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August 20, 2024
Commended receives 5 Star review rating from Reader’s Favorite
Reviewed by Cherubimaris Casino for Readers’ Favorite
Commended: Finding Your Joy in God’s Approval, Affirmation, and
Pleasure by author David Runge explores how individuals can live
the Gospel to the fullest and have a genuine relationship with
Christ. Through a blend of theological wisdom, carefully selected
biblical passages and personal anecdotes, Runge provides
reassurance for readers seeking to understand what it truly means
to be pleasing to God. The author’s sensitive approach and
insightful commentary guide readers on a transformative journey,
inviting them to discover the depths of God’s love and acceptance.
Each chapter culminates in a heartfelt blessing, reaffirming the
reader’s identity as a beloved child of God and providing a
comforting touchstone throughout the book. There are sessions and
reflection questions at the end to deepen one’s understanding of
the Gospel. These questions open the way to practical application.
What sets Commended apart is its engaging structure and
culturally sensitive approach, making it accessible to a wide
audience. David Runge’s examination of key biblical figures and
their interactions with Jesus illustrates God’s consistent pattern of
commendation and acceptance, offering readers a fresh
perspective on familiar stories. By consistently returning to the
theme of seeing reality through a relationship with Jesus, the book
provides a lens through which readers can view their faith journey.
For those grappling with spiritual insecurities, scrupulosities, or
seeking a deeper understanding of God’s eternal plan for an
intimate connection with His creation, Commended serves as a
source of comfort and inspiration, offering new insights and
winsome examples that will strengthen believers and equip them to
minister to others more effectively.
Reviewed by Cherubimaris Casino for Readers’ Favorite
Trust vs Obedience
June 20, 2024•2 min read
COLUMBUS, IN – I watched our 5-year-old son Daniel with great interest. His adorable curly blond hair, highlighted by the bright summer sun, clashed with his knitted, wrinkled brow and scrunched up face. He faced a dilemma and was wrestling with a decision he was about to make. We were at a wooden boat show on the Chesapeake Bay and a toy wooden submarine with a small weight and rubber band wind up propeller had caught his eye. What would he do?
“Dad, I really want to buy this boat,” Daniel said.
“I know Daniel, but it will cost all the money you have.”
“I don’t care. I really want it.”
We had given Daniel a specific amount of money that was his to spend on our vacation, and there were still several days left. My father’s heart went out to him.
“Daniel, I’ll give you a choice. You can either use up all your money and buy this yourself. Or you can let me buy it for you and trust I will give it to you later at the right time.”
Daniel cradled the little boat in his hands, gazing at it longingly for about thirty seconds, and then handed it to me. “You can buy it.”
I gently took the little craft, paid the vendor, and then handed it back to my wide eyed son.
There were many things I asked of Daniel at that age. I expected him to pick up his toys, put his clothes away, and wash his face and brush his teeth before bed, among others. I was obviously pleased when he obeyed. But this was different. The trust he placed in me, his willingness to forgo immediate gratification, believing I had his best in mind, and that he was loved, touched my father heart. And we had great fun together, playing with that little submarine in our neighborhood pool when we returned home!
Is it not also so with our Heavenly Father? There are many commands in God’s Word that we do well to obey. Yet it is the trust we place in Him, even when circumstance scream otherwise, that touches His heart and enables us to experience the joy of His pleasure. Brennan Manning describes this pleasure in his book Ruthless Trust.
“… the splendor of a human heart which trusts that it is loved gives God more pleasure than Westminster Cathedral, the Sistine Chapel, Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony, Van Gogh’s Sunflowers, the sight of ten thousand butterflies in flight, or the scent of a million orchids in bloom. Trust is our gift back to God, and he finds it so enchanting that Jesus died for love of it.”
“But I have trusted in your steadfast love; my heart shall rejoice in your salvation.” Psalm 13:5
| News
April 12, 2024•2 min read
NASHVILLE, IN – What a joy to share about God’s Grace and the writing journey with these dear ones at New Song Mission today. New Song Mission equips vulnerable children for life by providing highly personalized care and an exceptional education, Christian discipleship, relational mentoring, recreational activities, and experiential learning in a beautiful campus setting with family-like homes, by God’s grace and providence.
Commended debuts as #1 Hot New Release in Christian Pastoral Counseling
[Columbus, Indiana, February 20, 2024]
Indiana Pastor Shines a Light on the Pitfalls of “Performative Religion”
David Runge offers hope for those seeking fulfillment in their faith
[Columbus, Indiana, January 23, 2024] – David Runge brings fresh insights from a diverse background to explore deep questions of faith. He served as a marriage and family counselor early in his career, many years as a business jet pilot, and later, a homeland missionary and pastor. He has been involved in church leadership throughout his life and has volunteered with local ministries serving the incarcerated and recovery communities. Now retired, Runge spends his days writing and serving those who are seeking joy in their faith.
His new book Commended draws from his personal life experiences and from walking alongside those who are hurting and broken as well as those who serve in ministry. Based on a sermon series he’s shared, Runge says “This book is for anyone who is seeking a meaningful faith, especially those who seek freedom from a cheerless, performance-based religion.” Through his book, Runge invites readers on a transformative journey to rediscover joy in their relationship with God.
Runge is interested in one thing: helping readers find true intimacy with God. Runge holds degrees in Psychology and Educational counseling,combined with his extensive experience in missionary work, Runge offers a refreshing perspective on what it means to truly please God. The sermons and stories that inspired Commended are infused with real-world insight and practical wisdom that offer fresh perspective and knowledge on the true nature of God.
Commended delves into the heart of spiritual fulfillment, offering insights that challenge misconceptions about pleasing God. Runge’s book aims to build or rebuild a foundation in readers’ relationship with God by shining a light on the pitfalls of ‘performative’ religion. He asks, “What if much of what we think we know about God, and pleasing Him, is radically wrong?” and “What if pleasing God is much simpler than we think?” No matter where someone is in their journey, they can find truth and a fresh perspective in Commended. Runge centers the stories told in the book around the ideals of faith, hope, and love, and encourages others to celebrate God in a more free and personal manner.
Beyond reaching readers in need, Runge envisions Commended as a resource for pastors and religious leaders working with the marginalized and for those seeking greater joy in their faith. His book is a fresh take on individual relationships with faith and may very well be the best method of reaching those who find themselves struggling in their belief.
David Runge ultimately wants readers to know and experience the joy of God’s love and approval, even on their worst days. Commended is a revolutionary exploration of faith, confronting the misconceptions that many have of God and what brings Him pleasure, so they can all feel more joy in Jesus.
Commended is available on Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Ballast Books, and everywhere books are sold on February 20, 2024.
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