Blog Archive

Saturday, June 7, 2008

IN THE SECRET PLACE FOR GOD AND YOU ALONE J Otis Ledbetter Book Review


But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint. ... Isaiah 43:10 KJV

Book Review
Reviewed by babamarusia

In the Secret Place for God and You AloneJ. Otis Ledbetter, Author
Lifechange Books
Multnomah Publishing, Sisters OR
1-59052-252-4; 978-1-59052-2523

Recommended Book

J. Otis Ledbetter has written an exceptional little book called In the Secret Place for God. It is a place to go and be alone with God and think, a shelter from the problems of life, a place to make decisions, a time to truly hear what God has to say to you and you only.

My first secret place was a pine tree in northern Minnesota where I would climb up and sit on a branch just to think. I was a young teen at the time, and I liked the idea of being close to my family where I could hear and see what was going on as though from a distance. Now my place is an antique bed—where again I must climb up to get in. The mattress is cushy-soft and the springs squeak, and God and I come together spiritually in a very special way.

From the very first word I was captured into Pastor Ledbetter’s story, as he told of how there was a little room where no one else would go except him in the church his father pastored. I can tell you as a former church musician that the children of clergy and workers can end up spending a lot of time there.

In this brief book, only 89 pages in length, is a good clear laying out of the importance of having a place to go and be alone with God, how to use discernment in life changes, when to take a problem to your secret place and when to share it with someone, and how Satan can play a role in undermining assurance and comfort. The book ends with specific Scripture to think upon when you close the door on the world and retreat within your safe harbor.

The fact of the matter is that if you are not anywhere near where your secret place is located, having this book along and reading it and using the Bible verses can be a help in retreating within as though you and God were the only two around.

The book will easily fit into most purses, a briefcase, computer bag or backpack. It is for teenagers and adults. It is a wonderful gift to give for a confirmation, adult baptism, graduation, or on a visit to someone who is troubled in any way. The cover is warm and inviting in muted sage greens, and is suitable for both men and women.

J. Otis Ledbetter lives in Clovis, California. He is the senior pastor of Sonrise Church and the cofounder of the Heritage Builders Association, a ministry of Focus on the Family. He has authored six books.

I recommend this book.

Babamarusia is Mary Katherine May, owner of Quality Music and Books, an online and retail Christian book, music and gift store. QMB also carries history, biography and classic literature in both new and used editions, as well as used homeschool books.

No comments: