The One Big Thing by Phile Cooke Book Review

Phile Cooke’s latest book, “The One Big Thing” is by far his best piece of work.  Phile takes the concept of singularity and translate it to finding your purpose and life work.  We live in a world that celebrates multitasking and duality, but in reality people who find true success are those who understands the power of focus.  This idea of focus is counterintuitive it takes a person of discipline to truly pursue it.

Phile began the book by laying out two questions that most people want answered.  The first is what am I suppose to do with my life and the second is how do I get noticed?  He then sets out to answer these questions throughout this book.  So many people are searching, seeking there “One Thing”, but they find themselves frustrated and irritated because they are full of doubt and uncertainty about there one thing.

Phile gives great guidance and advice on discovering and developing your one thing.  He talks about perception – does your one big thing have brand potential and values – why your one big thing must express who you really are.  He then shares insight on created a map of your future and the importance of have a vision for your life.

This book a great book for any person at any level of life, high school, collegiate, entry-level professional, executive, etc.  Finding your one big thing could be the difference between true success and happiness or frustration and disappointment.

Grab this book today!

Note: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze book review bloggers program. Other than that, neither the publisher, author nor anyone connected to them offered any influence on the content of my review. The opinions I have expressed are entirely my own

Empty Promises Book Review by Pete Wilson

 

If you have ever dealt with disappointment, discouragement, or defeat because of what you believed to be unanswered prayers, this book will give you perspective and encouragement to continue to fight. 

Author Pete Wilson, pastor of Cross Point Church dissects the feelings of defeat and discouragement we feel when it seems that we’ve been forgotten or things are not going our way.  We live in a time where have a vision for your life and setting goals are a normal way of life.  I believe goal setting and establishing a vision for your life is essential to moving for life forward.

However, just as the devil has always done since the beginning of creation, he’s taken the good and corrupted it for bad.  Pete calls this “empty promises”.  Pete talks about the waiting rooms of life and how during those moments, there is a tendency to throw in the towel and quit. 

Believing God and trusting in his Wisdom and plan for our life can be uncomfortable, when it appears nothing is happen and there is no progress.  We live in the age of progress.  We need to “see” something happening, we need to see growth, whether it’s financial growth, church growth, career growth, family growth, when we don’t see things happening we can become discouraged.

In empty promises the author lays out practical wisdom to having true satisfaction which can only be found in Jesus Christ.  So, if you are in a season where you’ve pondered throwing in the towel and quitting.  Maybe, you feel that God has forgotten about you, this book will renew your hope and give you clarity on “life empty promises”.

Note: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze book review bloggers program. Other than that, neither the publisher, author nor anyone connected to them offered any influence on the content of my review. The opinions I have expressed are entirely my own.

The Power of the Local Church

Just wanted to take a moment and share some thoughts about the local church.  Many people have many different thoughts, feelings, and beliefs about the local church and it's role in society.  I want to be very clear, I am a local church guy.  I believe the local church is the hope of the world.  I am a part of a dynamic, spirit filled local church, The Life Church of Memphis.  This weekend my pastor asked a question during his sermon and it was this, when you think of the local church, what ideas, feelings, thoughts  surface in your mind and heart?

I'm sure many people have experienced many different experiences in their respective local church.  Some good, some bad, some memorable and some you simply want to forget.  There is no perfect church, but there should be life giving, warm, accepting environments where people feel connected and valued.

I was brought up in a very traditional church setting.  It was a small church, where we were truly like family.  While that had it's benefits, there was also downsides to that type of environment.  Without a doubt, I can say the local church has been a difference maker in my life.  When I think of the local church, many thoughts run across my mind, like the Summer I spent leading teenagers vacation bible school as a college student.  The old hymn that my grandmother would lead during Sunday morning devotions, even the week long revivals and the mourners bench.  The night my brothers and I gave our hearts and lives to Jesus Christ.  I am able to share those stories because I was a part of a powerful local church.

We live in a day were many people are skeptical, critical, and anti-church.  The reality is the church as a whole have a part to play with this attitude that's shared by so many people.  When we get back to the basics, the foundation of what the local church was intended to be, we will see revival in our cities, countries and world.

The only thing Jesus ever promised to build was the local church...its time for you to get plugged in!

The Coming Revolution Book Review

Dr. Richard Lee issues a clarion call to the citizens of this great country, the call is loud and clear it’s time to wake up, stand up, and speak up.  Dr. Lee parallels history with our current political, social, economic climate.  He uses past success and failures to script a plan of action for us today.  It has been stated before that if we don’t learn from history, then history will repeat itself.

I personally found this book to be eye opening, encouraging, and inspiring.  The author looks into recent movements such as the Tea Party and Occupy Movement, which gives readers insight into the true purpose and motives of both movements.  The reality is the main stream media has played a tremendous role in shaping the opinions and ideas of the American people as it relates to politics, in particular this current political climate.  As we stand on the brink of a critical election year, this book is not only extremely important but essential in setting inaccurate reporting straight and opening the eyes of the American voters as they compare and contrast presidential candidates. 

Historically, the great awakening is the moment in history when the American people awoke from their sleep and mobilized for freedom and liberty.  Dr. Lee suggests the same thing is happening with the tea party movement we see today.  “We the people” are awakening from our slumber and standing up for freedom.  The freedom with seek isn’t just for us, but it’s for our children and our great grandchildren.  While there are some who are ashamed of the success of our country, I’m not.  I realize that God has set this land as a beacon of  light for the entire world to see what can happen when free people are able to be free.

Note: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze book review bloggers program. Other than that, neither the publisher, author nor anyone connected to them offered any influence on the content of my review. The opinions I have expressed are entirely my own.

Kingdom Man by Dr. Tony Evans book review

Dr. Tony Evans issues a clarion call to Christian Men- its time for us to take our rightful place as the protector, priest and providers of our households, churches, and communities.  Kingdom Man is such a timely book, as I look at the conditions of our communities, churches, and families, its very obvious that men have abdicated their responsibilities and the collateral damage is obvious.  Dr. Evans gives biblical insight and divine concepts into the characteristics of a kingdom man.  He challenges the manhood of men, to step up and lead from the front.  This is a book of empowerment, direction, and action.  This book calls men to action, this is not a book you will read and put on your bookshelf and simply say that was a good book.  No, this book, will require you to act, to do something.  If you’re ready to make a difference, if your ready to get off the sidelines, then this book is for you.  No longer can we afford to stand on the sideline as our family and community suffer. 

Dr. Evans lays out this book with practical biblical instruction.  He leaves no stone unturned.  The book has three sections: The Formation of a Kingdom Man, The Foundation of a Kingdom Man, and The Function of a Kingdom Man.  As you can probably tell from the titles of these sections, Dr. Evan methodically builds upon the concept of a Kingdom Man.  Which leads the reader to a call of action.  Kingdom Man is a great book, I highly recommend it!

Note: I received this book free from the publisher through the Tyndale  book review bloggers program. Other than that, neither the publisher, author nor anyone connected to them offered any influence on the content of my review. The opinions I have expressed are entirely my own.

The Jesus We Missed by Patrick Henry Reardon Book Review

The Jesus We Missed by Patrick Henry Reardon gives the reader a in depth view of the humanity of Jesus.  I’m not sure the totality of Jesus can be encapsulated in a book, but the author does an excellent job detailing and expounding on the life of Jesus giving the reader a clear look and understanding of Jesus. 

Patrick Henry Reardon takes a theological approach to detailing and summarizing the works and miracles of Jesus, giving the book a historical and fact-finding approach that I found mundane to engage.  Let me be clear, the book is really informative and interesting from a contextually, however, structurally it was really difficult to engage.  This is not a book you will just devour in one setting.  This is a book that would be a great supplement for Bible/Seminary students studying the life of Jesus. 

The author takes the major events of Jesus life and adds context validating the humanity of Jesus.  Some of the chapters include:  Growing Up, Baptism, The Public Ministry, Jesus at Prayer, The Garden, etc.  Each chapter sheds light on Jesus’s actions, words, and emotions.  It all brings validation and appreciation to the humanity of Jesus.

Note: I received this book free from the publisher through the Booksneeze book review bloggers program. Other than that, neither the publisher, author nor anyone connected to them offered any influence on the content of my review. The opinions I have expressed are entirely my own

Healing Your Church Hurt by Stephen Mansfield Book Review

Church dropouts are an alarming trend that has been taking place within the Western church over the last decade.  The reality is so many people disconnect from church for a variety of reasons.  Being hurt or offended due to church leadership or dysfunctional church culture is at the top of the list.  Stephen has taken his personal experiences of conflict within the church and provided a blueprint for being healed of your church hurt.  Let me be clear, this is not only a book for people who have been hurt.  This book equips clergymen with the tools they need to coach and lead people through the hurt they may have experienced.  This book is also a great tool for up and coming leaders who desire to be in full time ministry or hold a leadership position within a local church.

Throughout this book the author shares powerful principles and encouraging words such as “Adversity, endured righteously, has the power to lift a man to new heights.” This simple statement is profound when we think through its meaning.  The sum of this book in a nutshell states that you can be free from the hurt and pain that comes through the hands of fellow Christians.  The reality is we live in an imperfect world with imperfect people and attend imperfect churches.  That means, there is potential for hurt and offense within the church.  As the old saying goes, “hurt people, hurt people”.  But there’s hope, Stephen Mansfield lays out how we can be healed and break the cycle of hurt that persists with the church today.  I encourage you to pick up your copy today.

Note: I received this book free from the publisher through the Tyndale Blog Network book review bloggers program. Other than that, neither the publisher, author nor anyone connected to them offered any influence on the content of my review. The opinions I have expressed are entirely my own

Much More than a Prayer Guide

I really didn’t know what to expect when I selected this book to read.  I was initially intrigued by the title of the book.  You see, one of my New Year (2012) goals is to establish a consistent prayer life and figured this book would help me with accomplishing this goal.  However, what I received was much more than a prayer guide.  This book has inspired my prayer life, meditation (thought) life, ministry time at my local church, etc.  The author takes common biblical passage and adds his commentary to them, giving them “life”, meaning, and relevance.  This is not a one-time read; this is a great book to have on your bookshelf as a resource or reference material.  I have used this book alongside my one year bible, which has helped me in my prayer life.  I recommend you pick up a copy of this book.  The author has done a great job preparing and organizing these daily prayers.  I’m sure it will bless you as well as it has blessed me. 

Note: I received this book free from the publisher through the Book Sneeze  book review bloggers program. Other than that, neither the publisher, author nor anyone connected to them offered any influence on the content of my review. The opinions I have expressed are entirely my own

Happily Ever After by Gary Chapman Book Review

Gary Chapman is the best sell author of The Five Love Languages has written a insightful, relevant, practical book "Happily Ever After".  Gary tackles some of the most common challenges marriages face today.  He uses real life examples, which helps the readers understand that they are not alone.  Often, many couples who are experiencing a challenge in their marriage feel that they are by themselves, but the reality is they are not alone.  This book helps the readers know that they are not alone and learn from others at the same time.  Gary discusses what he calls the Six Secrets to a Successful Marriage - Gary maintains that if we navigate these six areas successfully, we will have a successful marriage.  The six areas are:  1) Solving Conflicts without Arguing
                 2) Negotiating Change with Your Spouse
                 3) Making Money an Asset in Your Marriage
                 4) Marriage After the Children Arrive
                 5) Making Sex an Act of Love
                 6) Becoming Friends with Your In-Laws
As you can see this list is a pretty conclusive list, I can assure you that after you finish reading this book you will have insight into what can be done to help you in your marriage.  I want to be clear, this is not only a book for those who find themselves in challenging situations, its also for marriage counselors, leaders, Pastors, etc.  Its a great resource for a newlywed couple or it could be an anniversary gift for a couple celebrating many years of marriage.  I really enjoyed this book. I highly recommend it!

Note: I received this book free from the publisher through the Tyndale Blog Network book review bloggers program. Other than that, neither the publisher, author nor anyone connected to them offered any influence on the content of my review.  The opinions I have expressed are entirely my own

Why Men Hate Going to Church by David Murrow Book Review

 

I found this book to be very interesting and relevant to the present times.  The author David Murrow uses the premise that the global church is predominately made up women and pushes men away from church and thus the shortage of men in church.  The book is divided into three parts, the first part lays out data to support his premise of men shortage.  The second part discusses the church culture and how church cultures are overly effeminate and caters to women.  The third part lays out practical ideas and ways to get me engaged in the church.  As a man who regularly attends church and serve with other strong, I am encouraged by the level of activity and involvement of men in my church.  Could it be better? Of course, but as with anything I've learned to rejoice in the small victories.  I have seen more churches spring up with an emphasis on reaching men and they have been very successful.  I think as God continue to raise up church planters who have a heart for reaching men and seeing a strong representation of men.  There will be a greater intentionality in reaching and developing men and as a result men will be greater force in the local church.

If you are a pastor of a local church or Men's Pastor or Leader, this would be a great resource for you to have on your shelf.  It offers great insight, strategy on how to reach men and create a culture that embrace men in your church.

Note: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com  book review bloggers program. Other than that, neither the publisher, author nor anyone connected to them offered any influence on the content of my review.  The opinions I have expressed are entirely my own.