine and caring person thanks to God's intervention.

5 comments about George Muller: Man of Faith and Miracles (Men of Faith).

1. As a living example of George Mullers legacy, having spent my childhood 1939 - 1954 in the surroudings of the Orphange situated at Ashley Down, Bristol, England. This book brought back so many memories for me. Some I try to forget, but now I am 60 years of age and reflect on the effect the teachings have had on my life, I remain eternally grateful for the upbringing, teachings and character building I received during the most informative years of my life. I thouroughly reccommend it to any person looking for answers to their 'inner self' providing there is room for Christianity in their lives



2. In 1946, on my 13th birthday, my Sunday School teacher gave me a copy of this book. In 1992, I found it in my mother's home and re-read it. It was a life changing experience. I have bought and given away more than 200 copies since then.

   One thing that makes George Muller's biography's unique is the amount of documentation that his biographer's had to work with. Each year, he published a detailed report of activities, but more meaningful were the journals he kept in which he listed all prayer requests and the outcomes of those requests.

   Muller was born in 1805 in Prussia. As a young man, he decided not to tell anyone of his needs, but to rely solely on prayer. God taught George Muller faith and trust by continually testing him, but always providing what he needed. Muller was motivated in 1836 to start an orphanage for 30 street children in Bristol, England. Over the years, as a result of his prayers, the orphanage grew to house over 2000.

   Muller lived to be 93. In his later years, he was honored internationally and invited to visit and speak in many cities. Beginning in 1875 he made 17 trips and visited 42 countries, telling his story of faith, trust, and prayer.

   This is an inspiring book. It is filled with stories of many actual experiences that help the reader grow his or her own faith.




3. George Muller was the pastor of a small church in England in the early 1800s. In those days, churches were financed by pew rents. Families would rent the pew where they sat each Sunday and from these funds, the pastor would be paid and other expenses of operation met. The pews in the best locations cost more. Rev. Muller became convinced that pew rents were contrary to the will of God, and after several months as pastor on a salary, announced to the congregation that he would no longer receive a salary, but that they should place a box in the chapel into which they could place offerings to support him. He further announced that he would tell only God of his needs.

   In 1833, he became pastor of Bethesda Chapel in Bristol. There were many orphans on the streets, and Reverend Muller began inviting some to his home to eat breakfast each day and then taught them from the scriptures. In 1834 he established some day schools to help them get an education and conducted Sunday School for them on Sunday. In 1836, God moved him to establish a small orphanage in the neighborhood in a rented house. He added more rented houses, and then was moved by God to acquire land at the edge of town (Bristol) and build a modern orphan's home in 1849. He continued to add buildings for many years until there was space for over 2,000 orphans. Reverend Muller depended entirely on contributions to meet all the building construction and operating money and his personal living expenses.. Yet he had a firm rule, based on his personal belief that he should never ask anyone for a contribution - in fact, never even tell anyone who asked whether the orphanages were in need of funds. He asked only God in his prayers, and always was very specific in his petitions to God. God moved him to keep meticulous records of his prayer requests and there results. In journals he dated and recorded each request on the left hand side and then dated and recorded the results opposite on the right hand side. His biographers had a lot of material to work with.
   Reverend Muller undertook nothing, even the smallest expenditure, unless he felt it was the will of God. He was asked how he sought the will of God. This is his reply:
   1. "I seek at the beginning to get my heart into such a state that it has no will of its own in regard to a given matter. Nine-tenths of the difficulties are overcome when our hearts are ready to do the Lord's will, whatever it may be. When one is truly in this state, it is usually but a little way to the knowledge of what His will is.
   2. Having done this, I do not leave the result to feeling or simple impressions. If so, I make my self liable to great delusions.
   3. I seek the will of the Spirit of God through or in connection with the Word of God. The Spirit and the Word must be combined. If I look to the Spirit alone without the Word, I lay my self open to great delusions also.
   4. Next I take into account providential circumstances. These plainly indicate God's will in connection with His Word and Spirit.
   5. I ask God in prayer to reveal His will to me aright.
   6. Thus through prayer to God, the study of the Word, and reflection, I come to a deliberate judgment according to the best of my ability and knowledge, and if my mind is thus at peace, and it continues so after two or three more petitions, I proceed accordingly."
   Mr. Muller was asked how well this worked.
   "I never remember", he wrote in 1895, three years before his death at the age of 93, "in all my Christian course, a period now of sixty-nine years and four months, that I ever SINCERELY and PATIENTLY sought to know the will of God by the teaching of the Holy Ghost through the instrumentality of the Word of God, but I have always been directed rightly. But if honesty of heart and uprightness before God were lacking, or I did not patiently wait upon the Lord for instruction, or if I preferred the counsel of my fellow men to the declarations of the Word of the living God, I made great mistakes."

   I was so moved by what I had read, that I decided my children should have copies. I found paperback editions were available and ordered several copies to give to family and friends. I re-read the book several times, taking it on airplanes when I traveled and became convinced that if this book meant so much to me, I should give copies away. I ordered 100 copies. I gave copies to the members of my Sunday School class, members of church committees and to many individuals. At least one individual I gave one to, who is a member of a different church, began buying and giving copies to people. At the time I am writing this, I have given over 200 copies of the book.

   This book is truly an evangelistic tool.




4. I had heard of George Muller and how he was a man of prayer and faith but I really didn't understand the story of George Muller until I happened to read this short book by Basil Miller on his life. Truly, Muller searves as an example of a life of faith, prayer, obedience, and faithfulness unders whatever circumstances he found himself until his very last day.
   
   This short book (159 pages) offers the reader a short glimpse into the life of George Muller. Much like our Saviour (John 21:25), this book does not explore the true life of Muller. It does, however, give the reader a quick look at his life and it will indeed challenge your faith. Muller's prayer life alone should touch a nerve in every true disciple of Jesus and call us all to a deeper life of prayer. Muller demonstrated that he took Jesus' words serious when Jesus told us to pray and not give up (Luke 18:1) and that whatever we ask in faith we will receive for his glory and honour (John 14:12-14).
   
   Overall, Miller's work is to the point and a solid read. I greatly enjoyed the layout of the book which you would expect in a biography such as this. Miller covers George Muller's life from birth to death and he shows us the highs and lows of Muller all in between. I also greatly appreciated the fact that Miller reveals that Muller is just like you and I in the sense that he was a sinner in need of a graceful Saviour (Romans 3:23-24). Muller's life will have an impact on your soul.



5. More than 25 years ago, my older son Ken (an avid Bible student and teacher)called my attention to George Muller and later provided me with a book on Muller's prayer life, believing, and victory over problems by believing that God was his sufficiency. Also that God would provide what he needed to fulfill his service to the glory of God. I am currently writing an article on "Faith" particularly as the word crops up in Alcoholics Anonymous,and immediately remembered the Muller book. This title, plus Muller's own biography, buttresses the belief so rapidly vanishing in Alcoholics Anonymous that God truly can meet the needs of, and guide, the alcoholic in overcoming the myriad of difficulties he encounters after he gets sober. Alcoholism can be cured. The wreckage of the past provides an equally demanding need for help and strength. Reliance on God was a necessary part of the cure in early A.A. And it was a necessary part in my own cure 21 years ago. I believe that this Muller book, the Narrow Road book about Brother Andrew, the Revolution book, and the Megashift book present solid grounds for putting your faith in the Creator of the heavens and the earth, coming to Him through Jesus Christ, and knowing for a certainty that Yahweh can show the way and provide--just as Muller found in his own victorious march to serve and love.

5 comments about Walk On: The Spiritual Journey Of U2.

1. I am not one to read books about rock bands, even ones as influential as U2. But after seeing them in concert, and reading some things about them on the Christianity Today website, I was intrigued.
   
   This book really gave me some good insights into the band, their beliefs, and the real meaning of their music. I have a new appreciation for songs I've always liked. I want to go and read more and learn more about the band, and I want to go back and listen to CDs I've long since forgotten about, all as a resulf of this book. Really, that is the ultimate compliment I can give the writer.
   
   So why only 3 stars? Well, a few things... first, the book seemed a bit shallow. Why not show me actual lyrics in detail? Why not go further into scripture and analysis of that scripture? There just wasn't quite enough insight there to make me think enough that I have to read the book again to pick up something I may have missed. It bothered me that it seemed so obvious that the author has never sat down and talked to Bono or the other band members, yet he tried to manufacture a personal familiarity that he obviously doesn't have. I'm referring to things like referring to the band as 'the guys,' like they meet at the pub for a pint once a month. I know that may seem picky, but it really pulled me out of the book at times.
   
   Generally, the book was good... I learned a few things, and I'm inspired to research the subject more and read other, more detailed books about U2. So this is a good place to start for anyone who is interested in U2, Christianity, or both topics.



2. This is one of the best books I have ever read about U2's lyrics and the theological perspectives there in. Steve Stockman leads the reader into a deeper awareness of U2's lyrics, and gives you the biblical verses that help to translate these U2 lyrics.
   
   This book is a moving experience-- and makes one appreciate the deep, spiritual side of U2's music. Like the song Mysterious Ways-- I say this: "Move Spirit Move Me..."
   
   I highly recommend this book to any U2 fan or anyone who enjoys spiritual enlightenment.
   
   Love and Peace or Else,
   The BoNo FReaK (-;
   St. Charles, MO



3. I knew before I read the book that U2's music finds inspiration from the spiritual. I didn't realize how much they borrow from Biblical scripture and many other facets of the Christian walk. 'Walk on' and many other songs that you have heard will have new meaning once you read this book about U2.



4. I have enjoyed this book immensely. Stockman does a great job of walking you through the development of Bono and the band and really giving the spiritual backdrop and development that the band went through via the different phases of their musical progression. He also offers thought provoking insight throughout about the tension between U2 and the established church and how each of them really lines up with the call of Christ. This book will stretch you in your own evaluation of where you are in your faith journey.



5. I've been a fan of U2 since the early 80's, this book was well written and enlightens one on the personalities of the group, their songs and the way world events can change the meaning of lyrics but keep the basis of the song intact. It is wonderful to read about how Bono's mind thinks, after reading this I would consider him a 'missionary' of sorts.

2 comments about A Saint and His Lion: The Story of Tekla of Ethiopia.

1. The editorial review fails to mention that this is a lavishly illustrated picture book, with the drawings by Cecile Sharratt, who also illustrated Shalinar's Song, also published by Paulist Press.



2. My kids love the story. We are adopting from Ethiopia and wanted to begin teaching our children a bit about Ethiopian culture and history.