In “Dug Down Deep: Building Your Life on Truths that Last”, Joshua Harris covers the basics of his Christian faith in 231 easy-to-read pages. Unlike many theological books written for the average believer, Josh is obviously gifted when it comes to getting a complex idea across without dumbing down its message or using so many unfamiliar terms that you don’t understand it. He reminds me somewhat of Max Lucado in his writing style, unafraid to use plain English and even throwing in a fragment or two on occasion.

Orthodoxy, a term introduced early on by Harris, seems to be his goal throughout the book. He introduces his reader to the “established, proven, cherished truths of the faith”¹, but little more than that. Topics like justification, redemption, and the Trinity are covered, while controversial issues such as predestination are largely avoided. Honestly, this is probably a good thing since I found myself disagreeing with him on many of the deeper issues he covered. For example:

“These days I find myself less interested in the labels of charismatic and non-charismatic, less interested in arguing about whether there is a distinct “baptism of the Spirit” or only ongoing fillings of the Spirit throughout the Christian’s life, less interested in whether gifts like tongues and prophecy still function today.”

“Personally, I do speak in tongues. And I’ve been encouraged by it…”²

It should go without saying that, if somebody regularly speaks in tongues, they should be very interested in whether or not it is even a gift available to them. Unfortunately chapter nine, entirely about the Holy Spirit, seemed wishy-washy to me and called very few things certain other than that there is indeed a Holy Spirit and raised more questions than it answered. Whether or not this reflects the beliefs of the author or simply his unwillingness to step on any toes I don’t know, but I was certainly disappointed in the lack of certainty he presented on this crucial topic.

Overall, even though this book is one I may someday read again, it’s not something I would recommend to a Christian seeking to establish their beliefs but rather to those already “dug down deep” and able to exercise discernment. If at this point you’re still willing to give it a try, my advice is to head to the library before you head to the bookstore.

My Rating: 3/5 Stars.

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¹ Page 14.

² Page 184.

Disclaimer: I received this book free from the publisher in exchange for my honest review. I was not required to write a positive review and all expressed opinions are my own.

Whereas ye know not what shall be on the morrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapor, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away.”
                                                           -James 4:14

As much as I appreciate the blessing of tomorrow, I’ve also come to see it as a blessing too often abused. Though most people will readily admit their life could be snuffed out at any time, for some reason we continue to live as if there is always another page to be turned, another chapter to be written. Like the rich man in Luke 12 who fell into the lap of luxury only to “fall into the hands of the living God” when he least expected it (Heb. 10:31), many times we embrace unnecessary responsibilities today while postponing what God says is truly important until tomorrow.

What do I mean by unnecessary responsibilities? Well, let’s start with the obvious. Hunting trips, shopping ventures, and web surfing are all nonessentials. We could live without them if it became necessary. More subtle distractions such as extra-biblical literature and blogging may at times seem indispensible, but even these should be a distant second to our God and our family. We as Christians are called to demonstrate faithfulness, not just in the “big” things, but in the countless smaller responsibilities that shape our character and mold our relationships (Matt 25:23).

Of course that’s not to say whatever is unnecessary can also be categorized as sin. Solomon himself believed “there is nothing better for a man, than that he should eat and drink, and that he should make his soul enjoy good in his labor.” (Eccl. 2:24) Our lives are a gift from God and should be enjoyed in holiness (Heb. 12:14), but putting your family on hold to accommodate a self-induced busy schedule is a sacrifice no one can afford to make.

“Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye pay tithe of mint and anise and cummin, and have omitted the weightier matters of the law, judgment, mercy, and faith: these ought ye to have done, and not to leave the other undone.”

               -Matthew 23:23

Just like the Pharisees, how often have we allowed our zeal for God to tear us down rather than build us up? Peter cutting off Malchus’ ear when His Savior’s life was threatened revealed an inner passion worth emulating, but in the end he earned only a rebuke from the One he was attempting to defend (John 18:10-11). Is it any different when a Christian passionate about truth spends more time reading Bible commentary than the Word of God itself, or can quote their favorite theologian more fluently than their risen Lord? We procrastinate making the changes we know are needed but somehow always make room for the lesser things we could do without. Isn’t it true that “procrastination is the thief of time”¹ God calls us to redeem (Eph. 5:16)?

God has a special blessing in store for those who make Him, not religion or good works, the focus of their heart and the love of their life. We “shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ” someday to answer for the decisions we’ve made (Rom. 14:10), and this reality should encourage God’s church in the pursuit of holiness and “faith unfeigned.” (1 Tim. 1:5) There’s no need to wait until the 1^st of January to enact these commitments. Act now! Determine what you must do, put your hand to the plow, and don’t look back (Luke 9:62). It’s this kind of dedication we need to break the chains “tomorrow” can so easily ensnare us with.

¹ Edward Young

Two years ago today, A Look at Life from a Deerstand was born. It would be four long months before I received a comment from anyone besides family, and over a year until I reached 100 followers. I poured my heart into this blog every day, and yet at first the rewards of this effort were delayed.

Since that time, I’ve been astounded at how many visitors have discovered this little piece of cyberspace (3,581 unique visitors and counting!), and even more amazed at how often my efforts to encourage others have turned into a direct blessing to my own soul. Every time I see a new word of encouragement posted at the end of my most recent devotional, or receive an e-mail from a new follower, I’m encouraged with the thought that this work has truly been worth however much time it’s required.

None of this would possible without God and His miraculous grace, or worth it without my amazing readers from all over the world. This simple blog has been displayed in all 50 states and over 60 countries including Tanzania, Indonesia, Thailand, Morocco, Egypt and Spain. Only the Lord can be credited for taking the restricted message of Christianity into the home of someone in Cairo who may never read another Scripture in his life! The only thing that could make this better is to know it pleased God to make room for this simple website in His grand plan of spreading the Gospel.

I know that I’ve been unable to post as frequently as I did 12 months ago, but I still rejoice in the blessing of my readers and take every word I type seriously. I can’t say what the next year will hold, but can only hope it will be as great as the last two have been and that you’ll be along for the ride!

In “Ascent from Darkness”, once-practicing Satanist Michael Leehan shares the story of his life and conversion to Christianity in a book unlike any you’ve ever read. The details of his involvement with the dark side are documented in such a way that opens your eyes to the reality of the spiritual realm, while also demonstrating God’s superiority over Satan and the carnal weapons of his warfare.

Yet despite this book’s ability to hold my attention throughout its entirety, I closed it mostly dissatisfied.

Like the cover art itself, this book seemed to be primarily about darkness with a ray of light shining through only at the very end. Of the 226 pages authored by Leehan, it wasn’t until page 212 that I read of his actual repentance and professed salvation, and so finished reading without much of the encouragement the title caused me to anticipate. I’m not at all questioning the sincerity of Michael’s testimony or the authenticity of his experience, but would caution any would-be readers to take up this book with much prayer and careful consideration as I also found myself questioning his interpretation of many spiritual experiences and was disappointed in the lack of a Gospel presentation.

This is definitely not a book to sit down and read as a family, but at the same time could probably benefit the right person should it fall into their hands. To that end I give it three out of five stars and am interested in seeing what else may be published by this new author.

Disclaimer: I received this book free from the publisher in exchange for my honest review. I was not required to write a positive review and all expressed opinions are my own.

“Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.”

               -Hebrews 13:5</

In these difficult economic times, many have turned to the lottery as a source of hope in overcoming debt and poverty. Unfortunately, the average consumer will spend far more playing the lottery than they will ever actually win. That’s why lotto companies are able to give a large share of their revenue to educational programs and yet still have millions to give away to that truly lucky individual who manages to win something.

What many fail to understand as they hand over their hard-earned cash in exchange for that microscopic chance of winning more, is that the lottery is a virtual tax on the poor. The possibility of being struck by a car and killed on your way to cash in is even greater than the chances of you winning in the first place! Nonetheless, these companies continue to rake in untold millions from the poor while awarding grants and scholarships to the rich and middle class as justification for their actions.

In addition to the foolishness of betting money on something that will never, ever happen, research has shown that the lucky winner is not always better off after winning. Many become drug-addicts, divorcees, and filers of bankruptcy. Billie Bob Harrell, winner of the $31 million Texas jackpot, admitted that winning the lottery was the worst thing that ever happened to him shortly before he committed suicide to end his miserable earthly life.

Certainly a statistically unsound investment, there are many ways to grow the money you would otherwise waste in hopes of winning the jackpot. Consider, for example, depositing the money you spend on that daily lotto ticket into a bank account or retirement fund. Even a low interest rate will eventually net you more than you’ll ever win playing the lottery – and that’s a guarantee, not a one in 18,000,000 chance!