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Caught Off Guard: Encounters with the Unexpected God
Developed as a catalyst to reignite lost passion for life in the relationship to Christ, Caught Off Guard delivers real stories from today and biblical times that show the surprising and often unnoticed attributes of a loving and purposeful God.
202 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2006
16 people are currently reading
229 people want to read
About the author
William P. Smith
45 books8 followersWilliam P. Smith, M.Div., PhD., is the director of counselling at Chelten Baptist Church, Dresher, PA., adjunct faculty at CCEF, and the author of many counselling articles and the book Caught off Guard: Encounters With the Unexpected God.
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
August 6, 2013
For many, God is someone they claim allegiance to with little understanding that He is an almighty God who longs to have relationship with His people. More than just some esoteric deity, the God we serve can be known through His word as well as in our every day, seemingly mundane lives. Dr. William Smith, in his book Caught Off Guard: Encounters with the Unexpected God, provides the reader with a biblically centric and refreshing look at who this God of the Bible actually is and what such an understanding is vital for the Christian walk.
With the skill of an experienced counselor, Smith walks the reader through variety of truths to include God’s desire of God to have a personal relationship, the reality that God desires to calm our fears, His desire to provide us what we need in accordance with His divine will, the transformative power of God working in the life of the believer, all the while dispelling a number of fears, rumors and myths many have concerning God’s nature, character and interaction with His creation.
Each chapter, while short, is focused on the subject at hand providing not only advice one would expect from a counselor, but also very salient theological truths that will enable the reader to understand what it means to have a relationship with a living God. For example, Smith aptly notes “Underneath each way you hide from God lies your belief that God will not receive you or that God intends to harm you. You believe that your sin so separates you from God that no bridge could ever reconnect you. You rightly believe in God’s holiness, justice, and wrath, but not as strongly in His goodness…if God’s words are important to you, if you desire to obey Him and are grieved at failing Him, you can come to him confidently when you sin. He is looking for you with mercy on His mind.” This is something many, many people need to grasp, especially those who view God as a cosmic, power hungry, angry God who is just waiting to pounce on them should they mess up. In actuality, God comes to us while we were yet sinners providing grace and mercy and this is something Smith continually reminds the reader of throughout this book.
Another salient approach by Smith is the excellent discussion of God’s transformative, sanctifying work in the life of the believer through the power of the Holy Spirit. Smith comments that while we often expect God to change other people, “He works to change the people the people around you by introducing himself to them through you. He doesn’t work to make you comfortable. He works to make you holy so that you can help other people experience His holiness.” This transformation involves often difficult subjects such as humility, confession of sin with the related aspect of admitting that you need the potter to mold you, being a bit more transparent with those around you, and the ever important topics of forgiveness and serving others. Smith discusses these subjects providing a number of key every day life applications on how to allow God to work on these areas in your life.
I especially appreciated the questions at the end of each chapter that provide the reader additional opportunity for reflection and application of the material in that chapter. Such an approach is clearly born from Smith’s experience as a counselor and these questions allow the reader to do more than just read a section of this book and then to move on which an opportunity to do some more in-depth thinking on the material. Furthermore, the questions he provides are hard-hitting and will force the reader to analyze their approach and understanding of not just the material at hand, but more importantly, to grow in their understanding and love for God.
Caught Off Guard is an excellent book for those who recognize their approach and understanding of God is a bit jaded as well as for anyone who simply wants to grow in their relationship with the One who so desires to grow in relationship with them. The reader will find the truths contained in this book to be extremely relevant and useful, theological in scope but down to earth in presentation and usability. I highly recommend this as a resource for pastors and layman alike or for anyone desiring to be caught off guard by a God who loves His people.
I received this for free from New Growth Press for this review. 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 16 CFR, Part 255 : "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."
With the skill of an experienced counselor, Smith walks the reader through variety of truths to include God’s desire of God to have a personal relationship, the reality that God desires to calm our fears, His desire to provide us what we need in accordance with His divine will, the transformative power of God working in the life of the believer, all the while dispelling a number of fears, rumors and myths many have concerning God’s nature, character and interaction with His creation.
Each chapter, while short, is focused on the subject at hand providing not only advice one would expect from a counselor, but also very salient theological truths that will enable the reader to understand what it means to have a relationship with a living God. For example, Smith aptly notes “Underneath each way you hide from God lies your belief that God will not receive you or that God intends to harm you. You believe that your sin so separates you from God that no bridge could ever reconnect you. You rightly believe in God’s holiness, justice, and wrath, but not as strongly in His goodness…if God’s words are important to you, if you desire to obey Him and are grieved at failing Him, you can come to him confidently when you sin. He is looking for you with mercy on His mind.” This is something many, many people need to grasp, especially those who view God as a cosmic, power hungry, angry God who is just waiting to pounce on them should they mess up. In actuality, God comes to us while we were yet sinners providing grace and mercy and this is something Smith continually reminds the reader of throughout this book.
Another salient approach by Smith is the excellent discussion of God’s transformative, sanctifying work in the life of the believer through the power of the Holy Spirit. Smith comments that while we often expect God to change other people, “He works to change the people the people around you by introducing himself to them through you. He doesn’t work to make you comfortable. He works to make you holy so that you can help other people experience His holiness.” This transformation involves often difficult subjects such as humility, confession of sin with the related aspect of admitting that you need the potter to mold you, being a bit more transparent with those around you, and the ever important topics of forgiveness and serving others. Smith discusses these subjects providing a number of key every day life applications on how to allow God to work on these areas in your life.
I especially appreciated the questions at the end of each chapter that provide the reader additional opportunity for reflection and application of the material in that chapter. Such an approach is clearly born from Smith’s experience as a counselor and these questions allow the reader to do more than just read a section of this book and then to move on which an opportunity to do some more in-depth thinking on the material. Furthermore, the questions he provides are hard-hitting and will force the reader to analyze their approach and understanding of not just the material at hand, but more importantly, to grow in their understanding and love for God.
Caught Off Guard is an excellent book for those who recognize their approach and understanding of God is a bit jaded as well as for anyone who simply wants to grow in their relationship with the One who so desires to grow in relationship with them. The reader will find the truths contained in this book to be extremely relevant and useful, theological in scope but down to earth in presentation and usability. I highly recommend this as a resource for pastors and layman alike or for anyone desiring to be caught off guard by a God who loves His people.
I received this for free from New Growth Press for this review. 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 16 CFR, Part 255 : "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."
May 10, 2018
I really enjoyed this book. While there was nothing in here that I went: "Wow, I haven't thought of that before," it was full of good reminders. This is one of the best self-published non-fiction books I've ever read. I look forward to reading more by this author.
March 6, 2019
I liked this book because it makes you grow.
A good book for counseling. Even read a couple of chapters out loud with my daughter and we discussed.
Great for working at your faith and problems/shortcomings, and need some help. I think more than one of these chapters will challenge you!!
My notes:
INTRODUCTION
do you connect head knowledge with heart knowledge?
CH 1 - ARE YOU LOST & CONFUSED?
Jesus seeks out Zaccheus. He saw his lostness and found him. We are terribly lost. But Jesus seeks us out.
CH 2 - DO YOU THINK GOD IS OUT TO GET YOU?
God searches for Adam and Eve and has redemptive goals in mind. Where are you? Even though they ruined all creation.
Underneath each way you hide from God lies your belief that God will not receive you or He intends harm.
CH 3 - DO YOU DOUBT THAT JESUS WOULD WANT TO BE YOUR FRIEND?
God wants to be your friend! Believe it despite your sin. God comes nearer and nearer to us in Scripture. E.g. Adam and Eve.
CH 4 - DO YOU WORRY THAT YOU'LL WEAR OUT GOD's PATIENCE?
People in Genesis are imperfect!! Yet God pursues them and directs all things for their good. Genesis makes you long for Christ! Read Hebrews 11. E.g. Abraham
CH 5 - DO YOU FEEL AS IF JESUS HAS TO PUT UP WITH YOU (and wishes he didn't)?
God has compassion!! He warns us. Heed His warnings!! Thank Him for His kindness and that He has rescued you. Thank Him for having a heart for you. E.g. Lot
CH 6 - ARE YOU AFRAID GOD WILL HURT YOU WHEN HE'S ANGRY?
God's anger is different for covenant people than non-covenant people. To non-covenant it is destructive. To covenant it is training. E.g. Achan
CH 7 - ARE YOU AFRAID HE'LL THREATEN YOU TO MAKE YOU BEHAVE?
Fear as a motivator to obedience motivates people to avoid consequences, not to love and honor those in charge.
Moses told the people 'do not be afraid'. God has come to test you so that the fear of God will be with you and keep you from sinning.
Reverent fear recognizes who God is and it respects His authority.
CH 8 - DO YOU SUSPECT HE'LL ONLY HELP YOU IF YOU HELP YOURSELF?
God uses Solomon's wisdom to decide the fate of the children of prostitutes. We expect much better than that. No matter what you unfaithfulness, you can experience a God who will treat you better than you deserve.
CH 9 - ARE YOU WORRIED HE WON'T HELP YOU UNTIL YOUR FAITH GETS STRONGER?
Faith is the confidence that God will receive you even if you're not put together very well. Entrust Him with your faith. He longs to supply what you lack. E.g. Gideon, Abraham.
CH 10 - ARE YOU SCARED HE'LL REJECT YOU IF YOU LET HIM DOWN?
God will never quit on you. E.g. Elijah in wilderness. God focuses on the servant, not the servant's failings.
CH 11 - DO YOU SEIZE THE CHANCES JESUS GIVES YOU?
God is gracious in giving you chances to repent. But don't presume upon His kindness. If He is giving you an opening now - take it. E.g. Ahab, Cain.
CH 12 - HOW DO YOU RESPOND WHEN JESUS INTERCEDES FOR YOU?
Jesus gladly intercedes for us and prays for us. He is the prefect intercessor.
E.g. Moses as fallen intercessor.
How does His intercession affect your life?
CH 13 - DO YOU EMBRACE JESUS' RESTORATION WHEN YOU FALL?
Read LEVITICUS!! God restores Aaron after golden calf. Sin is not little.
Before you can confidently rely on Christs power in you, you have to believe He has already gladly created a way for you to deal with your worst sins and failures. Christ's sacrifice.
CH 14 - DO YOU REALIZE JESUS NEVER LEAVES YOU ON YOUR OWN?
If you want God's will to be done in your life, and realize He will not fail to bring it about, His presence is more than comforting.
CH 15 - DO YOU LONG FOR JESUS' TRANSFORMING PRESENCE?
Think Calvin who hates baths.
Think Danny who loves baths.
God turns you from a Calvin to a Danny.
Scriptural example - Zacchaeus. God changed him. It doesn't say how. Just - he encountered Jesus. God moves toward people with a purpose. To CHANGE you.
CH 16 - ARE YOU GROWING IN HUMBLE HONESTY?
How do you picture yourself? Look at Isaiah. He humbled himself when confronted by God. Look for security in Christ - not yourself. Self-assess.
CH 17 - ARE YOU GETTING BETTER AT CONFESSING YOUR SINS?
Don't be shocked at sin in your life.
Don't run, hide or deceive.
Repent and focus on grace and the kindness of Christ.
E.g. - Saul did not confess. (passage with Samuel and Amalakites)
David did confess. (passages with Bathsheba and Uriah)
CH 18 - ARE YOU LEARNING TO OPEN UP YOUR LIFE TO OTHERS?
Don't live for your own glory. Live for Jesus. Paul spoke of all his shortcomings. Speak of yours to glorify God & give hope to others.
CH 19 - ARE YOU LEARNING TO FORGIVE?
Who in the Bible is a good example of forgiveness? Hard to find. Jesus. Paul.
You have choices - Turn inward and shut off from others. Or explode outwards.
Only FORGIVENESS can restore relationships.
CH 20 - ARE YOU GROWING IN SERVING OTHERS?
Fight your weaknesses. Don't just guard against them.
Grace transformed Aaron the high priest and Peter in the Bible.
Yet they still struggled with their shortcomings.
Be a God- pleaser. Not man or me pleaser.
As God pursues you - so you should pursue others.
A good book for counseling. Even read a couple of chapters out loud with my daughter and we discussed.
Great for working at your faith and problems/shortcomings, and need some help. I think more than one of these chapters will challenge you!!
My notes:
INTRODUCTION
do you connect head knowledge with heart knowledge?
CH 1 - ARE YOU LOST & CONFUSED?
Jesus seeks out Zaccheus. He saw his lostness and found him. We are terribly lost. But Jesus seeks us out.
CH 2 - DO YOU THINK GOD IS OUT TO GET YOU?
God searches for Adam and Eve and has redemptive goals in mind. Where are you? Even though they ruined all creation.
Underneath each way you hide from God lies your belief that God will not receive you or He intends harm.
CH 3 - DO YOU DOUBT THAT JESUS WOULD WANT TO BE YOUR FRIEND?
God wants to be your friend! Believe it despite your sin. God comes nearer and nearer to us in Scripture. E.g. Adam and Eve.
CH 4 - DO YOU WORRY THAT YOU'LL WEAR OUT GOD's PATIENCE?
People in Genesis are imperfect!! Yet God pursues them and directs all things for their good. Genesis makes you long for Christ! Read Hebrews 11. E.g. Abraham
CH 5 - DO YOU FEEL AS IF JESUS HAS TO PUT UP WITH YOU (and wishes he didn't)?
God has compassion!! He warns us. Heed His warnings!! Thank Him for His kindness and that He has rescued you. Thank Him for having a heart for you. E.g. Lot
CH 6 - ARE YOU AFRAID GOD WILL HURT YOU WHEN HE'S ANGRY?
God's anger is different for covenant people than non-covenant people. To non-covenant it is destructive. To covenant it is training. E.g. Achan
CH 7 - ARE YOU AFRAID HE'LL THREATEN YOU TO MAKE YOU BEHAVE?
Fear as a motivator to obedience motivates people to avoid consequences, not to love and honor those in charge.
Moses told the people 'do not be afraid'. God has come to test you so that the fear of God will be with you and keep you from sinning.
Reverent fear recognizes who God is and it respects His authority.
CH 8 - DO YOU SUSPECT HE'LL ONLY HELP YOU IF YOU HELP YOURSELF?
God uses Solomon's wisdom to decide the fate of the children of prostitutes. We expect much better than that. No matter what you unfaithfulness, you can experience a God who will treat you better than you deserve.
CH 9 - ARE YOU WORRIED HE WON'T HELP YOU UNTIL YOUR FAITH GETS STRONGER?
Faith is the confidence that God will receive you even if you're not put together very well. Entrust Him with your faith. He longs to supply what you lack. E.g. Gideon, Abraham.
CH 10 - ARE YOU SCARED HE'LL REJECT YOU IF YOU LET HIM DOWN?
God will never quit on you. E.g. Elijah in wilderness. God focuses on the servant, not the servant's failings.
CH 11 - DO YOU SEIZE THE CHANCES JESUS GIVES YOU?
God is gracious in giving you chances to repent. But don't presume upon His kindness. If He is giving you an opening now - take it. E.g. Ahab, Cain.
CH 12 - HOW DO YOU RESPOND WHEN JESUS INTERCEDES FOR YOU?
Jesus gladly intercedes for us and prays for us. He is the prefect intercessor.
E.g. Moses as fallen intercessor.
How does His intercession affect your life?
CH 13 - DO YOU EMBRACE JESUS' RESTORATION WHEN YOU FALL?
Read LEVITICUS!! God restores Aaron after golden calf. Sin is not little.
Before you can confidently rely on Christs power in you, you have to believe He has already gladly created a way for you to deal with your worst sins and failures. Christ's sacrifice.
CH 14 - DO YOU REALIZE JESUS NEVER LEAVES YOU ON YOUR OWN?
If you want God's will to be done in your life, and realize He will not fail to bring it about, His presence is more than comforting.
CH 15 - DO YOU LONG FOR JESUS' TRANSFORMING PRESENCE?
Think Calvin who hates baths.
Think Danny who loves baths.
God turns you from a Calvin to a Danny.
Scriptural example - Zacchaeus. God changed him. It doesn't say how. Just - he encountered Jesus. God moves toward people with a purpose. To CHANGE you.
CH 16 - ARE YOU GROWING IN HUMBLE HONESTY?
How do you picture yourself? Look at Isaiah. He humbled himself when confronted by God. Look for security in Christ - not yourself. Self-assess.
CH 17 - ARE YOU GETTING BETTER AT CONFESSING YOUR SINS?
Don't be shocked at sin in your life.
Don't run, hide or deceive.
Repent and focus on grace and the kindness of Christ.
E.g. - Saul did not confess. (passage with Samuel and Amalakites)
David did confess. (passages with Bathsheba and Uriah)
CH 18 - ARE YOU LEARNING TO OPEN UP YOUR LIFE TO OTHERS?
Don't live for your own glory. Live for Jesus. Paul spoke of all his shortcomings. Speak of yours to glorify God & give hope to others.
CH 19 - ARE YOU LEARNING TO FORGIVE?
Who in the Bible is a good example of forgiveness? Hard to find. Jesus. Paul.
You have choices - Turn inward and shut off from others. Or explode outwards.
Only FORGIVENESS can restore relationships.
CH 20 - ARE YOU GROWING IN SERVING OTHERS?
Fight your weaknesses. Don't just guard against them.
Grace transformed Aaron the high priest and Peter in the Bible.
Yet they still struggled with their shortcomings.
Be a God- pleaser. Not man or me pleaser.
As God pursues you - so you should pursue others.
September 5, 2018
Stop. Go buy this book. Read it. Then share it. This is a great Godward focus that leads to our adoration of Him and recognition of our need to worship Him and seek to love others.
May 24, 2024
An excellent book that speaks to our real life struggles and applies a proper vision of God and self for us to respond correctly to the challenges we face.
April 28, 2024
This book helped me grow in Christ.
January 18, 2008
4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:
Most helpful book I've read this year, March 18, 2007
Along with others, I have eagerly anticipated this book for a couple of years now. The CCEF crowd have produced some of the best works of applied theology around -- Ed Welch's When People are Big and God is Small and Blame it on the Brain; David Powlison Power Encounters; Paul Tripp War of Words and Instruments in the Redeemer's Hand, etc. Bill Smith stands out as one of the most insightful of this school of thought. His talents and commitment are amply demonstrated in thus, his first book.
Caught Off Guard is about fleshing out knowledge of God in the midst of daily struggles. Bill's rich experiences have prepared him to guide us through this tricky task. He has lived in inner city Philadelphia rehabbing homes. He has a master of divinity from Westminster Seminary and a PhD from Rutgers. He is licensed to preach in the PCA and worked in churches for years. He's been a counselor with CCEf, and editted their journal. But his greatest qualification is as a wise and creative Bible teacher.
Accessible but profound; lofty but humble, this is Bible teaching and pastoral application at its best. Lively, fresh, arresting.
The book is broken into 20 short chapters of about 8 pages each. Each chapter concludes with basic but helpful questions, making this ideal for small group study.
If I were to strain for criticism I could mention two very minor items.
1. Not alot of meaningful reflection on how God meets and changes us through the sacraments.
2. While this is unparalleled in showing the glory of God, there is somewhat less ink spilled on the centrality of the church.
November 15, 2007
Of course, I am biased because I work with Bill now -- but he did an excellent job at exposing our concept of God as distant and unconcerned. God came near and He continues to come near in unexpected ways. Great book to study in a group as well.
January 28, 2015
Persistent
The book isn't overwhelming. It slowly builds and builds and allows time to consider the content. The content is consistent to following Jesus rather than just talking about Him or being idealistic.
The book isn't overwhelming. It slowly builds and builds and allows time to consider the content. The content is consistent to following Jesus rather than just talking about Him or being idealistic.
June 1, 2009
This book helped me to see how I had a messed up view of God.
December 7, 2012
Good book with great Biblical principles. Enjoyed Dr Smith's honesty as well.
November 14, 2014
Some great insights into the way God works. He does work in unexpected ways.
June 20, 2015
Nothing really over the top life shattering about this book. but some good regular life examples of scripture in modern life.
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews