Customer Reviews

The Magnificent Obsession: Embracing the God-Filled Life

5 star:		(23)
4 star:		(5)
3 star:		(3)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

When the reader turns the last page and closes the back cover, they will feel they know both Anne Lotz and Abraham personally. The message of this book is the possibility of walking with God as a friend He chooses. Anne Lotz is unreserved as she shares her successes and failures, and the lessons learned from each. Written in an easy-to-read conversational voice, concepts often thought difficult are presented in a style even those who are intimidated by the idea of 'bible study' can handle with confidence.

This is an excellent selection for seekers as well as Christians looking to expand their understanding of relationship with Jesus Christ. I read the whole book in a short afternoon. I am a critical student of Christian writings and found this to be 100% authentic and Spirit filled.

What is your passion? What ignites the glimmer in your eye? What compels you to climb out of bed every morning? In other words, what is your magnificent obsession? For bestselling author and Bible teacher Anne Graham Lotz, she knows only one magnificent obsession: God.

In her latest book, Lotz details the story of Abraham to illustrate a life wholly devoted to God. She describes "meeting" Abraham more than 30 years ago while leading a Bible study. As she read the Biblical text, she found herself resonating with one of the early forefathers of faith: "As I saturated myself in the text, Abraham walked off the pages and into my life --- a very ordinary man who became extraordinary for one primary reason --- he made the critical choice to embrace a God-filled life, to pursue knowing God and making Him known through living a life of obedient faith." Lotz's inspiration from Abraham only goes to show you how the Bible is as relevant today as it was 2,000 years ago. Normal, everyday people can find the strength and the hope in the Good Book's words to give their life direction and meaning, much like Abraham found meaning in God all those years ago.

The chapters of the book follow the journey of Abraham from Genesis 12 through Genesis 24. In each one, Lotz tells of a life principle based on Abraham's own trials and triumphs. In "Let Everything Go," she examines what it meant for Abraham to leave behind the land of Ur of the Chaldeans and enter a new land. She compares Abraham's obedience and wisdom to Lot's shortsightedness and foolishness. The scripture says little about Lot's commitment to God as he isn't known as a man who spent hours in prayer or obeying God's voice. When given the opportunity to divide the land with Abraham, he chose what looked like the best portion for himself. Such selfishness was a hallmark of Lot's life. Rather than leave the compromising lifestyle of Sodom, he chose to stay, and his decision had unforgettable consequences on his family. In the end, Lot did not consider God his magnificent obsession, and his choices were costly to himself and those he knew.

The examination of Lot's life stands in stark contrast to Abraham, who, though he made mistakes, took matters into his own hands and even lied on occasion, was quick to turn back to God and depend on Him. One of the best chapters, "Lay Everything Down," examines the harrowing moment when God called Abraham to sacrifice his own son. God's command was both personal and painful, yet Abraham chose to obey. The confidence in God's power, promise and person carried Abraham through and resulted in an unforgettable Biblical lesson.

Throughout the book, Lotz draws on compelling stories from her own life. She shares a time when she was stranded in Europe, mad at God, and found herself blessed wildly by a complete stranger. She describes her own struggles in prayer, obedience and pursuit of God candidly. As a result, her writing and material is accessible to a wide range of readers.

THE MAGNIFICENT OBSESSION may be Anne Graham Lotz's best work to date. It's highly recommended for fans of Lotz, Bible studies and small groups everywhere.

--- Reviewed by Margaret Oines

Anne is so open and honest about her personal relationship with Jesus, as well as her challenges. I was drawn in from the first chapter as she brought to life Abraham's faith and failures in a deeper way. This book is so much more than Anne sharing stories of her life, it's a journey of faith that inspires its readers to walk closer to the Savior who loves them. I was particularly moved by her triumph over the reaction of her godly family to her calling into ministry. They initially viewed it as a "holy hobby", and were not very supportive. Anne (like Abraham) trusted God's voice, and He prepared the way for her. Because she listened and obeyed, many (like me) are truly blessed! Thank you for challenging me to be one of God's faithful servants. Mary Singer Wick, Amazon #1 bestselling author, "My Heart's Desire: A Journey Toward Finding Extravagant Love".

What a wonderful depiction of how God used Abraham for His glory and how we can have the same relationship. Anne Graham Lotz has shared from her heart and through the direction of our Lord. May God continue to bless her for her obedience and may we continue to be blessed through her.

I'm not sure what I set out looking for in my first read of The Magnificent Obsession - maybe just knowing that Anne Graham Lotz would give me solid, practical truth to encourage me on my day-to-day journey. What I found was a kindred spirit in Abraham! What a great role model to follow - he was an ordinary man; he was faced with real-life choices of where to place his priorities; he messed up from time to time, but kept moving forward; he was wronged by others but didn't let it get him off track; he was authentic; he lived out his pursuit of God one day at a time, choice by choice. This Old Testament "character" seemed SO contemporary by the time I reached the last chapter -- SO relevant in my life....today. I'm at midlife and it encouraged me to not waste the rest of my life pursuing anything more than the ultimate God has for me. It would be BEST if you could read and embrace this message when you're in your teens or 20's, but Anne Graham Lotz gave so many practical examples and applications, it revealed that Abraham's an example to follow no matter what your age. I appreciated Anne's transparency, but not ever to the degree that she detracted from the story. It's a great read - like a novel with twists and turns - she truly makes you love following the plot line of Abraham's life. Of Lotz's books, this one is the strongest and most life-impacting yet.

Anne Graham Lotz is one of my favorite authors. She is a rare and beautiful find in today's Christian culture. Most Christian authors would tell you that they are writing books that point to Jesus, but most of them are a type of self-help Christianity. If all we learn is that the Bible is about us and how we live, we have nothing to offer others. Anne gives us a beautiful glimpse at Jesus in the life of Abraham. I could tell you a million comments on each section of this book, but I just want you to know that I loved it. I want you to read it. I have seen the glory of a father willing to sacrifice his own son. I have drunk deep as I watched the father send his servant to carefully select a bride for his son. I love seeing the rich beautiful tale of Jesus Christ and the lengths he goes to in order to protect the bride and get her to the son wrapped so intricately in the pages of Genesis. Beloved bride, fall into this poetic tale and live it out.

I have a confession: I struggled get through this book. But, for me, that says as much about it as anything. I like this sort of Christian book and thought I would really like this one. I have no one major complaint, it just wasn't engaging to me at all. Perhaps it soumds a little unfair to write a review based on such a tepid reaction, but I think having a few of those to balance the high star reviews who love it really may give a more complete picture for potential readers.

Lotz looks at the life of Abraham to see what it can tell us about how we can be guided by and committed to God in our own lives. This book really encourages believers to follow God completely. It's an important challenge, and one I need to be called back to often, and books can be a good way to do that. However, I just can't say that The Magnificent Obsession was inspirational to me in that regard. I think the reason may be that the observations about Abraham just didn't translate well into concrete changes in my life.

On the other hand, I agree with the message. I wouldn't steer anyone away from it, and clearly because of other good reviews it DID hit home with most of its readers. It's just that there are so many more book in its genre that have had so much more impact on me, I can't personally recommend it very highly.

After reading her mother (Ruth Bell Graham) and father's writings, expectation for Ann Graham Lotz was high and she did not disappoint. Her style is easy but full of profound truth. She is much more conversational than some Christian authors which was very beneficial for me. The anecdotes from her life are great illustrations of her parallel story with Abraham.

I am still reading and enjoying this very spiritual and inspirational book. Anne Graham Lotz is one of the absolute BEST preachers I have ever heard! I highly recommend her and her writings. If you ever have an opportunity to hear her preach, don't miss it. She is dynamic.

When I first got the book I admit I was turned off with the large back cover photo of the beautiful picture perfect author from the famous family. Because it's hard to envision someone who lacks for little being able to understand what REAL testing like Abraham endured. And the author is Christian which was another red flag, because Judaism is very different from Christianity. Some parts of the book were surprising.

Like reading how shy she used to be and how as a young mother who felt led to lead a Bible study who encountered her parents who weren't that keen on the idea. Or how as she gained strength in her walk of faith, she would be met with naysayers and alas doubting Thomas types. But having started the book anew I find the book has some wise advise about learning to step out in faith as we read in the book of Philippines where Paul writes of his struggles and how no matter what he strives to be as Christ when it comes to faith.

Also admit I am still confused in reading on page 66 where the author writes 'I was astounded by Lot's inconsideration toward Abraham and even more astounded by his indifference toward God'. Yet read what Genesis 18, says. God informs Abraham that he plans to destroy the city of Sodom because of its gross immorality. Abraham pleads with God not to destroy Sodom, and God agrees that he would not destroy the city if there were 50 righteous people in it, then 45, then 30, then 20, or even 10 righteous people. After much searching, Abraham only finds one righteous person living in Sodom, his nephew Lot. One cannot be righteous and also indifferent to God in Judaism.

Also reminds me of The Cost of Discipleship by Dietrich Bonhoeffer a German pastor whom the Nazi's killed. As Dietrich Bonhoeffer noted, when we come to Christ we die to self. His books are scholarly and hard for some people to read. And those are the books I am more drawn to. So if you prefer writers like C S Lewis, G K Chesterson and other heavy weights, this book may not appeal to you.