The Sense of the Call: A Sabbath Way of Life for Those Who Serve God, the Church, and the World

As a person in ministry though not a pastor, I found this book extremely helpful in addressing the way many of us in ministry "work" for God but forget to "be" with God. The call to observe Sabbath well is part of our call to ministry and Dr. Dawn has some excellent thoughts here. I loved her sections on restful living and prayer - learning to rest in grace. She considers the blocks to prayer (the three temptations of Christ + pride), and offers devotional practices that stretch our skills.The Messiah complex is one of the greatest hinderances to healthy spirituality and healthy ministry and Dawn addresses this issue with compassion, hope and encouragement while challenging us to remember that we have human limits and were made to live as members of community not leaders who live slightly removed from it. When we embrace our humanity instead of trying to live beyond its limits, we open the door to fruitful life and sustainable ministry.I strongly recommend this book as a helpful tool for ministers to find ways to honor the Sabbath and embrace it as God's gift and commandment. You will find undercurrents of social justice and great encouragement to equip the saints to do the work of the Church, enabling ministers and leaders to be part of the ministering community, to live whole, healthy lives.Someone once said you can't take people where you haven't gone. This book will help you live the gift of Sabbath and invite others join the journey toward a deeper life in Christ and to live wisely and well in a self-absorbed and hurting world.

There is not enough good literature relating to a Christian practice of Sabbath. I was excited to discover Dawn's latest book on Sabbath. It was a blessing from beginning to end. The Sense of the Call is a comprehensive survey of the best literature pertaining to Sabbath accompanied by Dawn's delightful and inspired insights into the subject. Ministers and laypersons alike should read this book.

This book is real and relevant for those who feel as though they are climbing up the rough side of the mountain. Marva is in tone and touch with the challenges that faces ministers who bleed and they lead within the body of Christ.

GOOD BOOK

Marva Dawn has a way of making everything she does serve God. She has a keen sense of service and rejoicing that every book she writes conveys, so we can find that same joy in life.

As a pastor's wife and one who serves the church personally, I resonated with this message. Some of the insights that should be obvious were profound at this point in my life. I have recently been diagnosed with cancer and am finding rest a vital part of my healing and restoration. Marva's emphasis on revitalizaion and renewal now as a foretaste of heaven have encouraged me to evaluate my life rhythm. I appreciate her vulnerability and honesty in her own struggles. I have recommended this book to others who have also found it helpful.