Some parts of the reading was slightly boring with the research concepts from "The Art of War" even though you can see how the concepts relate to spiritual battles and warfare. She also gives concepts from old philosophers, biblical figures, and war or social leaders--usually I like research and insight but for some reason, it bored me.
However, I did like the concepts on prayer (2 key points from James):
(1) We are not asking the right source
(2) If we are asking, our motives are carnal (selfish and self-serving)
And this really moved me:
"Making mistakes comes with leadership. If you are to succeed and become great, you must take risks. And in taking risks, there is always a chance of failure. But successful people start where failures finish. You must take courage and never buckle under the weight of criticism or the fear of failure. Failure gives relevance and significance to success. Failure and success exist on opposite ends of the same continuum." (pp. 90-91). I really loved where successful people start where failures finish; we are able to pick up the pieces, become wiser and smarter, and will move forward regardless of what took place. I love this life, and appear successful in others eyes, but I give all my glory to God.
"People complain that their prayers don't get answered for this very reason: They don't live by prayer depending on God...building their faith day by day." (page 84, paraphrased). I had a lady come on my program last month, saying, "Why doesn't God answer my prayers and hasn't done anything for me lately!" This is probably why? And I would add, obedience. Are we doing things for God to get something in return; or doing it because we love HIM!