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Be Light: Shining God's Beauty, Truth, and Hope into a Darkened World
The Blueprint for Overcoming Darkness and Living in God’s Light.Our world unravels more each day. It feels as if we’re drowning in a sea churning with greed, violence, and lust. As darkness advances, hope dims. Yet within that reality, God gives us a profound mandate... Be Light. Light has always defined God and his followers. At creation, God spoke light into existence. Jesus is the light of the world. And we are born to absorb and then reflect God’s light. In Be Light Samuel Rodriguez--described by Fox News and CNN as “America’s most influential Latino Evangelical leader”--provides a blueprint for confronting darkness in every realm of our lives. He issues a clarion call for individual believers and the church to rise up and once again be that bright city on a hill, which doesn’t simply expose the invading darkness, but overcomes it with God’s blazing light.
- GenresChristianDevotional
217 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 3, 2016
44 people are currently reading
214 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
May 30, 2016
Book title: Be Light
Author: Samuel Rodriguez
Colorado Springs, Waterbrook Press, 2016
Number of pages: 212
Let YOU Be Light
When I was first handed this book, I didn’t know what I was in for. The book is wrapped in a black and white picture of a well-dressed hispanic man with his palms pushed together in a position of prayer. I told the friend who gave me the book that it looked like it was for readers with more religion than me. Before I dug into the book, I went online to watch videos of Pastor Sam Rodriguez to get a hint of what I was in for.
Rodriguez is a preacher’s preacher; fiery and theatrical; engaging and engrossing. He has a way with language and can turn a phrase; he’s eloquent and passionate.
Rodriguez get's my attention from the very beginning of Be Light with the line "Let there be light!" That's where it all starts, right? The way Rodriguez defined "light" and explores the word from so many angles gave me something to chew on all day. So, mission accomplished, Sam!
That’s right. Rodriguez wrote the book and formatted it with a thirty day “journey” in mind for the reader. Each one of the Be Light’s thirty chapters are meant to be read in less than ten minutes each day for thrity days. Each chapter’s goal is to challenge the reader to be light.
Chapter one starts with some powerful, quotable phrases that show that Rodriguez is more than a fiery preacher. He’s a thinker and wants those he communicates with to engage with him at a cerebral level always turning his phrases over in their minds. "Let there be light!" This is how Rodriguez opens his dialogue with readers. This is a powerful, biblical quote from Genesis One and echoes of the gospel of John. Rodriguez has the reader’s. It evokes layers of meaning that readers are forced to think about and personally apply.
Rodriguez writes about a "canopy of disillusionment" which seems to be a familiar concept to many a cynical Christian. We've become used to disillusionment and let allowed our faith to hibernate, inneffective, impotent, fat, and lazy. This is unacceptable, according to Rodriguez. It's time to “throw off dissillusionment” because there's no purpose for it in God's economy.
I love the way he ends the first chapter by contrasting biblical heroes with villains. We need more REAL heroes in our lives.
In chapter two, Rodrigurez employs the scientific term "reflective coefficient." The biblical application here is that sometimes I reflect God's light, and other times, I absorb every bit of it.
In chapter three, Rodriguez discusses the battle that rages between light and dark. Darkness wants to shut down light in the Christian’s life. Even Christians (especially Christians?) can live in the darkness that comes from unbelief and unforgiveness.
This chapter caused me to take a personal inventory as I read through it. Am I withholding forgiveness from somebody? I think I am. Do I have what it takes to get the process of forgiving and reflecting light into the life of the person who has offended me? I hope I do. I pray that the Holy Spirit will give me courage to be humble.
Those are all the spoilers I’m going to give you, friend. As thought provoking as it is, Be Light is an easy read. The time you invest in this book will be time well spent. As you come to the end of the Be Light journey, it’s Rodriguez’s goal that somehow, someway, God will use you to be one of the heroes that turn on the lights in the world God has placed you in. Get the book and read it with your tribe.
Author: Samuel Rodriguez
Colorado Springs, Waterbrook Press, 2016
Number of pages: 212
Let YOU Be Light
When I was first handed this book, I didn’t know what I was in for. The book is wrapped in a black and white picture of a well-dressed hispanic man with his palms pushed together in a position of prayer. I told the friend who gave me the book that it looked like it was for readers with more religion than me. Before I dug into the book, I went online to watch videos of Pastor Sam Rodriguez to get a hint of what I was in for.
Rodriguez is a preacher’s preacher; fiery and theatrical; engaging and engrossing. He has a way with language and can turn a phrase; he’s eloquent and passionate.
Rodriguez get's my attention from the very beginning of Be Light with the line "Let there be light!" That's where it all starts, right? The way Rodriguez defined "light" and explores the word from so many angles gave me something to chew on all day. So, mission accomplished, Sam!
That’s right. Rodriguez wrote the book and formatted it with a thirty day “journey” in mind for the reader. Each one of the Be Light’s thirty chapters are meant to be read in less than ten minutes each day for thrity days. Each chapter’s goal is to challenge the reader to be light.
Chapter one starts with some powerful, quotable phrases that show that Rodriguez is more than a fiery preacher. He’s a thinker and wants those he communicates with to engage with him at a cerebral level always turning his phrases over in their minds. "Let there be light!" This is how Rodriguez opens his dialogue with readers. This is a powerful, biblical quote from Genesis One and echoes of the gospel of John. Rodriguez has the reader’s. It evokes layers of meaning that readers are forced to think about and personally apply.
Rodriguez writes about a "canopy of disillusionment" which seems to be a familiar concept to many a cynical Christian. We've become used to disillusionment and let allowed our faith to hibernate, inneffective, impotent, fat, and lazy. This is unacceptable, according to Rodriguez. It's time to “throw off dissillusionment” because there's no purpose for it in God's economy.
I love the way he ends the first chapter by contrasting biblical heroes with villains. We need more REAL heroes in our lives.
In chapter two, Rodrigurez employs the scientific term "reflective coefficient." The biblical application here is that sometimes I reflect God's light, and other times, I absorb every bit of it.
In chapter three, Rodriguez discusses the battle that rages between light and dark. Darkness wants to shut down light in the Christian’s life. Even Christians (especially Christians?) can live in the darkness that comes from unbelief and unforgiveness.
This chapter caused me to take a personal inventory as I read through it. Am I withholding forgiveness from somebody? I think I am. Do I have what it takes to get the process of forgiving and reflecting light into the life of the person who has offended me? I hope I do. I pray that the Holy Spirit will give me courage to be humble.
Those are all the spoilers I’m going to give you, friend. As thought provoking as it is, Be Light is an easy read. The time you invest in this book will be time well spent. As you come to the end of the Be Light journey, it’s Rodriguez’s goal that somehow, someway, God will use you to be one of the heroes that turn on the lights in the world God has placed you in. Get the book and read it with your tribe.
October 5, 2016
Samuel Rodriguez is president of NHCLC/Conela, an international organization of more than 500,000 evangelical churches. He is a sought after voice in White House and congressional meetings and is regularly featured on CNN, Fox News, NBC Telemundo, and other major news outlets. The author of The Lamb’s Agenda,Rodriguez is senior pastor of New Seasons Christian Worship Center in Sacramento, California, where he resides with his wife Eva and their three children. (Copied from the Waterbrook & Multnomah website)
http://waterbrookmultnomah.com/books/...
http://www.amazon.com/Be-Light-Shinin...
The metaphor of light has always been meaningful to me. I find it rather interesting, after all there is an obvious contrast of light and darkness. I was excited to come across a book that discusses this metaphor, in depth. The book was interesting. The book contains thirty, short chapters, for the purpose of reading a chapter per day. I did not read a chapter a day; I read the book in three sittings. Although not mentioned, the purpose of the book is to encourage readers to be a light to others. Rodriguez concludes, “It is now time to shine continuously until we leave this life and our light joins the Light Giver forever.” (p.202)
I enjoyed how he explained the science of light. He also shared the explanation of scientific advancement, which included a succinct biography of the respective scientists and their discoveries. The book contained some great quotes and potential sermon illustrations. Several biblical records were used to emphasize God’s involvement and explanation of the light metaphor, for example, Moses and the children of Israel, Gideon, and Jesus.
In some areas, Rodriguez used an allegorical approach, which I do not care for. There were more than a few expositions of Scripture that were left wanting, and some of the passages were taken out of context. The conclusion of each chapter included reflection notes. Which is great, but I was a little confused, because much of the time, the reflection notes didn’t seem to relate to the chapter.
Overall the book was a little incoherent. But, I liked the concept. The fact is, when Jesus first discusses light he is speaking to Nicodemus, at night. Although the science was interesting, and may preach well, trying to imply the complexity of light (scientifically) only adds to the original context of the simple, obvious, contrast of light and darkness used by Jesus and the apostles.
I received this book from Blogging for Books for this review.
http://waterbrookmultnomah.com/books/...
http://www.amazon.com/Be-Light-Shinin...
The metaphor of light has always been meaningful to me. I find it rather interesting, after all there is an obvious contrast of light and darkness. I was excited to come across a book that discusses this metaphor, in depth. The book was interesting. The book contains thirty, short chapters, for the purpose of reading a chapter per day. I did not read a chapter a day; I read the book in three sittings. Although not mentioned, the purpose of the book is to encourage readers to be a light to others. Rodriguez concludes, “It is now time to shine continuously until we leave this life and our light joins the Light Giver forever.” (p.202)
I enjoyed how he explained the science of light. He also shared the explanation of scientific advancement, which included a succinct biography of the respective scientists and their discoveries. The book contained some great quotes and potential sermon illustrations. Several biblical records were used to emphasize God’s involvement and explanation of the light metaphor, for example, Moses and the children of Israel, Gideon, and Jesus.
In some areas, Rodriguez used an allegorical approach, which I do not care for. There were more than a few expositions of Scripture that were left wanting, and some of the passages were taken out of context. The conclusion of each chapter included reflection notes. Which is great, but I was a little confused, because much of the time, the reflection notes didn’t seem to relate to the chapter.
Overall the book was a little incoherent. But, I liked the concept. The fact is, when Jesus first discusses light he is speaking to Nicodemus, at night. Although the science was interesting, and may preach well, trying to imply the complexity of light (scientifically) only adds to the original context of the simple, obvious, contrast of light and darkness used by Jesus and the apostles.
I received this book from Blogging for Books for this review.
February 3, 2021
Rodriguez shares in 29 daily studies the path to Being Light. It's well written and easy to understand. I was challenged to come up higher in my own personal walk with the Lord.
Recommend to readers who want a deeper walk with Christ.
I borrowed a copy from a friend. All views expressed are my honest opinion.
Recommend to readers who want a deeper walk with Christ.
I borrowed a copy from a friend. All views expressed are my honest opinion.
January 17, 2019
Wow! I loved this book for so many reasons. First, it was one of the last gifts from my father-in-law. Second, I like how Samuel breaks down the concept of “the light” mixing it with science to then give the espiritual application. I loved reading it!!
October 2, 2017
It was uplifting giving me a refresher what matter in my relationship with God
December 25, 2018
Powerful message on the power of Light.
Very informative and even educational with facts on existence of light and how it relates to God and creation and us. Love it and recommend it
Very informative and even educational with facts on existence of light and how it relates to God and creation and us. Love it and recommend it
October 15, 2016
I loved this book, the short 4-5 page chapter on aspects of light in our physical world and then the scriptural application and mandate. Each chapter ended with a reflection, chapter drawings were appealing version of the sun and its rays. 30 Chapters can be used as a devotional. I won’t publish a list of the elements of light he uses, but suffice to say each one was exciting and unique. The message of hope with only positive energy and parallel and motivational message to the reader. Whether San Rodriguez was illustrating refraction, lightning or the factor that you emit what you absorb, each study was unique. I loved the invention or physical world fact that were the part of the first half of the chapter. The last expanded your mind with how you could illuminate God’s word. It is a book for all ages, teens will be drawn in by the opening comments which are always interesting and little know stories or facts.
Samuel Rodrigues is a dynamic lead with a very impressive list of credentials. He gives you a compelling message, that should speak as a prophet to our generation. My only suggestion would be a new cover. The idea of the properties of light is a wonderful subject but the black and white cover with the author’s photo and credentials, just doesn’t appeal. I was put off at first just for this fact. How about a scientific and Biblical quote and a yellow cover with sun and illumination features, something to draw you in. The unappealing cover is my only negative thought about the book. I was not familiar with the author and needed to be drawn in by an outstanding cover, maybe it isn’t too late for the paperback publishing in 2017.
Samuel Rodrigues is a dynamic lead with a very impressive list of credentials. He gives you a compelling message, that should speak as a prophet to our generation. My only suggestion would be a new cover. The idea of the properties of light is a wonderful subject but the black and white cover with the author’s photo and credentials, just doesn’t appeal. I was put off at first just for this fact. How about a scientific and Biblical quote and a yellow cover with sun and illumination features, something to draw you in. The unappealing cover is my only negative thought about the book. I was not familiar with the author and needed to be drawn in by an outstanding cover, maybe it isn’t too late for the paperback publishing in 2017.
January 21, 2017
Very enlightening and inspirational
Very enlightening and inspirational well segmented book based on Reverend ROdriguez own Christian experience. I recommend the book to anyone who wants to be inspired and looking for hope. I gave it a five star rating because it fulfilled my goals and objectives when I made the decisions to purchase and read the book.
Very enlightening and inspirational well segmented book based on Reverend ROdriguez own Christian experience. I recommend the book to anyone who wants to be inspired and looking for hope. I gave it a five star rating because it fulfilled my goals and objectives when I made the decisions to purchase and read the book.
October 21, 2017
As believers in Christ we are called to be light. This book explores many dimensions of light that add a richness and depth to the concept never before explored.
April 15, 2017
Not As Enlightening For Me
I was really excited to get this book after reading that it had been endorsed by Robert Morris, one of my very favorite teaching pastors. While this book had many interesting facts about light and made relevant connections to how we can be the light of the world, I just didn't seem to get engaged with this book. I struggled to get through it. However, I seem to be in the minority based on many of the other reviews.
I understand the analogy of looking at different sources of light and highlighting a relevant interpretation for how Christians should be. However the analogies seemed very forced to me in this book.
I have read a similar book by Patsy Clairmont entitled Catching Fireflies: Teaching Your Heart To See God's Light Everywhere. It is a more whimsical look at different types of light and how God’s light or we are to radiate in the world.
Be Light was much more scientific and the analogies felt much more belabored.
I received this book a complementary copy of this book from Blogging For Books in exchange for my fair and unbiased review.
I was really excited to get this book after reading that it had been endorsed by Robert Morris, one of my very favorite teaching pastors. While this book had many interesting facts about light and made relevant connections to how we can be the light of the world, I just didn't seem to get engaged with this book. I struggled to get through it. However, I seem to be in the minority based on many of the other reviews.
I understand the analogy of looking at different sources of light and highlighting a relevant interpretation for how Christians should be. However the analogies seemed very forced to me in this book.
I have read a similar book by Patsy Clairmont entitled Catching Fireflies: Teaching Your Heart To See God's Light Everywhere. It is a more whimsical look at different types of light and how God’s light or we are to radiate in the world.
Be Light was much more scientific and the analogies felt much more belabored.
I received this book a complementary copy of this book from Blogging For Books in exchange for my fair and unbiased review.
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews