Seize the Day

This book is amazing, as you would expect , from this author. The subject is just what is needed in this world right now. We are reminded that GOD, from the beginning of the fall, that as people we have "free will" She uses Ecclesiastes to bring about her point in each chapter. This book is communicating to the Christians new and those who have been Christians for a while, which is rare - usually books like these are geared to one or the other. She examines our right to make choices in our lives, and how these choices effect our lives. Ms. Meyers has a hit on her hand, but she usually does.

Have you ever felt frustrated at the end of the day, wondering what happened to all your good intentions? Meyer provides encouragement to live each day on purpose, to live the life God meant for you.

She covers many topics, such as what we know is God's will and the importance of being willing to choose it. She reminds us that what we do here matters for eternity. She writes about the importance of wisdom, making the most of our time, how to avoid wasting time, the necessity of determination and trusting God, planning yet listening to God, the benefit of being organized, and the importance of controlling thoughts.

Meyer provides general encouragement. She does not give any strategies nor practical steps to do what she encourages. For example, on being organized, she writes, “Find a plan or system that works for you...” (125) She also suggests reading other books to find specific help but does not provide a list of possible ones to choose from.

I have found Meyer to always be encouraging and this book is no exception. We are encouraged to live our purpose with passion every day. She writes, “Why not make a decision that you are going to pursue the best life you can possibly have, and then actively go for it?” (156) What is missing is a strategy or practical suggestions on how to actively go for that best life.

I recommend this book to those who have the tools for disciplines such as time management and organization but just need some encouragement to get going.

Food for thought: “How would our lives change if we made all of our decisions with a view of eternity in mind?” (27)

You can watch the book trailer here. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k_3rZ43qLVk

My rating: 4/5 stars.

Joyce Meyer is one of the world's leading Bible teachers. Her daily broadcast, Enjoying Everyday Life, airs on hundreds of television networks and radio stations worldwide. She has written more than 100 inspirational books. She travels extensively, holding conferences and speaking throughout the world.

FaithWords, 256 pages.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher for the purpose of an independent and honest review.

As a Grad student who found herself consistently frustrated with her schedule, and not to mention, her life, I found this book to be a useful resource to help me reconsider my schedule and what’s necessary for my life. Although it wasn’t pitch perfect; in my opinion, this is a great book to bring stabilization to a chaotic schedule, and clarity to a life of temporary, and if not, chronic, confusion.

Other than a minute issue with the timing and flow of a few passages within the book, I enjoyed it.

Giving this one: 4.5 stars.

I highly recommend Seize the Day by Joyce Meyer. The book would be great for anyone however I think it's even more impactful to those of us that are starting to realize our days may be numbered and anyone who just wants to make the most out of their life and anyone who has woken up and wondered where did the last month go or where did the last year go. If you want to live intentional and on purpose then this is a great book to not only talk about it in theory but give you practical steps. At the end of each chapter she summarizes the chapter which I think is an excellent way to go back and review it to start making good daily habits. As with most Joyce Meyer books, this one is packed full of scripture that supports her message. I'm reading the book on my iPad and I've highlighted a ton of passages. I also think having it in paperback could be very helpful so you could write in it.
Joyce makes a great point at the beginning of the book because she is suggesting a lot of things that we can ‘do’ so she clarifies that Christianity is not works based. She has a great summary in the last chapter: " live your life on purpose for a purpose, and with Gods help, use the free will God has given you to choose His will. As you do so it will honor Him greatly and you will enjoy a satisfying reward." I have written a more indepth blog post to share my highlights and take aways from each chapter.

“Seize the Day” by Joyce Meyer.

This is the newest of Joyce Meyer’s many books. I have really enjoyed it! I highlighted many of the sections in my copy. I requested to review it, because it fits in with my One Word for 2016 “Re-focus”. It is all about living your life on purpose for a purpose. Sounds really good, right?

Joyce starts out asking questions like “Are you steadily becoming the person you really want to be?” Now that is a question I haven’t thought much about before. But Joyce says we should be purposely living so that we do become the person we want to be. She calls it being an “on purpose” person. According to Joyce, you don’t want to just drift through the days of your life. It is too precious. Your life is a gift from God, and He gave you free will so you could make choices about how to live your life. You don’t want a lot of regrets.

Having free will is a big responsibility. We should take it seriously. We can choose to do God’s will and He will be glorified. Or we can choose badly and fall into one of the devil’s traps. We can make each day count by planning priorities for the day, or we can wander through the day wasting our time. Whatever we choose, we will deal with the results.

Sometimes we have the desire to do something good, but we don’t have a plan. Or maybe we are afraid to do it. Or maybe we don’t feel motivated to do it. Joyce says we need to ask God for help, every day. She says that most failures are because the person did not ask God for help!

I realized that although I pray every morning, I don’t ask God to help me accomplish what I want to do. I don’t ask God what I should do. I have been trying to do everything by my own willpower and planning, and Joyce says that does not work!

So I began this week, to ask God to help me do the things I want to do, and the things I need to do. I have also begun to ask Him, “What should I do today”? I am still getting the hang of it. But I noticed that I got more done, and I felt more satisfied with my day. So asking God for help seems to work. Maybe you should try it!

I really like how Joyce explains the nitty gritty of living on purpose. She tells how to do it, the advantages of doing it, and the consequences of not doing it. If you have read any of Joyce’s books before, you know she uses examples from her own life. Joyce lives on purpose now, but she didn’t always do that! We can really learn from her experience.

If you want to read “Seize the Day”, click here.

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I received a free copy of “Seize the Day” from the publisher, through NetGalley. All I promise is to read the book, and write an honest review. Thanks for reading my review!