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.

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In All Things Thee to See: A Poetry Book Review

It seems appropriate to match the opportunity to review a book of poetry to the month of April, as we celebrate National Poetry Month. But to give attention to the collection I am sharing and the man behind in this review seems a worthy endeavor for me in my Christian journey for both my spiritual and writing life- which are intertwined.

Today I am reviewing a book titled: All Things Thee to See: A Devotional Guide to Selected Poems of George Herbert with Selections and Reflections by Stephen Witmer. Additionally, I want to include my own thoughts on how Christians could enrich their intimacy with Christ by reading and reflecting the writing of devotional poets such as George Herbert. I promise to not get preachy. Anymore. Said while smiling.

First of all a little about this poet – in case he is new to you. George Herbert is new to me, though I am sure there are many who have heard of him or who have read his poetry. I recently attended a Christian writers’ gathering, and heard his name mentioned. It’s like once you decide on the car you want, or a color you love. It starts popping up everywhere. So a bit about George Hebert, is that he lived during the 17th century (1593–1633). This was a tumultuous time in history at best. He was born into a well-to-do family in England and was well educated, had some political ambition initially but became disenchanted early on with that direction and came to focus and rest in his service to the church as priest/pastor. His life was a brief one, and he suffered poor health most of it. He died at forty years of age, but what he left for us is a rich heritage of poems that have been sung, studied and shared since his death by Tuberculosis in 1633. You can read about him in greater detail in the excellent introduction by author, Stephen Witmer.

The Book

This beautiful, bound book is the perfect accompaniment to a quiet time of reflective reading and includes forty of Herbert’s poems. As I researched the poet, I found myself more and more drawn in to the way his works have been used for worship, and also for schooling the believer into the real life workings of a faith-filled life.

The book’s format is perfect for students of scripture, literature, and especially those who find poetry difficult to read or understand. Each of the forty poems has alongside it, a teacher worthy to the task of helping to bring forth the sweet nectar of these poetic offerings. You have with each poem, a tutor to guide you into the fullness of what is being communicated.

Some of the poem titles included in this collection are: The Alter, Affliction, Joseph’s Coat, Matins, Prayer, Mortification, A True Hymn, and The Dawning. Each was written as a personal way of communicating, and talking with God or expressing aspects of faith and struggles in the spiritual life.

The Savoring the Poem section is the place where we are ushered into understanding the places that we might get stuck. Witmer excels in this and I found often after reading his bit of “tutoring” I would re-read the poem with more confidence. He doesn’t overreach here, but gives help in what seems to me is just enough. Each time I found myself thankful to be able to “savor the poem” as intended because I had just the right amount of help – as one walking alongside, discussing with me as I read without pushing. I’m sure this has been instrumental in my ability to appreciate the pure beauty and service of George Herbert’s offerings.

In addition to the brief but rich Savoring the Poem section, there is a Shepherded by the Poem portion. As a pastor himself Witmer guides the reader with reflective questions to bring them into the place of receiving the most out of the words as possible. He helps us see what we don’t want to miss. I find his approach here again, encouraging. He challenges us to not settle for the superficial but see fully the author’s intent, humor, and humanity. He wants us to get the most of the poetry set forth by Herbert.

One thing that was helpful for me in addition to the reading of the chosen poems here by Witmer, was hearing the poems read and sung aloud! An internet search allowed me to experience hearing the words read by those who have an appreciation for the Herbert’s poems. One was Malcolm Guite (I really enjoyed it).

This book features at the back three indexes for notes, persons (mentioned in the individual poems), and scripture references.

It is interesting to note that he wrote the poems during his lifetime completely for his private devotional life. His poems were published posthumously. This is also a fascinating aspect of his short life! That so many of these private, intimate writings born in a devotion to God personally now are public in service to the church, and to many others.

This book would be a great gift for pastor appreciation anytime of the year. It also would be good for graduation, and for any other spiritual milestone. It is one to keep with your Bible and journal for enriching personal devotional time.

You can see and read the first chapter of this book at Crossway linked here: Check out the book!

I want to share a link for another historical background on George Herbert at the Poetry Foundation to learn more: George Herbert at PF.

Thank you to Crossway for sending me this book to review, and also to Stephen Witmer who has set me sailing on my journey with a wonderful new poetry teacher and guide in George Herbert.

Thank you also to my faithful readers for showing up and reading my words. As always I appreciate you for taking the time!

Enthusiastically, Dawn

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