Alan Kraft

Asking the right questions: 1) What am I thirsty for? 2) Where is Jesus in my struggle? 3) Whom else have I invited into the battle? Change happens best in an environment of authenticity and mercy--but we must be intentional about creating this atmosphere in our churches. Perhaps spiritual maturity is not as much about sinning less as it is about seeing more clearly the depth of our need for Jesus. Sexual sin is actually not about sex at all. It's an intimacy disorder--using sexual activity or a relationship in a desperate search for connection, affirmation or love. It's a way to medicate painful feelings, experiences and memories.… (mehr)

NCLA Review - Jesus said, “My yoke is easy and my burden is light." (Mt 11:30) Why then do so many of us feel like God’s work, even our spiritual growth, rests heavily on our shoulders? Searching for an answer to that question, Alan Kraft closely examined his own thoughts and actions. As he did so, the Holy Spirit revealed overlooked sins and mixed motivations that undermined his efforts. Kraft concluded that although Christians try hard to please Jesus and do God’s work, we often get the cart before the horse. No wonder we feel overwhelmed—pushing a cart is really doing it the hard way! What we see as Jesus’ burden may be misplaced responsibility. Although Kraft’s perspective challenges a widespread understanding of how to please God, he presents it with scriptural backing in a kindly style that recognizes and applauds the desire to do so. His honesty encourages the reader to follow his soul-searching example. Pleasing God, he believes, can be as natural and renewing as breathing, and he shows us how. Rating: 4 —DKW… (mehr)