God I need You now (By Plumb)

Father Hunger: Why God Calls Men to Love and Lead Their Families By Douglas Wilson

This book was provided to me by Thomas Nelson Publishing (Booksneeze) to review. I found it difficult to work through. I have had it for a while trying to read. I found myself not always agreeing with the tone used. Father Hunger, I found not always helpful to me as a father trying to be and do what is right in raising up my children. I took offense to the male superiority language. Although, not stated I heard that we aren’t “getting our way” as men of God and we should take back fatherhood. I would’ve appreciated more the approach that we should be seeking more of a life of humility and brokenness. We have failed and we need help from God, plain and simple. Instead, retaliation against culture and feminism all around us crowded out any encouragement for me to be who I need to be.

I don’t think we can make simple excuses such as it is the result of feminism of why we aren’t being who we need to be as fathers. If anything, I have been challenged by the women in my life to be the man of God I need to be. I want my children to see their mother and the women of God He places in their lives, whether school teachers, other moms, and family members and friends, as ones leading them to be who God desires them to be. This is an opportunity that has been placed before each of us, men and women alike, to be there for our children.

I did agree with Douglas Wilson, the author, when he states, “The right kind of surrender means that we will be open to God’s timing. When God delays our ambitions, it is not because He is saying no, but because those delays help shape who we are becoming.” I as a father have failed in many respects with this. It is nobody’s fault except my own. A daily surrender to God’s work in my life enables my kids to see how much I truly trust in God and am living for Him. Honestly, I can blame all of society’s problems concerning the family on the culture, feminism, the church or its pastor, the educational system, the government, or even my own parents, yet what needs to happen is that I daily step up and be a person who cares more about others than about myself.

Men, we need to embrace our role of fatherhood wholeheartedly and “pick it up and put it on, like a coat (199).” Let it become a part of you. Yes, it is scary and might even feel awkward at times causing us to fall down at times. But, stop making excuses and begin to believe and live for this great opportunity we have been created!

Leadership Lessons for a Thriving Ministry

Leadership Lessons for a Thriving Ministry

Greater: Dream Bigger, Start Smaller, Ignite God's Vision for Your Life By Steven Furtick

This book was received from Multnomah Books to review. Stylistically it is very similar to Craig Groschel’s works. Very sarcastic at times and sometimes taking the reader on a brief tangent. I even wondered if it was a generational thing that bothered me but I’m about the same age as the author. But overall, I enjoyed this book which examines the life of Elisha and his calling and ministry.

It is a Christian living book that will challenge new believers especially. I was excited to read a work on the life of Elisha who is one of my favorite men of faith of the OT. For the long-time believer, this work will challenges you not to settle and remembered your first calling.

I was deeply moved by the statement, “Pursuing God’s purpose can be exhilarating. It can also be terrifying. If you want to live surrounded by God’s miracles, you have to come to terms with the fact that you’ll always be surrounded by enemies. You’ll often be amazed at what God can do through you (167).” I encourage everyone to read this but especially those who are embarking on this journey of faith in Jesus Christ. He has called each of us to live GREATER lives than we realized. It is time we receive it with open arms and hearts. Also, A bonus I found with GREATER was the discussion guide in the back of the book. I always find it helpful to facilitate discussion in a small group setting with some suggested questions to start off with.