The Name Quest is
a spiritually powerful , well-written book that is filled with snippets of
information based on Scripture, but also a great deal more. By including
personal experiences and sketches of examples demonstrated in the Bible, John
Avery grabs a shovel and digs us deeper into the Word.
This book is not merely about the various names by which God
is known, but page after page of instances and illustrations of God’s love for
us, His desire to be in relationship with us, His provisions for us and His
quest to guide us along a path that will be amazing if we only choose His way
rather than bumbling along on our own.
The back cover description expresses a beautiful summation
of the book:
Take an insightful journey into deeper relationship with God
through the biblical names of God. Beginning in Babel and ending with a burning
Babylon, The Name Quest builds faith and encourages spiritual
growth.
The names of God are like a rainbow—each name expresses part
of the spectrum of the character and attributes of God. God is a personality
with a multifaceted character too integrated and dynamic to compartmentalize.
God’s names are best examined in clusters, around common themes. So that is how
the chapters are organized.
I especially appreciated the author’s comparison of a life
of faith to being bombarded with confusing options on a quiz show. “Every
challenge to our faith is an opportunity to ‘open the box’ for God to work and
thus build faith, which is our spiritual capital. Or we can settle for life as
usual, and plateau. However, true faith contains no element of chance, and we
have nothing of value to lose.”
Another quote from the book particularly resonated with me:
“I notice a discipline cycle in my own life. It’s not an exercise bicycle. It’s
a circuitous route that I take in my relationship with God. I begin drifting
from Him, hardly realizing my condition until life no longer runs so smoothly.
Often, I’m the one messing things up. When I admit my drifting and pursue God
again, life improves.” As the
reader, I personally have to ask myself: why do we so easily veer off track?
It’s been happening since the beginning with Adam & Eve and has continued
throughout history. We know how much more efficiently life runs when He is in
control. Sealed doors are sprung wide open. People are introduced into our
paths that we might never have met. Circumstances change when we consciously
seek and follow Him. Yet we find ourselves drifting and in need of a course
correction.
Just a suggestion on reading The Name Quest is that the reader not try to devour the entire book
in one sitting. This is strictly my personal opinion, but I found that reading
one chapter per day allowed me to best absorb and contemplate what I had
previously read. Reading multiple chapters during one reading session
overwhelmed me. Now perhaps this is because I am simple-minded, but I found
that I could retain and more greatly appreciate the content in smaller measures.
Author, John Avery, has over thirty years experience as a
Bible teaching pastor, small group leader and missionary. He lives in Oregon
with his wife, Janet.
The Name Quest is
an excellent resource for anyone who wants to know more about God, even for the
knowledgeable Bible scholar, containing something for everyone who seeks God
and strives to mature in faith.
For further information, see:
I'll be back again soon with more comments on writing, publishing and life!
Mary
Anne Benedetto
Author of Eyelash, 7 Easy Steps to Memoir
Writing: Build a Priceless Legacy One Story at a Time!, Never Say
Perfect, From Italy with Love & Limoncello and Write Your
Pet's Life Story in 7 Easy Steps!
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