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The Secret Things of God: Unlocking the Treasures Reserved for You
A powerful attraction exists in the universe an attraction between the Creator of the universe and the creation whom He loves. A positive, Christian alternative to Rhonda Byrne s The Secret, this book reveals twenty age-old secrets of God some of which have been true since before Creation and others that were revealed 2000 years ago when the Creator of the Universe became one of us.
Dr. Henry Cloud brings his insights as both a psychologist and as a student of spiritual life to explore the eternal principles in the universe that govern our goals, desires, relationships, and lives. These same truths, if activated in our lives, are guaranteed to fill them with security, hope, and relationship with our eternal Creator. Cloud also reveals how these truths, found in Judaeo-Christian teachings, intersect and interface with the spiritual longings expressed in the principles found in The Secret and similar books. Recognizing and applauding the search for truth and a connection with a power beyond the human, Cloud leads readers into relationship with a God who loves them and has given all to save them.
Many Christians have believed in God all their lives and claim Jesus as their Savior, but continue to live a joyless, defeated life. They are no better able to weather the inevitable pains of life than those who claim no faith at all. The secret to true joy, inner peace, sustaining hope, powerful purpose, and more is locked in their minds but has not been activated in their hearts and lives. The Secret Things of God reveals twenty profoundly simple secrets and gently guides readers in how to unlock the power of these truths and activate them in their lives.
The book s title is based on the Bible passage, 1 Corinthians 4:1-2: Regard us as servants of Christ and as those entrusted with the secret things of God. Now it is required that those who have been given a trust must prove faithful.
Dr. Henry Cloud brings his insights as both a psychologist and as a student of spiritual life to explore the eternal principles in the universe that govern our goals, desires, relationships, and lives. These same truths, if activated in our lives, are guaranteed to fill them with security, hope, and relationship with our eternal Creator. Cloud also reveals how these truths, found in Judaeo-Christian teachings, intersect and interface with the spiritual longings expressed in the principles found in The Secret and similar books. Recognizing and applauding the search for truth and a connection with a power beyond the human, Cloud leads readers into relationship with a God who loves them and has given all to save them.
Many Christians have believed in God all their lives and claim Jesus as their Savior, but continue to live a joyless, defeated life. They are no better able to weather the inevitable pains of life than those who claim no faith at all. The secret to true joy, inner peace, sustaining hope, powerful purpose, and more is locked in their minds but has not been activated in their hearts and lives. The Secret Things of God reveals twenty profoundly simple secrets and gently guides readers in how to unlock the power of these truths and activate them in their lives.
The book s title is based on the Bible passage, 1 Corinthians 4:1-2: Regard us as servants of Christ and as those entrusted with the secret things of God. Now it is required that those who have been given a trust must prove faithful.
224 pages, Hardcover
First published September 4, 2007
84 people are currently reading
671 people want to read
About the author
Henry Cloud
210 books2,168 followersDr. Cloud has written or co-written twenty-five books, including the two million-seller Boundaries. His most recent books are Boundaries for Leaders and Necessary Endings. He has earned three Gold Medallion awards, and was awarded the distinguished Retailers Choice award for God Will Make A Way.
As president of Cloud-Townsend Resources, Dr. Cloud has produced and conducted hundreds of public seminars around the country. He speaks on relationships—marriage, parenting, dating, personal growth, and spirituality. His seminars are often broadcast live to over two thousand venues at a time.
As president of Cloud-Townsend Resources, Dr. Cloud has produced and conducted hundreds of public seminars around the country. He speaks on relationships—marriage, parenting, dating, personal growth, and spirituality. His seminars are often broadcast live to over two thousand venues at a time.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 67 reviews
January 1, 2013
As the New Age movement gains more and more notoriety and practice, responses like this of Henry Cloud will be very useful. It is also just a good reminder of the promises of God to believers.
The book is only somewhat a response to the extraordinarily popular book The Secret by Rhonda Byrne. Byrne's book rests on the idea that you create your exterior world by drawing in positive or negative energies by orienting our interior world to align with them. Cloud's book simply rests on God's promise that "surely goodness and mercy will follow me all the days of my life!" This is promised to all those who trust in Jesus and follow his good guidelines for life.
Its honestly hard to write a short but comprehensive review of the book but I would absolutely recommend it for anyone who is a believer. Secondly, to those who are engaging with people who have read the book The Secret.
The book is only somewhat a response to the extraordinarily popular book The Secret by Rhonda Byrne. Byrne's book rests on the idea that you create your exterior world by drawing in positive or negative energies by orienting our interior world to align with them. Cloud's book simply rests on God's promise that "surely goodness and mercy will follow me all the days of my life!" This is promised to all those who trust in Jesus and follow his good guidelines for life.
Its honestly hard to write a short but comprehensive review of the book but I would absolutely recommend it for anyone who is a believer. Secondly, to those who are engaging with people who have read the book The Secret.
April 15, 2017
Really, really great. I had been wanting to read something by Henry Cloud for a while; this was the first. I now want to read everything he has written. As a psychologist, he has an extensive and profound knowledge of how our minds and emotions can operate. And as a Christian, he applies Biblical truth and wisdom to everything he talks about it and knows how our hearts, souls and minds can be improved upon with God's help (which is the only true way).
He's so smart and makes you think about Scripture you have heard forever, but in a different way, with new discernment and understanding. I love that. He's really engaging; his personality, sincerity, warmth and sense of humor come through in a big way.
One of my absolute favorite parts was when he recounts a discussion he had with his atheist neighbor. Long story short, read the book for the rest, was that the neighbor said "There is no such thing as absolute truth!" And Henry Cloud responded, "Including that statement?" (The statement falls in on itself; it's illogical.)
He also mentions spiritual gifts, which is a subject I find fascinating. (Mine are knowledge, and if I remember correctly, faith. If you are interested, there is an online spiritual gifts inventory you can take from Lifeway which is great. You'll be amazed at how neatly you fall into 2 or more of the categories.) God has given us all different gifts and talents to use. His desire is for us to find work which requires those strengths of ours, because this is how we will find fulfillment and satisfaction. Most importantly, everything we do, including our work/career/volunteer work/ministry, is to be for His glory. I try to always live my life according to this principle. (It's quite difficult at times!) If we trust in God and rely on Him, He will give us the desires of our heart. This book is great for any Christian OR seeker. If you are a seeker, and approach with an open mind and heart, I know you will have so many questions answered.
Here is a very short video in which he talks about "automatic thoughts", to give you an idea of his style if you are unfamiliar with it.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iSiUB...
Everyone should read The Secret Things of God: Unlocking the Treasures Reserved for You!
So highly and very recommended! (Did I mention that? :))
He's so smart and makes you think about Scripture you have heard forever, but in a different way, with new discernment and understanding. I love that. He's really engaging; his personality, sincerity, warmth and sense of humor come through in a big way.
One of my absolute favorite parts was when he recounts a discussion he had with his atheist neighbor. Long story short, read the book for the rest, was that the neighbor said "There is no such thing as absolute truth!" And Henry Cloud responded, "Including that statement?" (The statement falls in on itself; it's illogical.)
He also mentions spiritual gifts, which is a subject I find fascinating. (Mine are knowledge, and if I remember correctly, faith. If you are interested, there is an online spiritual gifts inventory you can take from Lifeway which is great. You'll be amazed at how neatly you fall into 2 or more of the categories.) God has given us all different gifts and talents to use. His desire is for us to find work which requires those strengths of ours, because this is how we will find fulfillment and satisfaction. Most importantly, everything we do, including our work/career/volunteer work/ministry, is to be for His glory. I try to always live my life according to this principle. (It's quite difficult at times!) If we trust in God and rely on Him, He will give us the desires of our heart. This book is great for any Christian OR seeker. If you are a seeker, and approach with an open mind and heart, I know you will have so many questions answered.
Here is a very short video in which he talks about "automatic thoughts", to give you an idea of his style if you are unfamiliar with it.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iSiUB...
Everyone should read The Secret Things of God: Unlocking the Treasures Reserved for You!
So highly and very recommended! (Did I mention that? :))
April 12, 2012
Definitely helping me become healthy emotionally. Very good insights that are extremely helpful with my understanding and relationship with God. Getting me unstuck after disappointments in life
January 6, 2014
Excellent book, can pick any chapter as it applies and really makes you think and is so encouraging when you are in a struggle.
April 16, 2014
Very insightful and thought provoking. We need to have a life centered on God and trusting Him. He is our source, but He will use people as channels for delivery.
August 14, 2019
I picked this book up randomly in a second hand shop and thought it may be worth a read ....it was. Written in a similar style to The Secret but with the basis in God and religion, rather than the laws of the universe. I’m not very religious, I don’t know what to believe, I didn’t think this would be my type of thing, but I really enjoyed it. It was thought provoking and you can take a lot from it and apply to everyday life. It’s a book I will come back too again. I think you could get even more from it with a second read.
January 5, 2018
Impressed with his knowledge of the Bible.... Interesting way he moves from the Secret to talking about God. You can tell he really believes what he is saying. It’s just so hard to hear anything Christian at this point when clearly the radical right is doing everything it can to destroy everything about our democracy and our enviournment. These are dark times and it’s very hard to hang on to faith - yet that’s all we really have...
August 31, 2017
This book was written not such much as a rebuttal of Secret Things (it is) but also a gentle correction. It has some basic life stuff that is invaluable as only Henry Cloud could deliver it. But it does not back down from the truth either. I would recommend this to give to an unbeliever. It isn't busy... but definitely leaves the ball in their court.
February 4, 2021
Powerful Truth
This book was a beautiful reminder of the powerful truths in Gods Word and His great love for us. Dr. Cloud skillfully applies these truths to all parts of our lives. Spiritual, mental, emotional, relational and physical. A true treasure for applying the truth and treasures of God to our lives in a very powerful and practical way
This book was a beautiful reminder of the powerful truths in Gods Word and His great love for us. Dr. Cloud skillfully applies these truths to all parts of our lives. Spiritual, mental, emotional, relational and physical. A true treasure for applying the truth and treasures of God to our lives in a very powerful and practical way
June 11, 2024
About the Secret
The Secret Things of God is a response to the Secret and answers many questions I had regarding the Secret. Cloud responds to every point in the Secret with an answer from God‘s perspective. Clouds answers are informative and understandable and offers tools for moving forward in a godly way for many areas of your life.
The Secret Things of God is a response to the Secret and answers many questions I had regarding the Secret. Cloud responds to every point in the Secret with an answer from God‘s perspective. Clouds answers are informative and understandable and offers tools for moving forward in a godly way for many areas of your life.
September 25, 2025
All of the principles discussed and explored within the writing on Dr. Henry Cloud address who Jesus is and how to follow Him wholeheartedly. Dr. Cloud emphasizes how active He is in the lives of everyone and how empowered people truly are, regardless of circumstances. I am encouraged to see Him daily and to read His Word while applying principles.
April 3, 2023
I would consider this a must read for Christian’s. And non Christian’s. It’s a deep exploration into God and His roles in our lives. It explores relationships, guilt, salvation, and everything in between. It’s very readable. I recommend having a highlighter close by. I marked it up a lot.
April 8, 2024
If you’ve read “The Secret” then is the biblical contrast to that, really enjoyed it. The “other” book spoke heavily on the universe and attracting or manifesting what we want, this book shows biblical references of why that isn’t the way a believer should think
December 5, 2017
I loved reading this book
Reading this book opened my eyes to a new way of thinking. It truly inspired me to read similar books.
Reading this book opened my eyes to a new way of thinking. It truly inspired me to read similar books.
March 19, 2018
This is inspirational and I will look to this book for advice.
July 11, 2018
A great overview of a life of faith that I understand.
April 3, 2019
Read my review here:
I registered a book at BookCrossing.com!
http://www.BookCrossing.com/journal/8148359
I registered a book at BookCrossing.com!
http://www.BookCrossing.com/journal/8148359
October 21, 2019
I liked "The Secret" by Rhonda Byrne, but I was skeptical about many of the concepts she presented, even though many others I felt were true.
Dr. Henry Cloud dose a wonderful job not only expressing the "secrets" of God, but also how many of them compare to the concepts Rhonda Byrne presented. I highly recommend it for anyone interested is in truths in the Bible, God's secrets, or even the more "new age" concepts and tough life questions.
In addition the 5th chapter does a great job on the topic of guilt. Anyone struggling with this should defiantly give that portion a read.
Dr. Henry Cloud dose a wonderful job not only expressing the "secrets" of God, but also how many of them compare to the concepts Rhonda Byrne presented. I highly recommend it for anyone interested is in truths in the Bible, God's secrets, or even the more "new age" concepts and tough life questions.
In addition the 5th chapter does a great job on the topic of guilt. Anyone struggling with this should defiantly give that portion a read.
April 16, 2020
A must read for everyone who fights their own battles to those who look for answers to so many questions. A book that you can't leave until you close the last page.
May 1, 2020
Excellent book
Dr. Cloud never disappoints. There was so much insight to be found in this book. I was sad to reach the end!!
Dr. Cloud never disappoints. There was so much insight to be found in this book. I was sad to reach the end!!
October 28, 2020
Not as good as I expected
Good but not great -should have loaded with Gods promised to show how much we are loved and cared for
Good but not great -should have loaded with Gods promised to show how much we are loved and cared for
April 12, 2022
I love the way the Author breaks down God's word so simple and easy to understand. He also gives that nudge of encouragement, so the reader feel's it.
May 21, 2022
Loved it.
February 27, 2025
Such a brilliant book! It helped me justify an innate desire for greatness without inhibition or stigma attached to the same.
November 16, 2020
So simple and practical, and yet somehow it just never occurs to you unless you seek to learn, and put yourself in the way of good information.
October 21, 2014
Another CD audio listening that I had in the car driving to and from work. I liked it and maybe would have done a 4 star, but it turned at times to counseling for yourself on other matters and a bit marriage counseling. Some of that I skipped and it didn't apply to me, but overall it was good. It was a nice relaxing listening while stuck in traffic.
The one thing that I liked best was when he said about when people always say that they trust in God. He was saying he has heard from people that always say, well God will take care of us, or God will provide, etc. He said that is all good in everything, but you can't put yourselves in bad situations where if it doesn't work out then it is God's fault. Like buying a house with lots of problems, but then saying well God will make it OK for me, or be in a bad relationship and say God will make it work, not look for a job and say God will get me one, etc. He said God gave you a brain to use it.
The one thing that I liked best was when he said about when people always say that they trust in God. He was saying he has heard from people that always say, well God will take care of us, or God will provide, etc. He said that is all good in everything, but you can't put yourselves in bad situations where if it doesn't work out then it is God's fault. Like buying a house with lots of problems, but then saying well God will make it OK for me, or be in a bad relationship and say God will make it work, not look for a job and say God will get me one, etc. He said God gave you a brain to use it.
May 16, 2011
I've read a lot of Dr. Cloud's books and this one just seemed like a giant mishmash of all of them. It's very good and the principles are great, but I rather didn't like that it has to be considered the "Christian" version of the very popular secular book "The Secret." He talks about relationships, success, loving one's self. It was very good, but again, I'd rather just read one of his topical books instead.
March 31, 2008
I have been reminded that our God is a loving God and our Salvation is only through Christ.What I've learned is that so many of us miss the boat here on this earth with the blessings He has for us, if we would just KNOW Him. Getting to KNOW Him means action on our part. I love our God, our creator, our Heavenly Father. Awesome Book!!
May 18, 2009
If you wanted to read a Christian counterpart of the book the Secrets, then you can begin with this one. Once you have grasp the concept and reality of the spiritual realm then you can move towards other matured Christian books. I would recommend any books from Charles Capps since he has a lot to say on this issue.
July 2, 2010
While I really liked this book and it spoke directly to me and what I'm struggling with right now, it wasn't a quick read and I struggled to get through it. If anyone has questions about God or Christianity (or even if you don't) - I'd suggest it, however don't go into it thinking that it will be a light-hearted book that captures your interest and makes you want to stay up late reading!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 67 reviews