I said that I would share what I feel that God is doing in me through Crazy Love once I was able to wrap my head around it myself. I haven’t yet. So, don’t let this post lead you to believe that I’ve figured it all out just yet. But, I can share this much…….
I don’t feel like I’m falling in love with Jesus all over again.
I feel like I’m falling in love with Him for the very first time.
There are so many things that God has been working in me that I find it difficult to condense into one blog post every single thing. But, let me share the first thing that caught my attention in Francis Chan’s amazing book.
Psalm 115:3 says, “Our God is in heaven; he does whatever pleases him.” Chan is describing that God is all-powerful. He writes, “Yet we keep on questioning Him: ‘Why did you make me with this body, instead of that one?’ ‘Why are so many people dying of starvation?’ Why are there so many planets with nothing living on them?’ ‘Why is my family so messed up?’ ‘Why don’t You make Yourself more obvious to the people who need You?’”
Or, if you’re like me, you might ask, “Why couldn’t chocolate be one of the major food groups?”
Chan goes on to explain, “Because He’s God. He has more of a right to ask us why so many people are starving……Can you worship a God who isn’t obligated to explain His actions to you?”
How many times have I said or you said or we heard someone say, “When I get to heaven I’m going to ask Jesus why He let this happen” or “why he let that happen.”
We can all make such ridiculous proclamations. But the truth is this. When we meet our Savior, the Creator of all things, face to face, the only words I think will come out of our mouths are “Holy, Holy, Holy.”
Because, He is.
Now, I do part from Chan a bit in Chapter Five. While, I understand the heart of what he saying, my theological foundation – or better said, my heart – does not bear witness with part of it. However, the bottom line in this chapter is simply that God wants us to live wholly-committed to Him. And, I cannot argue that point.
To be honest, I enjoyed being challenged in Chapter Five. It caused me to search my own heart and search scriptures. We should never come to a place in our spiritual journey where we are resistant to challenge or closed to change. It’s a catalyst for growth.
So, do I recommend Francis Chan’s Crazy Love? You bet I do. And, one of you fortunate commenters are gonna win your very own copy! Woo-hoo!
By leaving a comment you are automatically entered into my very untechnological drawing – but honest one. (Mom, you are not allowed to enter. It could look suspicious if you win. And, if you won, I’d draw again for my own integrity’s sake. I’m sure you understand.)
Comments close on Monday, July 28th at 11:00 AM CST. Winner will be announced on or around the following Tuesday. Yep. On or around.
Get to commenting!
DustyTakle.com 
Can i win lollllllllllll…..IN JOB GOD IS THE GOD WHO WOES NO MAN AN ANSWER….think about it….
If I comment and win this one can I win another give-away?
If I comment and win this one am I eligible to win another giveaway?
Judy, yes you are elible. Where were you when I created dustytakle dot com? Get it? Job stuff? Nevermind.
Bonnie, only one comment counts. Sorry. 🙂
OK – I’ll wait to buy it just in case I win it! Can’t wait to read.
Hey girl, you know I love books. What is elible? I want to be one too, lol.
Love ya,
Meem
Ahhhhhhhhhh…I was just about to ask if I could enter more than once!
Does being the FIRST to comment help me lolllllllllllll
This sounds interesting. Pick me!
Robin, good thinking!
Margaret, you are eligible. You just can’t be entering for mom since she is not 🙂
Judy, I think you just like to win…..anything.
Count me in…..:)
I think God wants me to win. He knows I need all the help I can get!
Dusty,
To quote Anna, “God wivs in my heart too, and He wants me to know more about His wuv!!! Pick me!!!
See I didn’t answer your “where were you” get it ;-D
Would love the chance to win…..
Dusty,
I will leave a true comment, and I might no have time to read the book. So, if I win, just give it to Margaret, then she can loan it to your mother. 🙂
When we question God, we presume to already know the correct answer to our situation or our problem. How many times has something gone “wrong” only to find out we were directed to a different path. For example, when my office caught fire and burned. I could not see why it happened, but ultimately I ended up with a new office and business really grew. My point is simple. Do we see the full picture, or does God see the whole picture. Sometimes, when God does not violate our own free will we are surprised when we suffer consequenses. Sometimes, for no apparent reason, things we view as bad happen to good people. Why do bad things happen to good people? I don’t know, but I have to presume God does know. Otherwise, I demote God in my mind,and do not give him the preemminence He deserves. I do know that God created us for one reason – to have fellowship with Him. The greatest pleasure He derives is for us to exercise our free will to worship Him….in spite of our view of the circumstances.
…whatever is true, whatever is worthy of reverence and is honorable and seemly, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely and lovable, whatever is kind and winsome and gracious, if there is any virtue and excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think on and weigh and take account of these things…Philippians 4:8 (amplified)
Well, your mom and I could definitely share the book!!! I might even read some of it to Ken. Keep us three in the running.
Love ya,
Meem
Shelley, you got it!
Betsey, you might be right. Oh, I jest.
Linda, I wuv you, too.
Judy, yes, yes….I get it.
Gayla, you’re in the pot!
Ken, good stuff. If Margaret wins, she will read it aloud to you. Good for her. Good for you.
Margaret, please read to Ken. Or, tell him to take the book to the lake.
Now, I’m not sure that is fair!! Okay, whoever wins…..can you pass is on to me since I am not eligible to win….Still don’t get why….lol What if I agree with everyone’s comment would that work? could I win? Oh well….maybe I can enter your “next” big give away..like a trip to Okc to see you 🙂 I am so proud of you and love you very much!
OKKKKKK WE WILL ALL TAKE UP A COLLECTION AND BUY BG THE BOOK….I AM WITH YOU BG….I DON’T KNOW WHYYYYYY (GET IT DUSTY) YOU CAN’T WIN TOO….
WOW DR. MULLIS…I DO THINK YOU ARE A THEOLOGIAN!!!!!
Dusty,
Always remember that some of God’s greatest gifts are HIS unanswered prayers and that if HE answered every question that we have, it would leave us with no need for FAITH.
either pick me. or tell me where to get this book. because today it has become very obvious to me that I have been questioning and doubting God because i felt he wouldn’t come through for me because i don’t deserve it. obviously, this outlook has to change. and pray for my board exam tomorrow!
Ha ha ha, all of the replys were so funny! Good laugh! Well, this was a subject that brings thoughts of curiosity up in my heart, if I hurt, when pain comes in, someone else’s life, as a burden bearer, I have an ok time with it, if I pray with the person, to see them find some peace, or they converse with me. But if there is not relief, it is my issue to struggle in my emotions, battle, in my heart, and I do checks, with the word of God, or call a good friend, Not connected with the situation. But TRY not to wonder why, TRY now…lol, but I think of our examples, Job, or thought of how God pieced this earth together, and think, “I couldn’t do that”!! LOL, or just the magnificence of God Himself, how He loves us, when not everyone can love everyone in this world!! I know it is long, but it stirred up thoughts in my heart. Love the subject, may the person who needs this book the most, win!! lol, love, Lynn
Just realized what Bonnie was trying to say….she may like a future give-away better than this one and doesn’t want to win this book if she can win something better….AH I RAISED HER WELL LOL
Does it have pictures? I went to GHS and can’t read…..especially really small font!
Mom, I will make it up to you.
Judy, Dr. Ken is, indeed, of the theologian sort. And, still hasn’t gotten to speak….except in India. He is revered there – and he saved me life by bringing jelly beans.
Pastor JD, Amen!!!
Michel, I am praying for your exam. And remember, just I love to give good gifts to JH and Anna, how much more the Father wants to give us! You come from the best of stock – and more importantly, the One who gave His life for you is within you. You can’t lose. Ever.
Lynn, leave it to Judy to keep the comments entertaining. Always. You should hop over to the Swerve blog sometimes and watch her have fun there.
Judy, I KNOW Bonnie’s concerns. And, I know she’d rather have a handbag give-away than a book. Hands down. That’s my girl!
Brenda, no pictures, but there is a web site wtih chapter videos!! Even better!
Chan is ridiculous, in a good way. I was watching some of his stuff the other night and it jacked me up… that dude is the real deal, left his church for months, calls out our lukewarmness, inspires us to be real…!
I personally have not started “Crazy Love” because… well, I don’t know if my brain can handle it right now. 😉
My brain could probably handle a free copy 🙂 speaking of Free- don’t I still owe you and Cindy Beall a drink or something. I paid off the winners from Detroit and Canada, just not my local peeps.
Commenters come out of the woodworks for free stuff!
Scott, we all love FREE!!!
Dusty,
Thanks for sharing! Funny enough? I have that book at my desk right now. So, please give it to someone else should I be picked as the winner.
And you were just lifted up again… just this moment.
Camey
I think Pastor JD is plagiarizing GARTH BROOKS!
I figured that I would just help run these comments up since they are on a roll. Is it just me or am I the only guy that commented on this post… I should probably have a complex… not so much; I’m the guy that doesnt care what people think!
dusty draw my name…you know i need it the most 🙂 i can trade you a week at the beach of longing and being waited on:) er…let me check mike’s schedule first.
Camey, thank you!
Judy, I think EVERYONE has plagiarized the G-Man.
Scott, thanks for comment boost. No worries, you are male commenter #3. 3 out of 17 isn’t so bad, eh?
Shari, I’m pulling for you. You’re the first to offer a week on the beach. Sounds like a pretty fair trade.
I am shocked at what people are willing to do to win a prize. And I’m not easily shocked. *ps make sure my name is in the pot **hehehehehe
all i have to say is … PASTOR JD??!?!? holy moly!
wow this is one way to get comments! i would love to read this book!
Sounds like a great book!
Thought you were going to “loan” me your copy…however,my own would be wonderful! Total side bar…Kristen makes me laugh!!!
Now that I’ve read all these, I guess I have to comment too! Kinda cool to see who all reads your blog. Didn’t know since I hadn’t seen some of their comments before! The only bigger spike you could get on your blog hits would be the following:
Obama
McCain
The Lakeland Revival