Most of us aren't in danger of ruining our lives.
We're in danger of wasting them.
Are you unsatisfied with the kind of Christian life you've settled for? If you are tired of cul-de-sac Christianity or self-help pseudo solutions, today is the day God's greater plan for your life begins in full force:
Greater than the labels you were given when you were young.
Greater than the cynicism that settles in as you get older.
Greater than the dreams you've dreamed for yourself.
Greater than even the greatest moment you've had thus far.
In Greater, Pastor Steven Furtick draws on the biblical story of Elisha to give you the confidence to know that nothing is impossible with God, the clarity to see the next step He's calling you to take, and the courage to do anything He tells you to do.
A Book Promo by Steven Furtick regarding Greater.
My Thoughts:
I requested this book and when I got it I was extremely excited...my first review! a North Carolina author! and many of my colleagues had talked about this book. Then I took my academic approach and childhood, as well as college, memories of bible studies and checked the back of the book. It showed me that this was not just a christian book, but an "immersive experience." There was a CD that was suggested to go along with the book so that the reader could get the most of the experience.
Well I did not want to purchase an unknown cd or band, so I was conflicted. Did I read the book without the CD? Did I purchase a CD I knew nothing about? and then..yes then...I went to my friend Youtube and all the songs are available on Elevation's Youtube channel.
Once I had started reading the book though and listening to the song selected to go with each chapter I was enthralled. Steven Furtick writes in a way where you will feel as though you are having a conversation with a friend. Each chapter brings in a biblical passage (which I admit I had not read or heard of, but now love) and he then relates that passage to a story from his own experience, his families' experience or a friend/fellow pastor, etc. Some of the stories made me laugh, some made me weep, but they all made me connect to the story, this book and the biblical passage. It turned stories and words in the biblical form which can be hard to understand and relate with, to experiences that have happened to us or that we can see occurring in our family and friends. I do not want to give spoilers in my reviews, but oh there are two true life stories he shared about friends that just spoke to my heart.
The song choices for the most part do enhance the chapter and stories told. There were a few chapters where at the end I just was like yes, yes this clicks! However, there were three chapters, especially the first two, where I did not see the connection in the song and was really wondering what the point of the CD was. Then when I got to chapter four and listened to I Have Decided, it spoke to me and the lyrics and chapter just synced perfectly. For best usage of the songs relating to the chapters I found that I just hit repeat on the song the entire time I read it and then listened again after the chapter. It really turned the reading experience from reading a book/novel to an educational voyage into the biblical book of Elisha.
After reading this book and enjoying the concept and entirety of an "immersive experience" I want to read his other two best-selling books.
Memorable Quotations:
"God, use what I have. Take what little I have and make it overflow."
"Without grace, we'd all be nothing."
"If you're looking to be greater than Jesus, put down your crack pipe, my friend. That's not happening."
"God is too faithful to waste your faith. He is too wise to make a mistake. He is too loving to disregard your heart. And He is overseeing every prayer you pray, making good on every promise He has made."
Apparently Naaman is the Meat Loaf of the Old Testament--he will do anything for healing, but he won't do that."
"His act might have offended PETA but not necessarily his neighbors."
"And when God is silent, the power of His presence is most profound in how He grieves with us."
"What we can say for certain is that faith is never wasted. What we can say for certain is that even when the worst thing happens and I conceivable hope is left, God still surprises. No promise from God is ever completely dead."
"You're not alone. Never have been. Never will be."
Important Links:
Website
More Info
Read Chapter One
Author Bio
Additional Items:
As mentioned above this book has a CD that is recommended to be listened in connection with each chapter. Well I enjoyed it so much that I bought many of the songs I listened to. A few of the ones that really resonated with me as I read that chapter are:
Open Up Our Eyes by Elevation Worship
Nothing is Wasted by Elevation Worship
We're Not Alone by Elevation Worship
Links to Purchase Book: Price differs on some sites, so please check that out
Barnes & Noble
Amazon
ChristianBook.com
Books A Million
Parable
Have you read this book? Did you read it with the suggested soundtrack? Do you feel it made a difference? Let me know what you thought!
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