Undefended: Discovering God when Your Guard Is Down

by Daniel Bush

Loneliness, fear, vulnerability, conflict, pain--these aren't experiences we typically seek out. And yet we all encounter them during our lives. Do you embrace these times, or do you raise your defenses, determined not to get hurt? What if it's possible to see God more clearly in the midst of these trials? Undefended, Daniel Bush shows readers how to approach life's difficulties from a gospel-centered and grace-driven perspective, arguing that the experiences we avoid can actually bring us nearer to Christ. Drawing on examples from the Bible, history, popular culture, and the author's own life, Undefended seeks to personally acquaint readers with an experience of the inner heart, where true discovery of God takes place. Bush writes out of a deep passion for helping others find spiritual awakening, stemming from over 15 years in pastoral and counseling ministries. He guides readers through ten different experiences that can show us the authentic heart of God--if we approach him undefended.

320 pages, Paperback

Published February 8, 2017

About the author

Rev. Dr. Daniel Bush is a gospel-centered spiritual shepherd and theologian dedicated to sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ through teaching and pastoral work. He knows that personal growth, salvation, and happiness is possible only through internalizing the Word, and has made it his mission to aid others in understanding the gospel’s depth, knowing God as their Father, and enjoying Him in the midst of life’s mess.

Dr. Bush’s approach to ministry developed in concert with the labyrinth of his own spiritual journey. While his faith and devotion to Christ began in his adolescence, his path to the ministry was fraught with obstacles, both internal and external, personal and spiritual. In the midst of navigating these challenges, Daniel heard the Word of God, and began to know and trust God as his father; through living “the undefended life” by faith he was empowered to help others experience spiritual transformation. During this period of shifting paradigms, his career trajectory shifted from service as a Civil Engineering Officer in the United States Air Force and Peoria Air National Guard–where he provided expert leadership on multimillion dollar projects vital to the achievement of mission goals–to the vocational Christian ministry. Upon the completion of graduate degrees in theology and divinity, he left America for missionary service in the Philippines, China, and Scotland.

After five years as a missionary, Daniel returned to America, accepting the pastorate of a small congregation in a spiritual, financial, and ministerial state of decline. Implementing his personal, gospel-centered philosophy of ministry, he worked to revive hearts and attitudes of those within the congregation, started small-group and youth group ministries, refreshed worship style and church artwork, supported missionaries and mercy ministries, and led in evangelistic outreach. He also led the church into the hard reality of owning its ministry and energy situation and embracing the sale of its building and property to begin the process of a total church-restart.

To share the Word of Christ both locally and globally, Dr. Bush has published multiple books, including "Embracing God as Father: Christian Identity in the Family of God" (2015); "Live in Liberty: The Spiritual Message of Galatians" (2016). He is co-editor of John Webster’s "Confronted by Grace: Meditations of a Theologian" (2015), and has contributed to the Lexham Press blog, FaithLife blog, and KeyLife Network.

Daniel is ordained in the Evangelical Presbyterian Church (E.P.C.). He holds the Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) from University of Aberdeen, the Master of Theology (Th.M.) and Master of Divinity (M.Div.) from Trinity Evangelical Divinity School, the Bachelor of Science (B.Sci.) in Civil Engineering from Michigan Technological University, and is currently obtaining a Certificate in Spiritual Direction from Larry Crabb's New Way Ministries.

Reviews

[Sharah McConville · Rating 3 out of 5]

Undefended is a Religious novel by Daniel Bush. It contains some interesting stories and insight. I won this book through Goodreads Giveaways.

[Craig Willingham · Rating 5 out of 5]

Are you tired of working hard to make yourself look good and trying to convincing yourself and everyone else that your life is good? Most of us put so much effort into the facades that we wear we have nothing left for God or anyone else. But what if admitting our failures, weakness and insufficiency was the key to finding real life in relationship with God and other people? That is the position Daniel Bush advocates in this book and it is water for the parched soul! Discover how God wants to minister to you in the darkest trials and deepest pains in your life in ways He could not if we never suffered and discovered how insufficient we really are. This book will give you a different perspective on your suffering and help you discover true joy that cannot be found in this world but only in the powerful presence of God in your life.

[Leslie Yong · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is indeed a very interesting book. the author related many encouraging stories and experiences which we need to go through for our maturity and finds our purpose in life.
As the author rightly put it, ..living in the undefended life means looking for something greater than immediate relief, trusting in the dark..
we need to read it to be encouraged to take up the challenge to experience it personally.
The content is quite heavy, full of facts for contemplation and is not for the novice..

[Roger Peters · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think this is an excellent book that will stick with me for awhile. It has helped me change my views of struggles and trials, and shown me the joy in the journey through those struggles and trials with my Lord by my side. I recommend it whole-heartedly.

[Rachelle Sperling · Rating 1 out of 5]

I just really struggled to engage with this book. The writing style simply didn’t keep my attention, though that is likely a personal preference. There were as many quotes as original material and a number of times there were quotes and statements that seemed too simplistic in the context in which they were presented. In the end I didn’t finish it. Someone unfamiliar with the content might be more engaged.