Andrew Gilmore (1)

In the short, yet powerful book Do No Work, Andrew Gilmore challenges you to rediscover the fourth of the Ten Commandments. The instruction to both work and rest is the most overlooked of the Decalogue. Lack of understanding and the assumption this commandment doesn't apply to Christians led to a variety of consequences. Sabbath was replaced by Sunday and numerous sermons on keeping Sunday as holy day. Burnout as widespread mental disease among people that don't know how to take a rest at show more all. Work is necessary, but we were not made to work nonstop. We need to rest in order to stay productive in the long run. God wants us - for one day - to take our minds off of money and focus on eternal things. What's the greater purpose in your life? Gilmore argues that considering one day as holy for the Lord, comes down to tithing. It's not about doing nothing, but remembering God's creation and the seventh day He himself took to rest and be satisfied about what He had created. Rest avoids depletion.
The author avoids becoming legalistic himself. Just as the New Testament teaches: the secret is not in specific days. There is nothing magical about Saturday or Sunday. If your are going to observe the "Sabbath", do it for the Lord, since He is your judge, not man. Judiazing is at the doorstep of every church or group believers. Just as we simply don't observe all Levitical laws, we cannot just pick and choose what best serves our convictions. The Sabbath is a metaphor for heaven where we will have eternal rest. And just with other Christian disciplines, we should start practicing while here on earth. show less

Andrew has done an excellent job in writing this book. It communicates his meaning well, gives the reader guidance and appears to be theologically sound. The author has an engaging, down-to-earth writing style and is easy to relate to. I particularly appreciate his acknowledgement of possible bias in the introductory sections - an acknowledgement of his humanity. This gave me confidence of his honesty while reading. I will definitely be following this author and eager to read any of his show more future works.

I received an advance copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. show less

In Under the Sun, Andrew Gilmore dares to believe you can and must live your life this way, and he’ll show you how. What begins like a short version of Rick Warren's Purpose Driven Life, then puts the finger on issues withholding you from acting on it. Fear, apathy, low self-esteem and bitterness are explored, and how to respond to these as a Christian. Mediocrity is not an option. God wants us to chose: either to be cold or hot. Gilmore then explains 4 steps to a more excellent life: show more identify your overarching purpose, live intentionally, with discipline, and seek out and fulfill your calling.
Next to the lives of Joseph, Daniel and Saul/Paul in the Bible, the author draws inspiration from authors like Charles Duhigg (The Power of Habit), C.S. Lewis (Mere Christianity), and Steven R. Covey (The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People). You should reflect the glory of God to those in the dark. Obstacles are actually opportunities to test ourselves, to try new things, and ultimately, to triumph. So, Gilmore doesn't turn away from suffering and temptations, which will be on your way throughout life, as promised by Jesus to His followers. God is calling you. Are you ready to listen? show less

This daily devotional is certainly worth reading. The author states his beliefs (or more so a link to his beliefs) early on. The statement is generic and non-sectarian, which is OK because so is the rest of the book.

I give it 3.5 stars because there are some theological disagreements I have (such as the value of works) - which are important questions, but not necessarily important to this work of devotions. Where the theology deviates from what I would affirm is still relatively minor.