BEST. BOOK. EVER.
Seriously, I can't remember when I've read a book that I have highlighted and starred and written in and underlined the way I have this one (and I do that a lot in books). Like, I can't put it down at night, and I stay up way too late reading it the way I would a good novel. Maybe it's just speaking to where I am right now (ya think?) Of course, it didn't hurt that he mentioned Uganda in the 2nd paragraph. It may not mean nearly as much to you, but OH MY. I was crying by page 9. :) If you are wanting to go deeper in your faith, trust God for more than you ever have before, and walk with Him in a whole new way, I highly recommend this book.
The impetus for the book is one line that Steven Furtick (author) read in Jim Cymbala's book Fresh Wind, Fresh Fire:
I despaired at the thought that my life might slip by without seeing God show himself mightily on our behalf.
A few of my favorite, give-me-whiplash-from-nodding-my-head-so-hard quotes so far:
* Could it be that God intends for us to have the same kind of audacious faith [as Joshua] - the kind of faith that dares to believe God for the IMPOSSIBLE - as a normal way of life? (p. 15)
* How radically different would modern American youth culture be if we stopped raising our kids to survive their world and started empowering them with a vision to change it? (p. 33)
* ...the extraordinary presence and purpose of God will burn brightly in the life of anyone willing to be set on fire. (p. 44)
*When you reflect on God's vision for your life, you should be overwhelmed. (p. 72)
* Complacency isn't very comfortable in the presence of audacity. (p. 91)
* Authentic faith doesn't end in a positive mental state. (!) It plays out in total obedience based on the sure Word of God. (p. 117)
And I love this....
*The God of the Bible can do whatever He pleases. And what pleases Him is to show off His power for His glory and renown. So give Him the opportunity. Dream God-worthy dreams. Pray faith-fueled prayers. Live a life that can be explained only by the existence of a God who is infinitely great. (p. 99)
Man.
I think when I'm done I may read it again.
And if I ever get beyond this book, look at the stack that I have waiting for me...
*grin*
I'm sure I'll throw a couple of fiction titles in the mix there somewhere, so hopefully I can manage to complete this stack before I turn 50.
I got a great idea from Holly over at Marathon Bird to keep a list of all the books you read this year. Isn't that fun? I usually have a list of books I WANT to read....and the kids and I usually keep a list of the books they read in the summer....but I thought it would be fun to keep a list of the books I read this year. I'm sure it will be a dismally short list, but still fun. Hoping to get one up in my sidebar soon. :)
What are you reading? What do you hope to read this year?
Keeping a list of books you've read is a fun idea. I like to read self-help books too-or whatever you want to call them. Marriage books and raising children are usually at the top. I still read some fiction, but not nearly like I used to and I don't mind this change at all. I don't read as much either-partly busier, partly because of the internet!
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