Enthusiastically, Dawn

My latest book review for Crossway is None Like Him and In His Image Gift Edition: Beholding the Character of God (2 Volumes in 1) By Jen Wilkin.

Jen Wilkin has compiled a list of 10 Ways God is Different from Us (and Why That’s a Good Thing) and 10 Ways God Calls Us to Reflect His Character. Both of these subtitles state clearly what has been accomplished in the clear, refreshing presentation in this combination. Spoiler alert: I loved this book so much more than I thought I would.

Let me tell you all the reasons why.

First things first, I have read a number of books on the character, attributes and praiseworthy qualities of God. I am grateful for having been directed early on to do so especially through the teaching and mom’s prayer group I attended. I have read and appreciated a few older authors, preachers, scholars and teachers on this topic, and realize I was skeptical of these books. Why was I skeptical? For all the wrong reasons. Mostly my older, ahem, chronological age and I know this is not something most people would admit, but I just have to be honest (to my shame). But I just had a bit of hesitance and on an impulse, I decided to check out the gift edition – which includes both of the titles previously and separately released. Well, if there is a silver lining, it is that I got the benefit of two for one, and perhaps this is a gift. Well, literally the two make for a gift edition but the books stand alone and together well. If you are still following me

These books are both compilation and culmination of lessons taught with a group of women, by the author, Jen Wilkin, in 2002. This two book combination is seeks to help the reader better grasp the God of the Bible both in His otherness from us and likeness to us (or our potential likeness to Him in and through Christ). The goal is to know the qualities of God in a way that impacts our understanding, worship and service.

What I loved about Jen’s presentation of None Like Him and In His Image was that it was fresh but not trendy. Having received such great direction towards meditating on God’s attributes and qualities in the past, I felt like this book could potentially be impractical or a bit too contemporary. I had the “there is nothing new under the sun” attitude. But the timeless truths presented in a delightfully timely manner here have been meat for my soul. Jen draws from many of the same resources and teachers I have received from on the topic- and many more I haven’t! Additionally, I found myself wanting to slow down and stay with these readings, for their clear presentation and for the inspiration that came as I considered God’s beautiful attributes under Jen’s tutelage.

Like Him, Like Him Not?

The ways God is unique and we, to our detriment, try to be like him is covered in None Like Him. Some of the mentioned attributes are: Infinite, Self-Existent, Omniscient, and Sovereign. The ways we can grow into His likeness are covered in the In His Image portion. Attributes named there are Holy, Loving, Longsuffering, Righteous to name a few. “Every trait on both lists is limitlessly true of God.” Not so for us. Except for one thing.

The one thing and the best part, of course is God’s provision in Christ to make us like Himself through His Son. All the while remembering that God is uniquely God and the only one qualified to be God. Worthy of worship, worthy of praise, and never will we be God. Seems obvious, but in the fist parts of the book we come under conviction as we see how often we do try to be like God in ways that go back to the Garden! It does us well to dwell on His attributes and our limitations in light of Scripture. But also the blood-bought amazing possibilities in Christ!

Chapter Breakdown

Each chapter focused on one of God’s attributes, and followed by individual sections which include:

Verses for Meditation-a list of verses to look up for further study, reflection and meditation on the attribute presented in the chapter.

Questions for Reflection-Four questions to add to one’s optimal reflection on the attribute of focus.

Pray-A prayer prompt, directing the prayer and praise toward God through the lens of what has been presented.

Encouragement to keep a journal is offered in the beginning of the book, but these chapters, prayers, reflections, and meditations will be fruitful if one sits with them with or without keeping notes. As one who journals regularly, I believe this book would be a treasure to have alongside for study, quiet time, journaling, or serious reflection and prayer.

This gift bound edition is lovely to look at, page through, and dig into. I am new to Jen Wilkin’s style of writing and thoroughly enjoyed reading and receiving her words of challenge, encouragement and instruction through this book. Get to know God better, or gift one who needs to know God better through this offering.

Thank you for reading! On a sidenote, I am writing from our local library today. My computer has died, and I am currently computerless, but Praise God for our local libraries! I finally got my tush here to share this book review. I may be writing less on the blog until this little conundrum is addressed. Is it cramping my writing style. Yup. A lot is on hold for now. Meanwhile I’m trusting and seeking to see what He wants me to learn. I hope to share again, soon!

Enthusiastically, Dawn

Disclosure: I received a copy of this book through Crossway. The opinions expressed in this review are, as always, entirely my own.