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Singing in Babylon: Finding Purpose in Life’s Second Choices
Everyone has to live with second choices—events and circumstances that they would not choose, some trivial, some tragic. Daniel was a man whose life was filled with second choices, but he did more than just survive; he stayed faithful to God and thrived. So what is there to learn from his story in Scripture?
Pastor and author Jeff Lucas challenges readers to ask, “How can we, like Daniel, be faithful in the ‘Babylon’ of second choices?” Down-to-earth but inspirational, Singing in Babylon explores how the reader, like Daniel, can find purpose and meaning in life’s second choices.
Pastor and author Jeff Lucas challenges readers to ask, “How can we, like Daniel, be faithful in the ‘Babylon’ of second choices?” Down-to-earth but inspirational, Singing in Babylon explores how the reader, like Daniel, can find purpose and meaning in life’s second choices.
224 pages, Paperback
Published February 1, 2021
18 people are currently reading
29 people want to read
About the author
Jeff Lucas
102 books28 followersJeff Lucas is a Christian author, speaker, life coach, and broadcaster. He holds a pastoral teaching position at Timberline Church in Fort Collins, Colorado. He provides life coaching through Paterson Center. He is a columnist for Premier Christian magazine and for Sorted Magazine he has published 32 books, and he broadcasts a weekly radio show, Lucas on Life. He writes a column of daily bible reading notes, "Lucas on Life Every Day".
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
January 25, 2021
As a younger reader ( I am 13) I found this book really good, especially what we have been going through with Covid in the past year!
January 24, 2021
What an excellent book - I have really enjoyed deep diving into the story of Daniel. It has challenged and inspired me. Definitely a book for our times. There are some really thought provoking questions throughout which can be used individually or in a small group setting for discussion.
“When life offers us second choice, not only can we survive, we can thrive. We can flourish when the weather turns wintry.”
Highly recommend this book
“When life offers us second choice, not only can we survive, we can thrive. We can flourish when the weather turns wintry.”
Highly recommend this book
February 4, 2021
Timely and inspiring, beautifully written…This story is based off of the Biblical book of Daniel. Jeff Lucas makes Daniel so relatable to our current culture and times. Daniel, like us, lived in lockdown but for much longer and without the internet. Lucas shares stories of others, who like Daniel and his friends, didn’t just make it through “second choice” circumstances, they all learned to overcome and “thrive.” Wherever you find yourself in your journey of faith, I believe all can be encouraged by Daniel to persevere and adapt in whatever culture you find yourself in while not compromising your true identity. My biggest challenge while reading was slowing down to savor each word shared; I’m looking forward to reading again (hopefully with a book group) and discovering more truths.
February 1, 2021
This book, in my opinion, is definitely a book for the time that we are living in. In our culture of the individual that expects so much for ourselves and yet seems so in need of real connection, kindness and authenticity, Jeff Lucas speaks directly to the grief and disappointment of when life really doesn't turn out the way we expected. Using the example of Daniel, he outlines where we are, how we may be experiencing second choice lives and principles that could help us find meaning, joy and flourishing in even the most difficult places. You may laugh and cry as you read this book but may also find the igniting sparks of hope again! Enjoy!
February 2, 2021
Singing.... well not just yet, but there is hope!!
This book is not so much about singing but everything about living in a time of life's second choices and finding purpose in those situations that you didn't necessarily foresee, yet alone choose.
Jeff's book 'Singing in Babylon - Finding Purpose in Life's Second Choices' has a relevancy that at the time of writing was incomprehensible and yet now, at this very moment, is so pertinent and timely in this COVID season we all find ourselves struggling in.
None of us on the planet had this isolated, detached, restricted, hug-less way of life as a first choice scenario. We have all been 'locked down' into these rules and regulations which we never on anyone's agenda and is invisibly robbing us of our identity.
In this book we read that Daniel's life of 'locked down' exile in Babylon was all about second choice living, however, he was able to thrive as, through faith, God used him in wonderful ways.
We too can find purpose in this seemingly limited and constrained life and , through a living faith with our loving Father God, we too can thrive in the toughest of situations remembering that our identity remains in Him.
This book is full of hope and reminds us that God is right here with us, in the mess, holding us just as He did for Daniel and his friends.
I highly recommend it as a book to enjoy on your own or one to share with a small study group. There are challenging and impactful discussion questions to guide further learning together and videos available for each chapter from The Big Church Read.
thebigchurchread.co.uk
This book is not so much about singing but everything about living in a time of life's second choices and finding purpose in those situations that you didn't necessarily foresee, yet alone choose.
Jeff's book 'Singing in Babylon - Finding Purpose in Life's Second Choices' has a relevancy that at the time of writing was incomprehensible and yet now, at this very moment, is so pertinent and timely in this COVID season we all find ourselves struggling in.
None of us on the planet had this isolated, detached, restricted, hug-less way of life as a first choice scenario. We have all been 'locked down' into these rules and regulations which we never on anyone's agenda and is invisibly robbing us of our identity.
In this book we read that Daniel's life of 'locked down' exile in Babylon was all about second choice living, however, he was able to thrive as, through faith, God used him in wonderful ways.
We too can find purpose in this seemingly limited and constrained life and , through a living faith with our loving Father God, we too can thrive in the toughest of situations remembering that our identity remains in Him.
This book is full of hope and reminds us that God is right here with us, in the mess, holding us just as He did for Daniel and his friends.
I highly recommend it as a book to enjoy on your own or one to share with a small study group. There are challenging and impactful discussion questions to guide further learning together and videos available for each chapter from The Big Church Read.
thebigchurchread.co.uk
February 1, 2021
"How can we sing the songs of the LORD while in a foreign land?"
This book explores and develops the theme of second choice lives, that life is never perfect, even for us as Christians. We are all living in a beautiful, but broken, world. Second choices are those circumstances of life that we would not choose for ourselves and is particularly relevant at this time.
The book focuses on Daniel as an inspirational example, of not only surviving in a second choice life, but someone who thrives. This brings hope and encouragement for each one of us that we can flourish and sing a joyful song, wherever God has placed us.
The author starts each chapter with an anecdote and has a wealth of stories, some humorous and some poignant, which help introduce the main theme. He skillfully interweaves the experiences of Daniel and his friends with relevant application for our lives today. Each chapter finishes with 3-4 questions for further reflection. The godly principles that Daniel and his friends displayed while living out their lives in exile, brings a challenging message for us today. When all apparent choices had been forcibly taken from them, they resolved to live their lives in worship to God, even when in a strange land.
“And this vital truth is hammered home throughout Daniel’s story: despite present appearances, God is in control. Heaven rules.” Jeff Lucas
Highly recommend as a timely read in this current season.
This book explores and develops the theme of second choice lives, that life is never perfect, even for us as Christians. We are all living in a beautiful, but broken, world. Second choices are those circumstances of life that we would not choose for ourselves and is particularly relevant at this time.
The book focuses on Daniel as an inspirational example, of not only surviving in a second choice life, but someone who thrives. This brings hope and encouragement for each one of us that we can flourish and sing a joyful song, wherever God has placed us.
The author starts each chapter with an anecdote and has a wealth of stories, some humorous and some poignant, which help introduce the main theme. He skillfully interweaves the experiences of Daniel and his friends with relevant application for our lives today. Each chapter finishes with 3-4 questions for further reflection. The godly principles that Daniel and his friends displayed while living out their lives in exile, brings a challenging message for us today. When all apparent choices had been forcibly taken from them, they resolved to live their lives in worship to God, even when in a strange land.
“And this vital truth is hammered home throughout Daniel’s story: despite present appearances, God is in control. Heaven rules.” Jeff Lucas
Highly recommend as a timely read in this current season.
February 15, 2021
A great book for these uncertain times.
Really good study of Daniel and the challenges he faced in a place that was a 'foreign land' for him. Keeping his faith without conforming to how things were done and keeping his God given identity.
Finding ourselves in Babylon,second choice life affects many of us, situations we find hard,struggling to find a way to sing despite circumstances is challenging. As Jeff puts it 'When we find ourselves in second choice life,at the risk of sounding brutal.let's not live the rest of our days curled up in a me centered ball. When we find ourselves in Babylon,may we know grace that enables us to serve and give'.
Jeff Lucas is a great writer and communicator. In this book he has made it relevant to what all of us are living through at present with his humility,honesty and humour. We are all living in uncertain times in a strange and foreign land. Keeping our faith,keeping our God given identity,remaining hope filled and 'Singing in Babylon' is a challenge for us all.
Highly recommend this book,challenging in parts,good bible teaching and a must read for everyone.
Really good study of Daniel and the challenges he faced in a place that was a 'foreign land' for him. Keeping his faith without conforming to how things were done and keeping his God given identity.
Finding ourselves in Babylon,second choice life affects many of us, situations we find hard,struggling to find a way to sing despite circumstances is challenging. As Jeff puts it 'When we find ourselves in second choice life,at the risk of sounding brutal.let's not live the rest of our days curled up in a me centered ball. When we find ourselves in Babylon,may we know grace that enables us to serve and give'.
Jeff Lucas is a great writer and communicator. In this book he has made it relevant to what all of us are living through at present with his humility,honesty and humour. We are all living in uncertain times in a strange and foreign land. Keeping our faith,keeping our God given identity,remaining hope filled and 'Singing in Babylon' is a challenge for us all.
Highly recommend this book,challenging in parts,good bible teaching and a must read for everyone.
February 13, 2021
Singing in Babylon is the perfect title for this wonderful book. It is rich in every way one expects an important read to be. Theologically sound, with poignant poetry and quotes from credible men with wise insight woven throughout, the reader is left contemplating something akin to a beautifully woven tapestry that Lucas skillfully uses to lead the audience into profound application of an old story from the book of Daniel, into present circumstances of modern day life. Jeff Lucas teaches us how Daniel’s unexpected disaster, which forever changed not only the course of his life, but of history itself, can actually be a template to us to learn how to live with joy in a second choice life. Such writing requires a deeply perceptive teacher and brilliant communication skills to be able to connect the very real suffering of an ancient historical figure to our present-day lives, and somehow, deliver hope to the reader. Singing in Babylon is moving, timely in our culture of many disappointments, and it will not leave you unaffected.
February 2, 2021
There are so many things I could say about this book. I have always loved the account of Daniel, and his friends. One of my favorite portions of scripture is where they say to the king, “Our God is able to save us, BUT, even if he doesn’t, we still will not bow.” In this book, Jeff Lucas gives many examples of how these young men remained faithful to God, AND thrived, while they were in exile. He also gives modern day examples, as well. But, more than that, this book reminds us that no matter where we find ourselves, God is the same God! He is always faithful to us, His people! We can rest assured that even in the midst of second choice living circumstances, God is with us, and through Him, we can not only survive, but thrive, for His glory. Thank you, Jeff Lucas, for this very timely, and relatable, book.
July 15, 2021
I loved this book. It follows Daniel through the Bible and considers how his situation relates to our own as we live lives that often are not our first choice. Daniel was taken prisoner from his home and made captive in Babylon where he lived the rest of his life.
I found the book especially relevant to this season of Covid 19 when the whole world has been stopped in its tracks and many plunged into unexpected situations.
The book is extremely accessible, relevant and encouraging. There are excellent questions at the end of each chapter.
I found the book especially relevant to this season of Covid 19 when the whole world has been stopped in its tracks and many plunged into unexpected situations.
The book is extremely accessible, relevant and encouraging. There are excellent questions at the end of each chapter.
September 4, 2022
I can only give 2stars to this book because the fundamental point of application between a first choice life and a second choice life is not only flawed but completely appalling. It’s not that life does not turn out as we hope, since that is a fact of life, or even that at times we make bad choices in life, which we do and then we have to live with them. What really grated is the perception that life is only to be interpreted in a consumerist mindset and that such a mindset is compatible with faith in Jesus.
February 3, 2021
A Treasure Trove.......
I have thoroughly enjoyed reading this book by Jeff Lucas - Singing in Babylon Finding Purpose in Life’s Second Choices. It is certainly a book for this season of “Second Choices” that we find ourselves living in. It is a real treasure trove containing gems of much wisdom and truth with lovely nuggets of Jeff’s humour throughout. It is not a book to be rushed, but one to be pondered over and to glean from. I can highly recommend it for individual and group study.
I have thoroughly enjoyed reading this book by Jeff Lucas - Singing in Babylon Finding Purpose in Life’s Second Choices. It is certainly a book for this season of “Second Choices” that we find ourselves living in. It is a real treasure trove containing gems of much wisdom and truth with lovely nuggets of Jeff’s humour throughout. It is not a book to be rushed, but one to be pondered over and to glean from. I can highly recommend it for individual and group study.
February 5, 2021
Another great book from Jeff Lucas which speaks powerfully into the time we find ourselves. Jeff blends his excellent story telling skills with humour and then goes onto make some power points. Based on the story of Daniel it reminds us how to make the best of the situations we find ourselves in, especially when they are not what we would have chosen for ourselves. Jeff reminds us that God is with us and is at work, the book helps us to see how we can make live well and thrive.
Read
February 15, 2021I loved this book. It is an open minded and mature piece of writing. The style is varied and interesting including some references to the Bible, relevant and pertinent to the text. It relate to the life of Daniel and his three friends, exiled in Babylon, and how they navigated their way through everything alien to their lives and expectations. It’s extremely relevant to us in our current circumstances. I would highly recommend this book.
Read
February 1, 2021The treasure revealed from Jeff Lucas’s in depth study of this familiar story from the life of Daniel & his compatriots reminds us of the need to, not only read the Bible, but also study the Bible.
Jeff’s insight gives us a revelation of what our attitude and posture should be in this current, 2nd choice lifestyle that we find ourselves in.
A worthwhile read !
Jeff’s insight gives us a revelation of what our attitude and posture should be in this current, 2nd choice lifestyle that we find ourselves in.
A worthwhile read !
April 14, 2021
Pretty disappointed with this and the big church read for pushing it. It's incredibly disjointed and 30% of it is quotes from other people randomly spliced in. In a book group of 6, one person managed to finish it. We used the questions at the end if each chapter for discussion which was helpful but as for the book itself I do not recommend
September 29, 2021
This book should have been very of its moment, coming out of lockdown and addressing second best life choices. But I found it hard going and the whole concept that if something happens that you don't like, it is a second best life. The questions posed at the end of each chapter were a bit esoteric and needed some unpacking.
October 15, 2021
I have given this 4 stars because there was nothing wrong with the book, however I did not really benefit from reading it. I think it was the wrong kind of book to read as relaxation (which is what I was trying to do during the reading space that I had.) I did learn several things I didn't know about Daniel which has helped me to see things in a different light. A good book but not relaxing!
December 17, 2021
I have enjoyed delving deeper into the life of Daniel and his companions. Captured and taken into exile in pagan Babylon and losing their privileged status, this was certainly not the life they had envisaged for themselves. Their faith and faithfulness living their ‘second choice life’ still speaks volumes. We too can find meaning and purpose in events and challenges we would not have chosen.
February 1, 2021
I found this to be inspiring,full of wisdom ,thought provoking and definitely a book for our time. It's written in such a way that makes it easy to lift from the page. I know it's only February but I think this is going to be my best book recomendation of the year.
February 16, 2021
This is a great book for the times we are in. Not only that it comes with searching questions which made a difference in how I saw it. Do not think it's a self-help book - it isn't and don't be put off by the title - the subtitle says it all. It's a great book to read and work through with others.
February 11, 2021
This book opens the door to the world of Daniel and his Jewish compatriots in exile in Babylon. Yet it’s not just a historical book, because with Jeff’s guidance (and the wisdom of many years following Jesus) we can relate Daniel’s experiences to our own. Jeff also weaves in his own experiences, some of which I found moving, and he demonstrates that increasingly rare quality called common sense!
Jeff does not lecture us or tell us what we must or must not believe; instead he guides us to make our own discoveries in the amazing book of Daniel. It’s rather like exploring a cave that has hidden treasure. I certainly found some wonderful gems of truth and I expect I will find more as I read the book again. For me, the greatest treasure so far has been seeing that even though our plans may come to nothing, and even though we may find ourselves in “second choice” situations, God has plans that are far greater than ours, and he truly is in control. This gives us a glorious and solid hope for the future.
The message of this book is timeless, but in a world that has been rocked by coronavirus and other troubles, it is also very timely.
Jeff does not lecture us or tell us what we must or must not believe; instead he guides us to make our own discoveries in the amazing book of Daniel. It’s rather like exploring a cave that has hidden treasure. I certainly found some wonderful gems of truth and I expect I will find more as I read the book again. For me, the greatest treasure so far has been seeing that even though our plans may come to nothing, and even though we may find ourselves in “second choice” situations, God has plans that are far greater than ours, and he truly is in control. This gives us a glorious and solid hope for the future.
The message of this book is timeless, but in a world that has been rocked by coronavirus and other troubles, it is also very timely.
November 29, 2021
My husband and I read this together and we thoroughly enjoyed it. It gives a great window into Daniel's life in Babylon as an exile, and how that can help us navigate life in this crazy world.
May 20, 2022
Not as good as his usual books. A lot of quotes, which I found hard to keep up with. The bits Jeff did write we're good, I wanted to hear more from him. The last chapter was really good.
August 28, 2022
A well-written book containing lots to think about
June 17, 2023
There are videos and questions that go with the book. The book was easy to read and thought prevoking - good discussion lessons at end of each chapter.
February 16, 2021
As usual, Jeff Lucas comes up with an extremely readable and helpful book. It is not a case of trudging through a heavy theological tome, but reading a well written book, extremely relevant to our present day circumstances and also taking us deeper into the story of Daniel and how he and his friends handled their second choice lives whilst staying faithful to their God. I thoroughly enjoyed it and highly recommend it.
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February 15, 2021A very thought provoking book with a meditation and questions at the end of each chapter suitable for individual or group study. If you are just familiar with the Sunday school stories of Daniel in the Lions den and the three Hebrew young men in the fiery furnace take a closer look at the book of Daniel with Jeff Lucas in this book.
How these Hebrew young men taken into exile far from home lived faithfully in a foreign country with foreign gods and foreign customs. They were faithful to their God and He was faithful to them but that didn't mean nothing bad ever happened to them.
Sometimes life throws us a curve ball or takes us where we would not choose to go and we find ourselves living in a situation that would not be our first choice. Journey with Jeff lucas through the book of Daniel to learn some valuable lessons on how to live well in these situations.
If you enjoy Jeff Lucas books you will enjoy this one, it will make you laugh , it will make you cry and it will make you think about your own situation and not just about living through the pandemic of 2020/21 although it is very timely for this too
The questions at the end of each chapter are thought provoking and helpful. I am looking forward to re reading this book a chapter at a time with our Bible Study group via zoom in this time of lockdown in 2021throughout Lent.
A great book for individual or group Bible study - I can highly recommend it
How these Hebrew young men taken into exile far from home lived faithfully in a foreign country with foreign gods and foreign customs. They were faithful to their God and He was faithful to them but that didn't mean nothing bad ever happened to them.
Sometimes life throws us a curve ball or takes us where we would not choose to go and we find ourselves living in a situation that would not be our first choice. Journey with Jeff lucas through the book of Daniel to learn some valuable lessons on how to live well in these situations.
If you enjoy Jeff Lucas books you will enjoy this one, it will make you laugh , it will make you cry and it will make you think about your own situation and not just about living through the pandemic of 2020/21 although it is very timely for this too
The questions at the end of each chapter are thought provoking and helpful. I am looking forward to re reading this book a chapter at a time with our Bible Study group via zoom in this time of lockdown in 2021throughout Lent.
A great book for individual or group Bible study - I can highly recommend it
November 5, 2023
Compared to the other commentary I read on the book of Daniel (Brave by faith-Alistair Begg) this is certainly a different perspective on the story of Daniel. Lucas' writing style is very easy-going, but his application of Daniel is certainly good. I had a few nerves before reading this book because I don't really know what Lucas' teaching style is like and crucially the content of his teaching, but I was reassured by the end of the book. I especially found some of his points on prayer towards the end of the book helpful and humbling! The application theme as the title suggests, is living for the Lord in a "second choice world" and applying that to the Christian life today. Lucas makes the point that just as Daniel was living in a "second choice world" while exiled along with the other Jews in Babylon, the Christian today is living in a "second choice world" while we wait for the return of the Lord Jesus. I found this built off the themes of 1 Peter, especially chapter 2.
All in all, I would recommend this book as a study. On the other hand, I'm still waiting to read a book that deals with the prophetic elements of the book of Daniel! And I think I could be waiting a long time to read such a book...
All in all, I would recommend this book as a study. On the other hand, I'm still waiting to read a book that deals with the prophetic elements of the book of Daniel! And I think I could be waiting a long time to read such a book...
February 1, 2021
Singing in Babylon- Finding Purpose in Life's Second Choices by Jeff Lucas
I cannot recommend this book enough. To read it in a lockdown situation 2 years after my second husband died and during a world wide pandemic has been so timely. It has made me laugh and it has made me cry and it has made me examine my faith.
Jeff has cleverly drawn out lessons from the life of Daniel in exile that can be applied to our lives today in a meaningful way. Attitudes, values, sense of identity, wisdom, relocation, conflicts, lifestyle choices, the Church, fears, hearing from God, hope for the future, prayer, faith, trials, pride and miracles (plus more) are all addressed in the book in a very readable way. Quotes from others and parallels from other parts of the Bible are interestingly woven into the narrative. If life is getting you down read this book ( and read it if it isn't as well)!!!
I cannot recommend this book enough. To read it in a lockdown situation 2 years after my second husband died and during a world wide pandemic has been so timely. It has made me laugh and it has made me cry and it has made me examine my faith.
Jeff has cleverly drawn out lessons from the life of Daniel in exile that can be applied to our lives today in a meaningful way. Attitudes, values, sense of identity, wisdom, relocation, conflicts, lifestyle choices, the Church, fears, hearing from God, hope for the future, prayer, faith, trials, pride and miracles (plus more) are all addressed in the book in a very readable way. Quotes from others and parallels from other parts of the Bible are interestingly woven into the narrative. If life is getting you down read this book ( and read it if it isn't as well)!!!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews