Many Christians don't know what to think of the Bible's commands, as they often seem legalistic and burdensome. But medical doctor Philip Carlson reveals that God instructs us because he loves us as a father loves his children. Recent research in the health sciences demonstrates that following God's guidelines produces wellness and wholeness in our lives. Readers will be encouraged to learn that the sciences are catching up to what God has been saying all along about family relationships, nutrition, sexuality, rest, and more.
Author Bio
Philip Carlson, MD, (ThM, Fuller; MD, University of Southern California) is senior pastor of Bethany Church of Sierra Madre and practices family medicine in Pasadena. He also teaches at the college level and is a conference speaker. His first book, You Were Made for Love, received a starred review from Publishers Weekly. He lives in Sierra Madre, California, with his wife, Carole, and their four children.
My Review
I really enjoyed this book and found it refreshing to my faith. It was just what I needed right now as we are making decisions for our family (schooling for the kids, moving, etc...) and the future seems a little uncertain. During these times, I sometimes struggle with feeling unsettled and discontent, but Carlson's book is about finding contentment, trusting God, and resting in His love.
I will share one of my favorite illustrations in the book for resting in God: there was a man named John Kavanaugh who volunteered in India for three months with Mother Teresa. While there, Mother Teresa asked Kavanaugh, "What can I do for you?" He asked that she pray for clarity for him. She took him by surprise by saying "No, I will not do that." When he asked why not, she said, "Clarity is the last thing you are clinging to and must let go of." When Kavanuagh observed that she seemed to have the clarity he wanted, she laughed and told him, "I have never had clarity; what I have always had is trust. So I will pray that you trust God."
Clarity is not essential to our life or well-being, but trusting God is life giving. We find eternal hope and meaning to our life through our Lord Jesus Christ when our faith is intrinsic and not just an extrinsic religion. Our Heavenly Father has given us many beautiful gifts for us to enjoy in His creation and has given us His Biblical "laws" for our good. We are truly blessed children of God. "See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called Children of God! And that is what we are!" (1 John 3:1).
I highly recommend this book. Thank you Bethany House for this review copy.
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