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How to Reach Your Full Potential for God
In How to Reach Your Full Potential for God , acclaimed pastor and speaker Charles Stanley connects readers with the plan and purpose God envisioned when He created them. "Things are never going to change" or "This is just the way I am--I'm never going to get better" are just a few of the damaging lies Christians believe about themselves, their situations, and their walk. But Dr. Stanley shares the real truth as God sees it. In this powerful and inspiring message, readers reconnect with the grand vision God had when He uniquely created them. They learn that regardless of setbacks, failures, and frustrations, there is a better path based in His Word, one that's full of freedom and purpose. This book takes them to their specifically designed path to become exactly who the Father made them to be and achieve exactly what He designed them for.
237 pages, Hardcover
First published December 1, 2009
23 people are currently reading
260 people want to read
About the author
Charles F. Stanley
555 books685 followersDr. Charles F. Stanley is the senior pastor of First Baptist Church Atlanta, founder of In Touch Ministries, and a New York Times best-selling author who has written more than fifty books, and has sold more than nine million copies. He demonstrates a keen awareness of people's needs and provides Christ-centered, biblically-based principles for everyday life.
Charles Frazier Stanley was born September 25, 1932, in the small town of Dry Fork, Virginia. The only child of Charley and Rebecca Stanley, Charles came into the world during a time when the entire nation felt the grip of the Great Depression. To make matters worse, just nine months later, his father Charley died at the young age of 29.
However, Charles refused to let the Great Depression or the difficulties of his life define him. Instead, like his father and grandfather before him, he clung to God’s Word and took up the mantle to preach the gospel to whoever would listen.
Dr. Stanley’s motivation is best represented by the truth found in Acts 20:24, “Life is worth nothing unless I use it for doing the work assigned me by the Lord Jesus—the work of telling others the Good News about God's mighty kindness and love.” This is because, as he says, “It is the Word of God and the work of God that changes people’s lives.”
Dr. Stanley’s teachings can be heard weekly at First Baptist Church Atlanta, daily on “In Touch with Dr. Charles Stanley” radio and television broadcasts on more than 2,800 stations around the world, on the Internet at intouch.org, through the In Touch Messenger, and in the monthly, award-winning In Touch magazine.
Charles Frazier Stanley was born September 25, 1932, in the small town of Dry Fork, Virginia. The only child of Charley and Rebecca Stanley, Charles came into the world during a time when the entire nation felt the grip of the Great Depression. To make matters worse, just nine months later, his father Charley died at the young age of 29.
However, Charles refused to let the Great Depression or the difficulties of his life define him. Instead, like his father and grandfather before him, he clung to God’s Word and took up the mantle to preach the gospel to whoever would listen.
Dr. Stanley’s motivation is best represented by the truth found in Acts 20:24, “Life is worth nothing unless I use it for doing the work assigned me by the Lord Jesus—the work of telling others the Good News about God's mighty kindness and love.” This is because, as he says, “It is the Word of God and the work of God that changes people’s lives.”
Dr. Stanley’s teachings can be heard weekly at First Baptist Church Atlanta, daily on “In Touch with Dr. Charles Stanley” radio and television broadcasts on more than 2,800 stations around the world, on the Internet at intouch.org, through the In Touch Messenger, and in the monthly, award-winning In Touch magazine.
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
December 11, 2017
It took me several months to read this, but it was so good! There were many times I had to pause and consider what I read—and now that I’ve finished it, a lot of ideas to pray about applying. Every page was packed with Biblical counsel and a strong focus on God, following Him, and seeking His glory. It is well-worth the read and I highly recommend it.
“You are only as clean as your last decision or choice.”
“What you can conceive as a child of God, you can accomplish as the lord leads and the Holy Spirit enables. The Lord does not give us ideas to frustrate, confuse, or limit us. He imparts wisdom so that we might bring about changes in our world. God will use and enable us to carry out His redemptive plan to redeem lost souls and bless His people.” (Pg 60)
“Fame and wealth will distract you from the fullness of your potential rather than enhance it.” (Pg 61)
“God gives us not only what we think we need to know, but all we need to know.” (Pg 64)
“The renewal is your mind begins with an act of your will. You must actively determine and make a commitment in your spirit to subject everything you encounter in the world to the truth of God’s Word.” (Pg 77)
“When you begin to see the people in your life as gifts from God, you will be more willing to pray for them and be patient with them.” (Pg 95)
“The real danger is taking on too many responsibilities or commitments that detour me from my primary ministry gifts. Life is filled with distractions. One of our greatest challenges is to stay focused and within the boundaries of the primary gift that God has given us.” (Pg 114)
“Potential is not cut off in times of tragedy or sickness; rather, it is redirected.” (Pg 135)
“Much of prayer should be spent telling the Lord about the things that give you joy... prayer is a time of rejoicing with the Lord over the victories that He has won in and through your life.” (Pg 176)
“There is rest in setting aside unstructured time.” (Pg 184)
“The results are [God’s]. The preparation is mine.”
“You are only as clean as your last decision or choice.”
“What you can conceive as a child of God, you can accomplish as the lord leads and the Holy Spirit enables. The Lord does not give us ideas to frustrate, confuse, or limit us. He imparts wisdom so that we might bring about changes in our world. God will use and enable us to carry out His redemptive plan to redeem lost souls and bless His people.” (Pg 60)
“Fame and wealth will distract you from the fullness of your potential rather than enhance it.” (Pg 61)
“God gives us not only what we think we need to know, but all we need to know.” (Pg 64)
“The renewal is your mind begins with an act of your will. You must actively determine and make a commitment in your spirit to subject everything you encounter in the world to the truth of God’s Word.” (Pg 77)
“When you begin to see the people in your life as gifts from God, you will be more willing to pray for them and be patient with them.” (Pg 95)
“The real danger is taking on too many responsibilities or commitments that detour me from my primary ministry gifts. Life is filled with distractions. One of our greatest challenges is to stay focused and within the boundaries of the primary gift that God has given us.” (Pg 114)
“Potential is not cut off in times of tragedy or sickness; rather, it is redirected.” (Pg 135)
“Much of prayer should be spent telling the Lord about the things that give you joy... prayer is a time of rejoicing with the Lord over the victories that He has won in and through your life.” (Pg 176)
“There is rest in setting aside unstructured time.” (Pg 184)
“The results are [God’s]. The preparation is mine.”
December 30, 2009
Reading,"How to Reach Your Full Potential for God",, I was impressed by the scriptural backing of the book.
Covering seven principles that often reflect the daily concerns that as Christians, people find themselves struggling or looking how to deal with, Dr. Charles Stanley, provides biblical backed solutions and examples from the Bible of how to seek God's Word, to reach,our individual potential, to serve and worship our Heavenly Father at our best.
What ,"How to Reach Your Full Potential for God",, doesn't do, is be an everyday self help book,but instead emphasize how our Heavenly Father can help you.
Backing suggestions with scripture, ,"How to Reach Your Full Potential for God",, indeeds reaching it's full potential, and is a wonderful suggestion for those who are seeking to develop a deeper and more active relationship with our Heavenly Father and a book, that could easily be recommend,not as "the source", but as a tool for helping new to "young" Christians seeking to have a more substantial relationship with our Heavenly Father.
Dr. Stanley, constantly reemphasizes that,"How to Reach Your Full Potential for God",, does not take the place of the ultimate source of guidance, the Bible, but does help provide useful references that anyone could find value in.
On page 16, Dr. Stanley shares, "The Christian life was never intended to be a matter of book learning or hard knowledge. God wants us to live out the life He created and intends for us to live".
There are some parts of the book that are encouraging and others that for some, may feel convicting due to its bluntness and telling the reader what they need to hear, not what they want to hear, and it lives up to what Dr. Stanley says that,"Anytime we turn fromthe Fatehr's way to our way, we grieve Him. Anytime we choose what we want over what God wants for us, we stifle the Holy Spirit's ability to help us" (pg.38)
However the truth is, reading this book, there was so many quotable quotes, examples and scripture that could be shared that it really helps open doors that God seeks to open.
If you are truly inspired to live a more fruitful and deeper relationship with our Heavenly Father, I recommend,"How to Reach Your Full Potential for God",.
No one is perfect, but no one is so imperfect that they don't have the potential to be used for and in a way that will glorify our Heavenly Father.
"How to Reach Your Full Potential for God",, is a great reminder that it's not about changing or altering who God has made us to be, but about a relationship that aims at maturing and making us better who we are and that is a good thing.
"How to Reach Your Full Potential for God",, is just an overall encouraging book for either general reading, or discovering how to take your relationship with our Heavenly Father to another level and a recommend read to all.
Covering seven principles that often reflect the daily concerns that as Christians, people find themselves struggling or looking how to deal with, Dr. Charles Stanley, provides biblical backed solutions and examples from the Bible of how to seek God's Word, to reach,our individual potential, to serve and worship our Heavenly Father at our best.
What ,"How to Reach Your Full Potential for God",, doesn't do, is be an everyday self help book,but instead emphasize how our Heavenly Father can help you.
Backing suggestions with scripture, ,"How to Reach Your Full Potential for God",, indeeds reaching it's full potential, and is a wonderful suggestion for those who are seeking to develop a deeper and more active relationship with our Heavenly Father and a book, that could easily be recommend,not as "the source", but as a tool for helping new to "young" Christians seeking to have a more substantial relationship with our Heavenly Father.
Dr. Stanley, constantly reemphasizes that,"How to Reach Your Full Potential for God",, does not take the place of the ultimate source of guidance, the Bible, but does help provide useful references that anyone could find value in.
On page 16, Dr. Stanley shares, "The Christian life was never intended to be a matter of book learning or hard knowledge. God wants us to live out the life He created and intends for us to live".
There are some parts of the book that are encouraging and others that for some, may feel convicting due to its bluntness and telling the reader what they need to hear, not what they want to hear, and it lives up to what Dr. Stanley says that,"Anytime we turn fromthe Fatehr's way to our way, we grieve Him. Anytime we choose what we want over what God wants for us, we stifle the Holy Spirit's ability to help us" (pg.38)
However the truth is, reading this book, there was so many quotable quotes, examples and scripture that could be shared that it really helps open doors that God seeks to open.
If you are truly inspired to live a more fruitful and deeper relationship with our Heavenly Father, I recommend,"How to Reach Your Full Potential for God",.
No one is perfect, but no one is so imperfect that they don't have the potential to be used for and in a way that will glorify our Heavenly Father.
"How to Reach Your Full Potential for God",, is a great reminder that it's not about changing or altering who God has made us to be, but about a relationship that aims at maturing and making us better who we are and that is a good thing.
"How to Reach Your Full Potential for God",, is just an overall encouraging book for either general reading, or discovering how to take your relationship with our Heavenly Father to another level and a recommend read to all.
December 21, 2009
The title of this book is excellent in describing who it's for. If you want to reach your full potential for God, then this book is for you. It's written in a style of a coach (Dr. Stanley) telling an athlete (the reader) how to win the game (a life serving God) with the game plan coming from the Bible. Some of the advice might sound a little extreme to some readers, but I'd agree that extreme is appropriate if you want to reach your full potential--just like a top athlete is willing to push themselves beyond the comfortable and easy to do his best.
Some chapters, like chapters 4 and 5, came mainly from the Bible and used a nice amount of Scripture to support his points. (I really liked chapter 5, by the way, and I hope he has or will someday write a whole book on "a clear/clean mind.") Other chapters drew an overall principle from the Bible and then, since the Bible didn't give specifics, drew on other sources to create a game plan.
While this book is rather self-focused, it's not "you ought to have these goals (do these things) if you want to be a good Christian" but a "here are our goals and here's how to accomplish them." At the end of most chapters, he gave an example of how a real person applied that chapter's principle and what the results were.
I had a slight question here and there about the nuances of how he phrased a statement, but overall I found his theology solid. I liked that he has the reader focus on God as their source of strength to accomplish everything. So, if you want to reach your full potential for God and would like Bible-based coaching on how to do it, this book will help.
I received this book as a review copy from the publisher.
Some chapters, like chapters 4 and 5, came mainly from the Bible and used a nice amount of Scripture to support his points. (I really liked chapter 5, by the way, and I hope he has or will someday write a whole book on "a clear/clean mind.") Other chapters drew an overall principle from the Bible and then, since the Bible didn't give specifics, drew on other sources to create a game plan.
While this book is rather self-focused, it's not "you ought to have these goals (do these things) if you want to be a good Christian" but a "here are our goals and here's how to accomplish them." At the end of most chapters, he gave an example of how a real person applied that chapter's principle and what the results were.
I had a slight question here and there about the nuances of how he phrased a statement, but overall I found his theology solid. I liked that he has the reader focus on God as their source of strength to accomplish everything. So, if you want to reach your full potential for God and would like Bible-based coaching on how to do it, this book will help.
I received this book as a review copy from the publisher.
March 31, 2010
Charles Stanley has a lot of "how to" books and his approach is somewhat like a formula. Do the following and you will reach all your potential.
His premise is that if one
- Wants God's Best
- Is Ready to do the work in Pursuing one's potential
#1 Has a Clean Heart
#2 Has a Clear Mind
#3 Is Using One's Gifts
#4 Has a Healthy Body
#5 Cultivates Right Relationships
#6 Maintains a Balanced Schedule
#7 Is Taking God-Approved Risks
Lots of wisdom in this book so I appreciated various aspects of the topic. I liked his section on how/why God created each of us in a unique way. Lots of Biblical truth for positive self talk. So I liked the "Your Value to God" chapter, as well as other nuggets throughout the book.
He finishes the book with a chapter on continuing to pursue reaching one's God-given potential:
1. Continually Reaffirm Your Commitment to the Lord
2. Continually Reaffirm Your Priorities
3. Re-establish Your Discipline Daily
4. Re-affirm Your Desire to Do Your Best
5. Rekindle Your Enthusiasm
6. Continually Refresh Yourself in the Lord
7. Revisit the Vision God Has Given You for Your Life
So I couldn't argue with the list but I hesitate to fully embrace this formula. So we will see if this is helpful or not.
I would skim this book again but probably not read it line by line.
His premise is that if one
- Wants God's Best
- Is Ready to do the work in Pursuing one's potential
#1 Has a Clean Heart
#2 Has a Clear Mind
#3 Is Using One's Gifts
#4 Has a Healthy Body
#5 Cultivates Right Relationships
#6 Maintains a Balanced Schedule
#7 Is Taking God-Approved Risks
Lots of wisdom in this book so I appreciated various aspects of the topic. I liked his section on how/why God created each of us in a unique way. Lots of Biblical truth for positive self talk. So I liked the "Your Value to God" chapter, as well as other nuggets throughout the book.
He finishes the book with a chapter on continuing to pursue reaching one's God-given potential:
1. Continually Reaffirm Your Commitment to the Lord
2. Continually Reaffirm Your Priorities
3. Re-establish Your Discipline Daily
4. Re-affirm Your Desire to Do Your Best
5. Rekindle Your Enthusiasm
6. Continually Refresh Yourself in the Lord
7. Revisit the Vision God Has Given You for Your Life
So I couldn't argue with the list but I hesitate to fully embrace this formula. So we will see if this is helpful or not.
I would skim this book again but probably not read it line by line.
September 14, 2011
Do you ever look at your life and feel that there must be more to it? Do you ever wonder about God's plan for your life yet feel as if you're falling short? In this book, Charles Stanley hits on seven key points necessary for living your life in God's will and at your full potential.
From the very beginning of the book, I felt as if Dr. Stanley was speaking to me and that through him, God was answering many questions that I had been asking lately. God has so much in store for us, but so many of us are falling short of the blessings He has laid out for our lives because we are not living up to our full potential.
Chapter by chapter, Dr. Stanley lays out the Biblical truths behind being all we can be for Christ and experiencing all that He wishes for us to experience. This book helped me to realize that I have not been as fully-surrendered to God as I thought I was. It has challenged me to surrender my entire being to God and instructed me how to live up to my full potential, whatever the risk.
From the very beginning of the book, I felt as if Dr. Stanley was speaking to me and that through him, God was answering many questions that I had been asking lately. God has so much in store for us, but so many of us are falling short of the blessings He has laid out for our lives because we are not living up to our full potential.
Chapter by chapter, Dr. Stanley lays out the Biblical truths behind being all we can be for Christ and experiencing all that He wishes for us to experience. This book helped me to realize that I have not been as fully-surrendered to God as I thought I was. It has challenged me to surrender my entire being to God and instructed me how to live up to my full potential, whatever the risk.
August 2, 2011
Charles Stanley has always been one of the foremost Christian teachers and this book is no exception. He breaks down the steps in the simplest forms and uses stories to reinforce. I find that I'm most receptive to this type of "self help" books. I found this book easy to read and follow. It took me a LONG time to read this because I would read a chapter, let it sink in, read it again while changing my thoughts and actions to reflect the teaching. If you are looking to take your walk with God a step further I highly recommend this book!
I was given a copy of this book for the purpose of review.
I was given a copy of this book for the purpose of review.
May 29, 2013
This is a great book. I have learned so much. By God's grace, I am learning to apply God's Word in this area. I encourage everyone to read this book.
January 18, 2024
Everyone has a beginning and ending to their life story. I knew it was time for me to consider my story before I made the decision to read Dr. Stanley's book. I am strongly convinced that my was the reason I choose to read this particular book. Maybe you feel the same urgency but you argue with yourself that you don’t feel ready or the courage to believe that God has more for you than you see today. Break free from your hesitancy and read and act on. God speaks quietly and responds awesomely to the one who wants to know why Lord did you have this unique life. Dr. Stanley only briefly helps you learn how to start asking God to show you how to discern His answer. I pray you determine to find out your path.
March 17, 2020
This was a lot to take in all at once but very very good in bits. I took my time with this and I am happy I did. This book was a gift to me after I went through a time that was very trying in my life. It was extremely encouraging and I am hoping me finishing it can act as a start to some of my goals. Little did I know it would be my 12 book in my goal to read 12 books this year. It’s really interesting how things like that happen.
August 16, 2022
Great book covering all aspects of life and even includes your physical body which is often over looked in living to your full God given potential. I found several very good paragraphs that pertained to my life and experiences affecting me currently.
August 22, 2020
Nos ayuda a edificarnos
February 21, 2023
Amazing book that helps you see just how much God cares about everything in life, and how he sees so much potential in you.
July 25, 2023
Great book with lots of gems in it. Highly recommend it to anyone who wants to reach their full potential for God!
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June 9, 2020A great read.
May 15, 2021
If you ever find yourself wanting to discover your life potential, or have the occasional existential crisis as I do, this book is for you! Why am I here? Who am I? What is my purpose? How can I make a difference? Very intimidating and deep questions but this book actually makes tackling those questions not complicated or mysterious. Breaking down potential into seven principles, this book is very easy to follow and to read. Dr. Stanley shows that your potential seeps into every aspect of your life. If you are wanting to reach your full God-given potential it will change every nook and cranny of your life.
This book is beyond ~practical~, which I greatly appreciate -- oftentimes these types of Christan "self-help" books can use a lot of "Christian-ese" language that is vague, abstract, and frustrating. Dr. Stanley does not do that! If you are sitting there after reading advice from Christian authors and ever wonder, "But what does that look like?" "How do I do that?" "What does that even mean?" This book answers those types of questions, making everything he discusses applicable, straightforward, and attainable. Highly recommend!
This book is beyond ~practical~, which I greatly appreciate -- oftentimes these types of Christan "self-help" books can use a lot of "Christian-ese" language that is vague, abstract, and frustrating. Dr. Stanley does not do that! If you are sitting there after reading advice from Christian authors and ever wonder, "But what does that look like?" "How do I do that?" "What does that even mean?" This book answers those types of questions, making everything he discusses applicable, straightforward, and attainable. Highly recommend!
December 17, 2015
Dr., Rev. Charles Stanley does reach out to the very depths of a sensible psychology that makes one feel good, worthy, and sanctified about him/herself. Written in plain earthy English with divine wisdom connecting as one to help the reader understand that they are beautifully, and wondrously made. Yes, Dr. Stanley invites you to solve, and work out your salvation. You are worth it, you are beautiful, you are sanctified, you are blessed, you are ordained, go and make disciples of all nations. Carry on, you can do it. I love C. Stanley very much for his strength and wit as a excellent preacher, and encourage you to listen to, or read more of His sermons.
December 29, 2015
I always enjoy a book by Charles Stanley. At times it seemed like Stanley was bringing a message from God to me.
Who doesn't want to reach their full potential for God? Well it isn't necessarily what you want that makes this work. It is what God wants from you. Stanley gives us 7 areas that we need to examine in our lives to make sure we are in line with God to do His work. I know this was good to remind me of what I need to maximize God working in my life.
Not my favorite Stanley book but still a very good read.
Who doesn't want to reach their full potential for God? Well it isn't necessarily what you want that makes this work. It is what God wants from you. Stanley gives us 7 areas that we need to examine in our lives to make sure we are in line with God to do His work. I know this was good to remind me of what I need to maximize God working in my life.
Not my favorite Stanley book but still a very good read.
January 30, 2012
The core of this great book expounds the seven essentials for reaching your full potential for God. If you have read anything by Dr. Stanley you already know about his practical, step by step instructional way of writing. If you have yet to read this fine Bible teacher, start with this one!
Highly recommended.
Highly recommended.
July 21, 2012
This is a Scriptural-based reference guiding toward a more understanding and rewarding relationship with God in living the life God intended for us individually. This is a book of encouragement for all levels and categories of life. Eye-opening and inspiring to see how God works in our lives. Clear and practical, easy to follow.
September 20, 2009
A decent if unoriginal guide to living the Christian life
November 8, 2010
great inspirational book
April 28, 2010
Read my review here:
http://redlilycafe.blogspot.com/2009/...
December 9, 2010
So far this book is amazing!!!
March 6, 2012
I read this book at the request of a friend. It was insightful, but mostly just offered some reassurance/encouragement for what is going on in my life already. A timely read. :)
January 26, 2013
It was a good book. I especially enjoyed the area on starting new relationships. It gave some great advice and touched areas I had never thought of.
August 3, 2015
It was a little hard to get into but gave a lot of good ideas for reaching one's true potential for God.
May 28, 2012
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