Saturday, June 27, 2015

Your Blueprint for Life by Michael Kendrick

Kendrick has a passion to help people live with purpose in light of eternity. If you feel unsatisfied with your life or incomplete, this book may just help you get moving in the direction of a fulfilled life.

I like the way he has written this book. He covers a number of topics and gives the biblical foundation first before moving on to practical instruction. He lays a foundation of spirituality, knowing that we cannot have a fulfilled life without a relationship with God. He reminds us of the overall purpose in our life of glorifying God and knowing Christ. True joy comes from using our passions and gifts to glorify God, maximizing all that we have been given.

He reminds us that God will reward us in heaven for how we steward our lives on earth. How we use our talents and gifts is important. Just like a blueprint is required for building a house, Kendrick suggests we develop a blueprint for life. That will help us identify what God had in mind when He designed us, allowing us to live with purpose.

To develop that blueprint, Kendrick helps us identify our passions and gifts and then our calling. I was encouraged by his emphasizing each person's uniqueness. God's design of skills and talents means each of us has a unique calling to fulfill God's purposes. He asks many great questions to help us identify our passions, skills, and gifts.

He continues by covering what he calls the big five areas of life: spiritual, relational, physical, financial, career. He makes sure that in each area we understand the spiritual principles underlying the area before he gives practical suggestions to maximize it.

I really like the way Kendrick has developed this book. Some may think that they will just fall into their calling, that they won't have to create opportunities. I appreciate him reminding us that God might be preparing the way but we have to step out and pursue our calling. He shares his own story of changing professions to ultimately do what he feels God has designed for him. He draws on a number of sources, including stories and good teaching from other authors.

I'm a picky reader but I really enjoyed this book. Kendrick gives a wonderful balance of biblical principles, practical suggestions, and enthusiastic encouragement. If you are looking to redirect your life in a more fulfilling direction, I recommend this book.

Food for thought:
A life of value is defined by those things that will make a difference in eternity.”

You can find more information about his ministries at https://www.idisciple.org/ and www.BlueprintForLifeBook.com.

Michael Kendrick is a senior partner and cofounder of Roswell Capital Partners, his Atlanta based investment banking firm. In 1999 Kendrick founded Ministry Ventures Inc., a nonprofit organization dedicated to launching new ministries for Christ. He also serves as CEO and President of the Blueprint for Life ministry organization. He has written previous books, holds a master's degree in business administration and a bachelor's degree in aerospace engineering. He and his wife and their three children live in Alpharetta, Georgia.

Thomas Nelson, 256 pages.

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

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