Simple, yet inspiring and challenging!
354596
Francis Chan has not written an academic book about the Holy Spirit.  He has done something better.  He has written a book that increases your hunger for the Holy Spirit to fill your life.  When you finish the book, you will want to live a life that no one could mistake for human effort or talent alone. You will want to live a life in which people will not praise you, but praise God, because the results of your life could only have been accomplished by him.
336723
Derwin Gray is the Pastor of Transformation Church in Charlotte, NC. It is a multi campus mega church. I had heard little about Pastor Derwin Gray, and I also have never heard anything regarding his church. I believe the only thing that I knew of him was his appearance in the evangelism linebacker video. You can view the video by going here. As a side note, Pastor Derwin played in the NFL until an injury kept him from ever returning back.

So, I was offered this book Limitless Life, and encouraged to read it. Boy am I glad that I received a copy. The book is a simple read. It is an easy read. Let me say up front that it is one of those books that you can read in a hurry, and you will not want to put it down. It is inspiring and challenging all at the same time. Throughout the book, it challenges the reader to leave and go out and be the church. It is a powerful book.

As for the reviewPastor Derwin writes the book about labels. We all have labels. Some are given to us unfairly, and some labels we are responsible for giving ourselves. You might have the label of religious, addict, failure, orphan, or the label of fear. The intention of the book is that you would rethink what you or others have labeled you as, and relabel yourself with what Gods word says. The books intention is for us to remove the labels that we give ourselves or that were given to us by others, and Pastor Derwin challenges us to replace those labels with the labels that God gives us in His Word. All you have to do is look at the title of each chapter to see the label the world gives us, and replace it with the label that God gives you in His Word.

One thing that I like is that the book hits on labels that ordinary people have. Look, I am an ordinary guy with an ordinary Gospel story. It is not extravagant like others although it took the same amount of grace to save me as it did others. This book is for all types of labels. Whether you are a church person who struggles with being religious rather than your personal relationship with a living God, or if you are struggling with an alcohol or drug addiction in your personal life. This book is for all people, because we all struggle with false labels of ourselves.

This book was definitely one of the most challenging books that I have read all year. I highly recommend it, and would challenge church leaders to pick it up. On a side note, Pastor Derwin talks briefly throughout about Transformation Church, and their ministry. It will challenge you as a church leader to be a church on mission and purpose. I have had the opportunity since reading this book to connect with Pastor Derwin and hear more of his ministry.
1373702
I have read this book several times and each time I read it, I feel stronger and more motivated to put it's message into practice in my life. Life is overwhelming...everyone has a different story with different situations, but the simple and practical advice along with an easy to read, humorous approach makes it easy to accomplish.  I love that he uses the foundation of the bible with verses you can reference based on your personal, individual needs to get what you need from it.  Besides bible references, there are also meaningful quotes from well known successful people.  Because life is overwhelming for so many people, I'd recommend it to everyone, not just people in crisis at the moment...prevent crisis mode by absorbing and practicing the message in this book.  Invest in yourselves and your families!  It's worth it!
4288520
I totally enjoyed this book. It is refreshing and challenging at the same time. It causes the reader to stop and examine his/her own life and does a great job of showing how God uses our circumstances to move us onto a new path in our life. Praying hard for this family!
1619223
Whether you are seeking something "more" in life or in a perfectly content place in your life, this book will challenge you and move you to be your best. The author tells his story through a very easy-going, friendly conversational tone of writing that will inspire others where ever you are on your journey of faith. Be prepared to have your thinking altered, and for many dogeared pages to return to at a later date.
1559576
For a couple of years I've been hoping that Leslie would write a book that I could give to women of all ages.  I've been so encouraged by her other books - and the truths are timeless! - yet having this book geared to a slightly older audience is wonderful.  She goes through many of the same foundational truths she wrote about in her earlier books (such as prayer, living a poured out life, etc.) yet with a deeper outlook.  It reads devotionally, yet the challenge is clear.  Will you, no matter what the cost, give all to Jesus and let Him define your life?  With the few simple study questions at the end of each chapter, I could see it being a wonderful fit as a tool in mentorship/discipleship setting.  :)
3058100
Filled with hope for those willing to "Go Outside," Lee tells stories of uniting people, courageous leaders, and personal endeavors that all come under the kingdom banner of joining Jesus where the action is!

A refreshing read for all that's simple and challenging all at the same time. Block out 2 days for this: 1 to read it and 1 to dream about how you'll join Jesus "outside the gates."
3297725
This book is very thoughtful, inspiring, convicting, and entertaining all in one!  Bri has poured out her heart in this book, and many of us are enriched for it. It is challenging for me as an extreme introvert to relate to some of Bri's longings and experiences, but her stories inspired me to continue to step out of my comfort zone to experience the richness of relationship.
2367257
This book is an inspiring combination of motivation and grit. I think sometimes we forget how big our God is, and this book makes real to me the uncontainable power of our God, for whom nothing is too big, and nothing is too small. Mark Batterson helps us define the dream that we all have within us, no matter that it may have been buried for a long time under our day to day challenges. But beyond that, he gives us down to earth reminders that dreams come with a price, and that  we can't finish what we do not start!  That there is no easy path, but that by praying like our future depends on God and working like it depends on us we will see God intervene in the circumstances of our life! This book draws from the  account of 2 Samuel 23 where Benaiah, who deep down inside found the courage to face down his fear,  chases a lion into a pit and slays it, encouraging us to face our fears no matter how impossible our dream may seem! But the down to earth encouragement and advice along with the experiences of those who have faced the huge challenges of life and come out ahead  have meant so much to me! One of the phrases that have stayed with me is that you need to win the day in order to win the week, the month, the year, the dream! No one achieves  their best without daily discipline.  I recommend this book to absolutely everyone who wants their life to be the best it can be, who sometimes thinks life is bigger than they are, and wants to rise above the mundane. You are meant for greater things!
2810697
An easy but moving read! The author outlines 27 specific principles / lessons that are simple to follow. No matter what your hiccup, what experience that you've had that seems to have you doubting yourself, your relationship with God and/or your ability to move forward - these principles will put so much into perspective and give you an outline to follow. Often when we're going through, we need that directness and clarity - especially from someone that has been there and over come. I loved the 5 interview style stories - as a reader I felt like I was right there with the author as she spoke with these individuals who shared their relatabe-able stories of being overcomers. Their struggles are ones that I've either personally experienced or know someone who has struggled or is struggling with.  I was able to gain insight and knowledge to apply to my daily life. This is definitely a resource that I will use over and over again.
1460860
I personally find this to be one of the best, most challenging and inspirational books aimed at Christian wives that I've read. It gets 5 stars from me simply because of the positive change in my attitude.

Although it's an easy and engaging enough that I was tempted to read straight through in just a couple of days, you really need to take more time to do it justice and let it "sink in". Each chapter is based on one "dangerous" (challenging) question with which to examine yourself, and often includes thought-provoking activities to do on paper or in a journal.

The author is described as being a marriage coach, and it really does feel like you have someone coaching you through the process of evaluating yourself as a wife. You can tell she's drawing on lots of experience - and she does include plenty of anecdotes. She focuses on becoming more intentional in how you approach your marriage, asking questions to help you evaluate yourself. What I love is that the real power in this book is the invitation for God to convict you, change you, and work in you. Because of this, while it's challenging and convicting, it's also very motivating and encouraging. The focus is on being faithful to our calling as Christian wives in response to God, not ultimately placing our trust in human husbands or manipulating them to shape up.

I can't imagine a Christian woman in ANY phase of marriage who couldn't benefit from this book. The only exception may be that it would be more applicable for someone past the first "honeymoon" phase.
515851
Not a difficult read but challenging nonetheless. Very helpful and practical. I found opportunities to implement or reevaluate my " encouragement" right away.
1382564
I went through this Bible study with a small group of ladies this summer. Each week left us feeling so challenged in the areas we need to grow and helped us see what it looks like to truly "put on" Christ (His compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, patience, forgiveness & love) in our daily lives, thoughts, decisions, attitudes, and behaviors. Each week of the study is divided into 5 days, and each day's study is thorough without feeling overwhelming to complete.

This study is extremely practical, and I really saw the author's love for and knowledge of the Word of God. She has a clear and personable style of writing. I would highly recommend it if you are looking for a Bible study to go through on your own or with a small group. Can't wait for the next one!
1990419
Thought provoking and challenging, but easy to read
759459
Kim Newlen's newest book, "Sweet & Simple Moments with God" is just that! Sweet and simple - making it easy for women to pick up her book, read simple words that sweeten their lives. Her stories are sensitive, poignant, sad, and sometimes funny and so authentic! Her application of Biblical principles into every aspect of life inspires, encourages, and sustains women of all ages and every faith. Kim has created a book for every woman who wants to live a happier, fuller life, while growing closer to God and breathing in His Word for strength, fulfillment, and courage. It's the gift for many women on my Christmas list already! The biggest problem with the book will be finding a way to just read one sweet devotional at a time - I read a full month in my first sitting with the book! Thank you Sweet Kim!
3453975
This book was wonderful and eye opening. Such a simple but huge command to just love the One put in front of you and let God lead the way to what's next. Loved this! Inspiring and challenging. Loved their conversational tone and family stories. A quick read with a big message.
2319410
positive, practical, challenging, convicting and very readable