What do you think?
Rate this book
Choosing the Extraordinary Life: God's 7 Secrets for Success and Significance
Too many of us settle for a listless life of mundane routine. We long to discover a greater purpose for our lives, but we don't know how. Dr. Robert Jeffress has an encouraging message for people looking for something more. God not only wants us to enjoy an extraordinary life, he has provided a roadmap for doing so.
In this inspiring and motivating book, Dr. Jeffress reveals seven secrets from Elijah that result in a life marked by significance, satisfaction, and success, including
- discovering your unique purpose in life
- waiting on God's timing
- learning how to handle bad days
- and more
For the overworked parent feeling trapped at home, the businessperson feeling unfulfilled in a stagnant career, the Christian worker ministering in obscurity--for anyone who wonders if there's more to life--God's Word reveals seven secrets for experiencing a truly extraordinary life.
In this inspiring and motivating book, Dr. Jeffress reveals seven secrets from Elijah that result in a life marked by significance, satisfaction, and success, including
- discovering your unique purpose in life
- waiting on God's timing
- learning how to handle bad days
- and more
For the overworked parent feeling trapped at home, the businessperson feeling unfulfilled in a stagnant career, the Christian worker ministering in obscurity--for anyone who wonders if there's more to life--God's Word reveals seven secrets for experiencing a truly extraordinary life.
240 pages, Paperback
Published September 4, 2018
159 people are currently reading
640 people want to read
About the author
Robert Jeffress
126 books83 followersDr. Robert Jeffress is senior pastor of the 16,000-member First Baptist Church, Dallas, Texas, and is a Fox News contributor. His daily radio program, Pathway to Victory, is heard on more than 1,000 stations nationwide, and his weekly television program is seen in 195 countries around the world. Jeffress has appeared on many media outlets, such as Fox & Friends, Hannity, Good Morning America, and Real Time with Bill Maher. He is the author of more than 30 books, including Not All Roads Lead to Heaven, Choosing the Extraordinary Life, 18 Minutes with Jesus, What Every Christian Should Know,and The 10. He lives in Dallas.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
November 21, 2018
This was a very interesting book with a lot of wisdom. I thought the chapter about discovering your purpose was eye-opening, especially that what you desire to do might be what God wants you to do; if you're in a growing and personal relationship with God your desires are being conformed to His. The chapter about waiting on God's timing explained different reasons God may have for us to wait and really made me think and reminded me there is a purpose to it all. It was also encouraging to read about how to handle bad days, some ways we make them worse and how to combat those actions or attitudes. It was fascinating learning more about Elijah and I loved the personal stories he told from his own life and the lives of others. I would highly recommend this book to anyone who wants to make a difference and live a life of purpose!
I received this book from Baker Books. I was not compensated for this review. All opinions are my own.
I received this book from Baker Books. I was not compensated for this review. All opinions are my own.
September 1, 2018
This book was very inspiring, motivating and compelling to read with also an challenging us to understand why God placed us on earth as Wells did and as Elijah did to rescue people. Our world and culture is decaying by fire and many will lose their souls by following false gods who offer no hope no escape, Jesus Christ is the only Way of escape from this world in to the next world and he will give us a mission to point as many people to Him as possible. The secret to an extraordinary life is to understand God’s purpose for our lives and then living it, like Elijah. Everyone have a choice why not choose your extraordinary life. I highly recommend to everyone must to read this book. “ I received complimentary a copy of this book from Baker Books Bloggers for this review”.
November 13, 2018
This was just the book I needed when I needed it. Pastor Jeffress uses the life of Elijah to inspire readers to live an extraordinary life of significance. I am a new fan of this writer/pastor. Extremely relevant to those of us who wonder how we can thrive in a world that seems to be going straight to hell. Turns out, Elijah lived during a time in which evil and pagan worship was rampant. And he stood up to it--but also, Elijah wasn't just a rock-star for God. The Old Testament hero had clay feet and experienced a season of depression as many of us do. Jeffress walks readers through good times and bad times in an inspiring, life-changing read.
September 27, 2018
Extraordinary
Every Monday for a series of weeks during my lunch I listen to Pastor Jeffress‘s preach about Elijah and his extraordinary life on my phone from Dallas. I prayed he would write a book about it. I watched this series twice and during the couple of weeks that he was preaching for a holiday I was waiting for him to get back and finish the series. I was so happy that Pathway to Victory radio he started this same series at the same time his book came out. And now I’m finishing it as he is finishing up the radio series. This is excellent book and I’m so thankful to Pastor for writing it and for preaching his series.
Every Monday for a series of weeks during my lunch I listen to Pastor Jeffress‘s preach about Elijah and his extraordinary life on my phone from Dallas. I prayed he would write a book about it. I watched this series twice and during the couple of weeks that he was preaching for a holiday I was waiting for him to get back and finish the series. I was so happy that Pathway to Victory radio he started this same series at the same time his book came out. And now I’m finishing it as he is finishing up the radio series. This is excellent book and I’m so thankful to Pastor for writing it and for preaching his series.
September 11, 2019
Living and leaving a legacy
I have always wanted my life to be significant. In reading this book Dr. Jeffress provides simple practical ways to live so that you feel and know that you are on the right track. There are so many opportunities to serve the Lord in the world today. I want to be His faithful fruitful ambassador!
I have always wanted my life to be significant. In reading this book Dr. Jeffress provides simple practical ways to live so that you feel and know that you are on the right track. There are so many opportunities to serve the Lord in the world today. I want to be His faithful fruitful ambassador!
April 5, 2019
In the book "Choosing the Extraordinary life God's 7 secrets for success and significance" by Dr. Robert Jeffress, He uses many types of skills to get the readers attention and interest in the book. That includes personal experience, personal question, rhetorical question and many examples that help us understand, relate, and reflect it upon our own life
The author, Dr.Robert Jeffress is famously known for his bold biblical stands on cultural issues. He is a senior pastor of First Baptist Church, Dallas, Texas, and is a Fox News contributor. He has his own radio station called "Pathway to Victory" and is heard from more than 930 stations nationwide. He is also on a weekly television program.
The first chapter of the book the author introduces a character named Elijah. then tells us a story. the style that the author uses is that he first talks about the character, then describes it more by quoting the bible, then how we should reflect in on ourselves. he also asks us a question and answers it. This book is very organized because the author, of course, talks about "God's 7 secrets for success and significance". He goes in order and thought that was really nice.
The author also quotes many verses of the bible. he quotes the verses not only because he is trying to state his point, but also want us to actually read the verses which are hard to understand. then reflecting it on our own life is even harder. the readers should know that this book is pretty hard to read because if you don't have basic knowledge about the stories in the bible, you won't understand a lot of the stories.
I personally believe that this book is meant for people who are in their college years with more knowledge about the bible. This book was pretty hard for me so I ended up referring back to the bible in order to understand the story fully. If you are very religious, I would say go for it. Read this book because it actually worked its ways through me and I ended up reflecting upon my own life.
The author, Dr.Robert Jeffress is famously known for his bold biblical stands on cultural issues. He is a senior pastor of First Baptist Church, Dallas, Texas, and is a Fox News contributor. He has his own radio station called "Pathway to Victory" and is heard from more than 930 stations nationwide. He is also on a weekly television program.
The first chapter of the book the author introduces a character named Elijah. then tells us a story. the style that the author uses is that he first talks about the character, then describes it more by quoting the bible, then how we should reflect in on ourselves. he also asks us a question and answers it. This book is very organized because the author, of course, talks about "God's 7 secrets for success and significance". He goes in order and thought that was really nice.
The author also quotes many verses of the bible. he quotes the verses not only because he is trying to state his point, but also want us to actually read the verses which are hard to understand. then reflecting it on our own life is even harder. the readers should know that this book is pretty hard to read because if you don't have basic knowledge about the stories in the bible, you won't understand a lot of the stories.
I personally believe that this book is meant for people who are in their college years with more knowledge about the bible. This book was pretty hard for me so I ended up referring back to the bible in order to understand the story fully. If you are very religious, I would say go for it. Read this book because it actually worked its ways through me and I ended up reflecting upon my own life.
September 7, 2018
I like the concept of Choosing the Extraordinary Life: God's 7 Secrets for Success and Significance by Robert Jeffress (BakerBooks, 2018) but as I read, I kept feeling that there was something missing. I can’t quite put my finger on it, just a feeling.
Additionally, especially in the early chapters, even though this is supposed to be lessons learned from the Prophet Elijah, I kept thinking that I would like more Elijah and less Jeffress later on in the book, it seemed that he addressed both of those concerns, but there was still more of other people, and not quite enough Elijah.
Having said that, there are definitely some nuggets of wisdom in this book: a reminder of the idolatry that we still practice—not stone of metal figurines—but things like money, jobs and relationships; or how Elijah knew to turn to God for the answers when no human could ever hope to answer the question.
And the secrets themselves are simple things that all Christians should already know: things like discover your purpose or wait on God's timing. Things like step out in faith, learn to handle bad days, and develop a prayer life. We should already know them, but as is often the case, we need frequent reminders of what we already know.
There are certain things that we can choose for our lives, but often there are choices made for us, and except for the rare individual, those choices tend to define us or at least influence our future choices. Most of us, if we could truly manage it, would, I’m sure, choose the extraordinary life. However first we have to learn that the extraordinary life may not be based on job, money, possessions, relationships, or success, but rather on learning to be content with what we have, even if we are striving for something else.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher as a member of the blogging program
4/5
Additionally, especially in the early chapters, even though this is supposed to be lessons learned from the Prophet Elijah, I kept thinking that I would like more Elijah and less Jeffress later on in the book, it seemed that he addressed both of those concerns, but there was still more of other people, and not quite enough Elijah.
Having said that, there are definitely some nuggets of wisdom in this book: a reminder of the idolatry that we still practice—not stone of metal figurines—but things like money, jobs and relationships; or how Elijah knew to turn to God for the answers when no human could ever hope to answer the question.
And the secrets themselves are simple things that all Christians should already know: things like discover your purpose or wait on God's timing. Things like step out in faith, learn to handle bad days, and develop a prayer life. We should already know them, but as is often the case, we need frequent reminders of what we already know.
There are certain things that we can choose for our lives, but often there are choices made for us, and except for the rare individual, those choices tend to define us or at least influence our future choices. Most of us, if we could truly manage it, would, I’m sure, choose the extraordinary life. However first we have to learn that the extraordinary life may not be based on job, money, possessions, relationships, or success, but rather on learning to be content with what we have, even if we are striving for something else.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher as a member of the blogging program
4/5
September 14, 2018
Dr. Robert Jeffress’s book Choosing the Extraordinary Life (Baker Books, 2018) has many well-worn Biblical truths, taught by many over the centuries. In that sense little will challenge or stimulate the mature Christian reader. The title of the book also seems a bit overused and gimmicky – God’s 7 secrets for success and significance.
Jeffress uses Elijah as his Biblical model of an ordinary person whose life had an extraordinary impact on his culture. That’s also not new material to many, but Jeffress does have fresh insights and good applications in his chapter on Waiting where he discusses Elijah’s time by the brook Cherith and in Gentile Zarephath. Similarly, his chapter on dealing with discouragement and depression describes how to handle “bad days.” He adds restlessness and foolishness to the deadly duo of the depression and discouragement which precipitate a bad season. He says “Four critical factors can precipitate…bad days or a bad season - exhaustion, focusing on challenging circumstances rather than a powerful God, holding onto unrealistic expectations, and believing you are indispensable” (Robert Jeffress, Choosing the Extraordinary Life: God’s 7 Secrets for Success and Significance, BakerBooks, 2018. pp. 171, 175, 178 and 179). Those are words worth pondering.
Jeffress uses Elijah as his Biblical model of an ordinary person whose life had an extraordinary impact on his culture. That’s also not new material to many, but Jeffress does have fresh insights and good applications in his chapter on Waiting where he discusses Elijah’s time by the brook Cherith and in Gentile Zarephath. Similarly, his chapter on dealing with discouragement and depression describes how to handle “bad days.” He adds restlessness and foolishness to the deadly duo of the depression and discouragement which precipitate a bad season. He says “Four critical factors can precipitate…bad days or a bad season - exhaustion, focusing on challenging circumstances rather than a powerful God, holding onto unrealistic expectations, and believing you are indispensable” (Robert Jeffress, Choosing the Extraordinary Life: God’s 7 Secrets for Success and Significance, BakerBooks, 2018. pp. 171, 175, 178 and 179). Those are words worth pondering.
December 12, 2018
This was an excellent, well written book by a pastor who knows how to take biblical scripture and tie it in to our lives today and teach us how live extraordinary lives. For Christians who are looking for guidance in how to build their faith and relationship with God and be our very best in everything we do, this is the book you should read.
May 8, 2019
This is my favorite book of Dr. Jeffress. I love the parallel he uses with the prophet Elijah in regards to the Christian life. Elijah is one of the most fascinating prophets in the Bible. This book is easy to read and understand I love the insights and encouragement that Dr. Jeffress provides in this book. I highly recommend!
November 14, 2022
Robert Jeffress was my pastor for a number of years. It is too bad that some people don't read his material because this was a phenomenal study in the life of Elijah. Jeffress' is a great communicator, and if most people could see past his political comments in the pulpit, you could learn a lot. Great book.
August 28, 2018
Choosing the Extraordinary Life: God's 7 Secrets for Success and Significance is a practical and insightful read that is perfect for anyone who wants to have an extraordinary life. A book that will inspire you to aim for the life that God has planned for you.
April 2, 2022
Outstanding. Dr. Jeffress uses the life lessons of the prophet Elijah as an example for us in setting and achieving an extraordinary life. There are many profound thoughts expressed and pointed recommendations for achieving such in our lifetime. This is a Billy Graham Library selection.
May 21, 2019
Simple, straight-forward, helpful principles for living based upon the life and ministry of Elijah.
March 4, 2023
Excellent read! I definitely recommend this book
July 19, 2023
I got this book for Christmas and wasn't sure if I would read it. The chapters are long but I believe this book has helped me with my Christian journey! Great advice here!
March 8, 2022
We always have a choice
Highly recommend this book. Don't settle for an ordinary life. Please pursue an extraordinary life. The author gives 7 secrets for success and significance. Live a life that you would want to pour what you've learned into another person.
Highly recommend this book. Don't settle for an ordinary life. Please pursue an extraordinary life. The author gives 7 secrets for success and significance. Live a life that you would want to pour what you've learned into another person.
July 28, 2021
Inspiring book
I loved reading this book! Truly inspiring. I recommend this book to anybody that wants to grow in their faith.
I loved reading this book! Truly inspiring. I recommend this book to anybody that wants to grow in their faith.
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews