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The 10-Second Rule: Following Jesus made simple
The 10-Second Rule empowers readers to take simple “baby steps” of obedience, as God directs them to do the next thing they are reasonably certain Jesus wants them to do – and to do it quickly before they change their minds. The simple rule is this: Just do the next thing you’re reasonably certain Jesus wants you to do—and do it within the next 10 seconds.
241 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 28, 2011
67 people are currently reading
489 people want to read
About the author
Clare De Graaf
7 books9 followersI’m a businessman, elder in one of the more conservative mega churches in Grand Rapids, Michigan and for over 25 years a full time spiritual mentor of men. I love introducing people to Jesus and truth from God’s perspective. I’m also an NPR listener and student of our culture because I want to understand how the world and a younger generation think, so I’m prepared to engage in conversations which are true to the Bible, intellectually honest and gracious.
Following Jesus is the only hope I have of living this life with purpose, energy and expectation. I hope to end my days on earth still meeting young men at Starbucks who have no interest in God, being the patriarch of my family, cheering them on to godliness, making sad people smile and the lonely – laugh, giving the poor hope, pointing wayward men back to their families, teaching the whole counsel of God and keeping myself unstained – God’s reputation and mine intact.
Following Jesus is the only hope I have of living this life with purpose, energy and expectation. I hope to end my days on earth still meeting young men at Starbucks who have no interest in God, being the patriarch of my family, cheering them on to godliness, making sad people smile and the lonely – laugh, giving the poor hope, pointing wayward men back to their families, teaching the whole counsel of God and keeping myself unstained – God’s reputation and mine intact.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews
February 27, 2013
If you are bored with your life and tired of a joyless existence, read this book! really read it!
I have now read both versions of this book; the second even more challenging than the first. I found myself relating to the beige christian life while desiring and hoping for a vibrant colorful spirit-filled life and to impart that to my children. The author gives practical ideas on how to be the hands and feet of Jesus to others which has been beautiful to engage in as a family. I feel that i have eyes to see these opportunities as they are presented. May the Spirit awaken his Church through these little acts of obedience.
I have now read both versions of this book; the second even more challenging than the first. I found myself relating to the beige christian life while desiring and hoping for a vibrant colorful spirit-filled life and to impart that to my children. The author gives practical ideas on how to be the hands and feet of Jesus to others which has been beautiful to engage in as a family. I feel that i have eyes to see these opportunities as they are presented. May the Spirit awaken his Church through these little acts of obedience.
February 17, 2013
Clare DeGraaf has written a convicting instruction manual on how to deliberately navigate a life that begins to eliminate the conflicts of the rules of the world: the rules we invent, the rules of the culture, or the rules of our family. Clare has been teaching and mentoring people for decades on what he calls “The 10 Second Rule.”
“In the next ten seconds, just do the next thing you’re reasonably certain Jesus wants you to do.”
The sneaky time-twist on the ancient WWJD idea is exactly where this concept gets meaningful. Clare tells dozens of stories of people who face common temptations, opportunities, invitations and interruptions along their path, who’ve learned the miraculous joy of acting on the impulse to love the way God would have us love. Most of all, DeGraaf tells each story with a heart genuinely filled with humble understanding and grace.
Of course it's disruptive. Jesus is disruptive. But Clare shows us we too can be this bold.
“In the next ten seconds, just do the next thing you’re reasonably certain Jesus wants you to do.”
The sneaky time-twist on the ancient WWJD idea is exactly where this concept gets meaningful. Clare tells dozens of stories of people who face common temptations, opportunities, invitations and interruptions along their path, who’ve learned the miraculous joy of acting on the impulse to love the way God would have us love. Most of all, DeGraaf tells each story with a heart genuinely filled with humble understanding and grace.
Of course it's disruptive. Jesus is disruptive. But Clare shows us we too can be this bold.
June 15, 2024
Wow. This book is convicting! If you're looking to keep living a comfortable, lukewarm Christian life, this book is not for you. But if you want to follow Jesus and live as he did, this book is an excellent tool for putting that into practice in everyday ways!
It's an easy, quick read, and well-written. Clare is extremely transparent and gives voice to some of the excuses we (or at least I) use to avoid obedience. He also amazing stories of how people have used these principles and God has changed lives (their own as well as others). I'd absolutely recommend it!
It's an easy, quick read, and well-written. Clare is extremely transparent and gives voice to some of the excuses we (or at least I) use to avoid obedience. He also amazing stories of how people have used these principles and God has changed lives (their own as well as others). I'd absolutely recommend it!
February 23, 2013
OH MY GOSH! This is what I have been looking for to really try and transform the congregation I serve. This is what I have been trying to say with limited success. This book is concise, relevant, and absolutely what every Christian needs to read!
October 8, 2019
If you are want to follow Jesus with life as well as words, this book is a challenge to do that.
We all have times we know we should have spoken to someone or did a kind act to encourage someone. But when you understand that these times are really prompts by the Holy Spirit, and that ignoring them is actually disobedience, then you realise you have to plan to follow.
If you can act on these prompts quickly, it is less likely that you will worry about how it will look, what you will have to give and how much time you may have to give up. So choosing to include this Rule of 10 seconds into your life, can help you get in the habit of obeying more swiftly.
I think this is a very good idea. It is good to read the book and discover the thoughts and experiences that have gone with the concepts for Mr. De Graff. But I think it is also good to read through, stopping here and there and talking to God about how He would have you use the ideas in your walk with Him. Adapt them to your life and the good work He has created you to do as part of His plan. For instance, you may not be able to go out and about to see homeless or have an income that enables you to carry sums in your pocket to give away. But, you may be able to send notes of encouragement, texts, emails, etc. You may be able to stop right there when prompted, and pray for someone-or even pray a blessing for a sad stranger you walk past, or a hurting fellow patient in a Dr’s waiting room.
And it is good that the author has included the phrase about reasonable certain Jesus wants you to do. There have been plenty of people caught out by rules set up by men that lead to harm. Moving somewhere without really seeing if it is best for you and your family, giving to the point that your children suffer, or an elderly person does without heating because an evangelist says to send for their project.
So in reading the book, realise it isn’t about following one more list from another how to get closer to Jesus book. But it has to be about preplanning to follow Jesus in those moments of still small voice saying; “ This is someone I love. This is what I want you to do for them.”
To be His hands and feet, as they say.
We all have times we know we should have spoken to someone or did a kind act to encourage someone. But when you understand that these times are really prompts by the Holy Spirit, and that ignoring them is actually disobedience, then you realise you have to plan to follow.
If you can act on these prompts quickly, it is less likely that you will worry about how it will look, what you will have to give and how much time you may have to give up. So choosing to include this Rule of 10 seconds into your life, can help you get in the habit of obeying more swiftly.
I think this is a very good idea. It is good to read the book and discover the thoughts and experiences that have gone with the concepts for Mr. De Graff. But I think it is also good to read through, stopping here and there and talking to God about how He would have you use the ideas in your walk with Him. Adapt them to your life and the good work He has created you to do as part of His plan. For instance, you may not be able to go out and about to see homeless or have an income that enables you to carry sums in your pocket to give away. But, you may be able to send notes of encouragement, texts, emails, etc. You may be able to stop right there when prompted, and pray for someone-or even pray a blessing for a sad stranger you walk past, or a hurting fellow patient in a Dr’s waiting room.
And it is good that the author has included the phrase about reasonable certain Jesus wants you to do. There have been plenty of people caught out by rules set up by men that lead to harm. Moving somewhere without really seeing if it is best for you and your family, giving to the point that your children suffer, or an elderly person does without heating because an evangelist says to send for their project.
So in reading the book, realise it isn’t about following one more list from another how to get closer to Jesus book. But it has to be about preplanning to follow Jesus in those moments of still small voice saying; “ This is someone I love. This is what I want you to do for them.”
To be His hands and feet, as they say.
April 16, 2022
This book is simple and encouraging. DeGraaf writes in a way that brings practical help to Christians of all maturities. Whether you’ve been following Jesus a week or a number of decades this book challenges to put feet to your faith and make pre-decisions in life to be faithful. It all revolves around this question, “what are you reasonably sure Jesus wants you to do?” Well whatever that is, commit in the next 10 seconds that you’ll do it. Anything longer than that and we all find a way to talk ourselves out of living the kind of lives we’ve always wanted.
March 4, 2019
A simple way to become more attentive to the voice of God. A most helpful book as we prepare for Lent and, coincidentally, puts a strong emphasis on the book of Luke (a Sunday School class on this book was just completed last month). The author is on Facebook and has a blog at https://www.claredegraaf.com/
December 4, 2019
Just do it!
Excellent read with resources available to help me walk in obedience to Jesus. I can relate to the stories of others and often feel the conviction in my heart but talk myself out of it. Looking forward to the 10 for 30 challenge!
Excellent read with resources available to help me walk in obedience to Jesus. I can relate to the stories of others and often feel the conviction in my heart but talk myself out of it. Looking forward to the 10 for 30 challenge!
Read
April 12, 2021Do the next thing I am reasonably sure Jesus wants me to do. And do it in 10-seconds before I talk my self out of it.
That’s the 10-second rule.
Are you reasonably sure Jesus wants you to do this?
10, 9, 8, 7, ....
That’s the 10-second rule.
Are you reasonably sure Jesus wants you to do this?
10, 9, 8, 7, ....
April 15, 2021
A short, practical read calling us to put our faith into action and respond to the promptings we as Christ followers often explain away or ignore.
August 28, 2023
Life-changing for my walk with the Lord
January 9, 2016
The 10 Second Rule: Following Jesus Made Simple is a quick read with a large impact. The 10 Second Rule is summed up in the books second chapter, which is entitled, “Just do the next thing you’re reasonably certain Jesus wants you do to.” Typically, this decision can be made within 10 seconds of the task being presented. After 10 seconds, you’re likely to allow fear, doubt, or laziness prevent you from doing what you already know should be done.
People often wonder how to recognize when God is providing direction for what should be done. The author reminds us that we already have our “standing orders,” what God has already told us to do in the Bible. We also receive “special instructions” from God that are more personalized.
This book will have you recalling several occasions in which God may have spoken to you, but you decided to take a different direction in life. The author eloquently compares life to a baseball game where you are the pitcher and Jesus is the catcher. Jesus tells you what type of pitch you should throw and you ignore it or look to others for direction that you feel more comfortable with. Knowing that you aren’t going to follow direction anyway, Jesus stops telling you what to pitch.
The book offers scripture and other examples of reluctant people to support being a servant of God and not merely relying on God’s grace for forgiveness after ignoring God’s directions. Truly a book to make you rethink what you bring to your relationship with God.
People often wonder how to recognize when God is providing direction for what should be done. The author reminds us that we already have our “standing orders,” what God has already told us to do in the Bible. We also receive “special instructions” from God that are more personalized.
This book will have you recalling several occasions in which God may have spoken to you, but you decided to take a different direction in life. The author eloquently compares life to a baseball game where you are the pitcher and Jesus is the catcher. Jesus tells you what type of pitch you should throw and you ignore it or look to others for direction that you feel more comfortable with. Knowing that you aren’t going to follow direction anyway, Jesus stops telling you what to pitch.
The book offers scripture and other examples of reluctant people to support being a servant of God and not merely relying on God’s grace for forgiveness after ignoring God’s directions. Truly a book to make you rethink what you bring to your relationship with God.
December 20, 2015
The 10 Second Rule: Following Jesus Made Simple is a quick read with a large impact. The 10 Second Rule is summed up in the books second chapter, which is entitled, “Just do the next thing you’re reasonably certain Jesus wants you do to.” Typically, this decision can be made within 10 seconds of the task being presented. After 10 seconds, you’re likely to allow fear, doubt, or laziness prevent you from doing what you already know should be done.
People often wonder how to recognize when God is providing direction for what should be done. The author reminds us that we already have our “standing orders,” what God has already told us to do in the Bible. We also receive “special instructions” from God that are more personalized.
This book will have you recalling several occasions in which God may have spoken to you, but you decided to take a different direction in life. The author eloquently compares life to a baseball game where you are the pitcher and Jesus is the catcher. Jesus tells you what type of pitch you should throw and you ignore it or look to others for direction that you feel more comfortable with. Knowing that you aren’t going to follow direction anyway, Jesus stops telling you what to pitch.
The book offers scripture and other examples of reluctant people to support being a servant of God and not merely relying on God’s grace for forgiveness after ignoring God’s directions. Truly a book to make you rethink what you bring to your relationship with God.
People often wonder how to recognize when God is providing direction for what should be done. The author reminds us that we already have our “standing orders,” what God has already told us to do in the Bible. We also receive “special instructions” from God that are more personalized.
This book will have you recalling several occasions in which God may have spoken to you, but you decided to take a different direction in life. The author eloquently compares life to a baseball game where you are the pitcher and Jesus is the catcher. Jesus tells you what type of pitch you should throw and you ignore it or look to others for direction that you feel more comfortable with. Knowing that you aren’t going to follow direction anyway, Jesus stops telling you what to pitch.
The book offers scripture and other examples of reluctant people to support being a servant of God and not merely relying on God’s grace for forgiveness after ignoring God’s directions. Truly a book to make you rethink what you bring to your relationship with God.
August 31, 2013
There have been many popular "how to" books for Christians over the years (i.e. The Purpose Driven Life, etc.). While they serve a purpose and can be used as a tool to help us know and understand more of our Creator, sometimes their message can get watered down simply by the fact that the book has been embraced by so many people. The 10-second Rule is not that type of book. Its message is not a "hop on today's 'here to day gone tomorrow' spiritual bandwagon" approach. It wouldn't matter if this book was picked up by someone 10 years from now, its relevance would be just as fresh as it is today. It simply states this: If you sense God prompting you to do something....do it quickly, before you talk yourself out of it. In a word, the book is about obedience.
Clare DeGraaf writes from the heart. Reading this book feels like you are sitting in a coffee shop with a guy who is sharing stories about how quickly his acted upon obedience has changed his relationship with Christ. It has helped him to know Him better. Who doesn't want that? Not only is he sharing his stories, but he is sharing his struggles as well. He talks about how he will never attain pure obedience to Christ in his life but that is it is still incredibly important to pursue. This is a book worth reading and rereading!
Clare DeGraaf writes from the heart. Reading this book feels like you are sitting in a coffee shop with a guy who is sharing stories about how quickly his acted upon obedience has changed his relationship with Christ. It has helped him to know Him better. Who doesn't want that? Not only is he sharing his stories, but he is sharing his struggles as well. He talks about how he will never attain pure obedience to Christ in his life but that is it is still incredibly important to pursue. This is a book worth reading and rereading!
April 7, 2016
It’s not rocket science. When you feel that nudge to do something extraordinarily kind yet beyond the mundane, you should just do it. Unfortunately, most of us have trained ourselves to resist such challenges to our comfort, using every excuse in our arsenal: it might mess up an already busy schedule, it might embarrass me in front of my friends, I might not do it well, I might get taken advantage of, my retirement account might not grow as quickly, or it might not really be God asking it of me, etc. Clare Degraaf, through this simple time-tested rule, shows us that to not obey is quite simply sin. We need to retrain ourselves to obey, and obey quickly, when we hear that still small voice in what Degraaf calls areas of “entry-level obedience.” He uses logic against our quailing psyches, arguing that the worst that could happen as a result of spontaneous obedience is that something good gets done in the world, or perhaps a temptation will be resisted successfully. DeGraaf urges us to allow for uncertainty, to press forward in childlike faith, recognizing more and more the voice of the Lord.
June 27, 2013
Ok, let me start out by saying that I have no objections to the 10 second rule in general. I don't even have too many objections to taking a simple concept such as listening to the Holy Spirit and repackaging it with a snappy name to make it appeal to a certain group of people (maybe I should, but I don't). What I do object to is a topic that really would require only a book of about half the size taking up a book this size with filler material. Really, the concept could have been explained in a pamphlet, yet the author wasted my time with an entire book. There were also numerous instances of "evangelicalizing" in this book that made me cringe. You DO NOT have to "do stuff" to make Jesus love you! I only recommend this book if you feel that you can handle wading through this nonsense.
March 12, 2013
This book as some good thoughts about doing good things and acting on our faith it felt way to much like works righteousness to me.
I would agree that too often we spend too much time thinking about what we should do and too little actually doing it but I think there are way too many people making 10 second decisions that should take a little thought.
If you are looking for something simple to get you starting in doing something with your faith other than thinking about it this might be a good start. If you are looking for something that will deepen you in your faith journey and inspire you to deeper faith I think this comes up short.
Too many great books on the market for me to put this on my recommended reading list.
I would agree that too often we spend too much time thinking about what we should do and too little actually doing it but I think there are way too many people making 10 second decisions that should take a little thought.
If you are looking for something simple to get you starting in doing something with your faith other than thinking about it this might be a good start. If you are looking for something that will deepen you in your faith journey and inspire you to deeper faith I think this comes up short.
Too many great books on the market for me to put this on my recommended reading list.
December 31, 2013
This was a pretty good book, but there wasn't a whole lot to it. The authors style was pretty good, he's very honest about his own flaws, which is pretty refreshing, and I appreciate it. It was actually a very quick read, only a few hours spread over a couple of days. The author tells you what the ten second rule is, why most people don't follow it, and ways to improve your ability to follow it, and why you should. That's about it. He tells some stories of people who have followed the rule, some personal stories. It's not bad, but it could also be a magazine article and not lose anything.
March 5, 2013
This book came to me as a friend recommendation on good reads. All I can say is "I am on fire for The Lord!" If you think it is tough to get out and evangelize, read this book. The author has a concise plan for following Jesus, and it is so EASY! You will kick yourselves for thinking you could never do it. Just go out and Read this book! I can not wait to share with my husband and together go out there in our own backyards and make a difference. Thank you Pastor Rich for the recommendation, and thank you Clare DeGraaf for being the inspiration to get my spark back!
March 27, 2014
I think everyone does it – ignores or reasons away that inner voice telling you to do something out of your comfort zone. Clare De Graaf who is a West Michigan native and who admits to having a fear of failure writes in a manner that I found very easy to relate to about acting on those impulses rather than over thinking and missing the opportunities to live more like Jesus. If your spiritual life has become routine, predictable, unfulfilling – beige, “you’ve prayed for the Holy Spirit to rekindle the fire” then I would recommend this book for you.
April 11, 2013
I did not like this book because it was a bunch of fluff. I would relate it to a cake cookbook that tells you to bake a cake whenever you feel like it, but doesn't tell you how to bake a cake. He kept saying act on what God is telling you to do, but never really commented on how you know it is God telling you to do it and not just you. It felt like he woke up one day and was like,"I'm going to write a book!"
May 22, 2013
I had my doubts about this book. Many "simple" plans leave so much out. And while I still have doubts about the wisdom of having all believers follow whatever impulse they believe God is leading them to I believe the author has addressed many of my concerns.
If everyone committed to trying to do the will of God and was less con earned with theology, doctrine and their personal ledger of good deeds maybe we would be in a better place.
If everyone committed to trying to do the will of God and was less con earned with theology, doctrine and their personal ledger of good deeds maybe we would be in a better place.
June 5, 2012
This book is a call to action in the theme of WWJD, but without the trite, pop culture overtones. De Graaf lays out a compelling case for how to listen to our inner voice. I have started applying the lessons in this little book to my life, and have found it to be very rewarding. I highly recommend it.
February 21, 2013
A fantastic book about being obedient. A wake up call to stop making excuses which I do more often than doing the right things in spontaneous moments of opportunity to act Christ like. Not a Christian? I would still urge you to read this to learn how to train yourself to be a more decent and helpful person.
October 9, 2017
Fantastic and fast read about how to immediately and fully obey the Holy Spirit's prompting in your life. I've gifted this book to many and will continue to do so as I think it's foundational information for anyone trying to follow Jesus.
May 9, 2013
What would life be like if we were immediately obedient to the urgings of the Holy Spirit? The author encourages us to follow through (within 10 seconds) the next thing the Spirit tells us and watch for the amazing impact on ourselves as well as the world. Challenging and thought- provoking.
December 3, 2018
This book isn't magic. It is a simple principle that may help you take deeper steps into following Jesus.
Worth the read and the challenge. It has changed the way I view notions that come into my mind and heart.
Worth the read and the challenge. It has changed the way I view notions that come into my mind and heart.
July 7, 2014
the conversation my book club had was far better than the actual book. The biggest turn off for me was that he wrote from such a positive of privilege. it read as almost a how to be a better Christian if you're a rich white person. just not my cup of tea.
March 26, 2024
This is the third time I have read this book over the past 10 years. Obviously I feel it is well worth it and I have passed it on to others. “Just do the next thing that you are reasonably certain Jesus wants you to do, and do it within the next 10 seconds”
February 28, 2023
One of my favorite books that I read about once a year. It helps me remember that little moments are Holy Spirit moments where I am getting the chance to minister to others. What is the next reasonable thing God is asking you to do? Don’t talk yourself out of it...do it!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews