A Life Beyond Amazing: 9 Decisions That Will Transform Your Life Today

by David Jeremiah

The world is full of chaos. Frustration. Fear. Do you want your life to be different? Through the practical wisdom of God’s Word, you can gain a fresh focus and purpose, become a person of character, and shine a light into the darkness. You can experience a life beyond amazing—starting today. Why is there such a gap between how Christ wants us to live and how we are living? In A Life Beyond Amazing, bestselling author and gifted Bible teacher Dr. David Jeremiah uncovers God’s strategy for change and challenges you to make nine important decisions that will transform your heart, your life, and your world. This life-changing book explores the nine qualities of character that carry us forward. Three of these have to do with our relationship with ourselves, three deal with interactions with other people, and three focus on our relationship with God. A Life Beyond A Life Beyond Amazing answers the questions that keep us up at night and shows us that the way forward is a reminder of who we are in Christ and why it matters. With Dr. Jeremiah’s sound biblical teaching, inspiring stories, and practical suggestions, you’ll discover how you can live a life beyond amazing. Don’t miss out on the life that the Lord has for you—a life of peace, joy, and victory. You don’t have to wait for heaven to impact your world.

Genres: Christian, Self Help, Christian Living, Nonfiction, Christian Non Fiction, Religion, Audiobook

256 pages, Hardcover

First published October 3, 2017

About the author

Dr. David Jeremiah, founder of Turning Point Radio and Television Ministries and senior pastor of Shadow Mountain Community Church, felt God’s calling on his life at a very early age. Born February 13, 1941 in Toledo, Ohio, Dr. Jeremiah was raised in a family deeply committed to ministry. At the age of eleven, Dr. Jeremiah and his family moved to Dayton, Ohio where his father, Dr. James T. Jeremiah, was the Pastor of Emmanuel Baptist Church, and in 1953 became the President of Cedarville College in Cedarville, Ohio.


As Dr. Jeremiah was sensitive to God’s leading in his life, he followed in his father’s footsteps. In 1963, Dr. Jeremiah received a Bachelor of Arts from Cedarville College. In that same year, Dr. Jeremiah married his college sweetheart, Donna Thompson who also was attending Cedarville College as a business major. He went on to earn a Masters degree in Theology from Dallas Theological Seminary in 1967. He completed additional graduate work at Grace University and was granted the Doctor of Divinity degree from Cedarville College in 1981.



In 1969, Dr. Jeremiah began Blackhawk Baptist Church in Fort Wayne, Indiana, and developed a Christian school grades K through 12. In the 12 years he served as pastor, Blackhawk Baptist Church grew from 7 families to 1300 members. He also launched The Bible Hour television program.



Dr. Jeremiah heeded God’s call, and in 1981 he and his family moved to California where he became the senior pastor of Scott Memorial Baptist Church, now Shadow Mountain Community Church.



Shadow Mountain Community Church is one of the largest churches in San Diego County. It is also the home of Southern California Seminary and Christian Unified Schools.



As Dr. Jeremiah began his ministry at Shadow Mountain, he felt God’s calling to continue the broadcast ministry he started in Fort Wayne. In 1982, Turning Point Ministries became a reality.



Today, Turning Point's 30-minute radio program is heard nationally and internationally on over 1800 stations and translator/satellators. In recognition of Dr. Jeremiah’s commitment to teaching the Word of God, he received the Broadcaster of the Year Award in 1999 from the National Religious Broadcasters (NRB), in August 2002, received the Award of Merit from the Western Chapter of National Religious Broadcasters for Excellence in Broadcasting and Faithfulness in Service, and in 2006 Turning Point received the Best Radio Teaching Program Award. Dr. Jeremiah has served on the Board of Directors for the NRB since 1996.



Turning Point launched a television program in 1982 in San Diego and went nationwide in 2000. Now seen around the world through cable and satellite technology, as well as on terrestrial stations all across the United States, conservative estimates suggest that close to 200 million homes around the world have access to Dr. Jeremiah's Bible teaching each week. Turning Point Television offers a half-hour Bible study message and a full hour worship service with the same great preaching. Carried on several national and international networks such as TBN, ION, and INSP, Turning Point Television has most recently been added to Middle East TV Network and BET, the Black Entertainment Network.



Dr. Jeremiah is a sought-after conference speaker for organizations around the country. He frequently speaks at Cedarville College, Dallas Theological Seminary, Moody Bible Institute, Billy Graham Training Center, Phil Waldrep’s Senior Adult Celebrations and numerous NFL, NBA and Baseball chapels.



Along with his speaking schedule around the country, Dr. Jeremiah also finds time to fulfill another passion in his life, writing. His books are always gripping and right to the point. Some of his books include Escape the Coming Night, The Power of Encouragement, What the Bible Says About Angels, Prayer The Great Adventure, which brought him The Gold Medallion Award in 1998, God In You, Gifts from God

Reviews

[Nola Lorraine · Rating 5 out of 5]

In this book, David Jeremiah looks at the nine fruits of the Spirit mentioned in Galatians and how your life can be transformed by developing each of those fruits. If you've been a churchgoer for a while, you've probably heard many sermons on this topic, but he writes in a really engaging style with lots of anecdotes and steps to follow for each one. It was an enjoyable and practical read. This is the second book of his that I've read and it won't be the last. Very inspiring.

[Lori L (She Treads Softly) · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Life Beyond Amazing: 9 Decisions That Will Transform Your Life Today by David Jeremiah is a very highly recommended exploration of the nine character traits that are called the “fruit of the Spirit” in Galatians. Dr. Jeremiah has some wonderful insights to share on the fruit of the Spirit. This would be a great choice for a Bible study, personal or group. There is a study guide available too.

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. Galatians 5:22-23

In the introduction Dr. Jeremiah writes: This book is about character. It’s about how we develop the character that Christ wants for us, that God makes us capable of achieving, and that the Holy Spirit is always, always ready to guide us to. I want to help you develop character qualities beyond the norm. I want to show you how to build a life beyond amazing, and, in so doing, make an impact beyond imagination.... The church needs a rekindling of the nine traits that go to the core of character and are called the "fruit of the Spirit."

Following the fruit of the Spirit, the contents of A Life Beyond Amazing are: Introduction 1. A Life of Love 2. A Life of Joy 3. A Life of Peace 4. A Life of Endurance 5. A Life of Compassion 6. A Life of Generosity 7. A Life of Integrity 8. A Life of Humility 9. A Life of Self-Discipline. Dr. Jeremiah points out that three of these have to do with our relationship with ourselves, three deal with interactions with other people, and three of them focus on our relationship with God. To develop these nine qualities will require commitment and effort, but if we take this goal seriously, this decision will also transform our hearts, lives, and world.

This is a well written, outstanding book with plenty of sound Biblical principles backed up by scripture, practical advice, and superb examples taken from recent to historical events. It's obvious that there is some thought and inspiration behind the information shared. I felt inspired by the points made and challenged to continue the task of developing the fruits of the Spirit in my life. Honestly, A Life Beyond Amazing wasn't just "phoned-in" so a book could be published (unlike a few other books I've reviewed this year, that, although they had some good advice, they also felt dated with no current examples and contained repetitious information found in previous books).

I collected some great quotes from A Life Beyond Amazing and want to share a few of them because of the insight they contain.
And this peace is not a quiet tension. Quiet tension is not peace. It’s just compressed anxiety. Too often we think we’re trusting when we’re really only controlling our panic. True peace is not only a calm exterior, but also a quiet heart.
Integrity is telling the truth to yourself. Honesty is telling the truth to others.
Self-discipline is choosing to do what’s right when you feel like doing what’s wrong.
Humility is one of the most difficult virtues to cultivate in our time and place.

Disclosure: My review copy was courtesy of Thomas Nelson, Inc.

[E.G. Bella · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another of Jeremiah's books that I highly recommend! Though it doesn't have Bible study questions listed in it, as some of his books do, I still used this as a study, and went through it over about 12 days. It's an extremely insightful and inspiring book with many practical ideas to begin integrating the qualities God means for us to have in our lives. A very worthwhile book, and one that I pray will continue to work on my heart. Definitely one I'll be rereading.

[Jaleena von Borstel · Rating 3 out of 5]

I think I would have got more out of this if I read the hard copy versus listening to it. Heartwarming stories & great advice for life.

[Jayne Bartrand · Rating 5 out of 5]

Important, instructive, and encouraging Bible teaching

[Joan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Jeremiah looks at the fruit of the Spirit from Galatians 5:22-23. The nine choices he writes about are the choices to express these character traits. We will have help from God but the work is still up to believers. “These nine qualities require commitment and effort.” (xi) Jeremiah tells many encouraging stories for each quality as well as provides some general suggestions in developing them.

My favorite chapter was the one on integrity. Jeremiah reminds us that this is an internal quality that starts with what we tell ourselves. We can lie and make excuses but God knows everything we think, feel, and do. (131) We can never fool God. I think I liked this chapter the best because integrity, adhering to moral principles and telling the truth, seems to be in such short supply in the current American political scene. My next favorite chapter was the one on compassion, a quality that seems to be missing in many evangelical Christians today.

All of these character qualities are to be evidenced in the life of Christians. They are, after all, the fruit of the Spirit. Jeremiah provides good examples and lots of encouragement to produce these godly qualities in life. There is no specific strategy provided, just general encouragement and suggestions.

I recommend this book to people who really want to express the fruit of the Spirit and just need some encouragement to do so. You'll read lots of examples of people who have lived out these qualities.

I also recommend this book to Christians who find that expressing the fruit of the Spirit is the farthest thing from their minds. You'll get a good dose of what your Christian life should really look like.

Food for thought: “Self-discipline is the secret ingredient to achieving a life beyond amazing.” (172)

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. My comments are an independent and honest review.

[Pauline · Rating 3 out of 5]

A good solid book on Christian living. Nothing particularly new, other than the various stories told as illustrations, but it's always good to be reminded of these truths. David Jeremiah underscores both the importance of God's power working in our lives (i.e. we can't do this on our own) and the need for us to make the decision and the effort to live as God desires. I was concerned from the title that it was going to suggest that you make these nine decisions and then your life changes in an amazing way, but he makes it clear that these are daily decisions that we have to keep making, and that the change happens over the course of our lives.

[Christopher Lawson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nine Decisions That Will Transform Your Life

This is a great book.

I have never read anything by this author, I have never heard him speak anywhere, and I know little about him. In short, my expectations for this book were not very high. So I was pleasantly surprised by Dr. David Jeremiah and A LIFE BEYOND AMAZING.

Here’s the key point: Christians need to be ACTIVE participants in achieving the fruit of the spirit. Yes, it’s indeed the Holy Spirit developing these traits in believers, but we are not supposed to be passive: “The same Bible that describes love as a fruit of the Spirit also commands us to love one another.” We are commanded to be “active partners in the process, and we must be diligent to do our part,” as all believers are exhorted in 2 Tim. 2: 15.

Dr. Jeremiah sets the foundation for the book with the first trait, which he calls, “Leading a Life Of Love.” The point is not so much a feeling, but an ACTION: “Love is not about what we feel for others— it’s about what we do for others.”

Besides the very first chapter on Love, another one of my favorite chapters is the one on Generosity. I found lots of practical, inspiring ideas. The author suggests Christians should “change the way you think about money.” Make a radical shift—“turn the way we think about money on its head.” Here’s my favorite tip of this chapter—I decided to implement this idea TODAY: “Carry some money with you specifically to give away to someone in need.” I absolutely love that idea. I’m putting extra money in my wallet.

The chapter on self-discipline was similarly stocked with great ideas. I talking about how to develop good habits, Dr. Jeremiah recalls a friend who was trying to make a habit of exercise. He started with just one thing: “He chose one small behavior, so small it felt trivial. This ensured it was easy to do. Then he did this small behavior consistently until it became routine.” Wow—great idea. I confess I never thought of this.

As you begin your journey, the author suggests five specific steps:

• Desire the Spirit
• Renounce Your Sin
• Devote Yourself To God’s Word
• Let Go Of Your Own Ambition
• Commit To The Spirit’s Direction

So all in all, I found A LIFE BEYOND AMAZING to be a solid read, with tons of useful ideas. I am already implementing several of these ideas. I thought this one sentence nicely summed up the theme of this book:

“The journey to a life beyond amazing is a journey to the highest, best, most love-filled life possible. It will not always be easy. But I promise you, it will be worth it.”


See also:
Bassocantor.com/blog/amazing

[Jill · Rating 4 out of 5]

Do you live an amazing life? Would you like to? Dr. David Jeremiah emphasizes that we only have one life to live in "A Life Beyond Amazing", and our lives matter and have purpose.  But every day people are walking around discouraged and disillusioned. Disheartened by the bad news in the headlines and the adversity in their circumstances, people seek to fill in the gap with things that don't satisfy and often make matters worse. 

According to Dr. Jeremiah, you can live an amazing life by living the nine qualities of love, joy, peace, endurance, compassion, generosity, integrity, humility and self-discipline.  Dr. Jeremiah offers wise and biblical advice. Each quality is broken down into a guide to live out that particular quality in your life. It may take some time, but anyone can do it with motivation and discipline and help from the Holy Spirit.  

If you want to create a life that is beyond amazing, read this book and follow Dr. Jeremiah's great advice. There is no reason to live in defeat and despair.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Booklook Bloggers, as part of Thomas Nelson‘s Book Review Blogger Program. I was not required to write a review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

[Create With Joy · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Life Beyond Amazing takes us on a scriptural journey through nine qualities of character – nine fruits of the spirit – that will change how we interact with ourselves, other people, and God. These spiritual principles have the power to transform our lives and help us to grow more and more Christ-like as we allow them to become a part of our character – but, we have to actively pursue them and make them a part of who we are!

At a time when abundance and blessings are too often taught in the framework of prosperity and material wealth, it’s refreshing that Dr. David Jeremiah has provided us with this much-needed material on the fruit of the spirit for our parched and hungry souls.

If you are serious about growing in character, in integrity, and in spiritual maturity, I urge you to add A Life Beyond Amazing to your reading list!

This review contains an excerpt from the original review that is published on my blog. To read my review in its entirety, please visit Create With Joy.

Disclosure: I received a copy of this book from the publisher. The opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own, based on my assessment of this book.

[Patti Whitson Stephenson She Lives to Read · Rating 5 out of 5]

Have you ever felt that you were missing out on something in life, but you didn’t quite know where to find it?

This excellent book by David Jeremiah has some answers for you. Taking the Bible as his guide, Dr. David Jeremiah shows us how to have an abundant life as we follow Christ each day.

In a quote from the introduction to the book, Dr. Jeremiah tell us “Our world needs solid-to-the-core people with unimpaired grit and unimpeded godliness. The church needs a rekindling of the nine traits that go to the core of character and are called the fruit of the sprit in Galatians 5:22-23.....People with those qualities are saints for all seasons. They are people like Jesus.”

Dr. Jeremiah takes deep truth from the scriptures and conveys those truths to us in a very readable way. This is an excellent book for personal study and would work well as a group Bible study, too. I’m looking forward to reading this book as a devotional study.

I received a copy of this book for review from the publisher. I was not required to give a positive review. This is my honest opinion of the book.

[Eliza Eagan · Rating 4 out of 5]

this book is about 9 life changing decisions to help us get closer with ourselves, god and others. three of these are getting closer interactions with god, three our getting closer with ourselves and the last three are getting closer with others. during the book, I was able to connect this with my life and what is going on with my life. these interactions really helped me to understand myself and even the book more. toward the end of the boo, I was wondering if it was actually the end or not. so I looked to see if it was and it said that it was, but according to the author, you could already see the end. which he is implying that it is one day closer to when Jesus comes back to life again. I would really recommend this book. it is an amazing book with a very good story behind it and it was very inspirational to me.

[Anni Welborne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dr. Jeremiah has a gift of making complicated subjects easy to understand. How to live a great life can be a very complicated topic, but by using Scripture, Dr. Jeremiah makes the details much easier to grasp. This is not about the “prosperity gospel.” This is about how to practically, actively invite the Holy Spirit to change one’s life and make it amazing, regardless of your circumstances. You can truly learn to give thanks and praise God under any circumstance if you allow the Holy Spirit to guide your life. An excellent Bible study.


I have voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received through Netgalley. All views expressed are only my honest opinion. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way. All opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC regulations.

[DAMON PAUL WINTERS · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a WONDERFUL guide to a BETTER life! ✨️

A LIFE BEYOND AMAZING reminds me of the intentions behind BEN FRANKLIN's "13 Virtues." FOCUS on THESE 9 Characteristics, AND your life will be BEYOND AMAZING! 😉

I've ALWAYS enjoyed JEREMIAH's books, BUT THIS ONE was especially CHERISHED, as it was one of THE LAST books my mom recommended I read (before she passed away 😢). She ALWAYS did have a GOOD sense of what I would connect well with! 😊❤️

IF you're also interested in improving your life and who you're becoming as a person, as I am, THEN you SHOULD read this book. ✅️ EVEN IF you just wanna become a BETTER Human Being, THEN do yourself a favor and start here. It's a GOOD book with lots of practical and wise advice!

#HighlyRecommend 😊👍

[Jeanne Grace · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an Advanced Reader Copy from NetGalley for my unbiased opinion of the book. I first fell in love with David Jeremiah when I started reading Sanctuary. It was my first daily devotional. It was like he was speaking directly to me. In this book, it was for me sitting down and having a conversation with him. I loved it from beginning to end! I felt like God made this path open and put the book in front of me. God is the details.

[Denisa Ostas · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was a good reading, although I expected more theology involved.
Dr. David Jeremiah takes you through the fruit of Spirit and gives practical advice on cultivating the 9 spiritual traits. Scripture verses, personal situations and christian-related stories highlights each chapter. He influence you to be active in having an abundant life full of God.
It simply challenges you to review your life and take new decisions.

[Karen · Rating 3 out of 5]

I dis-agree with a few things in this book. In the first chapter about love one another and forgive; there are people who constantly do things to hurt you but they don’t care because they know you will forgive them. It gets old!
Then about repenting your sins. There are people who keep doing bad things and then go to confession and repent and do the same things again. I guess you shouldn’t try to live a good life because all you have to do is repent at the end and all will be forgiven!!!!

[Michael Vincent · Rating 3 out of 5]

People love stories - and David Jeremiah and staff tell a bunch in this book. It became so many stories and quotes that it was more of an "inspirational" book than Biblical teaching, though I know he started with Scripture and included Scripture. Many good illustrations and points throughout. The focus was walking in the fruit of the Spirit, though he tooks some liberties with expanding a couple of the words.

[Alisha · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a great way to end the year! Thank you David for this book. I'm looking forward to reading more of your books. This book was practical and eye opening. It's not a magic formula, but it is full of great examples that you can relate to. The main take away is obvious but still must be stated. Results do not come by wishing and hoping. You have to do the work. It ends with specific things we can do to get started.

[Carolyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jeremiah has compiled sermon material that corresponds to the 9 fruits of the spirit. The book is replete with a variety anecdotal excerpts chosen to underscore a point. In general, the content is a helpful guide to developing spiritual maturity. I could do without the occasional 'preacher story' ... like a youngster slipping onto a concert stage and playing Twinkle Twinkle before the virtuoso's introduction (don't believe that happened).

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Such a great book filled with instructions for a better life to please God ,bearing much fruit in the Spirit. The author gives lots of examples for the chapter characteristics he is referring to and examples of people in today's world who bear these traits; making a difference in their lives. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book and how the author uses scripture to back up each characteristic which is striving to be more Christlike in our every day life.

[Jan Norton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Our life should matter and have purpose. Dr. Jeremiah urges us to look past the adversity in her lives and to live a life that has beyond amazing through the work of the Holy Spirit in our lives. This book focuses on the nine fruits of the Spirit of God. Galatians 5: 22-23 “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.”

[RJ Gernant · Rating 3 out of 5]

Read paperback for a book club. I had no idea this book was about the fruit of the Spirit until the last chapter. It’s FULL of people’s stories and interesting things that happened in their lives as living examples of the fruit being played out apparently. But I don’t think this book aged well for a couple reasons. It’s a short and interesting read, but I cannot say I learned anything substantial to apply to my life.

[Cassandra · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a complimentary copy.

I think the author offers the reader a chance to reflect and make life changing choices by giving them knowledge and strength laced in the Bible. It is a faith based book and will help especially if you have belief first in God and second that you have the power to be better.

[Kristy · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I started this book, I guess I really wasn't in the mood for a Christian teaching book. However, while reading, my faith has grown and I believe the author, Dr. David Jeremiah is amazing!
I just finished this one and will be starting another of his books. I hope to read and keep his whole Amazing series.

[Derek Newman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Life transforming. A great read.

This is an amazing book which if followed will lead to an amazing life. It challenged me to think about the virtues and values I am hoping to cultivate in my own life so that the garden of life in which I live will be filled with beauty and love. This book is well worth your time.

[Jack · Rating 4 out of 5]

How does a person cooperate with the Holy Spirit of God in developing the Fruit of the Spirit in Galatians 5:22-23? In this book, Dr. Jeremiah helps the reader to know what it looks like when the fruit is produced, how the fruit grows, and how to cooperate with God in growing it. This will lead to a life lived beyond amazing.

[Kathy · Rating 3 out of 5]

An inspirational book on transforming your life by following the fruits of the Spirit ( love, joy, peace, endurance, compassion, generosity, integrity, humility and self-discipline). The author shares his case for a life beyond amazing and provides guidance in how we should work toward this. The text is filled with scripture support.

[brenda morris · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great guide to a Spirit filled life

Even though I've been a Christian for many years, this book encouraged me to seek the Holy Spirit in my life more intentionally. The author backed everything up with scripture which is of utmost importance. We cannot run this race in our own power. I highly recommend this book for all who seek to follow God more closely.

[Joe Orsak · Rating 5 out of 5]

David has wonderful clarity in all of his writing and teaching. Thoughts do tend to overlap from book to book but I don't see that as a negative but more how consistent philosophy looks when you expand or expound on a way of thinking.

He's knowledge of and accuracy in rendering the word is always solid and dependable. You won't go wrong studying under his teaching.