February 4, 2008
5 Minutes for Books — Unlimiting God
When I picked up Unlimiting God, the subtitle made me a bit uneasy: increasing your capacity to experience the divine. It seemed a little mystical to me, and in the expression of my faith, I’m a bit practical–probably a bit too practical. But I noted that it was written by Richard Blackaby, and I thought, “Richard Blackaby–I know him. Experiencing God. He’s not too ‘out there.’” As soon as I read the first chapter I realized that Richard Blackaby is not Henry Blackaby, but his son. He did in fact team with his father to write Experiencing God Day by Day, but had nothing to do with the book I associated with the Blackaby name.
The message of Unlimiting God is simple. We limit God by neglecting His word, losing the joy of worship and fellowship with Him, letting the pressure and busyness of life crowd it out. 
Blackaby begins the book by reminding us that if we are far from God or experiencing limited power in our lives, it is always our fault. We are too easily satisfied with spiritual mediocrity.
The questions for reflection included at the end of each chapter prod the reader to move from, “Yes, I’ve noticed that in my life,” to “What can I do to change that?” which causes life-changing application, as opposed to feeble nods of recognition. Throughout Blackaby walks that fine of convicting the reader without inflicting her with discouraging guilt.
Do you want to go deeper in your walk with God? Do you want to experience more joy and satisfaction? Do you want to be used by God to execute His plans? If your answer is “yes,” or “I don’t know how,” or even “maybe,” do yourself a favor and read this book.
If you would like to win one of three copies (to ship to U.S. or Canadian addresses), please leave a comment here. Don’t forget to check back next week to see if you’re one of the winners.
The winner of last week’s book, Just Tell Me What to Say,
is #275 Kam A.
To find out more about the author or the book, visit her website, JustTellMeWhattoSay.com or Collins’ Gather site.
Filed under * Feature Columns, 5 Minutes for Books, Books, Christianity, Contests by Jennifer
136 Comments on 5 Minutes for Books — Unlimiting God »
#1 - Wendy @ 12:49 am
I was in a small group Bible study using Experiencing God a few years ago with my husband. It definitely had a deep impact on both of us. I’d be very interested to see what this book has to offer.
#2 - Jennifer @ 1:00 am
Sounds like a great book!
#3 - Tara Robertson @ 1:00 am
this sounds like a book I should read
#4 - Diana @ 2:25 am
Sounds awesome! Best kind of New Year’s resolution would definitely have to be a spiritual kick in the pants!
#5 - kelly @ 8:16 am
I loved Experiencing God. This book sounds good too!
Kelly
#6 - Michelle @ 8:20 am
I loved Experiencing God. I would be very interested in reading this book as well.
#7 - Carey @ 8:48 am
I would love to be included! Thanks.
#8 - Michelle Pendergrass @ 8:51 am
I’d love to win a copy!
#9 - Blessed @ 8:59 am
This sounds like a great book.
#10 - Jenn @ 9:02 am
I would love to win this book!
#11 - LeAnne @ 9:06 am
Sounds like a book I need!
#12 - Susan @ 9:08 am
This sounds wonderful!
#13 - monica @ 9:27 am
pick me
#14 - Donna @ 9:30 am
Definitely a buyer , IF I don’t win.
Sounds like a good read.
#15 - Michelle @ 10:03 am
Sounds good- count me in, please!
#16 - Meg @ 10:04 am
I adored Experiencing God….and this book sounds like exactly what I need to read right now. Thanks… meg.wilson@gmail.com
#17 - Jen @ 10:10 am
I would love to win one.
#18 - Brenda Prentice @ 10:11 am
Oh, yes please!! Count me in.
#19 - gretchen magruder @ 10:28 am
sounds great - I’d love to be entered in the drawing!!
#20 - Capturing Today @ 10:48 am
I’d love to read this one! Thanks for the chance to win a copy!
#21 - Sara @ 10:56 am
I’d love to read this book.
#22 - Dori @ 11:02 am
WOW — I can’t wait to read this book!
I’d love to win it, but definitely plan to buy it if I don’t!!
Dori
#23 - Bebemiqui @ 11:03 am
Count me in ;0)
#24 - Ginny @ 11:05 am
I would love to read this.
#25 - Edward Durbin @ 11:18 am
I would love to win this…
#26 - Tara B @ 11:33 am
The term “spiritual mediocrity” is SO TRUE…as soon as I read that I realized it’s so easy to slip into that pattern. I’d love to read this book!
#27 - Sara @ 11:36 am
Sounds like a book I would enjoy!
#28 - Amy @ 11:37 am
I know I limit God all of the time. I think that is usually because I choose to “do my thing” instead!
Would love to get a copy of the book.
#29 - Jill T. @ 11:54 am
This sounds like a book I really need right now in my life. I know the stress and busyness of my life as a stay-at-home-mom sometimes gets in the way of my relationship with God.
#30 - Rachea @ 11:56 am
thanks again for the chance to win count me in please
#31 - Rachea @ 11:57 am
thanks again for the chance to win
#32 - Bree @ 12:01 pm
This book looks really interesting! I’d love to read it!
#33 - Laura @ 12:02 pm
I’ve not seen this one before, sounds interesting.
#34 - Beth Ingersoll @ 12:05 pm
Oh, the Blackaby’s are great! Count me in!
#35 - Cory @ 12:14 pm
I would love to win one of these books. This falls right in line with my desire to increase my bible knowledge and my time in prayer so that I may come to know God more intimately. Thank you for offering them. Take care and God bless, Cory
#36 - Karla Meachem @ 12:16 pm
Yes please! Thanks for the entry!
#37 - Jennifer Lambert @ 12:20 pm
Sounds like a great book!
#38 - MLong @ 12:50 pm
This sounds like an awesome book.
#39 - Christine Stewart @ 12:52 pm
I love to read, please consider my entry!
#40 - Sheri @ 12:52 pm
Sounds great! I’d love to win.
#41 - Cindi Hoppes @ 1:01 pm
What a wonderful sounding book! I know I would enjoy reading it! Please enter me in your giveaway drawing.
I appreciate it. Thanks,Cindi
#42 - Laura P @ 1:02 pm
Wow, what a great book. Count me in please!
#43 - jenna @ 1:06 pm
I’d love to have a copy of this. Thanks for the great giveaway, as usual!
#44 - Rachel @ 1:20 pm
sounds like a great book. i had some serious growth through his experiencing god study.
#45 - Jen @ 1:26 pm
This sounds like a great book to study through!!!
#46 - Alexia @ 1:29 pm
I would like to be entered for this book, it sounds like a good book to read.
#47 - Morning Rose @ 1:33 pm
Sounds like an interesting book. Please enter me.
#48 - Karen @ 1:36 pm
Sounds like a great book that I would
love to win!
#49 - Hope @ 1:45 pm
I was just sharing with my Sunday School class what I learned when I took the Experiencing God class way back when. Some of the truths in that study have stuck with me years later as I walk along with the Lord. Now that is a good study! I would love to read this book and continue to learn more from the Blackaby family.
#50 - Pam Hricenak @ 1:52 pm
This sounds like a fantastic book for me! Please enter me in the chance for one of the books.
#51 - Crystal T @ 1:56 pm
love to win
#52 - jessica @ 2:16 pm
count me in!
#53 - Katrina (Callapidder Days) @ 2:30 pm
Sounds great. Please enter me.
#54 - denise @ 2:45 pm
By the title, I can tell this is a great book. I’d love to win! Thanks!!
#55 - Julie Robinson @ 3:00 pm
I would love to read this book - I always feel that the busyness of life can really steal our important priorities!
#56 - Beth@sportsmomma @ 3:01 pm
sounds like an awesome book! Count me in!
#57 - Janine @ 4:09 pm
Yes please; who couldn’t use more direction and reality in life.
#58 - Susanne @ 4:44 pm
I would LOVE to read this…Thanks so much!!!
#59 - Charlsie @ 4:48 pm
Sounds like an interesting read! Count me in.
#60 - Anita Yancey @ 5:00 pm
Nice book. Enter me.
#61 - Erna @ 5:15 pm
Oooh! I would love a copy! It sounds great! :0)
#62 - Vida @ 5:28 pm
This looks like a great read!
#63 - fan @ 5:34 pm
Sounds interesting, I’d love to read it.
#64 - Annette @ 5:46 pm
Please enter me. Thanks!
#65 - Cascia@ Healthy Moms @ 5:56 pm
This sounds like a great book. I am always looking for good books to read. I need to work on my relationship with God during this difficult time in my life.
#66 - Fruitbearer @ 6:09 pm
Please count me in. Thanks!
serving_theKingofkings@yahoo.com
#67 - Shelby ViTaris @ 6:10 pm
We are just having our first baby, and I think this would be a wonderful time to read a book like this!
#68 - Jenn in AZ @ 7:11 pm
This sounds like a wonderful book. Thanks for this opportunity!
Jenn
http://azhometeachin.wordpress.com
#69 - DARIJA @ 7:49 pm
This looks like a book that would be put to good use.
#70 - Carrie @ 7:54 pm
Pls enter me. Thank you!~
#71 - Jill @ 8:16 pm
I loved Experiencing God. Count me in.
#72 - marcella hugentobler @ 8:30 pm
a VERY GOOD BOOK FOR US TO READ TO THE GRANDCHILDREN.PLEASE
#73 - Kim @ 8:59 pm
Enter me pretty please…
#74 - Brandy @ 9:17 pm
I would love to read this. Please enter me. Thanks!
#75 - Andrea @ 9:42 pm
Sounds great! please count me in!
#76 - Kathy Conley @ 10:06 pm
perhaps
#77 - Sarah @ 10:52 pm
Count me in!
I’ll read it then pass it to my MIL!
#78 - Joanna @ 10:58 pm
Sounds like a wonderful read! Enter me, please.
#79 - Jane @ 11:03 pm
I’d love to win this book!
#80 - Cindi Hoppes @ 11:08 pm
I have read and heard many good things about this book! Please enter me in your drawing. I appreciate it. Thanks, Cindi
#81 - Jessica @ 11:13 pm
Please count me in! Thanks.
#82 - Coralee G @ 12:02 am
sounds like a great read!
#83 - Deborah @ 12:06 am
I’d love to win! Hooray! I have a U.S. address!
#84 - Kristina @ 12:21 am
I would love a copy of this!!
#85 - Shay @ 12:32 am
This sounds fabulous. Thanks!
#86 - Misti @ 12:41 am
Sounds like a book I need. Thanks for entering me!
#87 - Amanda @ 1:02 am
please enter me thanks
#88 - Jennifer H. @ 1:23 am
I so need this book right now! Please count me in! Thank you so much! Have a great week!
Jennifer
#89 - Valerie Mitchell @ 1:49 am
fabulous!
#90 - ukrainiac @ 2:42 am
Please enter me in — it sounds very practically heart-searching…
#91 - melody is slurping life @ 4:43 am
Please enter me. Thanks.
#92 - Mama Zen @ 8:09 am
I loved Experiencing God, so I’d like to check this out!
#93 - Deborah Sigrist @ 10:20 am
I have been on a quest to expand my relationship with God and welcome any media that can assist me with this.
#94 - bee @ 10:45 am
I would love to win a copy of this!
#95 - Susan @ 10:58 am
What a helpful contest idea!
I, too, read Expereincing God and was positively impacted.
Please consider me entered.
#96 - Gayle Runyons @ 11:20 am
Yes, enter me to win the book!
#97 - Melissa @ 12:22 pm
Please count me in!
#98 - Qtpies7~ @ 1:14 pm
That sounds like exactly what I need and would love to read.
#99 - Heather @ 1:24 pm
Sounds like exactly what I need. Thanks for the chance!
#100 - Donna @ 2:23 pm
I would love to read this book!
#101 - Danielle S @ 3:14 pm
Awesome!
dansan826 at yahoo dot com
#102 - Lisa Oguin @ 3:17 pm
This sounds like a really good book!
#103 - Shannon @ 4:25 pm
This book sounds like a great read and any book about God is sure to be great.
Thanks
palmersf@comcast.net
#104 - stacy berg @ 5:24 pm
This would be so great- I love to read and am always looking for new authors!!!
#105 - Abbey @ 7:34 pm
Sounds like a good read!
#106 - Mary @ 11:16 pm
Thanks for the entry!
#107 - Shakeia Rieux @ 11:54 pm
please enter me
#108 - Kaleb @ 7:18 am
I definitely want to read this book. Our youth pastor spoke a couple of Sundays ago about the same thing and how we put God into “safe” mode and just think/ask him for the things that we think that He can do. We don’t ask or necessarily want Him to take full control of our lives like we should because He might ask us to do something that is too hard or too “big” in our minds.
Thanks,
Kaleb
#109 - Heather K @ 12:31 pm
I was somewhat startled to see this here as I think this seriously applies to me right now… I’ll be checking this book out whether I win or not.
#110 - Brynna @ 1:14 pm
Please count me in!
#111 - chrissy @ 2:42 pm
Sounds like a great read!
#112 - Sandra @ 2:48 pm
Would love to read this book.
#113 - Miss Heidi @ 3:05 pm
Sounds nice. Please enter me. Thanks so much.
Heidi
sweet_soul_sistermi@yahoo.com
#114 - Lisa O @ 6:29 pm
Thanks for the chance!
#115 - Nikki Evans @ 9:10 pm
Please consider me for the prize!
#116 - Angie @ 12:15 pm
enter me please!
#117 - Vickie @ 3:40 pm
Please count me in.
#118 - Angela Thompson @ 6:01 pm
Sounds wonderful
#119 - Jenny @ 9:42 pm
Wow! I could really use this book. I am a new mother with a husband overseas in Iraq. I need something to help me deepen my faith while he is away!
#120 - John MacDonald @ 9:46 am
Very nice. Please enter me.
#121 - Nicole Price @ 10:47 am
I would love to have this book. Enter me please.
#122 - gina @ 12:05 am
As a Christian, I am always seeking ways to improve my spirituality and my relationship with God. This book seems to be another way to do just what I seek. Thanks!
#123 - Caryn Bailey @ 8:55 am
Count me in please!
#124 - bryon shaffer @ 12:04 pm
hope i win
#125 - Marilyn @ 2:43 pm
I haven’t heard of this book. Thanks for posting the review!
#126 - philip halter @ 5:43 pm
enter me please
#127 - Sweetpeas @ 7:51 pm
Count me in!
#128 - Noralee @ 11:58 pm
By reading your discription of this book I realized that I limit God. Would love a copy of this book to read. Thanks for the giveaway!
#129 - Nina @ 12:05 am
I’d love to win this…thanks!
#130 - Laura McLendon @ 1:21 am
Would love to add to my home book collection
#131 - Kristi @ 3:07 pm
I would love to read this book!
#132 - Reeva @ 3:29 pm
I’d like to read this book
#133 - Vicki Weisshaar @ 4:58 pm
I would very much like to read this book.
#134 - Taryn @ 11:48 pm
Sounds like a great book!
#135 - Chris @ 8:37 pm
I;m glad I found this site. Having difficulties finding a job this past year, I have pushed God out of my life as it becomes longer and longer, interview after interview. I am sure this will help me get back to where I need to be.
#136 - shelley @ 10:30 pm
looks like a good one to check out