Book Review: Radical by David Platt

radical |ˈradikəl|

adjective

(esp. of change or action) relating to or affecting the fundamental nature of something; far-reaching or thorough.

This book brings the above definition to life in the walk of every believer.

From the very beginning this David Platt work can seem like the ranting of another extremist Christian who has everything figured out for how you should live your life.

This perception could not be more inaccurate.

In this book Platt challenges Christians to take a look at their faith and question whether it’s rooted in the Word of God or the ideals of the American Dream.

Is everything we do supposed to be about stabilizing our future and solidifying our financial prowess? Do we really need to take up our cross and follow Jesus? Could Jesus truly want us to sell all we have and give to the poor?

These are all questions that bombard the typical American Christian. Each one of these questions has be something I’ve wondered at one point or another in my own life. As Platt dives into the Word of God on these issues the sentences can begin to feel a little uncomfortable. As I read instinctively I wanted to go into defense mode as to why the American version of Christianity is the most practical one out there. This idea simply is false. Though our possession and way of doing church is not inherently bad, the heart behind our fiscal responsibility and ministry initiatives needs to be centered in spreading the glory of God. This means sacrificing more of what we believe secures us and trusting in the security of Jehovah Jireh. He will not only provide all we need in this world, He also gives us everything we could ever need in eternal life.

Radical is rally call to Christians who feel the tug of the Spirit towards a more biblical foundation of Christianity. This book will challenge you to not only study God’s Word pertaining to the fruit of our faith, but also live in radical servanthood to a sovereign God.

I would recommend Radical to the Christian ready to face new challenges with eternal reward. David Platt’s work is not for the faint of heart or societally content. Instead he asks readers to set themselves aside and allow the radical love of God to truly transform their lives.

*I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review.

You can purchase this book on Amazon.com here.

For more on Radical and David Platt check out www.RadicalTheBook.com & twitter.com/plattdavid.

2011
12/04
CATEGORY
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Divine Inspiration

There is something morally inspirational about the song in this video.

Listen to it’s words. Heed it’s instruction.

(Artist @JohnLegend)

“If you’re ready we can shake the world
Believe again
It starts within
We don’t have to wait for destiny
We should be the change that we want to see”

Destiny would fate us as sinners doomed to destruction. Thankfully God rewrote our story through Jesus Christ.

I believe when we combine the motivation displayed in this song with the truth of John 15:5 this world will change.

“I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.” John 15:5 (NIV)

It’s all for His glory.

2011
11/18
CATEGORY
Justice
Leadership
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3 Factors of Advancing Through The Intersection

Highway #1, Intersection 105; 110, Los Angeles, California, USA, 2003. Chromogenic color print. Photograph © Edward Burtynsky

Highway #1, Intersection 105; 110, Los Angeles, California, USA, 2003. Chromogenic color print. Photograph © Edward Burtynsky

There are subtle moments in life that have lasting implications.

Everyone has those emotional moments where they survey their life and either realize it’s headed in the right or wrong direction. Something has either encouraged your confidence or you’re sick of feeling useless. You are at an intersection of life. If you’re headed in the right direction you want to continue your success. If you’re going down a treacherous path you’re passionate about changing routes.

For a person with decisions, detours, and new trails ahead I believe there are 3 helpful factors to success at the cross roads.

1. Wherever you are, understand that you cannot earn God’s love.

If you’re main concern is earning blessings and love from God you’re on a dead end street. God cares about the decisions you are making and work you are doing, but He loves you the same regardless of your success. You are not capable of earning the free love of God. We’ve had it since our creation and if we remain in Him we’ll know it’s fullness in Heaven. So whether you’re trying to get off the couch or gain more success, know that God feels the same about you regardless. He will love you the same no matter what. Our motivation should be to love Him back by obeying his commands and putting our faith to work. Rest assured that Romans 5:8 is proof of this point.

2. Answer you’re “what now?” moment with “here’s these”.

If you’re asking, “what now?” the answer may be closer than you think. Either after success or in stagnation we can come to a point of confusion. You’ve just reached a goal that seems impossible to out do or you’re in a rut so low you’re not sure how to get out. This “what now?” moment will define you.

A key to success in this moment is understand your gifts. God gives you specific gifts that are to be used for His glory (Roman 12:6-8). In you’re “what now?” moment survey the gifts God has given you and match them with your life’s current position. Ask God to guide you as you try your gifts in different areas. Try new ventures and refine old ones. Each gift you have was given to you with purpose, be proactive in discovering this purpose and heed God’s direction. Be a part of something you enjoy. New or continued success will come when you are using the gifts God has given you in the place he’s lead you to.

3. Combat idle hands syndrome.

We all know that feeling; the one where it’s easier just to lay in bed all day. That draw to go outside and enjoy a beautiful day stifled only by the comfort of the t.v. and couch. Idle hands really are the devil’s handiwork. For some reason being idle becomes viral. This harmful habit attacks our very core and fools us into believing we’re ok sitting while the hands of time are ticking by. This “idle hands syndrome” will lead to a loss of purpose and passion. These are very dangerous waters to tread (Proverbs 29:18). You’ll begin to feel useless and honestly if you remain where you are your usefulness begins to lag.

Do not let this happen to you!

Get out there and enjoy life. If it’s taking you a little longer than expected to get through this life intersection there are plenty of activities to keep your mind and heart stimulated.

  • Purchase a gym membership and exercise regularly. There is something about working towards physical success around others that encourages motivation.
  • Get involved in your church or a justice organization. Use those gifts God gave you in an area that will keep them polished and help you build them up.
  • Seek the wisdom of others. Spend your crossroads time in pursuit of wisdom. Yes you’re entire life should pursue Godly wisdom, yet in this moment of life you may have more time on your hands. Read, listen, and sit down with those you admire. Use this time to cultivate priceless relationships that will sharpen you as you head into the fast lane of life.

Most importantly just do something. Something spiritually and mentally healthy. Channel your desire for getting through the intersection into something that will help you grow in the mean time. If you do this you may get through the intersection without even realizing it.

Heed these factors and seek God relentlessly as you enter one of life’s intersection. Do not take yourself too seriously and remember that he will guide you through the Holy Spirit that lives in you. You have one life to live do and be everything you can to make a useful impact for the kingdom of God.

I’d love to read your thoughts on this. Please share your insight by commenting below.

2011
11/16
CATEGORY
Leadership
Work
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The Math of Love

We know love is the answer, but what is the equation?

John 14:15 is the constant.

If you love me, keep my commands.

Obedience births relationship.

As I obey God, I am actually showing him that I care enough to take His words as truth.

If this is the case then John 15:17 is the variable.

This is my command: Love each other.

Whoa!

Did that just happen?

One second Jesus tell us to love Him by keeping his commands and then he’s turning around and commanding us to love one another.

What brevity do these pieces of scripture hold? Multiple times in John, Jesus instructs His disciples to love him by obeying him and then He clearly tell them to love one another.

If we are to live by this command than life should look different.

Gossip will turn to encouragement, envy will become celebration, and instead of greed we will have compassion.

Though the day we see all of this perfected will have to wait until eternity, God can give us a little glimpse if we choose to obey.

John 15:12 sums up what our approach should look like.

My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you.

Everyday we must abide in Christ, commune with Him, accept His love and then show that love to others.

Yes, we will fail. We are human. That is why grace changes everything and shows us another aspect of God’s love.

Love others simply because they are. Not for what they have done.

We did nothing to earn God’s love, we’ve had it since He chose for us to be.

That’s our solution to what love should be.

2011
11/14
CATEGORY
Justice
Leadership
Ministry
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The Value of Retreat

Retreat.

To some it sounds refreshing, to others it implies the stress of being disconnected.

This past weekend I had the opportunity to head up to Overgaard, AZ and spending a weekend with my fellow Ember leaders. Though we spent time gaining leadership wisdom from our college pastor (@TheJasonR), the most significant part of my weekend was breaking from the norm.

There is something about allowing your body and mind to relax, that can truly refresh your soul. The snow on the ground, the fresh air, and the comfortable setting allowed my heart to beat in step with the creator of it all. I tried as much as possible to stay off my phone and simply be. I didn’t want to be consumed with social networking, depressing new stories, or due assignments.

I just wanted to exist.

I wanted to take a step back and have real conversations, not ones that are limited to 140 characters.

I’m thankful for retreat. I want to make a regular habit of getting away and simply being.

This weekend truly did recharge my battery. I came home eager to prioritize my life correctly and to fully rely on God’s leading and provision. I have renewed passion for my leadership role within Ember and the importance of my personal walk with God.

As I studied my Bible late Saturday night, I could not help but gain a better understanding as to why Jesus would go off to pray in solitude. In the moments of true quietness peace resounds. In those moments, I cannot do anything to feel closer to God. All God requires is that I be.

He loves us for more than what we do, He loves us because we are.

I would encourage everyone to find a place of retreat. If you have the means get to a place that allows you to simply be before God. Stay off your phone, focus on God, kindle creativity and if you are with others, cultivate relationships.

Value retreat as Christ did and allow His living water to refresh the depths of your heart.

2011
11/08
CATEGORY
Creativity
Discipleship
Leadership
Ministry
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Fear<Faith

What holds you back?

Each and every one of have insecurities about the gifts and ideas God has given us.

You watch The X-Factor and think, “I can sing as well as her“. You see an artist work being appreciated while realizing your personal collection could create the same stir. You see people drastically changing the course of the world through their brilliant organizations and wonder what could happen if your idea took off.

Yet something still holds you back.

You’re scared to show others your work.

You don’t want to fail.

You fear the challenges that lie ahead.

Inevitably the special gift God has given you becomes far less useful the further you sweep it under the rug.

You are made to do great things. The gifts, creativity, and personality you have were specifically blended with precise ingredients to make you God flavor to the earth. Do not lose your zest in the midst of fear. Those moments of second thought that cause you to stay on the safe side of life, keep you from beauty that comes with risk.

Nothing is easy.

Risks set you up to reach greatness.

Failure comes but continued effort will pay dividends. No one has every failed to succeed by trying in the first place.

You may never know what you’re capable of until you step out in faith and exert everything you are for the cause of Christ.

Use your gifts for something. Participate in work that you enjoy. Look fear in the face and tell him what’s up.

You are fearfully and wonderfully made.

God has a purpose for you and nothing can stop Him.

Take confidence in those truths and change the world.

You’d be doing us all a favor.

2011
11/01
CATEGORY
Creativity
Justice
Leadership
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Review: Sun Stand Still

Sun Stand Still is a book that will truly change the way you live. Steven Furtick has done a amazing job of challenging readers to step closer to God in a revolutionary way.

To be honest, I was a little skeptical of this book at first. I came out of the gate a huge Furtick fan, but for some reason that confidence slipped. I’m not really sure why, honestly I think I just lost track of what he was doing. I didn’t dislike him, I just simply became bombarded with information from many church leaders and he was lost in the mix. Thankfully I wised up and narrowed my leadership filter to intently focus on a more specified group of leaders. When I had heard the hype about Sun Stand Still, I couldn’t stay away.

This book gripped me from the onset. I realized that Furtick was on to something huge. God had truly given him a great perspective and He chose to be obedient in sharing this with readers. Throughout the book we are challenged with the story of Joshua winning a battle in which he faithfully asked God to make the

sun stand still.

Furtick carefully analyzes the implications of the faith and prayer life of this scriptural hero, while also exemplifying the modern day faithful. He challenges us to live, pray, and dream in a way that is solidified by the faith we have in the God who is far greater than our wildest imaginations. This book will give you a whole new perspective on prayer and faith. I have been truly rocked by the implications of this book. If we truly see scripture as our example for relationship with God than we must begin to express audacious faith in a God who is completely majestic and sovereign.

I would truly recommend this book to anyone looking for a practical, yet daring way to approach a life of faith in the one true God.

You can take a sneak peek or purchase this book here.

Disclaimer: I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review.

2011
10/30
CATEGORY
Blog For Books
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Living Up To The Hype

We have a lot on our plate.

Everyone talks about how our generation is different. How we will change everything for good.

I’ve only heard the 1 min. 30 sec. iTunes clip of Coldplay’s new song but I’m pretty sure it’s about us.

Come on, Coldplay? If they’re singing about it we better get moving.

I believe that our generation can live up to the hype. We are generous, deeply resourced, and well educated. For the first time current culture reflects our care for the planet and the overall well being of it’s people. We see hope through the war, famine, and crime.

We are striving to see people the way God does.

Through the wisdom of those before us and the adventurous spirit of the growing generation we can change this world. Of course it will be a lot of work. Debt is still growing and wars are still raging, but if our faith can move mountains, it can bring peace.

God is our source and now is our time.

2011
06/09
CATEGORY
Leadership
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Passion As A Precondition

Passion.

It makes your heart beat faster. It causes your brain to soar in dream and aspiration.

For the moment when passion opens your eyes to see the world through a new lens you understand what we’re all here for.

You have purpose.

You have life in it’s fullest state.

Without passion your heart runs slow.

Your mind is full of dread and pity.

You see this world as the tangible trash heap we have made it. It’s sinful sting hurts and it’s severe injustice fills the air with an aroma of decay.

You are wandering from day to day.

The thief has you cornered.

There is hope in passion. There is purpose in the discontent that throttles your heart.

Do the things you were meant to do.

Be the person God made you.

Live in the steps He ordained before you even entered the womb.

Only when you do these things will this world change.

You were made to leave a positive legacy on planet Earth.

Now is the time to start.

“The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.” – John 10:10 (NIV)

2011
06/07
CATEGORY
Creativity
Justice
Leadership
Ministry
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The Royal Prayer

“God our Father, we thank you for our families; for the love that we share and for the joy of our marriage. In the busyness of each day keep our eyes fixed on what is real and important in life and help us to be generous with our time and love and energy. Strengthened by our union help us to serve and comfort those who suffer. We ask this in the Spirit of Jesus Christ. Amen.”

This was the prayer that Prince William and Kate Middleton shared at the altar.

They weren’t allowed to customize the vows, but wrote their own prayer.

Doesn’t this sum it up perfectly.

This is the prayer of all married couples and singles alike.

This is a prayer we can all share as well.

2011
04/29
CATEGORY
Uncategorized
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