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Restoring Your Spiritual Passion

Gordon MacDonald, Thomas Nelson Publishers, Nashville, 1986, 223 pages, $12.95, hardcover.

Reviewed by Carmen Seibold, pastor's wife in Polo Alto, California, and student at Fuller Theological Seminary.

The problem: spiritual weariness. It's not bitterness or burnout, but a loss of the passion that Christ called the abundant life. Gordon MacDonald says that men and women in positions of Christian responsibility are currently in more danger of this loss than ever before in the history of the church. The proliferation of information, experiences, and choices both in and outside the religious world can stimulate us to the point of spiritual dullness. Serving the Lord can easily become a going-through-the-motions ritual without power or delight.

With his flair for catch categories, the author pinpoints the prevailing conditions, personal encounters, and spiritual battles that deplete, spiritual passion. This passion is found in intimacy with God, and MacDonald feels that it must be restored in a simple way. He describes the safe places, still moments, and special friends that can create room for God to speak to us.

MacDonald challenges those wearied by too many choices and obligations to once again be empowered to join the task of kingdom building. He is candid about the vulnerabilities of spiritual leaders, and his insights will prove valuable to all in the ministry


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Reviewed by Carmen Seibold, pastor's wife in Polo Alto, California, and student at Fuller Theological Seminary.

January 1988

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