7 Simple Choices for a Better Tomorrow by Bob Merritt7 Simple Choices for a Better Tomorrow by Bob Merritt
Published by Baker Books on July 1, 2012
Source: Purchased
Genres: Christian Life
Pages: 257
Format: eBook
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four-stars

Life is hard--for everyone. No matter how gifted or fortunate, everyone will experience some level of disappointment in life: difficult classes, jobs, relationships, and losses. But by following basic disciplines anyone can experience accomplishment, freedom, and ease in navigating through life's daily challenges.In this positive, insightful book, Bob Merritt describes a set of universal principles that work for everyone in every stage of life, showing that what we do today determines who we become tomorrow. Anyone who has experienced pain or confusion from lost opportunities, broken relationships, or a nagging sense of emptiness will treasure this book that shows them that the best of life has not passed them by.

The sermon series at our church during Lent was based on 7 Simple Choices for a Better Tomorrow, which is why I picked up the book. The seven choices do sound simple, but each takes work and dedication.

Give it one more day
Manage you loads
Give yourself time
Find you rhythm
Have barbed-wire discipline
Try things you can’t do
Avoid the fall

It gave me a lot to think about. It makes you really look at what you’re doing and encourages you to make spiritual disciplines a part of your life. He encourages you to evaluate. I like Merritt’s style. He’s down to earth and has a lot of true life stories to illustrate his points. I think while I got a lot out of it, my husband would too, if he reads it. Merritt is a hunter, a fisherman, a guy’s guy, at least it seems like it.

I’m just going to share a couple of passages I highlighted to give you an idea of what the book is like. I found it useful. Just a note though; although the concepts are probably good across the board, the perspective will only apply to Christians.

“So Nehemiah makes a statement that’s really a summary of how he lived his life: ‘Remember the Lord . . and fight for you brothers’ (Neh. 4:14). I love that. ‘Trust in God, but fight like mad. Trust in God, but don’t be a pansy. Trust in God, but pick up your sword.'”

“Miracles never happen while you’re standing safely on the river’s edge; miracles happen only when you step into the unknown and impossible.”

“Relational integrity is approaching every person you encounter as an equal who deserves your kindness and consideration. And it doesn’t happen automatically, at least not with me. I have to remind myself and train myself over and over to treat others the way I’d like them to treat me. It’s a discipline, because I can forget about relational integrity in an instant.”

“What I’ve learned is that being energetic and joyful is often a choice. You can either choose to be energetic and joyful, or you can choose to be a lifeless slug.”

“What will the next ten years be like for you? Will you express daily love to those God has brought into your life? Will you forgive others as Jesus has forgiven you? And will you try to see the joy in every day God gives you?”

 

 

About Bob Merritt

Bob Merritt is the Senior Pastor of Eagle Brook Church in Lino Lakes, Minnesota, USA, a megachurch that has seen explosive growth under his leadership. Six years into his ministry, by 1997 the church had attendance of 1,400. According to Outreach Magazine in 2008 this was the 30th fastest growing church in the USA and the 38th in size based on attendance of 10,334. By 2013 typical weekend attendance had risen to 18,000.

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