Journey to the Mountain of God

PUBLISHERS WEEKLY 24 ABR 2006

There's nothing original about "40 days" of anything these days thanks to Rick Warren, and there's nothing original about finding our spiritual "sweet spot" thanks to Max Lucado. But readers will find both in Ireland's new book. The New Jersey megachurch pastor's version of a 40-day journey is based on Moses' and the Israelites' preparation to meet God on Mount Sinai, as found in the biblical book of Exodus. Ireland takes principles from that preparation and applies them to modern readers eager to meet and grow closer to God. Each of his eight steps receives five days' worth of readings, with summary statements at the end of each of the 40 chapters. Steps include "Preparing My Heart for the Climb," "Disciplines for Mountaintop Living" and "A New Beginning." Ireland draws from his own church's "journey to the mountain of God" to make his plan more personal, though dense writing tends to weigh down the chapters. A helpful reader's guide at the end summarizes Ireland's goals for the book and for readers. Those looking for a new take on the 40-day devotional concept will find it here.