Louie Giglio

I read this book via ebook and truly enjoyed the simplicity, yet complexity of it. The book itself was very short, but the concepts that were dicussed were given as much detail as needed without a lot of fluff, which is awesome. I did not really like how there were no references throughout the book for when Bible verse were mentioned, but then I saw the back of the book had that and changed my mind. This is a really good book overall talking about worship and the many different aspecta of it.

Devotionals don't need to be boring or superficial or cheesy, and this one proves that.

I have not read the other books by this author, but I'm definitely going to be checking them out now. This devotional takes the wonders of the world and creation (true facts), highlights little known as well as more known ones, and shows how wondrous creation truly is. Each devotion starts with a very short verse before the science end of something is discussed. Then, in the last paragraph, all of it is show more tied together and ends with a short, related prayer. As an extra bonus, another interesting tidbit of science is added in a colorful side-box. There's a Table of Contents in the beginning to make things easy to find and an index at the end for those searching for something specific. Add the interesting foreword, which not gives the author a chance to explain why he does these devotionals, but it also shows which devotions fall into one of four science themes, and encourages readers to visit their favorites.

This is such a well-done read that I've decided to lay down our usual devotional (although we're only halfway through) and use this one instead. My kids, although older, do love science and find this one more interesting than the more 'personal/emotional' one I'd picked up this summer. These devotions are about two pages, but they are interesting and my kids, who usually love quick ones, have no problem listening to these. The author doesn't talk down to the reader but helps waken curiosity about creation and how amazing it is.

There are illustrations as well as photos to lighten the mood and give readers an impression of what some things truly look like. The information is laid out in an understandable manner and, more than a few, were new facts to us. The Bible verse doesn't necessarily fit 100% in all ways, but the author makes sure there is a related topic in some way or another. So, everything does tie together well enough. The devotion part doesn't come across as preachy and is also easy to connect with and understand.

As said, we've switched over to this one and are enjoying it quite a bit. show less

Before Giglio was in the public eye for his views of public morality he was the driving force behind the Passion movement which has created some the most popular worship music in the last two decades. He is also the pastor of Passion City Church in ATL. He wrote I Am Not But I Know I AM: Welcome to the Story of God in 2005, and Waterbrook Multnomah has just re-released it for another run.

The title describes the books central theme. I Am that I Am is the name that Moses heard when he asked on show more the mountain, "Whom shall I say sent me?" The answer was: Yahweh--I Am that I Am; I Will BE What I Will Be. This God is like no other and while we human creatures sometimes usurp his position, we don't even come close. Giglio tells the story of the God of the Bible, seen in the Old Testament and revealed in Christ. We learn two important truths in this book:

1. There is a God


2. You and I are not God.

At times Giglio emphasizes God's transcendence and how utterly mysterious his ways are to us. But this isn't just a tale of the 'Wholly Other." This God has extended to us his love and drawn near to us in Jesus Christ. When Giglio says I am Not but I Know "I Am" he proclaims his trust in the God of creation that he knows through his relationship with Jesus Christ. Because we are not I Am, are job is not to strive, to make a name, to make something happen. Our job is to know and to trust in our God.

I liked this book and think that Giglio makes some great points. However there are some exegetical leaps. Giglio describes the 'One-Word Bible Study Method' which involves going slowly, meditatively through a passage one word at a time (he does in the book with John 1:14). I like this method because a slow attentive reading of scripture avails you to the voice of God. Yet in Giglio's demonstration, he ends up giving a fanciful etymology to the word "Became" (the verb 'to be' = I AM, therefore we are to read it "I AM came"). I don't disagree with Giglio's points but using English etymology (even made up etymology) to understand biblical words and concepts, puts you in danger of reading into the text. What Giglio does more or less responsibly here, could just as easily be misused.

So with some reservations, I recommend this book. I think Giglio's message is on target. This is a quick read but is the sort of message we all need to hear.

Thank you to Waterbrook Multnomah for providing me a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review

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This book is a hit at our house since we got it! We love exploring the different countries, cultures, animals and bible verses along the way. The images are colorful and draw you into Pastor Louie’s words. This book is one that will grow with your children that they can go back and reference for years to come! I would definitely recommend it to other families, friends and classmates. Thank you for our copy HarperCollins Christian Publishing x Tommy Nelson!