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The Cause within You: Finding the One Great Thing God Created You to Do in This World
Whether we realize it or not, each of us was created for a great cause—and we will never be truly fulfilled until we find and pursue it. Matthew Barnett, son of a well-known megachurch pastor, discovered his great cause when he relinquished his dream of building a big, successful church like his father’s and began listening for God’s dream for his life. Sensing that God was calling him to serve the poor and powerless of Los Angeles, Matthew founded the Dream Center, a beacon of hope for homeless families, drug addicts, abused women and children, victims of human trafficking, teen runaways, gang members, and many others whose lives were filled with brokenness.
If you are hungry for a life full of passion instead of apathy; if you are ready to use your specific gifts and abilities to make a mark on the world; if you need to be reminded that God loves you and has a plan for your life—The Cause Within You is the book that can change everything. Through his own story and the stories of others whose lives have been transformed, Matthew Barnett will lead you to the cause of your lifetime.
If you are hungry for a life full of passion instead of apathy; if you are ready to use your specific gifts and abilities to make a mark on the world; if you need to be reminded that God loves you and has a plan for your life—The Cause Within You is the book that can change everything. Through his own story and the stories of others whose lives have been transformed, Matthew Barnett will lead you to the cause of your lifetime.
235 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 16, 2012
45 people are currently reading
262 people want to read
About the author
Matthew Barnett
36 books11 followersThere is more than one Matthew Barnettin the Goodreads catalog. This entry is for Matthew ^ Barnett, religious writer.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 53 reviews
February 24, 2011
Matthew Barnett, co-founder of the Dream Center in Los Angeles, definitely got it right with this book. The Cause Within You is the most inspirational spiritual growth book I've ever read. At nineteen, he preached his church from 39 people to literally zero. Feeling defeated, God led him to what used to be a park and is now the home to the lowest of the low. After seeing the devastation there in Echo Park, he knew God was calling him to make this his ministry. God said to him “If you reach the people nobody wants, I'll send you the people that everybody wants.”
Fifteen years later, Pastor Matthew is walking around the streets of L.A. toting a sheet of cardboard and a well-worn Bible, celebrating the fifteenth anniversary of the Dream Center. His passion is re-awakened as he slumbers the streets with homeless people and is humbled by panhandling the next morning.
Whether you're young or old, this book is for you. Everyone was created for an amazing cause and discovering that cause will change the world. Through his story and the stories of those around him, Pastor Matthew shows us as readers how to trust God and to listen for His dream for us. “God's dreams for you are always bigger–and better—than your dreams for you.”
What God has done through Pastor Matthew is an amazing thing—just think if we all lived out the causes within us.
Fifteen years later, Pastor Matthew is walking around the streets of L.A. toting a sheet of cardboard and a well-worn Bible, celebrating the fifteenth anniversary of the Dream Center. His passion is re-awakened as he slumbers the streets with homeless people and is humbled by panhandling the next morning.
Whether you're young or old, this book is for you. Everyone was created for an amazing cause and discovering that cause will change the world. Through his story and the stories of those around him, Pastor Matthew shows us as readers how to trust God and to listen for His dream for us. “God's dreams for you are always bigger–and better—than your dreams for you.”
What God has done through Pastor Matthew is an amazing thing—just think if we all lived out the causes within us.
March 9, 2021
It took me a while to finish this book. Not because it was bad but quite the opposite. There was so many great points and I had to read little by little in order to really digest what Matthew was writing.
May 31, 2020
The main point of this book is summed up by a quote from chapter 4, "God's objective is for you to live an outward-looking life-that is, not worried about yourself, but focused on the needs of others and how you can respond to those needs. When you embrace that mind-set, you are on the precipice of influence and success because that's a perspective that God will bless." Overall, this was an enjoyable read and it is surely motivating in many ways. It is also very much autobiographical, describing his journey to creating the Dream Center in Los Angeles.
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August 3, 2011Fantastic Book!! Compeelling stories from the LA Dream Center. Matthew Barnett lays out a clear message of follow your passion.
January 14, 2023
2020 was a hard year for so many of us. It was a year that I read more books than the rest of my life combined and was riding my stationary bike too. This was one book that transformed the future and got my journey moving forward for God as I began the journey of Be The Dads (BeTheDads.com) which has included a website, a dad devotional blog, connecting with a network of dad devotional authors, and the journey continues. Thank you Matthew Barnett for your book that God used as a catalyst to help me find the One Great Thing I was Created to Do in This World.
February 26, 2019
This is the "Do" message of the church
If you've ever wanted to just go out and minister to the first person you see them read this. Because you will be inspired from one story after another. Matthew Barnett will show you the heart of Jesus as he went out and just healed people and loved them. This is another book that every Christian should read.
If you've ever wanted to just go out and minister to the first person you see them read this. Because you will be inspired from one story after another. Matthew Barnett will show you the heart of Jesus as he went out and just healed people and loved them. This is another book that every Christian should read.
February 28, 2018
Really enjoyed!
August 7, 2018
I didn't realize what I was getting in to.
March 12, 2020
Great, left inspired
Great book for someone with a heart of serving others. Pastor Matthew is an inspiration to those that come to a breaking point and overcome it.
Great book for someone with a heart of serving others. Pastor Matthew is an inspiration to those that come to a breaking point and overcome it.
June 28, 2021
Inspiring!
March 1, 2023
Great book. Finally got around to reading it. Very inspirational and encouraging.
February 4, 2011
Do you know what your cause is?
If you are hungry for a life full of passion instead of apathy; if you are ready to use your specific gifts and abilities to make a mark on the world; if you need to be reminded that God loves you and has a plan for your life—The Cause Within You is the book that can change everything.
Reading The Cause Within You has brought my life and my thoughts into perspective. Such a powerful book yet simple to read, it has truly left it's mark on me. I found myself crying through this book many times, something I was totally not expecting from this book. These last few years in my life I have been searching for something that has been missing from my life. I know God has given me a cause, like Matthew tells us in his book. However it can be so difficult to pin point this in our crazy, busy lives. Matthew provides insight on how to approach God for help, even if you have no idea what that cause may be. Some of us may have the feeling in our heart, however have no idea how to go about it. Matthew shares some of the times when he first started to pursue his cause, sharing his feelings which included doubts, fears and hopelessness. Sometimes feeling sorry for himself and other times wanting to give up. This helps you the reader to connect with him. You begin to see you are just like him, a regular human being that can make a big difference in the lives of others. What I like best about The Cause Within You is how Matthew doesn't portray himself as the hero I believe he truly is and he gives all the kudos to God.
While reading his words I felt so inspired by Matthews determination and his warm heart. Matthew tells us everyone on this Earth has been given a cause, some of us figure it out earlier than others. I remember as a child I was shown what my cause was and it has taken me until November of this past year to finally figure it out. At the age of 9 I decided I wanted to sell items door to door from a catalogue I received in the mail. There were prizes to be acquired, you know how kids are. In the mid 70's it was common to go door to door selling candy for school fundraising.
But this was different, I was feeling entrepreneurship, although I had no idea at the time. So I was doing my rounds in the neighborhood and I came upon a row of small homes. My knock on the one door was answered by a woman who in the kindest voice I had ever heard. To this very day I think she was a real Angel. She told me she was so sorry she could not help me because she did not have any money. She then moved away from the door so I could see in. I remember this clear as day to this very day, like I was looking through a window. The tiny apartment was completely empty except for one mattress on the floor. There on the mattress were some children sitting. I remember there also being an older woman maybe her mother. These people were so poor they didn't even have a chair to sit upon. I didn't understand this as a child since we were also poor, but we had furniture. This vision had been hidden in my head for years until just recently it came back. Now it haunts me but not in a bad way, in a good way. I am now beginning to find my way to what I know my cause to be. Like Matthew explains in his book, God speaks to people in different ways. This is something I knew, but now Matthew reassured it in me. The Cause Within You has been Gods way of speaking to me and telling me I am on the right track.
If you are hungry for a life full of passion instead of apathy; if you are ready to use your specific gifts and abilities to make a mark on the world; if you need to be reminded that God loves you and has a plan for your life—The Cause Within You is the book that can change everything.
Reading The Cause Within You has brought my life and my thoughts into perspective. Such a powerful book yet simple to read, it has truly left it's mark on me. I found myself crying through this book many times, something I was totally not expecting from this book. These last few years in my life I have been searching for something that has been missing from my life. I know God has given me a cause, like Matthew tells us in his book. However it can be so difficult to pin point this in our crazy, busy lives. Matthew provides insight on how to approach God for help, even if you have no idea what that cause may be. Some of us may have the feeling in our heart, however have no idea how to go about it. Matthew shares some of the times when he first started to pursue his cause, sharing his feelings which included doubts, fears and hopelessness. Sometimes feeling sorry for himself and other times wanting to give up. This helps you the reader to connect with him. You begin to see you are just like him, a regular human being that can make a big difference in the lives of others. What I like best about The Cause Within You is how Matthew doesn't portray himself as the hero I believe he truly is and he gives all the kudos to God.
While reading his words I felt so inspired by Matthews determination and his warm heart. Matthew tells us everyone on this Earth has been given a cause, some of us figure it out earlier than others. I remember as a child I was shown what my cause was and it has taken me until November of this past year to finally figure it out. At the age of 9 I decided I wanted to sell items door to door from a catalogue I received in the mail. There were prizes to be acquired, you know how kids are. In the mid 70's it was common to go door to door selling candy for school fundraising.
But this was different, I was feeling entrepreneurship, although I had no idea at the time. So I was doing my rounds in the neighborhood and I came upon a row of small homes. My knock on the one door was answered by a woman who in the kindest voice I had ever heard. To this very day I think she was a real Angel. She told me she was so sorry she could not help me because she did not have any money. She then moved away from the door so I could see in. I remember this clear as day to this very day, like I was looking through a window. The tiny apartment was completely empty except for one mattress on the floor. There on the mattress were some children sitting. I remember there also being an older woman maybe her mother. These people were so poor they didn't even have a chair to sit upon. I didn't understand this as a child since we were also poor, but we had furniture. This vision had been hidden in my head for years until just recently it came back. Now it haunts me but not in a bad way, in a good way. I am now beginning to find my way to what I know my cause to be. Like Matthew explains in his book, God speaks to people in different ways. This is something I knew, but now Matthew reassured it in me. The Cause Within You has been Gods way of speaking to me and telling me I am on the right track.
December 26, 2011
If you have wondered what the “Dream Center” ministries are all about, this is the book for you. Most large cities with depressed areas have them. I know Spokane does but I have no idea how big it is.
Matthew Barnett tells his story of confounding the Dream Center in Los Angeles. It is written with George Barna and mostly is stories of how the different ministries were started. Matthew, at the age of 20 was set out my his father Tommy Barnett, pastor of First Assembly of God in Phoenix, to turn around a struggling congregation in LA. The membership dwindled from 35 to 0 before Matthew held the Lord call him to the streets among the homeless, to live among them and build the people. He was called to bless these people , love them and heal them and help them and serve them. What was noticeable to me was no mention of sin. They only set out to ask people what they needed and how they could help them, then they did it. Now there are about 200 separate ministry program to one particular nitch of the homeless population. When these people had their need met and they felt someone cared they were drawn to help others in their population. This is not a ministry to the beautiful people but the forgotten people.
There are 11 chapters with very inspiring messages of different ministries, many to gang members, pimps and prostitutes, families who have been separated by the state and alcohol and drug usage..
Matthew feels that a transforming cause like this is never about YOU. It is always about using the resources God has given you to make a positive impact in the lives of others. One particular ministries I felt could be used by any church in a problem area, is the Adopt-a-block program where groups of two people when out week after week to the same block and knocked on doors, not with tracts and judgment but offered to help. They racked and clean up trash, etc, and just were present until they were familiar and trusted faces, and those people one by one opened up and they helped them with what ever they needed. Of course this took money or workers but those they helped became addicted to helping others raise above their current place, by schooling, drug rehab, food trucks with fresh vegetables from food chains, etc... They didn't waste a lot of time developing a perfect plan but just did it and then revise it, if the need was great.....
I liked the format of the book and what followed after. First a chapter on important scripture passage which Matthew found helpful. Tyndale Publishing was helpful and putting this book together also. Visit www.thecausewithinyou.com for resources to help you do a discussion group or study. This book is not just mean to be read but to be experienced. It has a discussion guide also. Very Motivational.
November 19, 2013
Written by Pastor Matthew Barnett, founder of the Dream Center, The Cause Within You aims to encourage people to find their God-given purpose in life. It does this by giving advice and recounting the stories of several people who have all benefitted from or helped the Dream Center in some way. This is very effective as many of the stories are extreme, which only serves to encourage the reader that they truly do have a purpose in life and that miracles can and do happen.
The first part of the book tells about Matthew Barnett’s one night experience of living on the streets of L.A. The ultimate goal of this was to reshape and strengthen Barnett’s service to the poor. Barnett recalls his experience as terrifying and humbling, which in turn deepens his love for those the Dream Center reaches out to the most.
Then the book moves on to tell how exactly the Dream Center was created. As one can guess, it took a lot of trials, hard work, and faith. Many times Barnett says what he had in mind is not what God had in mind, which is sometimes hard to accept. One of the most memorable encounters is when Barnett feels that he should go to the park at two in the morning. While watching the people there God tells Barnett that if he will bring his people to him, he will build a church. All the while Barnett was in L.A. all he had wanted to do was build God a great church. It turns out God did not care about that and as soon as Barnett focused on people and what they needed, he started to see his church grow and expand.
This brings us back to the core message of the book-people. The Cause Within You states that whatever your purpose is, it involves helping people. This can be in limitless ways, but you will know it is your cause when it 1) makes you happy, 2) consumes you with passion, and 3) serves people and brings them closer to God.
Another good point about this book is that it never focuses on trying to save people from Hell. It only encourages finding out what people need in their life and being of use. That’s it. When you sincerely try to help people without wanting anything in return, it causes a strong reaction within them. All they see is kindness, acceptance, and generosity which ignites a curiosity as to what God is all about.
Tying it all together, The Cause Within You is a great book if you are looking for an inspirational read or are really looking to find your purpose in life. The stories are likely to amaze and break your heart at the same time, while giving you practical advice and examples of how God may work in your life.
The first part of the book tells about Matthew Barnett’s one night experience of living on the streets of L.A. The ultimate goal of this was to reshape and strengthen Barnett’s service to the poor. Barnett recalls his experience as terrifying and humbling, which in turn deepens his love for those the Dream Center reaches out to the most.
Then the book moves on to tell how exactly the Dream Center was created. As one can guess, it took a lot of trials, hard work, and faith. Many times Barnett says what he had in mind is not what God had in mind, which is sometimes hard to accept. One of the most memorable encounters is when Barnett feels that he should go to the park at two in the morning. While watching the people there God tells Barnett that if he will bring his people to him, he will build a church. All the while Barnett was in L.A. all he had wanted to do was build God a great church. It turns out God did not care about that and as soon as Barnett focused on people and what they needed, he started to see his church grow and expand.
This brings us back to the core message of the book-people. The Cause Within You states that whatever your purpose is, it involves helping people. This can be in limitless ways, but you will know it is your cause when it 1) makes you happy, 2) consumes you with passion, and 3) serves people and brings them closer to God.
Another good point about this book is that it never focuses on trying to save people from Hell. It only encourages finding out what people need in their life and being of use. That’s it. When you sincerely try to help people without wanting anything in return, it causes a strong reaction within them. All they see is kindness, acceptance, and generosity which ignites a curiosity as to what God is all about.
Tying it all together, The Cause Within You is a great book if you are looking for an inspirational read or are really looking to find your purpose in life. The stories are likely to amaze and break your heart at the same time, while giving you practical advice and examples of how God may work in your life.
March 6, 2011
Matthew Barnett is one of the founders of the Dream Center in Los Angeles. His father, Tommy Barnett also helped his son start the Dream Center. Matthew first started preaching at the early age of twenty years old at Bethel Temple in Los Angeles. When the church began to dwindle from thirty nine people to zero, Matthew cried out to God asking him why members of the church were leaving. He eventually found out his answer from God. God was calling him to lead and assist the homeless, broken, and hurting people in Los Angeles. The Dream Center believes in loving people and serving people. They hope hurting people will come to know that Christ loves them completely. The Dream Center helps drug addicts to recover, prostitution victims, human trafficking victims, homeless families, and anyone who is hurting to make a better life for themselves. In “The Cause within You”, Matthew shared his whole story about how God provided the money to start the Dream Center. The Dream Center has helped a great number of people who were hurting and broken and changed their lives around for the better. God has used the Dream Center to start a new different kind of church to reach out and bless others who are hurting.
I liked that the book shared an enormous number of stories about people being changed by another person’s love. This book encouraged me to never give up and to always give God the credit for my cause. I would recommend this book to teenagers, college students, and adults. Everyone needs to find the special cause that God has for them. This book will help guide you on how to find out what your cause is. Most importantly is to remember that God will lead you to where you need to be at the exact time. If you fail from time to time just remember to never give up on your cause! God will always show up when you need Him. All you have to do is to seek God and he will provide.
Near the end of the book, Matthew also included some Bible scripture passages to meditate on and encourage you on your journey to fulfilling your cause.
One of my favorite scriptures, Matthew included was:
“If God is for us, who can ever be against us? Romans 8:31
Tyndale House Publishers has provided me with a complimentary copy of this book.
I liked that the book shared an enormous number of stories about people being changed by another person’s love. This book encouraged me to never give up and to always give God the credit for my cause. I would recommend this book to teenagers, college students, and adults. Everyone needs to find the special cause that God has for them. This book will help guide you on how to find out what your cause is. Most importantly is to remember that God will lead you to where you need to be at the exact time. If you fail from time to time just remember to never give up on your cause! God will always show up when you need Him. All you have to do is to seek God and he will provide.
Near the end of the book, Matthew also included some Bible scripture passages to meditate on and encourage you on your journey to fulfilling your cause.
One of my favorite scriptures, Matthew included was:
“If God is for us, who can ever be against us? Romans 8:31
Tyndale House Publishers has provided me with a complimentary copy of this book.
Read
February 12, 2015Synopsis from Borders.com: You were created for something amazing�and it�s time to discover what it is! Matthew Barnett, son of a well-known megachurch pastor, discovered his own cause in life when he relinquished his dream of building a big, successful church like his father�s and began listening for God�s dream for his life instead. Sensing that God was calling him to serve the poor and powerless of Los Angeles, Matthew founded the Dream Center, a beacon of hope for homeless families, drug addicts, abused women and children, victims of human trafficking, teen runaways, gang members, and many others whose lives were filled with brokenness. If you are hungry for a life full of passion instead of apathy; if you are ready to use your specific gifts and abilities to make a mark on the world; if you need to be reminded that God loves you and has a plan for your life�The Cause within You is the book that can change everything. \nI have taken teens on a mission trip to serve at the L.A. Dream Center, and I have heard Pastor Matthew speak. So I was very interested in reading his first book.\nI enjoyed and found very informative the stories about how the Dream Center began and the lives it has touched. However, I don�t feel that I�m necessarily any closer to finding and living my cause out (I thought for years I knew what it was but now am not so sure). So from that perspective, it didn�t really deliver for me. Other than to say serve where and when you can. Which, you know, don�t all of our causes boil down to that.\nAnd I appreciated this take on prayer from Pastor Matthew. He is talking about how he takes snatches of times and moments to pray instead of a set half hour or so a day.\n�For years, I thought such an approach was wrong � maybe even blasphemous. After all, you have to be in a secluded, quiet place to pray, don�t you? Sadly, my relationship with God suffered because of all the rules and limitations that colored my view of prayer and my understanding of what a relationship with God is all about. Once I realized that God is portable, flexible, and that He is in the ordinary circumstances and everyday occurrences of my life, having a dynamic relationship with Him became much easier � and a whole lot more fun and practical.'
May 5, 2011
The Cause Within You by Matthew Barnett is about "Finding The One Great Thing You Were Created To Do" just as the title suggests. It's about following God and fulfilling His call on your life and letting His will become your own. It's about putting the desire God has placed in your heart into action... living it out.
This book had me from the beginning. It was inspiring and encouraging. It made me think and it was even a bit convicting when I thought about what I could be doing to help others. Not that it was written in a condemning way. On the contrary. It was written from a heart of wanting to help people and please God with no expectation of a reward other than knowing you were obedient to God and that He used you to make a difference in the lives of others.
Matthew Barnett and others at the Dream Center, both volunteers and those who have received help from the program and now volunteer themselves, share many of their stories throughout the book.
Matthew's story of purposely living on the streets to see first hand the problems the homeless face, so he could better serve them, was a real eye-opener for me. And others like an ex-marine who after serving over seas become heavily involved with the gangs in L.A. ... and now has a ministry to serve those very gang members. And there is Matthew's wife, Caroline, who had a ministry to deliver food to single moms, and while serving them, saw a need and filled it. She now helps to keep families together by providing the basic necessities required for these women to keep their children. Without her help, many families would be torn apart by the state agencies removing children from their homes.
These stories and many more. I could go on and on, but I think you'd get more out of it if you read it yourself. I know it will encourage and inspire you to find your cause and start putting others first. Worked for me!
*Tyndale House Publishers has provided me with a complimentary copy of this book for my honest review. -Thanks Tyndale House! :)
This book had me from the beginning. It was inspiring and encouraging. It made me think and it was even a bit convicting when I thought about what I could be doing to help others. Not that it was written in a condemning way. On the contrary. It was written from a heart of wanting to help people and please God with no expectation of a reward other than knowing you were obedient to God and that He used you to make a difference in the lives of others.
Matthew Barnett and others at the Dream Center, both volunteers and those who have received help from the program and now volunteer themselves, share many of their stories throughout the book.
Matthew's story of purposely living on the streets to see first hand the problems the homeless face, so he could better serve them, was a real eye-opener for me. And others like an ex-marine who after serving over seas become heavily involved with the gangs in L.A. ... and now has a ministry to serve those very gang members. And there is Matthew's wife, Caroline, who had a ministry to deliver food to single moms, and while serving them, saw a need and filled it. She now helps to keep families together by providing the basic necessities required for these women to keep their children. Without her help, many families would be torn apart by the state agencies removing children from their homes.
These stories and many more. I could go on and on, but I think you'd get more out of it if you read it yourself. I know it will encourage and inspire you to find your cause and start putting others first. Worked for me!
*Tyndale House Publishers has provided me with a complimentary copy of this book for my honest review. -Thanks Tyndale House! :)
January 28, 2016
The Cause Within You 19 is a instrument to discover what our cause is. The objective is to assist us find the cause which will make our life. We will learn how to ascertain the cause God has for us. Matthew Barnett talks about the importance of undivided focus in pursuing our cause, the prominence of right attitude and the joy in this journey of pursuing the cause.
He deals with the subject in a profound way. We are ignited in our hearts and minds to pursue our passion as we complete reading this book. This book has been flooded with real life stories to encourage and motivate us. That really makes this book tick.
Some important nuggets from the book which inspired me:
o God 19s cause for our life is easier to fulfill than our self-designed cause.
o Our true cause will liberate our passion and gifts.
o The best time to figure out the cause within us is now.
Sometimes our cause emerges out of our pain or hardships.
A breakthrough in identifying your cause may come when you least expect it.
Our investment in our relationship with God is the best investment we can make in the pursuit of our cause.
18The Cause Within You 19 is a real inspiration to people suffering from confusion and inconsistency with regard to their purpose in their life. Matthew Barnett presents the message in an adhesive way throughout this book. The importance of relationship with God in our pursuit of cause is stressed throughout the book. This book will of great assistance to anyone who is leading an aimless vagabond-style life.
I give this one four out of five stars.
Please note that I received this book from Tyndale House Publishers through its book review bloggers program in exchange for an honest review. Please be also informed that the opinions I have expressed are my own. I was not required to write a positive review.
To know more about the book, visit http://www.thecausewithinyou.com/
He deals with the subject in a profound way. We are ignited in our hearts and minds to pursue our passion as we complete reading this book. This book has been flooded with real life stories to encourage and motivate us. That really makes this book tick.
Some important nuggets from the book which inspired me:
o God 19s cause for our life is easier to fulfill than our self-designed cause.
o Our true cause will liberate our passion and gifts.
o The best time to figure out the cause within us is now.
Sometimes our cause emerges out of our pain or hardships.
A breakthrough in identifying your cause may come when you least expect it.
Our investment in our relationship with God is the best investment we can make in the pursuit of our cause.
18The Cause Within You 19 is a real inspiration to people suffering from confusion and inconsistency with regard to their purpose in their life. Matthew Barnett presents the message in an adhesive way throughout this book. The importance of relationship with God in our pursuit of cause is stressed throughout the book. This book will of great assistance to anyone who is leading an aimless vagabond-style life.
I give this one four out of five stars.
Please note that I received this book from Tyndale House Publishers through its book review bloggers program in exchange for an honest review. Please be also informed that the opinions I have expressed are my own. I was not required to write a positive review.
To know more about the book, visit http://www.thecausewithinyou.com/
March 24, 2011
In Deuteronomy, God says that he defends the cause of the fatherless and the widow and loves the foreigners, giving them food and clothing {Deut. 10:18}. If God defends a cause, we ought to get right behind him in it, which is what Matthew Barnett has done.
Barnett currently oversees the LA Dream Center, a converted hospital building that now serves the last and least - rehabilitating drug addicts, housing the homeless, clothing the naked, helping rebuild the lives of natural disaster victims.. they even gave my favorite band a place to stay while they were on tour in the area. It is the living, breathing manifestation of the State Farm motto: Like a good neighbor, the Dream Center is there.
In his book The Cause Within You, Matthew Barnett invites the reader to embark on the journey of the DC from the beginning to its current state, honestly sharing the moments he felt inadequate, insufficient, and like giving up. Packed with real-life stories of lives changed through the ministry of the Dream Center, it is an inspiring book that leads the reader to begin searching within them. What can I do? What has God put on my heart? How will I respond?
The book was inspiring and challenging. It had me looking upward and inward. It could be easy to read this book and limit ourselves {and, unfortunately God}. It would be easy to compare ourselves to Matthew Barnett or our cause to the Dream Center. But throughout the book, I got the sense that Matthew was more concerned that we stop and ask God to reveal the cause he's placed in us right now at this very moment, where we are at. True, we are not all called to give up everything and move to L.A. and serve at the Dream Center. But we are all called to love the "least" and the "last." God did a new, great thing in building up the Dream Center through the faith and obedience of Matthew Barnett and he wants to build up new, great things through all of us. The Cause Within You helped remind me of that.
Barnett currently oversees the LA Dream Center, a converted hospital building that now serves the last and least - rehabilitating drug addicts, housing the homeless, clothing the naked, helping rebuild the lives of natural disaster victims.. they even gave my favorite band a place to stay while they were on tour in the area. It is the living, breathing manifestation of the State Farm motto: Like a good neighbor, the Dream Center is there.
In his book The Cause Within You, Matthew Barnett invites the reader to embark on the journey of the DC from the beginning to its current state, honestly sharing the moments he felt inadequate, insufficient, and like giving up. Packed with real-life stories of lives changed through the ministry of the Dream Center, it is an inspiring book that leads the reader to begin searching within them. What can I do? What has God put on my heart? How will I respond?
The book was inspiring and challenging. It had me looking upward and inward. It could be easy to read this book and limit ourselves {and, unfortunately God}. It would be easy to compare ourselves to Matthew Barnett or our cause to the Dream Center. But throughout the book, I got the sense that Matthew was more concerned that we stop and ask God to reveal the cause he's placed in us right now at this very moment, where we are at. True, we are not all called to give up everything and move to L.A. and serve at the Dream Center. But we are all called to love the "least" and the "last." God did a new, great thing in building up the Dream Center through the faith and obedience of Matthew Barnett and he wants to build up new, great things through all of us. The Cause Within You helped remind me of that.
August 27, 2011
The Cause within You: Finding the One Great Thing You Were Created to Do in This World is a book where the title might not be as catchy as it could have been but the one thing that will catch in this book is inspiration. Matthew Barnett was the youngest pastor of his denomination at age twenty, and he took a church that had about eight people in attendance to creating a huge center that reaches out to those in Los Angeles who are hurting and desperate -- the homeless, drug addicts, and anyone who feels hopeless. People come to serve at his church and he stresses that serving will bring out the cause that is inside you, just serve and you will find that. He says that true joy comes when we realize others are better off because of our investment in them.
This is a fascinating book. He is certainly someone who hasn't thought traditionally. A church that is open 24 hours a day? There's always someone at the church serving. Vans go out to feed the homeless. He tells personal stories, too. The story of taking the homeless children to Build-A-Bear was one I really enjoyed, but my favorite was one where he was telling of a woman who started a ministry in his church to pimps. She even got invited to the Pimp of the Year award ceremony, and they all told her they would go to one function she wanted them to go to, and one Sunday morning there was a section of pimps in Matthew Barnett's congregation.
This book isn't a one-two-three to find your purpose in life. Instead, it's a book of inspiration for you to discover that yourself -- or if you already know what your cause is, it's a book of encouragement to keep it up!
I very much enjoyed this book, and will definitely be recommending it to others.
FTC disclaimer: I was sent a copy of this book free from the publisher as part of their summer reading program. The thoughts and opinions of it are my own.
This is a fascinating book. He is certainly someone who hasn't thought traditionally. A church that is open 24 hours a day? There's always someone at the church serving. Vans go out to feed the homeless. He tells personal stories, too. The story of taking the homeless children to Build-A-Bear was one I really enjoyed, but my favorite was one where he was telling of a woman who started a ministry in his church to pimps. She even got invited to the Pimp of the Year award ceremony, and they all told her they would go to one function she wanted them to go to, and one Sunday morning there was a section of pimps in Matthew Barnett's congregation.
This book isn't a one-two-three to find your purpose in life. Instead, it's a book of inspiration for you to discover that yourself -- or if you already know what your cause is, it's a book of encouragement to keep it up!
I very much enjoyed this book, and will definitely be recommending it to others.
FTC disclaimer: I was sent a copy of this book free from the publisher as part of their summer reading program. The thoughts and opinions of it are my own.
February 9, 2011
Matthew Barnett, founder of the Dream Center in L.A., has written a book about what it should mean to be alive. This is how everyone should live everyday.
Pastor Barnett gives great advice and snippets of advice on living your life to the fullest while fulfilling the one great thing you were created to do in this world. Regardless of your religious backgrounds or beliefs, the center core of this book is service to mankind. What could be greater?
In reading this book, we are reminded that by giving of ourselves, we become greater, more at peace and satisfied in knowing that we are living the way that we were meant to. The many stories of people once lost to the street, to drugs, to abuse and other tragedies are uplifting and give you a respect for what Pastor Barnett does to help all walks of people through his Dream Center and programs. If nothing else, this book will inspire you to be a better person, to live a better life and look deeper at those around you.
From the publisher: "If you are hungry for a life full of passion instead of apathy; if you are ready to use your specific gifts and abilities to make a mark on the world; if you need to be reminded that God loves you and has a plan for your life—The Cause Within You is the book that can change everything. Through his own story and the stories of others whose lives have been transformed, Matthew Barnett will lead you to the cause of your lifetime."
Tyndale House Publishers provided me with a complimentary copy of this ARC for review.
Pastor Barnett gives great advice and snippets of advice on living your life to the fullest while fulfilling the one great thing you were created to do in this world. Regardless of your religious backgrounds or beliefs, the center core of this book is service to mankind. What could be greater?
In reading this book, we are reminded that by giving of ourselves, we become greater, more at peace and satisfied in knowing that we are living the way that we were meant to. The many stories of people once lost to the street, to drugs, to abuse and other tragedies are uplifting and give you a respect for what Pastor Barnett does to help all walks of people through his Dream Center and programs. If nothing else, this book will inspire you to be a better person, to live a better life and look deeper at those around you.
From the publisher: "If you are hungry for a life full of passion instead of apathy; if you are ready to use your specific gifts and abilities to make a mark on the world; if you need to be reminded that God loves you and has a plan for your life—The Cause Within You is the book that can change everything. Through his own story and the stories of others whose lives have been transformed, Matthew Barnett will lead you to the cause of your lifetime."
Tyndale House Publishers provided me with a complimentary copy of this ARC for review.
June 26, 2012
LOVE this book!
From the cover:
"You were created for something amazing . . . and it’s time to discover what it is!
Matthew Barnett, son of megachurch pastor Tommy Barnett, discovered the cause he was made for when he relinquished his dreams of success and began listening for God’s dream for his life instead. When he sensed that God was calling him to serve the poor and powerless, Matthew founded the Dream Center in Los Angeles, a beacon of hope for homeless families, addicts, abused women and children, victims of human trafficking, teen runaways, and many others whose lives are filled with brokenness.
Through his own story and the stories of others whose lives have been transformed, Matthew Barnett points the way for anyone searching for hope that God created them for a great cause—and that He can use all their life experiences, even the most difficult, to fulfill it. Along the way, he shares principles for:
Finding the cause you were made for—and letting your cause find you
Preparing for your cause
Believing in a cause again after being burned or burned out
Experiencing the rewards of a great cause"
This is a book that will not only inspire you to do more for others, but will also remind you why you should do so. This book isn't just about the birth of a church, but a world-wide revolution to be the hands and feet of Jesus.
This is one of my top book recommend this year.
You can read more about the book, Matthew, and the Dream Center here:
http://www.thecausewithinyou.com/.
From the cover:
"You were created for something amazing . . . and it’s time to discover what it is!
Matthew Barnett, son of megachurch pastor Tommy Barnett, discovered the cause he was made for when he relinquished his dreams of success and began listening for God’s dream for his life instead. When he sensed that God was calling him to serve the poor and powerless, Matthew founded the Dream Center in Los Angeles, a beacon of hope for homeless families, addicts, abused women and children, victims of human trafficking, teen runaways, and many others whose lives are filled with brokenness.
Through his own story and the stories of others whose lives have been transformed, Matthew Barnett points the way for anyone searching for hope that God created them for a great cause—and that He can use all their life experiences, even the most difficult, to fulfill it. Along the way, he shares principles for:
Finding the cause you were made for—and letting your cause find you
Preparing for your cause
Believing in a cause again after being burned or burned out
Experiencing the rewards of a great cause"
This is a book that will not only inspire you to do more for others, but will also remind you why you should do so. This book isn't just about the birth of a church, but a world-wide revolution to be the hands and feet of Jesus.
This is one of my top book recommend this year.
You can read more about the book, Matthew, and the Dream Center here:
http://www.thecausewithinyou.com/.
February 21, 2011
Have you ever wondered what you were created for? What's the meaning of this thing called life? What does God have in store for you?
"Do you know the cause God has instilled in your heart, the opportunity that represents the very reason for your life? He has such a cause - call it a vision, a dream, a purpose, whatever term you like - for every one of us"
'The Cause Within You' will inspire you to find and fulfill what your God given purpose is. Don't know what your purpose is? Don't know where to even start to look for it? Neither did I, till I read this book. While I can't say that I have figured out my purpose, I can say that I do now know how to go about finding it.
I loved reading the first hand accounts from many of the lives that Matthew Barnett has personally touched, as well as those who have been helped by his team at the Dream Center. The book is filled with practical every day advice on how to live out a better life and become a better version of yourself. I was reminded that God created all of us to do something big, not just a chosen few. Changing the life of just one person could be our purpose in life, but what an important purpose indeed!
Note: Tyndale House Publishers provided me with a complimentary copy of this book. I was not paid for this review and the opinions are my own.
"Do you know the cause God has instilled in your heart, the opportunity that represents the very reason for your life? He has such a cause - call it a vision, a dream, a purpose, whatever term you like - for every one of us"
'The Cause Within You' will inspire you to find and fulfill what your God given purpose is. Don't know what your purpose is? Don't know where to even start to look for it? Neither did I, till I read this book. While I can't say that I have figured out my purpose, I can say that I do now know how to go about finding it.
I loved reading the first hand accounts from many of the lives that Matthew Barnett has personally touched, as well as those who have been helped by his team at the Dream Center. The book is filled with practical every day advice on how to live out a better life and become a better version of yourself. I was reminded that God created all of us to do something big, not just a chosen few. Changing the life of just one person could be our purpose in life, but what an important purpose indeed!
Note: Tyndale House Publishers provided me with a complimentary copy of this book. I was not paid for this review and the opinions are my own.
Read
July 27, 2011For those of us who have always been taught that God has a plan and a purpose for each of us, often the next question is "But what is it?" If this is something you've been asking yourself or if you already know your purpose but just don't where to begin, this book is probably for you. Author Matthew Barnett shares his personal story about founding a non-profit outreach called the Dream Center to minister to some of the most desperately hopeless people in Los Angeles, CA. Through sharing his journey and those of the many volunteers who have shared in his cause, he gives practical methods for finding the cause you were created for, rolling up your sleeves, and allowing God to bless your efforts.
It's difficult not to be inspired by Barnett and his team when reading about the lives that are changed through this ministry and the believers who are actually out in the world putting "feet to their faith." I think we all have a hunger to do something that really matters instead of just living a mundane, superficial life day after day. The way Barnett was able to translate his experiences, whether failures or successes, into practical applications for others makes this much more than an autobiography. It's also a challenge for each of us to find our personal cause and begin living it now or to join someone else's until we do.
It's difficult not to be inspired by Barnett and his team when reading about the lives that are changed through this ministry and the believers who are actually out in the world putting "feet to their faith." I think we all have a hunger to do something that really matters instead of just living a mundane, superficial life day after day. The way Barnett was able to translate his experiences, whether failures or successes, into practical applications for others makes this much more than an autobiography. It's also a challenge for each of us to find our personal cause and begin living it now or to join someone else's until we do.
December 31, 2011
Matthew Barnett’s The Cause Within You will reshape your life and what you are doing. So many people are not happy with what they are doing, or have thrown in the towel on life. This book will have you re-evaluating the things that you are doing and remind you that we are all called to serve other peoples needs. Once we see that we are making the first step to finding our cause.
While reading this book I had the opportunity to hear Matthew Barnett speak and was blown away by the passion he has for the Dream Center and for serving the people of LA, somehow Barnett has captured that passion and turned it into a book. Barnett fills his book with sound advice on how to find your cause, and the easiest way to do that is to start serving. Find the thing that excites you and find a way to share that with others.
I highly recommend this book for everyone, even if you have found your cause, this book will give you ideas on how to get through the difficult times, when you feel that your cause is getting the best of you, to refocus on God’s plan and the cause He has placed with in you and the people you are serving along the way.
I also recommend reading this book alongside Max Lucado’s Cure for the Common Life
I received this book complimentary from Tyndale House Publishers in exchange for an honest review. The views expressed in this review are all my own.
While reading this book I had the opportunity to hear Matthew Barnett speak and was blown away by the passion he has for the Dream Center and for serving the people of LA, somehow Barnett has captured that passion and turned it into a book. Barnett fills his book with sound advice on how to find your cause, and the easiest way to do that is to start serving. Find the thing that excites you and find a way to share that with others.
I highly recommend this book for everyone, even if you have found your cause, this book will give you ideas on how to get through the difficult times, when you feel that your cause is getting the best of you, to refocus on God’s plan and the cause He has placed with in you and the people you are serving along the way.
I also recommend reading this book alongside Max Lucado’s Cure for the Common Life
I received this book complimentary from Tyndale House Publishers in exchange for an honest review. The views expressed in this review are all my own.
July 9, 2012
The Cause Within You: Finding the One Great Thing God Created You to Do in This World by Matthew Barnett, founder of the Dream Center in LA, CA is on the summer reading list from Tyndale Blog Network.
"I don't ever want you to talk or even think about "success" again. Think about being a blessing. Success is obedience to your calling; I have called you to bless these people. Love them. Heal them. Help them. Serve them."
"You know 'perfect love casts out fear.' If you'll fall in love with the people and this city, you won't be afraid of it."
These were two quotes that really spoke to me from this book: The Cause Within You: Finding the One Great Thing God Created You to Do in This World by Matthew Barnett. This is a wonderful book encouraging readers that everybody has a cause within them that can make them fulfilled and completely consume them. Matthew makes sure that readers know their age does not matter young or old you can find and pursue your lifelong cause.
I borrowed this book from a library but now I plan on actually buying this book from Amazon.com. This would be a great book for igniting bible groups. I plan on recommending this book to my church for a bible study group. If you are a Christian you need to read this book and not just read it but study it and learn from it.
Follow my blog for book reviews at http://jessblogforbooks.blogspot.com/
"I don't ever want you to talk or even think about "success" again. Think about being a blessing. Success is obedience to your calling; I have called you to bless these people. Love them. Heal them. Help them. Serve them."
"You know 'perfect love casts out fear.' If you'll fall in love with the people and this city, you won't be afraid of it."
These were two quotes that really spoke to me from this book: The Cause Within You: Finding the One Great Thing God Created You to Do in This World by Matthew Barnett. This is a wonderful book encouraging readers that everybody has a cause within them that can make them fulfilled and completely consume them. Matthew makes sure that readers know their age does not matter young or old you can find and pursue your lifelong cause.
I borrowed this book from a library but now I plan on actually buying this book from Amazon.com. This would be a great book for igniting bible groups. I plan on recommending this book to my church for a bible study group. If you are a Christian you need to read this book and not just read it but study it and learn from it.
Follow my blog for book reviews at http://jessblogforbooks.blogspot.com/
July 13, 2012
The author, who is a pastor of a megachurch founded a ministry known as the Dream Center which helped to fix broken lives. Learning from experiences from being on the street, the author discovers the reality, the horror, the humiliation and the heartbreak of what life is like on the other side of the tracks. How to treat others with love and respect no matter where they lay their hat. He had found his cause. God has a plan and a cause for each of us. Alot of information about the Dream Center ministry, what they do, how they help people in the immediate sense and later down the road. Included are stories of the struggles of others in finding their way and purpose under the loving direction of God.
I really enjoyed reading about the author's experiences from life on the streets and the people he met on his journey along the way. This is a book about encouragement, life, grace and reality. I was entertained by this well flowing book and challenged in my faith. I would recommend this book to others.
I really enjoyed reading about the author's experiences from life on the streets and the people he met on his journey along the way. This is a book about encouragement, life, grace and reality. I was entertained by this well flowing book and challenged in my faith. I would recommend this book to others.
Read
July 30, 2011Write a review...Tells the story of The Dream Center in Los Angeles that Matthew Barnett started. Very encouraging with it's accounts of the many lives changed by The Center. It helps you to recognize within you the cause that God has created you for. It won't come right out and tell you "Do this" but it is very thought provoking and everyone should devote some time to deep thought on what they were created for. He also makes you think about how you measure success too because it is not all about having the biggest Church but it's how many lives have you changed? Ask yourself "How many lives are better because of me?"
July 11, 2013
This is a great book on how God used Matthew Barnett to start the LA Dream Center in California. Amazing! My pastor has a heart to start one in the Tampa Bay area and God is moving. Reading this book helped me understand what the Florida Dream Center will be about. I'm excited.
If you want to discover God's purpose for your life, you will find some great ideas and encouragement on how to do it here. Filled with stories and vignettes of those involved with Barnett's Dream Center ministry. It's all about loving God and loving people, seeing a need and filling it, and building people rather than building a church.
July 18, 2011
This book was very motivational for those who love the Lord and want to serve people. I like the idea of "Just Do It". So often we talk so much about reaching and serving others; but in truth we don't do that much. I love the do it now and discuss it later attitude. I think it is healthy and obedient!! I also like the fruit/serving Theology. What is that? The Theology of the book is DOING what Jesus said to do and is not focused on arguing and theorizing about his word. A lot of good testimonies and stories and living examples of faith in the book.
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