Customer Reviews

Knowing God Intimately: Being as Close to Him as You Want to Be

5 star:		(11)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(3)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

I've read several of Joyce's books, and I find them as a rule inspired, candid, and insightful. I'm reading a short one now on rejection that has some very powerful messages. All this to say that while this particular review is going to be a little rough I have enjoyed and been edified by everything else I've read by her. She is scriptural and positive without overdoing it, at least in her books, on what some call "Name it, claim it, frame it"- or Word of Faith.

This particular book seems mislabeled- it would probably be more aptly titled something relating to the Baptism in the Holy Spirit. A very large part of the book encourages people to seek God for this gift as the way to intimacy and power with God. Since most of her readers are probably already charismatic/pentecostal they've already taken this foundational step and much of the book is not a direct benefit to them. For a new believer or someone not baptized in the Spirit I'd recommend it, otherwise there are plenty of other books out there, some by Joyce herself, that are probably going to be more beneficial to the reader trying to get from
point A to point B.

This book has changed my life in more ways than one, and also my way of thinking.

Joyce Meyer has spelt out in her own words simply how we can maintain a closer walk with God and attain the Holy Spirit dwelling in our lives completely for as long as we want. With obedience and the hunger and longing in our hearts, it can be done.

This remarkable teacher brings a wealth of experiences to us readers, and what I like about her teaching is that she never fails to share with us readers, her past failings and how she has overcome them through great courage, praying and listening to God. And, she was also willing to take criticism and analyse it.

You don't have to be a rocket scientist to understand these deep messages meant for all who crave this wonderful intimate relationship with our Father Almighty God.

Some of the messages inlude:
God's Manifest Presence
God's Transforming Power
God Reflecting Glory
God's Everlasting Fruit

May you who have chosen to read this book, find the ease and burdenless travel to the intimacy of Our Heavenly Father's throne.
Reviewed by Heather Marshall Negahdar (SUGAR-CANE 19/01/04)

The book is written in a conversational way. As a result, it is sometime hard to follow. The fact that I occasionally see Joyce's TV show helped me to understand the rhythm of her sentences.

Still, the book is a MUST HAVE. I found the book enjoyable and inspirational. The reason this book - like Joyce's other books - is so well rated is because it is so sincere. She does NOT preach at you or bore you. Instead, her conversation comes across as if she is sitting in your living room. Her experiences are real and - to be honest - we have all had similar experiences. The gift that Joyce gives through this book is that she affirms what you already knew... God has acted in your life and he is acting now AND you aren't the only one that occasionally either gets or misses the message! Then, she tells you how to start identifying with God in those experiences.

The book starts with a discussion of finding God in your life. From there, she talks about the gifts that will be given to you by the spirit. Like Mrs. Meyers, the message in this book is realistic and applies to life today.

Every heart hungers for the divine, every mind wonders about the unknown. How to find even the beginnings of these answers is a mystery. Reading this book will help you progress on the road to the answers to the how questions. From reading this book, you will learn that knowing God will come through knowing Him in the third person of the Trinity, the Holy Spirit.

***** Mrs. Meyer's language is frank and instructional, much as her television broadcasts are. She is honest about her own faults and about the fact that the journey to knowing God and to knowing one's own self is not easy, and must sometimes be painful. Fans of hers will find the territory covered familiar, new readers will find it evenly balanced between theology and psychology.

Do you desire intimacy with God? According to prolific Christian author and Bible teacher Joyce Meyer, you can be as close to God as you want to be. In her latest book Knowing God Intimately, Meyer teaches that it is you and not God determining your level of closeness to him.

Meyer is the author of 54 books. She is the leader of an international ministry seen on television and heard on the radio around the world. In this book, she demonstrates her teaching strengths that have helped make her ministry effective.

Throughout Knowing God Intimately, Meyer teaches biblical principles by citing and explaining scriptures, as well as sharing personal stories of her life and ministry. I think that the artfulness with which Meyer teaches will bring revelation to new and mature Christians.

The theme of this book focuses on th intimate relationship with the Holy Spirit that God desires for every person to experience. Meyer asserts that the Holy Spirit is present with us and wants to be active in our lives on a daily basis. She works through the scriptures pertaining to the Holy Spirit's relationship with people. Likewise, she details her growing relationship with the Holy Spirit since he burst into her life.

Meyer tries to convey to readers a sense of urgency about seeking God. She writes, "Staying at the same level of intimacy with God can't satisfy us...Much of the dissatisfaction that many people experience is due to a lack of fellowship and intimacy with God through the Holy Spirit. If you are one of those people, I believe that this book can be a turning point in your life."

Meyer shows the reader how to develop and nurture a closer relationship to the Holy Spirit. The reader will learn that God desires for each person to be filled with his Holy Spirit. Meyer also teaches about the gifts of the Holy Spirit, the leading and counsel of the Holy Spirit and the fruit of the Holy Spirit.

One of the qualities of Meyer's writing is that she teaches with distinct humility. She supports several of her points with stories showing her own dependency on the mercy and grace of God. She does not make any effort promote herself but emphasizes the need to increase one's awareness of the Holy Spirit and His workings. Old truths are presented with a freshness that will create sparks within the reader's spirit.

In writing of Knowing God Intimately, Meyer claims, "this book will help you learn how to begin walking in the Spirit and living a life of victory rather than defeat." Additionally, I think it is an effective tool for helping Christians learn about the Holy Spirit's role in the church. Meyer teaches how the Holy Spirit endows various gifts to members of the body of Christ to bring about healthy and empowered communities of believers.

Reading Knowing God Intimately will help individuals enjoy living Spirit-filled lives. Congregations that study the book will learn how to function with the love and power of the Holy Spirit.

Craig Stephans, author of Shakespeare On Spirituality: Life-Changing Wisdom from Shakespeare's Plays

As a fan of Joyce Meyer's work, I was thrilled to see her publish this book. It was just the topic I had been looking for.

She shares her teachings on the holy spirit in a simple way. As she normally does in her writings, she shares what she has learned, how it has affected her life and the progress it has brought in her spiritual life. I like the fact that she doesen't pretend to be perfect and even admits mistakes she made in past. She encourages us to grow in the holy spirit and explains how to provide a good home for the spirit to dwell in.

Joyce discusses the topics of baptism in the Holy Spirit with evidence of speaking in tongues, as well as, gifts of the spirit.

There is much to learn from this book. I hope that you will read this book too.

Joyce Meyer is, in my view, the most inspired and relevant Christian author alive today. I have read four of her books so far, and I consider each very rewarding, and potentially life-changing. This book, like Joyce's other books, accomplishes exactly what the title suggests. If you want to truly know how to walk closely with God, and live a rich Christian life, read this or any one of Joyce's books. I have also enjoyed "How to Hear from God", "Seven Things That Steal Your Joy" and "In Pursuit of Patience", all of which are available on Amazon. Joyce, if you are reading this, may God bless you, for you have been a blessing from God for me.

This is the second book I've read written by Joyce Meyers. As a believer -Christian, I was inspired and learn to become closer to God intimately. Joyce Meyers (author) has a gift to bring to her audience and readers, real life issues to surface spiritally for every day people, living every day type of lives, especially those who are believers(Christians). However, I found this book upon reading taking me at a pace alot faster than I would like to have travelled upon reading. This book offers no fluff or contentious reading in the sense of making one feel guilty for not being as close to God as one should be. The book simply teaches you how to be closer to the true living God, if you are a believer or on the thrust of becoming a believer or a luke-warm Christian. Joyce Meyers laids it out in grass-roots terms with scriptures noted as such to back her writings. An excellent book for believers, or luke warm Christians, or those who are on the border line and not sure how to be or get close to the TRUE living God intimately. I suggest the purchase of this book, I'm certain your life will not be the same. God Bless!

Personally, I didn't get into the details she discusses, but it was a great help motivating me to spend more time with the Lord.

I love Joyce Meyer books. A friend stated she wanted to know God on a personal level and I bought this book as a gift. She loved it.