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.
Looking forward to hearing your review. I will check things out. Love to feel your passion as you approach your devotionals. This is even more impressive to me as you have been at this for a long time. I love to witness consistency and sustained passion.
I would love to get your take on it also Daniel. Because of your “secular” job, you have to think differently than I do. Thanks for the kind words. 🙂
If it’s good enough for you,Bill, then it’s good enough for me.
Thanks Larry. As I said to Daniel, your work situation is so different than mine. I would love to hear your take on it as well.
Thanks for the brief review. I’ll look for the full review. The premise of the book makes sense to me.
I think it is a good premise. When I am done (probably mid April) I will post a full review.
Somehow, other than your blog, this book slipped beneath my radar. I love devotional style books like this that are intended to be read in brief chunks. I’ve found that reading books like this as I’m in bed getting ready to sleep is a wonderful and relaxing end to the day.
From what I can gather, Loren, you will like this book. It is designed for what you like.
I’ll definitely check it out. I clicked on the icon and it doesn’t take me anywhere. Is it on Amazon?
Did you click on the icon in the right margin? It will take you to Artie’s site. However, it is either too busy or has a glitch right now. It is on Amazon. You can go to Books I’m Reading and it will take you to it.
I was clicking the one up at the top… I got it. Looking forward to reading it… all in one sitting… Just kidding!
I don’t have the book, but I definitely like the approach and taking the 40 days. Thanks for the heads up, Bill!
Glad I could give you the heads up Jason. From what I can tell it will be a great study for a church-preaching and small groups. Hope you check it out.
Wow. That statement from pg. 6 is so true & I crave to read his book! haha. Sorry, it was a crazy 3rd grade day, seriously, the book sounds amazing.
You have my permission to be a little “off.” 🙂
Thank you for sharing about Craveable with us! I’m always on the look out for good books, not just for myself, but to share with others. This sounds like a good one to gift others with. God bless you!
I may have to start it sooner than I planned. Hmmm.
Looking forward to your review.
May be sooner than I think. Seems like I need to get started on it sooner.