Commended Reviews
Hear What Others are Saying
“A Beacon of hope.”
“Commended is a remarkable Christian book that not only encourages believers to excel spiritually but does so with an unwavering commitment to the Gospel message. Its Gospel-centered approach is a refreshing and much-needed perspective in a world filled with self-help spirituality. Written by David Runge, this book is a beacon of hope and inspiration for those seeking to deepen their faith and walk with Christ. From the first chapter, the author’s passion for Christ shines through. This book is infused with a profound understanding of the revolutionary power of commendation and takes the reader on a journey toward spiritual excellence that is rooted in the grace and truth of Jesus Christ. Through the pages of this book, you will discover that you are not just being encouraged—you are being transformed.”
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Reverend Ronn Oren, Senior Pastor, First Christian Church, New Castle, Indiana
“An oasis for the Christian reader who is spiritually thirsty. “
“Commended is an oasis for the Christian reader who is spiritually thirsty and seeking to walk deeper with the Lord. It provides reassurances of God’s love through the unique development of the many Bible characters and their stories. By the end of each chapter, I was drawn in more and more and wanted to keep reading. Commended presents God’s love as both a unified and personalized entity, with each chapter’s strengths and nuances bringing specific aspects of God’s nature into fuller revelation. This book will not only strengthen believers who have been striving unnecessarily to please God through their own strength but also benefit Christians who seek to minister to others by bolstering their resources with new insights and winsome examples from the Bible.”
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Rich Montgomery, M.D., Winston-Salem, North Carolina
“David Runge is an encourager.”
“David Runge is an encourager. Relating engaging and creative dramatizations of Bible stories, David peers into what the biblical characters might have experienced as God commended them in their struggles. As I read, I was drawn to look deeper into my own life and into the Word. I was inspired, motivated, and challenged to know Jesus and feel his commendation for me even through tough times.
More than anything about the book, the blessings at the end of each chapter from David are so meaningful and special. Since I know him as a friend, it was as if each blessing were directed toward me for specific encouragement. Few books have had this kind of impact on me, and even if you don’t know David, I venture to say that you will find the same to be true as well.
Don’t miss reading David’s book. I heartily commend it to you. Through it, you will learn to experience God’s commendation at a whole new level.”
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Brent H. Burdick, D. Min., Adjunct Professor of Missions, Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary, Charlotte, North Carolina; Director, Lausanne Global Classroom; Author, Gospel Issues for the Global Church
“I hope we receive more from this author’s heart and pen.”
“When David Runge, my friend and brother, shared his book Commended with me, I had no idea the personal impact it would have on my life. From the very first chapter, I was captured by David’s unique ability to weave a story around several Bible characters who received the commendation of Jesus. I found myself a part of each encounter with the Master. As an ambassador of encouragement, I have soaked this in, and in turn, I have learned more about and found fresh joy in my calling. I hope we receive more from this author’s heart and pen.”
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Reverend Jim Bevis, President, CSR Ministries
“A transformative journey that will bring rest to the soul.”
“I find Commended to be a book everyone should read because we are all on a path to finding God’s fulfillment in our lives. Through these pages, one will undoubtedly embark on a transformative journey that will bring rest to the soul on a quest for purpose as David exalts Jesus at the center of it all. Commended is a powerful resource radiating God’s love in everyday experiences and encounters, and it instills the hope and faith one needs to carry on.”
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Ben Banda, Lead Pastor, Covenant Assembly, Lilongwe, Malawi
“Every one of us faces the struggle of what path to choose, which David Runge addresses in this excellent work.”
“Every one of us faces the struggle of what path to choose, which David Runge addresses in this excellent work. As Jesus mentions in Matthew 7:13-14, we have a choice to make: either follow the lesser-used narrow path that leads to life or the much wider, pleasant, self-pleasing, nice-looking but deceitful one that leads to death.
Now, that might sound like a big life-and-death decision, and it is. But it also applies to our day-to-day life, the common things that might not seem so important, like we find in the story of Martha and Mary in Luke 10:38-42. Martha was working hard to prepare to receive her guests. Mary was supposed to help but chose to sit at Jesus’s feet instead. The question, of course, is who has made the right choice?
David brings the answer to this question down to earth. He talks about his own experiences and those of many others. He reflects on our aspirations in life, the choice between the work, the success, the stability, or the relationship and the peace and the joy. He explores the assault of external factors like religion and life’s struggles and the internal factor of our natural disposition. And he rests in the joy of Jesus’s approval as he pursues the goal of bringing Jesus pleasure.”
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Reverend Storly Michel,Station Director Radio-TV 4VEH, “The Evangelistic Voice of Haiti”
“An interesting and inspiring book!”
“In Commended, author David Runge has written not only an interesting and inspiring book but also an important book. Important because since the fall of mankind, our species has entered life without an innate clear-cut direction, a well-defined purpose, and a comprehension of the source of its fulfillment. Even newly hatched sea turtles can make their way to the surf within minutes.
“In Commended, author David Runge has written not only an interesting and inspiring book but also an important book. Important because since the fall of mankind, our species has entered life without an innate clear-cut direction, a well-defined purpose, and a comprehension of the source of its fulfillment. Even newly hatched sea turtles can make their way to the surf within minutes.
The book draws on the author’s experience, not only as a counselor and pastor but also as a corporate pilot. He understands that well before takeoff, he must have a flight plan with all the fixes and waypoints leading to the destination airport. He must have a weather briefing and familiarity with every possible impediment to a safe and pleasant flight.
After reading Commended, it occurred to me that all these prerequisites for flight have parallels that can be applied to discovering how best to invest our brief time here on Earth.
Practically every page illuminates the secrets to a meaningful life with purpose, joy, and satisfaction. According to David, in declaring that He is the way, the truth, and the life, Jesus, somewhat mystically, reveals that seeking and receiving God’s commendation is the flight plan for fulfillment and joy toward our ultimate destination of eternal life. Yet we often veer off course because we try to follow the mistaken path of performance.
Before I read Commended, many of the passages of Scripture that I had cobbled together to form my approach to living were merely biblical devices. That changed when the author revealed them in the new light of grace, igniting my joy in God’s approval, affirmation, and pleasure.”
Kent Weathersby, Captain (Ret.), United Airlines
“Commended is a delight to read!”
“Commended is a delight to read! David Runge presents rich biblical insights in a vivid writing style that helps us better understand those who encountered Jesus. Readers who seek greater security in God’s commendation through the Gospel will find much encouragement here. Seasoned Christians will discover fresh insights in familiar accounts to help us know God better and love Him more.”
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
David Beaty, Senior Pastor, River Oaks Community Church, Clemmons, North Carolina
“A great job of revealing, through scripture, the heart of our Lord toward us.”
“To know Jesus is to know God, and as Christians, we should desire to know God. So, we look to Christ as He fully reveals His Father. It is one thing to know the commands of Christ in Scripture, and this is important, as they teach us to honor our Savior. It is another thing to know the heart of Christ and to abide in the love He has for His own. In Commended, David Runge does a great job of revealing, through scripture, the heart of our Lord toward us, enabling us to rest in His pleasure as we live out our design.”
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Carey Edgren, Senior Pastor, Terrace Lake Church, Columbus, Indiana
“Commended provides hope, assurance, and affirmation for those who seek an intimate relationship with Jesus, which will change their perspective on life.”
“Commended is a fascinating and captivating book written by David Runge. In it, he looks at the risen Lord Jesus Christ through the lens of how he has experienced Him and how Jesus revealed Himself to him. In this book, the author showcases the deep passion of his heart through several biblical characters who received the commendation of Jesus. From the very first chapter till the end, the author’s passion for Jesus and for a personal relationship with Him is evident.
This book establishes that even in the very worst, most challenging days of our lives, we can find joy and happiness through God’s approval and affirmation. It brings out fresh perspectives through inspiring narratives of people who received the joy of Jesus Christ through acts of faith, hope, and love.
Commended provides hope, assurance, and affirmation for those who seek an intimate relationship with Jesus, which will change their perspective on life. Reading this book will result in fresh insights and a deeper understanding of God revealed in the day-to-day life so that when we meet our Lord Jesus, we can receive His commendation. ‘Well done, good and faithful servant.’”
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Reverend Dr. S. Duraiswamy, Director Partner Relations, Evangelical Church of India
“David Runge reveals the answer to our deepest need.”
“The book you are about to read is not the product of a few weeks or months of research. Its contents have resulted from precious time of fellowship with the Lord—seeking His face in prayer. It’s a great honor and joy to recommend this book. It will inspire you, challenge you, and increase your hunger for fellowship with the Lord. As you study and read this book, may the Holy Spirit touch you so deeply that you will enter into a new place of fellowship with our Lord Jesus Christ.
I encourage you to pray and seek the face of the Lord as you proceed. This is an excellent book—enjoyable to read and easy to follow. May you enjoy His Presence and His peace in ever-increasing measure through the pages of this book as brother David Runge reveals the heart of God for you. And may your heart be opened to His love as a result, drawing you to discover Him deeper in His Word.
Commended reveals the truth about the love of our Father God. He loves us so much with His great and everlasting love. He has a great plan for every person on the face of the Earth. He loves all people and is proud of us as His dear children.
David Runge reveals the answer to our deepest need. Please read this with an open heart. May the Lord bless you as you read. Commended is the book you have been looking for, and to have this book in your hands—it’s an answer to your prayers.
I have known Brother David for over twelve years now. He is a man of integrity and has a passion to lead others into deep fellowship with the Lord. I encourage you to read Commended with the Bible open—because the Bible is the only infallible word of God.”
Reverend Stephen B. Banda, President, Apostolic Church of Pentecost, Malawi, Africa
“Commended communicates grace!”
“When I read a book that communicates grace, I feel a weight lifted from my heart and, at the same time, a call and strength to pursue God more passionately. Commended does that.”
Jeannette S., Hope, Indiana
“Commended makes my heart sing!”
Myra F., Columbus, Indiana