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Leaning into God When Life Is Pushing You Away
Robert A. Schuller explores the various ways individuals lose or experience interference with their connection to God. He explains that emotions such as shame, regret, fear, and disappointment can stand in the way of the intimate association God wants with His children.
The good news is that when His people are struggling, God stays close. There are many ways to reestablish a dynamic connection with Him. Schuller calls these "Connection Corrections" and leads readers through identifying communication barriers and how to break them. Each chapter delves into the reasons readers fail to connect with God, how to begin repairing the broken wires, and the life-altering benefits of restoring a positive, power-filled relationship with Him. Readers who feel adrift from God will no find that no barrier is too big to keep them from a close, loving relationship with Him.
The good news is that when His people are struggling, God stays close. There are many ways to reestablish a dynamic connection with Him. Schuller calls these "Connection Corrections" and leads readers through identifying communication barriers and how to break them. Each chapter delves into the reasons readers fail to connect with God, how to begin repairing the broken wires, and the life-altering benefits of restoring a positive, power-filled relationship with Him. Readers who feel adrift from God will no find that no barrier is too big to keep them from a close, loving relationship with Him.
272 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2009
About the author
Robert A. Schuller
34 books8 followersRobert Anthony Schuller is an American author, televangelist and television executive. He was formerly a minister on the Hour of Power weekly television program broadcast from the Crystal Cathedral in Orange County, California, where he was named senior pastor in 2006. An ordained minister, Schuller is the only son of Crystal Cathedral founders Robert H. Schuller and Arvella Schuller.
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
November 2, 2009
I won this book on Goodreads, and I was THRILLED! It sounded like just my kind of book as a devout Christian always seekiing to draw nearer to God and I was really excited to get into it when it came. Unfortunately, the two star rating "it was okay" is really all I can give it. I feel terrible about it and because this was my first "win" I'm worried I may not win at others, but I also feel the obligation to be honest.
First, the pace seemed really slow to me with a lot of filler and little meat. I felt as though in every chapter I was being told the same thing multiple times, as though it would reach the same climax over and over in a matter of a few pages and thus became kind of tedious. It seemed as though the book could have been much shorter and gotten the same points across.
Second, some of the anectodal stories at the beginning of most chapters seemed forced to me. Some worked well, but many left me without the satisfied feeling of "Oh, that's a GREAT example of that principle" or "Wow, I've never thought of that this way before." I think the idea behind them was good, but often either the telling was clumsy or the example didn't seem to bullseye the way I'd hoped it would.
Finally, and this is likely more due to the presentation than the content, I just didn't come away feeling as inspired as I'd so anticipated.
I think the book was okay. It might be great if you know beforehand what you're getting, and it might be just what you're looking for for yourself or for a friend. I think it has valuable content and could be a fabulous read for someone seeking a simple treatise on what it means to have faith, to come to know God and to trust in Him. Especially someone just starting out on that road in need of a kind hand to hold and some encouragement in the right direction. I was hoping for a little more inspiration, some more original ideas and maybe a more solid action plan to take in specific situations and I didn't feel I found that.
First, the pace seemed really slow to me with a lot of filler and little meat. I felt as though in every chapter I was being told the same thing multiple times, as though it would reach the same climax over and over in a matter of a few pages and thus became kind of tedious. It seemed as though the book could have been much shorter and gotten the same points across.
Second, some of the anectodal stories at the beginning of most chapters seemed forced to me. Some worked well, but many left me without the satisfied feeling of "Oh, that's a GREAT example of that principle" or "Wow, I've never thought of that this way before." I think the idea behind them was good, but often either the telling was clumsy or the example didn't seem to bullseye the way I'd hoped it would.
Finally, and this is likely more due to the presentation than the content, I just didn't come away feeling as inspired as I'd so anticipated.
I think the book was okay. It might be great if you know beforehand what you're getting, and it might be just what you're looking for for yourself or for a friend. I think it has valuable content and could be a fabulous read for someone seeking a simple treatise on what it means to have faith, to come to know God and to trust in Him. Especially someone just starting out on that road in need of a kind hand to hold and some encouragement in the right direction. I was hoping for a little more inspiration, some more original ideas and maybe a more solid action plan to take in specific situations and I didn't feel I found that.
December 9, 2009
This book, divided into six sections comprising a total of 30 chapters, covers life challenges in a logical sequence. With well selected true stories of ways other people have found to strengthen their faith or find God as their last resort, the author takes us or groups along a path in solving the smallest to the most difficult of life challenges with the help of God's Grace.
Rev Dr Robert Anthony Schuller is not "preaching" here from on high; in fact, only the good references inserted for further reading and the guide and questions posed at each chapter's end, remind the reader that this author is a learned preacher and more a story-teller, an historian type with an eye always on God!
Not a novel. Not a sermon. A book you will want to think about and relate it to yourself, your family and friends. And in the end, you will know that leaning into God is not saying you cannot do it but rather that you can do anything, by trusting and looking to God for His guidance.
Finally, if you do not need the wisdom of this book, you will at least find the words you may need to help someone else sometime and they will thank you!
Jan-Michael Wildeman
Rev Dr Robert Anthony Schuller is not "preaching" here from on high; in fact, only the good references inserted for further reading and the guide and questions posed at each chapter's end, remind the reader that this author is a learned preacher and more a story-teller, an historian type with an eye always on God!
Not a novel. Not a sermon. A book you will want to think about and relate it to yourself, your family and friends. And in the end, you will know that leaning into God is not saying you cannot do it but rather that you can do anything, by trusting and looking to God for His guidance.
Finally, if you do not need the wisdom of this book, you will at least find the words you may need to help someone else sometime and they will thank you!
Jan-Michael Wildeman
November 2, 2009
Reading this book was a profound and moving experience for me. It avoided a "preachy" tone that so many other religious books I read take on and instead focused on a more positive, encouraging approach. The true life stories that pepper the book enhance each chapter's message of overcoming daily adversity and letting that bring us closer to God instead of driving us apart. I highly recommend this encouraging book.
December 12, 2009
Won on first reads. As the world lost a great lady when my wonderful friend, Ramona, just passed away, this review will serve for her. She will be dearly missed and cancer will be cursed for taking her from us so young.
Very thought provoking and insightful!
Very thought provoking and insightful!
November 2, 2009
I received this book from Goodreads First Reads and I never got very far in this book...
It just wasn't very interesting.
It just wasn't very interesting.
Want to Read
November 2, 2009I won this book on First-reads
Want to Read
November 3, 2009I won this book on first-reads. Please check my friend Melissa Murphy's review for this book.
January 13, 2015
Grateful to the Author Robert A.Schuller for this wonderful book.
Inspiration for me and helped me when life was pushing me away.
Inspiration for me and helped me when life was pushing me away.
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews