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DIVINE DIRECTION PB
NA
208 pages, Paperback
First published February 7, 2017
650 people are currently reading
2186 people want to read
About the author
Craig Groeschel
98 books1,701 followersCraig Groeschel is the founding and senior pastor of Life.Church, a multisite church with locations throughout the United States and globally at Life.Church Online.
Craig and his wife Amy started Life.Church in a two-car garage in Edmond, Oklahoma in January 1996. While Life.Church has grown over the years, its mission remains the same: to lead people to become fully devoted followers of Christ. Today, the church is known for its innovative use of technology to spread the Gospel, launching the first fully digital church experience in 2006 and the most downloaded Bible app in history, YouVersion, in 2008.
As a widely respected leader in the Church, Craig speaks frequently at leadership events and conferences worldwide. He is a New York Times best-selling author with books about topics like dating and marriage, social media, purpose, direction, church leadership, and more. He also hosts the Craig Groeschel Leadership Podcast, a practical tool to spark new ideas and prompt innovative thinking in leaders at every level within any organization.
Craig and Amy married in 1991 and have six children. They live in Oklahoma where Life.Church began.
Visit www.craiggroeschel.com to be the first to hear about new podcast episodes, books, leadership events, and more.
Craig and his wife Amy started Life.Church in a two-car garage in Edmond, Oklahoma in January 1996. While Life.Church has grown over the years, its mission remains the same: to lead people to become fully devoted followers of Christ. Today, the church is known for its innovative use of technology to spread the Gospel, launching the first fully digital church experience in 2006 and the most downloaded Bible app in history, YouVersion, in 2008.
As a widely respected leader in the Church, Craig speaks frequently at leadership events and conferences worldwide. He is a New York Times best-selling author with books about topics like dating and marriage, social media, purpose, direction, church leadership, and more. He also hosts the Craig Groeschel Leadership Podcast, a practical tool to spark new ideas and prompt innovative thinking in leaders at every level within any organization.
Craig and Amy married in 1991 and have six children. They live in Oklahoma where Life.Church began.
Visit www.craiggroeschel.com to be the first to hear about new podcast episodes, books, leadership events, and more.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 272 reviews
February 9, 2017
At first, I thought this was going to be another book on purpose, but as I continued to read I found that it is more about choices. Each choice we make everyday affects every area of our lives. This book focused on different aspects of our lives where we need to choose more carefully and listen to God's direction, even when it's not the easiest road. Divine Direction has challenged me to examine my life and make changes one at a time.
February 6, 2017
To start with two disclaimers. I was given (through a lotery) an advanced copy of the book to read at no cost. Also I attend a campus of Life.Church (the church the author pastors) and am heavily involved with Church Online, a ministry of this church. I do not let either of those influence my review.
The book is very readable, broken up into seven things that need to be done so you can fulfill your calling. The emphasis here is a Christian calling, but the principle is the same for secular life. I was a bit confused with the names of the first four chapters as they seemed to be conflicting steps. Those chapter names are: Start, Stop, Stay, Go. They seem to conflict but in reality there are some things you need to start in your life and some things you need to stop. Likewise, stay and go. The other chapters are: Serve, Connect and trust.
The big take away is what do you want your life story to be. The steps given here can be difficult. For me it was the connect chapter, yours may be another one.
I recommend for my Christian friends. I suggest to non-Christian friends but with warning that at times Pastor Craig gets preachy, and that is his calling. But he also helps develop leaders, and that is what this book comes down to, your calling, and how you can reach it, something all leaders need.
The book is very readable, broken up into seven things that need to be done so you can fulfill your calling. The emphasis here is a Christian calling, but the principle is the same for secular life. I was a bit confused with the names of the first four chapters as they seemed to be conflicting steps. Those chapter names are: Start, Stop, Stay, Go. They seem to conflict but in reality there are some things you need to start in your life and some things you need to stop. Likewise, stay and go. The other chapters are: Serve, Connect and trust.
The big take away is what do you want your life story to be. The steps given here can be difficult. For me it was the connect chapter, yours may be another one.
I recommend for my Christian friends. I suggest to non-Christian friends but with warning that at times Pastor Craig gets preachy, and that is his calling. But he also helps develop leaders, and that is what this book comes down to, your calling, and how you can reach it, something all leaders need.
April 30, 2022
Skvelá kniha, ktorou Craig ukazuje aké je zmysluplné nasledovať Ježiša. Teším sa z toho ako jednoduchými myšlienkami poukázal na dôležitosť viacerých podstatných tém v našom živote ako služba, vytrvalosť, priateľstvá alebo dôvera... Všetky tieto (a ďalšie témy) spája do 7mich kapitol, pričom v každej jednej používa príbehy zo svojho života, vďaka čomu som sa občas cítil akoby som s ním sedel na káve. Každému vrelo odporúčam :)
May 22, 2017
This was the first book I read by Craig Groeschel and it was a solid and uplifting read. A few important take-away's for me:
- Am I a spiritual taker or contributor to my church, family, friends, community, etc.?
This was a profound question that immediately had me scrambling to get involved more. For years I've wanted to find the "right church" for "me" and to wait for the "perfect fit" but I was never willing to contribute. This can be applied in so many ways including professionally, intimately, etc.
- You are who you surround yourself with.
This is not a new concept but since I live in a relatively new state far away from people in my past and make new friends constantly it is important to think about right now (for me) and to start to realize that the people I surround myself and my family with has a direct influence on who I am and what type of family we become.
- The common misconception that 'God will only allow into your life what you can handle' is not biblically accurate - 'God will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you can handle.' is accurate (yet not the exact verse)
This has always been tough to digest through the valley's of life and was an eye opener to hear that it was not biblically accurate. Things will be tough and the bible never claims to say they won't, in fact, the bible assures us life is tough and that it's how you deal with life that is what's most important.
- What do I want people to say about me at my funeral?
Again, not a new concept but something that strikes me every time I hear it. Who would be there? What would they say? Am I striving to be the person I want to be remembered as? Or am I too selfish to care about how I affect other people? This is something to have printed on a wall somewhere.
Last note - I am a believer that God 'allows' not 'causes' the baad things that happen in this world - Pastor Groeschel takes no side here but I would like to hear more of the argument from a Christian that believes a loving God would 'cause' such horrible things to happen to people.
- Am I a spiritual taker or contributor to my church, family, friends, community, etc.?
This was a profound question that immediately had me scrambling to get involved more. For years I've wanted to find the "right church" for "me" and to wait for the "perfect fit" but I was never willing to contribute. This can be applied in so many ways including professionally, intimately, etc.
- You are who you surround yourself with.
This is not a new concept but since I live in a relatively new state far away from people in my past and make new friends constantly it is important to think about right now (for me) and to start to realize that the people I surround myself and my family with has a direct influence on who I am and what type of family we become.
- The common misconception that 'God will only allow into your life what you can handle' is not biblically accurate - 'God will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you can handle.' is accurate (yet not the exact verse)
This has always been tough to digest through the valley's of life and was an eye opener to hear that it was not biblically accurate. Things will be tough and the bible never claims to say they won't, in fact, the bible assures us life is tough and that it's how you deal with life that is what's most important.
- What do I want people to say about me at my funeral?
Again, not a new concept but something that strikes me every time I hear it. Who would be there? What would they say? Am I striving to be the person I want to be remembered as? Or am I too selfish to care about how I affect other people? This is something to have printed on a wall somewhere.
Last note - I am a believer that God 'allows' not 'causes' the baad things that happen in this world - Pastor Groeschel takes no side here but I would like to hear more of the argument from a Christian that believes a loving God would 'cause' such horrible things to happen to people.
December 3, 2024
Who doesn't want to make good decisions? I liked the author approach to this question. He writes about how the decisions we make create our story.
Even though I liked his approach to this age old question, what I liked even more was his demeanor. Usually books like this have authors putting their best foot forward...and only their best foot. He brought an ease to this by showing that he is just like everyone else. That goes a very long way in making this sound like lunch with a friend and not a lecture in a big hall. So 5 stars and this one goes on my reread pile.
Even though I liked his approach to this age old question, what I liked even more was his demeanor. Usually books like this have authors putting their best foot forward...and only their best foot. He brought an ease to this by showing that he is just like everyone else. That goes a very long way in making this sound like lunch with a friend and not a lecture in a big hall. So 5 stars and this one goes on my reread pile.
February 7, 2017
Craig uses real life examples of how the simplest and most complex decisions you make determine the future course your life will take. Practical guidelines on how to make the best decisions will assist you into a destiny filled with God's grace and purpose for your life!
November 19, 2023
this book was a good personal life check on the decisions we make today that will determine the stories we’ll tell tomorrow, with Jesus in the center. Very good read!
November 3, 2017
As you are reviewing 2017 and making preparations for 2018, Divine Direction: 7 Decisions That Will Change Your Life would be a great guidebook. Author Craig Groeschel walks us through "the small choices no one sees that result in the big impact everyone wants." He wants to help you tell the story that God wants you to tell. Definitely recommended read!
Seven Decisions: 1. Start 2. Stop 3. Stay 4. Go 5. Serve 6. Connect 7. Trust
Some of my favorite quotes from Divine Direction:
"Two of the biggest mistakes you can make in life are not starting and not finishing."
"I will do today what I can do to enable me to do tomorrow what I can't do today."
"Wisdom often hangs in the balance between a good decision and a slippery slope toward disaster."
"What are you doing today...that's hijacking the story you want to tell?"
"We're not changed by the promises we make to God; we're changed by believing the promises God makes to us."
"You are who you run with."
"Will we trust that God is good even when life is not?"
"I can't tell you whether God causes storms or just allows them. But one thing you can count on is this: God always uses storms."
Seven Decisions: 1. Start 2. Stop 3. Stay 4. Go 5. Serve 6. Connect 7. Trust
Some of my favorite quotes from Divine Direction:
"Two of the biggest mistakes you can make in life are not starting and not finishing."
"I will do today what I can do to enable me to do tomorrow what I can't do today."
"Wisdom often hangs in the balance between a good decision and a slippery slope toward disaster."
"What are you doing today...that's hijacking the story you want to tell?"
"We're not changed by the promises we make to God; we're changed by believing the promises God makes to us."
"You are who you run with."
"Will we trust that God is good even when life is not?"
"I can't tell you whether God causes storms or just allows them. But one thing you can count on is this: God always uses storms."
February 9, 2017
We make choices every day. But how do we make the right choices? How do we make godly choices? In Craig Groeschel’s new book “Divine Direction” he provides a basic framework for making those tough life choices. He asks us to really think about where our choices will lead. Through his own personal experiences and those of others, he sets forth real life examples of making the tough decisions, the decisions God would want us to make. It’s a quick read, easy to follow and full of sound advice. I would recommend it for anyone just starting out as a new Christian who may be having a hard time leaving their old life behind, but also for us “oldsters” who need a reminder now and then. “Your decisions today, both big and small, determine the direction your life will take tomorrow.”
February 5, 2019
Craig Groeschel has a gift for communication. He huge heart for people coming to know Jesus better comes through in all of his work. This book is no exception.
Craig is careful to give specific action steps that enable the reader seek God and deepen their faith in practical ways. His writing style is easy to read, packed with stories, and very relatable.
Craig is careful to give specific action steps that enable the reader seek God and deepen their faith in practical ways. His writing style is easy to read, packed with stories, and very relatable.
December 2, 2020
Groeschel's once again delivers a challenging story for those looking to allow the principles from the Bible to govern their daily lives. Groeschel's uses some personal examples from his own life of college wild living and making meaningful change and finding joy and direction in his life. He writes in a clear conversational manner that made this an easy book to listen to.
June 27, 2017
As decisões que tomamos hoje irão determinar as histórias que contaremos amanhã. E são as pequenas escolhas que ninguém vê que resultam na grande diferença que todos desejam. Com estes dois pensamentos, Craig Groeschel reflere sobre 7 decisões que influenciam nossa vida. 1) Comece: não importa onde você está hoje, sempre existe a oportunidade de começar algo novo. Que hábitos você cultiva hoje que vão formar seu caráter daqui há alguns anos? Por que não começar agora a desenvolve los? 2) Pare: as vezes, quando é mais fácil continuar fazendo algo, talvez o certo seja parar de faze lo. Se não parar, que história você irá contar? 3) Fique: desistir pode parecer mais fácil em muitas situações, mas decidir perseverar pode trazer um retorno além do esperado que pode surpreende lo. 4) Vá: por outro lado, a melhor decisão pode ser ir quando o mais cômodo é ficar. Pra avançar, você provavelmente irá ter que dar passo fora da zona de conforto. 5) Sirva: "o maior entre vocês deverá ser servo.” Mt 23:11. Servir não é algo que fazemos, mas algo somos chamados a ser. Não somos chamados a ser consumidores, mas contribuidores. 6) Conecte-se: "me mostre seus amigos e te mostrarei seu futuro". Todos precisam de um amigo que o faça se tornar melhor, que ajude a encontrar força em Deus e que lhe fale a verdade (especialmente quando não queremos ouvir). 7) Confie: a nossa resposta aos desafios da vida determinam grandemente nosso futuro. Confiar em Jesus não significa que não enfrentará tempestades, mas que você sairá dela mais maduro.
Ótimo livro, boas reflexões, e mudanças a por em prática!
Ótimo livro, boas reflexões, e mudanças a por em prática!
September 21, 2020
I find Craig Groeschel’s books to be easy to read, I like his style of writing. They aren’t real deep, but I can easily connect with the message. He backs up everything with scripture so they are biblically sound. Chapters 5 and 7 were my favorite, chapter 5 is on service, having a servants heart, and chapter 7 is on trusting God. God uses all storms to teach us, and He never leaves our side. There’s no truth to, “He will never give us more than we can handle”, because He will. The truth is He will give us what’s needed to handle it. The example he uses is, “the thorn in Paul’s side.” Great book.
February 9, 2017
I have been reading Craig Groeschel books for a long time now and his writing is always so fresh and genuine.
This is not just a good about good ideas or principles, is about a new way to see every day, simple and small decisions in a whole new way.
Divine Direction will help you realize how "It’s the small choices no one sees that result in the big impact everyone wants."
I believe you will not only enjoy this book but that it will help you grow in your faith in a very special way.
This is not just a good about good ideas or principles, is about a new way to see every day, simple and small decisions in a whole new way.
Divine Direction will help you realize how "It’s the small choices no one sees that result in the big impact everyone wants."
I believe you will not only enjoy this book but that it will help you grow in your faith in a very special way.
April 5, 2019
Vincent van Gogh: ,,Lucrurile măreţe sunt făcute dintr-o serie de lucruri mărunte puse laolaltă."
,,Voi face astăzi ceea ce pot face pentru ca să fac mâine ceea ce nu pot face azi."
,,Plecarea-i cea mai graznică otravă
Şi fericirea e doar în zăbavă." Shakespeare
,,Cel mai bun mod de a te găsi pe tine însuţi este prin a te pierde în slujirea altora." Gandhi
,,..slujirea nu este ceva ce trebuie să facem. Un slujitor este un om chemat să fie."
,,Când nu poţi vedea mâna Lui Dumnezeu, ai încredere în inima Lui."
,,Voi face astăzi ceea ce pot face pentru ca să fac mâine ceea ce nu pot face azi."
,,Plecarea-i cea mai graznică otravă
Şi fericirea e doar în zăbavă." Shakespeare
,,Cel mai bun mod de a te găsi pe tine însuţi este prin a te pierde în slujirea altora." Gandhi
,,..slujirea nu este ceva ce trebuie să facem. Un slujitor este un om chemat să fie."
,,Când nu poţi vedea mâna Lui Dumnezeu, ai încredere în inima Lui."
March 18, 2018
REally got me thinking about choices I make, have made, will make in my life. He made some great points. I could read it again and get even more out it. It was 200 pages but was a pretty quick and easy read.
December 6, 2020
After having read this book I have been able to understand in a different way the importance of the use of time. I learned many things and read others again that I needed.
June 28, 2025
All goood content, felt a little stale although all true.
January 27, 2021
Super good, definitely showed me how to grow in areas I didin't realize I needed to grow in
March 18, 2025
4.5 stars rounded up.
January 27, 2019
It was great!
March 9, 2020
This is a good one
June 29, 2025
it's a great, book 😊👍🏻 provides practical steps into the right direction. Reading this book is like having an honest conversation with a wise friend.
June 22, 2017
Very honestly, I must say that at the beginning of the book I had my doubts about this being a book that I could finish. It seemed very simplistic and obvious with a formula that I had seen and read many times about decision making and discernment within the Christian community. The book is peppered with stories of Groeschel's life and each chapter begins with a introductory story that describes the chapter title. Somewhere toward the end of the book in the chapters titled Connect and Trust I began to feel that Groeschel got into more scriptural meat and tried to be less humorous and entertaining. This is where I believe the book became real. These two chapters were very good especially the excerpts about the three types of friends you should have. The chapter on trust was very well written and his explanations were straightforward with more of this is what scripture says not do as I say or believe. All in all it was a very quick read and easy for anyone to understand. It is all about choice and how you want your story to be told.
February 22, 2017
I really enjoyed this book. I love his writing style. It's very easy to read and conversational. I think no matter where you are in your walk with Jesus, new believer or not one at all even... this book has much to offer. It is broken into sections within the chapters, that are flooded with scripture to support the writing. He has a lot of funny personal stories spread throughout, that really give you a better sense of who he is (ore than Pastor). Which I enjoyed. And yet, there was the loving hand of a pastor throughout as well. The book had a lot of actionable items to take away and think about as well as to implement. It's content is very relevant and spot on. You will be challenged in thought and hopefully moved to trust God deeper.
I don't think you will be disappointed by this book and I think it should be given as a graduate gift to every child!!
As a mom, I found myself praying through the reading over my son.
I don't think you will be disappointed by this book and I think it should be given as a graduate gift to every child!!
As a mom, I found myself praying through the reading over my son.
February 7, 2017
I'm not one who can sit still long enough to read a book, so I listen to them audibly. However, once I started reading Divine Direction, I couldn't put it down. So many simple, yet life-changing bits of wisdom. Pastor Craig Groeschel has an amazing gift for combining humor and wit with serious and important information that, when applied to our lives, WILL change them for the better. This is an easy read and you will want to buy several copies to share with your friends and family. I'm reading it AGAIN.
May 9, 2017
This book had potential, but I found the author made it too much about himself and I didn't relate to a lot of the stories he used. Also, I don't think the bible references were well integrated, oftentimes they felt forced and went on too long without making a solid point - I found myself fast-forwarding quite a bit through biblical stories that weren't resonating and seemed redundant. It felt like he was name-dropping Jesus to get attention and readers. Finished it feeling uninspired and annoyed.
May 25, 2017
Simple and practical guide for your life. This was easy to read and contained a number of stories and examples to keep you interested. For someone who has decisions to make or wants to move forward with their life, this is a good resource and place to start. It is very encouraging.
January 24, 2018
Excelente libro
Un libro con principios básicos pero necesarios para una vida con fundamento cristiano. He atesorado en mi corazón mucho de lo que leí aquí y lo he compartido con muchas personas. Altamente recomendado.
Un libro con principios básicos pero necesarios para una vida con fundamento cristiano. He atesorado en mi corazón mucho de lo que leí aquí y lo he compartido con muchas personas. Altamente recomendado.
August 20, 2017
Loving this book so far!!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 272 reviews