"Courageous Living" (Michael Catt)

TITLE: Courageous Living: Dare to Take a Stand
AUTHOR: Michael Catt
PUBLISHER: Nashville, TN: B&H Publishing, 2011, (164 pages).

What a powerful book! This is the author's fourth book in less than three years, and boy does it packs a punch. Many punches. Let me highlight the ten punches that can lead to an incredible spiritual awakening. Firstly, there is the punch to take the first step of faith. We are not called to sit still, relax and avoid risks. We are called to let our words and works demonstrate our commitment to our faith. We need a kick off. Secondly, we need the punch of learning the choose the right and to refuse the wrong. Thirdly, we need to take the punch to accept our responsibility to lead in every level possible. Let no fear deter us from even the most difficult situation. Fourthly, we need the punch to be humbled by God, and be humble before men. Fifthly, we need the punch to face uncertain future with faith against fear. Sixthly, we need to punch ourselves to practice discipleship with the younger generation, to search and to build up Timothys that we can find. Seventhly, there is a punch to be decisive, and at every juncture, to make the decision to be Christlike. Eighthly, we need the punch of learning to face criticism bravely, to let the four walls of courage form around us: Faith, Courage, Integrity, and Prayer. I like this quote:

"Have you ever seen a monument erected to a critic? When the critic throws stones, the visionary should take them and build a wall. Then if the critic wants to see what you've built, charge him admission to get through the gate." (106)

Ninthly,there is the punch of being stirred by inside us by the Holy Spirit. Finally, the punch of courage to face any kinds of persecution. While there are many people who can cite other works, I find the way Catt quotes from others is smooth flowing and adds powerfully to the argument.

Closing Thoughts

There is a difference between physical punches and the punches delivered in this book. While physical punches can bruise us physically, the punches of courage embolden us to stand up and be counted for God. What the film 'Courageous' does for the movie industry, this book does the same for the book industry. Page after page, the convictions flow. Passions oozes out freely from the chapters that demand a response from readers. I give this book a standing ovation at the end of the book. It is that good. Michael Catt is one revivalist who reminds me of writers like A W Tozer and Leonard Ravenhill. Reading this book is a great start to a brand new year.

I can dare you to read this book. I can even double-dare you to practice what this book teaches. After reading it, you may not even need my challenge. You will have been challenged already!

Ratings: 5 stars of 5.

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"Book has been provided courtesy of David C Cook and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc. Available at your favourite bookseller from B&H Publishing Group".