The problem with studying the geography of Israel is that it can quickly become divorced from the life-changing truths of Scripture. After all, how do hills and valleys help you grow closer to God? Wayne Stiles has the answer to that in his new book, Going Places With God: A Devotional Journey Through the Lands of the Bible. I am often asked what is the perfect follow-up to a trip to Israel. My typical answer (“read a Bible atlas”) just got better: read and meditate on the truths of this devotional guide. What makes this book so good is that it takes “boring” details of Scripture and shows how they are profitable for life and godliness.
Here’s an example: Stiles shows how the geography of Joseph’s brothers tending their sheep brought Joseph to slavery in Egypt and ultimately Israel’s deliverance from famine. Unless you understand the geography, you won’t fully appreciate God’s sovereignty. The author draws from that just how we should relate to our sometimes bewildering circumstances. In another story, Israel has to travel all the way around Edom, and Stiles explains that in God’s plan, sometimes the long way is the best way.
I love too the way that Stiles draws beautiful word pictures. With him as guide, I picture myself one day walking along the shores of the Sea of Galilee and another day watching the sunrise from the Mount of Olives. A pastor for fourteen years, Stiles is a truly gifted communicator with a knowledge of where people are hurting today. One devotional will encourage you to increase your trust in the all-powerful God, and another devotional will challenge you to take heed lest you fall. Familiar lessons some, but brought to life from places in the Bible that you would never otherwise look.
I love the geographical nuggets contained in this book, but the reason that I am recommending it to all of my friends and former students is this: Going Places With God will challenge you to live a radical, Christ-centered life. The book came out a week ago: I encourage you to buy it, read it, and buy a couple for friends.
You can see more about the book and its author at this website. The book lists for $15, but Amazon has it for $10.
[Disclosure: there are some beautiful photos in the book, taken by my wife’s husband. I don’t get any royalties from the sales, so that’s not why I’m so enthusiastic about it. But I did get a few free copies in trade, and I’d be happy to send you one if you will read the book and write a review on your blog or a book website (like Amazon or CBD). Just send me a note with your address. While quantities last. UPDATE: All free copies have been claimed.]
hey,
i’ve been following ur site for a while, it really blows me away, how Jesus walks 8 days to get to a place, where as i start to complain when my journey is 2 hours long to my cell meeting.
it seems like a really nice book, would u plz send me a copy, will gladly post a review for it on ebay..
gimme a reply on my email n i’ll give u my address
cheers
Todd,
So much I could say right now….! Thanks for all the book reccomendations in class… and always. I gave The Greatness of the Kingdom to one of my brothers for Christmas. I would love to read Going Places With God and write a review about it!
Hey Todd,
Thanks for the book tip. When my mom asked me today what I want for my birthday this month, I immediately thought of the book. Thus, it’s currently on its way, via Amazon. :-)