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Live Second: 365 Ways to Make Jesus First
365 Ways to Put Jesus First Athletes and actors, models and musicians, pastors and politicians … many have stepped forward, looked in the camera, and proclaimed, “I am second.” But most in the I Am Second movement are not celebrities. They are ordinary people―and they’ve come to the simple realization that when God comes first in their lives, everything makes sense. But living second is not easy. It takes grit and humility, submission to God’s will, a willingness to listen and serve, an openness to God’s healing and call. Live Second is a daily guide to help you. With 365 readings, prayers, actions steps, and an invitation to join other Christ-followers online, what you hold in your hands is a tool built with truth, scripture, and a sure path to put Jesus first every day. The Christian life is not meant to be easy, just worth it. Live Second is exactly what you need as you become the new, inspired, God-honoring creation he made you to be.
400 pages, Hardcover
First published December 11, 2012
97 people are currently reading
289 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 22 reviews
April 14, 2013
For a little while now I have been familiar with the I am Second videos. The videos themselves feature prominent Christians (politicians like Mike Hickabee, sports stars like Tong Dungy, music stars like the former singer from Korn and models like Kathy Ireland to name just a few) explaining why God comes first in their lives. If you have not checked them out already, they are worth watching. Now, Thomas Nelson has published a 365 day devotional guide based on these videos.
The basic set-up is quite interesting in my opinion. There are a total of 12 different sessions featuring different topics , each session consisting of 4-5 weeks of particular sub-topics. You begin the week with one of the I am Second videos (internet links through QR codes) and then answering a few questions based on some Bible passages. Each other day of the week begins with a Bible passage to read and consider. Below each passage you will find the following headings: Talk with God (prayer), Live it (application) and Tell it (teach it to others).
The biggest thing this book has going for it is the use of interactive media. Not only are you watching videos, but you are interacting with others online who are going through the same sections. Each day ends with an encouragement to tweet your lessons for other to benefit from and discuss. I can think of many young people I teach who would eat this up! But this feature intrigues me not just because of the “cool factor” this may have, but because of the idea of community this promotes. Too often devotions are seen as only personal. This idea tends to lead to subjectivity without much accountability. Having and sharing your devotions with a community (even the if only the online Twitter community) does promote at least some sense of connection with other believers and may provide a little bit of push back and iron-sharpening-iron when needed.
The negative aspect of this book is its lack of depth. This is not a devotional for mature Christians wishing to draw closer to God through deeper interaction in the Word. I really was not impressed with the actual content. However, as I alluded to above, I could see how this could be used by young people are may be new to the faith. This book would help them formulate a helpful pattern of how to begin your devotional life. It does promote stability, regularity and organization.
So, while this book certainly has many positive aspects, I can’t say it has earned my full recommendation.
Disclaimer: This book was provided by the publisher for review. I was under no obligation to offer a favorable review.
The basic set-up is quite interesting in my opinion. There are a total of 12 different sessions featuring different topics , each session consisting of 4-5 weeks of particular sub-topics. You begin the week with one of the I am Second videos (internet links through QR codes) and then answering a few questions based on some Bible passages. Each other day of the week begins with a Bible passage to read and consider. Below each passage you will find the following headings: Talk with God (prayer), Live it (application) and Tell it (teach it to others).
The biggest thing this book has going for it is the use of interactive media. Not only are you watching videos, but you are interacting with others online who are going through the same sections. Each day ends with an encouragement to tweet your lessons for other to benefit from and discuss. I can think of many young people I teach who would eat this up! But this feature intrigues me not just because of the “cool factor” this may have, but because of the idea of community this promotes. Too often devotions are seen as only personal. This idea tends to lead to subjectivity without much accountability. Having and sharing your devotions with a community (even the if only the online Twitter community) does promote at least some sense of connection with other believers and may provide a little bit of push back and iron-sharpening-iron when needed.
The negative aspect of this book is its lack of depth. This is not a devotional for mature Christians wishing to draw closer to God through deeper interaction in the Word. I really was not impressed with the actual content. However, as I alluded to above, I could see how this could be used by young people are may be new to the faith. This book would help them formulate a helpful pattern of how to begin your devotional life. It does promote stability, regularity and organization.
So, while this book certainly has many positive aspects, I can’t say it has earned my full recommendation.
Disclaimer: This book was provided by the publisher for review. I was under no obligation to offer a favorable review.
January 15, 2013
‘Live Second’ is marketed as a 365 day, 52 week devotional that aims to teach the reader to put him or herself second. Meant for reflection & depositing godliness into routines, the author’s goal is to encourage putting Jesus first.
Straight away, the author confused me. He makes a statement claiming that belief in Christ isn’t a prerequisite to reading this book. If it isn’t, then why would one wish to read about how to put Jesus first? Aren’t those who read devotionals primarily Christians? Most devotionals are intended to strengthen one’s Christian walk- something this book was lacking.
Regardless, within the contents of the book are Scriptures from Genesis to Luke & everywhere in between. Links to films are included which showcase insights from others. Small group participation is encouraged. What seems to be absent from readings, social media mentions, etc. is the author’s personal viewpoints on his faith.
With all the info provided, unfortunately, I benefitted very little. A ‘wow’ factor was missing. The paragraph long readings were too brief & too vague in my opinion. Other devotionals have included more personal insight. Social media hype & hoopla don’t impress me. Quality Christian writing does. Honestly, I felt that all the author accomplished was to read Scripture & then paraphrase it.
Should Doug Bender do additional devotionals, I’d hope he’d peruse a few bestselling ones & incorporate their techniques. With hopes that folks will be nudged towards God’s Word, I rate it a 3 of 5 stars. Publisher Thomas Nelson can provide further details.
I was provided with 1 eBook in order to write the review without further compensation. All opinions are my own.
Straight away, the author confused me. He makes a statement claiming that belief in Christ isn’t a prerequisite to reading this book. If it isn’t, then why would one wish to read about how to put Jesus first? Aren’t those who read devotionals primarily Christians? Most devotionals are intended to strengthen one’s Christian walk- something this book was lacking.
Regardless, within the contents of the book are Scriptures from Genesis to Luke & everywhere in between. Links to films are included which showcase insights from others. Small group participation is encouraged. What seems to be absent from readings, social media mentions, etc. is the author’s personal viewpoints on his faith.
With all the info provided, unfortunately, I benefitted very little. A ‘wow’ factor was missing. The paragraph long readings were too brief & too vague in my opinion. Other devotionals have included more personal insight. Social media hype & hoopla don’t impress me. Quality Christian writing does. Honestly, I felt that all the author accomplished was to read Scripture & then paraphrase it.
Should Doug Bender do additional devotionals, I’d hope he’d peruse a few bestselling ones & incorporate their techniques. With hopes that folks will be nudged towards God’s Word, I rate it a 3 of 5 stars. Publisher Thomas Nelson can provide further details.
I was provided with 1 eBook in order to write the review without further compensation. All opinions are my own.
December 6, 2012
I was looking for a book to help me not only learn more about my faith, but also help me with my day to day life. Little did I know how much this book would change my life so quickly. Each day i have been learning more and more what it truly means to be a Christian and to live second.The format made it very easy for me to use as a personal bible study and as a great tool for small groups. I would encourage everyone to pick up a copy between December 9-15 for your friends and family and even for the people in your life, who aren't believers and who are very resistant to becoming believers. When you purchase the book during that week you will receive $150 in free downloads! This book can lead you to big changes in your life, as you learn how to live second.
January 4, 2014
Summary:
Live Second actually shows you what living second looks like. The daily devotions are short (they take between 5 – 10 minutes), but they’re packed with sound, biblical advice and ways you can live out your faith. Topics range from discovering God, to relevant issues like identity, to spreading the Gospel, and more. A daily devotion is set up like this: The first day of each week opens with an I Am Second video , followed by a Scripture passage and thought-provoking questions, practical ways to live out this area of your faith, and a prompt for sharing what you’ve learned. The following days include: A Scripture passage, followed by an explanation of the passage and how it is mirrored in our lives today, a prayer to guide your quiet time with God, ways you can live out what you learn, and a reminder to tell others what you learn.
My Thoughts:
I’m a big fan of daily devotionals, but most just skim the surface for me. I want more than just a quick, five-minute passage to read; I need something with depth that both causes me to think and provides practical ways for me to use what I study. I need something deeper than just a feel-good, surface level daily devotion. Live Second went beyond my expectations. It gives you short daily assignments, but they’re deep; there’s a lot packed in there. It’s a good tool to use if you want to study the Word in the mornings, but don’t have a lot of time. For more in-depth study, I recommend exploring more of the Scripture passages along with the devotion (read surrounding passages, use other study messages in combination with the passage, etc.), but I was not disappointed with the quality of this study. It’s a study for people who truly desire to live a life that puts Jesus first.
In Conclusion:
From the inspiring stories of faith presented in the linked I Am Second videos, to the compelling Scripture passages and thought-provoking questions, Live Second is a powerful addition to your devotional library. It’s designed to help you truly live your life second, and it personally challenged me in every passage I read.
I have the ebook version of this book, so it’s very easy to click over to the I Am Second videos at the beginning of each section. It’s also available in print, if you prefer a hard copy.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
Live Second actually shows you what living second looks like. The daily devotions are short (they take between 5 – 10 minutes), but they’re packed with sound, biblical advice and ways you can live out your faith. Topics range from discovering God, to relevant issues like identity, to spreading the Gospel, and more. A daily devotion is set up like this: The first day of each week opens with an I Am Second video , followed by a Scripture passage and thought-provoking questions, practical ways to live out this area of your faith, and a prompt for sharing what you’ve learned. The following days include: A Scripture passage, followed by an explanation of the passage and how it is mirrored in our lives today, a prayer to guide your quiet time with God, ways you can live out what you learn, and a reminder to tell others what you learn.
My Thoughts:
I’m a big fan of daily devotionals, but most just skim the surface for me. I want more than just a quick, five-minute passage to read; I need something with depth that both causes me to think and provides practical ways for me to use what I study. I need something deeper than just a feel-good, surface level daily devotion. Live Second went beyond my expectations. It gives you short daily assignments, but they’re deep; there’s a lot packed in there. It’s a good tool to use if you want to study the Word in the mornings, but don’t have a lot of time. For more in-depth study, I recommend exploring more of the Scripture passages along with the devotion (read surrounding passages, use other study messages in combination with the passage, etc.), but I was not disappointed with the quality of this study. It’s a study for people who truly desire to live a life that puts Jesus first.
In Conclusion:
From the inspiring stories of faith presented in the linked I Am Second videos, to the compelling Scripture passages and thought-provoking questions, Live Second is a powerful addition to your devotional library. It’s designed to help you truly live your life second, and it personally challenged me in every passage I read.
I have the ebook version of this book, so it’s very easy to click over to the I Am Second videos at the beginning of each section. It’s also available in print, if you prefer a hard copy.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
March 26, 2013
Love devotional-style books, but looking for something a little bit different?
Live Second: 365 Ways to Make Jesus First is from Doug Bender and the I am Second movement. Perhaps known most in the online world for their powerful, memoir-style videos interviewing peoples of all kinds in their faith journeys, I am Second aims "to inspire people of all kinds to live for God and for others." The Live Second book holds the same mission.
As the author states in the introduction, the devotions aim to "challenge you to consider what life would look like if Jesus were first" and "inspire your reflection and challenge your daily routine." These devotions speak in a challenging way. Nothing here is fluff, but all focused on reminding us God is First.
This book is one of the first social media integrated books I've read. Set up in weekly themes of one-page daily devotions, each page offers a verse, a Scripture reading, a one- to three-paragraph devotion, and questions to spur action in our own lives. Each devotion includes a specific hashtag to interact with others pondering the same topic on Twitter. The first devotion of each week shares a link to one of the well-done I am Second testimonial videos (or a QR code to find the video in the print version). It's honestly hard not to watch these videos. The last devotion in each week usually quotes a larger section of Scripture and offers a chance to worship, surrender, and praise. Readers are strongly encouraged to read these devotions in community, and act on the principles as a community, too.
The reflection questions offered do allow for open-ended introspection, but the same questions were offered week after week. I hoped for some more specific questions or guiding questions. The devotions are strong, and as the author states in the introduction, are not always going to be "encouraging" in a positive, affirming sense, but rather a pow, make-you-think sense. The devotions remain truth-founded, convicting, and cause inward reflection to spur outward reaction. This devotional could serve as a solid reading plan (roughly 1-2 chapters of reading each day), easily incorporated into study time with a brief devotion and call to action.
Perhaps one of my favorite parts of the book (besides the social media aspects) are the prayers. Short but influential, these prayers can be earnestly prayed as is, or used to spur more thoughts in your own heart. One of my favorite prayers (and one I've prayed several times since reading it):
"God, I want to make you First in my life. I struggle and I stumble and I need your help, but I want to be Second."
Live Second: 365 Ways to Make Jesus First is from Doug Bender and the I am Second movement. Perhaps known most in the online world for their powerful, memoir-style videos interviewing peoples of all kinds in their faith journeys, I am Second aims "to inspire people of all kinds to live for God and for others." The Live Second book holds the same mission.
As the author states in the introduction, the devotions aim to "challenge you to consider what life would look like if Jesus were first" and "inspire your reflection and challenge your daily routine." These devotions speak in a challenging way. Nothing here is fluff, but all focused on reminding us God is First.
This book is one of the first social media integrated books I've read. Set up in weekly themes of one-page daily devotions, each page offers a verse, a Scripture reading, a one- to three-paragraph devotion, and questions to spur action in our own lives. Each devotion includes a specific hashtag to interact with others pondering the same topic on Twitter. The first devotion of each week shares a link to one of the well-done I am Second testimonial videos (or a QR code to find the video in the print version). It's honestly hard not to watch these videos. The last devotion in each week usually quotes a larger section of Scripture and offers a chance to worship, surrender, and praise. Readers are strongly encouraged to read these devotions in community, and act on the principles as a community, too.
The reflection questions offered do allow for open-ended introspection, but the same questions were offered week after week. I hoped for some more specific questions or guiding questions. The devotions are strong, and as the author states in the introduction, are not always going to be "encouraging" in a positive, affirming sense, but rather a pow, make-you-think sense. The devotions remain truth-founded, convicting, and cause inward reflection to spur outward reaction. This devotional could serve as a solid reading plan (roughly 1-2 chapters of reading each day), easily incorporated into study time with a brief devotion and call to action.
Perhaps one of my favorite parts of the book (besides the social media aspects) are the prayers. Short but influential, these prayers can be earnestly prayed as is, or used to spur more thoughts in your own heart. One of my favorite prayers (and one I've prayed several times since reading it):
"God, I want to make you First in my life. I struggle and I stumble and I need your help, but I want to be Second."
December 9, 2012
It seems like many of us have grown up in a culture that tells us we should put ourselves first. We should strive to be in charge of our own future, to make first place on teams, to go after the promotion at work, to focus on me and what my needs are. Many of us have fallen into this trap of putting ourselves first, of never asking for help and relying on ourselves to get the job done, to provide for our families, to get to the next step in our lives, we lean on ourselves and see asking or seeking help as a sign of weakness.
Live Second tells you just the opposite. To go against the grain of what culture will accept as the norm, and look to someone else to provide, offer guidance, someone for you to lean on in time of trouble. Live Second will challenge you to step back and not put yourself, your family or your job first. Live Second is a daily reminder to instead of putting things of this world and ourselves in first place, to change positions and place ourselves second and put Jesus first everyday.
Live Second is not your normal book or devotional, it is a daily reader that will challenge you to put Jesus first in every circumstance, but unlike other daily devotionals Live Second also uses social media to continue the discussion of what you learn each day and to share with others what being second means.
Live Second is broken down into different sessions with an over-arching theme and focus, each daily reading will provide you with Bible passages, questions to help you to dig deeper into the passage as well as questions to encourage you to implement what you learn into your everyday life.
Live Second is a book like no other that combines a daily devotional with social media to help you to grow in your walk with God and to teach you what it means to be second. This is an amazing book that will change who you are and how you respond to the world around you. Be prepared to see a change in your life and take the steps to becoming Second, I am Second, are you?
I received this book complimentary from the publisher in exchange for an honest review, all thoughts and opinions are my own.
Live Second tells you just the opposite. To go against the grain of what culture will accept as the norm, and look to someone else to provide, offer guidance, someone for you to lean on in time of trouble. Live Second will challenge you to step back and not put yourself, your family or your job first. Live Second is a daily reminder to instead of putting things of this world and ourselves in first place, to change positions and place ourselves second and put Jesus first everyday.
Live Second is not your normal book or devotional, it is a daily reader that will challenge you to put Jesus first in every circumstance, but unlike other daily devotionals Live Second also uses social media to continue the discussion of what you learn each day and to share with others what being second means.
Live Second is broken down into different sessions with an over-arching theme and focus, each daily reading will provide you with Bible passages, questions to help you to dig deeper into the passage as well as questions to encourage you to implement what you learn into your everyday life.
Live Second is a book like no other that combines a daily devotional with social media to help you to grow in your walk with God and to teach you what it means to be second. This is an amazing book that will change who you are and how you respond to the world around you. Be prepared to see a change in your life and take the steps to becoming Second, I am Second, are you?
I received this book complimentary from the publisher in exchange for an honest review, all thoughts and opinions are my own.
April 5, 2013
Live Second is kind of a cool movement that collects testimonies from celebrities in the worlds of sports, acting, music, etc. The videos are well produced and feature honest revelations and sometimes surprising admissions from familiar faces. It’s inspirational, encouraging, and, at times, emotional. The goal being to raise awareness of spiritual influences and stories of faith, while encouraging others to commit to putting God first in their lives and, themselves second.
This book attempts to build off of the momentum created by the videos and impart these timeless lessons into the lives of readers everywhere. And it may just be the most social media aware book I’ve come across - certainly as a devotional. Each entry - and they’re broken into week-long themes - offers one of the videos, a brief written message, a Bible reading, questions designed to help you process that information and apply it to your life, as well as a bevy of social media components. These are lessons designed to be both personal and shared and, for the most part, it works really well.
Oddly enough, the weakest component of this presentation is the videos. They are compelling, to be certain, but more often than not, they have very little to do with the subject matter assigned to the week in which they appear. Strange, yes. But, I wouldn’t let that prevent you from incorporating this devotional into your daily routine. It’s specifically designed to accommodate even the busiest of schedules.
- from TRudATmusic[dot]com[slash]raw (4/5/13)
This book attempts to build off of the momentum created by the videos and impart these timeless lessons into the lives of readers everywhere. And it may just be the most social media aware book I’ve come across - certainly as a devotional. Each entry - and they’re broken into week-long themes - offers one of the videos, a brief written message, a Bible reading, questions designed to help you process that information and apply it to your life, as well as a bevy of social media components. These are lessons designed to be both personal and shared and, for the most part, it works really well.
Oddly enough, the weakest component of this presentation is the videos. They are compelling, to be certain, but more often than not, they have very little to do with the subject matter assigned to the week in which they appear. Strange, yes. But, I wouldn’t let that prevent you from incorporating this devotional into your daily routine. It’s specifically designed to accommodate even the busiest of schedules.
- from TRudATmusic[dot]com[slash]raw (4/5/13)
February 19, 2013
title: LIVE SECOND: 365 WAYS TO MAKE JESUS FIRST
author: Doug Bender
date: 2012
publisher: Thomas Nelson
As the title suggests this is a daily reader. And no I haven't read the whole book yet.
The book feels like a daily devotional, but it's designed to be used in alignment with the Bible. Each day's entry contains a key verse, but the reader is encouraged to also read the larger context. Live Second covers a great deal of the Bible, but it is not a chronological or comprehensive Bible study. There are also web links, QR codes and suggested twitter hashtags to access I am Second films for further exploration of the day's theme.
The book helps the reader, clearly and Biblically, understand who should be - and needs to be - first. And with that understanding comes action: live it, tell it. Each day we are challenged to do something with what you have read and reflected on.
Live Second is a simple, even casual kind of book. The page layout is easy on the eyes and inviting. As you open it up, it gives you the impression: "I can do this!" While the book is broken down into readings / reflections of 52 weeks (7 days a week), it is not dated, so if you miss a day or tow or more, you can pick up where you left off.
I received this book free from the publisher through book review program. The opinions are my own.
author: Doug Bender
date: 2012
publisher: Thomas Nelson
As the title suggests this is a daily reader. And no I haven't read the whole book yet.
The book feels like a daily devotional, but it's designed to be used in alignment with the Bible. Each day's entry contains a key verse, but the reader is encouraged to also read the larger context. Live Second covers a great deal of the Bible, but it is not a chronological or comprehensive Bible study. There are also web links, QR codes and suggested twitter hashtags to access I am Second films for further exploration of the day's theme.
The book helps the reader, clearly and Biblically, understand who should be - and needs to be - first. And with that understanding comes action: live it, tell it. Each day we are challenged to do something with what you have read and reflected on.
Live Second is a simple, even casual kind of book. The page layout is easy on the eyes and inviting. As you open it up, it gives you the impression: "I can do this!" While the book is broken down into readings / reflections of 52 weeks (7 days a week), it is not dated, so if you miss a day or tow or more, you can pick up where you left off.
I received this book free from the publisher through book review program. The opinions are my own.
December 6, 2012
live second: 365 Ways to Make Jesus First…
Wow, what a refreshing daily journey for folks at all walks of life. From those who consider themselves devout followers, sitting at the foot of the teacher, to those standing at the edge of the crowd, unsure, confused, but curious…this book is an awesome journey for all of us.
The book’s author, Doug Bender, promises this to be a “guidebook for travelers, a handbook for seekers and a motivational manual for the uninspired” – and he’s the hit the nail on the head!
This is a challenge to all of us to evaluate what our lives would look life if we put Christ first – not our jobs, not our friends, not our spouses, not even our children, but Jesus first. Live second.
If you are curious about what this “Jesus stuff” is all about, if you are a broken believer who needs some encouragement, or if you are a content Christian who needs a challenge to, I strongly encourage you to pick up a copy of this book and start your own journey!
Wow, what a refreshing daily journey for folks at all walks of life. From those who consider themselves devout followers, sitting at the foot of the teacher, to those standing at the edge of the crowd, unsure, confused, but curious…this book is an awesome journey for all of us.
The book’s author, Doug Bender, promises this to be a “guidebook for travelers, a handbook for seekers and a motivational manual for the uninspired” – and he’s the hit the nail on the head!
This is a challenge to all of us to evaluate what our lives would look life if we put Christ first – not our jobs, not our friends, not our spouses, not even our children, but Jesus first. Live second.
If you are curious about what this “Jesus stuff” is all about, if you are a broken believer who needs some encouragement, or if you are a content Christian who needs a challenge to, I strongly encourage you to pick up a copy of this book and start your own journey!
April 3, 2016
This book is for anyone who is looking to enhance their relationship with God along with those who have reached the end of their rope and are tired of this world's misgivings. If you are ready to give God control and be the type of character he intended us to be...Live Second is the answer. Learning to lean on Jesus and fully submit our wills is difficult because it goes against our human nature but with God's Spirit we can overcome all obstacles. There is no greater joy than living in the service of our King and our brothers and sisters. Step by step and day by day Doug Bender gives us inspiration to continue on this sacred journey. The writer supplies the student with plenty of support through online resources and websites. We all can be the light that this dark world so badly needs, can you think of a higher calling? This marvelous book is easy to read and understand and will be an uplift to the spirits of those who read it. I am grateful to Booksneeze for the opportunity to review this book which is life-changing in exchange for my honest review.
December 27, 2012
One of my New Year’s Resolutions is to make my daily walk in faith more of a priority. I was given this book by BookSneeze.com in exchange for a fair and honest review and it has been a real blessing.
Each day of this daily devotional truly makes you think and dig down deep into yourself. Being a Christian is hard in today’s time, taking the time out to put Jesus first is difficult. I am going to incorporate this devotional along with a couple others in my daily walk.
I am really satisfied with how the devotional was laid out. There really wasn’t a lot of “Bible thumping” at all. It is practical, it was written for every person from every walk of life. It is beautifully compiled and I loved all the personal stories that were included. I really love the I Am Second movement and the simple (but powerful) message behind it. We are all second compared to Jesus.
Each day of this daily devotional truly makes you think and dig down deep into yourself. Being a Christian is hard in today’s time, taking the time out to put Jesus first is difficult. I am going to incorporate this devotional along with a couple others in my daily walk.
I am really satisfied with how the devotional was laid out. There really wasn’t a lot of “Bible thumping” at all. It is practical, it was written for every person from every walk of life. It is beautifully compiled and I loved all the personal stories that were included. I really love the I Am Second movement and the simple (but powerful) message behind it. We are all second compared to Jesus.
May 8, 2013
Live Second, An I am Second Daily Devotional is a creative daily devotional. The daily readings are taken from the Old and New Testaments with a few questions to help the reader to engage with the passage. The entry for the first day of the week has a link for an inspiring "iamsecond" video profiling celebrities but most often ordinary people and how they are learning to put Jesus first in their lives. There are also suggested twitter hashtags to enable the reader to tweet their thoughts about any of the entries.
This is an excellent resource for anyone who is looking for a fresh way to make space in their lives to focus on Jesus and his message.
Chris Barrett
(note: this book has been provided courtesy of Graf-Martin Communications and Thomas Nelson in exchange for an honest review)
This is an excellent resource for anyone who is looking for a fresh way to make space in their lives to focus on Jesus and his message.
Chris Barrett
(note: this book has been provided courtesy of Graf-Martin Communications and Thomas Nelson in exchange for an honest review)
March 21, 2013
A really neat idea for a devotional, Live Second provides daily readings to help people establish a value of putting their faith first in their lives. But this is no run-of-the-mill devotional. Bender works at turning one's devotional time into a social network, providing links to on-line videos of celebrities from different backgrounds telling their faith stories, suggested hashtags for sharing reflections on twitter, and inserting smart tags for allowing interaction with your phone. I'm not sure the intended audience, but to me, it would be a great gift teens or a recent graduate.
(This book was provided courtesy of Graf-Martin Communications and Thomas Nelson Publishing in exchange for an honest review)
(This book was provided courtesy of Graf-Martin Communications and Thomas Nelson Publishing in exchange for an honest review)
December 31, 2013
I am afraid this devotional fell short of what its subtitle claims, "365 Ways. . .". That had me expecting more variety, but half the readings seemed like they were just variations on the same theme.
The first few weeks were spent outlining basic Christianity, new believers, or perhaps soon to be believers, would get more out of that.
The best part of the book was the weekly videos. And the introduction. The twitter hashtags were an interesting idea for a devotional, but far too often I did not find the content interesting enough, or challenging enough, to be worth tweeting about.
The first few weeks were spent outlining basic Christianity, new believers, or perhaps soon to be believers, would get more out of that.
The best part of the book was the weekly videos. And the introduction. The twitter hashtags were an interesting idea for a devotional, but far too often I did not find the content interesting enough, or challenging enough, to be worth tweeting about.
May 19, 2013
A great companion read to Bender's I Am Second. Whereas the original book included stories of faith and spiritual relationship from several famous people, "Live Second: 365 Ways to Make Jesus First" is full of daily devotionals to aid in the average reader helping to build/maintain/restore an active relationship with Jesus.
October 22, 2015
This was a great year-long devotional book. I really enjoyed the weekly videos which helped frame the format of the book and the questions with the recommendation to share via social media was also very helpful. I believe many others will find this to be a valuable addition to their discipleship process and aid their spiritual journey.
January 15, 2014
Well laid out book but not what I expected. Decided to give it as a gift. This is a daily devotional and think the committment would average 20 minutes a day to give it the time it deserves. I very much like their website and will stick with that though the book looks good.
January 11, 2015
Great daily devotional, probably best for a newer believer. Videos were very good. Some weeks were slogs, going over the exact same verses each day which you had studied the day before, with no new ideas or exposition. Only a few of those weeks though.
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February 9, 2015I posted a review on my blog: http://cookscrapcraft.blogspot.com/20...
March 7, 2013
It was really good, but since I checked the ebook out from the library, I had only 3 weeks to read 1 year's worth of material. : )
September 4, 2014
A book full of great testimonies of people making themselves second and putting Christ first in their lives. I like the videos that go with it on the iamsecond.com website, too.
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