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Christian Life

Staying In The Zone-God’s Zone-For Life

The tweet said, “Join Thomas Nelson Publishers BookSneeze program and we’ll send you free books in exchange for an honest review on your blog.” Reading and writing for fun? Free books? Count me in.

Welcome to the Sunday Book Review of “Living Life In The Zone, A 40-Day Spiritual Game Plan For Men,” written by Kyle Rote Jr. and Dr. Joe Pettigrew (Thomas Nelson).

The aim of the book is to help men discover the key to staying in the zone-God’s zone-for life. Sports metaphors abound, beginning with the title.

When someone says an individual athlete or team is “In The Zone,” it means they’re on fire. Their game is going according to plan. There is a rhythm and flow to their endeavors that seems unstoppable.

Living Life In The Zone is designed to be used as a 40-day devotional. Why 40-days?

The authors explain that God often used 40-day time periods in the Bible for major transformations. Their hope is that in 40-days, God will forever change the lives of men that commit to seeking Him.

Each day’s devotion includes seven sections. Here’s a sample from each.

Thought of the Day – “While many people want you to do what they need done, there is only one person you ultimately have to please.”

The Coach’s Corner – Life coaching from a Christian perspective by the authors. “Life is meant to be about pleasing God and no one else!”

The coaches are Kyle Rote, a former outstanding soccer athlete, three-time ABC-TV Super-Stars champion. And, Dr. Joe Pettigrew, a former college dean and a recognized authority on the issues affecting senior executives.

The Game Plan – What the Bible teaches about each chapter’s theme. “Work hard in all your activities.” And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men. Colossians 3:23

Playmakers – Stories of outstanding men, good role models, from sports, business and politics. In “Audience of One,” read about Pat Tillman, a budding star in the NFL who enlisted in the army and at the age of twenty-seven was killed by friendly fire. There are also stories of men with imperfections. Some that made serious mistakes.

Time Out – Practical questions. “What do you feel God is calling you to do for Him today?”

Today’s Assignment - Challenges meant to inspire action. “If you have only one job today, and that is to please God, what will you do differently?”

Home-Field Advantage - A place to journal thoughts, prayers and results from reading the book.

Living Life In The Zone is an excellent resource for men wanting a no nonsense guide to running good plays every day. The authors are clear in their belief that following and obeying Jesus is the only way to staying in-the-zone-God’s zone-for life.

Book Giveaway: If you would like to receive my copy of Living Life In The Zone, just be the first to leave a comment saying why you want the book. Please include your email address.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their BookSneeze.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

  • http://bryceraley.com Bryce Raley

    Gordon,

    I am at the point where I am wanting to catch that fire back that I had when I first came to Christ. Although from the outside looking in it would seem I'm in the zone, I don't feel it. I'm leading a group of guys in discipleship, hosting a small home group, and operating my business as a Christian should, still I'm not living up to my favorite verse Hebrews 12:1. Throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles and run the race …

    Did I mention I am a huge sports nut who has put that part of his life on the backburner, which isn't exactly God honoring- letting gifts and talents he's given us sit dorment.

    • http://intensedebate.com/people/GordonMarcy GordonMarcy

      Thanks for sharing where God is at work in you Bryce. A good word for us all. By the way, congratulations, "you win."

  • http://intensedebate.com/profiles/raleyb raleyb

    Thanks Gordon.

    Enjoying your live tweets of sermons. They make for a great Monday review.

  • http://www.myspace.com/joggynsmyler Frank Zelasny

    I'd like to tell you I wrote and recorded a song called "STAYIN IN THE ZONE" it's about stayin in the ONENESS..something I always wanted to put into a song… you can enjoy it at my my space web site..at http://www.myspace.com/joggynsmyler EnjoY!
    I typed in Google search the words "Stayin in the Zone" and found your place. i'm originally from N J ..If you know PERTH AMBOY N J.. I have the PERTH AMBOY song also at the same web place in my player.. enjoy!

    sincerely
    Frank Zelasny

Random Quote

(On being a fan or follower of Jesus Christ) Jesus comes to a place where He wants to know where you stand. If you haven’t completely surrendered everything to Him, it leaves you tired, guilty and frustrated. — Kyle Idleman, http://www.notafan.com

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