Pursuing God's Plan for Authentic Success. What does it mean to have success, to be a winner? This book will help reveal God's plan for a man to be a winner. This is a unique book with two authors with different perspectives, different walk of life, but very similar in that they are both pursuing God's plan for their lives.
They also had a mentor relationship that is mentioned and personal examples throughout the book of conversations they have had.
Colt McCoy is an NFL quarterback that has experienced his own ups and downs, wins and loses on and off the field. Matt Carter is founding pastor of Austin Stone Community Church, and shares his ups and downs that just bout any man can relate to. I found this to be a very readable book, even if you are not a football fan. They talk a lot about who who trust, who you serve, and how to be leader in your family, church and community. These are all things men can relate to, being a sports fan or not.
At one point there is a transcript of a championship game that his team had lost and still Colt gave God the glory. Reading the transcript is good, but seeing the clip is even better.. See it here -https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fpcxY3clriE
A subject I found interesting was the idea that every husband and father is really the pastor of his family. I have always heard the man is the spiritual leader, but I never really heard it called that before. It really makes sense if you are going to be a spiritual leader to be called a pastor.
I enjoyed the different perspectives of the tow authors, back and forth, but it still had a good flow. Probably because of the collaborative writer, Marcus Brotherton, who tied both author's thoughts together.
The book also includes a bonus section on mentoring, and a small-group study guide.
I would recommend this book to any man who wants to experience the Real Win.
Thursday, June 12, 2014
Monday, June 2, 2014
The Solomon Seduction - Mark Atteberry
What you can learn from the wisest fool in the Bible. The author is the Preaching minister at Poinciana Christian Church in Kissimmee, Florida and the author of 11 other books, including the Samson Syndrome. The premise is made that even a smart guy, in fact the wisest man who ever lived, was seduced by Satan's lies, and wound up making poor choices. He shows how you and I can avoid a similar fate with "humor and grace." The author states "Never has a man with so much potential to soar so high, sunk so low." in the Historical Perspective to begin the book.
The book is divided into 10 chapters, each one addressing a wake up call that can be related to our life today. Some of the titles are, When sin seems like a good idea, When God's commands seem out of touch, and When sin management seems like a better choice. He talks about what he calls the O.I.M. (short for the Otherwise Intelligent Male) that often makes poor decisions despite all the warnings issued. You may know someone like that, or it may be you. Subjects such as discernment and ego are addressed.
Rather that just a study of Ecclesiastes, this book uses practical applications directly from the life of Solomon. In trying to find meaning to his life, he tried everything under the sun, only to find it all meaningless. A lot of the time, Solomon knew the right thing to do, but didn't do it. We all have our own downward paths that can be avoided. This book's purpose is to heed life's wake up calls and avoid that path that leads to destruction.
There is a study guide that includes questions for personal or group study. I could see this book being used for a mens Bible study. This book is written for men who want to learn from the life of Solomon and avoid the pitfalls and see the warning signs. The author writes a blog at alittlestrongereveryday.com.
This quote from the book sums it up:
"Solomon was better equipped to see through Satan's deceptions than any man who has ever lived, other than Jesus, but in the end, he became just as blind to them as everyone else."
The book is divided into 10 chapters, each one addressing a wake up call that can be related to our life today. Some of the titles are, When sin seems like a good idea, When God's commands seem out of touch, and When sin management seems like a better choice. He talks about what he calls the O.I.M. (short for the Otherwise Intelligent Male) that often makes poor decisions despite all the warnings issued. You may know someone like that, or it may be you. Subjects such as discernment and ego are addressed.
Rather that just a study of Ecclesiastes, this book uses practical applications directly from the life of Solomon. In trying to find meaning to his life, he tried everything under the sun, only to find it all meaningless. A lot of the time, Solomon knew the right thing to do, but didn't do it. We all have our own downward paths that can be avoided. This book's purpose is to heed life's wake up calls and avoid that path that leads to destruction.
There is a study guide that includes questions for personal or group study. I could see this book being used for a mens Bible study. This book is written for men who want to learn from the life of Solomon and avoid the pitfalls and see the warning signs. The author writes a blog at alittlestrongereveryday.com.
This quote from the book sums it up:
"Solomon was better equipped to see through Satan's deceptions than any man who has ever lived, other than Jesus, but in the end, he became just as blind to them as everyone else."
Sunday, May 25, 2014
50 Things You Need to Know about Heaven - Dr. John Hart
Answers to your questions about heaven. The author is Professor of Bible at Moody Bible Institute. The book contains 50 chapters with 50 questions that are answered through a Biblical perspective. Questions such as Will there be time in heaven? What does the Bible say about Hell? and most important, How can I be sure I'm going to Heaven?At the end of every short chapter, there is a section for further study that lists Scripture references that support the author's position.
With all the recent books and movies, interest in Heaven is really high right now. That is why it is even more important that right information is given. There is so much misinformation out there right now, even in the church, about heaven.
This is an easy readable book that can be read straight though or flip to questions that you may have or that others have asked you. You may not agree with everything in this book, but I am sure everyone that reads this will have an opinion on the matter. Overall, it is a Biblical based treatise on Heaven.
I would recommend this book to anyone that wants to know more about Heaven and what the Bible has to say about it.
With all the recent books and movies, interest in Heaven is really high right now. That is why it is even more important that right information is given. There is so much misinformation out there right now, even in the church, about heaven.
This is an easy readable book that can be read straight though or flip to questions that you may have or that others have asked you. You may not agree with everything in this book, but I am sure everyone that reads this will have an opinion on the matter. Overall, it is a Biblical based treatise on Heaven.
I would recommend this book to anyone that wants to know more about Heaven and what the Bible has to say about it.
Be the Dad She Needs You to Be - Dr. Kevin Leaman
The Indelible imprint a father leaves on his daughter's life. Dr. Leaman is qualified to write this book in my opinion simply because he has successfully raised 4 daughters into adulthood. That alone should earn the man respect. He uses his personal journey, good and bad, as examples of what to do and what not to do,
when raising daughters. A few chapters are his personal journey on raising his own daughters at various ages. The birth order parts seem a little assumptive and leaning toward stereotypes, but I can see how some may find this helpful.
What I found most disturbing was the lack of scripture in the book. This may be practical moral advice on how to raise daughters, being involved, setting the standard for interacting with other males, one-on-one time, without Biblical instruction and Christian growth, it is all for naught.
I have no doubt the author is intelligent and experienced in counseling and raising daughters, but I believe he should have at least included a few verses on raising children. At the end of every chapter is A good dad's reference guide, which is a short summary of the points covered in the chapter. Some of the material good dads may already be familiar with, but it is never bad to review.
The author has also written a book on birth order, The Birth Order Book.You leave an indelible imprint on your daughter's heart. What will be yours?
when raising daughters. A few chapters are his personal journey on raising his own daughters at various ages. The birth order parts seem a little assumptive and leaning toward stereotypes, but I can see how some may find this helpful.
What I found most disturbing was the lack of scripture in the book. This may be practical moral advice on how to raise daughters, being involved, setting the standard for interacting with other males, one-on-one time, without Biblical instruction and Christian growth, it is all for naught.
I have no doubt the author is intelligent and experienced in counseling and raising daughters, but I believe he should have at least included a few verses on raising children. At the end of every chapter is A good dad's reference guide, which is a short summary of the points covered in the chapter. Some of the material good dads may already be familiar with, but it is never bad to review.
The author has also written a book on birth order, The Birth Order Book.You leave an indelible imprint on your daughter's heart. What will be yours?
Tuesday, May 20, 2014
Unstoppable - Nick Vujicic
The Incredible power of faith in action. This is the story of Nick Vujicic who was born without limbs. He also has two websites, www.LifeWithoutLimbs.org and www.AttitudeIsAltitude.com. This book covers a lot of ground to his growing up years, bullying, personal crisis, and his recent wedding. (He has since become a father for the first time.)
Many may have seen him on You Tube or TV talk shows, but you his book you get a real sense of where his faith really is, and that is totally reliable on God. He asks the question, "What's standing in your way?' Indeed, he did not let not having any arms or legs stand in his way from doing what God has called him to do, and inspiring many across the world. The pictures in the book are really inspiring and show some of the impact he has had. He has experienced self-destructive thoughts, emotions, and disability concerns on a level that many of us never will. And he has handled it through the grace and mercy of God, along with a dose of humor. He states gave him President's access to the pyramids of Giza because "they knew I wouldn't lay a hand on anything."
One of the most important chapters I think, is Winning the Battle Within, in which he states, "Negative thoughts and emotions can overwhelm you and rob you of perspective."
He speaks of his attempted suicide at age ten, and how he shifted his perspective to how it would affect those who loved him and relied on him. Focusing on statements such as "God sees the beauty and value of all His children." When you feel like no one else loves you or cares, God loves you and God cares.
This would be a good book for anyone to read who feels like they are unique in disability, or experiencing a personal crisis. I found it to be inspiring and put things in perspective.
I have received a complimentary copy of this book from blogging for books in exchange for a review.
Many may have seen him on You Tube or TV talk shows, but you his book you get a real sense of where his faith really is, and that is totally reliable on God. He asks the question, "What's standing in your way?' Indeed, he did not let not having any arms or legs stand in his way from doing what God has called him to do, and inspiring many across the world. The pictures in the book are really inspiring and show some of the impact he has had. He has experienced self-destructive thoughts, emotions, and disability concerns on a level that many of us never will. And he has handled it through the grace and mercy of God, along with a dose of humor. He states gave him President's access to the pyramids of Giza because "they knew I wouldn't lay a hand on anything."
One of the most important chapters I think, is Winning the Battle Within, in which he states, "Negative thoughts and emotions can overwhelm you and rob you of perspective."
He speaks of his attempted suicide at age ten, and how he shifted his perspective to how it would affect those who loved him and relied on him. Focusing on statements such as "God sees the beauty and value of all His children." When you feel like no one else loves you or cares, God loves you and God cares.
This would be a good book for anyone to read who feels like they are unique in disability, or experiencing a personal crisis. I found it to be inspiring and put things in perspective.
I have received a complimentary copy of this book from blogging for books in exchange for a review.
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