Life Without Lack: Living in the Fullness of Psalm 23

As a pastor, I give away my copy of this book constantly. I make all my new staff team members read it. It is truly a wonder and a God send. Now, I have read and love all of Willard's books, but this one is the most approachable for the average reader and Christian. This one has a unique difference in that it was delivered orally to a class of ordinary Christians, and not penned by Willard himself as a Magnum Opus of the topic at hand like with The Divine Conspiracy and The Spirit of the Disciplines. Life without Lack is easy to read and drives home the most important aspects of spiritual growth from an in depth look at Psalm 23. I've read it several times, and will continue to read it again and again throughout my life. I will have my children read it, and if I live to see my grandkids, I will read it to them as well. This is truly a gem, and worth a good slow read.

It's said each person has three levels of belief: (1) What they say they believe; (2) What in their own minds they think they believe; and (3) What they actually believe deep in their hearts. This book will challenge the first almost immediately. The thoughtful reader will venture into the second, and ponder the third.The book was not written by Dallas Willard, it was written by Larry Burtoft, with Willard's permission to do so, after Willard's death in 2013 based on material developed Willard back in the 1990s. Those expecting the same writing style as found in "The Divine Conspiracy" or "Renovation of the Mind" may be momentarily disappointed. But if they accept they are Willard's ideas from the pen of another, they will quickly see Willard's hand in it. In some ways, it's an easier read than other of Willard's works, as the writing requires less unpacking of meaning. But that does not mean this book is 'simple' or 'superficial.' Far from it.I've read through this once. I intend to read through it several more times. For those with ears to hear, this book will shine a light on a path to a deeper trust in Christ. It has opened my eyes. I pray it does so for others as well.

Life Without Lack is a book to be savored. One could read straight through it quickly, as I did for the sake of reviewing it, but I wouldn't recommend that. I will definitely be rereading it and this time slowly, taking the time to meditate on the wisdom presented and to implement some of the ideas. For example, Dallas Willard started out by recommending that readers memorize and meditate on Psalm 23. I honestly wasn't sure I was interested in a book on Psalm 23. I felt overly familiar with that Psalm, but this book really has.a lot to offer whether you are a person who memorized the Psalm as a child or whether its your first time reading it. Dallas Willard's gentle wisdom is refreshing and encouraging. In chapter 8, Dallas helps the reader plan to spend a day with Jesus. But he isn't helping the reader plan a retreat. This is a day with Jesus in your very ordinary schedule, inviting Him along with you and spending the day together. These are just some of the ideas with which I would like to spend more time and actually implement in my life.I also had concern over whether I could offer this book to the men and women at the homeless shelter where I served. Their lives are filled with palpable lack. How would this book play there? Dallas is aware of these concerns for all of us who experience lack in one way or another in our lives and he addresses these concerns adeptly. From chapter 1, "Whereas King David wrote, The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want," Paul wrote, "not that I speak in regard to need." They both knew the provision of God that became for them a life without lack."But how could Paul say that? This man has been dragged through every jailhouse in the Roman Empire. Several times we find him bobbing in the ocean, trying to survive shipwrecks. It makes me want to say, "What do you mean, you don't have any wants? Couldn't you use a boat?" He would respond, "Well sure I'll take a boat, but I don't really have to have it, you understand?""I'm not there yet, but reading this makes me eager for the day when I can say that I'm living a life without lack. I'm looking forward to implementing Willard's suggestions for growth in this area of my life.*I received an advanced copy of this book from the publisher. (and then purchased a hard copy because I liked it so much)

This book is not actually written by the late Dr. Willard but by his friend Larry Burtoft based on a series of talks and other writings or recordings of the acclaimed author.It centers on Psalm 23 but delves much deeper than anything else I'd heard or read so far and mainly seeks to instill trust in God's goodness and power and to help the reader live connected to Him.I found myself challenged to renew my childlike faith in His love and deeply convicted by the discussion on how human desire is infinite by nature and will control us unless we accept the cross of Jesus. That is, we must see ourselves as crucified with Christ (Galatians 2:20) and accept that until we are fully with Him in glory there will be limitations on what we desire, whether that be love, money, power, success, honor, etc.I was also touched by the discussion on how God's call into a relationship of love with Him is also a call into a life of loving others.Finally, the author offers some simple, practical suggestions on how to live more fully in the presence of God in daily life.I can only recommend this book wholeheartedly!

It seems like people have lost confidence and hope in God and his word and part of that is because people have lost the ability to read well. Dr. Willard did an excellent job at looking at all the different ramifications behind the 23rd psalm from various different standpoints and shows how the text of the 23rd psalm is more than just poetry. he shows us how we can actually have grounded confidence in the truth claims found in the 23rd psalm as well as the rest of the scriptures. this book has deepened my faith and confidence and given me several tools to use in my daily quiet times with my father. I think this book will be an encouragement to you and your walk with your father as well.

Such a great read! Dallas writes in a way that undoes shame, and lack and invites us into the fullness of God. Definitely recommend.

For any Christian who doubts the love of God This is a book for you.

Ainda não li o livro todo, porém ele parece ser extremamente útil e inspirador. Ele se baseia na ideia desenvolvida por Dallas Willard (em forma de uma palestra/aula) de que se olharmos com atenção o salmo 23, veremos que ali temos toda a explicação e também todas as palavras de que precisamos para vivermos uma vida sem nenhuma falta. O próprio Dallas Willard não escreveu o livro, que foi escrito por um de seus alunos, baseando-se nos ensinamentos por ele dados nessa palestra/aula do salmo 23. Muito bom!

Very important fundamental truths for every person who seeks God, wants to relate to people and explores for truth on earth.

Has a lot of useful information on how to live free in Him. I really liked the beginning, the rest, had to work at a bit harder.