Introduction
The author David Murrow is an established Christian author and television producer. Mr. Murrow has a couple of fine books under his belt – “Why Men Hate Going to Church” a 100,000 plus best seller and most notably “Going Rogue” his recent work for Sarah Palin, Alaska’s ex governor. Mr. Murrow lives in Alaska with his wife Gina and they have three children together. He has a web site which is devoted to helping men find their place in God’s plan (map) for their lives’ which I recommend that everyone look at.
Book description/ Summary
The cover of the book is very appealing and it draws one in as if looking at an old time book. The cover art and text that make up the front and back of the book work well together and a subtle image of what I perceive as a compass quadrant creates the feel of something long ago. The book interior is 241 pages long including references and is well laid out with short chapters that make it easy to digest. The Map is written with the average reader in mind and can easily be navigated by believers in every stage of their faith. While having a very serious message it is upbeat and entertaining too.
“The Map” is about a lost set of life changing instructions buried within the Gospel of Matthew. This ancient map shows men how to duplicate the walk of Christ which is vital if we are to complete our journeys today. The problem is the original writer(Matthew) wrote it with only the first audience in mind and this important code has been lost to many generations of readers until now, when God puts it on the hearts of several key figures to bring it to light again. The first half of the book is written in the style of a good old fashioned mystery- infused action novel. It is complete with suspense, lots of drama and some good pertinent wisdom principles sprinkled within the story line. The second half of “The Map” is a contemporary look at the Gospel of Matthew which touches on all of the points that the original writer of the map intended for his audience of old. David Murrow doe’s a great job of unpacking and interpreting this vital message f or today’s strong Christian man.
Review
When looking through a vast list of titles to review, I came across this book “The Map”. It really sparked my interest and after reading the short description on the book I had to get it to review. “The Map: The Way of All Great Men” is a very well thought out book which pulls you in and keeps you interested every step of the way. I was thrilled to find a writing that really pertained to my life in a profound and important way. I believe knowing where you are in the scheme of things should be the focus of all real believers in Christ. I want to add that I personally don’t believe in coincidences in life and God even states in the scriptures that: “The things that are perceived as accident or coincidence are really directed by Him.”, so I definitely felt lead to review this work.
I opened the book up at 8:00 pm Friday night and read to page 188 which is 5 pages shy of the 18th chapter, almost to the end of the book. David Murrow’s style of writing worked very nicely towards keeping me interested and entertained the whole way through. I want to say while reading “The Map”; I was put into the aggravating situation of having to put it down at midnight so I could go to bed. This doesn’t happen too often so I give it thumbs up for that. Lastly, after reading “The Map”, I would concur with Mr. Murrow’s assessment that most churches today stick to teaching only one aspect of the journey to becoming Christ like and if men are to complete their races than they must know how to act in every season of their lives to run the whole course. “The Map” is a Holy Spirit inspired work that really breaks down the problem most churches have today with keeping men in church.
Recommendation
I think every church should make a copy of this work available in its library and make it mandatory reading for its men. Every pastor should put “The Map” on their reading list as a priority to read this year and seek God’s direction for their church. I concur with David Murrow’s view that many men are too overdone in just one area of their Christian walk and that they are becoming misdirected and need to have a new corporate word. The Map will infuse men with a fresh purpose to keep them vital and on tract to what God has called them to do for their assignment. While God can get this book into the hands of anybody he wants at any time, I think it’s important to remember that God puts the control of our lives in our own hands and with our own words. With that in mind I encourage everybody who sees this review to heed my written words and get a copy of this book so God can speak to your heart.
Book Review by Bill Hartmann
The Book: The Map – The Way of All Great Men
Author: David Murrow
Thomas Nelson Publishers – copyright 2010
ISBN: 978-0-7852-2762-5 (pbk.)
Christian Men’s Book
$14.99 U.S. Carried at all fine books sellers.
