Mirror Ball: Living Boldly and Shining Brightly for the Glory of God

by Matt Redman

  Internationally known worship leader and songwriter Matt Redman invites readers to a deeper understanding of what it means to reflect God’s dazzling radiance.  In Mirror Ball, Redman eloquently illustrates why passion is more than a song or a feeling. It’s a story of guts and glory, pain, and purpose. For anyone ready to follow Jesus, passion is a way of life.  Through story, Scripture, and practical inspiration, Redman encourages readers to remember that, however inadequate they may feel to live out this passion, God will work in and through them, just as light radiates through the smallest prism. After all, the same God who said “let there be light” has made His light to shine in their hearts, illuminating their lives and the lives of those around them.
 

Genres: Christian, Christian Living, Nonfiction, Christian Non Fiction, Church

176 pages, Paperback

First published July 1, 2011

About the author

Matt Redman is married to Beth and they have five children. His journey as a worship leader and songwriter has taken him to countries such as South Africa, Japan, India, Australia and the Czech Republic. Along the way he has sung in venues such as Madison Square Garden, Wembley stadium, and the Royal Albert Hall - as well as recording in iconic studios such as Abbey Road in London and Capitol Records in LA. Matt’s best known songs include The Heart of Worship, Blessed Be Your Name, Our God - and the double-Grammy winning 10,000 Reasons. More recent co-writes include Do It Again and Build my Life.

Reviews

[abireadsalot · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a good book!!! Ngl this book first intrigued me because it’s kinda a taylor swift reference and Jesus, what more could I want??

This book came at a perfect time in my life. My mind has been racing with thoughts of the glory of God and how I can reflect that as much as possible through my own life, this was encouraging to read. This was a short little book I def recommend you all read it.

Also little fun fact on God’s glory yall!! Glory is found in the Bible 606 times! One instance: Romans 8:18. 376 in Old Testament & 230 in New Testament. Repeating truth always always always!!

[Daniel Butcher · Rating 4 out of 5]

Renowned worship leader and author Matt Redman in Mirror Ball: Living a Life that Reflects Gods Radiance argues that a life of true worship is a life that reflects Jesus Christ. He goes onto demonstrate that the proof of one’s life of worship is not musical capability but a life lived with God always present in our lives. A life of worship is one of adventure and a journey to become more like Christ. A Christian is not one stuck in a neutral position but one moving closer to Jesus. He reminds us that we have a big God with big expectations and that we should never underestimate Him. Redman states that we need to put God first in our life and the decisions we make on a daily basis as an act of worship. In the end, he reminds us that our power only comes from the light of Jesus which shines upon us. In addition to Redman’s text the book includes an extensive study group intended for both group and individual study.

For me “worship” is a blind spot. That is what brought me to picking up this book, looking to get information about an area of church life where I feel inadequate. I can’t carry a tune and have trouble clapping to the beat. So for me, what we call worship in our traditional church services often is lost on me. But what I found was very surprising to me. This is not a book about musical worship, it is a book about worship by living a life of proper orientation. Though Redman being a worship leader does use his own life and musical experiences as examples, they do not override his message for the non-musical. Redman pictures the worshiper as one who properly points his life towards God. As someone not adept at worship I found Redman’s book unthreatening and inspiring as a call to properly respect an awesome God. This is a book that honestly anyone can read, not just worship team members. Redman paints a picture where all of us are worshipers regardless of our ability to pick up a musical instrument.

Review Copy Provided by The B&B Media Group, Inc.

[Sunflower · Rating 5 out of 5]

For 108 pages, "Mirror Ball" by Matt Redman, contains a lot of just challenging information that will have the reader, re-evaluating their life and asking themselves if they are,"Living boldly and shining brightly for the glory of God".

Going through what isn't and what is following a life that is edifying of our Father in Heaven, "Mirror Ball" is a conversation style book, that would have you feeling like you are having a conversation with Mr. Redman, in a coffee shop, over a cup of coffee.

Not condemning, nor finger pointing, "Mirror Ball" is about having a life of passion for Christ and living a life that reflects that versus a life of traditions and rules.

The study guide that is provided at the end of "Mirror Ball" is down to earth, but very involved, in that, you're not looking at a quick, one day study, but rather, a corresponding, 8 chapters of its own of study, going through now only what is shared in the book,"Mirror Ball", but if desired, can even be used as a standalone study for small study groups.

The writing is very clear and concise, the use of scripture is present to help ground the author's writing and thoughts shared and the chapters are short, making this a great small study or personal study guide.

Matt Redman presents in,"Mirror Ball" and inspiring encouragement for not only those new to the Christian faith, but those who are seeking to elevate their following of Christ to a, life of passionaite following, that is not necessarily, entertainment filled or thrill seeking, but rather, life changing, and life growing.

This is a must read.

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

“We are mirrors whose brightness…is wholly derived from the Son (my version) that shines upon us.” –C.S. Lewis

Matt’s description of the tiny mirror ball that was to be used in a huge Nashville arena truly exemplifies the truth of our lives being used by the Son’s light in us.

He goes on to talk about these different areas of the Christian life:

Passion of the Christian: Lives laid down
Love will give it’s all: True Love and faithfulness
Big God, Big Life: Off the charts and possible
Drops in the ocean: Together we are the Church
Who do you say that I AM?: The names of God
10,000 Reasons: Life of worship
The Rules of first things: Seek first…
Endless Hallelujah: God is at work

Matt describes in story form and factual information how each of the above fits into your life. His inclusion of Scripture backs up what he delineates. Key points are set apart so that they make a deep impression on your life.

At the end of the book, you will find a life applicable discussion guide with a special surprise in each section. By the way, Matt is a well-known worship songwriter.

Matt’s book is good for personal use, but I believe it brings more meaning when used in a group, as you get more personal insights.

This book was provided by Audra Jennings of The B&B Media Group, Inc., in exchange for my honest review. No monetary compensation was exchanged.

[Kim Zimmerman · Rating 5 out of 5]

really liked this book. very real and raw look at how we are, how we see God and how we are to be.

[titus(readsalotmorethanabi)galvão · Rating 5 out of 5]

this is such a cool little book! not long at all… straight to the point. i love how he touched on ‘seeking the Lord first’… that has been what my conscious has been dwelling on for the past two months or so, and the fact that he touched on it in a biblically accurate manner really brought me joy as i read through it. highly recommend this read to anybody. especially those with a basis of a relationship/understanding with/of Jesus. all in all, i probably should’ve finished this book like a week ago, but i had about a week sabbatical from reading but that’s not because the book was bad in the slightest. only because of personal schedule. i just want to say to all my fans out there that im well on my way to my 2024 goal. (i know yall were curious to my progress so i went ahead and took the liberty of sharing on the front end😇). real talk tho… why am i so cracked at reading?!? am i the goat?!? there’s no way this is actually what my review has come to… lowkey embarrassing icl but we move! it’s way too much work to go back and delete everything now and rewrite so this is what the final product will be! onto the next!!

[Jan Norton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Whether it isn’t song, or through this book, Matt Redman knows how to bring his audience into worship.

[Tim Baumgartner · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've appreciated how God has used Matt Redman ever since he came out with the song "Heart of Worship." 15 years later, he has matured still and has produced many more songs of praise and adoration to our Lord and King, Jesus. In 'Mirror Ball,' he starts off by using a great illustration of how God used Louie Giglio (Passion Conference founder and speaker) to stretch his faith and give him some new insights into who God is and how to glorify God as He should be. This book is an easy read, but each of the 8 chapters includes some quotes from some influential Christian leaders throughout history. This book seems to have been written as a result of the inspiration he received as he created his album "10,000 Reasons" (some chapter titles are named after some songs from that album). There are some nuggets in here:
1) Archbishop William Temple once described worship as:
The quickening of conscience by His holiness;
The nourishment of mind with His truth;
The purifying of imagination by His beauty;
The opening of the heart to His love;
The surrender of the will to His purpose—
And all of this gathered up in adoration. (^1) (80)

2) As the great writer and thinker C.S. Lewis expressed it, ‘Idols [break] the hearts of their worshipers.’
Jesus, on the other hand, brings fulfillment to the hearers of His worshipers. Those who seek Him with all their hearts will find Him, and with Him they will find a future full of purpose and promise. C.S. Lewis also wrote this: ‘[Put first things first and we get second things thrown in. Put second things first and we lose both first and second things.’ (^2) (91)

3) Putting Him first may not always be the easiest decision, and it may not end up looking exactly how we envisaged. But it will never end in regret. (96)

4) As C.S. Lewis put it: ‘We are mirrors whose brightness…is wholly derived from the sun that shines upon us.’ (^3) (104)

5) The first and last signs of the kingdom to come are worship. When the Holy Spirit illuminates a person’s life and that person chooses to put his or her faith in Christ, worship is the first activity that occurs…But worship is also the last sign of the kingdom—for we are told that it will endure forever [see Revelation 5:13]. [Evangelism, justice, acts of compassion, and healing will not be needed]. We will be left with worship—an unending song of praise forever reverberating around the throne of God.
It is the endless hallelujah—the song of all eternity. (106-107)

[I was a bit disappointed he didn’t mention that his song and chapter title didn’t explain that in the Bible, 10,000 is the highest number mentioned. To me, it reminds me of ‘7,’ which means complete, full, etc. Sorry, us seminarians are sticklers for certain little things.]

To conclude, I am also encouraged he includes a somewhat lengthy section of a Discussion Guide, which includes several questions related to each chapter. I would encourage you to team up with someone and be an archaeologist (dig deeper). : )

[Ryan Hawkins · Rating 4 out of 5]

I decided to read this because I have been enjoying his new album 'Glory Song', and I knew I had this book written by him years ago.

I can tell from his lyrics (in his 10,000 Reasons album and now in the Glory Song album) that he seems to have a good God-centered, pretty robust theology. And this book confirmed it. That is what I was most impressed about. His thoughts aren't anything revolutionary, but they are very God-centered and God-exalting. In short, Matt Redman believes in a big God and that we are happiest when we radically live for him and his glory. For this, I not only agree but am very thankful that someone like him is in the Christian music realm and making truly God-exalting songs, rather than mere inspirational music.

I read the book in one sitting simply because it was an easy read. It was enjoyable just to hear him tell in his own words why God is so great and why it is worth living fully for him. In the end, it isn't 5 stars just because it wasn't anything too special. But it was unique in that it was written by a worship leader.

A comparable book categorically would be Matt Papa's Look and Live (in honest, I love Papa's book even more, as it is great theology, but I don't say that to take away from Redman's here). Both Papa and Redman clearly have robust views of the biblical, grand God--which I very music appreciate in worship leaders.

[Jeff LeMaster · Rating 4 out of 5]

Imagine a mirror "disco" ball in the dark. Not very impressive, is it?

You and I are not very impressive either. But when the brilliant light of God illuminates our lives, suddenly intense beams of light burst in every direction, and all can get a taste of the greatness and grandeur of God as He shines through our lives.

In this book, worship leader and songwriter Matt Redman shares some of his own passion and what God has taught him. His goal in crafting worship songs is "conveying the epic wonders of our God"; but he also wants his songs to be thoroughly grounded in everyday life experience.

This intersection of the majestic and the mundane results in spiritually and existentially authentic lyrics in Matt's songs. They reflect a heart passionate for God in a world devoid of passion.

SO WHAT?
Louie Giglio said, "Passion is the degree of difficulty we are willing to endure to achieve the goal." Jesus said, "Whoever has been forgiven much, loves much."

Whatever our passions, it should be our goal to shine for Jesus in every pursuit. Fill in the blanks of the following verse with your passion: The __________ I am going to __________ will be great, because our God is greater than all other gods. (2 Chronicles 2:5)

[Abbie Riddle · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Living Boldly and Shining Brightly for the Glory of God"

Amen! Isn't that what life should be about - shining brightly for God? However, so often we limit worship to just our singing at church. Though Matt Redman is known for his amazing, heartfelt, soul-stirring worship music he and his wife are authors of great books and and their lives reflect a life of living worship. Like every book I have read by either of the Redman's I am utterly amazed!

This book challenges and encourages the reader to look at worship in a whole new light. We are to be like a mirrored ball reflecting the glory of God for all the world to see. He shows how our daily living should be approached as an act of worship for God. Each task we put our hands to should be done with the Glory of God in mind.

If each Christian lived this way - sold out to worship - our world would be utterly turned upside down. People would view all things in life differently and the hurting and lost would see light in the midst of their darkness.

I encourage everyone to pick up a copy of this book.

Thank you B&B for this review copy.

[Melanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mirror Ball
Matt Redman

I learn best from analogies, especially information that needs to stick in my mind. That is exactly the technique that Matt Redman uses in his book Mirror Ball. He shows how we are a small, insignificant mirror ball, in of itself not all that flashy. With the light of God shining on us we can penetrate into many venues with our brightness. Apart from God we are nothing, with His light we are bright and shining.
Matt writes “When God Shines upon His church, we become a dazzling testimony to His awesome radiance”. We may think we are too small, but with God it is just a matter of the His light. Don’t underestimate God’s power to use us if we are willing to reflect His light.
Matt brings his love of worship and his giftedness of being a songwriter into his writing as well, often times referring to the Psalms and songs of praise to better explain his theme. I love how there is a list of songs in the index and many quotes from his works in the study guide at the end of the book.
Similar message that Christians have heard, but given from a perspective of a worship leader, songwriter, and disco ball reflecting the glorious light of God.

[Heather · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mirror Ball by Matt Redman is an excellent book on what worship is and how it can help us approach life in a way that’s more pleasing to God. One of my favorite stories is the one about the mirror ball, which no doubt is the inspiration for the book’s title. Redman is a writer of amazing worship music, and he shares a lot of wonderful insights as to what worship is. It’s a quick, easy read that packs a powerful punch.

[Anna · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was a great inspirational read! Matt talked about a lot of interesting topics in his book and made me take a deeper look at where I am at in my faith and the next step in my journey with Christ. I love how he incorporated his music into the book. I love Matt Redman's music especially his new cd 10,000 Reasons! It has a great discussion guide in the back of the book that you could read this book in a small group of friends, or with a youth/young adult/adult group.

[Nora St Laurent · Rating 4 out of 5]

Disclosure of Material Connection: #AD Sponsored by publisher.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. 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”

[Rebecca · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic book. It was God's timing in this being read at the very right time. Matt Redman writes about how we can reflect God's light into every area of our lives. It doesn't matter who we are and what our story is, it is all about how great our God is. He doesn't just write that we should but by reflecting on the very nature of God, he asks how can we not? Highly recommended. Very easy to read.

[Elisha · Rating 2 out of 5]

http://bookjunkiemom.blogspot.com/201...

[Frans Kempe · Rating 3 out of 5]

Matt writes a couple of chapters of devotional readings.

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Matt Redman has written or co-written many of the best known contemporary Christian worship songs. Mirror Ball is not his first book, but he demonstrates that he can communicate in prose as well as in song.

[Adam R · Rating 3 out of 5]

A healthy reminder of what faith can mean and some inspiration on how to develop in your walk with God