Congratulations to Jeremy (aka Jeremy-n-Elizabeth) who won our first T4G Book Giveaway. If you are not Jeremy do not frown. I will be giving away two more books next week, so stay tuned.
Note to Jeremy—Email me your mailing address so I can ship this book out to you.
Apparently the question of “how do I know God’s will for my life” is not confined to our modern era. John Newton dealt with this same question. I was encouraged that his answer is similar to what mine often is. After showing the danger of subjective experiences Newton offers this advice:
In general, God guides and directs His people, by affording them, in answer to prayer, the light of his Holy Spirit, who enables them to understand and to love the Scriptures. The word of God furnishes us with just principles, and right apprehensions, to regulate our judgments and affections, and thereby to influence and direct our conduct. Those who study the Scriptures, in a humble dependence upon Divine teaching, are taught to make a true estimate of everything around them, and are gradually formed into a spirit of submission to the will of God. They thereby discover the nature and duties of their several situations and relations in life, and the snares and temptations to which they are exposed.
You may want to read this entire letter, it will be well worth your time. But most of probably will not click that link, 
so allow me to summarize. Newton begins the letter by discouraging such subjective things as “casting lots”, “opening the bible at a venture”, “a sudden strong impression of a text”, “freedom in prayer”, and “a remarkable dream”. I think Newton would be quick to add—some of our modern devices; such as a feeling of peace, a word of knowledge, circumstances, or signs.
Newton’s advice is simple. Really get to know the revealed will of God and you will have no trouble walking after the Lord. He is following in the stream of Augustine, “Love God and do what you want”. Spend your time being transformed by the written Word and you will be more apt to follow after the Lord’s steps. Do away with all this subjective, crystal-ball searching, mumbo-jumbo!
If you are interested in an excellent little book on this topic check out Kevin DeYoung’s book: Just Do Something. Read my review, here, and if you are interested click on the $8.79 and buy yourself a copy.
Author: Donald Whitney
Pages: 266 pages
Publisher: NavPress
Price: 15.99
Genre: Christian Living
Quick Summary:
I have had the privilege to sit under the teaching of Dr. Whitney in seminary. I jokingly tell people that he “wrote the book on Spiritual Disciplines”. I am actually only partially joking; this is perhaps the best and most God-centered book on the spiritual disciplines. The back cover sums up the book well, “by illustrating why the disciplines are important, showing how each one will help you grow in godliness, and offering practical suggestions for cultivating them on a long-term basis, [this book] will provide you with a refreshing opportunity to embrace life’s greatest pursuit—the pursuit of holiness—through a lifelong delight in the Disciplines”.
What I Liked:
This book is different from many other books on the Spiritual Disciplines. This book is different because it flows from a deep gospel center. Dr. Whitney truly believes that enjoyment is found in Christ alone. The disciplines are simply ways for us to experience more of Jesus and thereby experience more joy.
Sometimes when you read books on the spiritual disciplines you come away from each chapter feeling as if you have little oxygen and now you are being called upon to climb Mt. Everest. After leaving each chapter of this book you feel as if you have been supplied with an endless supply of oxygen and Mt. Everest looks like a climbable hill. This is the case because each chapter is gospel-saturated. Whitney writes in a compelling fashion and draws from the depths of the rich heritage left before us.
What I Disliked:
There are some places in this book that need updated. A second edition would be phenomenal. After sitting in his class I know that Dr. Whitney has much more for us to learn about the spiritual disciplines than what is included in this book. I wish that every lecture was made available for you free online. I think Dr. Whitney teaches better than he writes. This is not to say that this book is not compelling and a great read, it is to say that he is a phenomenal teacher. (By the way I’ve already received my grade for the class).
Should You Buy It?
Yes. It’s a pretty easy read and I believe God will use it to change your life. Even if you only read the chapter on praying through the Scriptures your walk with Christ will deepen.
Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
You have probably heard the name J.I. Packer. I am guessing you have also heard of Evangelism. And you may have even wondered how that fits with a robust doctrine of the sovereignty of God. Put those three together and you get this amazing book. It’s only 135 pages and it is jam-packed with awesomeness. And I am giving it away.
To be entered in the drawing is simple. If you subscribe to this blog on Google Reader or some other feed reader just leave your name and indicate in what way you subscribe to this blog. You will be given two chances to win. If you want to be a loser and not subscribe then all you have to do is leave your name and I will be forgiving and still enter you into the drawing.
Your chance to win will end this Friday at 11:59 pm. I will be drawing a winner and announcing it on Saturday. Even if you do not win you can buy this gem for under 10 bucks.
UPDATE: Congratulations to Jeremy! If you are not Jeremy do not fear you will have another chance to win next week. Stay Tuned!