Intimacy With The Almighty

Rating:
Summary: A Classic
Review: If every Christian followed the principles in this book, the world would take notice. No American Christian should neglect meditating on the truths Swindoll delivers in this short audio book.

Coming from the premise in Ecclesiastes, "God made us plain and simple, but we have made ourselves very complicated," Swindoll suggests four principles to overcome ourselves for a better, more God-honoring life. Simplicity is a discipline 21st Century Christians need, and we aren't going to find it at the mall or in many other Christian books.

Rating:
Summary: Valuable insights, but could have been much deeper.
Review: Let me preface my remarks by saying that I'm a HUGE fan of brother Chuck, and I have great love and admiration for him as one of today's preeminent Christian leaders. Of all the persons I could choose to emulate, it would be Chuck Swindoll. In reviewing this book, my comments are intended to be totally objective and not a criticism of the author.

My main impression of this book is that, while it provides some valuable insights about some spiritual disciplines that every committed Christian should undertake, it stops far short of being a truly practical resource. Chuck Swindoll steps aside briefly from his hectic life to take stock of some key things that many (most?) Christians miss in their day to day walk with God. He introduces some disciplines which we would all do well to practice, but doesn't really talk about the "how."

In other words, and at the risk of sounding flippant, my reaction on finishing this book (about a one-hour undertaking) was: "Tell me something I don't already know." As a believer who seeks a closer relationship with God, I have long since recognized the need to try to slow down my lifestyle and find time to get alone with God for prayer, study and meditation. I have been struggling with these very issues for some time: how to balance work, parenthood, church activities, household chores, rest, etc. while still finding a way to spend a meaningful amount of time communing with God.

It was my hope that this book would be more of a "how-to guide" than just a simple overview of these truths, and in that sense I was a bit disappointed. Don't misunderstand me, I think the book is great as far as it goes, but I wish Chuck had taken the time to take this important subject into much greater detail. He speaks of "depth" but doesn't really provide it here. Had he done that, I'm sure I could have derived much greater benefit from it.

Rating:
Summary: MIDWEST BOOK REVIEW
Review: This small, quick read packs quite a powerful punch for the Christian looking for a closer walk with the Almighty.
The author shares with us his experiences with his walk with the Lord and helps us to see, through his life how he was able to draw closer to the Almighty, bringing him to a more fulfilled relationship.

He uses examples, such as turning from our busy lives and being still to know that He is God. He speakes to us of what it is to trust God and to surrender to One that loves us. Tenderely he leads us step by step into a deeper knowledge of knowing the way to a closer walk with Him.
This is a very good read, not too long, but extremely useful to the Christian seeking intimacy with their Maker.