Even if you haven't heard Michael W. Smith's album of the same name, you should read this book! I highly recommend this book for everyone, but especially for teens who face the difficult task of trying to grow up in today's mixed-up world.

The title of the book, "This is Your Time", is also the title of a song he wrote after the Columbine tragedy. Michael tells about his experience singing at the memorial service and talking to Cassie Bernall's parents (check out my review of Misty Bernall's book "She Said Yes"). But this book isn't just about Columbine. Michael talks about the death of Rich Mullins (which deeply affected me as well) and Rich's impact on people. Michael also was a good friend of the late Bob Briner (author of Roaring Lambs) and he encourages Christians to get out there and make a difference.

He quotes Hebrews 12:1...

"Let us run with endurance the race that is set before us."

Amen!

(You might want to check out my other reviews of Christian books and music)

This was a great book. At some points, very moving. My mom was reading the begining to me and had to stop because she was crying. The main idea of this book is: How Michael W. Smith came up for the idea of the song, THIS IS YOUR TIME. He got it from Rachel Scott after the Columbine shootings. This book also tells of some of MWS's own struggles and triumphs. It is a great book. A somber one at times, but true to the core. Please read this book and pass on its message: THIS IS YOUR TIME! MAKE IT COUNT!

What a great book to read! This is really a good time to evaulate our lives in a modern world with a message to all that the test is yet to come.

May it be the next munute, hour , day or month we should try to do our best work. Smitty does gives some personal highlights of what he is doing to make his moment count, as we should make our time count.

I thoroughly enjoyed reading the book and kept reading until I finished the book (it was a good time reading and getting to know him).

When I received the book written by my nephew, Dr. Paul Smith, I was immediately curious about the last part of the title, "The Deep Calling to the Deep". I soon found out by going to the Bible and reading Psalms 139 where David "praiseth God for his allseeing providence". God's knowledge was too powerful for David to absorb; however for those facing death, this knowledge or wisdom is acquired and responds to the "Deep" inside of themselves -----it is "Soul Talking".

Dr. Smith's close association with the six persons presented in the book has also led to support of their families and friends on their journey to death. His observations during the dying process will lend a means for our learning about our own death. All of the six people led productive lives; they acquired the tools to continue this progress into the next world. Dr. Smith states that ones attitude toward death is largely determined by the way one looks at life. The question is raised---'Is death the worst thing that can happen?" Black slaves knew death was not the worst thing that could happen and expressed this in their songs, which capture the spirit of the question.

Dr. Smith's book should be read by all ages, especially the youth. The book would help them understand that the purpose of their being on this earth is one of preparation (growth and development) for entrance into the spiritual world.

This book deals with the fact of death on an intimate, personal level. Paul Smith illustrates that a death is as individual as a life. His skill as a pastor gives us insight into ways we can help loved ones face death. His openness in describing the feelings he went through while being "in the moment" with dying friends is of benefit to any who are faced with the death of a loved one. And the way in which he frames death, as an integral part of life, is of benefit to all who seek wholeness in their own soul.

This book makes us all think about our time on this Earth. It is not only for those who are in the process of dealing with a dying loved one or who have had to go through the death of a loved one, it is for the living. It makes us think about how we spend each day and more importantly how we interact with others each day. The stories are readable and engaging right away. It doesn't matter if the person is one of the famous ones discussed such as Arthur Ashe, or more unknown, you are immediately drawn into their story. A very valuable book not only for ministers and health professionals, but for the general public as well. It takes a hard subject and makes it accessible and uplifting.

One amazing word: union. At times, believers may think they are living life on their own and gaining "help" from God when the going gets rough. Life doesn't have to be like that!!!! When someone is in union with something else, your life is not separate. It is together, it is "one." If you are a child of God, you are "one" with God. I needed to hear that and this book was used instrumentally in revealing that truth. I trust God will lead you to read this as well.

This is a must read for every Christian. The book is easy to read and will open your eyes and heart to the truth of the whole gospel. We are "more than conquerors" and who we believe we are in Christ makes a difference in our walk and relationship with God and others. I can't possibly express the value of the content of the book.

The book deals with a subject that is virtually untouched by pastors and preachers. I believe the reason is that one cannot teach on a subject where they have never been.

Through many years of Christian life, the author knew something in his Christian life was missing and as it was revealed to him, he did a superb job in short, concise chapters of conveying his experiences to others. In the American culture, too often we take our identity from the "things of the world". Then, when we become Christians we are confounded to learn the world in which we live is not reality in the eyes of God.

Stone explains the necessity of taking upon a new identity and living a life of faith out of that identity. He gives us an eternal, biblical perspective from which to learn the thought processes which leads to true life, the abundant life. The book is for true believers who are tired of the pablum dispensed from pulpits. I have gone through the book personally, been in a small group where each chapter was discussed on a weekly basis and I am currently leading a small discussion group with enormous success. It is a subject matter that can be engaged with knowing you will gain better insight in how God sees you and, as a result, experience the life of faith as it is intended to be. It is definitely a "gotta have" book.

Unlike all the other Wigglesworth books I've read, this book is especially powerful because it's a NEW book (1993). It's so good to hear Madden affirming that THIS generation truly can know God like this past hero of the faith. For the hungry, I think it will strengthen your feeble knees and lift up your weary hands as you search for the utter fullness of God. (It has mine.) Those who seek truly will find! So let your hunger propel you right on through to Him. "Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they SHALL be filled."

Everything about this book is insipired by the Holy Spirit. P.J. Madden's desire is to give the christian a viable way to join "God's End-time Army." In fact, Madden claims (I hope he wouldn't lie) that he felt impressed to write this book, with unpublished material, but when he made no headway, he abandoned the prodject. He lives in Australia, and when he made a trip to the Home of Peace, an old missionary home, in Oakland, CA, he found thirty-seven messages of Wigglesworth's!

Each of the six chapters begins with a story from Wigglesworth's life that illustrates the sermon to follow actually lived out. The wonderful thing about this book is that its focus is not to teach more about Wigglesworth's life, but to teach the reader to walk closer to Christ. Madden does this by following each of the sermons with five or six life keys. He picks out the meat of the sermons and expounds upon them using the Wigglesworth's life, previous sermons in the book, the word of God, and just plain writing what the Spirit placed inside of him.

This book WILL help you walk closer to the Lord if you prayerfully read it with an open heart.

Immediately, God will grasp your heart through the words spoken by Mr. Wigglesworth to the point of overwhelmness. P. J. Madden did a great job in conveying an understanding of the nature of Smith Wigglesworth to the point that you will desire the same desire as Wigglesworth, a brokenness of spirit toward God. My faith was built up to the point of overflowing everytime I picked up the book. A must read for anyone whose desire is to know more of God.

This book spoke to me about ME! I especially liked the very first section - Be Honest With Yourself About Yourself. It starts out with a slam. If you can't see yourself in these pages, you're not looking! This book kills any excuses about why your life is not the way it should be and guides you on the path to making it what you want it to be. Excellent!

This book is helping me to evaluate myself and make the changes I need to make to ensure my life is better for me and others around me. It's all about Spirit, Mind & Body. It's not proper writing - it's writing from the heart - clear and concise, honest and true.

I want to know what I need to know, quickly, honestly, and without fuss. And Gina Johnson Smith gives it to me the way I need it. I look forward to Volume 2!

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It is full of wisdom-bringing both the practical and the spiritual into one arena. Each section is short and to the point. Mrs. Smith doesn't waste words or time.

I saw myself all through this book. If you want to really grow spiritually. If you're really serious, YOU NEED TO GET THIS BOOK!

Though not as good as his work "Time to Be Bold" (sp.), Michael does a great job of letting you into his world and showing you what God has done in his life. Michael's books excel at making you feel like he is talking just to you. He makes you feel special. He has great sections on how to deal with hard times and some very practical steps to help you grow in the Lord. He has a great love and belief in the power of God's Word. This is perhaps the genius that undergirds this work and his other books as well.

This is one of my favorite books and I also admire the artist for his music talent. There are many authors in the Christian market who are just in it for the money but its clear that MWS is in it to guide and encourage people. The book is well written and he drives the point home without being preachy while making it seem as if he's right there talking to you.

Its for anyone who wants guidance in their life and to know God's will. There are four parts. The first covers a place to grow, to belong to, to make a difference, its basically about find a place to "bloom." The second is Purpose and about finding purpose in your life, the third is passion in your life. What are you passionate about? Is it music or something else? The last part is about God's plan in your life. If your a Christian seeking God's will then I'd really reccomend this book, I'd definitely reccomend it to all regardless of your age.

I have now bought over a dozen copies of this book by Michael W. Smith. Every person without exception has said the same thing. They all felt it spoke to them. Michael "walks the walk" and it shows. I'm back to buy 3 more copies and Amazon.com, you'd better keep 'em in stock for me! :)

I'm trying to apply the principles now. It's nice to have a book that can show the different aspects of "God's will" (including the personal one), yet not discount the mind. It notes that what we often perceive as guidance (e.g., the supernatural, prophecy, fleeces, and inward guidance) are the exceptions and points out why. It focuses on prayer, understanding the Bible, willingness, and thinking carefully. It recognizes however that we consider our desires, abilities, wise counsel, and circumstances. It seems to answer a lot of my questions about guidance as well as my misconceptions. Best of all, he gives you the Biblical texts to read and analyze yourself to see if his arguments hold up, let alone Biblical examples. I know one friend (who found out about the book independent of me) that bought several copies of this book to give as gifts. I may just do the same.

I find "Knowing God's Will" to be an extremely challenging and thought provoking book. Blaine Smith consistently presents a *balanced* and mature approach towards understanding and seeking the Lord's will for our lives. He makes it a point to test his own ideas against what the Bible teaches.

This book will surely challenge you to:-

(1) Discard your misconceptions on how we should go about finding God's will.

(2) Understanding how God reveals His will.

(3) Realize that we, too, need to take responsibility in knowing His will.

I have tested the biblically-based strategies recommended by this book over the past five years and have given away countless copies to students and friends who are struggling with decision making. First used in a Sunday school class, I often find myself back in the book refreshing my memory on details for how to seek God's will, especially for the important crossroads in life.

For too many Christians, who take the Bible and their duties seriously, God's love is a concept that is comprehended without being apprehended. Scotty Smith's very personal account of how God moves us to a greater understanding of His great love for us is a wondeful tool for people who only know duty and doctrine in their Christian walks. But, this book is doctrine as well, in the best way! It is doctrine applied, and since all theology is practical, Scotty Smith shows how understanding and receiving God's love changed him.

Here is a sample from the introduction: "In essence, this is the story of God's pursuing and passionate mercy revealed in his Word and through his Son. It is the story of how subjects of futility and foolishness become objects of God's affection. It's about how God makes worshipers out of idolaters, a wife out of a whore." (p. 6).

Each chapter has a prayer at the end to ask God to apply some aspect of what the chapter has covered. There are some thought provoking and heart probing questions in the back of the book for each chapter, to help you apply the book to your life and walk.

Personally, I read this book when I really needed to hear its message (and the message of the Bible that it explains), and it has helped me to "have power, together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge" (Eph. 3:18-19, NIV).

I highly recommend this book, not as some quick fix formula to "jump start" your walk, but as a starting point, on a journey to grow in your understanding of the God who has loved you with an everlasting love! Pick one up today - you won't be disappointed!

Like Heinz 57 on a delicious steak, this book brings godly seasoning and satisfaction to the soul.

This I'm sure is an eloquent exposition of the (hesed) love of God. It burns bright with hope and fills the heart with astounding encouragement. There's no better subject than the love of God properly propounded and proclaimed.