Upside-Down Devotion: Extreme Action for a Remarkable God

by Taylor Field

Taylor Field takes us with him in his provocative probe into Scripture, where he writes, “God turns our normal expectation of devotion and worship on its head.” Often, we think of worship and devotion as attending church, singing, journaling, and so on. Yet Upside-Down Devotion reports that unless we stand for those in trouble, we have missed what pleases God―and that God actually hates our signs of devotion, despises our worship, and rather finds it disgusting. Coining the word do-voted, Field’s fresh narrative, based on 25 years of ministry experience and service to thousands of individuals, including people on the Lower East Side of Manhattan, will have readers changing perspective on how to define worship.

192 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2014

Reviews

[Michelle Kidwell · Rating 5 out of 5]

This devotional is a reminder that God's ways are often the opposite of our ways. The book reminds us that the art of Upside Down Devotion is deciding just how we are going to let circumstances define us, it also is a reminder that we have a choice on how we react to our circumstances.

Taylor reminds us in Upside Down Devotion that what is inside of us in the heart of Devotion is more important than our outward circumstances. God see's our heart more than he sees our bank account.

We are reminded to that general tolerance is not doing anyone any favors, that when we do not confront someone who is stealing or committing some other sin then we are not doing any favors.

This is a remarkable book one that I would highly recommend Five out of Five stars...

[Charles · Rating 5 out of 5]

Taylor Field has been ministering in New York City’s Lower East Side for almost 30 years. In his new book, Upside Down Devotion: Extreme Action for a Remarkable God, he brings a wealth of insight for anyone involved in any of the helping professions. This small volume is a delight to read, and in those pages, Taylor Field moves seamlessly back and forth from insights learned on the streets to insights from literary authors, philosophers, and biblical narratives. He handles the heart of a New Testament passage with just as much insight as he has for the heart of a marginalized person living on the streets. He speaks with straightforward wisdom that will be immediately accessible to readers from all walks of life.

Drawing from the Old Testament prophets, Field shines a light on the true nature of worship and devotion. If a Sunday church service ever seems stale, boring, or out of touch to you, you might be surprised that it can make God downright sick and disgusted. That is what the Old Testament prophet Amos said, and that is how the first pages of Upside Down Devotion unfold. Throughout the book, the author gently guides the reader to a place of balance, where one’s worship and one’s service can come into alignment to allow for healthy authentic living. By reminding us of the liberating words found the words and actions of Jesus, and by sharing his own stories of service to people dealing with issues ranging from addiction to mental illness and homelessness, Taylor Field demonstrates the value of living according to principles. By sharing insights from such writers as Leo Tolstoy, Charles Dickens, Dietrich Bonhoeffer, and Soren Kierkegaard, he shows us how to live a genuine life that may seem “upside down” to some but meaningful to the one who seeks to practice faith in the real world.

For more information, go to: http://www.newhopedigital.com/2014/02...

[Heath Henwood · Rating 4 out of 5]

Upside Down Devotions
By Taylor Field
Extreme Action for a Remarkable God

This is a very different devotional than I am used to. This is not to say it is bad.

It is challenging and different.

It is written to provoke thoughts and discussion. Taylor Field presents ten principles that highlights a Christian response to the world and life. It is about changing the heart of life, it is about finding balance in worship and service.

It is a straightforward book, perhaps even blunt in places.

Full of truths to be understood and applied, although not necessarily a pleasant read.