I was simply captivated by Mark Batterson's book, "SoulPrint: Discovering Your Divine Destiny." I have read a lot of books on "finding your destiny," but I must say that this book, to me, ranks right up there within the top 2 or 3 I have ever read - and could be the number one book in my opinion.
I found the message of the book both insightful and inspirational, and I don't think the term "instructional" could be left out either. Mark tells the reader not only what to do but how to do it. He gives practical insights into finding your true identity, which he says IS your destiny.
Your destiny is not about what you do, but about who you become along the way. That makes life about the journey, not the destination. These are the depths of the insights you will unearth in this book.
If you are looking - not just for a "good book," but for a "significant book," I don't think you will be disappointed with Mark Batterson's "Soul Print." It really has the power - through the Holy Spirit - to change the course of your life.
Blessings!
Monday, March 7, 2011
Tuesday, March 1, 2011
Wisdom Points-3
Told an old friend this tonight:
"Some people are on the front end of self-discovery...trying to figure out who they are. Some are on the back end, trying to figure out who they were meant to be. Some are in between...trying to close the gap between who they are and who they want to be. But if you are breathing...God hasn't given up on you. So don't give up on yourself. Let this promise soak into your spirit, because it will energize your life: It is never too late to become who you might have been."
You are not defined by your past. It's over. Today is a new day. Raise your chin. Take a step forward. The future is yours.
Blessings!
"Some people are on the front end of self-discovery...trying to figure out who they are. Some are on the back end, trying to figure out who they were meant to be. Some are in between...trying to close the gap between who they are and who they want to be. But if you are breathing...God hasn't given up on you. So don't give up on yourself. Let this promise soak into your spirit, because it will energize your life: It is never too late to become who you might have been."
You are not defined by your past. It's over. Today is a new day. Raise your chin. Take a step forward. The future is yours.
Blessings!
Wisdom Points-2
- If You Think You Are Too Big For Little Things...Maybe You Are Actually Too Little For Big Things.
- It Is Never Too Late To Become Who You Might Have Been.
Monday, February 21, 2011
Book Review - "The Next Christians"
This is quite a book. Honestly, through the first few chapters, I thought it was a lot of information to take in. But from about chapter four on, it was like I couldn't put it down. I am an avid reader anyway, and I am also a church leader who is always looking for whatever information that could be critical for helping us become what God wants us to be. The Next Christians gives us some of that information.
I love the idea that author Gabe Lyons (co author of the book "UnChristian) gives about Christians being "restorers." We are not called to be the criticizers of culture, but the changers (or leaders) of the culture. We need to see things as they OUGHT to be, and work diligently toward bring that vision to pass. I loved the chapter on being "provoked, not offended." And his point about being "countercultural, not relevant" was also quite impacting.
The point that I see, that makes those who would identify themselves as "the next Christians" do what they do, is that we are to be engaged in our culture, but not necessarily adapters to it. And we definitely do not need to be absent from the cultural currents that are flowing today.
All in all, this is a great informational book, and I would reccommend that every church leader pick up a copy - especially if you want to understand the younger generation.
Blessings!
I love the idea that author Gabe Lyons (co author of the book "UnChristian) gives about Christians being "restorers." We are not called to be the criticizers of culture, but the changers (or leaders) of the culture. We need to see things as they OUGHT to be, and work diligently toward bring that vision to pass. I loved the chapter on being "provoked, not offended." And his point about being "countercultural, not relevant" was also quite impacting.
The point that I see, that makes those who would identify themselves as "the next Christians" do what they do, is that we are to be engaged in our culture, but not necessarily adapters to it. And we definitely do not need to be absent from the cultural currents that are flowing today.
All in all, this is a great informational book, and I would reccommend that every church leader pick up a copy - especially if you want to understand the younger generation.
Blessings!
Saturday, February 19, 2011
Wisdom Points-1
- Never Build Your Life Around The Opinion Of A Critic.
- What You Do Daily Determines What You Become Permanently.
Wednesday, February 16, 2011
Statistics
These statistics are taken from the book "unChristian" by David Kinnaman and Gabe Lyons.
The Barna Group surveyed those outside the church and the following perceptions and percentages were revealed:
These are perceptions that we must work at changing. Christians should be sensitive, full of integrity, accepting, and we should hate anyone! We are not called to be anti-homosexual, though the Bible is against homosexuality. One is a person, one is a practice. If you want to be against the practice - then fine! But if you are against any person (homosexuals, Muslims, Arabs, etc.), something is wrong with your Christianity.
I will have more to say about this in the coming days and weeks. Please check back soon!
Blessings!
The Barna Group surveyed those outside the church and the following perceptions and percentages were revealed:
· 70% said Christians are insensitive (to people's pain, problems, etc.)
· 85% said Christians are hypocritical (that they say one thing, and do another)
· 87% said Christians are judgmental (not accepting of those different from them, but are intolerant of diversity)
· 91% said Christians are anti-homosexual (that Christians hate gays and lesbians)
These are perceptions that we must work at changing. Christians should be sensitive, full of integrity, accepting, and we should hate anyone! We are not called to be anti-homosexual, though the Bible is against homosexuality. One is a person, one is a practice. If you want to be against the practice - then fine! But if you are against any person (homosexuals, Muslims, Arabs, etc.), something is wrong with your Christianity.
I will have more to say about this in the coming days and weeks. Please check back soon!
Blessings!
Book Review - "They Like Jesus But Not The Church"
This book is similar in nature to the book "unChristian," though it is well worth the time to read it. It does have some very unique perspectives, and is not based on "professional research," but on the author's "personal relationships" with those outside the church. Dan Kimball makes you want to leave your office and go sit in a Starbucks somewhere and meet people who are outside of Christianity (not that the only people at Starbucks is non-Christians).
"They Like Jesus But Not The Church" is an inspiring book, and is presented, I feel, in a spirit of humility and honestly - and those are two traits that are hard for many authors to connect it seems. This book "speaks the truth in love," like the Bible says we should, and it does so both to Christians and non-Christians. Kimball doesn't say, "We have to change everything to reach this generation." But neither does he say, "We don't need to change anything." Instead, the reader is given a great balance between what are the "perceptions of non-Christians" and what are the needed "practices of Christians."
If you want to reach a new generation, you would do well to pick up this book and devour it. This is a book that I am sure I will read again and again.
Blessings!
"They Like Jesus But Not The Church" is an inspiring book, and is presented, I feel, in a spirit of humility and honestly - and those are two traits that are hard for many authors to connect it seems. This book "speaks the truth in love," like the Bible says we should, and it does so both to Christians and non-Christians. Kimball doesn't say, "We have to change everything to reach this generation." But neither does he say, "We don't need to change anything." Instead, the reader is given a great balance between what are the "perceptions of non-Christians" and what are the needed "practices of Christians."
If you want to reach a new generation, you would do well to pick up this book and devour it. This is a book that I am sure I will read again and again.
Blessings!
Sunday, February 13, 2011
Friday, February 11, 2011
Book Review - unChristian
The book unChristian by David Kinnaman and Gabe Lyons is a fascinating read. In it the authors outline several perceptions of Christianity (and Christians) by younger generations.
The book really opens the eyes of believers (if the believers will open their hearts and minds to the facts) to the "image problem" that Christianity has in the present generation. Of course, some are going to ask, "Why should we care what they think?" My answer to that would be, "Because we're trying to reach them."
And to reach unbelievers with the Gospel of Christ, we're going to have to know where we appear to be (or are actually) unChristian! Reaching people for Christ is like fishing - you have to begin where THEY are, not where you are (or where you think they are).
If you are serious about reaching this new generation, this book is a must!
The book really opens the eyes of believers (if the believers will open their hearts and minds to the facts) to the "image problem" that Christianity has in the present generation. Of course, some are going to ask, "Why should we care what they think?" My answer to that would be, "Because we're trying to reach them."
And to reach unbelievers with the Gospel of Christ, we're going to have to know where we appear to be (or are actually) unChristian! Reaching people for Christ is like fishing - you have to begin where THEY are, not where you are (or where you think they are).
If you are serious about reaching this new generation, this book is a must!
Thursday, February 10, 2011
First Blog Post
Hey guys! Thanks for coming to my blog! Here I will be sharing my thoughts concerning different subjects, doing book reviews, and just letting you know what's going on in my life. I pray you will keep checking back and follow me. I believe it will be worth your time.
Blessings!
Blessings!
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