Here are my thoughts on Upward, Inward, Outward by Daniel Fusco and why you should read it.
What’s It About
Upward, Inward, Outward: Love God, Love Yourself, Love Others by Daniel Fusco is based on what Jesus referred to as the greatest commandment: loving God with all your heart, mind, soul and strength and loving your neighbor as yourself. (Mark 12:28-31)
In three “movements,” Daniel explains the spiritual disciplines that help us live upward by loving God, inward by loving ourselves and outward by loving others. Daniel unpacks God’s plan for us to live life in three directions, touching on topics like prayer, Bible reading, service, creativity, community, spiritual mentorship and several others.
How It Impacted Me
Aside from being a fresh jolt in my walk with God, as we all need sometimes, I was really challenged and encouraged by a chapter on worship in which Pastor Daniel addresses our search for meaning. He talks about how we often look for meaning in the next big life event or achievement instead of in our relationship with God.
If this thing would just happen, then I’ll be successful. If this desire could just be fulfilled, then I’ll be happy. Then, we get what we wanted and immediately start looking for the next thing to make us feel fulfilled and successful or we’re disillusioned when we don’t experience the things we want. I’m a creative, a dreamer…so this is pretty much how I live my life, even though I don’t want to. (Ugh! Lol)
That section prompted a long conversation with God, and a much-needed refocus in my life not to place the things God has gifted me to do and the things I believe He’s called me to above my simple relationship with Him. My true satisfaction and success in life-and yours-is found in relationship with Jesus, not in earthly achievements or possessions. Those things are good, they are just not primary. (1 John 2:15-17)
My Favorite Quote
“Start by loving God with your entire being, and follow that up with loving others the way you’d like to be loved.” – Daniel Fusco, Upward, Inward, Outward
Why You Should Read It
I’ve always said that the spiritual disciplines are the building blocks of relationship with God. Because of that, they’re my favorite topic to read about and teach others about. Upward, Inward, Outward is the best book I’ve read on this subject so far, and I’m recommending it to you with as much enthusiasm as my Jesus-loving, book nerd heart can muster.
It will give you vision and purpose behind practical spiritual disciplines that build your relationship with God and others. It will help you implement them into your life. It will get you excited about spending time with God again and refresh your life of faith in Jesus. It will propel you into deeper connection with God and grow you in spiritual maturity. It will call you back-or for the first time-to the profound simplicity of walking with Jesus. And it’s a fun, engaging read!
Pastor Daniel communicates in a way that is encouraging, convicting and practical, personal and humorous. (Seriously, don’t skip the footnotes if you want to get a good laugh in while your spiritual life is being transformed through this book. You can thank me later. 😄 ) I promise you this book will be life to your soul. It was to mine.
About Daniel Fusco
Daniel Fusco is a husband, father, musician and the pastor of Crossroads Community Church in Vancouver Washington. He is hands-down my favorite communicator of God’s Word on the planet. Keep up with Pastor Daniel’s 2-Minute Messages on YouTube and the weekly messages from Crossroads Community Church. You’ll be glad you did. You can connect with Pastor Daniel on Facebook and Twitter and on his website.
Get your copy of Pastor Daniel’s book here: Upward, Inward, Outward: Love God, Love Yourself, Love Others
Let’s Talk: Have you read Upward, Inward, Outward? What impacted you most from the book? Discuss this post in the comments below.
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