Crazy Love by Francis Chan

I am still choked up about this book and know I haven't been living the way I am supposed to. But I have been praying and praying to let God lead the way and have His way with me not just half but ALL the way. Since than, crazy things have happened. Danica was in an auto accident, she broke out in hives that has lasted for 4 days, and on and on. I am thankful for suffering. At least I have never thought because I am doing good things or I am a decent person who doesn't get in trouble I will go to heaven. Yes, honestly people think that and Francis sheds light on that too (there are many people at my work who think that, they just won't listen to me) Francis Chan in his book Crazy Love - Overwhelmed by a Relentless God describes in this book how many of us live as lukewarm Christians. It actually took me about 2 weeks to read this book only because I was following up on all the scripture he backs his book up. In fact I never read books that aren't backed up by scripture.

Here is what stood out to me:
The reality is that, whether we acknowledge our wealth or not, being rich is a serious disadvantage spiritually. As W. Wilberforce once said, "Prosperity hardens the heart". Of course I think he is talking about people like us too because most of us are well off, we really don't have any worries in our country. Even if we live close to poverty line we are still rich. We don't need to have a fat bank account to call ourselves rich. The country were our kids come from, that is what I consider poor, like the mommies of my children. They make a whopping $5.00 per month.

Also this one stood out:
Here he talks about lukewarm Christians, this is just one of them...They don't live by faith; their lives are structured so they never have to. They don't have to trust God if something unexpected happens-they have their savings account. They don't need God to help them-they have their retirement plan in place. They don't genuinely seek out what life God would have them live-they have their life figured and mapped out. They don't depend on God on a daily basis-their fridges are full and, for the most part, they are in good health. The truth is, their lives wouldn't look much different if they suddenly stopped believing God.

And here is the best part:
Hear me clearly in this, because it is vital-in fact, there is nothing more important or eternal: Are you willing to say to God that He can have whatever He wants? Do you believe that wholehearted commitment to him is more important than any other thing or person in your life? Do you know that nothing you do in this life will ever matter unless it is about loving God and loving the people He has made?

Here is what they say about the book:
Chan, senior pastor of Cornerstone Church in Simi Valley, Calif., offers a radical call for evangelicals to consider and emulate in this debut guide to living "crazy" for God. Chan's own life compels him to live with urgency, and with good reason. His mother died giving birth to him, his stepmother died when he was nine, and his dad when he was 12. As a pastor, Chan says that conducting weekly funerals for people younger than himself has likewise sobered him to life's unexpectedness and frailty. Chan writes with infectious exuberance, challenging Christians to take the Bible seriously. He describes at length the sorry state of "lukewarm" Christians who strive for a life characterized by control, safety and an absence of suffering. In stark contrast, the book offers real-life accounts of believers who have given all-time, money, health, even their lives-in obedience to Christ's call.Chan also recounts his own attempts to live "crazy" by significantly downsizing his home and giving away his resources to the poor.Earnest Christians will find valuable take-home lessons from Chan's excellent book. (May)Copyright 2008 Reed Business Information.


Reviewed by Patrick Turner (United States), June 24, 2009
Just finished the Book Crazy Love by Francis Chan. I can't believe the power that God imparts in this book. People think they know what love is and how to love, and some just might. This book will not only describe it to you in detail, but will also show you and encourage you in what it really means to love. The primary focus of the book is of course Love, and giving God your best. Isn't that what we do when we truly love someone. You jump through hoops for them, are happy just being near that person, and desire a closer relationship with that person. When I first got the book I thought what a great idea a book that talks about what it means to truly love God. When I started reading it I thought I might not be ready for this kind of life changing love. To many times in my own life I have given God leftovers like a begrudging tithe, a quick impersonal prayer, maybe even sing a praise song. Was it my best? Was it even much of an effort at all? Sometimes. When I finished "Crazy Love" I felt it sharpen my focus and lead to a better understanding and perspective. Because that's what really happens to us we loose perspective. The perspective that God brings through Chan is sharp, decisive and powerful. I can't count how many times I had to stop reading to praise God and consider what was just said. I praise God for the revelation and know this book will bless you beyond measure. Enjoy!