An Arrow Pointing to Heaven - A Devotional Biography

I have long wondered about Rich Mullins, so bought this book to round out my order and get free shipping from the store. I was disappointed. I gather that it does a good job of what it does, but it doesn't do what I expected. I was looking for a biography of Rich Mullins, and while this book does contain some of that you have to dig it out from among the ten devotionals the author offers. I do understand that the devotionals represent important aspects of life that Mullins'held dear, but I quit on this one 100 pages from the end of the 264 page book. I kept thinking I would go back and finish it, nut never did, always finding something more interesting. I still hope to get a straight up biography someday, this one didn't satisfy my curiosity.

I really like Rich Mullins music and expected to like this book. But I only got about halfway through it. While there were things about Rich in the book that I liked, there were other things that just struck me wrong. I still like his music but not the book.

Unlike many other biographies of public figures who died young, Rich Mullins: An Arrow Pointing Towards Heaven by James Bryan Smith is a moving celebration of the man Rich Mullins. It also reflects the ideals he held dear.
One such ideal is simplistic living. Mullins firmly believed that all he had belonged to God. So he lived with few material possessions and was happy to share what little he had. Despite his success, for the last several years of his life, he hired an accountant to give him a stipend... and gave away the rest of his earnings to deserving charities.
Smith, a veteran writer, was also a close friend of Mullins for many years. When Mullins moved to Witchita, Kansas, in the early 1990s to earn a music education degree from Friends University, he lived in the attic apartment of Smith's house for three years.
The Mullins family asked Smith to write the book, because he knew Mullins so well. Because of Smith's friendship with Mullins, readers will enjoy how he shares Mullins with the public. He relates not only the highlights of Mullins' life, but also the struggles.
Even as a close friend, Smith did not rely on his experience alone to write this biography. He interviewed 40 of the people who knew Rich best-both friends and family. Their stories-as well as the words of Mullins himself that Smith culls from interviews, lyrics, and stage recordings-add to the breadth of the book.
Reading Rich Mullins: An Arrow Pointing Towards Heaven gives you a greater knowledge of the life of one amazing man. It also encourages you to live a life abandoned to the "reckless raging fury that they call the love of God."

The foreword by Brennan Manning, the bio-devotional, the conclusion by Rich's brother David, all this is combined in a way that effectively portrays Rich in the unvarnished chariot on which he caromed through life--as a boy, man, friend, singer and believer.

"Arrow" fits the bill in its goal to give us a view of Rich without making him any more of a saint than any of us. We wince, we clap, we moan, we appreciate. In the end we know there's a person who grew and got to where God wanted him to be. We, too, can grow as we carefully read this book. I, for one, will give it the same use as an Oswald Chambers devotional. It's simply that impacting.

Oh, wow. I thought I was reading Bonhoeffer when I came upon the added treat at the end of the book: "The Spiritual Writings by Rich Mullins". His "Social Aspects of the Beatitudes" is a left hook to legalism, a right hook to self-righteousness, and a sucker punch to smugness. I especially enjoyed the song-like essay, "Scared of the Dark". It helped me understand how a believer who has been saved since an early age views one's relationship with Jesus. Rich was concerned for those who kept asking him to pinpoint a crisis moment that would define the saving moment. He didn't know but he says, "meeting him seems unavoidable".

This book will inform but it will also transform: a good gift for the church-goer, the sympathizer who shies away from pews and for skeptics. All should relate and hopefully all, as Rich wished, would press into the love of Jesus.

I can connect many hallmarks in my life with lessons I learned from the words of Rich Mullins. The thing that was so great about him was that he seemed always more interested in God than the details of this world that will pass away. He wasn't about making himself grand in the eyes of his fans, he was about Jesus. And, that is what this book is about. If you are looking for little details about Rich's life like what his favorite color was (besides green) or who he dated then you are out of luck here. But, if your looking to see what Rich was about and if you are looking to find out about "the Reckless Raging Fury that is the Love of God" then this book is for you. It gives just enough information about Rich to give you hints of who he really was, without giving so many details that the book is more about glorifying Rich than it is God. I mean, who really needs to know who he dated? But, we all need to know about the love of God. This book is exactly what I hoped it would be.

Not a biography in the strictest sense, although containing much biographical information, this book represents the true legacy of Rich Mullins. It speaks of the things about which he was most passionate (the love of God, detachment from possessions, unconditional acceptance of others, the longing for heaven) and makes God the real focal point. I appreciated the fact that Rich Mullins still struggled daily with sin and was very open about that fact when he ministered, but, like another flawed individual, King David, he was a man after God's own heart. Rich lives on, not only in heaven, but in his music and in the legacy he left behind. He began a work among Native Americans that others will continue. This book and the accompanying CD touched me deeply, and it will touch all but the most hard-hearted.

Presenting us with a revealing look into the life of Rich Mullins, the Rev. Smith's real contribution is not that he celebrates the life of an extraordinary individual, but that he does so without lapsing into hero worship. The author shows us that Mullins was an ordinary man who struggled with ordinary temptations. Mullins strength lay not in his ability to overcome temptations, but in his willingness to rely upon God's grace.
For all of us who struggle to live meaningful, Christian lives, this book is an inspiration! Apparently, even in our time, and in our confused and unfaithful world, it is possible to live the faith.

Before reading this book, I had heard the name Rich Mullins, but never really followed his life or ministry. After reading the book, I felt like his friend, althought He has been gone and with the Lord many years now. The honesty and depth of spirituality and relationship with the Lord melted my heart as I read truth after truth of a life that spoke the Gospel message. Saint Francis of Assissi once said "Preach the Gospel at all times, if necessary use words." Rich lived His life that way. The book comes with a C.D. which I allowed to get into my spirit. The thing that really touched me the most is the way he conveyed the absolute unconditional furious love of God that he has for us his children. I saw a side of the gospel that is so missing in much of our Christian churches and that is the message of Gods Amazing Grace. I could sense the presence of God with me most of the time I was reading the book and would highly recomend this book to anyone on a journey to find God or someone who's been on the road for many years. It will touch your heart, bring tears to your eyes and enlighten your soul. I can't recomend a book any more highly than this one. A must read

This is one of the most refreshing and inspiring books I've read in a long time. I was reminded about how much God is smitten with me, and how much He wants to love others through me. This book isn't about a Christian celebrity. It's about an ordinary man doing the best he can for God, and in the midst of his struggles and triumphs finds Freedom and Healing through the "reckless raging fury of God's love." It's both simple and very deep at the same time. You could read it all in one day or study it for months. Rich's candidness and bluntness captivated my attention. That was the refreshing part. The inspiring part was seeing how he overcame his struggles through simply recognizing God's love for him. And I was so inspired by the first chapter that I had to put the book down, pick the phone up, and put what I learned into practice.
This book is about a real person who struggled with the same things I do. Each chapter has a theme that is based on one of Rich's songs which helped to illustrate it's meaning. I liked how it took scripture and made it easy to understand and how it is applicable to daily living. There is something hear that I think everyone, no matter if you are a Christian or not, can relate to. Not only that, but it used scripture to approach such emotional issues as self-esteem, depression, loneliness and bitterness. It was fun to read. I caught myself re-reading certain pages to remind myself about the insight I learned of God's healing power and just how much He loves me. I'd recommend this book to anyone.

Brennan Manning talks about how a ragamuffin is someone who is honest about themselves and their failings, passionate about being intimate with God and does not conform to the expectations of cultural christianity for the sake of it. Rich Mullins was a ragamuffin ... someone who took the challenge of being intimate with the Father ... impacting and influencing those around him with the possibilities of living a Christ centred life.
This book is great ... it is not just a biography ... nor is Rich Mullins made out to be a "saint". This book is an honest and candid look at a man ... who just wanted to love God and love those around him. It is a challenging read and the reader comes away with a hunger for a deeper walk with Christ.
Reflections on each chapter are included with the intention of guiding the reader into a deeper look at themselves and their relationship with God.
I read this book very quickly because i was excited to have it but I am now going back into it and reading it slowly and thoughtfully ... which is the best way to be impacted by the treasure within.
Buy it!!! The bonus CD is great as well!

I honestly don't know where to begin this review. An arorow pointing to heaven is a wonderful book that I would recommend to anyone. Smith manages to write a book that inspires and teaches us all. My only wish is that it would have been longer. The quotes from Rich throughout the book greatly enhance the reading. If you will read this book you must be willing to drop all preconceptions you may have before starting. It will pierce you down to the soul. The book was wonderful for me as a devotional, in fact it served as a jumping off point for my research in to the life of Rich Mullins. If anyone feels after reading this book that they wish to know more about Rich and his life they should go to [...] This sight has all of Rich's song lyrics, concert transcripts, radio interviews, release magazine articles written by Rich, basically anything anyone would want.
A must have!

Catching the essence of anyone at all in words is a daunting task. For someone full of life as Rich Mullins was, it may be impossible.
But Jim Smith has done as good a job as can be. Working from the words Rich left behind, in lyric, essay, or concert transcript, along with stories from his friends and family, Jim has fashioned a guidebook to one of the most fascinating people I've ever known about.

More than a biography of Rich Mullins' life, this book is an exposition on the love of God. Smith uses Mullins' life, legacy, music and writings to illustrate the ovrewhelming expanse of God's love.
I read with a highlighter in hand and almost every page is marked with gems and key points that I will want to use as illustrations. In fact, there could be a complete series of Bible studies on the love of God using the chapter titles of this book as session topics.
This book helped me to see clearly the struggles I have with investing in people only as long as they respond to my investment. A clear explanation of unconditional love challenges that approach to ministry.
For those who love Rich Mullins' music and those who have (unbelieveably) never heard of Rich Mullins, this book is a key theological statement.

The Book Arrow Pointing to Heaven is the most inspiring book I have ever read. I could not help but write "Amen," "Praise the Lord," "I need to read this again" or some other comment in the margins as I read the book. Having known Rich Mullins briefly early in his musical career, I knew he was someone different, someone closer to God than I could imagine, yet I had no idea just how close to the Awesome God he really was. This book, so well written by Smith, is a must for anyone that believes in God. It will take you to really knowing God in much the same way as Rich Mullins knew HIM - intimately. Perfect gift for graduation presents. I have given several with notes made in the margins of the gift books. Thank you for having such an all-inspiring-book! It is a MUST for persons seeking a better relationship with God.

I have always loved the music of Rich Mullins. Now I understand the man behind the lyrics. What a deep thinker. What a soul searcher. What a love for Jesus and a compassion for his fellow man. This book has made me look at how deeply I love Jesus and others.

I found this book by a suggestion from a salesman in a bookstore in Nacogdoches, Texas. One year later, i read the book ! It was amazing and inspirational.
Later, my wife read it and translated it into portughese. We're still waiting for the publisher to get all the copyrights to publish in portughese.

This book is amazing and tells the life of a man that truly lived the Gospel of Jesus Christ as very few did !
Read it ! You'll not regret !

I purchased this book with something like fear, because I've been an R.M. fan forever--I practically invented him--and I didn't want some yutz biographer to screw it up. This book is something of a miracle. It's the bio/story of Rich Mullins that hollered to be written, and thank God James Smith wasn't deaf.
To all R.M. fans...don't be afraid. This book is the one.

Rich's life was like my life, and finding someone who was like me, a ragamuffin, was an indescribable comfort on a lonely path from helpless addiction to freedom. Note: I am still on that path today. One day I will be able to thank Rich in person for what a gift his life was to so many of us. This book is a testament to that life. It is a treasure.

This is a great book about a talented, loving child of God!!! Although I never knew Rich personally, James Smith does an excellent job of presenting the person, Rich Mullins, in a very open and candid way ... sharing a few of the moments, beliefs, and insights of Rich's mortal life on Earth. I really enjoy Rich's music and I would have loved to have met and got to know him, but James Smith, Rich's family, and all the others who contributed to this book did allow me to ... Thank you ! I highly recommend this book to all - believers in Jesus and those who do not. Peace, grace, and love to all!!!

i highly recommend it to anyone whether your a fan of rich mullins music or just a christian who longs to have a deeper walk with God. Great book, inspiring, not shallow, deep, thought provoking, convicting. trust me if you ever buy a book buy this one. . you wont regret it.

If one had to name the most influential musician in Christian contemporary music of the last 40 years, the answer might be Michael W. Smith, Amy Grant, Stephen Curtis Chapman, and several other well-known names. But the musician who influenced them, and had an impact that is still reverberating 18 years after his death, is Rich Mullins.

Song after song, hit after hit, Mullins was as known for his music as he was for his rather iconoclastic reaction to fame. He shrugged it off. He saw himself as a broken vessel, redeemed by his Creator, and his music reflected that belief.

And millions of people identified with that music. “My God is an Awesome God,” “Step by Step,” “Creed,” “Elijah” – songs written and recorded by Mullins and recorded by scores of other musicians. Some have already made their way into contemporary hymn books.

Mullins was also known for his friendship with Brennan Manning (1937-2013), and was counseled by Manning the last few years of his life. Mullins adopted Brenann’s “Ragamuffin gospel” for the name of his band, and how he described himself – a ragamuffin.

Mullins’ influence extended into my own family. I can remember how the news of his death in an automobile accident in 1997 affected both my wife and my oldest son, who was then in high school. For them and millions of others, Mullins’ death was more than the death of a favored musician or even a friend; it was like losing someone whose music touched their hearts and souls.

In 2000, James Bryant Smith wrote a biography of Mullins, “Rich Mullins: A Devotional Biography: An Arrow Pointing to Heaven,” and he did it in an unusual way. Rather than the more common chronological account, Smith wrote the biography as a devotional. Perhaps for that reason, the work has remained current.

With an introduction by Brennan Manning, the biography is structured around 10 devotional themes: family, creed, the love of God, trusting in Jesus, creation, struggle and pain, simplicity, sin and temptation, loving one another, and death and the life to come. The discussion for each theme combines, biographical information, interviews with people who knew Mullins, some of Mullins’ own writings, quotations, and the words of Mullins’ songs. With such disparate elements, the biography could have come across disjointed and cobbled together, but it doesn’t; it stays centered on Mullins and his faith.

This was a widely popular Christian musician whose typical concert clothes were a t-shirt, jeans, and bare feet. Early on, he fronted at concerts for big name Christian bands; by the end of his life, the singer and songwriter who typically performed in church settings had eclipsed them all.

The most telling line in the book, among many telling lines, is this, and it speaks volumes about Mullins and his work: “Rich Mullins was not encumbered by the need to succeed; he was captive to the need to create.”

Smith received his M.Div. degree from Yale University Divinity School and his D. Min. degree from Fuller Seminary. He is a professor of theology at Friends University in Wichita, Kansas, and leads the Christian Spiritual Formation Institute there. And he’s the author of numerous books.

“Rich Mullins: A Devotional Biography” is a profound way to do two things simultaneously: learn about the life and music of a man who became a legend, and examine one’s own life in the process.