Book Review: The Alchemist

This book was actually a gift to me for Christmas - it ended up being the best gift I got all Christmas! (P.S. I think books make some of the greatest gifts ever - especially when you write in the covers). Let me first refer you to another review by Ben Rath here - he loved this book as well!

This book is different from the ones I usually read - it's a fiction novel - but it changed my life. This is a top 5 all time book on my list and a new requirement for anyone who loves to read!

Here are some of my favorite takeaways:

• "It's the possibility of having a dream come true that makes life interesting"

• "To realize ones destiny is a persons only real obligation"

• "He had to choose between something he was accustomed to - and something he wanted to do"

• "If you can concentrate always on the present - you'll be a happy man."

• "Someday - this morning will just be a memory"
  

• "The closer one gets to realizing his dream, the more difficult things become"

• "Another person was there - to help him toward his personal legend"

• "In pursuing your dreams - you might lose everything you've won"

• "Every second of the search is an encounter with God - when I was truly searching for my treasure, every day has been luminous, because I've known that every hour was a part of the dream that I would find it. When I've truly been searching for my treasure, I've discovered things along the way I would have never seen had I not had the courage to try things that seemed impossible for a shepherd to achieve."

• "When you are loved - you can do anything in creation"

I know a lot of you may not be able to get the context of these things - so GO OUT AND BUY THIS BOOK NOW!

Final Grade: A++++ Buy it Here

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Book Review: Wide Awake

This is definitely a must read book by Erwin McManus. Here are some of my key takeaways:

• If your dreams became the future of humanity - would the world be a better place?
• When God is at the core of our lives - He becomes the inspirer of our dreams
• You cannot even begin to live the dream that God has for you until you stop caring only about yourself
• The world cannot afford for you to choose an easy and average life
• You have no greater responsibility than to live the life that God created you to live
• Do you expect the world to be different because of your life?
  

• Your life is God's gift to you and to the world
• The question is not will someone lead the way in creating the future for humanity - the question is -will you be one of them?
• The dream and the future of so many across the world are dependent on the investment and compassion of those more fortunate
• Is it possible that no matter how big your dreams are, how expansive your imagination, how ambitious your goals, they pale in comparison to what you would begin to see for your life if you would invite God into your life conversation?
  

Final Grade: A Buy it Here!

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Book Review: Starving Jesus

This one was a recommendation/requirement by our new youth pastor, Nathan Hurst. Overall, it was a great book about getting out of the pew/church and going into the world and actually do something for God! It was written by the founders of XXX Church - Great ministry for accountability if you're looking for one. Here were some of my key takeaways:

• Christians have forgotten what the outside world looks like, feels like, etc.
• When was the last time you stopped talking and actually went out and did something for someone?
• Don't let His sacrifice go another day in your life without pulling someone out of their sin and asking them how you can help them
• We've been creating Christians whose main desire is to please themselves
• The world has come to identify us by what we hate or are offended by instead of what we love or why we love
  

• Think of one person you can think of that needs Jesus, Now Go!
  
• Your time should be spend: 1.) Drawing closer to God 2.) Blessing others
• Churches need to challenge you to engage the world with your faith
• Whose life can you change by giving them your time?
  

I'd recommend reading this book - the last few chapters are a little repetitive - but overall - a great read!

Final Grade: B Buy it here!

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Book Review: Tribes

You have to read this book!!! I would rank it in the top 3 leadership books I've ever read! I just recently heard of and started following the author, Seth Godin. I would strongly recommend you reading his blog on a daily basis.

Here are some of my key take aways from the book:

• For the first time ever, everyone in an organization - not just the boss is expected to lead
• Suddenly, in today's world - the oldest brands are no longer the fastest growing, the most experienced business people are no longer the most successful, and the safest jobs are not safe anymore.
  
• Life is too short to make mediocre stuff and hate what you do all day
• You don't have enough time to be unhappy and mediocre
  

• We choose not to be remarkable because we're worried about criticism
  

• Trying to lead everyone results in leading no one in particular
  
• You can worry about most people all day, but I promise they're not worried about you
• The only one holding you back from becoming the kind of person who changes things is: lack of faith
• The art of leadership is understanding what you can't compromise on
• When you hire amazing people and give them freedom - they do amazing things
• The organizations that need innovation the most are the ones that do the most to stop it from happening
• Being charismatic doesn't make you a leader, being a leader makes you charismatic
• If you organization requires success before commitment, it will never have either
• We need You to lead Us!

Final Grade: A+ - a Must Read!! Buy it here!

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Book Review: The Truth About You

I've heard a lot about the author of this book, Marcus Buckingham, but have never actually picked up any of his work. I recently joined Thomas Nelsons "Book Review Bloggers" initiative where you receive free books if you commit to writing a 200+ word review on them. The first book I requested was "The Truth About You". I choose the book because I have become a student of myself. I think it's important we learn about ourselves. What are my strengths? What are my weaknesses? I was hoping this book would help me in the process.

When I got the book, I found out that it is more than a book. It is an experience! It comes with a DVD to watch, a book, and a "re-memo" pad.

The DVD takes you through 3 myths that Marcus Buckingham says people buy into in life.

Three Myths People Buy into in Life:

1. Your personality changes as you get older
2. If you want to grow - don't rely on your strengths- work on your weaknesses.
3. The best teams have well rounded people playing all the roles well.

He takes each of these myths and breaks them down, explaining why they're myths, then tells the truth about those areas.
The Best Advice You'll Ever Get

In the book Marcus teaches you 5 principles that he says is the best advice you'll ever get:

1. Performance is always the point
   
2. Your strengths aren't what you're good at, and your weaknesses aren't what you're bad at
3. When it comes to your job, the "What" always trumps the "Why" and "Who"
4. You'll never find the perfect job
5. You'll never turn your weaknesses into strengths

The biggest take away from the book for me was that strengths are anything activities that make you feel stronger. Of course this would mean that your weaknesses are any activities that make you feel weaker. We often think just because we're good at something means it is a strength - but there are a ton of people who are good at things they hate - you can't consider that a strength could you?

Homework

Marcus then challenges you to take the rememo pad and anytime you're doing something you feel strengthens you - write it down and to do the same thing with things that weaken you for an entire week. At the end of the week take both the strengths and weaknesses and try to come up with 3 strength and weakness statements - be specific! This is a great approach of learning your strengths and weaknesses.

Overall, I would definitely recommend reading this book. It can be read in one sitting, the DVD is only 24 minutes long, and the application of the principles will add a ton of value to your life.

Final Grade: A+

Buy it Here!

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Free Books for Bloggers

Thomas Nelson is offering a program that gives free books to bloggers. All you have to do is sign-up, request a book, and write a 200+ word review on the book you read. Then you can pick another one... I think it's an awesome idea!

Check it out here!

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Book Review: Blueprint for Maturity

Another Bible School read...very good and very easy to read. It is basically a book study of the book of Ephesians. I'd recommend it if you're looking dive deeper into the Word of God. I enjoyed it...

Final Grade: B Buy it here.

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Book Review: When God Writes Your Love Story

I really do believe as we grow up and become busier and busier that we need to literally be led on what books to read. People give me books and recommend books to me all the time... and I've really had to be led on which ones I read and when.

This was definitely one God put on my heart to read and it was very beneficial. I think everyone single Christian needs to read this book... it will encourage you, open your eyes, and really deepen your faith when it comes dating or waiting for "The One or (the two, for those who've heard Craig Groeschels messages on dating)".

Great Book!

Final Grade: A Buy it here

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Book Review: Church Shift

If You Are a Christian YOU MUST READ THIS BOOK!

Wow...I read this book in 3 sittings! Pastor Nathan gave me it to read and it has changed the way I view everything! The vision that was in my heart just got taken to a new level.

The author, Sunday Adelaja, literally transformed a nation for God. He goes into detail about all of the lessons God taught him through that experience about the church, God's people, the great commission, and the call of God on your life! I promise you that God will change your life through this book!

If you're a Rev Leader (we have copies that you can borrow-just ask).

Final Grade: A+++++! Buy it here!

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Book Review: The Spirit Controlled Life

So it's back to having required reading at Bible School. It has it's pros and cons. On one hand, I get exposed to books I'd never read otherwise. On the other, I don't get to read as many books as I liked to throughout the year (nor the ones I choose to read).

Anyway-this book is basically a book study of the book of Galatians. It literally takes the book apart verse by verse! It was very insightful and I learned a ton!

After reading this book I promise you you'll know the difference between The Law and the Grace of God. It's very liberating! I enjoyed it!

Final Grade: B Buy it here!

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Book Review: Good to Great

I had been trying to read this book for the past 5 years and never got to it until now. If I'd of known the gems that are in this book I would have made it one of my top priorities when it comes to reading books.

Whether you're a CEO of a large company, lead a ministry, coach a team, are a teacher, or are just concerned about living a great life you NEED to READ THIS BOOK!

The book was based on 5-6 years of research on businesses that literally went from being good companies to great companies (read the book to find out what qualifies). I say this because there are a lot of statistics and numbers and this book and it's easy to think this book is only for people in the business world.

However, I promise you if you'll give it a chance and will read it through in it's entirety that you'll be able to take it's timeless principles and apply them in your life and start to see your own personal life, career, family, etc. go from good to great.

Final Grade: A+ Buy it here

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Book Review: How You Can be Led by the Spirit of God

This was a great book! All of Kenneth Hagin's books are very easy reads and really help you grow. This book was a great refresher on how to hear from God and how to be led by the Spirit of God. I would recommend it to every believer...definitely a must read!

Final Grade: A Buy it here!


If you're interested in studying more on the subject of being led and hearing from God...I strongly recommend Keith Moore's series: Hearing from God as well as Andrew Wommack's series: How to Hear God's Voice.

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Book Review: Plans, Purposes, and Pursuits

I think this is one of the first times in the history of my life where I've reread a book! Usually I have trouble wanting to read a book for a second time because I think it'll be a waste of time and I won't have a feeling of accomplishment (I am working on this).

I read this book again because I am in a season of re-dreaming and figuring out what the next step is for my life.

The book is based off Psalm 127:1 "Unless the Lord builds the house, the work of the builders is wasted."

How important is this? If we're not doing what God wants us to do we are wasting our time and energy.

I think everyone should read this book once a year just to have your mind renewed to this powerful concept.

Final Grade: B Buy it here.

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Book Review: The Revised 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership

So maybe I am obsessed with John Maxwell, but I was actually required to read this one for our Principles of Leadership class in Bible School. I read the original addition of this book a little over a year ago and have loved it. This book is the foundation of J Mac's work. I think every one who is interested in developing their leadership ability must read this book. It's a simple read and it will add value to anyone with the desire to lead.

I liked the revised addition, Maxwell combined a few laws and added two new ones and added some additional insight into old chapters. I enjoyed it. I think every time you read John Maxwell, you read him at a new level because you've grown and developed yourself.

Final Grade: A Buy it here!

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Book Review: Holy Discontent

This was the first book I've read by Bill Hybels. I was watching a dvd of The Leadership Summit in 2006 and Bill's lesson was life changing. He spoke on the Life Cycle of a Leader...anyway, that is what got me curious about reading his stuff.

This was the only book I found at the bookstore by him, so I picked it up. When I read it, I very excited because it seemed to line up with a lot of other things I am learning right now. The whole book basically talks about your purpose in life and finding out what drives you in life. It reminded me a lot of The Barbarian Way by Erwin McManus. It really challenged me to live my life on purpose, and that purpose better be a lot bigger than me!

I would definitely recommend this book...quick read, great stories, and it gets you pumped to change the world!!

Final Grade: B Buy it here.

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Book Review: The Barbarian Way

Erwin McManus does it again! Wow! I literally started and finished this book today (it's a quick read). This book was amazing and really challenged me to risk a lot in going after God's purpose for my life. I am pumped!

I say this a lot, but that's because I only try to read life changing books, but everyone should read this book who is committed to take the mission Jesus gave to all of us serious. This book really taught me that just because God leads you to do something doesn't mean it is going to be safe and easy. In fact, if it's safe and easy, it's probably not God!

Must Read! Final Grade A+
Buy it here.

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Book Review: Talent is Never Enough

I was recently in the mood for a Maxwell book and currently in my own personal life I was and am realizing that I could be the most talented person in the world, but if I don't take that talent and gift and work on it, I'll never accomplish anything worthwhile.

This book wasn't anything new when it comes to Maxwell's stuff, but I like the premise of the book. Talent really is never enough! How many talented and gifted people do you know that never reach their potential? This book really helped me refocus on the disciplines of my talent, my character, and the importance of surrounding myself with others who can cover my weaknesses!

I would recommend this book and any Maxwell book to you... they are always refreshing and encouraging, and I find that every time I go back and read them a few years later (as I've developed), I read them at a whole new level.

Final Grade: B

Buy it here.

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Book Review: Your First Two Years of Youth Ministry

I enjoyed this book... Obviously I am trying to get as much wisdom as I can in youth min!

Doug Fields wrote this book from the perspective of sitting down and mentoring you personally over coffee. After hundreds and thousands of meetings like that mentoring young youth workers, Doug decided to write this book telling literally everything he'd tell you if he met with you in person. So it definitely saved me some time!

If you're in youth ministry as a youth pastor, worker, or volunteer... you should pick this book up.

Final Grade: B

P.S. I just really want to plug Saddleback's Youth Group (HSM). Out of all the youth ministries I've contacted and tried to learn from... they've been the most help. They're a blessing!! Check out what they're doing... they are tearing it up for Jesus!!!

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Book Review: Christ the Healer

This was required reading for the healing team training I am going through at our church. It's funny... I've never really studied healing until this summer. It has definitely been beneficial.

This book is a must read for any Christian. F.F. Bosworth is brilliant and I honestly don't know who could read this book and not believe that healing is for today and available for everyone.

It's pretty deep and a little intimidating at first, but stick with it and if you'll learn to take hold of and apply the truths in this book in your life... you'll never be the same.

Final Grade: A

Buy it Here

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Book Review: Positioning Yourself for Healing

Doug Jones has done it again! This book really helped me lay a foundation for receiving from God. Very easy read, short, and to the point. Another book that I would say not only needs to be in your library, but also in your heart. A Must Read! A+

Buy it here

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