Review of Michael Cusick's "Surfing for God"

"Could the growing struggles with pornography and fantasy really be reminding us of our heart’s deepest desire, something greater and more fulfilling than sexual gratification?"

That's the question that Cusick's book attempts to answer. Leading us through his own, shocking at times, struggle with lust, he attempts to open doors and knock down walls; allowing others to enter and find their way to healing. Along the way, he also shares the stories of others, some being friends of the author, and their struggles and addictions and how they overcame their circumstances. 

Interesting stats from the book:

* 25% of search engine requests are for pornography – 68 million per day
* 70% of the hits on Internet sex sites occur between 9-5 on business computers
* Over 50 percent of evangelical pastors report they viewed pornography last year
* Over 70% of Christian men report viewing pornography in the last year

Clearly this is a widespread epidemic, with Christians clearly not exempt from its hold; with the evidence suggesting that, if anything,  we may be even more perceptible to it than the world around us. 

My only criticism is that the book did drag a bit in parts, but it thankfully made a habit of interrupting the slower portions with fairly   profound statements and confessions. 

This book was received as part of the Booksneeze program, asking only a review in return. I have a few friends that I think will benefit greatly from this book, and I plan on sharing it with them.  

Book Review for The Final Summit

Try as I might, I just could not get into this book. A lot of the story seemed too obvious (lots of allusions to the main character being based on Dave Ramsey), and just slow in general. I understand that it's a sequel, but I truly don't see the prequel novel helping my opinion of this book a lot.

The majority of the story takes place in a meeting, and I get enough of those at work. I don't need to read about them when I'm not at work. It's an interesting scenario, but it definitely left me feeling very under-whelmed as the setting for the story.

This book was received through the Book Sneeze program. Most of the books that they have available are Christian-oriented books, but this title was very light on anything I would call Christian principles. As others have pointed out, the author seems to deal with more of a 'self-help' frame of mind that's contrary to the message of Christ. The lack of any real faith-based ideals only further turned me off of the book.

I'm giving it a 2 out of 5 for the occasional interesting part, but I truly didn't enjoy the book very much.

On bringing up children

Something I’ve struggled with is what my idea of fair is in this life.

“Look at what this guy is doing, look at her, look at all of the things that these people are doing! God, they are awful people (in my eyes) why do the desires of their heart come so easily; why do you not punish them Lord?”

And in the same sense, “Lord, yes, I sinned, but it was minor, why do I feel punished to this degree?”

I struggled with this for a long time, somehow trying to justify that “well, my sin wasn’t so bad, I really don’t deserve this...” I struggled for a long time wondering why it felt like I couldn’t get away with even the smallest of offenses. “Lord, why are you so strict on me?”

It turns out if I’d been reading the bible closely, I would’ve clearly seen the reason

Hebrews 12:6 (ESV): For the Lord disciplines the one He loves, and chastises every son whom He receives.”

So, I spent all this time upset at my “special treatment” which I had grown frustrated with, feeling like a child would with a strict parent, when, it turns out, that I was looking at it all completely wrong.

We’re chastised because we’re loved, we’ve been chosen and received. For this we should be glad, for this, we should give glory to God.

This will sound stupid, but God’s “punishment” or correction to me has helped to further strengthen my faith. There is a loving God, who like a caring mother or father wants only the best for their children. When He sees me doing something that is harmful to me, He will discipline me. When he sees me doing something to harm another, He will discipline me. When he sees me about to do something stupid, He will correct me and discipline me.

My frustration has turned to love and understanding.

He expects more of those that are His received and loved children. He expects more of me.

God isn’t “hard” on me, He isn’t a strict overbearing parent, He is a loving and awesome Father who wants His child to seek His way, the true and perfect way.

So, the next time you feel that God has been harsh on you, realize that it’s not a hateful God punishing you, it’s an amazing Father pouring our His lovingkindness upon you.

Intro

This is going to be a catch-all for my thoughts, prayers, book reviews, random things, etc. So, standy by, we'll get this party started soon.