I want to shift gears for a moment in this post.   I mentioned in this post last week that I planned on reviewing the new book by Artie Davis.  I want to call Artie a friend, but calling someone a friend implies a “relationship” with that person.  Well, I know Artie.  I read his blog.  I have corresponded with him.  I have attended theSticks conference in Orangeburg, SC that he hosts.  But to call him a friend would be a little much.

TO CALL HIM SOMEONE I WOULD LOVE TO WORK UNDER AND/OR PICK HIS BRAIN WOULD BE FAR MORE ACCURATE!!

When I saw that Artie was releasing a book called Craveable and he was looking for people to help get the word out, I couldn’t jump fast enough.  I gotta tell you folks…I was NOT disappointed.  I wasn’t sure what to expect to be honest.  Would it be another “Here’s how to do church” book?  Would it be another one of the thousands of “Here’s how you fix yourself” books?  Would it  be another “We-all-need-God-more-so-here-are-xxxx-easy-steps-to-get-there” book?   I repeat: I honestly had no clue what to expect.  But I pre-ordered it and waited.  When it came I was in the process of reading another book, but laid it aside to get into Craveable.

I was not disappointed.  I attacked this book like most others. I read the Forward by Pastor Ron Edmonson, then Artie’s Introduction, and was ready to jump into reading the book.  Craveable is not designed to  be read in huge chunks.  It is designed to be read a chapter a day (3-4 pages average).  Each chapter includes a target statement, a bullet point, and a burning question.  Artie wants you to think as you read.  Mull things over.  Meditate on them.   He has actually set it up to be read in 40 days (no comparison though to that other 40 day book).  🙂  For the purpose of this review I read a few chapters here and there, but I cannot give a complete review until I have done all 40 days.   My plan is to begin using Craveable on March 1 during my daily encounter time with God.  I plan to keep my journal handy and transfer some of my highlighted thoughts to my journal.  If it does what I think it will do, I will definitely be recommending it to the church.

I DON’T SUGGEST YOU GET THIS BOOK AND THINK “I WILL READ THIS ALL THE WAY THROUGH JUST LIKE EVERY OTHER BOOK.”

I suspect Artie would be disappointed with anyone taking that approach.  His premise is simple: Peoples’ perception of Jesus comes from  His followers.  “If we act like a jerk, they will think Jesus is a jerk.  If we act out in love, they will think Jesus is love.”  (p.6)  We need to become craveable to those around us.

Have you ordered Craveable yet?  You can do so by clicking on the icon in the margin.   Artie asked me to read and review his book-good or bad.  I received no compensation for it.