Throw It Down: Leaving Behind Behaviors and Dependencies That Hold You Back

by Jud Wilhite

Throw It Down doesn't pull punches. It's straight talk to people who know they have habits and behaviors that are keeping them from being who God made them to be. And no one knows how to boldly confront and bravely encourage like Jud Wilhite. He has spent many joyful years, since beginning his own recovery journey, helping others achieve sobriety through a meaningful relationship with Jesus Christ. The mean streets of Vegas have been a fertile mission field, and he has witnessed amazing testimonies of God's grace, triumph and forgiveness. Just as God commanded Moses in Exodus to 'throw down' his staff, God asks us to throw down the things that we hold tight, so we are free to accept all the blessings He has in store. Readers will receive the practical help and encouragement they need to throw down their hurts, habits and dependencies and to reclaim health, happiness and God's blessings.

Genres: Spirituality

144 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2010

About the author

Jud Wilhite is an author, speaker, and senior pastor of Central Christian Church, a church founded in Las Vegas with multiple campuses, both national and international. Central is recognized as one of the largest and fastest growing churches in America. Jud is the author of several books, including Pursued, a New York Times bestseller, Torn, Throw it Down, and Uncensored Grace. He and his wife, Lori, have two kids and live in the Las Vegas area.

Reviews

[Samantha wickedshizuku Tolleson · Rating 1 out of 5]

I read this book hoping that it would give me a few helpful tips on kicking butts, boy was I wrong!I did not appreciate the tone of this book, nor does it go along with my personal beliefs.
Though there are some phrases that remind me much of what you would hear at an AA meeting.
That and the excellent grammar gives me pause to tear the author a new hole for reality to move in.
The problems presented in this short tome, are too vague for the reader to easily identify with the individual. People are much more complex, and just giving the reason that "God" was their solution to all of their problems. Making the point that we go out and socialize with our community, is the only way you can have wholesome sober fun. That the only way that you can be accepted and forgiven; and I quote,'Just keep showing up!' I really think that if you are ignorant enough, you could easily be manipulated and brainwashed with this type of literature while in a Rehab facility.

Take it from a recovering addict, myself, that did it all myself because I had to want, to get better. That, and I have two little people that count on me to support and care for them. I didn't count on God to guide me thorough my withdrawals. Being smarter than the average bear; I delved into knowledge, always being told that it is the drive of what guides humanity through the ages. Thus, I have been studying religions, science, biology, literature, mythologies of many cultures, and general fiction for the past seven years with all of the fastidiousness my brain will allow. I willed myself to stop, and haven't looked back since.
This smacks of a big fat paycheck to me, and the intent of this book reflects that.
I'm sorry if this offends anyone that this book actually helped, but there is no consideration for Freedom of Religion; and isn't for someone who is just trying to quit smoking tobacco.

[Krista · Rating 4 out of 5]

In this book, Throw It Down, the author weaves real life stories of people's struggle with addiction along with Biblical passages centered around the Israelites Exodus out of Egypt to offer insight to help overcome addictions and gain a closer relationship with God. I received good insight from this book and recommend it to anyone who might be looking for ways to overcome some personal addictions of their own. sometimes we may even have addictions that we don't even realize, such as a need for approval of others, etc.

One part in the book that had the greatest impact on me, was when the author was talking about how the Pharaoh had commanded the Israelites to continuing making the same amount of bricks, but without straw, which makes brickmaking so much easier. He says "In our lives, things will get tough. We may feel like we are making bricks without straw, but God is teaching us to know and trust him. Unlike Pharaoh, God desires for us to grow and develop. Granted, it can be so frustrating when you make positive decisions and things seem to get worse or more confusing. But I've always flourished more through hard times than through good ones. When God takes your straw, it isn't because he wants you to remain a slave. It's because he want you to take another step toward freedom."

Please note: even though I happen to work for the publisher of this book, I reviewed this book as I do any other.

[Jared Totten · Rating 2 out of 5]

Addictions, habits and dependencies come in all shapes and sizes. From chemical to emotional, from spiritual to behavioral, all of us have sinful tendencies that separate us from healthy relationships with God and others.

This is Jud Wilhite's premise in Throw It Down (released by Zondervan today). Using the exodus of Israel out of Egypt as a metaphor, Jud describes the stages that characterize an exodus out of slavery and dependency. Pastor Wilhite is himself a former addict, so his own testimony colors some of the chapters along with the testimonies of others who have found their way to his ministry.

As much as the author and publisher would like a wide target audience for this book, it read too much like a 12 step program for the average reader to really engage with it. However, for those dealing with dealing with addictions and dependencies (and for the churches ministering to them), this book is an excellent resource.

[Crystal Day · Rating 5 out of 5]

As I read Jud Wilhite's 'Throw it Down' what struck me most was how the stories of grace and redemption within could have easily been my brother's, my friend's, my grandpa's, my mother's and even my own. We all know someone who has faced hardship. And most of us (if we're honest) have lives that have been marred by addiction, abuse, shame, guilt, isolation, fear and any number of other habits and hangups. We are not promised an easy road in life. But what we are promised is victory. Jud writes from a posture of understanding because he himself has found victory and pairs his experience with the stories of others and the truth of God's Word. 'Throw it Down' will take you on a journey of how to come to that place of victory and will take you there step by step.

And bonus: you'll find out to survive being eaten alive by an Anaconda.

[Kristina Franken · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jud's keeping it real again. With practical help and encouragement Jud helps everyday people to overcome their behaviors and dependancies with real life experience both from himself and others who have overcome their challanges.

Consise and to the point, I found that yet again, Jud has engaged me in reading his book. I thank him for his honesty and for the honesty of others in his book(s).

I recommend this book to help in overcomming challanges, how ever, please do so under the appropriate supervision if needed.

I purchased my copy at TwoFortyTwo books store located at Central Christian Church and you can too.

"If God is for us, who can be against us."

[Jim · Rating 2 out of 5]

I read this book because our church was recommending it and gave a copy to every family. I thought that the book was quite superficial and his weaving of the exodus story and some stories from his church missed almost any reference to either AA or Celebrate Recovery. Where was the acknowledgement of the the 12-step programs or of the complexity of addictions? I'm not sure if Jud was truly an addict or had just had a drug problem in his younger years. So I would recommend A Hunger for Healing by Keith Miller as a much better read on finding help for addictions.

[Emily Hopson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I finished this book in one day! (Never done that before!) It related every concept to a real-life story, so, contrary to the title, I couldn't put it down! :) I would recommend this to all my friends. This one changed me!

[Melanie Whitney · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thought it was well written, to the point, moving and helpful in figuring out what some of my issues are that I need to throw down.

[Eric · Rating 5 out of 5]

It changed my life!

[Amy Sell · Rating 4 out of 5]

this was a great book. it took a practical look at the 12 steps of recovery. I found it very helpful.