An engaging invitation to an intimate relationship with God

Author Heath Adamson uses excellent story-telling and inspired insight to challenge Christians to a deeper relationship with God. 'The Sacred Chase' is the intentional pursuit of an intimate relationship with God. It involves more than a church service or saying a prayer by rote. As Adamson describes it, we can run our spiritual race with all our heart, but if we’re running in the wrong direction, we still won’t finish. Are we running in the right direction? We can only know this by having an intimate relationship with God.

As a master storyteller, Adamson uses many compelling examples to drive his points home. The Biblical man they called Legion is an ongoing case referenced, along with many Biblical and current day examples. My favorite was the opening story of Tilly’s beach. Tilly’s story is an memorable example of listening to God’s voice and acting upon it.

Adamson uses biblical verses throughout as the foundation for the topics that lead the reader to understanding what the Sacred Chase involves. It covers what an intimate relationship with God looks like and how we can achieve it. God is ready and willing and waiting for us. The rest is up to us.

How this book affected me:
I’m currently in the midst of the “sacred chase” although I didn’t have a name for it until now. So this book had a profound impact on me. It's one of the best books on faith that I've read and has given me the encouragement to go all out in my chase even with the fear and reservations I have about what might be required of me.

My only disappointment was that there were not many specifics on the “how-to”, which is where I stumble. (For example, in the be still and listen department, I seem to end up falling asleep or my mind wanders to other things.) In retrospect, this is a journey of the heart and soul. There is no step-by-step guide for how to adjust feelings. However, the author has made a compelling case for the reasons why we could and should make a relationship with God one of the highest priorities of our lives. This book will leave a lasting impression on my Christian journey.

Who would enjoy this book:
Christians who are feeling stagnant in their walk with Christ and those who desire a closer relationship with God will enjoy The Sacred Chase. It could also prompt a lot of discussion (and spiritual growth) in a Christian book club. It would be thought-provoking pre-requisite reading for a spiritual retreat.

Our Christian Book Reviews:
The book reviews at Finding God Among Us focus on Christian books - adult and children, fiction and nonfiction. We're proud to be included in the Top 50 Christian Book Review Bloggers. I chose to read an ARC from Baker Books, a division of Baker Publishing Group. This review is my honest opinion.

We pursue so many things yet are always disappointed. Adamson says the one pursuit that will never disappoint and will, in fact, exceed our expectations is the pursuit of a more intimate connection with Jesus.

Adamson does a good job of encouraging us to seek God with all our heart. That happens when we want a divine connection more than anything else. He reminds us we are as close to God as we want to be. He challenges us about distractions, being authentic and vulnerable with God, fueling our passion for God, maintaining our soul's health, and more. He pokes holes in our religious veneer and calls us to task for the lies we tell ourselves.

Adamson uses stories from his life, the lives of others, and stories from the Bible to illustrate his teaching. The egalley I read had no questions for reflection or discussion. That's too bad because this book would be a good one for a study group or Sunday School class.

I recommend this book to Christians who have gotten lazy in their spiritual life. It's a good book for any Christian desiring encouragement for a deeper intimacy with God. It's a good book for Christians who think that proximity with God, going to church and small groups, is all that God wants in a relationship. You'll be challenged.

Food for thought: “God is our reward. God is at the beginning, the end, and the journey in between.” (Loc 207/3883)

I received a complimentary egalley of this book from the publisher. My comments are an independent and honest review.