I have become a Mark Betterson fan. At least I have become a fan of three of his books. Wow, this is another one of those “Ought To Be Required Reading” books. If you want to be challenged out of the status-quo, then read this book. If you would rather do things like they have always been done, then don’t read it, it would just make you mad and you would be one with a numb gluteus maximus instead of wet feet. (You have to read the book to find out what that means) :0
The book is a serious look at the story of Beniniah in the Old Testament. Mentioned in only a few short verses but in a story that Batterson is able to bring to life like I have never seen before. As a matter of fact, I have never heard a sermon where this man was mentioned in my life.
I can’t say enough good about this book. Batterson is encouraging us to take what we have and serve God with it. Be it much or little, God makes all the difference.
Here are a few quotes from the book and I have way to many highlighted passages to share them all with you.
“Usually, when the image of a man-eating beast travels through the optical nerve and registers in the visual cortex, the brain has one over-arching message: Run away. Normal people run away from lions. They run as far and as fast as they possibly can. But lion chasers are wired differently.”
The message here is that we cannot continually run away from challenges in life. These challenges are often times what God uses to get us to a new place in life and in our spiritual life. Confront your challenges.
“I’ve learned that taking no risks is the greatest risk of all.”
“I’m absolutely convinced that our greatest regrets in life will be missed opportunities.”
“When you cross paths with the lion, are you going to run away like a scaredy-cat or are you going to grab life by the mane?”
“Maybe it is time to quit running and time to start chasing. Try something new. Take some risks. Start doing some things that are worth recounting in jaw-dropping detail. I think we owe it to our kids and grandkids.”
This last one is one that hits me hard. I want to make a difference in this world and that will not happen if we work to keep up with the status quo. Let’s take some risks and change the world.
Ronnie
I thoroughly enjoyed this book, as an inspirational tool. When I read the book, I had just gone through one of the worst times in my life. It was a quick and easy read that I couldn’t put down. I even informed my Pastor who didn’t seem well versed in the story of Beniniah. I too am now a fan of Mark Batterson.
The story is well worth your time.
God Bless to All.