Seizing Your Divine Moment : Dare to Live a Life of Adventure

by Erwin Raphael McManus

In this inspiring book, Erwin McManus uses the biblical account of Israel's war with the Philistines (1 Samuel 13 and 14) and the characters of Saul and Jonathan to demonstrate the difference between living a life of purpose and adventure, and living one of apathy and missed opportunity. In the midst of a less-than-hopeful battle, Saul-who should have been leading-rested beneath a pomegranate tree as Jonathan seized the divine moment that would impact the future of Israel. Through this story McManus artfully illustrates the eight characteristics of an adventurer's heart, what he calls "the Jonathan factor." Using powerful examples from his own life and ministry, along with fresh biblical teaching, McManus asserts that God crafts divine moments specific to each of us-priceless opportunities for us to actively engage in God's big-picture plan. Apathy and apprehension prevent us from being all we are meant to be for God's kingdom. But by developing the characteristics McManus outlines, Christians can move from mundane to miraculous living.

Genres: Christian, Nonfiction, Faith, Christianity, Christian Living, Religion, Spirituality

Hardcover

First published November 5, 2002

About the author

Erwin Raphael McManus is an iconoclast known as a cultural pioneer for his integration of creativity and spirituality. He is an artist, entrepreneur, and cultural thought leader who is also the founder of MOSAIC, a community of faith in Los Angeles California. Known for their innovation, creativity, and artistry, MOSAIC has been named one of the most influential and innovative churches in America.

Engaging such issues as culture, creativity, change, and leadership, Erwin is widely known as a thought-provoking communicator, poet, and wordsmith. His travels have taken him to over 50 countries and he has spoken to over a million people from a wide variety of audiences, from professional sports, Wall Street investors, universities, film studios, and conferences across the world.

McManus is the author of Soul Cravings, Chasing Daylight, and other leading books on spirituality and creativity. His newest book is The Artisan Soul: Crafting your Life into a Work of Art.

Erwin Raphael McManus sees the imagination as the principle vehicle through which we create a better self, a better world, and a better future. He argues that creativity is both uniquely human and the essence of human uniqueness. Creativity, McManus contends, is a natural expression of our spirituality. When we are most fully alive we create out of love all that is good and beautiful and true.

Erwin has a BA in psychology from UNC Chapel Hill, a Masters of Divinity from Southwestern Theological Seminary, and a Doctorate of Humane Letters from Southeastern University.

Reviews

[Jeff]

This is a wonderful book for those seeking to identify how & when God wants us to move on His will, moment by moment, and thus enter the life they were meant to live. Mr. McManus reminds us that it's God we are ultimately meant to obey, not the whims of those around us, or our own inner voice that cries out for comfort or pleasure (which may be challenging for those of us who like to control our schedules). Readers of this book will not only get a better sense of their divine moments, but will also better understand God himself. I recommend it highly.

[Cody Craig]

Overall great book. Encouraged me to think in a way I am not accustomed to while challenging my notions on the idea of waiting on God. Sometimes waiting on God is an excuse for a lack of progress. God places opportunities in our lives and sometimes we must simply take them because of God's written word. We need not be nervous about failing God if we act according to his word.

[Junessa Gray]

A good message but didn’t love the tone of the author and felt the message was quite repetitive. Overall, got some good reminders and challenged me to take more action in my life but not my favourite read!

[Kendall]

i think the cover is pretty haha

[P.A. Pursley]

Once again, Erwin McManus, proves himself to be wholely devoted to God and the movement of the church from an inactive membership to those who are willing to put their lives on the line for Christ. This is my second time reading this book because once was not enough! It will convict you of the areas in your life where you are stagnant and it will uplift you for movement with God. It will challenge you to change from what you are comfortable with into what God requests of you. Only read it if you are ready for a life-changing mission!

[Sonya]

i like the challenge mcmanus gives in the book. it made me get up off my butt and stop waiting for God to do something in my life. basically, the general idea of the book is...if you let your ship sit in the harbor God can't blow you in the direction he wants you to go. even more this book challenges us to choose a direction for our ship when we don't have a specific idea of what direction to God. God wants us to actively search out His calling in our lives and then act upon it!

[Christine Meunier]

There should be no such thing as a passive Christian; Erwin McManus goes into depth as he explores characters in the bible that truly lived to represent God.

With heaps of biblical reference, relevant anecdotal stories from his life and a lot of encouraging words, McManus presents his case in a thoughtful and provoking manner. A great read.

[The Men's Ministry of Denton Bible Church]

We have no control over how or when we die, but we do have control over how we live. Drawing inspiration from 1 Samuel, he challenges believers to step out of their "comfort zones"---and into an impassioned, extraordinary journey with God.

[Hanah]

I credit this book to helping me decide to move to NewSong.

[Wes Hunter]

in need of a little inspiration? this is the book for you

[Earnest]

Great book... quick read, the point is pretty simple and straight forward.

[Brian]

my wife LOVED LOVED LOVED it. i thought it was good. challenging for those who are contemplating making a risky decision.

[Danelle]

Thoughtful ~ Mcmanus is definitely challenging.

[Jeff Noble]

Seizing Your Divine Moment : Dare to Live a Life of Adventure by Erwin Raphael McManus (?)

[mylifewellread]

Very inspiring!

[Bobwor]

Do something. This advice from Erwin is so simple, but is something so many should hear AND obey.

[Dale]

Everything Erwin writes is an adventure. Looking forward to slowly devouring (can you do both at the same time?)this one.

[Mary Rose]

Another of my all-time favorites!

[Nick Woodall]

Erwin hit a home run with this one!

[Helene Hutten]

One of my all-time favorite!