{"product_id":"extraordinary-isbn-9780307457738","title":"Extraordinary","description":"\u003cb\u003eSatisfy your intrinsic desire to rise above the norm.\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eIsn’t it true that we long to see the extraordinary, experience the extraordinary,  do the extraordinary? Yet, so often we settle for mediocrity when greatness is within  our grasp.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Why are we drawn to stories of heroic triumph over seemingly impossible  circumstances?  In our fascination with adventure movies, superheroes, and tales  of incredible human feats, do we reveal an inherent desire for something larger and  greater in life? Maybe what we think is a need to escape or be entertained is actually  a God inspired longing…for the extraordinary.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Best-selling author John Bevere reveals  how all of us were “meant for more,” extraordinarily created and intended for a life  that is anything but ordinary.  Here is the roadmap for your journey of transformation.  You are marked for a life that far surpasses the usual definitions of success or  fulfillment.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Isn’t it time to pursue your extraordinary life?\u003cb\u003ePraise for \u003cbr\u003e\u003ci\u003eExtraordinary\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e“In \u003ci\u003eExtraordinary\u003c\/i\u003e, John Bevere does a wonderful job of showing what God created us for and how that applies to all areas of our lives. As a professional athlete, I am constantly dealing with the balance of being extraordinary for God, as well as in my career. This book has shown me that there is no separation between our spiritual lives and our everyday lives. God has called us to live extraordinarily, every minute of every day. This book is a must read for those who are looking to live fully immersed in the greatness of Jesus!”\u003cbr\u003e–Kurt Warner, NFL quarterback and two-time league MVP\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e“John Bevere is one of the most passionate people I know, and I believe he has truly grasped the meaning of John 10:10: ‘I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly.’ In \u003ci\u003eExtraordinary\u003c\/i\u003e he digs into the Word to show what it looks like to please God and use the talents He has given us. John pushes believers to the edge to get them to launch out into the deep. He lives life to the fullest and, through these pages, will inspire you to experience the joy of serving Christ with passion.”\u003cbr\u003e–James Robison, LIFE Outreach International\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e“This is a one-of-a-kind hero message! In his unprecedented approach, John Bevere has delivered a book that will unlock the extraordinary within you. I pray your heart is open and ready to receive \u003ci\u003eExtraordinary\u003c\/i\u003e.”\u003cbr\u003e–Darlene Zschech\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e“John Bevere’s penetrating and practical insight into ‘what makes life work’ shines again from these pages. In a day when twittering quick-fixes are sought for life-solutions and sound-bite remarks are dubbed as wisdom, there’s a need for this kind of honesty about the requirements for substance to build a life. John shows that extraordinary living is within every person’s reach, but not on ordinary terms.”\u003cbr\u003e–Dr. Jack W. Hayford, chancellor, The King’s Seminary and founding pastor, The Church On The Way\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e“\u003ci\u003eExtraordinary\u003c\/i\u003e points us to that spot on the horizon–the place that could be ours to live. In his book, John gives us a glimpse of what God has for us in that place so that we will chase after it and allow God’s Spirit to take us there.”\u003cbr\u003e–Chris Tomlin, lead worshiper, Passion City Church, Atlanta, and sixstepsrecords’ recording artist\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e“John Bevere gives a unique peek into our natural human desires for an extraordinary life and provides a frank, candid, and probing discussion of why–when we crave to soar like the mighty eagle–we often accept walking among the chickens as our ultimate fate in life. John’s book shows us how to reach that extraordinary individual that resides in all of us.”\u003cbr\u003e–Bishop T. D. Jakes, senior pastor, the Potter’s House of Dallas, Inc.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e“In \u003ci\u003eExtraordinary\u003c\/i\u003e, my friend John Bevere guides readers on a journey toward discovering a life of \u003ci\u003emore\u003c\/i\u003e–more understanding, more success, more excitement. And he shows us exactly what it takes to move beyond an ordinary existence and to take hold of an extraordinary life!”\u003cbr\u003e–Ed Young, senior pastor, Fellowship Church and author of Outrageous, Contagious Joy\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e“My favorite thing about John Bevere’s books is they’re all loaded with Scripture, challenging you to grow deeper in your walk with Jesus, and \u003ci\u003eExtraordinary\u003c\/i\u003e is no different. John walks through the Bible and opens your eyes to God’s passion of getting you away from ‘the ordinary’ and into ‘the extraordinary.’ Prepare to be challenged and changed as you read.”\u003cbr\u003e–Aaron Baddeley, PGA golfer, Scottsdale, AZ\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e“With both \u003ci\u003egrace\u003c\/i\u003e and \u003ci\u003eguts\u003c\/i\u003e, John Bevere challenges us to live a bigger life in God–the life we were always meant to live. In this powerful new book, John shows us how the grace of God can become the springboard to a ‘life less ordinary.’”\u003cbr\u003e–Matt Redman, songwriter\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e“John Bevere shows from the Word that everyone who wants it can live a life with impact. This book hits hard with truth. No more boring, watered-down, weak spiritual life for the body of Christ. Let’s do it! We can all release God’s power and do the extraordinary!”\u003cbr\u003e–Shaun Alexander, former NFL MVP\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e“In \u003ci\u003eExtraordinary\u003c\/i\u003e, John Bevere examines and inspires the heart to realize God has called us all to abundant life. Each of us knows we are meant for more. This book will help you leave mediocrity behind and enjoy the great adventures God has for you.”\u003cbr\u003e–Tommy Barnett, pastor, Phoenix First Assembly and Dream Centers: Phoenix, Los Angeles, New York\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e“Teens and adults today spend too much time aimlessly looking for value or something worth working for. In this book John Bevere challenges us all with the simple answer to questions about meaning in life. Only those ready to make changes need apply!”\u003cbr\u003e–Ron Luce, president and founder, Teen Mania Ministries\u003cbr\u003e“John Bevere speaks and writes with an unmatched passion to see people become everything God intends for them to be. \u003ci\u003eExtraordinary\u003c\/i\u003e is another powerful step in that process, calling us all to greatness that allows us to max out our Christ-life potential and live a life that pleases the One who gave it to us in the first place.”\u003cbr\u003e–Louie Giglio, Passion Conferences\/Passion City ChurchMarked by boldness and passion, \u003cb\u003eJohn Bevere\u003c\/b\u003e delivers uncompromising truth through his award-winning curriculum and best-selling books, including \u003ci\u003eThe Bait of Satan, Drawing Near, \u003c\/i\u003eand\u003ci\u003e Driven by Eternity\u003c\/i\u003e, now available in over sixty languages. He speaks internationally and is co-host of \u003ci\u003eThe Messenger\u003c\/i\u003e TV program, which is broadcast worldwide. John enjoys living in Colorado Springs with his wife, Lisa, also a best-selling author and speaker, and their family.\u003cb\u003e1\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eExtraordinary\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e No eye has seen, no ear has heard, and no mind has imagined what God has prepared for those who love him” (1 Corinthians 2:9, NLT).\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e These words paint a picture of an unimaginable and extraordinary existence, one far beyond what any mere mortal has known or experienced. You may have heard these words before and related them only to heaven’s glory. But in actuality, they were penned for the here and now! For the writer, the apostle Paul, continues, “But we know these things because God has revealed them to us by his Spirit” (verse 10, NLT).\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Paul, who lived during the church’s inception, was divinely moved to bring into the open what had been previously hidden to our eyes, ears, and imagination. He also wrote the following to describe the mandate of his life:\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eMy task is to bring out in the open and make plain what God, who created all this in the first place, has been doing in secret and behind the scenes all along. Through followers of Jesus like yourselves gathered in churches, this \u003ci\u003eextraordinary\u003c\/i\u003e plan of God is becoming known and talked about even among the angels! (Ephesians 3:9–10, MSG)\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThere’s One Person above all others who desires an extraordinary life for you. He is a Father who delights, like any good father, in the achievements and happiness of His children. His name is God! And nothing will please Him more than seeing you reach your highest potential.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eGod’s extraordinary plan is revealed when we live extraordinarily. Together let’s give the angels something to talk about!\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e \u003ci\u003eExtraordinary.\u003c\/i\u003e Just hearing this amazing word arouses the desire to surpass the norm, to break away from the status quo. Its definition is “beyond what is usual, exceptional, exceeding the common measure.” One-word synonyms include \u003ci\u003eremarkable, amazing, marvelous, and unimaginable\u003c\/i\u003e. To better understand the full meaning of this inspiring word, consider its antonyms: \u003ci\u003ecommon, normal, and usual.\u003c\/i\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Ponder this a moment: the opposite of extraordinary is normal! If we’re honest, I think we all want our lives to mean more or be more than what we’ve known and seen. Unless it’s suppressed, there is an innate desire in each of us to rise above commonness. We yearn for the extraordinary.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e The most loved popular films that have captured the hearts and attention of the public involve extraordinary powers. There’s \u003ci\u003eSpider-Man, Superman, The Incredible Hulk, the Star Wars\u003c\/i\u003e saga, t\u003ci\u003ehe Lord of the Rings\u003c\/i\u003e trilogy, \u003ci\u003eThe Chronicles of Narnia, The Matrix, Fantastic Four, The Incredibles, X-Men, Harry Potter, Pirates of the Caribbean\u003c\/i\u003e, and that’s not all of them. Add to this mix the movies with extraordinary heroes who do remarkable feats and live exceptional lives, characters such as Batman, Iron Man, Indiana Jones, Zorro, William Wallace, Robin Hood, Spartacus, Sergeant York, just to name a few. In fact, as of 2009, seventeen of the top twenty-five all-time blockbuster movies fall under these categories. That’s almost 70 percent, and the percentage varies only slightly if you extend the poll to the top fifty.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e How intriguing that the bulk of the most popular movies of all time are not love stories, murder mysteries, espionage thrillers, war movies, true life accounts, sports flicks, westerns, police stories, or dramas of friendship, family, or life in general. No, the top box office draws are films that center on extraordinary characters doing remarkable feats, with a good number of them possessing beyond-human abilities or powers. Why? Because “extraordinary” is how we were created to live. It was God’s plan from the beginning.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eChristianity's Image\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Unfortunately, God’s plan and man’s execution of the plan are often not the same. One of the main reasons I avoided Christianity for years was its portrayal. I, like so many others, saw men of God as Bible-thumping critics who were quick to judge the flaws of others. Or they were passive, backward, and ignorant. The idea that Christians were pioneers who lived and thought outside the box, behaving in extraordinary ways, never crossed my mind. And the idea of Christian women? Well, it was even worse. I perceived that they had no say in important matters, dressed unfashionably, and neglected their appearance. It was frowned upon for a godly woman to venture beyond her domestic duties and certainly unheard of for her to lead in any way. As a young man, I didn’t want my wife forbidden to think and restricted from joining me in life’s ventures. I didn’t want a woman who was suppressed—I wanted one full of life!\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e I viewed Christianity as lifeless. Becoming a believer would mean losing my individuality and forgoing creativity, excellence, passion, and the ability to succeed in the marketplace, sports, politics, education, and other arenas of life. I didn’t know it then, but my views were the opposite of how God created us to live, because He is the One who breathed into us the desire for the extraordinary. Listen to God Himself:\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e God spoke: “Let us make human beings in our image, make them \u003cbr\u003ereflecting our nature \u003cbr\u003eSo they can be responsible for the fish in the sea, \u003cbr\u003ethe birds in the air, the cattle, \u003cbr\u003eAnd, yes, Earth itself,\u003cbr\u003e and every animal that moves on the face of Earth.”\u003cbr\u003e God created human beings;\u003cbr\u003e he created them godlike,\u003cbr\u003e Reflecting God’s nature.\u003cbr\u003e He created them male and female.\u003cbr\u003e God blessed them:\u003cbr\u003e “Prosper! Reproduce! Fill Earth! Take charge!” (Genesis 1:26–28, MSG)\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e We were made to reflect God’s nature. He spoke both to men and women, saying, “Prosper! Reproduce! Fill Earth! Take charge!” Adam, the first man, named every species of animal on the earth (I’m sure his wife would have been involved, but she hadn’t been created yet!). God brought the animals to Adam and gave him the responsibility of naming them. There are over one million species of animals on earth. Not only did Adam have the creativity to name them all, but he also had the capacity to remember each one. That was an extraordinary man doing a remarkable feat!\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e You may ask, “But since Adam fell, weren’t those abilities lost due to his disobedience?” No, Jesus flipped the mess Adam created for humankind. Paul wrote, “Here it is in a nutshell: Just as one person did it wrong and got us in all this trouble with sin and death, another person did it right and got us out of it. But more than just getting us out of trouble, he got us into \u003ci\u003elife!”\u003c\/i\u003e (Romans 5:18, MSG). The word \u003ci\u003elife\u003c\/i\u003e doesn’t merely describe the way we’ll live in heaven; it also means the “here and now.” Jesus not only recovered what Adam lost, but He also provided so much more—the potential of an extraordinary life!\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e The truth is, \u003ci\u003eGod not only desires you to live extraordinarily but also has equipped you to do so\u003c\/i\u003e. Don’t ever forget these words. Etch them on the tablet of your heart. A remarkable, amazing, extraordinary life is not restricted to certain individuals or professions. It doesn’t matter who you are or how you serve in life. If you’re a schoolteacher, businessperson, government leader, stay-at-home mom, athlete, factory worker, hairstylist, student, pastor (the list is endless), it doesn’t matter, because you were created for extraordinary achievements in that role. The power to accomplish remarkable feats and live an exceptional life is not tied to an occupation but to a disposition of the heart. This is not only God’s will but also His great pleasure.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Hollywood, religious people, and our culture had painted for me a warped and limited image of God’s people. Why did I have this distortion? God, you, and I have a common enemy named Satan, who is called “the ruler of this world,” “the prince of the power of the air,” and “the god of this world.”He controls the world’s systems and influences the minds of those who do not belong to God. He has billions of fallen angels and demons to carry out his grand strategy. The sad fact is that too often the church has limited Satan’s chief strategy to certain behaviors, like trying to get people to drink alcohol or watch dirty sex scenes in movies. He’s much more crafty than that and uses a wide variety of snares and diversions. We’ve missed his primary purpose. Because what he fears most is Christians discovering who God’s made them to be—extraordinary people with abilities to carry out remarkable and unusual feats. This should be the image society has of Christians.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e In contrast to the present reputation of Christians, one of the great struggles the early church encountered was convincing people that believers were not superheroes or gods. Cornelius, an officer in the most powerful army in the world, bowed down to worship Peter and his companions. Stunned, Peter immediately replied, “Stand up; I myself am also a man” (Acts 10:26).\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e In a city named Lystra, the mob “went wild, calling out in their Lyconian dialect, ‘The gods have come down! These men are gods!’” Paul sharply corrected them: “What do you think you’re doing! We’re not gods!” (Acts 14:11, 14, MSG). When Paul was on Malta collecting firewood, a poisonous snake bit him. He shook it off, and the inhabitants anticipated his death. “But when it was obvious he wasn’t going to, they jumped to the conclusion that he was a god!” (28:6, MSG).","brand":"WaterBrook","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46304118997221,"sku":"NP9780307457738","price":16.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1842\/7735\/files\/9780307457738.jpg?v=1767726567","url":"https:\/\/k12savings.com\/products\/extraordinary-isbn-9780307457738","provider":"K12savings","version":"1.0","type":"link"}