Pastor Mark Batterson ( @markbatterson )of National Community Church in D.C has just released his newest book “Primal” and as part of promoting the book and investing in leaders Batterson gave away copies to church planters and college ministers. There were also opportunities to receive a free copy by blogging about the book. Needless to say this blog is in response to my free book deal but I also received 2 copies some how for being a college minister. So just like Batterson believes in the spirit of generosity lets give away one here on the blog to one of my 6 faithful readers. Here is a little review about the book before you sign up to win and directions on how to win at the bottom.
Batterson’s third book is not a book of adding anything new rather it is a book of simplifying Christianity. In a time when things turn into a to do list Batterson boils it back down to the greatest commandment. ”We have to be great at what matters most. And what matters most is loving God with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength.” This is nothing new or profound but at the same time it is a relief and a moment to exhale and remind ourselves about what living to glorify God is really about. At the same time this reminder is not a call to do less and relax rather a convicting challenge to ask the simple questions. Are you loving God with all your heart, mind and strength? As I read through each chapter I continued to examine my own life and see how even in the midst of college ministry and a paid position it is still easy to get lost in the busy-ness of christianity and forget these basics. I was extremely convicted to look at my heart and ask the question about what things my heart loves the most. This book also reminded me to ask the question not only do I love God with all my heart but do I love with the heart of God? Does my heart break for the same things as God’s heart? At the same time I absolutely loved the reminder that strength is part of loving God. There is work involved in loving God. There is effort. “If you love someone or something enough, the expenditure of energy isn’t seen as a chore.”
Overall I would highly recommend this book (ESPECIALLY IF YOU CAN SCORE A FREE COPY). It is not a confusing read but at the same time the simplicity is convicting and empowering. Batterson weaves in a great amount of personal stories and openness which makes for a pleasurable. Batterson continues to impress and inspire me with his storytelling of the Old Testament which encourages me to jump into the Old Testament and truly engage the scriptures at a deeper level. Any book that brings you back to the loving God with all your heart, soul,mind and strength is a good book for any Christian who wants to grow more like Christ.
So here is how to win a free copy: Share one of your goals for the new year to grow in out of the four areas of loving God and a way you will go about that goal. Heart, soul, mind and strength. I will pick/contact the winners on Christmas Eve.
This year I will be focusing on my heart. I feel that as I am on my walk with the Lord, my heart is the more precious, and stronger than anything I have. I plan on becoming nothing less than a walking example of Christ and it all starts with my heart. Showing the love to other that Christ has showed to us. Loving your neighbor as yourself and become a living example of what it means to be a true believer in Christ. We all know that we can never be perfect, but striving for perfection and showing love to others is the greatest thing we can do as believers. I come as a man who has accepted the issues such as: Pride and lust and my drive to change them, but I will never accept a hardened heart.
-Jarrid Wilson
Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” John 13:34-35)