Beholding the Character of God – Book Review

My latest book review for Crossway is None Like Him and In His Image Gift Edition: Beholding the Character of God (2 Volumes in 1) By Jen Wilkin.

Jen Wilkin has compiled a list of 10 Ways God is Different from Us (and Why That’s a Good Thing) and 10 Ways God Calls Us to Reflect His Character. Both of these subtitles state clearly what has been accomplished in the clear, refreshing presentation in this combination. Spoiler alert: I loved this book so much more than I thought I would.

Let me tell you all the reasons why.

First things first, I have read a number of books on the character, attributes and praiseworthy qualities of God. I am grateful for having been directed early on to do so especially through the teaching and mom’s prayer group I attended. I have read and appreciated a few older authors, preachers, scholars and teachers on this topic, and realize I was skeptical of these books. Why was I skeptical? For all the wrong reasons. Mostly my older, ahem, chronological age and I know this is not something most people would admit, but I just have to be honest (to my shame). But I just had a bit of hesitance and on an impulse, I decided to check out the gift edition – which includes both of the titles previously and separately released. Well, if there is a silver lining, it is that I got the benefit of two for one, and perhaps this is a gift. Well, literally the two make for a gift edition but the books stand alone and together well. If you are still following me

These books are both compilation and culmination of lessons taught with a group of women, by the author, Jen Wilkin, in 2002. This two book combination is seeks to help the reader better grasp the God of the Bible both in His otherness from us and likeness to us (or our potential likeness to Him in and through Christ). The goal is to know the qualities of God in a way that impacts our understanding, worship and service.

What I loved about Jen’s presentation of None Like Him and In His Image was that it was fresh but not trendy. Having received such great direction towards meditating on God’s attributes and qualities in the past, I felt like this book could potentially be impractical or a bit too contemporary. I had the “there is nothing new under the sun” attitude. But the timeless truths presented in a delightfully timely manner here have been meat for my soul. Jen draws from many of the same resources and teachers I have received from on the topic- and many more I haven’t! Additionally, I found myself wanting to slow down and stay with these readings, for their clear presentation and for the inspiration that came as I considered God’s beautiful attributes under Jen’s tutelage.

Like Him, Like Him Not?

The ways God is unique and we, to our detriment, try to be like him is covered in None Like Him. Some of the mentioned attributes are: Infinite, Self-Existent, Omniscient, and Sovereign. The ways we can grow into His likeness are covered in the In His Image portion. Attributes named there are Holy, Loving, Longsuffering, Righteous to name a few. “Every trait on both lists is limitlessly true of God.” Not so for us. Except for one thing.

The one thing and the best part, of course is God’s provision in Christ to make us like Himself through His Son. All the while remembering that God is uniquely God and the only one qualified to be God. Worthy of worship, worthy of praise, and never will we be God. Seems obvious, but in the fist parts of the book we come under conviction as we see how often we do try to be like God in ways that go back to the Garden! It does us well to dwell on His attributes and our limitations in light of Scripture. But also the blood-bought amazing possibilities in Christ!

Chapter Breakdown

Each chapter focused on one of God’s attributes, and followed by individual sections which include:

Verses for Meditation-a list of verses to look up for further study, reflection and meditation on the attribute presented in the chapter.

Questions for Reflection-Four questions to add to one’s optimal reflection on the attribute of focus.

Pray-A prayer prompt, directing the prayer and praise toward God through the lens of what has been presented.

Encouragement to keep a journal is offered in the beginning of the book, but these chapters, prayers, reflections, and meditations will be fruitful if one sits with them with or without keeping notes. As one who journals regularly, I believe this book would be a treasure to have alongside for study, quiet time, journaling, or serious reflection and prayer.

This gift bound edition is lovely to look at, page through, and dig into. I am new to Jen Wilkin’s style of writing and thoroughly enjoyed reading and receiving her words of challenge, encouragement and instruction through this book. Get to know God better, or gift one who needs to know God better through this offering.

Thank you for reading! On a sidenote, I am writing from our local library today. My computer has died, and I am currently computerless, but Praise God for our local libraries! I finally got my tush here to share this book review. I may be writing less on the blog until this little conundrum is addressed. Is it cramping my writing style. Yup. A lot is on hold for now. Meanwhile I’m trusting and seeking to see what He wants me to learn. I hope to share again, soon!

Enthusiastically, Dawn

Disclosure: I received a copy of this book through Crossway. The opinions expressed in this review are, as always, entirely my own.

My Spring Reading List

Well, it’s Springtime, the second wind of the new year, the recalibrate and get ready to set yourself alight, start something new, or if you are me, make another go at the massive book piles accumulating in your home. I confess, I love books. I love learning. I love reading, and reading all the books, all the time, in a variety of places. My answer to the one thing needed when leaving the house (besides the phone, keys and planner AND pens…too many pens- that’s another whole story!) is to carry a book. Just in case. Just in case what? Well, that’s the point. Who knows? If I get stuck somewhere, I want to be prepared. I want a book. I don’t want to be trapped somewhere without a book, the way some people don’t want to be stuck anywhere without there phone. Give me a book, and I can make a way. I can wait in a waiting room or most anywhere until those stinkin’ cows come home!

I also want to confess, I am a slowish, adhd style reader. I like to read multiple genres at the same time, because I like a variety of styles. Now I don’t read all genres but I have a few specifics I like to have going at once when possible. Usually, poetry, fiction, non-fiction, and something random. Sometimes a young adult, or children’s book. I know it’s cliché but variety is the spice of life – at least in my reading life! So let me show you what’s in my reading stack for the foreseeable future knowing it will be a challenge for me to finish these books by June. But stranger things have happened.

OK, first, I’m going off list for a second. because, I literally just ordered this book today as a Mother’s Day gift to myself. I’ve wanted it for a while, and learned the movie is coming out on Netflix next weekend, and well, it seemed a good excuse to add this to my overfull for me book reading list. But I really have wanted to read it for a long time AND besides that, I don’t want to watch the movie before reading the book. That will just not be cool. IMHO. So the first book on my list (not pictured) is Remarkably, Bright Creatures by Shelby Van Pelt. Have you read this one yet? Anyone up for a book chat after I finish?

Reading List from Bottom to Top

Teach Me to Pray by Kristen Wetherell and All Things Thee to See by Stephen Witmer are books I have reviewed for Crossway and am continuing to reflect on and incorporate into my reading, teaching, reflection times. So these are still in my pile. I’ve linked them if you are interested in learning more about these titles.

Letters to an American Lady by C.S. Lewis- I have an original hard copy of this book, and have been meaning to read it for awhile. I have a little project idea in my mind to do with letters and so I pulled it out of my personal library to have a possible go at it. Sometimes I just have to test the waters if the timing is right for a book. Time will tell if I finish it this season.

Thirty Days: On Retreat with the Exercises of St. Ignatius by Paul Mariani – So short story long…I recently attended a writing conference where Mariani was the keynote speaker and is all I can say is I fell for this wonderfully prolific, faith-filled tender-hearted, boldly honest and humble man. He is primarily a biographer, and poet, also a professor at Boston College, seminary trained, memoirist. The list goes on. I’ve been trying to immerse myself in his writing. No small task let me tell you. The man swims in words. I was pleasantly surprised when I found this memoir as I regularly have visited and retreated at the Campion Renewal Center (now closed to the public) which was a Jesuit monastery (priest retirement provision), and retreat center in Weston, Massachusetts. I first heard of Ignatius his story, and spiritual exercises there. I am working slowly through this read as this man misses not a detail of the day! He may be a bit academic for me, I checked into a number of his other published works, and started The Mystery of It All: The Vocation of Poetry in the Twilight of Modernity but was drowning so set it aside and opted for this one. Hoping to keep my head above water, even if I dog-paddle through to the finish!

The Chance of Home: Poems by Mark S. Burrows- I like to keep a bit of poetry in my reading regularly. I am enjoying the poems in this one. These are not poems that leave you standing on the outside wondering what’s been said. Completely approachable, accessible tender, and moving poetry. Paraclete Press is my second favorite publishing house. They seem to have a lot of writers I enjoy. Just saying.

North American Bird Watching for Beginners: Field Notes on 150 Species to Start Your Birding Adventures by Sharon Stiteler – I’m indulging my inner learner with this beautiful top rated beginning birding book. Hoping to be better at identifying beyond, “Oh, look at that bird!” Added benefit could be better descriptive writing? Will see!

Managing God’s Money: A Biblical Guide by Randy Alcorn – Working through this one with a good-sized group at our church and loving Alcorn’s writing and handling of scripture for this subject. Challenging, and empowering, convicting and encouraging. This is a succinct study, and practical approach to addressing how we think about money, and stewardship.

My next two books for review from Crossway (my favorite publisher) are None Like Him and In His Image Gift Edition: Beholding the Character of God (2 Volumes in 1) by Jen Wilkin. I received this beautiful combination this weekend. I am already reading None Like Him, which focuses on the attributes of God. Stay tuned for my review, but it’s hard to put down – which is wonderful, and a good sign.

You Can Change: God’s Transforming Power for Our Sinful Behavior and Negative Emotions (Second Edition) By Tim Chester – I told my bestie the title of this new book re-released by Crossway and she immediatly said, “I need that!” Don’t we all. I have not started this book yet, but you can say a prayer I am especially self-disciplined with my reading time and able to share a thorough review soon!

Last but not least, I attended a women’s event this weekend, and was able to purchase Lori Stanley Roeleveld’s newly released book, God’s Abundant Mercy: 40 Days of Living in His Compassion. If you need a seasonal adjustment for your quiet time, or a dose of mercy for your devotional life, this could be a nice addition to refresh your heart. I appreciated Lori’s talk on the topic, and I have begun reading this just because I felt inspired to after the talk. Lori is an excellent writer. You can check her work out HERE.

So, what are you reading? What recommendations do you have for me? I have some good news to share on the writing front too. I’ll save that for a post later this week.

As always, thank you for reading,

Enthusiastically, Dawn

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#Elektrisch mit dem #Überlandbus - Der #Iveco #Crossway_LE #Line_Elec:

#Iveco #Bus ist seit vielen Jahren eine feste Größe im Bereich der Überlandbusse. Speziell der #Crossway hat sich einen guten Ruf erarbeitet. In diesem Film wird der vollelektrische Crossway LE Line Elec vorgestellt.

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=r4RIG3_DxtE

Completely forgot I had a Crossway/ESV Online account until today when they emailed me about both websites having their accounts split so any account changes on one doesn't carry over to the other anymore. Updated my password on both because it was really outdated and just as a head's up, there's no button to delete it if you don't use it anymore (only had it because it let...

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