Wasting Time With God : A Christian Spirituality of Friendship With God - Softcover

Issler, Klaus; Houston, James

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0830822801 ISBN 13: 9780830822805

Publisher: IVP, 2001

Synopsis

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.

About this title

About the Author:

Klaus Issler (Ph.D., Michigan State) is professor of Christian education and theology in the Ph.D. program in educational studies at Talbot School of Theology, Biola University, in La Mirada, California.

Review:

"This book is eminently practical while remaining rooted in good theory based on Scripture and theology. . . . It is a book for all seasons, for all believers. Worth 'wasting time' to read!" (Christian Education Journal, (Spring 2002))

"Issler's treatment, solidly grounded in Scripture and carefully researched across a broad spectrum of sources, provides a welcome antidote to the exhausting and draining message of modern society. . . . It deserves a wide circulation and possesses many valuable principles for granting busy readers the permission to 'waste time with God' and grow more deeply in the most eternal relationship we will ever experience." (Calvin Theological Journal)

"In Wasting Time with God, Klaus Issler compellingly connects knowing and loving God with our ability as members of the body of Christ to know and love one another. Christian women in particular who intuitively resonate with the community aspects of faith will be enriched by the author's biblically sound insights into the correlation between rich relationships with one another and an increasingly intimate relationship with our God. This work of the heart is an honest quest to move beyond a primarily 'cerebral' faith to an increasingly intimate relational one with the divine--a quest made significant by its refreshing integration of intellectual excellence, sound theological scholarship and spiritual humility. Issler has also created a welcome voice of balance on the person and work of the third person of the Trinity. For those who have tended to ignore the person and work of the Holy Spirit, Wasting Time with God is an articulate reminder that he is there to know and experience more fully." (Beth Grant, missionary/educator to Southern Asia and national chairperson for Task Force for Women in Ministry, Assemblies of God)

"So many Christians are consumed with the perceived busyness of their faith. They forget that their relationship with God is meant to be personal and intimate, characterized by a deep enjoyment of him. In his book Wasting Time with God, Klaus Issler reminds us of the simple joy and pleasure of being God's friend, and provides guidelines for communication and a closer, more intimate relationship." (Bill and Vonette Bright, Campus Crusade for Christ)

"I love the title, and I know I shall love the book! Anything that helps people intentionally put themselves into his presence and apply his dynamic life-changing Word has to be read, marked, learned and inwardly digested." (Jill Briscoe)

"My greatest prayer for women is that they spend time with God. Life is so much better the deeper our friendship is with God. Klaus Issler explains to our hearts and minds who God is and how to deepen that friendship." (Pam Farrel, codirector, Masterful Living, and author of Woman of Influence)

"Wasting Time with God is hardly a waste of time. It is a nuts and bolts discussion of how to grow in intimacy with God. It is clearly written and well grounded. This is a book well worth reading and wasting lots of time on. I highly recommend it." (Darrell L. Bock, Dallas Theological Seminary)

"The testimony of this book is that relationship--even friendship--with God is possible. More importantly, the stunning affirmation of the book is that the eternal God wants friendship with his people." (Linda Cannell, professor, educational ministries, Trinity Evangelical Divinity School, Deerfield, Illinois)

"[Wasting Time with God] is more than a solid piece of scholarship; it is a feast of personal, practical spirituality. . . . It is refreshing to see a book that addresses the head and the heart with such effectiveness." (J. P. Moreland, Talbot School of Theology, Biola University)

"The single most urgent task facing the people of Christ today is to present a vision and a reality of life in God now that is adequate to the plain teachings of the New Testament and is realistic in the contemporary setting. Klaus Issler makes a huge contribution to that end with his highly intelligent, informed and practical book, Wasting Time with God. I recommend it strongly to individuals and to leaders among the multitudes now seeking the life that is life indeed. It is plain, solid instruction on how to 'seek first the kingdom of God and his rightness' in such a way that you find them." (Dallas Willard, author of The Divine Conspiracy)

About this edition

• Publisher: IVP
• Publication date: 2001
• ISBN 10: 0830822801
• ISBN 13: 9780830822805
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 296