Not a Self-Improvement Course (with a Book Review of More Than Ordinary)

The transformation process is not about self-improvement or the pursuit of good character qualities so we can have a better life. It is about experiencing God in a moment-by-moment connection with Him and processing all of life with Him through His Word. Walking with God does not happen merely by obtaining biblical knowledge or having a daily morning quiet time or attending church regularly.  It is simpler than that, AND much harder than that, according to Doug Sherman in his book More Than Ordinary: Enjoying Life with God. In his book, he expands on the two main steps of your walking feet: 1) Seeing God more clearly and 2) Responding to Him accordingly.

I already know that I will not reach perfection on this side of heaven. Still, sometimes when I mess up, I picture God heaving a big sigh and shaking His head in dismay.  Doug Sherman reminded me that we will make daily mistakes as long as we keep on growing up, but that doesn’t mean God gets disgusted with us.  Not only can we approach each day with a clean slate through repentance, but God actually wants us to walk with Him through all the wilderness of our daily lives.  Besides, speed is not as important as endurance.

Doug Sherman goes on to say that walking with God is the hardest thing you will ever do, and if anyone told you it was easy, they were wrong.  Your loyalty and love for God will be tested as well as your determination and confidence in His leadership. However, you will avoid a lot of self-inflicted pain that people suffer when they go their own way. Life is simpler when only one thing really matters to you, and you can live above your circumstances by relying on His strength and power.

Don’t judge the book by its ordinary title or simple cover.  More than Ordinary is full of biblical truth on who God is, what it means to walk with Him, and how to truly practice experiencing His presence through a moment-by-moment walk with Him.  It is easy to read yet profound. It is not just theological, but practical too.  I wrote six pages of notes of truths that I want to remember and practice from this life-changing book to help me walk more closely with God.  This book really spoke to my heart because it is the theme of my blog.  I want to share it with everyone I know!  Here is the link to a sample chapter: http://www.navpress.com/images/pdfs/9781615216161.pdf

I received a complimentary copy of this book from NavPress Publishers as part of their Blogger Review Program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.