clements corner

I have had this book on my shelf for many years, and I know that I have read it at least once before. The other week I pulled it down and read it again in one sitting. Wow!! For a book that is not very long, it packs quite a punch!

The book is divided into two sections: Preaching Principles & Preaching Prohibitions. The topics covered are a little too varied to go into too much detail in this review, but suffice it to say that you will be challenged!

I read this book the week before my latest revival meetings. Afterward I did some touch-ups on some of the messages before preaching them! This book helps you come back to the basics! It makes you look at your preaching objectively.

I think the “Inventory of the Message” on pages 105-106 will be helpful whether you’ve been preaching 1 year or 71 years!

Here is a sample of the 10 questions (or sets of questions) that make up the Inventory:

1. Is the message solidly based on Scripture?
2. Does it exalt the Person and work of Jesus Christ?
5. Is the message organized so that I can preach it clearly and the people understand it easily? Is there a concise and clear statement of purpose? Is there a clear plan of development? Is there practical application that makes the message personal?
10. Is the message worth preaching again?

If you are a preacher get this book! At the time of this writing it is only $5.99 new here (CBD), and even cheaper used on Amazon.

According to the back cover of Alone with God, Jason Janz “shares the simple plan that has helped him and others to see personal Bible study and private worship become what they are meant to be – the basis for a vibrant, personal relationship with their heavenly Father.”

First The Positive:

• This book cost me nothing, it was a gift from the publisher to be reviewed.

• Early in the book Janz seeks to make clear that he is not trying to create a “formula approach” to the Christian life. page 7

• He covers the Key Contributors to a Growing Relationship with God: The Holy Spirit, The Word of God, Prayer, and Bible Meditation. pages 12-15

• In chapter 3 he discusses the true needs of believers as pertaining to their daily devotions.

• In chapter 4 he examines 12 myths. Some include: “You are the only one who struggles with daily devotions,” “Quiet time with God is boring,” and “You should read your Bible through every year.”

• The first 4 chapters in the book were fine!

Now the Negative:

• From chapter 5 on I think the book kind of went down hill.

• Janz wrote on page 54, “God is interested in fellowship, not formulas.” I agree! But then it seemed as if the 8 step plan was all important! I know this book was seeking to explain the 8 step plan, but I think that the author went a little overboard. The time schedule on page 60 was laughable. I’ll just share the 30 minute plan, the book also suggests a 20 minute plan.

• He then goes in detail explaining each and every step. It became overwhelming just reading it! This plan is so involved I don’t think it is very practical! From time to time the text refers you to the appendix. The appendix alone takes up pages 115-155!

Conclusion:

I know I seem a little harsh in parts of this review, but in days gone by I used to try to live this way. I sought to do “Spiritual Olympics” during my quiet time with charts and checklists. I have since simplified BIG TIME, and the difference has been amazing!!

I’m sure that this book has helped others, and I’m grateful for that. But I wouldn’t recommend this book as a “practical plan for dynamic devotions.”

Here’s a simple plan that I read somewhere years ago, I can’t remember who said it, perhaps D. L. Moody??? I know this plan goes beyond a “quiet time” by including witnessing, but it is still a good plan!

To be quite honest, this book was not what I was expecting. I was expecting a book covering the details of spiritual warfare with all sorts of technical facts concerning Satan & demons. A sort of textbook if you will. Knowing Ray through his previous books I should have known better! Yes he covers Satan and spiritual warfare; but in a fresh way that is easily understood. I enjoyed reading it, and finished it rather quickly.

Ray brings spiritual warfare out of the Theology book and into our everyday lives.

This book is convicting! As you read it you will be challenged in your prayer life, your speech, and your anger. You will also be given many practical steps to take in order to protect yourself against Satan’s plan to destroy your life.

To me, I think one of the most interesting chapters was chapter 8 – Singing Your Way To Victory. It deals with the power of music in regards to spiritual warfare. I could really identify with Ray in what he wrote on page 122 under the heading of “The Doxology and the Devil.”