This book is a must read for all Christ followers, and I mean that. My Enemy … My Brother was loaned to me by my sister who heard the author speak at a church in North Dakota. Hanna Shahin’s story reads well. It is a poverty to triumph story, yet it is the message between its pages that speaks to the heart in ways one can’t ignore.

Near the end of the book we find the following statement. “One thing I have learned, and learned well, is never to argue with someone from another faith. Christ is not about religions; I am convinced He could not care less. Christ is not about safeguarding Christianity as a religious system. What Christ is all about is giving new life to people, regardless of their religion, faith or denomination. . . .Christianity cannot change people. Religion can only create religious people, and that is not Christ’s purpose. He is concerned about changing human nature to be as best an imitation of Him as possible.” Those words are bold but they are backed by story after story of true life examples where Christ was the answer to the person’s soul need.

This book is easy to read and the storyline is interesting. The reader is transported into different cultures and given a glimpse into life in the Middle East as it fares for Christians, Muslims, and Christ-followers (those who live for Christ without the label). Through the medium of radio airwaves, the author demonstrates to his listeners and to us a life that is lived for the love of Christ. I will buy this book to share with family and friends. It’s that good.

This delightful book is also known as The Practice of the Presence of God. I have read it in two versions. There are are dozens of translations and editions to choose from. Every few years I like to read Practicing His Presence. The book may be small, but it is powerful! Brother Lawrnce practiced abiding in Christ. ‘God alone’ was his practice in every facet of life. Brother Lawrence was a cook in a monastery during the seventeenth century. In his letters and conversations, two predominate themes rise to the surface: abandoning to God and doing all things for the love of God.

[Brother Lawrence] said that only faith, hope and love had to be nourished to become utterly dedicated to the will of God. All the rest was unimportant….all things are possible to him who believes, more to him who hopes, and still more to him who practices and goes on practicing these three virtues.” (E. M. Blaiklock)