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.”

Click here to view the embedded video.

You can hear this riveting special, recorded at Saint Andrews Church, Newport, CA, right here on the SermonCast Channel beginning Monday, January 11.

From facing cancer, to the death of a marriage, to dealing with unemployment and a sense of failure, these are topics we all grapple with. And in a way unique to Max Lucado, he reminds listeners that life with Jesus is a life of trust at the foot of the Cross.

It was an experiment to explore the effects of Twitter on different areas of his life. It was a relief to learn that I shouldn’t experience withdrawal pains if I decide to turn the network off for awhile.

While Michael’s discussion of “The Twitter Effect” was helpful, there was something more. I hadn’t visited his blog looking for these insights. But in a moment of Social Media serendipity, there they were.

Throughout the post, I noticed subtle evidences of some of the top qualities that define “great leadership.” I’ve listed seven:

1. Great leaders publicly acknowledge others. In the first line of his post, Michael let the whole world know that Anne Jackson was his friend and that she had his attention. That probably encouraged Anne and brightened her day just a little.

2. Great leaders are open to the ideas of others. The idea for the challenge was Anne’s. Even though it didn’t initially conform to Michael’s thinking, he was open to considering it. He didn’t just dismiss it outright either. Even after saying “no” to the experiment he reevaluated his position. He determined that the exercise might actually teach him something. He went forward.

3. Great leaders are readers. We hear this statement a lot. “Not all readers are leaders but all great leaders are readers.” For good reason. It’s true. Michael said, “I read a lot.” Granted, it might be occupational malpractice for the leader of the largest Christian publishing company in the world to say he doesn’t read very much. But I think it’s safe to say that he REALLY loves reading.

4. Great leaders are listeners. Michael listened to what Anne had to say. He mentioned, as he frequently does in his writings, the enjoyment of seeking and absorbing information from those around him. That’s not possible if you’re doing most of the talking. (I’ve wrestled with this one.)

5. Great leaders are learners. The Twitter experiment was undertaken to enlarge Michael’s understanding of social media’s influence in his life. This post, like so many before it, reveals his quest for discovery.

6. Great leaders share what they’ve learned. That was the main reason he wrote the post. Michael’s motivation always seems to lean toward helping others learn and grow. I bet this passion for serving others is evident in many other areas of his life.

7. Great leaders live their values. It’s not a role they play. It’s who they are. It’s demonstrated every day through what they say and do…and blog and tweet.

Want to learn about great leadership? Follow great leaders. Social Media has made it easy to sit in the virtual classroom of leaders like Michael Hyatt. It’s expanded opportunities for connecting and learning. Sometimes in ways you weren’t expecting.

Question: Who are you learning from right now? What one thing have they taught you?