O Meu Maior Prazer: Uma Jornada a Amizade Intima com Deus

by Dutch Sheets

Aprenda com as licoes de vida compartilhadas por Dutch Sheets a cultivar um relacionamento intimo com Deus. Cada um dos trinta curtos capitulos do livro revela uma orientacao simples ou uma reflexao biblica que o ajudara a afastar-se dos ruidos da vida e a aproximar-se da presenca cheia de paz do Senhor. Com percepcoes profundas extraidas da Biblia e historias que voce nao esquecera tao cedo, O Meu Maior Prazer e como um mentor espiritual, que ira lhe mostrar maneiras simples de desfrutar mais de Deus."

Genres: Christian, Nonfiction, Christian Non Fiction, Prayer, Faith, Christian Living, Religion

248 pages, Paperback

Published June 18, 2014

About the author

Dutch Sheets is an internationally recognized author, gifted teacher, and conference speaker. He travels extensively, challenging believers for passionate prayer and societal reformation. Seeing America experience a sweeping revival and return to its Godly heritage is Dutch’s greatest passion. He is a messenger of hope for America, encouraging believers to contend for awakening. Dutch has written over 23 books, many of which have been translated into over 30 languages. His international bestseller, Intercessory Prayer, has sold over 1 million copies worldwide. Dutch has pastored, taught in several colleges and seminaries, and served on the board of directors of numerous organizations. He is fondly known to many as Papa Dutch. Treasuring time spent with their family and grandchildren. Dutch and Ceci, his wife of 40 plus years, enjoy quiet walks in the woods, reading, and playing a little golf. They make their home in beautiful South Carolina.

Reviews

[Victoria Lynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Listened to this over the course of the month on youtube and highly reccomend!

[Karen Roberts · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dutch Sheets addresses a much-needed subject for today's busy Christian in The Pleasure of His Company. Sheets walks the reader through the Bible to examine followers like David, Joshua, Paul, Jesus, and even Samson. Throughout the book of short meditations, he peppers his writing with practical, everyday applications, many times stemming from his relationships and marriage.

Sheets ends each devotion with a prayer focused upon the Scriptures covering the chapter's topic. He lists the Scriptures at the end of the prayer, so that the reader can look them up and meditate upon them further.

Sheets reminds the reader that if we set ourselves apart unto God, holiness will follow. This "setting apart" is not convenient or inexpensive, but the pleasure of hearing God's heart serves as a catalyst that creates a hunger for more intimacy.

The Pleasure of His Company came to me at just the right time to make a meaningful impact on my life. I was able to look at my relationships and apply the principles he addressed. I plan to purchase multiple copies of this book to give away.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher, Bethany House, a division of Baker Publishing Group, in exchange for my honest review.

My prayer for you

Father, thank You for always being there for us. Bless, we pray, Dutch Sheets. Thank You for the pleasure of Your company. Teach us to wait upon You and rest in Your presence.

[Kimberly · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading Pleasure of His Company: A Journey to Intimate Friendship With God by Dutch Sheets tremendously. It has 30 fabulous chapters full of ideas to bring you closer to God.

Yes I LOVE the idea of God being the life of the Heaven's Party and dancing at the return of a lost soul.
I too want Jesus to be my friend and walk with me daily, sharing in the good and the bad. Laughing and crying along me.

This book will help you get to know the Lord on a more intimate level. In this fast paced world we live in we need to take time to slow down and hear what God has to say. The author gives you ideas on how to do this and steps to set up your own place to meet with God. Several bible verses are mentioned to help you in this journey to get closer.

Also some humor thrown in, which is always good. I would like to add that I too like tomato and mayonnaise sandwiches, yes it is a southern thing.

On a more serious note if you too would like a more intimate walk with God I definitely recommend this book. Watch for it will be available January 2014!

I received an advanced copy of this in exchange for my review rather it be good or bad.

[AMY · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent devotional-type chapters with personal and biblical stories and insights! Explanations from the original languages at times, in typical Dutch fashion. You can even hear him read it aloud online (May 7-June 7 on YouTube/Rumble/etc, Give Him 15), although portions are changed at times. Highly recommend!

[C.A. Gray · Rating 5 out of 5]

I started to read this and then just listened to Dutch Sheets read it a chapter a day on his YouTube channel, "Give Him 15." I start every morning with it while I make my coffee. My favorite was the chapter on Jacob (which he split into two posts): such profound insight into his identity change as he drew closer to God!

[Jeanette]

"My meager list barely scratches the surface. Consider the following:
- A fish brought Him a mouthful of money.
- Storms obeyed His commands.
- His spit healed blind eyes and His touch cured leprosy.
- He walked on water... and through walls!
- He turned water into wine and multiplied by thousands a few fish and loaves of bread.
- He raised the dead.
- Insanity fled from Him; demons did, as well.
- Fire goes before Him and consumes His enemies.
- When He died, the sun refused to shine and the earth shook.
- Death, however, couldn't hold. Him, and His resurrection was so powerful it spilled over onto other dead people, raising them from the dead!
- His eyes are like fire; His voice is like a waterfall.
- Angels worship Him; rules cast their crowns at His feet.
- He created everything... with just His words.
- He keeps the universe operating in perfect order... yep, with just His words." (12)

"Says astronomer Allan Sandage, 'Galaxies are to astronomy what atoms are to physics.'" (14) // and ours is one of trillions that God created

"...the only trust and living God, not only loves you, He likes you. He created us, mere humans, because. He wanted a family, not distant servants. When Jesus was asked by His disciples to teach them how to pray, His response introduced them to a completely new and radical way of thinking. 'Start your prayer by addressing Him and Father,' He answered.
When Jesus said this, He forever changed the playing field. He rewrote the rules. Religious leaders were offended, philosophers found it ridiculous, but hungry hearts like yours and mine, looking for our missing soul mate, found it incredibly hope-inspiring." (14)

"The affirmation of your praise and the admiration of your worship blesses Him, not because He needs them, but because He needs and wants you. The Scriptures tell us He is seeking worshipers, not worship. God isn't insecure, needing our praise in order to feel good about Himself; nor is He proud, needing worship to feed His ego. It is relationship He desires. Intimacy. Family. When we worship, He is captivated by the singer, not the song. Our company is what He longs for." (15)

"God neither needs nor wants worship.
He is, however, seeking worshipers.
The difference is huge - immeasurably so. We ARE the worship. God longs for the singer, no the song." (19)

"'If you seek Him, He will let you find Him,' said Azariah, an Old Testament prophet, to Israel (2 Chron. 15:2)." (26)

"Shocked and amazed that God would pursue me into a place like this [a dive bar], my first response was, 'What are You doing here?!'
'I've come for you.'" (29)

"He dances. There is a little-known verse in the Old Testament that gives a wonderful description of God's dancing heart toward His kids: 'The Lord your God is in your midst, a victorious warrior. He will exult over you with joy, He will be quiet in His love, He will rejoice over you with shouts of joy' (Zeph. 3:17). The last phrase of this verse in the KJV reads, 'He will joy over thee with singing.' In Hebrew, the language in which the Old Testament was written, the word translated 'rejoice' (NASB) and 'joy' (KJV) is the Hebrew word guwl, which literally means 'to spin around under the influence of any violent emotion.'" (34)

"The reason God must be first in our lives is profound in both its simplicity and importance: The very purpose for the creation of humans was relationship with God. We were formed to be one in spirit with Him, joined together like a husband and wife. First Corinthians 6:17 says, 'But the one who joins himself to the Lord is one spirit with Him.' Our union with Him completes us. There is a place in the heart of every human that God made only for Himself. Period. If we don't get this right, life will be out of rhythm; the pieces won't fit. Nothing else can fill this void, including other people, money, pleasure, or accomplishments. And certainly not religion. We weren't created to connect with a system but a person." (52)

"Emotions are fickle, coming and going based on our moods and circumstances. Love, however, is not an emotion; it is a choice, as are priorities. Love is chosen, not 'fallen' in and out of. I don't always 'feel' my love for my wife and daughters, but I always love them. They are, and will remain, my highest earthly priorities." (53)

"Connecting the statement to Mary's decision to sit at the Lord's feet and listen to His words makes His meaning rather obvious. Here's my opinion of what Jesus meant: 'Martha, if you will truly connect with Me, everything else in life will fall into place. Order will be established; relationships will make sense; I'll guide your steps into purpose and destiny; I'll teach you to prosper - everything will work well if you'll simply listen to Me.' . . . After informing Martha that only one thing was really necessary, Jesus then referred to Mary's choice as 'good.' That seems rather lame until the Greek word used is really understood. There are two Greek words that He could have used, agathos and kalos. . . Essentially, kalos is good looks, agathos is good works. Jesus said Mary chose agathos.
The irony of this is astounding. The person doing nothing was credited with doing the 'good works,' not the person doing all the good works!" (76)

"The third word, qavah, means to 'wait for with eager expectation.' [video of C and c at the door having heard the Jeep pull in and park] . . . Another powerful meaning of qavah exists, however: 'to bind together by twisting,' as in a braid or a rope. As we spend time with the Lord, a joining of hearts occurs, creating oneness of desires, thinking, and actions. . . Another result of braiding is increased strength. Isaiah said, 'Yet those who wait (qavah) for the Lord will gain new strength; They will mount up with wings like eagles, They will run and not get tired, They will walk and not become weary' (Is. 40:31)." (84)

"At times he and the Lord became so one through waiting that God's foreknowledge seeped into David's mind, allowing him to prophesy the future. One of many examples is Psalm 22, which has three of the seven sayings of Christ on the cross." (86)

"Somehow he knew walking with God was a decision he had to make - not God. The Scriptures don't say 'God walked with Enoch,' although that obviously occurred as they spent time together. No, the wording is important and the point is clear: 'Enoch walked with God.' The Scriptures do tell us how the Lord felt about this relationship, however. The New Testament says of Enoch: 'He obtained the witness that before his being taken up he was pleasing to God' (Heb. 11:5). 'Pleasing' is from the Greek word euarestos. 'Well-pleasing' would be a more accurate translation; the prefix eu means 'well' or 'good,' and arestos means 'to please.'" (110)

"...the literal meaning of one of the Hebrew words for 'listening,' qashab: 'to prick up the ears like an animal coming to alertness.' . . . My understanding of 'giving attention to' the Lord's words went to a whole new level as I watched the ever-vigilant ears of the elk. Always listen diligently for His voice, as though your life depends on it, is what came to my mind. No matter what else you happen to be doing, remain tuned in to Him. (113)

"As King Solomon was about to begin his reign over Israel, he prayed a prayer God couldn't resist. 'So give Your servant an understanding heart to judge Your people to discern between good and evil. For who is able to judge this great people of Yours?' (1 Kings 3:9). The phrase 'an understanding heart' should actually be translated 'a hearing heart.' . . . "the Hebrew word is shama, and it does mean 'to hear.' Solomon asked for a hearing heart." (142)

"In the same passage [Prov. 3:5-6], 'acknowledge' is from the Hebrew word yada, which. means 'to know someone intimately.' It is actually used of a man and woman knowing one another sexually." // brackets added

"What type of fear, then, are we to have toward the Lord? The Greek word is eulabeia, which is a reverence or piety; is is an awe, an overwhelming feeling of wonder, admiration, or respect." (158)

"The New Testament speaks of our minds having a 'veil' (kalupsis), which prohibits us from understanding spiritual matters:

Even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing, in whose case the god of this world has blinded the minds of the. unbelieving, that they might not see the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God.
- 2 Cor. 4:3-4

Kalupsis simp;ly means 'to hide or cover.' My lexicons said the inside of a tree is veiled by bark; the inside of a huamn body is veiled by skin. I understood immediately!
Interestingly, a 'revelation' comes from the same Greek word; it is kalupsis with the prefix apo added - apokalupsis." (174)

"The purpose of anything is found in the mind of its creator, not in itself. Self-identity comes from identifying and knowing the One who made us. You'll never really find yourself until you find Him." (177)

"...the term prodigal doesn't mean 'lost,' 'away from,' or 'runaway' as many think; it means 'recklessly wasteful; extravagant consumer; a squanderer.' He was 'the squandering son.'" (185)

"...three of David's mighty men heard he was craving water from the well of Bethlehem. This was his hometown and the craving was probably a longing for the comforts of home. Even though the well was currently controlled by enemies, these three brave and loyal men broke through the enemy lines and brought David water from teh well. He was so moved by their sacrificial love he wouldn't drink it: 'Be it far from me before my God that I should [drink] this. Shall I drink the blood of those men who went at the risk of their lives?' (1 Chron. 11:19). David poured it out as an offering to the Lord!" (192) // when considered against the events with Uriah and Bathsheba, this hits especially hard. Bathsheba wasn't a gift. David intentionally spent the blood of a good man for her.

"'I'm not upset or disappointed with you that this weakness [jealousy] exists,' I heard Him say clearly. 'I know how it got there and that you had no control over the process. I just want to get rid of it.' . . . When God reveals weaknesses in our lives, it is not to condemn us. His goal is closure, not exposure. His fire is to refine us, and His faceting machine, like that of a master jeweler, is to shape us into the finest diamond possible. He knows how and where we can shine the most." (201)

"'Qadash yourselves,' Joshua told them, 'for tomorrow the Lord will do wonders among you,' (Josh. 3:5). Qadash is an impotant Hebrew word meaning 'to set apart.' In biblical contexts, it usually meant 'to be set apart unto God.' There was another word for separation from, which we'll look at momentarily, but this one is unto. Qadash is often translated using theological words such as sanctify or consecrate, but don't let them confuse you. Keep it simple. The concept simply means 'to separate or set apart a person or object unto God.'
Setting a person or thing apart unto God meant it was reserved for Him. For example, furniture and utensils in the temple were qadash-ed to God, meaning they were not to be used for any other purpose. The Israelites were to be qadash-ed to God - they couldn't give themselves to the worship of other gods. I am qadash-ed to my wife, set apart to her alone. . . . Qadash, separation unto Him, is the cause; qodesh, holiness, is the effect." (251)

"Typically, we try to become holy through nazir - separation from doing certain things. 'If I can only refrain from or stop this activity I can be holy,' we tell ourselves. Then we make the effort to stay away from that sinful activity. When this approach alone is taken, however, there is no power flowing to us from His presence. If, on the other hand, our attempt at purity begins with qadash - separation unto the Lord - the connection provides the power and will power necessary to overcome sin. . . . Try as you may, you'll never derive the word qodesh from nazir, only from qadash." (253)

"We are left to wonder what the motivation was behind David's using a cart. I believe it very likely boiled down to convenience. Carrying the ark on shoulders for ten miles would have been hard work. Splinters, sore muscles, chafed shoulders, blisters on the feet - all would have been the painful result. The long, hard miles up and down hills, across streams, in the heat - 'let's just let the oxen do i t.' David learned the hard way that, contrary to human preference, ignorance isn't bliss, easy doesn't do it, and it's not just the thought that counts. . . . Obedience matters. And they learned that experiencing the Lord's presence and glory wouldn't be easy or convenient." (261)

[Karen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dutch utilizes personal stories to teach spiritual lessons. He also expounds on Biblical word meanings by referring back to original language.

[Jonathan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I wanted to read this book because I am studying the presence of God in this book is all about that topic. Dutch Sheets lives in South Carolina and has a ministry of intercession and prayer for the nation of America.

Sheets begins by talking about the person of Jesus Christ, the one who we seek. I like how he elegantly describes Jesus. He moves next to think about God as the Seeker. We all have different ways of seeking God and different reasons. He reminds us that God seeks us to worship him no matter what we have done in the past.

He discusses how we need to be seekers of God, to search for Him. We have to want to be in His presence. He expounds on our relationship with Jesus, Jesus being our first and prioritized love. We must choose to be in God's presence, to sit at His feet and enjoy His teaching, like Mary. This must become our normal activity. It's okay to be busy, but not when Jesus is here. We need to turn off the distractions to maximize our time with Him.

He talks about the distractions we face and switches to talking about Martha in the Bible. Even in God's presence, we can be distracted. Being busy as we serve Christ is not bad, but it is bad if it distracts us from His presence. I love the way he talks about not losing our wonder of Jesus.

When Sheets talks about the decision we have to make between doing things were sitting in His presence, we must realize there is a time for both. Sometimes we need to do works for God and other times we need to seek His presence and dwell with Him.

He explains what the Bible means by waiting on the Lord and gives examples from the words that are used in the Old Testament. Sheets says that once like you conclude have known the presence of the Lord, you don’t want anything else. He also gives some biblical places where God’s presence was really noticeable.

He talks about God’s presence as walking with Him. We could also see offering something so precious to Jesus as a way to be in His presence. He writes about the close relationship between friends. He calls the reader to perk up his ears to hear God’s voice.

We must learn to quiet our soul so we could hear the voice of God. We must give the Lord our undivided attention. The fear of the Lord not as being afraid of Him but as reverently listening to Him.

The author says that when we spend time with Jesus we must be changed. He explains the meaning of repentance. God reveals who we really are in His presence. He still loves us. He also talks about the look Jesus gives us and that we might think it is a look of judgment. But it is a look of love.

Sheets expounds on the meaning of the advantage of Christ leaving the disciples in John. He says we can experience His presence more intimately through the Holy Spirit. He says God’s presence is like looking upon His face. Sheets concludes the book by talking about the price of entering God’s presents. It could be inconvenient, take much time, and Require Something we cherish. But the pleasure of his company is worth it all.

Sheets weaves personal and biblical stories around the image of God's presence and each of these short chapters, accompanied with a prayer and scripture references for for the prayer. I enjoyed each chapter to see how he would talk about God's presence.

I recommend this book to anyone who wants to go deeper in God's presence to know Him more. You cannot go wrong in using this book to draw nearer to the heart of God.

[Robert Federline · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am not generally a fan of a book which gives daily messages. I can hardly sit still for short stories anymore. This book, however, held my interest throughout and kept me focused on its message and the importance of Christ in my life.

The author, Dutch Sheets, is the founder and CEO of Give Him 15, a ministry encouraging setting time aside for God every day. obviously this is a good and laudable objective. This book is well put together and leads the reader very easily into conversations with God. The breaks at work are timed, and last exactly 15 minutes each. This book neatly fits into that schedule and uplifts your entire day.

Giving God time in 15 minute increments is not truly difficult, but the dividends it pays are outstanding. Talking with God is difficult for some people. The verses and prayers and meditations in this book make for excellent ice-breakers to kick start those conversations. The challenge (at least if you read this at work) is to limit those conversations to only 15 minutes.

St. Paul encourages us to turn our thoughts to those things which are "honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is gracious, if there is any excellence and if there is anything worthy of praise." Philippians 4:8. All of these things lead us into communion with God. His Word and His Love become easy objects on which to focus, and by creating a habit of doing this daily is clearly edifying for the soul, body and mind.

Read the book. Start the habit.

[Karin · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you've ever wondered if there's more to faith in God than just going to church every week and saying the Lord's prayer, this book is for you. It almost sounds cliche these days, but faith really is about more than following religious doctrine. It's about relationship, and this book provides examples of that as well as ideas for strengthening that relationship, as well as many Bible-based prayers.

An encouraging yet challenging book, I love how Dutch Sheets goes back to the Greek and Hebrew roots of words to look at the deeper meaning of Scripture instead of just the English interpretation (as many of our English words don't translate completely). Looking back at the original words revealed a whole new side of those verses that doesn't contradict Scripture but actually supports it.

Definitely a book worth keeping and reading again.

[Mardell · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read The Pleasure of His Company A Journey to Intimate Friendship with God by Dutch Sheets along with the author's during a 30-day journey through Dutch's daily Give Him 15 posts. I looked forward to this special time each day. The book is easy to read, entertaining and very profound. Dutch's humor and wisdom shine through the written words but it is his deep faith and dedication to teaching that makes the book come alive. I recommend this book to anyone who desires a closer relationship with the Lord. This book is filled with insights from the bible and ways to get away from the bustle of the outside world for a while to recharge and restore the spirit. Well Written and timeless!

[Sue · Rating 4 out of 5]

God desires an intimate relationship with each one of us but we either believe we’re not worthy of it or that we’re too busy to make the time for it. Each short chapter shows how God has sought us out not to punish us but to just spend time with us. The back over indicates that the book can be enjoyed as a daily devotional and that is just how I read it in what proved to be a much-needed kickstart reset in my own walk. Now I’m again making time to seek Him in the morning a priority and I’m savoring it throughout the day.

[Janet Sketchley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Audiobook from Tantor Media, Inc. Narrated by George W. Sarris -- and he did a fantastic job, with a warm and friendly conversational tone that fit the text.

Each short chapter is packed with relevant scripture references and closes with a prayer. While I didn't always mesh with the humour, I know those additions were to keep the text lively. There are some good and encouraging truths in this book, and if you don't think it would be a pleasure to be in the company of God this may be just the book you need to find a truer perspective of Him.

[Shawnda Spille · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m not into devotionals, preferring to read straight from the Bible, but this is a good one. There’s a lesson, including many personal stories and humor, and a prayer for each day. If this were all, it wouldn’t be enough. At the end of the prayer, there are ten or so scripture references reflected in the prayer. Looking these up and journaling, on top of reading the chapter, is what really makes this a great devotional.

[Tonia Woolever · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dutch Sheets' combination of Scripture, story-telling and teaching in this book seamlessly and consistently drew my heart to know God more, to rest in the fact that I can, and expanded my understanding of what that might look like in my own life. This one is going on my "keep forever and read a gain" bookshelf, not to mention my list of book gifts to give.

[Gail Erickson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Uniquely insightful. Sweetly nuanced.

The title itself is a little happy shock. There’s pleasure in his company? Of course we know that, but Dutch illustrates how not only can we enjoy the company of the great creator, but oddly enough, that creator enjoys our company as well. I have always been blessed by Duchess ratings, and this one book is another one of those

[Rachel N · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent. I'm not usually drawn to devotionals, but this was definitely an exception. I read one chapter per day along with my Bible reading and I found it to be deeply impacting. Highly recommend.

[Sara Weaver · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5. I liked the emphasis he placed on the sacrifice necessary for developing a meaningfully personal relationship with the God Who also longs to have such a relationship with us. I was encouraged to take more time and put more effort into hanging out with God just for the pleasure of it.

[Amanda Spisak · Rating 5 out of 5]

I will be rereading this over and over. This is the book I wish I read earlier in my walk with Jesus. So thankful that a member of my church recommended it and was gracious enough to share several copies with our congregation.

[JW van der Merwe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very good and challenging book. Almost like a daypiece but more than a piece - a chapter a day and sometimes a solid piece of steak. I enjoyed it. Intimacy is costly and takes time and working together. Loved this book and will recommend it too anybody.

[Beth Shaffer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Carrying the presence of God isn’t easy or convenient most of the time but the pleasure of His company will change you!
Jesus said the yoke was easy and the burden was light. We don’t have to carry the tabernacle any longer, WE ARE the tabernacle!

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

I used this book as a devotional. I've been to conferences where Dutch was speaking and have read most of what he has written. Always, I am edified by what he has to say in his down-to-earth way.

[Debbie · Rating 4 out of 5]

A wonderful little devotional!!

[Bonnie Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Did this with a daily study of Give Him 15. Great study, great book.

[Eddie L. Moye · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful study!

Worth its weight in gold! I recommend this book to any and all believers . It’ll more than help you in your spiritual growth.

[Mary Winkelman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thoroughly appreciated this book. Such an encouragement to make the time to seek God, and to know Him more.

[Cheryl · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is such an excellent and challenging devotional. I loved every chapter and got so much out of it.

[Eunice · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful! Lots to think about here and definitely makes you want to enjoy Gods company. Will be a reread!

[Edwin Bruce Allen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book! Gave a copy to my wife for Christmas. It is so good, will probably re-read.

[Kathy Brasby · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is intimate and yet contains some rich nuggets of truth. So often God seems distant and strange but the author helps connect us to the heart of God.