Are you in a season of life where every search for direction, encouragement, or fulfillment seems to come up empty? You thought God had you in a place to thrive and grow, but you are ready to call it quits. There has to be something better.You don’t need a new garden; you just need to learn how to dig! In Acres of Diamonds, pastor and New York Times bestselling author Jentezen Franklin helps you … Franklin helps you discover the unfathomable riches Jesus Christ has for you. Rather than chase after a better life, you can celebrate the untold spiritual provision to be found even in the midst of spiritual deprivation. Readers will learn to cherish where God has placed them as they uncover the hidden potential within their families, jobs, ministries, and communities . . . right where they are.
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Book Review–Acres of Diamonds by Jentezen Franklin
This book,”Acres Of Diamonds–Discovering God’s Best Right Where You Are” by Jentezen Franklin, came to me at a time when I was pondering whether or not I should move from the state I was currently living in, and if so, which state should I pick as my destination. I had been pondering and praying about what I should do for many months, seeking God’s answer as to whether I should stay or go.
When I agreed to read and review this book, “Acres of Diamonds” by Jentezen Franklin, I had no clue that this book would be God’s answer to me.
As I began reading, on page 19 I read, “God has placed you where you are, right now. Ask Him to open your eyes and see what is right in front of you. It is time to start digging in your own backyard.” At this, I sat up and took notice, and as I continued reading, every page seemed to speak to me in a way only God could.
Perhaps like me you are questioning your purpose, your life, where you should be, what you should be doing. Maybe you are looking for diamonds and only finding what looks like stones. Maybe you are going through trials that you think will never end, or you are getting weary from climbing mountains that seem to never peak, or facing a future that is offering you no open doors. This book could be just what you need to help you find the answers you are looking for.
Jentezen Franklin has woven many of his true life testimonies into this book as well as biblical truths, making it a book that will capture your interest at the first page.
Franklin speaks of having a “Now Faith” quoting Hebrews 11:1 which says: “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.”
He suggests that what you are looking for might be right in front of you, perhaps the diamonds you are hoping to find may be in your own backyard, and maybe you need to stay where you are and start digging for them.
He says “Faith is often spelled R-I-S-K.” (pg.26) and says to ask yourself if you are on God’s clock, God’s timetable, instead of your own.
He reminds us that trials don’t last forever (pg 39-40) and sometimes they come as strangely wrapped gifts. (pg.41)
I could go on and on about all the spiritual truths and insights I read in this book, for it is indeed full of “Acres of Diamonds” as the title suggests and I highly recommend that you read it to discover what diamonds you might find within it’s pages.
I received this book from Chosen a division of Baker Publishing Group in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts I have expressed are my own.
–Leona J. Atkinson
The Introduction of this book was something that I found interesting. It was a good example showing how we need to realize the value of what we already have. The hidden potential of what we have, of where we are.
This book has good scriptural content and it is encouraging. I also enjoyed the way he explained about “strangely wrapped gifts.” I’d never heard it put that way before. Going to war over our prophecies was also put in a fresh, newer way. I’ve heard that scripture many times before about warring over prophecies but this time, the practice went a little deeper.
Opening your eyes to potential, encouragement not to keep bouncing around from one thing to another were also filled with some good nuggets. I liked the phrase and explanation of having a “staying eye.”
The author also shares some of his own personal experiences without it overtaking the whole book. I really liked his transparency when it came to at least one time when he failed. An opportunity came up at what looked like the worst possible time, so he passed on it. His ministry was stretched so tight, finances were too so he missed the timing of God. He makes it clear that so often God’s timing is so different than ours. As Jentezen looked back, he saw the wisdom of God. There were things at work that would have benefited him if he had just trusted God. Talk about regrets!!!
I think that this book would be good for both newer believers and us “been saved awhile” Christians. I am hopeful that people who are not Christians (yet) could also benefit although they might not enjoy the scripture as much. But Jentezen does make a good point. That there is going to be trials in this world. Whether you are going to have them with Jesus or without Jesus, there will be trials and troubles. That it is better to go through them WITH Jesus. But I also know they have to get a revelation of that.
“I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.”