Crazy Love - Chapter 3, Crazy Love

So I'm really behind on my book review updates. I'm on chapter 5 with the guys and this is only chapter 3's review. This is the book titled chapter. It's a great chapter about God's love, and how crazy it is that He gives it to us. We don't earn it, desire it, and most of the time realize it's impact on our lives. The song "Jesus Loves Me" in basic terms tells us that we are loved by Jesus because "the Bible tells (us) so," but do we just believe that to be true or do we realize that as truth. Do we implicitly know that Jesus loves us? Or is it just a "concept we are taught" as Francis says? Do we know God's love?

Francis talked a little about his father and the abusive nature of their relationship. He explained that for a long time, "the fear of the Lord" was actual fear for him. He says he could relate to verses in the Bible about fearing God or God's wrath, because his own father created these feeling in Francis toward him. It was not until later in his life that Francis realized the love for God caused him to run towards God and desire to know God more. This deepened his understanding of God's love as well as His wrath. Instead of studying our of guilt, the desire to study comes out of love.

He goes on to talked about God knowing us, directing and/or allowing the situations in our lives to arise in accordance with His plan for our lives. God knew us before we knew ourselves. Before we were, God knew us. In life (specifically in Francis' upbringing) doing something offensive often results in punishment not love. But God loves us despite our sins against Him and His law. "...if God's mercy didn't exist, there would be no hope. No matter how good we tried to be, we would be punished because of our sins." Also, Francis says, "The irony is that while God doesn't need us but still wants us, we desperately need God but don't really want Him most of the time."

One of the last things that jumped out to me was this: A student at a college were Francis was speaking asked him this question, "Why would a loving God force me to love Him?" First, I recognize the arrogance in this student's question, but I think Francis sees the opportunity for love. He says it was tough to answer in the moment but having time to think about an answer he wishes he would have said, "If God is truly the greatest good on this earth, would He be loving us if He didn't draw us towards what is best for us (even if that happens to be Himself)?" "The greatest good on earth is God."

That is so powerful. God's love is so great that He draws us to Himself so we can be saved from our otherwise wretched existence. We draws us to the only good on earth; not just the best or greatest good, but the only good. Himself. God is great. And He reigns forever. And His crazy love for us should be worshiped forever and ever.

Crazy Love - Chapter 2, You Might Not Finish This Chapter

Well, the title of this one may be confusing but Francis was pointing to that fact that none of us knows when death will come...or Christ for that matter. We need to live every moment as though our life could end right then. This means live every moment to the glory of God.

Some things I highlighted from the chapter include his thoughts on people like my self, "worriers." Francis says of himself, "I was the worrying kind. I'm a problem solver, so I have to focus on things that need fixing." If you've ever read my other blog, you'd see that pretty much could be the mission statement of my writing there. Francis points to verses like Philippians 4:4-6, "Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice. Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand; do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God." Francis also says, "Both worry and stress reek of arrogance." Stuart pointed me to Matthew 6:27, "And which of you by being anxious can add a single hour to his span of life?"

Francis points to the fact that we are often "quick to forget God" when "life is all about God and not about me at all." Our existence is not even equal to his description of our "two-fifths of a second" compare to God's eternal existence. God has been forever. "The point of your life is to point to Him (God). God wants to be glorified, because this whole thing is His....His world, His gift."

Francis also quotes a essay from a young girl who ended up passing away at a young age. She wrote the essay at around twelve years old, but her understanding of our purpose on earth was far better than mine. I even felt a little emotional thinking about my son and the example I am to him. She wrote, "I'll live my life to the fullest. I'll be happy. I'll brighten up. I will be more joyful than I have ever been. I will be kind to others. I will loosen up. I will tell others about Christ." Francis spoke at the little girl's funeral and witnessed people who were affected by her little life. Later, Francis writes, "Sadly, many people die while living selfishly. Their funerals are filled by individuals who stretch the truth in order to create a semblance of a meaningful life." Was he talking directly to me? It felt like it. Who is getting up at my funeral and lying about my meaningful life?

Chapter 2 closes with a strong reminder for me. "Friends, we need to stop living selfish lives, forgetful of our God...nothing matters except out King and God."

Crazy Love - Chapter 1, Stop Praying

Jordan, Stuart, and I had our first chapter book review of "Crazy Love" by Francis Chan yesterday morning. I'm really starting to find that time so valuable. It's encouraging, challenging, practical, and educational. The first chapter is titled "Stop Praying." The highlights of our discussion focused on some of the great ideas and truths Francis wrote about.

First, the title of the chapter almost seems wrong because of what it sounds like he's saying. But it was really about stopping and reflecting on what you are praying. Are you praying out your wish list to God? It's time to reflect on God. He created everything from the universe to the bone structure of insects and more. God is great and powerful and amazing. In today's society "we are slow to listen, quick to speak, and quick to become angry." This is the opposite of what James 1:19 tells us.

Second, he talked about the fact that we can not make God who and how we want Him to be. He listed some of God's characteristics and that God described Himself as "I Am who I Am." God is holy. God is eternal. God is all-knowing. God is all-powerful. God is fair and just.

I did learn that I'm going to need to highlight as I read, and even take some notes while we talk to do a better review. This week, I'm responsible for being the most prepared with the chapter, in case these to great guys aren't. I don't think I'll anything to worry about but I want to do a good job of being prepared. Overall, chapter one helped me think about the way I pray, and I'm hoping to change my pray habits and style. First, I just need to pray more. Second, I need to pray better.

God is God. I am not. I am hopeless and helpless without Him. I can only hope in Him.

Crazy Love by Francis Chan

I remember thinking Francis Chan was one of the best speakers I ever heard at Hume Lake. Jordan, Stuart and I are going to start a study through a book by Francis called "Crazy Love." I'm going to try and write a review of the book, a chapter at a time. Check out more about the book here.