Solve: Finding God's Solutions in a World of Problems

by Talbot Davis

Many people are good at pointing out problems. What if God’s people were among the few who are good at finding solutions? How would our world and our lives be different? This five-week study focuses on the person of Nehemiah in the Bible, who faced the difficult work of rebuilding the wall of Jerusalem after his people returned from exile. Confronted with this complicated task and the many dilemmas that came with it, Nehemiah chose not to dwell on his problems or to pursue his own answers. Instead, he sought God’s solutions, following God’s lead and trusting God’s purposes. God’s people today are called to do the same. In each chapter, Talbot Davis shows how Nehemiah’s experiences mirror the problems we face, as individuals and as a society. As you read this book, you will hear God’s call to be someone who finds solutions. You will see how you can follow in Nehemiah’s footsteps, building up your life and the world around you. You will be challenged not to focus on problems, but to seek God’s solutions and how you can help bring them about. This book is based on a sermon series Talbot Davis delivered at Good Shepherd United Methodist Church. Each chapter includes questions for reflection and discussion, a practical focus for the week, a closing prayer, and daily scripture passages to guide personal reading throughout the week.

112 pages, Paperback

First published May 17, 2016

About the author

Talbot Davis is the pastor of Good Shepherd United Methodist Church in Charlotte, North Carolina, a congregation known for its ethnic diversity, outreach ministry, and innovative approach to worship. He has repeatedly been recognized for his excellence in congregational development and has received the conference's Harry Denman Award for Excellence in Evangelism. Since Talbot began serving at Good Shepherd in 1999, average worship attendance has quadrupled, growing from 500 to 2000 each Sunday. Talbot lives in Charlotte, North Carolina with his wife, Julie, and they have two grown children. Talbot offers sermon tips and help through his blog, http://www.talbotdavis.com/sermon-help/.

Reviews

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my favorite of Davis' books. Each chapter motivates me to change something in myself to be a better vessel for Christ's love and God's purposes. I feel as though I read a "Wired" magazine story of a company's success through its leadership and belief in doing what is right regardless of cost. The company? The people of Jerusalem. The leader? Nehemiah. His leadership and accomplishments come to life through Davis' modern narrative. So many Old Testament lessons are ignored because they are taught without thought to life today. Not so, in "Solve". Davis is a pastor first, writer second, and I am ever grateful that he shares what he learns. I especially enjoy his humor, humility and highlighting of other peoples' influence.

[Amber · Rating 4 out of 5]

I won this book from a Goodreads Giveaway. I thought this was pretty well written. And I especially like the reflection questions. This was a good book to read with the family.

[Brian White · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read this book to preview it as a possible small group study. Although I did think it made some good points overall I thought it was somewhat flat.