Seeking the Face of God

by Gary L. Thomas

All Christians face struggles, doubts, and temptations. In this passionate call to a deeper walk, Gary Thomas reveals his own spiritual journey and shares the wisdom he has gained from believers of the past. The result is encouraging, challenging, and intimate.

Genres: Christian, Christian Living, Spirituality, Nonfiction, Christianity, Faith, Devotional

243 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1994

About the author

Gary Thomas is a bestselling author and international speaker whose ministry brings people closer to Christ and closer to others. He unites the study of Scripture, church history, and the Christian classics to foster spiritual growth and deeper relationships within the Christian community.

Gary is the author of 20 books, including "Sacred Marriage" and "Cherish", that together have sold over two million copies, have been translated into more than a dozen languages, and won numerous awards . His writings have established him as a thought-leader in the areas of marriage, parenting, and spiritual formation.

Gary holds a B.A. in English Literature from Western Washington University, an MA degree in systematic theology from Regent College (Vancouver, BC), and an honorary Doctor of Divinity degree from Western Seminary (Portland, OR).

He serves on the teaching team (and as Writer in Residence) at Second Baptist Church, Houston—a congregation with six campuses and 70,000 members—and is an adjunct faculty member at Western Seminary in Portland, Oregon and Houston Theological Seminary in Houston Texas.

Gary’s speaking ministry has led him to speak in 49 states and nine different countries, and on numerous national television and radio programs, including multiple appearances on Focus on the Family and Family Life Today. Gary’s interviews on Focus on the Family have been chosen among the “Best of 2013,” “Best of 2014” and “Best of 2017.” Gary is a lifelong advocate of using the Christian classics to bring people closer to Christ.

Gary enjoys running in his spare time and has completed 14 marathons, including the Boston Marathon three times. He and his wife Lisa have been married for 35 years and they have three adult children and the smartest, cutest, most adorable granddaughter on the planet.

Gary Thomas – Bringing people closer to Christ and closer to others.

Reviews

[Quirkyreader · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a good bookend with “25 Books Every Christian Should Read”.

This book deals with lessons from the Christian classics. The irony of it all, as I was reading this I was also reading “The Imitation of Christ” by Thomas A Kempis. So something I just read or about to read showed up in Thomas’s book at the same time.

There are many heartfelt lessons and truths in this book. And if you look at it in certain way, it can put a whole to perspective to things.

I have been sharing and recommending this to my friends. Give this one a go.

[Shirley Chapel · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've enjoyed reading this book. I've learned a lot from it. This book is not one that can be read quickly because it is very deep. I read maybe half a chapter then thought about what I'd read the rest of the day.This has allowed me to sort through what I had read and how I can apply it to my Christian growth.
The author, Gary Thomas recommends that readers should read Seeking the Face of God at least three times in order to retain what they have gained from the first read. I feel that this book has helped me and I'm glad that I choose to read it. I will read it again . I recommend this book to all Christians who want to grow in their faith. This is not a book that you will want to read once and then put it on the self to collect dust.

[Richard Lawrence · Rating 4 out of 5]

To summarise this book briefly is not trivial nor have I remembered any pithy quotes with which to lead, it is a primer of sorts on piety.

Gary Thomas's aim is to distill the wisdom of christian devotional "classics" and present this distilled wisdom for modern christians. His target audience appears to be primarily mainstream American evangelicals though that doesn't hidden the broader applicability of the book.

The book presents a lot of practical helpful wisdom for daily christian living, spiritual growth and perseverance in the christian life. It's wisdom is to a point that I was partially tempted to rate it 6/5.

It has 2 key weaknesses:
1. The focus on practical piety is often to the point of excluding the grace that ought to be foundational - this is mentioned repeatedly but not applied or directed as clearly as I believe it ought to be.
2. The authority given for much of the wisdom is a somewhat nebulously defined set of "classics" of christian devotion - this set is broad enough to include Ignatius Loyola, John Calvin and AW Tozer who clearly disagreed on an enormous amount of important things. Most of the wisdom in this book can be traced to the bible and yet Gary Thomas only presents scripture for maybe 30-40% of his points backing the rest with seemingly eclectic selections from the "classics".

Who would I reccomend this too?
I think the wisdom in this book could benefit almost any christian - it has certainly been helpful to me, however the two weaknesses are significant which give me some pause in recommending this to christians who don't already have a high level of discernment.

[Courtney · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was INCREDIBLE! I'm not sure if it was written this way, but I read a chapter daily as a devotional. God's timing is perfect, and I am so grateful for the divine timing in reading this book. It was transformational for my spiritual growth and faith in God. Thomas utilizes the classics to educate and share about spiritual growth and provides actionable/practical things to consider to apply to our own lives. I would recommend it to anyone who is interested in growing in their faith and have actually purchased it for many friends. I will plan on reading this book annually.

[Grace Rockwell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Next to the Bible, this book has brought me closer to Christ than any others. It is a masterpiece that will transform your faith into something grander than you could even imagine. Do not miss this!!!

[Kelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

An incredible book. Life changing, really. One I plan to read again and again.

[Alan]

When a book concerning spiritual formation comes up on a class reading list, I normally shutter at the thought of reading it. Most books on this subject are shallow attempts to expound deeply theological passages regarding sanctification. It is into this particular context that Thomas wrote his book on sanctification. In addition to an examination of scripture, the author incorporates historical Christianity in order to demonstrate the reality of sanctification. This is one of those books that has radically altered my paradigm concerning Christian living.

[Brian · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was my fourth time through Thomas’s study of the spiritual classics. There is much that I appreciate about this book—which is one reason I keep returning to it. Several of the chapters are worth their weight in gold. My favorite chapters are: “Training the Body and Soul,” Cultivating the Quiet,” “Living in a Dying World”, and “Seasons of the Soul.” Also read in 1996, July 2000, and in April 2017

[Debi Walter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mr. Thomas shares candidly how the classic authors of the past still speak to us today about this goal of every Christian - to know and love God more. It is filled with truths worth underlining and applying to life today. One of the best books I've read in a long time. Every page spoke volumes to me.

[Larry Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a mirror held in front of my face, edifying me by challenging me to think from a Biblical perspective about the state of my own soul. By covering the full spectrum of the human experience, the author helps the reader examine their soul in order to remove barriers to a more intimate relationship with God.

[Chad · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gary is one of my favorite guys to read on spiritual growth. I like his tendancy to cite long passages from Christian classics...feels like you're reading a synopsis of what the great's through time have to say on each topic.

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

A good book to read very slowly -- one short chapter a day made it last for six weeks. Some of the classic Christian authors he describes are new discoveries for me (like Climacus) and some I already love (like Fenelon). A deeply moving and convicting book.

[Lesley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Gary Thomas is an excellent writer, and his books never disappoint me. He is clearly well-read, wise, and not afraid to share things he struggles with. His writing speaks to me in a beautiful way, and I think it will speak to you also.

[Lucy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I cannot possibly write words that would accurately describe the effect this book has had on my heart. There is so much soul-shattering truth in this book, and I know I will be coming back to it time and again. A MUST-READ.

[Ashley Bell · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the best, most helpful, perspective-shifting books I’ve ever read. I continue to reread every year. I take it on every trip I go on. Highly recommend.
(I wouldn’t necessarily recommend for type A over-achievers. It’s more for type B, need a kick-in-the-pants type people…like me. ☺️)

[Taina · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this book when I was in college studying abroad and LOVED it. I'd like to re-read it at some point.

[Karen Locklear · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an AWESOME book. My friend Denise recommended it and I LOVE it! Sticky notes galore!!!

[T · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an excellent book that I am reading for the second time. There is so much we can learn from the ancient believers.

[Kelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of Gary's best - and that is saying a lot. This will be one of those books which I keep close by to refer to again and again.

[Michael Simental · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was the clarion call I didn’t realize I needed. (I read the revised and expanded edition: Thirsting for God)

[Timothy · Rating 3 out of 5]

The book’s content provoked thought and stirred my spirit in both positive and negative ways. Some aspects he pointed out and dwelt on seemed misdirected and focused on the wrong things, but that made me question what my focus was on and consider whether or not my efforts have been misdirected. So I appreciated the fact that the book made me think critically about how I viewed things. We went through the book in a house church and it’s content generated good discussions. I definitely don’t agree with Gary on everything and on some things I’d argue he’s got the right idea, but he’s coming at it from the wrong focus – but he helped me see some things in a new light and in a new way. I appreciate that.

[Jillian · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is truly a good book to read that will enhance your walk with God and spiritual life greatly. Gary is a wonderful author who proved numerous wonderful points about our relationship with God. I would recommend this to ANYONE who is in search of a true religious 'pick me up'.

[Pam · Rating 4 out of 5]

This authors easy style of writing encourages seeking God wholeheartedly. He is not afraid to use his own life examples to encourage love and devotion to God.

[Eric]

Sara and I are reading this together. It's a helpful guide to Christian growth by an evangelical, for evangelicals.

[Annette · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of my favorite books ever! It's definitely one worth reading more than once.

[Candy Shepard · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fantastic, inspiring read that leads readers to grow in their walk with God. Thomas is a great teacher who is unafraid to speak truth, no matter how painful it is.

[Nancy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is excellent

[Lori Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book once a year. Good reminders of what a gospel-centered walk looks like.

[Brian · Rating 4 out of 5]

After my third time through this book, I have a renewed appreciation for Thomas's insightful and sensitive reading of spiritual classics from the monastic, mystical, contemplative, and Puritan traditions. While Thomas doesn't address theological differences between Protestant, Roman Catholic, and Orthodox Christians, he does issue warnings here and there, especially about the dangers of legalism. Thomas also leans a little too much toward asceticism for my taste. But in spite of those criticisms, Thomas does a masterful job of culling insights from a broad swath of classic spiritual text, applying these insights to contemporary believers, and organizing them in a fresh, relevant way. There are insights in this book that I'm not sure I've found anywhere else - at least not expressed elsewhere with such clarity. I'm thinking especially of chapter 11, "The Seasons of the Soul," with its helpful discussion of spiritual climates, terrains, and stations in life. Final comment: I think Thomas's body of work has been very helpful in pushing Evangelicals to greater spiritual depth. But, much like A. W. Tozer, I think Thomas's work needs to be balanced with other emphases in spiritual life, found in books by authors like J. I. Packer, Don Whitney, and Jerry Bridges.