About the Book: (from Kregal Publishing)
Flat tires, wounding words, a troubled marriage . . . We all struggle, but few people have learned to struggle well. When trouble comes, how do you respond? Do you turn north to God or south to the people and things of this world?
Debut authors Gary Heim and Lisa Heim know the answer: Choose north.
In their new book True North, the Heims show that choosing God in the frustrations of life is a daily choice. ―Every day, all day, God gives us the freedom to choose who or what we’ll give our hearts to, they write. ―We call it going north or south. We either turn north to God for the security, love, and significance we long for as we face the chaos of this broken world, or we go south to the false gods of this world.
When we are faced with frustrating circumstances like losing our job or dealing with difficult people, the typical response is to groan, grumble, or grasp. Instead of settling for the negatives in life, the Heims show how to change perspectives, challenging Christians to respond with grace, gratitude, and giving.
“In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”—John 16:33, NIV
Combining biblical insight with personal stories, practical help, and compelling examples, the Heims encourage readers to turn their self-centered attitude (my desires) to a Christ-centered appreciation (God’s desires for me). As they read stories of hardships and trials, success and profits, readers will see how frustrations can actually help them grow in their personal lives, in their marriages, in their parenting, and in their ministries. Practical application in the form of discussion questions and downloadable leader’s guide materials (available on truenorthministries.net) make the message of True North a popular teaching topic in churches.
On the importance of choosing God on a daily basis, the Heims write, ―Learning to live for God through all the daily troubles and difficulties of life isn’t something we can take or leave. Our worship, walk, and witness depend upon how we handle the daily chaos of trouble and hardship. This is where the rubber meets the road in living out our Christianity.
How we respond to frustrations is actually a battle for our hearts. We either go north to God or south to gods. There is no in-between. True North provides a spiritual road map for daily living so that the choice to go north can be made with confidence and faith. Choose north and embark on a life-giving adventure of walking with God.
My Thoughts:
True North is a practical, biblical approach to real life frustrations, hurts, misunderstandings and sometimes unexpected challenges to our faith. The road to healing and restoration is often painful, but as long as we keep our eyes focused "north" on the Father, we will find ourselves guided toward heavenly healing and growth.
This book progresses in topic depth and complexity, but the authors are careful to guide the reader with straight forward questions, scripture and sometimes prayer. This book would make an excellent personal or small group devotional for anyone seeking a closer walk with God.
About the Authors:
Gary Heim is pastor of Small Groups and Discipleship at Blythefield Hills Church in Rockford, Michigan; an adjunct professor at Grand Rapids Theological Seminary; and a retreat and seminar speaker. He is a limited licensed psychologist in Michigan where he had a private counseling practice for over ten years and was a staff counselor for RBC Ministries.
Lisa Heim is a licensed professional counselor in the state of Michigan where she has had a private practice for the last twenty years. Lisa has been married to Gary for over twenty-five years and together they are the proud parents of two college-age children.
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