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40 Ways to Get Closer to God
Practical Steps to a Deeper FaithSometimes faith demands action. This practical book gives Christians ideas for how to adjust their hearts to get closer to God. Each chapter contains a unique challenge and a brief explanation that puts the challenge in context. Exercises include acts of service to others, extended prayer, Scripture memory, fasting, a day of gratitude, media fasting (no TV or Internet), evangelism, and much more. The challenges are broad in scope, allowing people with varying personality types and learning styles to benefit from them.
- GenresFaith
195 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 1, 2011
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May 4, 2019
I like the info.
November 8, 2011
This book is all about growing spiritually closer to God . There are 40 chapters to help you do this. This book can be read day-by-day or just by picking out a chapter about the subject where you want to grow. At the end of each chapter there is a challenge relating to what is in the chapter.
For review purposes I couldn't take 40 days to read this book. Now that I've reviewed it, I am going to take the full 40 day journey this book offers.
I found relevancy for me in each chapter. There is definitely something for everyone who wants a closer relationship with God. You will even get better relationships with people.
Most of the challenges at the end of each chapter involve writing. For example, in the chapter "In Other Words", the reader is asked to write a prayer that expresses how he/she feels about God using a psalm from the Bible as a model. A few chapters involve actually doing a physical act for the challenge. In the chapter "The Least Of These", the reader is asked to go to the homeless in their area and offer a meal or blankets. All of the challenges are exactly what they are called - Challenges. One needs to get off their spiritual butt to do them.
There are a few statements that appear to be New Age thinking relating to visualization, which I believe should not be mixed with Christianity. In one of the chapters the author says to imagine yourself in the Bible story as you are reading it. In another part of the book the author says to imagine Jesus sitting next to you. You are probably thinking that I'm over reacting but this is how New Age thinking gets it's foot in the door.
The other sticky point of this book for me deals with the chapter "Take And Read." The author talks about various books to read to help you in your current spiritual situation. While he offers good ideas, he does not mention the Bible - the book Christians should turn to first to help them. Although throughout the rest of the book he does point to Bible verses. I just think that the Bible should have been mentioned in this chapter as the first book to turn to.
40 Ways To Get Closer To God will get you thinking and acting. Our pastor at our previous church (we moved to a new town) always said that life is about relationships - with God and other people. This book is exactly about that. If you do the challenges in this book you will grow in your relationships.
Bethany House has provided me a free copy of this book for my honest review.
For review purposes I couldn't take 40 days to read this book. Now that I've reviewed it, I am going to take the full 40 day journey this book offers.
I found relevancy for me in each chapter. There is definitely something for everyone who wants a closer relationship with God. You will even get better relationships with people.
Most of the challenges at the end of each chapter involve writing. For example, in the chapter "In Other Words", the reader is asked to write a prayer that expresses how he/she feels about God using a psalm from the Bible as a model. A few chapters involve actually doing a physical act for the challenge. In the chapter "The Least Of These", the reader is asked to go to the homeless in their area and offer a meal or blankets. All of the challenges are exactly what they are called - Challenges. One needs to get off their spiritual butt to do them.
There are a few statements that appear to be New Age thinking relating to visualization, which I believe should not be mixed with Christianity. In one of the chapters the author says to imagine yourself in the Bible story as you are reading it. In another part of the book the author says to imagine Jesus sitting next to you. You are probably thinking that I'm over reacting but this is how New Age thinking gets it's foot in the door.
The other sticky point of this book for me deals with the chapter "Take And Read." The author talks about various books to read to help you in your current spiritual situation. While he offers good ideas, he does not mention the Bible - the book Christians should turn to first to help them. Although throughout the rest of the book he does point to Bible verses. I just think that the Bible should have been mentioned in this chapter as the first book to turn to.
40 Ways To Get Closer To God will get you thinking and acting. Our pastor at our previous church (we moved to a new town) always said that life is about relationships - with God and other people. This book is exactly about that. If you do the challenges in this book you will grow in your relationships.
Bethany House has provided me a free copy of this book for my honest review.
October 3, 2011
Authors: Jerry MacGregor and Keri Wyatt Kent
At some point in our lives, often when we’re in crisis, we call on God for help. When the crisis passes, all too often we return to our normal routines and keep God distant as we did before. Even more often, we don’t realize we’re creating that distance, we just slide back into normal and the routine—and then we wonder why we feel disconnected or as though God’s forgotten us, put us on ignore, abandoned us. We want something. We want more. We want that connection. But we haven’t a clue how to get it.
In 40 Ways to Get Closer to God, MacGregor and Wyatt-Kent offer a practical (and very doable) plan for recognizing that the something more we want is an up-close and personal relationship with God, and that yearning for a connection to our Creator in our daily lives requires action--not from Him, from us.
Readers are given an opportunity in the form of a 40-day challenge to become active in their own transformation from one who lives distant and one who works to close the gap. While God’s love is constant and unconditional, our relationship with God is two-part: His and ours. It’s our part that is the focus of this insightful book, and it is in those insights we find keys to our personal spiritual advancement.
Steeped in Scripture, shared wisdom from those who have previously made this journey, and from Macgregor’s personal journey, this book issues an open invitation to any who choose to embrace it. That invitation is to make your own personal journey. And should you accept, at its end what you discover is a new beginning. One where you have spiritually grown and you grasp your innate need to continue to grow. A path where you walk closer with God.
Note: This book is practical not preachy. It’s conversational not authoritarian or lofty; more like a chat over coffee with a good friend than an instructional guide. The challenges inspire, make you eager to tackle them, not overwhelmed at the prospect or intimidated into doing nothing. It’s a book you’ll read and assess, then read again and again to digest. For in its apparent simplicity is a wealth of wisdom.
Vicki Hinze
At some point in our lives, often when we’re in crisis, we call on God for help. When the crisis passes, all too often we return to our normal routines and keep God distant as we did before. Even more often, we don’t realize we’re creating that distance, we just slide back into normal and the routine—and then we wonder why we feel disconnected or as though God’s forgotten us, put us on ignore, abandoned us. We want something. We want more. We want that connection. But we haven’t a clue how to get it.
In 40 Ways to Get Closer to God, MacGregor and Wyatt-Kent offer a practical (and very doable) plan for recognizing that the something more we want is an up-close and personal relationship with God, and that yearning for a connection to our Creator in our daily lives requires action--not from Him, from us.
Readers are given an opportunity in the form of a 40-day challenge to become active in their own transformation from one who lives distant and one who works to close the gap. While God’s love is constant and unconditional, our relationship with God is two-part: His and ours. It’s our part that is the focus of this insightful book, and it is in those insights we find keys to our personal spiritual advancement.
Steeped in Scripture, shared wisdom from those who have previously made this journey, and from Macgregor’s personal journey, this book issues an open invitation to any who choose to embrace it. That invitation is to make your own personal journey. And should you accept, at its end what you discover is a new beginning. One where you have spiritually grown and you grasp your innate need to continue to grow. A path where you walk closer with God.
Note: This book is practical not preachy. It’s conversational not authoritarian or lofty; more like a chat over coffee with a good friend than an instructional guide. The challenges inspire, make you eager to tackle them, not overwhelmed at the prospect or intimidated into doing nothing. It’s a book you’ll read and assess, then read again and again to digest. For in its apparent simplicity is a wealth of wisdom.
Vicki Hinze
October 23, 2011
In 40 Ways to Get Closer to God, Jerry MacGregor walks readers through how to grow deeper in their Faith. This book is a devotional book that is meant to be read and lived out in our daily lives. Each day has a quote that will inspire you. MacGregor has provided daily challenges to help you along your spiritually journey. It also has blank lines where you can journal about your process on paper. Some of the lessons are called Conquerors, Forgiveness, Take and Read, 'Fess Up, Simplicity, Prayer Warriors, Celebrate, and much more! This book will help anyone grow closer to Christ if you are willing to listen to the suggestions Jerry MacGregor gives.
One of my favorite quotes was:
"If you want to grow closer to God, you cannot focus only on what you believe, on what truths you claim, or what you say you know. You must also act on your beliefs. How you live matters as much as what you claim to believe." Jerry MacGregor (Page 119)
I would recommend this devotional book to teenagers and adults. It will guide readers on how to become closer to God. There are practical things readers can do to stretch their Faith. You will be motivated and challenged to read the word and memorize scriptures. We are called to help one another and be an example of Christ. We have to choose to live our lives and have a positive impact on one another. I encourage you to read this book and let it bring you closer to God than you have ever been before. Don’t just read the 40 days devotions live them out with your life! Take the challenges and work them in your life and you will see changes like never before. You can be a blessing to others by being everything God has called you to be!
“I received this book free from the publisher through the Bethany House Publishers book review bloggers program.”
One of my favorite quotes was:
"If you want to grow closer to God, you cannot focus only on what you believe, on what truths you claim, or what you say you know. You must also act on your beliefs. How you live matters as much as what you claim to believe." Jerry MacGregor (Page 119)
I would recommend this devotional book to teenagers and adults. It will guide readers on how to become closer to God. There are practical things readers can do to stretch their Faith. You will be motivated and challenged to read the word and memorize scriptures. We are called to help one another and be an example of Christ. We have to choose to live our lives and have a positive impact on one another. I encourage you to read this book and let it bring you closer to God than you have ever been before. Don’t just read the 40 days devotions live them out with your life! Take the challenges and work them in your life and you will see changes like never before. You can be a blessing to others by being everything God has called you to be!
“I received this book free from the publisher through the Bethany House Publishers book review bloggers program.”
November 10, 2011
I'd like to thank Bethany House, for the opportunity to review "40 Ways to Get Closer to God", by Jerry MacGregor. this selection is a 40 day devotional designed to bring the reader to a closer relationship with God. However, don't think that you as the reader are going to get away with just reading the book.
As the title suggests, this book is broken into 40 sections. As you read each section, you will be challenged to then complete an assignment, before continuing on to the next section or chapter if you may. As an example I suggest Day One. ' At Your Service', is a section on service to God, and mankind in my humble opinion. MacGregor takes each section and explains through his knowledge and Scripture just what it means to follow God. As Christians, we cannot be lazy and think that God will provide, if we don't put our own effort into becoming better humans, and therefore better Christians.
In the section of one of the Challenges put forth to the reader, and I quote from page 13 of "40 Ways To Get Closer to God" - "Your challenge today is to serve someone in a practical way." this section continues on, on just how to accomplish the first challenge.
With the above in mind, don't think that this selection will be a quick read by any means, and in order to get the most out of this book is to complete each and every section and challenge. Thank you Jerry MacGregor and Bethany House for providing such a great devotional and learning tool to the Christian.
As the title suggests, this book is broken into 40 sections. As you read each section, you will be challenged to then complete an assignment, before continuing on to the next section or chapter if you may. As an example I suggest Day One. ' At Your Service', is a section on service to God, and mankind in my humble opinion. MacGregor takes each section and explains through his knowledge and Scripture just what it means to follow God. As Christians, we cannot be lazy and think that God will provide, if we don't put our own effort into becoming better humans, and therefore better Christians.
In the section of one of the Challenges put forth to the reader, and I quote from page 13 of "40 Ways To Get Closer to God" - "Your challenge today is to serve someone in a practical way." this section continues on, on just how to accomplish the first challenge.
With the above in mind, don't think that this selection will be a quick read by any means, and in order to get the most out of this book is to complete each and every section and challenge. Thank you Jerry MacGregor and Bethany House for providing such a great devotional and learning tool to the Christian.
January 13, 2017
40 Ways to Get Closer to God, co-authored by Jerry MacGregor and Keri Wyatt Kent is a book that can well be read in a single afternoon. And as the start of the process to absorb the information in this book, a quick initial read-through is fine. But to get the most out of the book (and this is no small order), I believe it would be beneficial to go back and take one chapter a day ... or week, however long is right for YOU to spend on one of the topics in order to absorb each lesson.
Some of the suggested activities made me a little uncomfortable ... not because of anything morally (or otherwise 'wrong') with them, but because they would lead me rather far out of my comfort zone. This is surprising from one point of view, because the author does not ask you to go from mild-mannered reader to bionic Christian soldier when you close the book. You take 40 small-ish suggested "God actions", and (my thought) spend as much time as you need to feel comfortable with it, then move onto the next one.
I may follow the suggestions in the book on this slower basis and blog about my results. If anyone would be interested in joining in such an enterprise, let me know.
I suppose it's 'just coincidence' that I come across a book about spiritual growth when I have just decided my unofficial 'one word' for 2017 is STRETCH, and by that I meant intentionally stepping outside my comfort zone. Or maybe it's not coincidence at all.
I believe 40 Ways has a lot of valuable information for readers of faith, and look forward to the first (and any subsequent) rereads.
Some of the suggested activities made me a little uncomfortable ... not because of anything morally (or otherwise 'wrong') with them, but because they would lead me rather far out of my comfort zone. This is surprising from one point of view, because the author does not ask you to go from mild-mannered reader to bionic Christian soldier when you close the book. You take 40 small-ish suggested "God actions", and (my thought) spend as much time as you need to feel comfortable with it, then move onto the next one.
I may follow the suggestions in the book on this slower basis and blog about my results. If anyone would be interested in joining in such an enterprise, let me know.
I suppose it's 'just coincidence' that I come across a book about spiritual growth when I have just decided my unofficial 'one word' for 2017 is STRETCH, and by that I meant intentionally stepping outside my comfort zone. Or maybe it's not coincidence at all.
I believe 40 Ways has a lot of valuable information for readers of faith, and look forward to the first (and any subsequent) rereads.
December 29, 2011
This book is a challenge. Each day for forty days, the author challenges you with something specific to do, to help you grow closer to God.
Even though I own several books on the topic of spiritual disciplines, spiritual growth, prayer etc., I was pleasantly surprised by several of the suggested challenges. Now I would be surprised if there wasn’t at least a couple of new ideas for any reader to consider.
I thought Jerry MacGregor had just the right amount of personal stories, quotes from other authors and biblical references to make his points valid and interesting. For some of the challenges he also gave some suggested ways to carry them out, too.
All-in-all I liked the “tone” of the book. I found the author to be humble and nonjudgmental—much needed qualities when presenting information of this type. If you have a genuine desire to get closer to God, I’m sure you will find enough “fresh” stuff in this book to help you move forward in that desire. Just remember to take one particular suggestion of the author in mind—do not merely read this book, but implement the suggestions.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Bethany House as part of their Blogging For Books program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16CFR, Part 225:”Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
Even though I own several books on the topic of spiritual disciplines, spiritual growth, prayer etc., I was pleasantly surprised by several of the suggested challenges. Now I would be surprised if there wasn’t at least a couple of new ideas for any reader to consider.
I thought Jerry MacGregor had just the right amount of personal stories, quotes from other authors and biblical references to make his points valid and interesting. For some of the challenges he also gave some suggested ways to carry them out, too.
All-in-all I liked the “tone” of the book. I found the author to be humble and nonjudgmental—much needed qualities when presenting information of this type. If you have a genuine desire to get closer to God, I’m sure you will find enough “fresh” stuff in this book to help you move forward in that desire. Just remember to take one particular suggestion of the author in mind—do not merely read this book, but implement the suggestions.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Bethany House as part of their Blogging For Books program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16CFR, Part 225:”Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
January 14, 2012
40 Ways to Get Closer to God by Jerry MacGregor is a nice little book to add to your daily devotionals.
MacGregor admits he does not have it all together, but he has noticed that he is closer to God than he used to be. So he wrote this book with you in mind. He asks you to try some ideas and do some work. I originally thought this book said 40 Days to Get Closer to God, so I tried to meet a challenge a day. I soon learned that wasn't what the author intended. Some challenges take longer than others. But, I still tried to use the book in my daily devotionals, checking off the challenges when I was done.
Offering first some words of wisdom and what he has learned, MacGregor then puts forth a challenge. When you have completed the challenge he asks you to check it off. There is room for taking notes as well.
Don't let the idea of challenges scare you. The first one was simple enough - serving someone in a practical way. Like shovelling the snow from your neighbour's driveway, or taking a meal to a family with a chronically ill child. Other challenges are fasting, memorizing scripture, singing worship music and praying for your best friend. Of course, there are 40 challenges and I've named only a few.
A wonderful way to begin the new year right - 40 Ways to Get Closer to God makes no promises, but certainly gets you off to a good start!
MacGregor admits he does not have it all together, but he has noticed that he is closer to God than he used to be. So he wrote this book with you in mind. He asks you to try some ideas and do some work. I originally thought this book said 40 Days to Get Closer to God, so I tried to meet a challenge a day. I soon learned that wasn't what the author intended. Some challenges take longer than others. But, I still tried to use the book in my daily devotionals, checking off the challenges when I was done.
Offering first some words of wisdom and what he has learned, MacGregor then puts forth a challenge. When you have completed the challenge he asks you to check it off. There is room for taking notes as well.
Don't let the idea of challenges scare you. The first one was simple enough - serving someone in a practical way. Like shovelling the snow from your neighbour's driveway, or taking a meal to a family with a chronically ill child. Other challenges are fasting, memorizing scripture, singing worship music and praying for your best friend. Of course, there are 40 challenges and I've named only a few.
A wonderful way to begin the new year right - 40 Ways to Get Closer to God makes no promises, but certainly gets you off to a good start!
September 29, 2011
A LIFE-CHANGING BOOKS THAT ONLY COMES ALONG ONCE OR TWICE IN A LIFETIME!!~~
40 Ways to Get Closer to God, by Jerry (Chip) MacGregor, Bethany House Publishers, 189 Pages, ISBN-13: 978-0764209185, $11.99
In 40 Ways to Get Closer to God, Jerry MacGregor, more commonly known as “Chip” says he didn’t write this book because he “…has it all together,” but readily admits he does not. He wrote it because “…he doesn’t have all the answers…” however he recognizes he’s “come a ways in his walk with God “…over the past forty years…”
When he reflects on that journey he attributes his spiritual growth to “books” that offered “good ideas” and “people” that helped him put “those ideas into practice.” And that’s what he wants to do for the reader with a forty day action plan of “God challenges.” The challenge goals—“…to become more like Jesus...”
Each of forty short chapters…Full Review: http://tinyurl.com/3d839q9
40 Ways to Get Closer to God, by Jerry (Chip) MacGregor, Bethany House Publishers, 189 Pages, ISBN-13: 978-0764209185, $11.99
In 40 Ways to Get Closer to God, Jerry MacGregor, more commonly known as “Chip” says he didn’t write this book because he “…has it all together,” but readily admits he does not. He wrote it because “…he doesn’t have all the answers…” however he recognizes he’s “come a ways in his walk with God “…over the past forty years…”
When he reflects on that journey he attributes his spiritual growth to “books” that offered “good ideas” and “people” that helped him put “those ideas into practice.” And that’s what he wants to do for the reader with a forty day action plan of “God challenges.” The challenge goals—“…to become more like Jesus...”
Each of forty short chapters…Full Review: http://tinyurl.com/3d839q9
December 31, 2011
This book is very helpful for those Christians who desire to grow in their relationship with God. Each of the 40 days gives one tip or idea for growing in your relationship. I didn't do all of them, such as the one the requested fasting. I do not support fasting myself, but I know it can be a helpful tool for others.
This book was a great resource in my relationship with God and I plan on using some of the tools I learned in the future to grow even more!
This book was a great resource in my relationship with God and I plan on using some of the tools I learned in the future to grow even more!
June 19, 2012
Highly recommended!
I took several months to work my way through this book. My goal was to finish - or at least have a plan in place to implement - each challenge before moving on to the next.
This is the kind of book I could see myself working through every year or so, because there's no such thing as "mastering" a spiritual discipline. And because I am so very prone to wander...
I'm making a note to myself to re-read during Lent.
I took several months to work my way through this book. My goal was to finish - or at least have a plan in place to implement - each challenge before moving on to the next.
This is the kind of book I could see myself working through every year or so, because there's no such thing as "mastering" a spiritual discipline. And because I am so very prone to wander...
I'm making a note to myself to re-read during Lent.
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March 29, 2013A daily challenge to not just read and absorb Christian teaching and Godly values, but to daily exercise those values through their pratical application.
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews