The Pressure's Off

"We're never more deceived than when we think we're living for God but in fact are living for His blessings.  When we persuade ourselves that our job is to pray properly, live morally, and love meaningfully, and that God's job is to reward us with whatever blessings we most want, we're deceived.  We have a fleshly view of the Christian life.  We live apart from grace."

Living apart from God's grace and living on the performance treadmill...have you ever been there?  Have you ever treated your relationship with God more like a "to-do" or "not-to-do" list as if you could gain His favor by doing all the right things or bring on His punishment if you mess up?

The Pressure's Off:  Breaking Free From Rules and Performance by Larry Crabb would be a helpful book if you answered "yes" to any of the questions above.  Endorsed by J.I. Packer, Brennan Manning and  Cal Thomas, The Pressure's Off really is an amazing look at God's grace.  With a thoroughly biblical foundation and keen insight, Crabb lays before the reader two paths in life:  The Old Way and the New Way.

"The Old Way promises a better life filled with good things that make you happy...The second path is The New Way.  In this arrangement, God first plants a desire in your heart, a longing that actually values His presence over His blessings; then He invites you to live out that desire, to abandon yourself to what you most want.  It takes you out of control, but is sets you free.  The New Way promises a better hope than the good things of life.  It promises nearness to God, and it delivers, though not right away and often through suffering."

I really feel this book again is about grace and freedom...freedom to live in grace.  And it could be life changing for some who don't have a firm grasp of the abundant life Jesus wants to give them!  The really great thing about the 2012 edition of The Pressure's Off, is the eight week workbook that is included!  Sometimes people can be put off by a book AND a workbook.  Well in this new edition, you have both in one volume.  This would be an excellent resource for a small group Bible study or could be used in a discipleship relationship.

You get no "psycho-babble" or "look within yourself" mumbo jumbo here...just clear, throrough, solidly biblical guidance to a life that honors and glorifies God...to a life that takes the pressure off you and teaches you to worship the One True God in spirit and truth with your life!

Dr. Crabb is a well-known psychologist, conference and seminar speaker, Bible teacher, author and founder-director of NewWay Ministries.  He also serves as spiritual director for the American Association of Christian Counselors.  To learn more about Dr. Crabb and NewWay Ministries, visit the ministry's website by going HERE.

To order The Pressure's Off at Amazon.com, visit HERE.

WaterBrook Multnomah sent me a copy of this book for the purpose of review as part of their Blogging For Books program.

Please be kind and take a second to rank this review! 


Blessings,
Jennifer