Knowing the Heart of God: Where Obedience Is the One Path to Drawing Intuitively Close to Our Father [Paperback]

Michael Phillips (Author), George MacDonald (Editor)

Book Description

Publication Date: March 1, 2000

A powerful Christian classic that challenges readers to make their faith more than an intellectual assent to the gospel truth.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

George MacDonald (1824-1905), Scottish poet, preacher, and novelist was one of the most original and influential writers of Victorian Britain. He wrote over 50 books with millions of copies sold, and he was one of the most popular authors of the day on both sides of the Atlantic.



Drawn to the pulpit early, MacDonald eventually left to pursue his writing. Numbered among Dickens, Trollope, and other giants of the age as a novelist, MacDonald ended his career with over fifty books ranging from fantastical literature, to children's stories, to critical essays, and numerous novels. In addition to writing, MacDonald lectured extensively.



MacDonald's fiction combined the man's immense spiritual understanding with his innate storytelling ability. His works have influenced writers like C.S. Lewis, J.R.R. Tolkien, and many others.

Product Details

• Paperback: 358 pages
• Publisher: Bethany House Publishers (March 1, 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0764223127
• ISBN-13: 978-0764223129
• Product Dimensions: 8.3 x 5.4 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 13.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (11 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #434,215 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

20 of 20 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Obedience the path to knowing God, August 15, 2005

By 

Merci "truth seeker" (Philadelphia PA) - See all my reviews

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This review is from: Knowing the Heart of God: Where Obedience Is the One Path to Drawing Intuitively Close to Our Father (Paperback)

I have purchased many of this title for gifts and always have a copy on hand for myself. It would be impossible to overestimate the contributions of George MacDonald to the Christian understanding generally and to the understanding of Who God is and how to know Him specifically.
One pervading theme in all of MacDonald's works, both fiction and non-fiction, is his belief that simple obedience is the one and only path to truly knowing God and growing in spiritual understanding. It is not about what you know; it is about what you do! And the doing, beginning with the most simple thing you KNOW to do, is the beginning of knowing God. Without that first step of obedience, you will never know Him, though you might fill your head with all kinds of lofty theology.
The only complaint I have with this book (if you can call it a complaint) is the way Phillips inserted poems and excerpts from MacDonald's novels at random before and at the end of each chapter. Having read most of MacDonald's novels, even I had to struggle to place the short excerpts in their context. A reader who has not read any of his novels might find this confusing. The excerpts are best left in their original context, that is, in the novel itself.
Yet, I will not fault Phillips for his efforts in putting this together because he has done a tremendous service, in my opinion, in editing many of MacDonald's books for modern readers, who otherwise might find them daunting.
If you enjoy MacDonald, make sure to pick up "George MacDonald "Victorian Mythmaker" by Rolland Hein and read about the man himself. Also, MacDonald's "Unspoken Sermons" ...

17 of 18 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The perfect blend of MacDonald, January 16, 2003

By A Customer

This review is from: Knowing the Heart of God: Where Obedience Is the One Path to Drawing Intuitively Close to Our Father (Paperback)

I fell in love with George MacDonald's novels as a college student. When I discovered this book a few years ago, it was a treasure! Combining the best of George MacDonald's sermons and essays on the heart of the Creator with selections from his poetry and novels that illustrate the concepts, this book is a great devotional and insight into God's heart. I don't always agree with every ounce of MacDonald's theology, but he makes his case with sound reason and has a knack for making you dig deep to discover the truth. Great stuff -- read it!

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Insipiration for C.S. Lewis, July 3, 2006

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creature feature fan (Las Vegas, NV, USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Knowing the Heart of God: Where Obedience Is the One Path to Drawing Intuitively Close to Our Father (Paperback)

I am a huge fan of C. S. Lewis. He has written of the affect George MacDonald had in his life. Since this book is a compliation of sermons, poems, and fiction, I thought I'd might get an sampling.

I see now why Lewis mentioned MacDonald so often in his own writings. MacDonald writes from a bone-deep spirituality, of heart and mind. His common sense, everyday relationship with God is there for all to see as he writes about the difficulty of obedience. At the same time, his reverence, reliance, and awe come through as he describes the desire to draw ever closer to "Our Father."

Although MacDonald died in 1905, his insight and encouragement to others is just a relevant today as it ever was. I highly recommend the book to christians, seekers, or anyone interested in hearing from man who knows who he is, what he wants, and is ready to do whatever it takes achieve it.