Customer Reviews

Seeking the Face of God: The Path To A More Intimate Relationship

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This book is a spiritual feast for the famished soul. Gary Thomas delivers a thoughtful and provocative study of Christian spirituality through the eyes of the Christian mystics (Pascal, Fenelon, Teresa of Avila, John of the Cross, Francis De Sales, John Climacus, William Law, and others). It is a fresh book - not just a rehash of some other excellent books on the disciplines. Thomas offers fresh insight on basic areas of the spiritual quest - such as: spiritual goals, holiness, humility, simplicity, the remembrance of death, surrender, the seasons of the soul, and spiritual direction (mentors). The book is laced with excellent quotations from the authors listed above and many others. In fact, if someone wanted to glean the best thinking of the mystics, while avoiding the sacramentalism that crept into many of their writings, this would be a great place for it. But more than a great survey of old literature, this book presents old truths in such a way that all seekers of God will find benefit.

Seeking the Face of God is the first book I have read by author Gary L. Thomas. I don't read many books twice without some time [months or years]in between readings, but this book is an exception. I am reading it this time with the use of a highlighter. If you want to grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord, then read what the ancients had to say. Gary's research of the Christian classics is evident. Read, meditate, grow.

This book is one of my favorite devotional books. It brings balance into your theology, while provoking you to a greater relationship with God. His chapter on death is especially excellent.

This author has gone to the early "fathers" of the church to use as a point of stimulation, but his applications are focused on the issues we face (or need to face) daily.

I would encourage anyone to buy this book if they want to be challenged to grow and experience a greater depth in their Christian walk.

Gary Thomas offers us a refreshing look into the lives of the historical saints. More than a biography or a book of history, Thomas takes their lives and applies them to spiritual growth in modern America. This is definitely a book you will want to purchase and read several times. Along the lines of Lewis' "Mere Christianity", Thomas intellectually stimulates the reader with sometimes humorous, often heartening, spiritual truths.

This book does and excellent job of exploring the spirtual journey as experienced by the classic authors of the christian faith, and relating it to your own journey. I have learned a great deal from reading this book, and have recommended it to many friends.

Thomas humbly lets the ancient father's of Christianity share pearls not tainted by our 90's cultural perspective. Essential reading for ALL Christians desiring maturity in their life for God without the hype of a new 'spiritual' formula. Surely a classic along the lines of Lewis' "Mere Christianity", Packer's "Knowing God", and Bunyon's "Pilgim's Progress".

Gary Thomas has written an excellent work dealing with "real-life"issues of the Christian faith. He exposes his readers to a world of richness from our Christian heritage. Gary Thomas looks at the lives of pious men of the past to bring back to life their example of devotion and piety. This is an absolute "must read" for anyone interested in learning from the past to change their future.

Gary Thomas takes our modern day perspectives on Christianity and puts them into a historical perspective. It's amazing how influenced our beliefs and styles are affected by the culture in which we live. Gary takes us back into the lives of some of the ancients of the faith and challenges our modern faith with the dedication of those that went before us.

Gary Thomas has done an outstanding job communicating truths many of us have but find difficult to express or know how to address. While reading this book I realized that many others have struggled with some of the same aspects of the spiritual walk, yet at the same time, I was challenged that I could have a greater intimacy with the Lord.

While Gary made difficult concepts easy to understand, do not be mislead that this book is a quick read that requires little thinking. On the contrary, it will cause you to stop and meditate on things most of us spend little time contemplating. Yet I could hardly put it down! Finally, I read the book through and now I am reading it again even slower and meditating even more! This book will change you by causing you to draw closer to Christ and desiring Him more, thus changing you from inside out!

This is perhaps (outside of scripture itself of course) the most insightful, impactful and practical book I have ever read regarding building a relationship with God. Chapter after chapter spoke to me. I felt convicted, and then renewed. Prideful and then humbled. I RARELY read a book more than once, but i will be reading this one again and again. I HIGHLY recommend this book to any believer out there. You WILL NOT regret it.