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Static Jedi: The Art of Hearing God Through the Noise
Overthrowing Your Empire of Noise
Noise. It’s everywhere. Televisions blaring out commercials. Opinions shouted over the radio. The Internet and its unlimited distractions. All of the tasks and choices that you know don't really matter. Always intensifying, becoming a deep part of our everyday cycle, our now hurried lives.
But often God speaks to us in the stillness. When Elijah needed to hear from God, God sent a fire, a quake, and a huge wind. But God wasn’t in the fire. He wasn’t in the quake. He wasn’t in the wind. God was in the whisper. But the noise hides the whisper.
Life is a dangerous place when we are stripped of our ability to hear God clearly.
During His time here on earth Jesus Christ was a master of noise. He balanced time healing, teaching, and feeding the multitudes with regular periods alone with His Father. Static Jedi takes a look at the life of Jesus to help you master the noise and distractions and live in clarity.
Noise. It’s everywhere. Televisions blaring out commercials. Opinions shouted over the radio. The Internet and its unlimited distractions. All of the tasks and choices that you know don't really matter. Always intensifying, becoming a deep part of our everyday cycle, our now hurried lives.
But often God speaks to us in the stillness. When Elijah needed to hear from God, God sent a fire, a quake, and a huge wind. But God wasn’t in the fire. He wasn’t in the quake. He wasn’t in the wind. God was in the whisper. But the noise hides the whisper.
Life is a dangerous place when we are stripped of our ability to hear God clearly.
During His time here on earth Jesus Christ was a master of noise. He balanced time healing, teaching, and feeding the multitudes with regular periods alone with His Father. Static Jedi takes a look at the life of Jesus to help you master the noise and distractions and live in clarity.
240 pages, Paperback
First published September 3, 2013
32 people are currently reading
725 people want to read
About the author
Eric Samuel Timm
3 books13 followersEric Samuel Timm is a communicator, author, artist, and founder of the ministry No One Underground and the nonprofit Painting Hope. As he speaks and paints, Eric captivates his audiences with his unique teaching style and unforgettable live art performances. He is highly sought after for his ability to creatively and relevantly present messages from God's Word in challenging and traditional environments.
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
May 24, 2014
My small group and I decided to read this together. It was just okay. Timm has some good points and ideas, but they are surrounded by distractions. There were quite a few long, drawn-out food metaphors, which got tiresome quickly. More seriously though, he kept making jokes about reading his book and buying his book so as to pretend to be self-promoting. But he did it so many times that I have to figure he actually WAS self-promoting. I guess the trouble was that we spent so much time picking apart what we didn't like about the book that we just barely took a few helpful things away from it.
Some of those helpful things were the week without media distractions, the importance of memorizing scripture (something I never considered doing in my spare time but have really enjoyed), and the importance of fasting. That's the other thing; Timm gives us some hard truths. I think that was part of the trouble my small group had with the book--he was telling us things we didn't want to hear, but needed to hear.
Lastly, I could have benefited from a more complete description of what the "noise" actually is. Granted it's different for every person, but we do want to know what exactly we're up against. This was another area Timm seemed conflicted on. Sometimes he was talking about how we can get lost in social media, but then he'd go and quote one of his own tweets. Kind of a mixed message there.
Anyway, one of the women in my group tried his week without distractions and really enjoyed it and grew from it. It was definitely not a total loss.
Some of those helpful things were the week without media distractions, the importance of memorizing scripture (something I never considered doing in my spare time but have really enjoyed), and the importance of fasting. That's the other thing; Timm gives us some hard truths. I think that was part of the trouble my small group had with the book--he was telling us things we didn't want to hear, but needed to hear.
Lastly, I could have benefited from a more complete description of what the "noise" actually is. Granted it's different for every person, but we do want to know what exactly we're up against. This was another area Timm seemed conflicted on. Sometimes he was talking about how we can get lost in social media, but then he'd go and quote one of his own tweets. Kind of a mixed message there.
Anyway, one of the women in my group tried his week without distractions and really enjoyed it and grew from it. It was definitely not a total loss.
November 20, 2013
Our family started reading "Static Jedi" as a devotional. Eric Samuel Timm handles what could be a guilt-evoking, never-going-to-win subject (How do YOU spend your time? What are you INVESTING in?!) with humor and candid transparency. EST uses imagery that helps the us to understand what we are doing, sometimes without even meaning to do so. However this book doesn't leave the reader once the problem is identified. Static Jedi helps us to see what the issue is and how to tackle it. Each chapter ends with questions for the reader to personally tackle, and a set of questions to discuss with a group. As a family we needed to spend time together, involved in what matters, but hadn't been able to see what was holding us back. In addition, each of us as individuals needed to make adjustments to how we spend the "currency of our lives," time, so that it is more intentional. Great wake-up call! The humor?! Well, with teenage boys in the house, we're hearing some of EST's funny tag lines over, and over again. Great way to invest in each other and draw closer to Jesus. Highly recommend for people of all ages, groups, and families. :)
September 9, 2013
This book is one that I would encourage every Christian and non-Christian to read. It changes your perspective on how you are living your life. It points out the noise that you ingest every day without realizing it, teaches you how to master the noise by becoming a "Static Jedi," and helps you grow closer to God by giving Him the undivided attention He deserves. Eric Samuel Timm challenges you to overcome the noise in ways that will show you how much you truly love God and what he has done for you. This book has changed my outlook on life and how I live it. Please read it then pass it on to someone that you know who needs to grow closer to God. This book possesses a message that needs to be passed on to everyone.
October 11, 2013
Read this book if :
you want to be pointed in a direction to grow the relationship with Jesus.
you want some Biblical tangible directives to put faith and.practice to work.
you want to find a way to hear God's voice.
you want to be pointed in a direction to grow the relationship with Jesus.
you want some Biblical tangible directives to put faith and.practice to work.
you want to find a way to hear God's voice.
February 13, 2023
This is my 2nd time reading this book in the last decade. I appreciate that he points us back to Jesus every step of the way. He even tells us that books like his are nothing compared to the Word - and even questions whose words readers are giving the most attention. I’ll keep this one on my shelf for sure.
January 24, 2014
I originally gave this four stars, but after talking about this book with my friends and the light they shed on it, I feel the book deserves another star. It really is worth the read, there's a lot of good advice, just be careful not to turn the advice into a to-do list. These things can help us grow in our relationship with the Lord, but they do not make the relationship.
I've got a full review here: Static Jedi by Eric Timm
I've got a full review here: Static Jedi by Eric Timm
January 31, 2022
Never have I had such a vast range of reactions to a single devotional.
At some points I found myself thoroughly impressed with the insights provided.
At other points I found myself cringing at his gimmicky way of writing.
Then I'd be fascinated by a tidbit of information that I can easily apply to my own life
...Only to be followed up by an outdated slice of pseudo-psychology.
One moment he is arguing beautifully for greater adherence to Biblical disciplines like fasting, the next - he's fabricating metaphors that are hardly applicable at all, or plugging his social media for the fifth time. Or padding a chapter with an anecdote that doesn't serve to illustrate any point at all.
Never have I had to so strictly apply the mantra: *don't throw the baby out with the bath water.* This - more than any other book I've read so far - has a lot of excess fat that needs to be trimmed.
Regardless - I got a lot out of this book and if you're the kind of person who enjoys really abstract streams of consciousness, I would absolutely recommend this entire thing. But if not - you may repeatedly find yourself in a frustrated effort to extract the authors point.
At some points I found myself thoroughly impressed with the insights provided.
At other points I found myself cringing at his gimmicky way of writing.
Then I'd be fascinated by a tidbit of information that I can easily apply to my own life
...Only to be followed up by an outdated slice of pseudo-psychology.
One moment he is arguing beautifully for greater adherence to Biblical disciplines like fasting, the next - he's fabricating metaphors that are hardly applicable at all, or plugging his social media for the fifth time. Or padding a chapter with an anecdote that doesn't serve to illustrate any point at all.
Never have I had to so strictly apply the mantra: *don't throw the baby out with the bath water.* This - more than any other book I've read so far - has a lot of excess fat that needs to be trimmed.
Regardless - I got a lot out of this book and if you're the kind of person who enjoys really abstract streams of consciousness, I would absolutely recommend this entire thing. But if not - you may repeatedly find yourself in a frustrated effort to extract the authors point.
February 1, 2019
I really, really wanted to like this book more than I did. I love the art, I've lived his presentation, I even love the humor in the book. But sometimes it feels the book is stuck in the humor, stuck building out this image of Static Jedi so much that the actual ideal gets lost.
I really did appreciate a bunch of things I'm the book, but it took 150 pages to get to the 5 things, which then got brushed over.
I really did appreciate a bunch of things I'm the book, but it took 150 pages to get to the 5 things, which then got brushed over.
April 25, 2024
This book will enhance your perspective on what your time truly means to you, compared to being stuck on devices. Takes "scrolling" to a whole other level and how to retract your mentality perspective on "just a couple minutes". Highly suggest if you need a push in the time management category from reading useless opinions, to growing your relationship with God instead.
February 22, 2017
I was disappointed by this book. I love the title, and the idea is good, but the style felt shallow, with too many flippant asides and personal reference to our author and his work.
I did get a couple of useful teaching ideas but overall it's not a book is recommend or plan to reread.
I did get a couple of useful teaching ideas but overall it's not a book is recommend or plan to reread.
December 28, 2017
Good truths! Good challenges. He kind of rambles some, but he hits the topic well.
Praying about what to apply from this book now.
Praying about what to apply from this book now.
January 15, 2019
Really wonderful devotional
June 23, 2023
Eh. He had moments where it was pretty good, but some of his theology is a bit whack. I wouldn't recommend it. There are better books. To be honest, he could've made his point in 2 chapters.
May 28, 2024
I got a futuristic tattoo on my neck from this book.
December 4, 2014
I'll start with what I didn't care for: As much as I love Star Wars, I felt the whole "Jedi" thing was on the cheesy side. And for a book dedicated to the mastery of the noise that bombards us from our phones, friends, Facebook feeds, and television sets, it sure is noisy. The book is riddled with ADD-induced breakfast food tangents, sidebars with Twitter posts (hashtagged #staticjedi), and metaphors that distract from the point.
Maybe the Twitter sidebars were a twist of irony and Timm is punking us all.
Tangents and sidebars aside, this book contains some of the most challenging charges to believers--to take up our cross daily and follow him, whether it's through rising early to pray and study, memorizing scripture, or having coffee and toast "with Jesus." He gives practical steps (several Bible reading plans, for example) for how to do these things and retells his experiences along the way.
Well worth the read, although if you want the condensed version with fewer contrived metaphors and more meat, read Chapter 1 and then chapters 12-17.
Maybe the Twitter sidebars were a twist of irony and Timm is punking us all.
Tangents and sidebars aside, this book contains some of the most challenging charges to believers--to take up our cross daily and follow him, whether it's through rising early to pray and study, memorizing scripture, or having coffee and toast "with Jesus." He gives practical steps (several Bible reading plans, for example) for how to do these things and retells his experiences along the way.
Well worth the read, although if you want the condensed version with fewer contrived metaphors and more meat, read Chapter 1 and then chapters 12-17.
November 27, 2015
Level Presentation of Sincere Fellowship with God And Community
I was attracted to this book by the Title, Star Wars-like (of which I have never seen). What greeted me was a warming book of sincerity in man's pursuit of God. Eric strikes a sound balance between grace and personal responsibility. We are disciplines, correct? Our journey leads to a decision, to a new birth in God through Jesus Christ. The decision needs to lead to a life of discipleship, of following our Master.
Following means action, activity. Eric give 5 clear actions to engage in, not for salvation, but because of the salvation that is ours through Christ. He has written a book that forces the reader to consider the basics of being a discipline of God with man. A believer and seeker alike will be challenged.
I was attracted to this book by the Title, Star Wars-like (of which I have never seen). What greeted me was a warming book of sincerity in man's pursuit of God. Eric strikes a sound balance between grace and personal responsibility. We are disciplines, correct? Our journey leads to a decision, to a new birth in God through Jesus Christ. The decision needs to lead to a life of discipleship, of following our Master.
Following means action, activity. Eric give 5 clear actions to engage in, not for salvation, but because of the salvation that is ours through Christ. He has written a book that forces the reader to consider the basics of being a discipline of God with man. A believer and seeker alike will be challenged.
June 3, 2014
Timm, who I have seen speak at a school assembly, does a good job of encouraging the youth-group age kids who are generally going to be reading this book to take their relationship with God seriously. There are some slight issues that I'd argue in the book, both with his expressed theology and praxis, but generally I enjoyed the read and was genuinely challenged by some of his conclusions. (Though, if you're over the age of, say, fifteen, the goofy prose style will probably irritate you.)
A seventh grader gave me this book to read. As a rule, I'd say that if your writing and speaking has led seventh graders to lend your book out to their teachers, you're doing some good things in the world and ought to keep going strong.
A seventh grader gave me this book to read. As a rule, I'd say that if your writing and speaking has led seventh graders to lend your book out to their teachers, you're doing some good things in the world and ought to keep going strong.
September 5, 2016
My oppinion on this book, you will be surprised. Must read now (/sarcasm)
So, for a book on how to be quiet, filter out distractions and noise- this book reads like click bait.
Its filled with noise, and clutter.
I was dissapointed in this, since I was expecting the excact opposite. Maybe if you are high on #hashtags and live for the @mentions this will be relevant for you, but for me, it was hard to see the content for all the hyped up stories with the obvious points.
Reading this book may result in an aversion to toast with butter- for some reason.
So, for a book on how to be quiet, filter out distractions and noise- this book reads like click bait.
Its filled with noise, and clutter.
I was dissapointed in this, since I was expecting the excact opposite. Maybe if you are high on #hashtags and live for the @mentions this will be relevant for you, but for me, it was hard to see the content for all the hyped up stories with the obvious points.
Reading this book may result in an aversion to toast with butter- for some reason.
March 11, 2015
I would have rated it 3.5 stars if half stars were available. It is a solid discipleship book that gets wordy and sidetracked from the topic at times. The positives do outweigh the negatives. There are some strong challenges and great ideas as it relates to one's personal time with God. I would recommend this to new converts and those who have never established spiritual disciplines in their life.
March 5, 2015
Timm makes some good points and offers some excellent challenges. I imagine he would be a very appealing speaker for youth. His book however, could be summed up shortly: invest time wisely by making it a priority to spend time with God away from all distractions. One of my favorite statements in the book is "Discipleship means becoming like Jesus, not just filling our heads with knowledge, and it is not something we can do without dying to ourselves." p54
July 31, 2014
I like text that challenges me. This one did. Therefore, 4 stars.
February 19, 2015
Awesome book. Helps you focus on living life without the noise and learning to operate like Jesus did.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 9, 2015
Become a Jedi
I love this book. It's about cutting through all of the noise (static) in our lives and becoming a true disciple (Jedi) of Christ. An awesome book for small groups.
I love this book. It's about cutting through all of the noise (static) in our lives and becoming a true disciple (Jedi) of Christ. An awesome book for small groups.
August 22, 2016
This book has a lot of thought provoking questions and outlines practical steps to take in your spiritual journey.
December 16, 2015
Incredibly powerful and challenging!
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews