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Wasting Time With God: A Christian Spirituality of Friendship With God
When it comes to developing a deep, trusting relationship with God, efficiency and productivity are not the answer. It's far better to "waste" time with him, to just enjoy being with him. After all, that's how any friendship grows. But making room for God in the midst of our fast-paced lives is not an easy task. Just as time with our best friends can get squeezed out by the rush of activities, so can time with God. Even "wasting time" with God means making a commitment and setting priorities--whether it's something we enjoy or not. Beginning with the supposition that God desires friendship with us, Klaus Issler encourages us to consider seven character traits and to develop their companion disciplines: friendship, humility, faith, commitment, communication, apprenticeship and partnership. Here is a full-orbed model of Christian spirituality that will be of lasting value.
296 pages, Paperback
First published June 1, 2001
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
June 12, 2017
This is an excellent overview of spiritual formation and spiritual disciplines. If you are curious or just beginning to explore this dimension of faith, or if you are experienced in the area and want a refresher course of the highlights, this is just the book.
Issler speaks from the realm of experience--both successes and struggles-- in spiritual formation; this book is not just theorizing. He covers the broad questions involved in spiritual formation/disciplines, but, more importantly, Issler shares HOW to do it! The book is crammed full of stories and suggestions that show a deep understanding of "regular" life and the challenges involved in prioritizing time to invest in one's spiritual life. This kind of practicality is sadly lacking in contemporary churches, so this is an excellent resource.
Many authors who I have come to know are referenced throughout this book, and Issler carefully documents his sources, providing an excellent "for further reading" dynamic.
Issler speaks from the realm of experience--both successes and struggles-- in spiritual formation; this book is not just theorizing. He covers the broad questions involved in spiritual formation/disciplines, but, more importantly, Issler shares HOW to do it! The book is crammed full of stories and suggestions that show a deep understanding of "regular" life and the challenges involved in prioritizing time to invest in one's spiritual life. This kind of practicality is sadly lacking in contemporary churches, so this is an excellent resource.
Many authors who I have come to know are referenced throughout this book, and Issler carefully documents his sources, providing an excellent "for further reading" dynamic.
October 7, 2008
Great insights into what friendship is about and how similar it is with God. It goes further from this into a partnership with God where you will entrusted with more as you grow in partnership with him. Even praying can be a form of leadership. If you are seeking on ways to go deeper into your relationship, this book is a good guide on things that you might have missed out or didnt place too much thought/emphasis on b4. A good read for everyone
September 7, 2011
9/2011 Klaus Issler, professor of Christian ed and theology, explores what it means to make room in our hearts for God, to spend time with God, and to deepen our friendship with God. Klaus does a good job of presenting issues through multiple theological frameworks. He did a great job with the idea of prayer across the spectrum from free will to predestination.
February 21, 2013
Some good points, but, like almost everything that comes out of Biola, it has some theological deficiency. Issler is basically providing a supplement to Dallas Willard's views. But I think Issler comes off as more well grounded and does a better job.
October 8, 2013
My biggest knock on this book is that the author strings so many quotes together from outside material and other authors that it really makes it a rough book to read. If anything, it's best suited as a reference book, not something to read from cover to cover.
June 12, 2009
This book basically unpacks this verse:
Come near to God and he will come near to you. - James 4:8
Come near to God and he will come near to you. - James 4:8
December 16, 2012
I chose not to finish this book because I found it to be to dull. It is an academic approach to intimacy with God. Someone with that learning preference might enjoy it!
February 16, 2014
My second time to read the book. Well-written, very deep theologically and biblically. I especially loved the chapter on Partnership (prayer).
March 15, 2007
this book changed my life
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews