7 Things That God Desires for Us

By George S. Dillard III

Book Overview

Dr. George Dillard is the senior minister at Peachtree City Christian Church. This insightful and positive offering presents readers with clarity and understanding into God's plan for our lives. Dr.... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1439243506
• ISBN13: 9781439243503
• Release Date: June 2009
• Publisher: Booksurge Publishing
• Length: 120 Pages
• Weight: 0.38 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.3" x 6.0" x 9.0"

Customer Reviews

Seven Things That God Desires For Us is a welcome new addition in the area of Biblical scholarship.

Seven Things That God Desires For Us, is Dr. George S. Dillard III's first book. Dillard is the Senior Minister of the Peachtree City Christian Church, a suburban congregation not far from Atlanta, Ga. In his Introduction, he explains why he wrote the book: "The seven truths that this book shares are simple and ones that you and I can easily grasp; they will help us move closer to the heart of God, be more like His Son, and share His love in our relationships with one another." This book is quite unique in how it approaches Biblical scholarship. The work itself is actually based on Proverbs 6:16-19, which describes seven human weaknesses that God especially loathes: "Haughty eyes, a lying tongue, And hands that shed innocent blood, A heart that devises wicked plans, Feet that run rapidly to evil, false witness who utters lies, And one who spreads strife among brothers." Countless scholars, theologians, and ministers have focused on this surprisingly lean passage from the Bible. Generally, they focused- and continue to focus- on the sins themselves. Dillard's take is far different: he dwells on the opposites of these vices, instead concentrating on corresponding human virtues. Haughty eyes, then, become "a humble heart," and a lying tongue becomes "honesty," and so on. Dillard devotes each virtue a separate chapter, and are arranged as such: Chapter 1: A Humble Heart Chapter 2: Honesty...Such a Lonely Word? Chapter 3: And Justice for All Chapter 4: A Hunger and Thirst Chapter 5: True Repentance Chapter 6: Walk in Integrity Chapter 7: United We Stand The author's focus on human virtues is to be applauded: among church leaders, too much time is spent examining the dark side of human behavior. Much Biblical literature today induces guilt and gloominess. Dillard's work inspires delight and positivism, which are refreshing changes in tone. Nevertheless, Dillard can be very realistic in his interpretation of scripture, and can be blunt. He acknowledges that living the Christian life can be difficult. In Chapter 6, he writes that, "Living with integrity is costly...Christ promises hardships and even persecution for those who truly follow the gospel." Dillard is clearly an optimistic interpreter of Christianity, but it isn't a naïve, feel-good, politically correct version of optimism. He is honest enough to state that living a Christian life is not always easy, nor is it always popular. Seven Things That God Desires For Us in fact possesses many fine qualities. Dillard, although he possesses a doctorate, writes very simply and with an unpretentious clarity. All readers- whether professors, ministers, or lay people- should find the book to be accessible. Certainly, the writer is a serious scholar. He utilizes footnotes and a comprehensive "Endnotes" section. He quotes scripture liberally. Still, Dillard possesses a sense of humor, which lay people- particularly younger readers- should appreciate. He alludes to Jim

7 Things is a Must Read

Dr. George Dillard's book is a wonderful guide and handbook for positive living. He challenges the reader to go deeper and to learn and grow. It's a quick read but one you'll want to keep on hand and read again and again. He is an engaging pastor and we enjoy hearing his sermons each week.

I highly recommend it for all students of God's Word!

"There are six things the Lord hates, seven that are detestabel to Him: haughty eyes, a lying tongue, hands that shed innocent blood, a heart that devises wicked schemes, feet that are quick to rush into evil, a false witness who pours out lies and a man who stirs up dessension among brothers." Proverbs 6:16-19 [NIV] In each chapter Dr. Dillard takes these seven things that God hates, and offers the reader a perspective of a God who loves and cares for His children. This book is both insightful and easy to understand. It has given me another wonderful view of our loving Creator. I highly recommend it for both independent and group studies and look forward to more work from the author in the future!