From Publishers Weekly
In his second book, Bethel University professor and futurist McManus (An Unstoppable Force) uses an Old Testament Bible story about the son of King Saul to give readers perspective on how they can fulfill the will of God in their lives and make the most of divine and defining moments. To live life most fully, he insists, we must take risks, and he warns those looking for instant gratification that being in God's will is inherently risky, as it does not ensure protection from harm or difficulty. McManus, who is also a pastor, challenges the readers to act on what they already know about God from Scripture and prayer rather than wait for a heavenly sign before moving forward. "There are certain things that you do not need a calling to do," he gently chides. "You've already been commanded to do them. Too many divine opportunities are lost because we keep waiting for a word when the word has already been given." A good mix of anecdotes, personal experiences, Biblical study and commentary, this book will be inspirational for those seeking to lead a more deliberate, spiritual life. Copyright 2002 Reed Business Information, Inc.


Book Description

In this inspiring book, Erwin McManus uses the biblical account of Israel's war with the Philistines (1 Samuel 13 and 14) and the characters of Saul and Jonathan to demonstrate the difference between living a life of purpose and adventure, and living one of apathy and missed opportunity. In the midst of a less-than-hopeful battle, Saul-who should have been leading-rested beneath a pomegranate tree as Jonathan seized the divine moment that would impact the future of Israel. Through this story McManus artfully illustrates the eight characteristics of an adventurer's heart, what he calls "the Jonathan factor."

Using powerful examples from his own life and ministry, along with fresh biblical teaching, McManus asserts that God crafts divine moments specific to each of us-priceless opportunities for us to actively engage in God's big-picture plan. Apathy and apprehension prevent us from being all we are meant to be for God's kingdom. But by developing the characteristics McManus outlines, Christians can move from mundane to miraculous living.

FROM THE PUBLISHER

In this inspiring book, Erwin McManus uses the biblical account of Israel's war with the Philistines (1 Samuel 13 and 14) and the characters of Saul and Jonathan to demonstrate the difference between living a life of purpose and adventure, and living one of apathy and missed opportunity. In the midst of a less-than-hopeful battle, Saul￯﾿ﾽwho should have been leading￯﾿ﾽrested beneath a pomegranate tree as Jonathan seized the divine moment that would impact the future of Israel. Through this story McManus artfully illustrates the eight characteristics of an adventurer's heart, what he calls ￯﾿ﾽthe Jonathan factor.￯﾿ﾽ

Using powerful examples from his own life and ministry, along with fresh biblical teaching, McManus asserts that God crafts divine moments specific to each of us￯﾿ﾽpriceless opportunities for us to actively engage in God's big-picture plan. Apathy and apprehension prevent us from being all we are meant to be for God's kingdom. But by developing the characteristics McManus outlines, Christians can move from mundane to miraculous living.

FROM THE CRITICS

Publishers Weekly