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No More Excuses: Be the Man God Made You To Be
Men look up to the guys who can take a hit and keep going. We respect the fighter who picks himself up off the canvas after a knock-out punch and hangs in until the final bell. The quarterback who gets blindsided but doesn't fumble the ball earns our approval. Physical toughness like this is admirable, but it takes more than guts to become the men God made us to be, especially when the struggles we face are personal and close to the heart. The difficulty of emotional pain and spiritual setbacks is of a much different sort than any physical challenge. Many of us men are not comfortable or well-equipped to grapple with them. Tony Evans gives us the kind of advice and inspiration we need to battle on through the most difficult circumstances. Drawing from the lives of Moses, David, Joseph, Jonah, and other biblical men who faced the worst, Evans pulls men out of their brokenness and declares, "No more!" No more falling short of being the man God desires you to be for any reason. Evans shows that the struggles faced yesterday and today are the very same tools God is using to make us better men for tomorrow.
320 pages, Paperback
First published November 8, 1996
182 people are currently reading
646 people want to read
About the author
Tony Evans
511 books514 followersLibrarian Note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.
Anthony Tyrone "Tony" Evans Sr. is an American evangelical pastor, speaker, author, and widely syndicated radio and television broadcaster in the United States. Between 1976 and 2024, Evans served as senior pastor at the over-9,500-member Oak Cliff Bible Fellowship in Dallas, Texas.
Anthony Tyrone "Tony" Evans Sr. is an American evangelical pastor, speaker, author, and widely syndicated radio and television broadcaster in the United States. Between 1976 and 2024, Evans served as senior pastor at the over-9,500-member Oak Cliff Bible Fellowship in Dallas, Texas.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
June 26, 2024
(3.5/5)
Ironic that I started this before the news on Tony. Now, we don’t know the nature of Tony’s issues so it’s difficult to make specific conclusions, but reading this has gone to show for me how God in his mercy uses broken people (sometimes very broken) in our lives.
Tony’s skills are evident at the opening few chapters: he has a way of understanding people and telling stories like you really could relate. His character studies of Joseph and Moses were examples of this. Take it all with a grain of salt, and it was fascinating and very helpful to hear the way he tells their stories.
Later on, it was particularly helpful when he laid out a practical outline for a man’s vision for his family and home. Bringing it back to the real world with that was well done, and the kind of thing a lot of writers lack (connecting the idea to real life).
Most of his writings were not particularly profound or new, but if nothing else, this book can spark plenty of useful conversations on manhood, our pasts, excuses, and stepping up to our call as husbands, friends, and men of God.
Ironic that I started this before the news on Tony. Now, we don’t know the nature of Tony’s issues so it’s difficult to make specific conclusions, but reading this has gone to show for me how God in his mercy uses broken people (sometimes very broken) in our lives.
Tony’s skills are evident at the opening few chapters: he has a way of understanding people and telling stories like you really could relate. His character studies of Joseph and Moses were examples of this. Take it all with a grain of salt, and it was fascinating and very helpful to hear the way he tells their stories.
Later on, it was particularly helpful when he laid out a practical outline for a man’s vision for his family and home. Bringing it back to the real world with that was well done, and the kind of thing a lot of writers lack (connecting the idea to real life).
Most of his writings were not particularly profound or new, but if nothing else, this book can spark plenty of useful conversations on manhood, our pasts, excuses, and stepping up to our call as husbands, friends, and men of God.
January 15, 2025
Good book that challenges Men to be Men of the Lord in a dark world!! Lots of wisdom here
June 9, 2016
A funny, true, amazing and harsh book about how to be a man. I discover many mistakes in my way of being a man - you will discover a new definition of man.
A book for those who will be husbands but it's a book for those who would like to be a real man.
A book for those who will be husbands but it's a book for those who would like to be a real man.
October 22, 2025
I appreciate Dr. Evan's use of scripture and reliance on scripture. His Christian narrative is based on a reading of the entire Bible. I commend him for this.
I am not as exited about the stereotypes he presents as undisputed fact. Much of what he says men need to do is not specific to men. Women struggle. Not all men are uncommunicative. Not all women find is easy to express their feelings. He presents these generalizations as if they are factual totalities. They are not.
He's also patriarchal to a fault. I knew going in that his theology would be more conservative than my own and he didn't disappoint. As much as I love his dependence on scripture, I don't think he reads it critically. He has a set of reform theology/patriarchy principles that determine his readings; instead of letting his reading shape his theology.
Finally, his account of his father disciplining him with a razor strap (his words) is nothing short of child abuse (p.192-193). I get his point. Discipline is important. And corporal punishment can be affective. But on a junior student? Begging for mercy? Then being hit some more? Evans seems to think that if a dad is present, he must also be violent. The kind of violence is something a dad dishes out when he's not capable of a more creative parental intervention.
I know advocates of corporal punishment will call me soft or say I am "afraid" to spank my kids. Ask my oldest is I was afraid to spank him. My regret is that I wasn't smart enough to find a better way. I regret every hand I laid on my kids in so-called "discipline." Those are some my worst moments as a father. And that's what Evans says manly dads do. I can't go for that.
I am not as exited about the stereotypes he presents as undisputed fact. Much of what he says men need to do is not specific to men. Women struggle. Not all men are uncommunicative. Not all women find is easy to express their feelings. He presents these generalizations as if they are factual totalities. They are not.
He's also patriarchal to a fault. I knew going in that his theology would be more conservative than my own and he didn't disappoint. As much as I love his dependence on scripture, I don't think he reads it critically. He has a set of reform theology/patriarchy principles that determine his readings; instead of letting his reading shape his theology.
Finally, his account of his father disciplining him with a razor strap (his words) is nothing short of child abuse (p.192-193). I get his point. Discipline is important. And corporal punishment can be affective. But on a junior student? Begging for mercy? Then being hit some more? Evans seems to think that if a dad is present, he must also be violent. The kind of violence is something a dad dishes out when he's not capable of a more creative parental intervention.
I know advocates of corporal punishment will call me soft or say I am "afraid" to spank my kids. Ask my oldest is I was afraid to spank him. My regret is that I wasn't smart enough to find a better way. I regret every hand I laid on my kids in so-called "discipline." Those are some my worst moments as a father. And that's what Evans says manly dads do. I can't go for that.
January 31, 2024
Very good book! Here's some great takeaways:
When hard times come in life, you have a choice to make: either stay down or get back up; either make excuses, or accept where you’re at and start moving forward.
Your past may influence you, but it does not have to control you.
Joseph‘s family did not accept him, and even sold him into slavery, but the Bible says, “But the LORD was with Joseph.” Never forget that God is with you.
You might be rejected by your family, but you are accepted by the Lord.
God is sovereign, and He can take negative circumstances and turn out positive results.
God can take your mess and make a miracle.
Integrity is your trustworthiness; it is your character.
If we are going to be men of integrity, it boils down to our walk with God.
Integrity has to do with who you are in the inside no matter what is happening on the outside.
You may feel like you’ve lost your integrity, but you can get it back.
1. Moses lost his integrity when he killed an Egyptian, but God gave it back to him in the burning bush.
2. David lost his integrity with Bathsheba, but he asked God to forgive him and got it back.
Iron sharpens iron. You need a friend that will help and sharpen you.
Learn to ask yourself what does God thinks, not what do others think.
You can’t change what you messed up yesterday, but you could change how you live today.
You cannot please everyone, but you can determine to please the right person, which is God.
When hard times come in life, you have a choice to make: either stay down or get back up; either make excuses, or accept where you’re at and start moving forward.
Your past may influence you, but it does not have to control you.
Joseph‘s family did not accept him, and even sold him into slavery, but the Bible says, “But the LORD was with Joseph.” Never forget that God is with you.
You might be rejected by your family, but you are accepted by the Lord.
God is sovereign, and He can take negative circumstances and turn out positive results.
God can take your mess and make a miracle.
Integrity is your trustworthiness; it is your character.
If we are going to be men of integrity, it boils down to our walk with God.
Integrity has to do with who you are in the inside no matter what is happening on the outside.
You may feel like you’ve lost your integrity, but you can get it back.
1. Moses lost his integrity when he killed an Egyptian, but God gave it back to him in the burning bush.
2. David lost his integrity with Bathsheba, but he asked God to forgive him and got it back.
Iron sharpens iron. You need a friend that will help and sharpen you.
Learn to ask yourself what does God thinks, not what do others think.
You can’t change what you messed up yesterday, but you could change how you live today.
You cannot please everyone, but you can determine to please the right person, which is God.
January 9, 2021
As a Christian man, I can’t read too many books like this.
Through the lives and words of Jesus, Paul and OT heroes such as Joseph and Nehemiah, pastor Evans leads the reader through an examination of what it takes to be a wise man, a good man and a Godly man.
It is compelling, well-written and sprinkled with humorous honesty about the little fibs that men tell themselves.
Whilst the author doesn’t relentlessly stereotype men and women’s roles, he does see them as complementary. 25 years after it was written, I suspect a non-Christian reader might bridle at some of it. But it is written for Christian men and isn’t dogmatic.
Jesus calls us to be heroes for him, and Tony throws down the challenge. It is up to me to respond and say, “Here I am”.
Through the lives and words of Jesus, Paul and OT heroes such as Joseph and Nehemiah, pastor Evans leads the reader through an examination of what it takes to be a wise man, a good man and a Godly man.
It is compelling, well-written and sprinkled with humorous honesty about the little fibs that men tell themselves.
Whilst the author doesn’t relentlessly stereotype men and women’s roles, he does see them as complementary. 25 years after it was written, I suspect a non-Christian reader might bridle at some of it. But it is written for Christian men and isn’t dogmatic.
Jesus calls us to be heroes for him, and Tony throws down the challenge. It is up to me to respond and say, “Here I am”.
July 31, 2025
I originally bought this book for my partner with the intention he take something from it; preferably a stronger relationship with Jesus. Before I gave it to him, I decided to read it and I am really glad I did. Genuinely a lot of relatable content. Even if you aren’t familiar with stories of the Bible, Evans makes it easy to understand and relevant to the struggles we deal with as Christians. I may not be a man but the knowledge, encouragement and reference to scripture in this novel can benefit anyone who is experiencing doubt being all they know they can be through God. We are all capable of being Kingdom men and women through Christ if we put Him first and are obedient! First book in months where I didn’t stop halfway through/didn’t complete. 5 stars, highly recommend.
November 5, 2020
Very motivating and well challenging for one who is looking to seeking to find a way to be moved by the Holy Spirit. Definitely gives you "No More Excuses" to follow God, and makes leading your family the way God meant you to be the leader of your family the way you should be doing. Plenty of examples of do's and don'ts on how to be the leader; you chose the path...as long as you follow the one that God wants you to be, but do it without No More Excuses because there is only one way to lead, that is following God.
March 5, 2022
My men’s group used this book for an eight week study to kick off our new group. We would read the guide and studies on our own during the week, then use the Discussion Group guide at the back when we met. We didn’t purchase the videos. It served the purpose of giving us some structure to start, and sometimes we would bring up something from the lessons.
We all agreed we got very little out of this book. Our study was great, but the lessons were barely a jumping off point for our discussion. I recommend finding a different study if you are considering this one.
We all agreed we got very little out of this book. Our study was great, but the lessons were barely a jumping off point for our discussion. I recommend finding a different study if you are considering this one.
May 18, 2025
This is a book that I genuinely can’t wait to read again in the future.
Listening to it made me ask myself some hard questions and look around what I do, I was able to observe my actions and talk to God openly about various things.
Words can’t describe how helpful this book was while I listened to it. Took my time to listen and ponder over what was said and to talk to God and apologize for a lot of wrongs done by me.
Truly an amazing book written by Tony Evans, each chapter will have you sitting up and glued because most if not all are relatable..
Listening to it made me ask myself some hard questions and look around what I do, I was able to observe my actions and talk to God openly about various things.
Words can’t describe how helpful this book was while I listened to it. Took my time to listen and ponder over what was said and to talk to God and apologize for a lot of wrongs done by me.
Truly an amazing book written by Tony Evans, each chapter will have you sitting up and glued because most if not all are relatable..
March 9, 2021
Good book, the simple explanation here is to man up, but not in the old school macho, tough guy pathway, but to be a man in the eyes of God, to lead and guide and direct your family, to be an asset to your community, to not get so hung up on the trappings of worldly desires. Simply lead.
December 16, 2023
This is a great book for all Christian men. Dr. Tony Evans always writes in an easily consumed conversational format. This book is a quick read that you will find yourself going back to for counsel again and again! Fantastic for book clubs and study/ prayer groups.
August 23, 2024
Another great book by Tony! He provides lots of principles for how we as men can be Kingdom Men and be the kind of man that God created us to be, and Jesus taught us to be. He uses some great examples from the Old Testament to help us understand the principles. Highly recommend reading this book.
January 31, 2017
I read this book twenty years ago, but it was at a time when I really needed it, and it changed the way I saw my role in this world, especially as a man of integrity.
December 13, 2017
This. Book. Is. Crazy! Every day that I read I felt like I grew spiritually. It was definitely a good rewarding feeling each time.
February 3, 2020
The main points are good (challenging reminders of God's standards) but some of the ways Evans gets to them are kinda fuzzy. Overall pretty good, just be careful.
July 25, 2023
Excellent!
June 20, 2024
I realize just now that it's a book for me.
But I enjoyed it. Very real. And brought up points I never thought about.
But I enjoyed it. Very real. And brought up points I never thought about.
September 24, 2024
WOW what an incredible read. Challenging, convicting, inspiring. Highly recommended to anyone looking to grow and reflect on their relationship with the Lord.
November 23, 2025
A very convicting books for every christian men.
December 30, 2020
Excellent!!
Tony Evans has a wonderful way of presenting scripture to us in a way that it brings perspective to our walk with the Lord Jesus Christ. Great job Tony!!!
Tony Evans has a wonderful way of presenting scripture to us in a way that it brings perspective to our walk with the Lord Jesus Christ. Great job Tony!!!
October 26, 2020
Hope to, let's say, re-read this (admittedly, I hope to get back to this! One day. The group I studied this with has finished this book but I have not in my own reading).
Hard-hitting, well-written book. This needs to be part of a group study though as there are video portions that pertain to questions that follow during sections within the chapter. I think a lot of men need to read this. We have forgotten in many ways what a man is in life, in Christ as well.
Good news option: If you do read it alone there are ways to get by with this as well. There are videos for free that are about each chapter online (Youtube) so if need be there is that.
A good, humbling, must read for men who feel lost like they don't know the way to adult life as a Christian.
Hard-hitting, well-written book. This needs to be part of a group study though as there are video portions that pertain to questions that follow during sections within the chapter. I think a lot of men need to read this. We have forgotten in many ways what a man is in life, in Christ as well.
Good news option: If you do read it alone there are ways to get by with this as well. There are videos for free that are about each chapter online (Youtube) so if need be there is that.
A good, humbling, must read for men who feel lost like they don't know the way to adult life as a Christian.
October 14, 2016
This is a solid 'call-to-action' book for Christian men. Rev. Evans lays out all the excuses and failures of Christian men to step forward in action. While these type of men are the target, it can also serve as a call to all men to take and active and godly-man lead in their private and family lives. This will inspire men to act and take up their individual cross. This is a motivational and spiritual book that will speak to your soul.
July 31, 2025
This book lit a fire in me! Tony Evans speaks with clarity, boldness, and grace calling men to step up, own their responsibilities, and walk in godly strength and purpose. No More Excuses is not just convicting, it’s empowering. I finished it feeling challenged and encouraged to be the man God created me to be no excuses. Highly recommend for any man ready to grow spiritually and lead with integrity.
September 10, 2008
I enjoyed Evans very practical approach to Christian living for men - challenging us to drop the excuses that we make for ourselves (ie blaming our past, etc). Even though his writing style is geared towards the urban male, this country boy found "No More Excuses" a refreshing read.
Would be a great book for a father to go thru with his teen / young adult son.
Would be a great book for a father to go thru with his teen / young adult son.
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April 8, 2016This is my 2nd by Tony Evan and it well worth the read. The first was "Kingdom Man” . No More Excuses is surrounded by several themes., one of the themes postulates that "Sometimes God must lead you downhill to take you uphill"... "When you commit your life totally to God, your past no longer has to be the controlling factor in your life".
April 16, 2022
The book covers a host of important topics men need to address in themselves. I appreciate the way Tony draws on Biblical characters to explain the points he is making with scripture-based examples. I am actually in the middle of competing this book a second time which is something I rarely do: highly recommend.
April 24, 2013
As usual Tony delivers a very pointed and necessary message to us men. I highly recommend this book for all men who are committed to getting back in the only meaningful game in their life...the pursuit of Jesus Christ as personal Lord and Savior.
April 9, 2014
Really good book! Encourages men to step up and restore the broken or "un working" relations. You will find some allegories (i would say) also. There are some examples in the bible that he refers to which feeds more the purpose of his explanation. However, the book is good.
October 3, 2014
A practical and very direct book that gets at the very heart of the excuses men tend to make that prevent them from becoming everything that God wants them to be. A clarion call to men to quit making excuses and start living lives fully committed to Christ.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews