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PUSH: Pray Until Something Happens: Divine Principles for Praying with Confidence, Discerning God's Will, and Blessing Others
This revolutionary book will explain what God wants for and from us when we petition Him for his will to manifest "on Earth as it is in Heaven," and how to understand the difference.
Do you ever feel as if, despite your spirituality and faith, something significant is missing? Most teenagers and college students, as well as tens of millions of adults, are still striving to figure out the purpose and meaning of their lives.
The natural struggle for faith in something intangible can be compounded by incorrect teachings and contradictory explanations of the workings of God in our lives. How does "free will" really work? What does it mean to ask for God's will? When things happen in life, how do you really know whether that is God's will? Is there really any point in praying for His will if we can't influence it?
These haunting personal questions became the genesis of "PUSH" as Matthesius sought answers. Now, he unpacks the powerful biblical truths he learned--the result of deep revelation from discovering God and constantly seeking to know him with all his heart.
"PUSH" is about helping you discover God's dream for your life so you become the blessing you were meant to be. It is about helping you truly embrace the power of prayer and understand what that means instead of simply treating it as a platitude you offer when someone is struggling. This book will instill confidence and promote vision. "PUSH" will stir you to take action, to remain vigilant, and "Pray Until Something Happens."
Do you ever feel as if, despite your spirituality and faith, something significant is missing? Most teenagers and college students, as well as tens of millions of adults, are still striving to figure out the purpose and meaning of their lives.
The natural struggle for faith in something intangible can be compounded by incorrect teachings and contradictory explanations of the workings of God in our lives. How does "free will" really work? What does it mean to ask for God's will? When things happen in life, how do you really know whether that is God's will? Is there really any point in praying for His will if we can't influence it?
These haunting personal questions became the genesis of "PUSH" as Matthesius sought answers. Now, he unpacks the powerful biblical truths he learned--the result of deep revelation from discovering God and constantly seeking to know him with all his heart.
"PUSH" is about helping you discover God's dream for your life so you become the blessing you were meant to be. It is about helping you truly embrace the power of prayer and understand what that means instead of simply treating it as a platitude you offer when someone is struggling. This book will instill confidence and promote vision. "PUSH" will stir you to take action, to remain vigilant, and "Pray Until Something Happens."
221 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 5, 2014
83 people are currently reading
213 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
March 5, 2015
I had trouble connecting with this book and the author's message. I felt there was a lot of useful information and the author is obviously very knowledgeable. But I felt the first few chapters were like an infomercial. It seemed to keep saying "stick around for this!" or "but wait, there's more!" That eventually stopped. Then the repetition began. I understand wanting to get a point across, but it became clear after a few times. Then I started thinking "Is there something I'm not understanding?" Because points were just repeated in different ways (I'm guilty of doing this when I was in college because I wanted to meet the length requirements for the papers I was writing). I felt the author sometimes strayed from the topic too, which was sometimes confusing. It was all interesting. But I also didn't always agree with his beliefs. It was minor things, like the speaking in tongues for example.
But putting all that aside, I did learn from this book and I think that many people looking to build their faith could also learn from this.
But putting all that aside, I did learn from this book and I think that many people looking to build their faith could also learn from this.
July 4, 2015
Love this book! It is a fresh and exciting look at prayer. I felt like the Holy Spirit was talking to me. I keep re-reading parts then stopping to pray. It made me look at some things differently and my prayer life is much stronger. A great book that will definitely refresh your prayer life!
March 26, 2016
This book was nothing short of incredible. It is EXACTLY what I needed right now.
It IS a bit on the repetitious side, but the personal stories the author relates are great. Well, some of them seem kind of unbelievable, but isn't that what faith is about? Believing what you can't see, smell, touch or feel, but trusting that God is there and loves you very much?
Though the book wasn't about God's love. Nothing so simple as that.
Basically, Satan has already lost. He was kicked out of heaven, into time, putting an expiration date on how long he can fight before he's dumped into hell. He's already lost, BUT that doesn't mean he has given up TRYING. His goal is to hurt God and the only way he can do that is to turn God's creation, His love, US away from Him and to Satan. We are a pawn in Satan's battle with God.
But we aren't powerless. Satan has power, true, but God has power AND AUTHORITY and He has given that power and authority to us. We can access that power and authority through Jesus Christ in prayer.
And boy, do we and the world need it. Just look at all of the evil happening day in, day out. That isn't God's perfect will for us, but it falls under His permissible will.
Contrary to the belief of many, God is not the author of ills or evil. Yes He is all powerful, but He allows it. Why? Because He gave every single human being on this planet FREE WILL. Which means, even though God CAN control us, He has told us that He WON'T. We aren't puppets. We are free to choose Him, or not Him. And when we choose not Him, we by default choose the other one. Which makes Satan happy and saddens God.
So we pray. We pray to push back the darkness and to bring God's kingdom to earth. We don't pray passively. We pray with authority and power and belief through Christ AND we have to act in the same way, acting out God's will of peace and love.
Faith without acts is dead. We can't just pray, "God save us" and then sit back and expect Him to do all of the heavy lifting. God works THROUGH us, through anything and anyone He chooses. So act. God could be working through you and you don't even know it! But He can only do that if we ACT as well as pray.
This author is a prayer warrior. I'm just a baby, taking my first steps on my faith journey it feels. I do NOT feel half as able as this author was and is, to hear and obey God. But this book was more encouraging then depressing. The author doesn't come off as "holier than thou". He's not rubbing his awesomeness in the face of the reader. He's sharing his life experiences so others can grow in faith and start praying with belief, conviction and authority through Christ.
I really needed this book now. I have been struggling for years with how to pray, what to pray, WHY to pray when it doesn't seem to DO anything. I mean, who hasn't prayer for world peace? And has it happened yet?
But this book shows that just praying isn't the answer, PUSH prayer and action are. I am so thankful for this book. It's scary. It acknowledges that evil DOES exist and that we ALL have targets on our backs, but with God, through prayer, we can help fight the darkness and have God's protection from the evils of the world.
It's not magic and it's not perfect. I could be the best prayer warrior in the world, but I can still get killed by a driver distracted by their cell phone. The free will of every single person can affect more than just themselves. So it's not a magical protection against life. Jesus said that there will be tribulations and trials, but we have something many people don't have, we have Him. And that makes all the difference.
Sorry, didn't mean to get all preachy there. But this book really touched me and hit all of the things I was searching for regarding the topic of prayer. It is a keeper and a re-read and I recommend it to everyone.
Five huge stars.
My thanks to NetGalley and Thomas Nelson--Hampton Group for an eARC copy of this book to read and review.
It IS a bit on the repetitious side, but the personal stories the author relates are great. Well, some of them seem kind of unbelievable, but isn't that what faith is about? Believing what you can't see, smell, touch or feel, but trusting that God is there and loves you very much?
Though the book wasn't about God's love. Nothing so simple as that.
Basically, Satan has already lost. He was kicked out of heaven, into time, putting an expiration date on how long he can fight before he's dumped into hell. He's already lost, BUT that doesn't mean he has given up TRYING. His goal is to hurt God and the only way he can do that is to turn God's creation, His love, US away from Him and to Satan. We are a pawn in Satan's battle with God.
But we aren't powerless. Satan has power, true, but God has power AND AUTHORITY and He has given that power and authority to us. We can access that power and authority through Jesus Christ in prayer.
And boy, do we and the world need it. Just look at all of the evil happening day in, day out. That isn't God's perfect will for us, but it falls under His permissible will.
Contrary to the belief of many, God is not the author of ills or evil. Yes He is all powerful, but He allows it. Why? Because He gave every single human being on this planet FREE WILL. Which means, even though God CAN control us, He has told us that He WON'T. We aren't puppets. We are free to choose Him, or not Him. And when we choose not Him, we by default choose the other one. Which makes Satan happy and saddens God.
So we pray. We pray to push back the darkness and to bring God's kingdom to earth. We don't pray passively. We pray with authority and power and belief through Christ AND we have to act in the same way, acting out God's will of peace and love.
Faith without acts is dead. We can't just pray, "God save us" and then sit back and expect Him to do all of the heavy lifting. God works THROUGH us, through anything and anyone He chooses. So act. God could be working through you and you don't even know it! But He can only do that if we ACT as well as pray.
This author is a prayer warrior. I'm just a baby, taking my first steps on my faith journey it feels. I do NOT feel half as able as this author was and is, to hear and obey God. But this book was more encouraging then depressing. The author doesn't come off as "holier than thou". He's not rubbing his awesomeness in the face of the reader. He's sharing his life experiences so others can grow in faith and start praying with belief, conviction and authority through Christ.
I really needed this book now. I have been struggling for years with how to pray, what to pray, WHY to pray when it doesn't seem to DO anything. I mean, who hasn't prayer for world peace? And has it happened yet?
But this book shows that just praying isn't the answer, PUSH prayer and action are. I am so thankful for this book. It's scary. It acknowledges that evil DOES exist and that we ALL have targets on our backs, but with God, through prayer, we can help fight the darkness and have God's protection from the evils of the world.
It's not magic and it's not perfect. I could be the best prayer warrior in the world, but I can still get killed by a driver distracted by their cell phone. The free will of every single person can affect more than just themselves. So it's not a magical protection against life. Jesus said that there will be tribulations and trials, but we have something many people don't have, we have Him. And that makes all the difference.
Sorry, didn't mean to get all preachy there. But this book really touched me and hit all of the things I was searching for regarding the topic of prayer. It is a keeper and a re-read and I recommend it to everyone.
Five huge stars.
My thanks to NetGalley and Thomas Nelson--Hampton Group for an eARC copy of this book to read and review.
February 13, 2017
I borrowed this book from a friend. She bought it when we visited his church C3 San Diego.
Jurgen is a wonderful speaker. You can literally see the love for God and the people at his church just bubbling out of him.
His book was no different. His voice comes across just as clear as if he was on the platform. Reading this came at the right time. I've been struggling with my prayer life. When I finally read this book, I was laying on the floor in my apartment just bawling and calling out to God. If this book does anything, it shows me why prayer is so important: so God's will is done on earth as it is in Heaven.
I'm already looking forward to reading it again in case I missed anything.
Jurgen is a wonderful speaker. You can literally see the love for God and the people at his church just bubbling out of him.
His book was no different. His voice comes across just as clear as if he was on the platform. Reading this came at the right time. I've been struggling with my prayer life. When I finally read this book, I was laying on the floor in my apartment just bawling and calling out to God. If this book does anything, it shows me why prayer is so important: so God's will is done on earth as it is in Heaven.
I'm already looking forward to reading it again in case I missed anything.
March 28, 2024
If your prayer life needs revitalization, then this is the book for you! Pastor Jurgen Matthesius does a masterful job in explaining what Gods sovereignty is, what prayer is and isn't, and how you can change your prayer life for the better. Prayer is not passive, but an invitation to an active relationship with God.
May 13, 2018
Fantastic
This is a fantastic book. It teaches on prayer in a very effective pratical way that will increase God's sway and blessing in your life. Every believer should read it. I am going to recommend it to my pastor.
This is a fantastic book. It teaches on prayer in a very effective pratical way that will increase God's sway and blessing in your life. Every believer should read it. I am going to recommend it to my pastor.
September 12, 2023
outstanding!
Wow! Eye opening book of truth. Keep praying and see Heaven come to earth in your life. As Jesus said in Luke 17v21 The Kingdom of God is within you. You can’t put this book.
Wow! Eye opening book of truth. Keep praying and see Heaven come to earth in your life. As Jesus said in Luke 17v21 The Kingdom of God is within you. You can’t put this book.
December 15, 2023
I highly recommend this book. the focus of the book is spiritual authority, living victoriously. The author tackles religious myths we may have heard of. The author's resource is the Bible, he teaches what the Bible teaches. The title refers to an attitude of not giving up, of pushing through.
January 7, 2019
Prayer and meditation helps you live a more balanced and fulfilled life. Everyone should embark on that journey
August 9, 2019
A Must-Read for All Christians!
I now understand that God’s perfect will isn’t being done on earth, but through prayer, we can change things! This is life-altering!
I now understand that God’s perfect will isn’t being done on earth, but through prayer, we can change things! This is life-altering!
December 8, 2014
I have been given a copy of this book from NetGalley so that I could read it and give my honest review.
I've always believe in God, just not organized religion. I have read plenty of religious and spiritual books. As I was reading this one (intuition told me to pick this), I could actually feel electricity all over me. I KNEW that GOD and Jesus were talking through Mr. Matthesius.Jugen writes like he is talking to an old friend. He is comfortable writing for us everyday people and not some academic journal. He is very relatable.
His message is that if you expect God to help you, you have got to PUSH, as in moving something heavy. You have to give God everything you've got. You can't be an armchair quarterback, then expect to play in the NFL You have to pray, and not just when things seem bleak. Jurgen gives many examples by way of passages in the bible (don't roll your eyes). He does it in a clear, 21st century way that is so different from anyone else. Most of all, he is passionate about it. He lifts us up and gives us wings. He concludes with praising God, not complaining. BELIEVE YOU ALREADY HAVE IT AND IT IS YOURS: through absolute faith and trust in our Lord. There is no room for doubt.
I wish every church would pass out copies of this phenomenal book. It explains passages in the bible unlike anyone else. Some things are so much clearer now than ever before. If nothing else, it renews your love of God. You may see things in a whole and fresh new light. At best, your relationship with God and the word have been elevated to a whole new level; and you are closer than ever. I am going to buy his other books. God spoke directly through Mr. Matthesius. PRAISE GOD FOR THIS BOOK!
I've always believe in God, just not organized religion. I have read plenty of religious and spiritual books. As I was reading this one (intuition told me to pick this), I could actually feel electricity all over me. I KNEW that GOD and Jesus were talking through Mr. Matthesius.Jugen writes like he is talking to an old friend. He is comfortable writing for us everyday people and not some academic journal. He is very relatable.
His message is that if you expect God to help you, you have got to PUSH, as in moving something heavy. You have to give God everything you've got. You can't be an armchair quarterback, then expect to play in the NFL You have to pray, and not just when things seem bleak. Jurgen gives many examples by way of passages in the bible (don't roll your eyes). He does it in a clear, 21st century way that is so different from anyone else. Most of all, he is passionate about it. He lifts us up and gives us wings. He concludes with praising God, not complaining. BELIEVE YOU ALREADY HAVE IT AND IT IS YOURS: through absolute faith and trust in our Lord. There is no room for doubt.
I wish every church would pass out copies of this phenomenal book. It explains passages in the bible unlike anyone else. Some things are so much clearer now than ever before. If nothing else, it renews your love of God. You may see things in a whole and fresh new light. At best, your relationship with God and the word have been elevated to a whole new level; and you are closer than ever. I am going to buy his other books. God spoke directly through Mr. Matthesius. PRAISE GOD FOR THIS BOOK!
January 2, 2015
I so wanted to rate this book five stars, but couldn't because the author vacillates a bit too much.
This is my first introduction to Jurgen Matthesius and I assure you it won't be my last. PUSH, when concentrating on the scriptural principles of prayer, is perhaps the best reference I have found so far. The Principles are clearly explained and the author references many, many scriptures to back up his contentions. This book will be referred to by me many times in the future and therefore kept in my reference library-not too many make it there.
All that being said, its very evident that PUSH was written by a pastor. Although hidden in the style of the book more so than most other books by Pastors; some chapters and stories in the book appear to be sermons reinvented for the book. However, that is a criticism the author shares with many in the genre. Even some of the market big boys such as Osteen get accused of this.
The other major downfall to PUSH again is shared by many in this and I dare say all genres. It feels the author sometimes goes off target a bit in order to stretch the material out to book length. In the case of PUSH, the author should have included a study guide to add to the material, as a good portion of this book deserves to be studied in detail. (I'm not sure one is available or not. However, it's from Thomas Nelson and they're usually pretty good about providing study guides for their books.)
Overall I sensed a real anointing on parts of this book. It definitely is worth the investment in terms of time and dollars.
This is my first introduction to Jurgen Matthesius and I assure you it won't be my last. PUSH, when concentrating on the scriptural principles of prayer, is perhaps the best reference I have found so far. The Principles are clearly explained and the author references many, many scriptures to back up his contentions. This book will be referred to by me many times in the future and therefore kept in my reference library-not too many make it there.
All that being said, its very evident that PUSH was written by a pastor. Although hidden in the style of the book more so than most other books by Pastors; some chapters and stories in the book appear to be sermons reinvented for the book. However, that is a criticism the author shares with many in the genre. Even some of the market big boys such as Osteen get accused of this.
The other major downfall to PUSH again is shared by many in this and I dare say all genres. It feels the author sometimes goes off target a bit in order to stretch the material out to book length. In the case of PUSH, the author should have included a study guide to add to the material, as a good portion of this book deserves to be studied in detail. (I'm not sure one is available or not. However, it's from Thomas Nelson and they're usually pretty good about providing study guides for their books.)
Overall I sensed a real anointing on parts of this book. It definitely is worth the investment in terms of time and dollars.
February 13, 2017
Great book, really taught me a lot and allowed me to know more of God.
January 25, 2016
The author has some good stories and ideas but he can be very repetitive. He seems to think listing every imaginable argument for his views strengthens his argument but if he condensed the book by weeding out weaker arguments it would be more convincing and a better read.
October 31, 2015
Great book! Very recommended!
January 12, 2017
The author made me feel that if I had an unanswered prayer, it was because I didn't pray hard enough. Very legalistic.
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews