or
Sign in to turn on 1-Click ordering.
or
Amazon Prime Free Trial required. Sign up when you check out. Learn More
More Buying Choices
Have one to sell? Sell yours here
Wasting Time With God : A Christian Spirituality of Friendship With God
 
 
Tell the Publisher!
I'd like to read this book on Kindle

Don't have a Kindle? Get your Kindle here, or download a FREE Kindle Reading App.

Wasting Time With God : A Christian Spirituality of Friendship With God [Paperback]

Klaus Issler (Author), James Houston (Author)
4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)

List Price: $19.00
Price: $12.93 & eligible for FREE Super Saver Shipping on orders over $25. Details
You Save: $6.07 (32%)
o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o
In Stock.
Ships from and sold by Amazon.com. Gift-wrap available.
Want it delivered Tuesday, January 31? Choose One-Day Shipping at checkout. Details

Book Description

June 2001
When it comes to developing a deep, trusting relationship with God, efficiency and productivity are not the answer. It's far better to "waste" time with him, to just enjoy being with him. After all, that's how any friendship grows. But making room for God in the midst of our fast-paced lives is not an easy task. Just as time with our best friends can get squeezed out by the rush of activities, so can time with God. Even "wasting time" with God means making a commitment and setting priorities--whether it's something we enjoy or not. Beginning with the supposition that God desires friendship with us, Klaus Issler encourages us to consider seven character traits and to develop their companion disciplines: friendship, humility, faith, commitment, communication, apprenticeship and partnership. Here is a full-orbed model of Christian spirituality that will be of lasting value.

Frequently Bought Together

Customers buy this book with Playing with Fire: How the Bible Ignites Change in Your Soul $10.19

Wasting Time With God : A Christian Spirituality of Friendship With God + Playing with Fire: How the Bible Ignites Change in Your Soul
  • This item: Wasting Time With God : A Christian Spirituality of Friendship With God

    In Stock.
    Ships from and sold by Amazon.com.
    Eligible for FREE Super Saver Shipping on orders over $25. Details

  • Playing with Fire: How the Bible Ignites Change in Your Soul

    In Stock.
    Ships from and sold by Amazon.com.
    Eligible for FREE Super Saver Shipping on orders over $25. Details



Editorial Reviews

Review

"This book is eminently practical while remaining rooted in good theory based on Scripture and theology. . . . It is a book for all seasons, for all believers. Worth 'wasting time' to read!" (Christian Education Journal, (Spring 2002) )

"Issler's treatment, solidly grounded in Scripture and carefully researched across a broad spectrum of sources, provides a welcome antidote to the exhausting and draining message of modern society. . . . It deserves a wide circulation and possesses many valuable principles for granting busy readers the permission to 'waste time with God' and grow more deeply in the most eternal relationship we will ever experience." (Calvin Theological Journal )

"In Wasting Time with God, Klaus Issler compellingly connects knowing and loving God with our ability as members of the body of Christ to know and love one another. Christian women in particular who intuitively resonate with the community aspects of faith will be enriched by the author's biblically sound insights into the correlation between rich relationships with one another and an increasingly intimate relationship with our God. This work of the heart is an honest quest to move beyond a primarily 'cerebral' faith to an increasingly intimate relational one with the divine--a quest made significant by its refreshing integration of intellectual excellence, sound theological scholarship and spiritual humility. Issler has also created a welcome voice of balance on the person and work of the third person of the Trinity. For those who have tended to ignore the person and work of the Holy Spirit, Wasting Time with God is an articulate reminder that he is there to know and experience more fully." (Beth Grant, missionary/educator to Southern Asia and national chairperson for Task Force for Women in Ministry, Assemblies of God )

"So many Christians are consumed with the perceived busyness of their faith. They forget that their relationship with God is meant to be personal and intimate, characterized by a deep enjoyment of him. In his book Wasting Time with God, Klaus Issler reminds us of the simple joy and pleasure of being God's friend, and provides guidelines for communication and a closer, more intimate relationship." (Bill and Vonette Bright, Campus Crusade for Christ )

"I love the title, and I know I shall love the book! Anything that helps people intentionally put themselves into his presence and apply his dynamic life-changing Word has to be read, marked, learned and inwardly digested." (Jill Briscoe )

"My greatest prayer for women is that they spend time with God. Life is so much better the deeper our friendship is with God. Klaus Issler explains to our hearts and minds who God is and how to deepen that friendship." (Pam Farrel, codirector, Masterful Living, and author of Woman of Influence )

"Wasting Time with God is hardly a waste of time. It is a nuts and bolts discussion of how to grow in intimacy with God. It is clearly written and well grounded. This is a book well worth reading and wasting lots of time on. I highly recommend it." (Darrell L. Bock, Dallas Theological Seminary )

"The testimony of this book is that relationship--even friendship--with God is possible. More importantly, the stunning affirmation of the book is that the eternal God wants friendship with his people." (Linda Cannell, professor, educational ministries, Trinity Evangelical Divinity School, Deerfield, Illinois )

"[Wasting Time with God] is more than a solid piece of scholarship; it is a feast of personal, practical spirituality. . . . It is refreshing to see a book that addresses the head and the heart with such effectiveness." (J. P. Moreland, Talbot School of Theology, Biola University )

"The single most urgent task facing the people of Christ today is to present a vision and a reality of life in God now that is adequate to the plain teachings of the New Testament and is realistic in the contemporary setting. Klaus Issler makes a huge contribution to that end with his highly intelligent, informed and practical book, Wasting Time with God. I recommend it strongly to individuals and to leaders among the multitudes now seeking the life that is life indeed. It is plain, solid instruction on how to 'seek first the kingdom of God and his rightness' in such a way that you find them." (Dallas Willard, author of The Divine Conspiracy )

"For the cultures that are community and relationship oriented, as is the case in Africa, Klaus Issler's book would be an eye opener on what really being a Christian is all about. It is my hope that any person seeking to have a more personal experience of God would read this book." (Dr. Benjamin M. Musyoka, academic dean, Nairobi International School of Theology, Kenya )

"To know God--lofty as that sounds--is to encounter severe spiritual culture shock. We humans, says Klaus Issler, must achieve this major paradigm shift a step at a time. Our seeing, our hearing, indeed our whole way of thinking must be revamped and stretched to a higher dimension. Wasting Time with God, however, does not take the reader on a mystical skyride. Here is Encouragement 101. This plainspoken author simply clarifies that the God of the Bible has already rolled out his red carpet and provided his personal Guide for his children. Our postmodern world begs to see this kind of reality in walking shoes." (Howard G. Hendricks, distinguished professor and chairman of the Center for Leadership, Dallas Theological Seminary )

"Drawing from profound personal experience of God, Issler brings Christian theology to real life via pursuit of deep friendship with God. Attentive readers will be powerfully challenged to enter into such dynamic friendship and its resulting community of God. This is theology that goes to the heart of a reader." (Paul Moser, professor and chair of philosophy, Loyola University of Chicago )

About the Author

Klaus Issler (Ph.D., Michigan State) is professor of Christian education and theology in the Ph.D. program in educational studies at Talbot School of Theology, Biola University, in La Mirada, California.

Product Details

  • Paperback: 296 pages
  • Publisher: IVP Books (June 2001)
  • Language: English
  • ISBN-10: 0830822801
  • ISBN-13: 978-0830822805
  • Product Dimensions: 8.2 x 5.4 x 0.9 inches
  • Shipping Weight: 12.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
  • Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
  • Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #200,693 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Dr. Issler holds degrees in education, theology, and philosophy, and specializes in Christian spirituality, Jesus the master teacher, formation of Christian character, and the philosophy and theology of Christian education. He teaches primarily in the Ph.D. in Educational Studies program. Dr. Issler co-authored In Search of a Confident Faith: Overcoming Barriers to Trusting in God, co-edited Jesus in Trinitarian Perspective: an Introductory Christology, authored Wasting Time with God: A Christian Spirituality of Friendship with God, and co-authored Teaching for Reconciliation: Foundations and Practice of Christian Educational Ministry and How We Learn: A Christian Teacher's Guide to Educational Psychology. He has contributed to Baker Dictionary of Christian Education and Christian Education in the New Millennium. Dr. Issler has been an associate pastor, an instructor for Walk Thru the Bible, and a board member with BEE International.

For more info, visit www.klausissler.com

 

Customer Reviews

5 Reviews
5 star:
 (4)
4 star:
 (1)
3 star:    (0)
2 star:    (0)
1 star:    (0)
 
 
 
 
 
Average Customer Review
4.8 out of 5 stars (5 customer reviews)
 
 
 
 
Share your thoughts with other customers:
Most Helpful Customer Reviews

21 of 21 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars Christian Spirituality: Deep, Historic, Biblical, September 1, 2001
This review is from: Wasting Time With God : A Christian Spirituality of Friendship With God (Paperback)
Klaus Issler is professor of Christian educationa and theology at the evangelical Talbot School of Theology (Biola University) in La Mirada CA. The title "Wasting Time with God" is an irony: what people consummed with busy-ness and materialism consider "lost" time is, in fact, the very center of life. The book has broad appeal, drawing from an immense diversity of Christian sources.

Tracing his own pilgrimage, the author begins with "The Quest" to know God. The work then divides into two major sections: (1) "Making Room for God" through developing friendship, humility and faith; and (2) "Deepening Our Friendship with God" by way of personal commitment, communication, "apprenticeship" and "partnership." Extensive endnotes (249-82) and indexes of authors, subjects and biblical texts enrich the work for those who desire to explore further.

"Wasting Time with God" is a theology of Christian spirituality. And yet the theological concerns lie subtly underneath a work very readable and relevant to everyone yearning for authentic relationship with God. The work is full of practical illustrations and applications that make every chapter come alive for the teenager as well as the pastor.

At times the diversity of sources is a bit overwhelming. Yet the mosaic of voices through various Christian traditions affirm that what Issler is setting forth is not a novel or peripheral teaching about relationship with God. Rather I found each chapter wonderfully convincing as it leads the reader in the way of life.

Help other customers find the most helpful reviews 
Was this review helpful to you? Yes No


16 of 16 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars A Pleasurable and Challenging Read, August 3, 2001
By 
Bill Smith (Norcross,, Ga USA) - See all my reviews
This review is from: Wasting Time With God : A Christian Spirituality of Friendship With God (Paperback)
I first came across the book at a conference on spiritual formation. The IVP table had a pre-release copy on their table for examination. After taking a peak I ended up reading over half the book between breaks and at lunch. The author encourages a thoughtful passionate spirituality. I liked the chapter on faith where we are challenged to remind ourselves regularly of unseen realities. The chapter on prayer is inspiriing. It actually encouraged me so much that I looked forward to prayer. What more could you ask for? A hearty thanks to the author.
Help other customers find the most helpful reviews 
Was this review helpful to you? Yes No


10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars Making room for God, February 26, 2005
By 
This review is from: Wasting Time With God : A Christian Spirituality of Friendship With God (Paperback)
Although the title of his book may be misleading, In Wasting Time With God, Klaus Issler writes candidly of his own spirituality through a variety of personal stories, anecdotes, and illustrations. Providing insight through his own life events, and those close to him, Issler provides solid thinking on seven spiritual characteristics necessary for an intimate relationship with God. A reader could quickly surmise a possible synopsis of this book is make room for God.
Issler's approach consists of expounding several theological concepts, such as the foreknowledge of God, kingdom living, alternative affirmation answers from God, and simplifies these concepts into easy to comprehend ideas, using charts, maxims, and illustrations. The charts are helpful and enjoyable, especially dealing with the foreknowledge of God. Klaus Issler writes in a summary style.
Issler first prepares the reader, in chapter 1, what to expect from reading his book. In each chapter, he states what he will write, writes about the subject, and then closes each subject with a conclusion. By doing so, Issler brings the reader within the realm of his thoughts. When introducing each new subject, He builds up anticipation and leads the reader into the next idea or chapter.
He uses several illustrations to maintain interest in his subject and neither does he rely upon his self as an authority. In Wasting Time With God, are extensive ideas and quotes of several notable thinkers such as Rice, Augustine, Dillard, and C.S Lewis. Issler references the Scriptures hundreds of times and through a series of endnotes, for each chapter, Issler provides the reader an opportunity to investigate the author's research for further study or clarification.
Although he flirts with subjects many Baptists tend to avoid: the working of the Holy Spirit, circumstances, the Holy Spirit speaking to us, extra biblical manifestation of God's working, Issler provides thought provoking ideas and challenges readers to rethink and evaluate God's omnipotence. The honest reader's faith stretches. For the Christian, young or old in the faith, Issler forces readers to look at long held ideas in a different light, providing the catalyst for biblical change. Issler challenges readers in several areas of spirituality and a person will finish the book with a sense of self-examination and expectancy.
Help other customers find the most helpful reviews 
Was this review helpful to you? Yes No

Share your thoughts with other customers: Create your own review
 
 
 
Most Recent Customer Reviews



Only search this product's reviews



Inside This Book (learn more)
First Sentence:
Given the opportunity-to live now or to live during the time when Jesus Christ walked this very earth-which would we choose? Read the first page
Key Phrases - Capitalized Phrases (CAPs): (learn more)
Holy Spirit, New Testament, God the Spirit, Jesus Christ, Old Testament, King David, God the Father, God's Word, King Saul, Spirit of God, Dallas Willard, Christ Jesus, Henri Nouwen, King Hezekiah, Garden of Eden, God the Son, Peter Toon, Philip Yancey, Simon Chan, Son of God, William Lane
New!
Concordance | Text Stats
Browse Sample Pages:
Front Cover | Table of Contents | First Pages | Index | Back Cover | Surprise Me!
Search Inside This Book:



Suggested Tags from Similar Products

 (What's this?)
Be the first one to add a relevant tag (keyword that's strongly related to this product).
 
(12)

Your tags: Add your first tag
 

Sell a Digital Version of This Book in the Kindle Store

If you are a publisher or author and hold the digital rights to a book, you can sell a digital version of it in our Kindle Store. Learn more

Customer Discussions

This product's forum
Discussion Replies Latest Post
No discussions yet

Ask questions, Share opinions, Gain insight
Start a new discussion
Topic:
First post:
Prompts for sign-in
 


Active discussions in related forums
Search Customer Discussions
Search all Amazon discussions
   
Related forums





Look for Similar Items by Category


Look for Similar Items by Subject