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Glorious Mess: Encountering God's Relentless Grace for Imperfect People
Despite God's call on our lives, most of us spend a fair amount of time running in the other direction, chasing after our own plans and desires. Like Jonah, however, we eventually discover we've made a mess of things; we're rowing against the storms God is using to pull us back on course.
In Glorious Mess, Mike Howerton shows how God's relentless grace extends into all the messes we make in our lives, that God clearly reveals his love for imperfect people no matter how far we've strayed. He shows readers how to hear God's voice, how to embrace God's calling on their lives, how to get out of their messes, and how to see God working. The result is not just forgiveness and direction for life, but also encouragement and inspiration to be our best selves before God and others.
Includes discussion questions for group or personal use.
In Glorious Mess, Mike Howerton shows how God's relentless grace extends into all the messes we make in our lives, that God clearly reveals his love for imperfect people no matter how far we've strayed. He shows readers how to hear God's voice, how to embrace God's calling on their lives, how to get out of their messes, and how to see God working. The result is not just forgiveness and direction for life, but also encouragement and inspiration to be our best selves before God and others.
Includes discussion questions for group or personal use.
209 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 1, 2012
26 people are currently reading
235 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
August 25, 2025
Parts of this book were inspiring, parts were rambling, and I didn't really get. All in all, I enjoyed it for a one-time read.
July 20, 2018
The book is loosely built on the OT book of Jonah, but Mike spends ample space to broader topics of grace, and God and mercy and life that emanate from Jonah. Put another way, it's not an exposition of Jonah, but is inspired by Jonah.
It's good, but Howerton's continual (read: every other page) attempt to be witty or humorous was a bit of a distraction for me. It seemed at times that his strongest points were interrupted by parenthetical witticisms that distracted from the impact he intended or were, in my opinion, a stretch at humor but missed the mark. This is a constant effort throughout the book, not an occasional feature.
Overall though, he makes a case for God's grace in the mess of our lives and for that it's worth the read.
It's good, but Howerton's continual (read: every other page) attempt to be witty or humorous was a bit of a distraction for me. It seemed at times that his strongest points were interrupted by parenthetical witticisms that distracted from the impact he intended or were, in my opinion, a stretch at humor but missed the mark. This is a constant effort throughout the book, not an occasional feature.
Overall though, he makes a case for God's grace in the mess of our lives and for that it's worth the read.
March 22, 2024
(Pages 202)
Glorious Mess : encountering God's relentless grace for imperfect people by Mike Howerton
A well written, easily enjoyable, smooth reading book with a simple yet powerful message. God is graceful. Mike is a Pastor whom lives in Northern Seattle. He visits our church in Lake Stevens often and I personally really enjoy when he speaks. Reading his book, 1 of 2 that I have, both were gifts from Mike, reminds me of having a conversation with him. He will recite from the Bible, re-phrase, and almost always correlates the subject with a story of either his childhood or recent past. He also opens up with his personal journey and ties his family into it all. I feel that by doing so you gain a deeper understanding of the word and perhaps even think about it in a completely different manner.
I have always felt a connection with God, but it is one of those things I feel you never truly perfect. You will continously be improving or at least attempting to improve upon. Not going to lie this is my first Christian based book that wasn't the Bible, I enjoyed the context and look forward to reading more from Mike and others like him.
Glorious Mess : encountering God's relentless grace for imperfect people by Mike Howerton
A well written, easily enjoyable, smooth reading book with a simple yet powerful message. God is graceful. Mike is a Pastor whom lives in Northern Seattle. He visits our church in Lake Stevens often and I personally really enjoy when he speaks. Reading his book, 1 of 2 that I have, both were gifts from Mike, reminds me of having a conversation with him. He will recite from the Bible, re-phrase, and almost always correlates the subject with a story of either his childhood or recent past. He also opens up with his personal journey and ties his family into it all. I feel that by doing so you gain a deeper understanding of the word and perhaps even think about it in a completely different manner.
I have always felt a connection with God, but it is one of those things I feel you never truly perfect. You will continously be improving or at least attempting to improve upon. Not going to lie this is my first Christian based book that wasn't the Bible, I enjoyed the context and look forward to reading more from Mike and others like him.
August 11, 2024
I mean, I could easily put this on three stars, but it really is a tad better if you consider the target audience of the book. It is a commentary on the book of Jonah, as well as a trying-to-be-over-the-top-funny preacher. Some personal anecdotes are good, but most I felt were too long and had very little of a message to provide to the whole. I have grown to like the more serious books, but even now I do look forward to read one of these pastor books for encouragement and inpouring of some biblical truths in order to top up my faith a bit.
January 10, 2017
This is a down to earth book using Jonah as an example of imperfect people being overwhelmed by God's grace. Mike Howerton is a cheerleader and encourager. He shows how God uses us in the midst of our messes, not just after He cleans us up. An easy and blessed read.
November 30, 2014
I got this for free from gospelebooks.com (well worth checking out by the way). I never heard of the author so I went in it pretty blind, but I'm hoping he continues to write books as I simply loved his style. It's vulnerable, comical, and deep at the same.
The pace is refreshing as well. Where other authors might camp out on certain points for deeper context (or even to simply show off their theological prowess) he lets each point sink in with clarity and precision.
This book took me by surprise. I actually went into it thinking I'd race through it and move on to something else, but it has made an unexpected impact.
Highly recommended for anyone, but it's definitely aiming to reach those starting out their journey of faith and perhaps feeling "out of Gods league" due to past or present hang ups.
The pace is refreshing as well. Where other authors might camp out on certain points for deeper context (or even to simply show off their theological prowess) he lets each point sink in with clarity and precision.
This book took me by surprise. I actually went into it thinking I'd race through it and move on to something else, but it has made an unexpected impact.
Highly recommended for anyone, but it's definitely aiming to reach those starting out their journey of faith and perhaps feeling "out of Gods league" due to past or present hang ups.
April 15, 2014
Christians often think they can't respond to God's call on their lives because they're not good enough or smart enough or enough, but God wants to use us now, no matter how messy our lives are. The author uses Jonah as an example of someone who made a mess of his call--what could be messier than spending three days in the belly of a fish!--but God relentlessly pursued Jonah until he finally did what he was supposed to. Then Jonah still wasn't satisfied--he didn't want God to show grace and mercy to Nineveh. But in spite of Jonah's original disobedience and his complaints and resentment, God showed Jonah the same grace he showed to the people of Nineveh. He will show the same grace to us today if we respond to His call, no matter how imperfect we are.
February 3, 2016
Loved this book and the way the author used personal stories to show how God works in everyday lives like he has forever and will continue to do.
Lighthearted but has very good information and was easy to understand. It wasn't overloaded with alot of preaching but with great practical information and how to move forward from the mess you are in! Don't miss reading this.
Lighthearted but has very good information and was easy to understand. It wasn't overloaded with alot of preaching but with great practical information and how to move forward from the mess you are in! Don't miss reading this.
July 24, 2013
Read this book with my men's bible study group. Every chapter was filled with down to earth, relatable stories. Mike Howerton pulls you into the story of Jonah in a fresh way and tells stories on himself that will keep you laughing and bring home some truth.
March 16, 2013
This was a really great book. I read it with my 13 year old son and we both got a lot out of it. It was great time with my son as well as providing encouragement and education about how God uses us, even in the midst of our mess. I would highly recommend this book.
August 8, 2013
Funny and interesting read. The author is pretty transparent and shows that pastors are people too. He shares many funny stories and good points about life, love, and God.
February 7, 2015
Loved this book... Edifying and entertaining. Love the authors style and humor. Highly recommend.
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews