Just out from Multnomah publishers is Wild Goose Chase by Mark Batterson. One reason I was interested in this book is straight from the first chapter: my being drawn to anything resembling an adventure.
Life is either a daring adventure, or nothing. – Helen Keller
Mark writes:
The Celtic Christians had a name for the Holy Spirit that has always intrigued me. They called Him An Geadh-Glas, or “the Wild Goose.” I love the imagery and implications. The name hints at the mysterious nature of the Holy Spirit. Much like a wild goose, the Spirit of God cannot be tracked or tamed. An element of danger and an air of unpredictability surround Him. And while the name may sound a little sacreligious at first earshot, I cannot think of a better description of what it’s like to pursue the Spirit’s leading through life than Wild Goose chase. I think the Celtic Christians were on to something that institutionalized Christianity has missed out on…A part of us feels as if something is spiritually wrong with us when we experience circumstantial uncertainty. But that is precisely what Jesus promised us when we are born of the Spirit and start following Him. Most of us will have no idea where we are going most of the time. And I know that is unsettling. But circumstantial uncertainty also goes by another name: adventure.
Circumstantial Uncertainty. That is the story of my life! 
I’ve found this true in my own journey with God this year. A continual theme has been learning afresh what was said of Narnia’s Aslan: He is not safe…but He is good. My Lord is many things, but He is not safe. And…when I choose to walk with Him, I am not safe either. At least, not from things that we would perhaps like to be safe from. Pain. Danger. Heartbreak. Illness.
Yet there is a safety in His protection that far exceeds any temporal comforts. His goodness ensures that ultimately, our souls and our lives are safe within His sovereign keeping. That is the kind of life and adventure I willingly choose.
A few incidental notes: I was a bit disappointed that it appears this book was published a bit hastily without sufficient editing. There are a few obvious mistakes even on the back cover and in some of the text. There is some good content but in my opinion the book could have been cut in half without any of that unique, key information lost. I only have patience for so many vignettes and stories; there is too many good books to read to spend over-long on one that needs to get to the point. That said, there is some good content. For more info visit Chase the Goose.
I have one copy of Wild Goose Chase to give away to a reader. To enter your name please comment with one book you’ve read this year that strengthened your faith or impacted your understanding of God. Please make sure there is some way via blog or otherwise that we can contact you. You have until midnight on Wednesday, August 27th when I will randomly choose a winner.
Note: I will not publish any comments with email address but those names and books are being noted down! Thank you…
“Purpose Driven Life” by Rick Warren, and soon to be “Do Hard Things” by Alex and Brett Harris (I’m not quite finished reading it yet). Thanks for entering me!
I’m just finishing reading Whom God has Joined by Isobel Kuhn. This book is fascinating, well-written. Isobel speaks of her marriage and being a godly woman. It’s definitly an encouragement to married women and single women who are seeking to be that meek and quiet spirit!
We Have Been Lied To, by Stephen Villanueva.
This book challeneged me to really seek God – to step away and leave behind religion as institutionalized by the world. The biggest, most important thing I got out of it is that while following God is never easy, it is always worthwhile; that rthe things He has for us may often look scary and impossible until we put ourselves under His wings and take the plunge – at which point we find that He is there, makin us able. If you want to grow in your faith, to go deeper with the Lord in true relationship and not lipservice, this book must be read. It will confront you with truths you may have been avoiding; it will challenge you in ways you may have thought impossible or unnecessary. But you will come away with more of a heart for the Lord than ever before!
Taryn Davis
Wild Good Chase sounds interesting, so count me in the draw.
Trusting God, by Jerry Bridges, is a book I’ve read recently that has absolutely impacted my understanding of God; particularly His Sovereignty. I plan on re-reading it because there is so much to think deeply over, I’m sure I’ve missed lots.
Thanks, Natalie!
http://www.psalm42-2.blogspot.com
“Soul Obsession” By Nicki Cruz and “Redeeming Love” by Francine Rivers. I try to read both these books at least once a year.
Soul Obsession because it reminds me of my purpose here on earth.
Redeeming Love because it reminds me of his never-ending always-forgiving overwhelming love.
I also read “Do Hard
Things” by Alex and Brett Harris. According to the Harris twins, “hard things” can be as big as founding a non-profit organization or merely faithfully reading my Bible and being kind to my siblings. Good stuff.
Sarah Adams
Spiritual Mothering by Susan Hunt – this book challenged me in regards to discipleship and women in the church. I highly encourage it!! It was a similar challenge found in “Disciplines of the Beautiful Woman” by Anne Ortlund where she exhorts women to always be discipling several younger women. Both are great reads!
Two books, essentially on the same subject, have stated truth I needed to hear in recent months. “Idols of the Heart” by Elyse Fitzpatrick, and “I Really Want to Change… So, Help Me God” by James MacDonald. It’s easy for me to think that I need this or that to be content. Idols of the Heart points out that such a belief is nothing short of idolatry and that God is sufficient. Longing for Him alone is the only way to joy and peace. The second book provides more practical steps toward lasting resolution. I haven’t finished it, but so far it’s been one of those books that reaches into the needy areas of my life with truth that’s hard to ignore while providing help to respond.
Peace With God by Billy Graham really inspired me this year. I was strengthened and filled with more understanding of God and the way He works and the way Christianity works. This book is a must for all Christians like the quotes on the back cover say. It is for the Christian walk and reminds me of a dictionary. When a thought rises or a question, I can open the book and get an answer.
Gabriela
Developing your Secret Closet of Prayer by Richard Burr
This book has been an amazing read–every single time. I’ve reread the whole thing at least two or three times in the last year, and the first three chapters I’ve read more frequently than that. Of all the books I’ve read on spiritual living this is one of the best at “cutting to the quick” of prayer and godly living. Mr. Burr boils the information down to very practical put-it-into-practice wisdom.
Sophia
“It’s Not About Me” by Max Lucado. Once again, a gorgeously written gem from Lucado, with amazing insight on why the world DOES NOT revolve around us.
I would recommend this book to every humand being on the planet (of course, if you can get your dog to read it, that might be helpful also).
God bless!!!
~Hannah
I know this drawing is over with, but here’s my book that I’d recommend: “John the Beloved Disciple, by Beth Moore. It was intriguing to me, because I always wondered about John’s special relationship with Jesus. The book made me draw closer to Jesus.