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Not Good If Detached
Corrie ten Boom's amazing personal courage and her ability to share the reality of Jesus Christ have made her writings continually popular, and the Corrie ten Boom Library has become a source of inspiration for thousands of readers. Now with two new additions to the library, readers will continue to enjoy this beloved authors words of wisdom. In Not Good If Detached , Corrie reveals that the secret of "abiding in Christ" is discovered in the difficulties of life, in total dependence on him, and in a consistent daily walk. This collection of thirty devotionals imparts insight from the people Corrie met around the world as well as important lessons she learned from the Lord. "Without Him, I am nothing," wrote Corrie. "Like some railway tickets in America, I am not good if detached."This book was originally published by Christian Literature Crusade in 1957.
207 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 1966
23 people are currently reading
952 people want to read
About the author
Corrie ten Boom
102 books1,660 followersCorrie ten Boom and her family were Christians who were active in social work in their home town of Haarlem, the Netherlands. During the Nazi occupation, they chose to act out their faith through peaceful resistance to the Nazis by active participation in the Dutch underground. They were hiding, feeding and transporting Jews and underground members hunted by the Gestapo out of the country. It is estimated they were able to save the lives of 800 Jews, in addition to protecting underground workers.
On Feb. 28, 1944, they were betrayed and Corrie and several relatives were arrested. The four Jews and two underground workers in the house at the time of the arrest were not located by the Nazis and were extricated by the underground 47 hours after they fled to the tiny hiding place (located in Corrie's room).
The ten Boom family members were separated and transferred to concentration camps. Corrie was allowed to stay with her precious sister, Betsy. Corrie's father (Casper), her sister (Betsy) and one grandchild (Kik) perished. Corrie was released in December of 1944.
These acts of heroism and sacrifice became the foundation for Corrie ten Boom's global writing and speaking career which began after she was released.
Ten Boom has received numerous awards for her writing and speaking. Notably, she was honored by the State of Israel for her work in aid of the Jewish people by being invited to plant a tree in the famous Avenue of the Righteous Gentiles, at the Yad Vashem Holocaust Museum, near Jerusalem. She was also knighted by the Queen of the Netherlands in recognition of her work during the war, and a museum in the Dutch city of Haarlem is dedicated to her and her family.
On Feb. 28, 1944, they were betrayed and Corrie and several relatives were arrested. The four Jews and two underground workers in the house at the time of the arrest were not located by the Nazis and were extricated by the underground 47 hours after they fled to the tiny hiding place (located in Corrie's room).
The ten Boom family members were separated and transferred to concentration camps. Corrie was allowed to stay with her precious sister, Betsy. Corrie's father (Casper), her sister (Betsy) and one grandchild (Kik) perished. Corrie was released in December of 1944.
These acts of heroism and sacrifice became the foundation for Corrie ten Boom's global writing and speaking career which began after she was released.
Ten Boom has received numerous awards for her writing and speaking. Notably, she was honored by the State of Israel for her work in aid of the Jewish people by being invited to plant a tree in the famous Avenue of the Righteous Gentiles, at the Yad Vashem Holocaust Museum, near Jerusalem. She was also knighted by the Queen of the Netherlands in recognition of her work during the war, and a museum in the Dutch city of Haarlem is dedicated to her and her family.
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
May 16, 2010
I have loved Corrie for years, but had never read this book (thanks Preston!). She has been on my list for years of "people I want to meet in heaven". I am lifted by her powerful testimony and love for the Savior.
February 27, 2009
There is so much pure goodness in this woman.
Corrie Ten Boom was a concentration camp survivor and now (in this book) an itinerant preacher/motivational speaker. She was Dutch and a Christian. She and her family were imprisoned by the Nazis for harboring Jews. Ten Boom died at the age of 91 in 1983.
She went where the Lord sent her, found contacts that would allow her to speak to congregations, those in prison and other groups.
This book is set up as a daily devotional book with a beginning thought or quote followed by her personal experiences witnessing for the Lord. Her humility was a wonderful example to me, challenging my selfish and prideful thoughts. Her way of writing makes you feel like you're sitting with her having an conversation, very practical speech.
This was good soul soap. Easy to read. I rarely stopped at just one chapter daily. 3.5 stars
Not Good If Detached
Corrie Ten Boom was a concentration camp survivor and now (in this book) an itinerant preacher/motivational speaker. She was Dutch and a Christian. She and her family were imprisoned by the Nazis for harboring Jews. Ten Boom died at the age of 91 in 1983.
She went where the Lord sent her, found contacts that would allow her to speak to congregations, those in prison and other groups.
This book is set up as a daily devotional book with a beginning thought or quote followed by her personal experiences witnessing for the Lord. Her humility was a wonderful example to me, challenging my selfish and prideful thoughts. Her way of writing makes you feel like you're sitting with her having an conversation, very practical speech.
This was good soul soap. Easy to read. I rarely stopped at just one chapter daily. 3.5 stars
Not Good If Detached
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August 31, 2020I think I'm going to read all of her books
September 21, 2017
Can't really explain why, but this book moved me. Corrie ten Boom seems like a person i would have loved to meet. Her faith is so simple and yet there is a depth to it that is hard to pinpoint.
Read
August 13, 2024"Connected with Him in His love, I am more than conqueror; without Him, I am nothing. Like some railway tickets in America, I am 'Not good if detached.'" (11)
"Man's importunity is God's opportunity. He uses our problems as building materials for His miracles. These are my first steps on the path to complete dependence on and obedience to His guidance. How much I still have to learn!" (12)
"I hear a good illustration. Mr. Vereide speaks about our relationship with Jesus, and shows a train ticket. Printed on it are the words: 'Not good if detached.'
From now on I choose that phrase as my slogan. Connected with Jesus, His victory is my victory. 'Not good if detached from Him.'" (17)
"What a joy that there is forgiveness, and salvation from sin. The blood of Jesus Christ cleanses us from all sins if we confess them. It has never cleansed excuses. Instead of hatred, love enters my heart." (19) // regarding Corrie meeting a woman guard from Ravensbruck who had beaten her sister Betsie
"When Jesus requires that we love our enemies, He gives us the love He demands from us. We are channels of His love, not reservoirs. Truly, if I had been a reservoir, at that moment it would have sprung a great leak and all the love would have drained away." (28) // how appropriate that God talked about a spring of living water instead of any other body of water
"From my spiritual 'first-aid kit' I read some verses to show the way of salvation. Witnessing and telling of my own experiences may be important, but the Word of God is the 'sharp two-edged sword.'" (33)
"Sometimes I am asked, 'Can people really be saved so quickly?'
I always answer, 'How long did it take Levi, the tax collector? Jesus said, "Follow me," and he promptly closed his office and followed the Lord.'
'Yes, but that was Jesus.'
'Who do you suppose it was in the Bermuda prison? Do you think it was Corrie ten Boom who converted that man? No, it was Jesus who has said, "Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believers on Me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do; because I go unto My Father"' (John 14:12)." (36)
"When Jesus died on the Cross He identified Himself with our death, and now you and I must identify ourselves with His life. So if the connection between the branch and the vine remains, the fruit comes from the vine. The branch does not help the vine. The vine does not help the branch. The vine does everything, and the branch must keep connected with it. That electric lamp there does not help the generator. The generator does not help the lamp. The generator gives all the power. The lamp must only be connected. You do not help the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit does not help you. The Holy Spirit does everything - the only condition is that you must keep in contact." (42)
"Jesus paid for everything when He died on the cross. the handwriting of our sins is nailed on that cross. Turn away from your peanuts. Stop trying yourself, and take the riches that are yours through Jesus Christ. You are what you are in Him. Live like a king's child, and not like a beggar." (43)
"One is The Consuming Fire, by Oswald J. Smith. He writes a chapter called 'Evangelism in the Enquiry Room,' which is a short but powerful guide for soul-winning in personal conversation.
First, he says, never argue. Many people will try to argue to avoid the important thing. They ask the most impossible questions. Don't try to answer the. Promise to do that later, but first show them that they need salvation.
Also, trust the Holy Spirit. Only He can convince of sin, and change people - you can't." (58)
"If you will work for God, form a committee.
If you will work with God, form a prayer group." (79)
"A group of students in Chicago prayed every week for a number of unsaved fellow-students. Eventually everyone on the list was saved. One of them was Dr. Torrey Johnson, the founder of Youth for Christ. Wherever I have traveled over the world I have seen how this work has been blessed. Thousands and tens of thousands have found their Saviour through it. What was the first cause? Torrey Johnson? No; the prayers of those young men in Chicago." (79)
"The greatest thing we can do for one another is to pray. Prayer is striking the winning blow at the concealed enemy - our service is gathering up the results." (80)
"The first step on the way to victory is to recognize the enemy. The devil is a conquered enemy, and we have the privilege and the authority to fight him in the name of the Lord Jesus." (81)
"Do not be a victim of activity. When Satan cannot make you bad, he makes you busy." (83)
"I could never be a princess of the House of Orange, though I were to open millions, or study at a hundred universities. A princess is born a princess, and a child of God must be born a child of God - 'Born again,' says Jesus. The moment we say 'Yes' to the Lord Jesus, the Holy Spirit performs the gracious miracle of the rebirth. The moment we are born into the very family of God all promises of the Bible are written in our names and signed by Jesus Christ. We have not to start at the bottom but at the height where Jesus finished at the cross." (107)
"People who throw mud have always got dirty hands. You cannot whiten yourself by lacking others." (113)
"When the Holy Spirit shows us our sins, it is always in the light of the finished work at Calvary. Sanctification is not a heavy yoke, but a joyful liberation." (115)
"In Mexico I asked a boy, 'Are you a child of God?'
His answer was, 'Señora, I go to church every Sunday.'
'That is good, but not sufficient. When I go into a garage, I do not become a motor car. A mouse born in a biscuit tin does not become a biscuit. There is only one way to become a child of God - obey John 1:12. Those who receive Jesus as their Saviour and their Lord, He makes children of God.'
'But my parents are fine children of God.'
'God bless them, but don't forget that God has no grandchildren. Are you have received Jesus as your Saviour, you are adopted into the very family of God, and you can say to Him with a happy heart, "Father, my Father"' (Rom. 8:14).
The boy understood and made the decision that makes the angels rejoice." (126)
"Man's importunity is God's opportunity. He uses our problems as building materials for His miracles. These are my first steps on the path to complete dependence on and obedience to His guidance. How much I still have to learn!" (12)
"I hear a good illustration. Mr. Vereide speaks about our relationship with Jesus, and shows a train ticket. Printed on it are the words: 'Not good if detached.'
From now on I choose that phrase as my slogan. Connected with Jesus, His victory is my victory. 'Not good if detached from Him.'" (17)
"What a joy that there is forgiveness, and salvation from sin. The blood of Jesus Christ cleanses us from all sins if we confess them. It has never cleansed excuses. Instead of hatred, love enters my heart." (19) // regarding Corrie meeting a woman guard from Ravensbruck who had beaten her sister Betsie
"When Jesus requires that we love our enemies, He gives us the love He demands from us. We are channels of His love, not reservoirs. Truly, if I had been a reservoir, at that moment it would have sprung a great leak and all the love would have drained away." (28) // how appropriate that God talked about a spring of living water instead of any other body of water
"From my spiritual 'first-aid kit' I read some verses to show the way of salvation. Witnessing and telling of my own experiences may be important, but the Word of God is the 'sharp two-edged sword.'" (33)
"Sometimes I am asked, 'Can people really be saved so quickly?'
I always answer, 'How long did it take Levi, the tax collector? Jesus said, "Follow me," and he promptly closed his office and followed the Lord.'
'Yes, but that was Jesus.'
'Who do you suppose it was in the Bermuda prison? Do you think it was Corrie ten Boom who converted that man? No, it was Jesus who has said, "Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believers on Me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do; because I go unto My Father"' (John 14:12)." (36)
"When Jesus died on the Cross He identified Himself with our death, and now you and I must identify ourselves with His life. So if the connection between the branch and the vine remains, the fruit comes from the vine. The branch does not help the vine. The vine does not help the branch. The vine does everything, and the branch must keep connected with it. That electric lamp there does not help the generator. The generator does not help the lamp. The generator gives all the power. The lamp must only be connected. You do not help the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit does not help you. The Holy Spirit does everything - the only condition is that you must keep in contact." (42)
"Jesus paid for everything when He died on the cross. the handwriting of our sins is nailed on that cross. Turn away from your peanuts. Stop trying yourself, and take the riches that are yours through Jesus Christ. You are what you are in Him. Live like a king's child, and not like a beggar." (43)
"One is The Consuming Fire, by Oswald J. Smith. He writes a chapter called 'Evangelism in the Enquiry Room,' which is a short but powerful guide for soul-winning in personal conversation.
First, he says, never argue. Many people will try to argue to avoid the important thing. They ask the most impossible questions. Don't try to answer the. Promise to do that later, but first show them that they need salvation.
Also, trust the Holy Spirit. Only He can convince of sin, and change people - you can't." (58)
"If you will work for God, form a committee.
If you will work with God, form a prayer group." (79)
"A group of students in Chicago prayed every week for a number of unsaved fellow-students. Eventually everyone on the list was saved. One of them was Dr. Torrey Johnson, the founder of Youth for Christ. Wherever I have traveled over the world I have seen how this work has been blessed. Thousands and tens of thousands have found their Saviour through it. What was the first cause? Torrey Johnson? No; the prayers of those young men in Chicago." (79)
"The greatest thing we can do for one another is to pray. Prayer is striking the winning blow at the concealed enemy - our service is gathering up the results." (80)
"The first step on the way to victory is to recognize the enemy. The devil is a conquered enemy, and we have the privilege and the authority to fight him in the name of the Lord Jesus." (81)
"Do not be a victim of activity. When Satan cannot make you bad, he makes you busy." (83)
"I could never be a princess of the House of Orange, though I were to open millions, or study at a hundred universities. A princess is born a princess, and a child of God must be born a child of God - 'Born again,' says Jesus. The moment we say 'Yes' to the Lord Jesus, the Holy Spirit performs the gracious miracle of the rebirth. The moment we are born into the very family of God all promises of the Bible are written in our names and signed by Jesus Christ. We have not to start at the bottom but at the height where Jesus finished at the cross." (107)
"People who throw mud have always got dirty hands. You cannot whiten yourself by lacking others." (113)
"When the Holy Spirit shows us our sins, it is always in the light of the finished work at Calvary. Sanctification is not a heavy yoke, but a joyful liberation." (115)
"In Mexico I asked a boy, 'Are you a child of God?'
His answer was, 'Señora, I go to church every Sunday.'
'That is good, but not sufficient. When I go into a garage, I do not become a motor car. A mouse born in a biscuit tin does not become a biscuit. There is only one way to become a child of God - obey John 1:12. Those who receive Jesus as their Saviour and their Lord, He makes children of God.'
'But my parents are fine children of God.'
'God bless them, but don't forget that God has no grandchildren. Are you have received Jesus as your Saviour, you are adopted into the very family of God, and you can say to Him with a happy heart, "Father, my Father"' (Rom. 8:14).
The boy understood and made the decision that makes the angels rejoice." (126)
March 17, 2025
This book was so good. Like, hearing her talk about her backstory and everything was mind altering. There were a few quotes that really spoke to me but especially these two (if you need a reason to read this book, read these):
“we must begin our day by tuning our instruments with the help of the great Conductor.”
“we cannot play Gods music if we are not tuned in by the Holy Spirit to His heavenly harmony.” Ooof, now that’s a word 😭🙌
Dude.. I literally sighed in awe 😭
So much can be preached on that. If you know anything about how orchestras work, sometimes the ensemble (group of musicians) can’t get their instruments tuned properly, especially after weather changes, and sometimes the teacher / conductor has to come around and help. So, think about that, Jesus knows we can get it all right and definitely not perfect, but he can and is perfect. He comes to us especially after hard seasons (he’s with us in them all but especially in the fire) and helps us get back in track. Idk, that’s just so beautiful to me :) I love Jesus 🥲
This book is a must read 🦋🫶🏼
“we must begin our day by tuning our instruments with the help of the great Conductor.”
“we cannot play Gods music if we are not tuned in by the Holy Spirit to His heavenly harmony.” Ooof, now that’s a word 😭🙌
Dude.. I literally sighed in awe 😭
So much can be preached on that. If you know anything about how orchestras work, sometimes the ensemble (group of musicians) can’t get their instruments tuned properly, especially after weather changes, and sometimes the teacher / conductor has to come around and help. So, think about that, Jesus knows we can get it all right and definitely not perfect, but he can and is perfect. He comes to us especially after hard seasons (he’s with us in them all but especially in the fire) and helps us get back in track. Idk, that’s just so beautiful to me :) I love Jesus 🥲
This book is a must read 🦋🫶🏼
August 8, 2018
A collection of Corrie Ten Boom's accounts as she travelled the world speaking to churches, college students, youth groups, and prisoners testifying of the goodness of God in her life. In order to grasp the full impact of Miss Ten Boom's message, one ought to read her autobiographical "The Hiding Place" first. "The Hiding Place" tells of her life growing up in Holland in her father's watchmaking shop, hiding Jews in her attic during WWII, her arrest, and her life in a Nazi concentration camp. Because of her horrific experiences of the labour camp at Ravensbruck, Corrie Ten Boom was able to spend the next thirty-five years testifying of God's providence even through the most difficult circumstances. This particular book can be read devotionally, as each chapter is short and tells a story that stands on its own. Miss Ten Boom explains how she continues to learn to trust in God's wisdom and goodness.
November 6, 2024
I think it’s good for me to read books like this—written by a woman who I have the deepest respect for while disagreeing with her on several theological issues. I’m rating it three stars mostly because it is just sketches of conversations she had with people while touring the world and speaking. It was thought provoking to read about her “spiritual warfare” interactions—casting out demons, for example. Definitely a different theological viewpoint than what I’m used to. Several passages gave me the impression that she believed Christians could lose their salvation and that believers have to confess their sins to stay saved.
Even if I would interpret the Bible differently on some issues, I have so much to learn from women like Corrie ten Boom—I hope I can have a fraction of her deep reliance on Scripture, faithfulness to Jesus under the most horrific trials imaginable, and dedication to sharing Jesus with the world.
Even if I would interpret the Bible differently on some issues, I have so much to learn from women like Corrie ten Boom—I hope I can have a fraction of her deep reliance on Scripture, faithfulness to Jesus under the most horrific trials imaginable, and dedication to sharing Jesus with the world.
January 9, 2019
This is a wise, compassionate, uplifting book written by a Dutch woman who spent years in a concentration camp for helping juice to escape the Nazis. With gods help and Grace, she was able to rebuild her life, home, and achieved a great deal toward forgiveness of her Nazi captors. She has modeled forgiveness, patience, and optimism for me in a way that is tangible that I can learn from. She is with the Lord now, and her voice is one I missed. She always taught me something new threw her books and in her talks.
August 26, 2021
I love her memoir The Hiding Place, and this was really interesting supplement. It’s essentially a series of small stories of Corrie Ten Boom’s lessons & experiences with different people she met as she traveled and shared about her experience in the prison camp. She was a woman of incredible faith and realistic struggles, and throughout this book she emphasizes the need to “abide in Christ” for the help and power for each day.
September 23, 2025
I love all of Corrie ten Boom’s books. I picked this one up because I had not read it yet. I truly tried to savor it that’s why it took so long for me to get through. I forced myself to really slow down and take each story in. I should read it again and this time take notes and highlight sections I want to remember. There are many teaching moments in this book. So much wisdom from Corrie ten Boom. Her books will encourage and strengthen your faith journey.
August 15, 2022
Just like her book “Tramp for the Lord”, “Not Good if Detach” is another excellent read. I love reading about Corrie and her walk with the Lord. She is one of many that I can’t wait to meet in heaven one day, she has been such an encouragement through her words
February 2, 2019
Another great book of the daily strength we find in Christ.
February 13, 2022
Lovely stores and thoughts from Corrie ten Boom.
July 27, 2022
Little snippets from her life in ministry. Her faith is incredible, even in the small moments
October 25, 2023
So Many Lessons To Learn
Corrie is so full of wisdom. The stories she tells are so relatable and backed up by plenty of scriptures. It was an encouraging book
Corrie is so full of wisdom. The stories she tells are so relatable and backed up by plenty of scriptures. It was an encouraging book
July 2, 2024
Bold, beautiful, encouraging stories of her mission work after WWII. Her faith and stories remind me of Brother Yun.
November 27, 2025
Cannot wait to meet Corrie in Heaven. She is SUCH an inspiration.
March 26, 2025
A woman I'd sit down with and listen to, how she handles trial with grace with the flame of the gospel kindled in her.
October 31, 2014
This was a delightful book about how we as Christians need to stay connected with the Vine, which is the Lord Jesus Christ. We are no good if we are 'detached' from Him!
A few of the stories I had already read in a couple of her previous books, but that didn't bother me at all and I enjoyed every chapter. Corrie ten Boom is definitely one of my favorite authors!
A few of the stories I had already read in a couple of her previous books, but that didn't bother me at all and I enjoyed every chapter. Corrie ten Boom is definitely one of my favorite authors!
November 5, 2011
This is totally a religious book--basically ten Boom's recounting of her works travels as a evangelical missionary. Her complete faith, humility, and courage was inspiring. I was interested in how my beliefs differ from hers, but loved how this book shows that true discipleship of Christ brings peace and joy regardless of your domination.
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews