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Reignite: Fresh Focus for an Enduring Faith
Even pastors struggle to keep going sometimes. When Dr. Jack Graham had a major surgery ten years ago, he knew it would take a physical toll, but to his surprise, he also found himself wiped out emotionally and spiritually. He wrestled with depression and a lack of spiritual energy, and he struggled to find joy and growth in his walk with Christ.Maybe you've been through a crisis of your own. Or maybe the busyness of life has overwhelmed you, or your faith has grown stale over the years and you've just been going through the motions. So how do you get back to being spiritually energized?In Reignite, Dr. Graham shares the powerful lessons he learned during his own dark night of the soul. He shares biblical insights on how to keep your relationship with God from growing cold, how to focus on what truly matters, and how to make the most of your years on earth, creating a legacy that advances the kingdom of God.For those who follow Jesus, God has promised a triumphant life and an eternity of joyous celebration. But we also need to embrace this joy and victory right here and right now. Let Reignite help you recapture what you've been missing.
243 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 23, 2021
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703 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
June 14, 2021
Dr. Graham is the Senior Pastor of Prestonwood Baptist Church in Plano, TX. I’m grateful that a decade later he has shared his struggle with depression after a battle with prostate cancer. Dr. Graham is a gifted communicator and that gift is apparent in the telling of his story. It’s not easy to admit that you have struggled with depression, but he does it with humility and honesty.
The best thing about this book is that it reads like you’re having a conversation with him, not like a counseling session. He gives practical advice and encouragement on how to deal with spiritual, emotional, and physical exhaustion. If you are a follower of Christ, you will find help in finding joy and growing in your relationship with Christ. If you are not, you will still find help on how to seek accountability and encouragement. He explains the scriptures in a way that is easy to understand for Christians and non-Christians alike. Those who are Christians will find inspiration in his words. Those who are not will find the same and won’t feel that his words are too “preachy” or “churchy”.
I read this in galley form but have since purchased the Kindle edition as I believe it to be a good book for reference in several areas. I recommend this book to anyone who may be struggling not only with depression, but with any of the challenges in life we may find overwhelming at times, such a struggle with our faith or even dealing with the isolation imposed by a pandemic.
Thank you to NetGalley and Bethany House for this ARC in exchange for my review.
The best thing about this book is that it reads like you’re having a conversation with him, not like a counseling session. He gives practical advice and encouragement on how to deal with spiritual, emotional, and physical exhaustion. If you are a follower of Christ, you will find help in finding joy and growing in your relationship with Christ. If you are not, you will still find help on how to seek accountability and encouragement. He explains the scriptures in a way that is easy to understand for Christians and non-Christians alike. Those who are Christians will find inspiration in his words. Those who are not will find the same and won’t feel that his words are too “preachy” or “churchy”.
I read this in galley form but have since purchased the Kindle edition as I believe it to be a good book for reference in several areas. I recommend this book to anyone who may be struggling not only with depression, but with any of the challenges in life we may find overwhelming at times, such a struggle with our faith or even dealing with the isolation imposed by a pandemic.
Thank you to NetGalley and Bethany House for this ARC in exchange for my review.
April 27, 2021
Graham had surgery for prostate cancer and then experienced a year of depression. He is open and honest about seeing a therapist and being prescribed the necessary medication. His depression and professional care was hard for him to admit publicly since he grew up in a time when therapists were not used by Christians.
While the therapy and medication helped, Graham says the habit that sustained him was his time in God's Word. When nothing else seemed to be working, making God's Word a priority carried him through. The experience reignited his faith and he hopes this book will help reignite our faith too.
Graham starts out with reflections on his personal experience, but the book quickly becomes just another one on Christian living. He encourages us to be in the Word, be in prayer, commit to attending church, etc. He writes how we will be affected by being in small groups, for example, but never how being in a small group helped him personally in his time of healing depression. He writes about the fear of death but does not communicate from his own feelings when the surgeon said he was not sure he got all the cancer. (197) Graham did share some of his feelings from time to time, but I felt most of the book was oddly impersonal. He writes as if he is preaching from the pulpit (he is a preacher) rather than as a friend sharing his heart, sitting across a coffee table from you. He writes his teaching mostly using illustrations from the Bible or the lives of others, not using his own life transforming experiences as examples.
Graham is sometimes so objective and simplistic, her forgets his own experience. “I'm telling you, anytime you have trouble persevering in life, simply look up and remember Christ, the author and finisher of our faith.” (216) This from the man who battled depression for a year and sought professional counseling and medication on his journey to spiritual well being.
If you are looking for a rather impersonal book on Christian living, such as suggested habits and the benefits from doing them, this is the book for you. If you are looking for how the experience of depression transformed the pastor of a mega-church, developed humility and compassion and empathy for others in a similar situation, resulting in heartfelt insights from that personal experience, you may need to look elsewhere.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. My comments are an independent and honest review.
While the therapy and medication helped, Graham says the habit that sustained him was his time in God's Word. When nothing else seemed to be working, making God's Word a priority carried him through. The experience reignited his faith and he hopes this book will help reignite our faith too.
Graham starts out with reflections on his personal experience, but the book quickly becomes just another one on Christian living. He encourages us to be in the Word, be in prayer, commit to attending church, etc. He writes how we will be affected by being in small groups, for example, but never how being in a small group helped him personally in his time of healing depression. He writes about the fear of death but does not communicate from his own feelings when the surgeon said he was not sure he got all the cancer. (197) Graham did share some of his feelings from time to time, but I felt most of the book was oddly impersonal. He writes as if he is preaching from the pulpit (he is a preacher) rather than as a friend sharing his heart, sitting across a coffee table from you. He writes his teaching mostly using illustrations from the Bible or the lives of others, not using his own life transforming experiences as examples.
Graham is sometimes so objective and simplistic, her forgets his own experience. “I'm telling you, anytime you have trouble persevering in life, simply look up and remember Christ, the author and finisher of our faith.” (216) This from the man who battled depression for a year and sought professional counseling and medication on his journey to spiritual well being.
If you are looking for a rather impersonal book on Christian living, such as suggested habits and the benefits from doing them, this is the book for you. If you are looking for how the experience of depression transformed the pastor of a mega-church, developed humility and compassion and empathy for others in a similar situation, resulting in heartfelt insights from that personal experience, you may need to look elsewhere.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. My comments are an independent and honest review.
May 20, 2021
In Reignite, Jack Graham has written a new book about rediscovering the passion and faith and finding joy again. He begins the book by opening up about the year 2009 and how his life was changed forever. He had a checkup with his doctor. They ran some tests and found out his PSA numbers were increasing and they have been for four years. They found out he has prostate cancer. In a few weeks, he was supposed to be celebrating 20 years as a senior pastor at Prestonwood. He shared in the book how he endured anxiety and battled depression. He revealed to readers what he experienced and how he dealt with all the signs of depression. He described how he emerged from his pit and included some of the steps he did to get free. He explained how time, touch, and thanksgiving, and therapy greatly changed his life. He also shared how reading scriptures, meditating, praying over God’s Word, and proclaiming God’s Word helped to redirect his life. He reread the story of Jonah, Moses, David, Paul, and Elijah and how they dealt with anxiety. He shared how he has seen marriages restored, addicts break their addictions, prisoners accept forgiveness, the sick healed, and much more by reading, listening to scriptures, and proclaiming them over your life. Throughout the book, readers will learn about the fundamental of our faith, exchanging doubt, discontentment, distress, and following God.
I would recommend this incredible book to anyone who is ready to reignite their faith and they want to get their passion back for God and His Word. I liked how open and transparent Jack was in sharing with readers about his life. I connected with how he included his battle with depression and anxiety and how he overcame it. He included many tips and suggestions on how he handled his experience. I immensely liked how he enclosed countless scriptures to encourage readers in their journey to rediscover their passion and faith. One of my favorite areas of the book, he looked at was how satan uses three ways to trap us and these included: distraction, deception, or compromise. I deeply liked how he taught readers about spiritual warfare and how we can live in victory.
"I received this book free from the publisher, Bethany House/ Chosen for my honest review.”
I would recommend this incredible book to anyone who is ready to reignite their faith and they want to get their passion back for God and His Word. I liked how open and transparent Jack was in sharing with readers about his life. I connected with how he included his battle with depression and anxiety and how he overcame it. He included many tips and suggestions on how he handled his experience. I immensely liked how he enclosed countless scriptures to encourage readers in their journey to rediscover their passion and faith. One of my favorite areas of the book, he looked at was how satan uses three ways to trap us and these included: distraction, deception, or compromise. I deeply liked how he taught readers about spiritual warfare and how we can live in victory.
"I received this book free from the publisher, Bethany House/ Chosen for my honest review.”
March 26, 2021
Reignite by Jack Graham, senior pastor of Prestonwood Baptist Church in Plano, Texas, is a reflection on the lessons he learned battling depression a decade ago following a cancer diagnosis and the resulting surgery. It is also relevant to today's world after the global pandemic of COVID-19. It is written as an encouragement to people who are Christians and may need to "reignite" their faith. That's not to say that non-Christians wouldn't enjoy this. Many Christian principles are covered in non-churchy language easy for any reader to follow.
If you are not a Christian - a follower of Jesus - please let me encourage you to find a bible (you can download one for free from Amazon) and look up the book of John (the bible has 66 books; John is #43).
Some of the book is very personal and that's where the book shines. You get a feel for Graham's personality and deep faith. The rest of it, while good and necessary to flesh out what he's trying to say, reads a lot like a three point sermon from the pulpit.
Full disclosure - I was a member of Dr. Graham's church for over sixteen years, including during the time period referenced in this book. When he says he didn't share his health struggles with the church, I can verify that.
Overall, this is a timely book and well worth the time spent. It will give the reader a renewed perspective after a tough year.
Thanks to Netgalley for the book. My review is my own opinion.
If you are not a Christian - a follower of Jesus - please let me encourage you to find a bible (you can download one for free from Amazon) and look up the book of John (the bible has 66 books; John is #43).
Some of the book is very personal and that's where the book shines. You get a feel for Graham's personality and deep faith. The rest of it, while good and necessary to flesh out what he's trying to say, reads a lot like a three point sermon from the pulpit.
Full disclosure - I was a member of Dr. Graham's church for over sixteen years, including during the time period referenced in this book. When he says he didn't share his health struggles with the church, I can verify that.
Overall, this is a timely book and well worth the time spent. It will give the reader a renewed perspective after a tough year.
Thanks to Netgalley for the book. My review is my own opinion.
July 5, 2021
Everyone faces periods of troubling and discouraging adversities in life.
For Christians it seems that God is distant or absent during those difficult times, and as a result one’s faith is challenged and often times wavers.
In a very conversational tone, Graham shares his experiences of battling prostate cancer and the year long struggle with depression, hopelessness, and emptiness that followed. He details how his faith was tested and the steps he took to reignite that faith, draw closer to God, and thus overcome his depression.
Graham states that this book was written primarily for “veteran believers” and that’s why he titled it “REIGNITE” as opposed to “IGNITE”.
There are countless references to scripture throughout the book, and so despite its primary target audience it can also serve as a Christian foundations primer to new believers. Furthermore, I believe that non-believers facing hardships will find peace and hope within its pages.
I will certainly re-read this book, refer to it often, and take notes as it contains a wealth of meaningful advice and counsel.
It’s a valuable addition to my library and I recommend it for anyone that has ever struggled with grief, despondency, and feelings of hopelessness as well as anyone that wants to help others through their difficulties.
* I received a complimentary copy of “REIGNITE” from Bethany House Publishing. The opinions expressed are my own and represent my honest review of the book.
For Christians it seems that God is distant or absent during those difficult times, and as a result one’s faith is challenged and often times wavers.
In a very conversational tone, Graham shares his experiences of battling prostate cancer and the year long struggle with depression, hopelessness, and emptiness that followed. He details how his faith was tested and the steps he took to reignite that faith, draw closer to God, and thus overcome his depression.
Graham states that this book was written primarily for “veteran believers” and that’s why he titled it “REIGNITE” as opposed to “IGNITE”.
There are countless references to scripture throughout the book, and so despite its primary target audience it can also serve as a Christian foundations primer to new believers. Furthermore, I believe that non-believers facing hardships will find peace and hope within its pages.
I will certainly re-read this book, refer to it often, and take notes as it contains a wealth of meaningful advice and counsel.
It’s a valuable addition to my library and I recommend it for anyone that has ever struggled with grief, despondency, and feelings of hopelessness as well as anyone that wants to help others through their difficulties.
* I received a complimentary copy of “REIGNITE” from Bethany House Publishing. The opinions expressed are my own and represent my honest review of the book.
August 6, 2021
A Powerful Reading
Reignite, by all means, reignited the passion, hope, and faith I have in God. Pastor Graham's personal story of his health and the depression that came along with it was a moment of transparency that showed even men of faith are tested and tried by life's challenges; however, the word of God for which we live and preach is our victory. Add this book to your library.
Reignite, by all means, reignited the passion, hope, and faith I have in God. Pastor Graham's personal story of his health and the depression that came along with it was a moment of transparency that showed even men of faith are tested and tried by life's challenges; however, the word of God for which we live and preach is our victory. Add this book to your library.
February 9, 2022
So far I am not enjoying this book. After the first chapter, I literally wrote in the book, "I'm not really looking forward to the next chapter." This book was given to me by a friend who thought it would encourage me after we talked about my ongoing depression. So far, it hasn't been an encouragement.
Jack Graham went through a depression after surgery to remove prostate cancer. He writes this book from the position of someone on the other side of depression with seemingly little regard for those currently in depression. Reading things like, "Instead of griping and grumbling, grab a towel, bend a knee, and serve," (p. 89) is not a good message to tell someone in deep depression. It invalidates their experience, feelings, and sadness.
This book may be good for someone who has been dry in their faith, but it is NOT good for someone dealing with dark depression.
Now that I am finished reading this book, I am relieved to be done. There are certainly some good things to keep in mind which will help those who need a spiritual kick in the pants, but I stand by my original observation. Please, if you value your depressed loved one, this is not the book for them. Rather, wait for the depression to be over, then give them this book after careful consideration.
Jack Graham went through a depression after surgery to remove prostate cancer. He writes this book from the position of someone on the other side of depression with seemingly little regard for those currently in depression. Reading things like, "Instead of griping and grumbling, grab a towel, bend a knee, and serve," (p. 89) is not a good message to tell someone in deep depression. It invalidates their experience, feelings, and sadness.
This book may be good for someone who has been dry in their faith, but it is NOT good for someone dealing with dark depression.
Now that I am finished reading this book, I am relieved to be done. There are certainly some good things to keep in mind which will help those who need a spiritual kick in the pants, but I stand by my original observation. Please, if you value your depressed loved one, this is not the book for them. Rather, wait for the depression to be over, then give them this book after careful consideration.
February 9, 2022
Dr Graham’s church’s sports league handed this book out for free to all the volunteer coaches last year. It was a thoughtful gift. It was also a nice read, especially after 2020 and 2021 which were tough years for my family.
November 14, 2022
FULL DISCLOSURE: I am a member of Prestonwood from January 2020, where Dr. Graham is pastor.
In his most recent (March 2021) book, Dr. Graham explains how we can get back on track, and expands a bit on a story he briefly mentioned in a prior book (Unseen).
In the spring of 2009 Dr. Graham was diagnosed with prostate cancer, requiring him to undergo major surgery. But prior to, and afterwards, he made two huge mistakes which nearly ended his pastorate prematurely. First, he believed that he could fully recover in a mere three weeks after surgery, in time to celebrate his 20th anniversary as Prestonwood's Senior Pastor. Second, upon the advice of a "trusted friend", and not wanting to scare the younger members, he didn't tell the congregation of his diagnosis.
He barely survived the anniversary weekend, and would need nearly a full year to totally recover from the physical and emotional toil of his surgery. He admits that he tried to come back too soon and that he should have sought the prayers of his congregation.
In his most recent (March 2021) book, Dr. Graham explains how we can get back on track, and expands a bit on a story he briefly mentioned in a prior book (Unseen).
In the spring of 2009 Dr. Graham was diagnosed with prostate cancer, requiring him to undergo major surgery. But prior to, and afterwards, he made two huge mistakes which nearly ended his pastorate prematurely. First, he believed that he could fully recover in a mere three weeks after surgery, in time to celebrate his 20th anniversary as Prestonwood's Senior Pastor. Second, upon the advice of a "trusted friend", and not wanting to scare the younger members, he didn't tell the congregation of his diagnosis.
He barely survived the anniversary weekend, and would need nearly a full year to totally recover from the physical and emotional toil of his surgery. He admits that he tried to come back too soon and that he should have sought the prayers of his congregation.
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