Praise for
Extraordinary I am living proof that no matter where you have come from or what you have been through, God desires to do extraordinary things through you and for you. John has chosen a timely subject because if we are going to accomplish all that God has planned for this generation, we need to know that God desires so much more for us. Let Johns incredible knowledge of Scripture guide you through discovering the extraordinary life that God has for you! J OYCE M EYER , Bible teacher and best-selling author In Extraordinary , 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! K URT W ARNER , NFL quarterback and two-time league MVP 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 Extraordinary 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. J AMES R OBISON , LIFE Outreach International 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 Extraordinary . D ARLENE Z SCHECH John Beveres 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, theres a need for this kind of honesty about the requirements for substance to build a life. John shows that extraordinary living is within every persons reach, but not on ordinary terms. D R . J ACK W. H AYFORD , chancellor, The Kings Seminary and founding pastor, The Church On The Way Extraordinary points us to that spot on the horizonthe 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 Gods Spirit to take us there. C HRIS T OMLIN , lead worshiper, Passion City Church, Atlanta, and sixstepsrecords recording artist John Bevere gives a unique peek into our natural human desires for an extraordinary life and provides a frank, candid, and probing discussion of whywhen we crave to soar like the mighty eaglewe often accept walking among the chickens as our ultimate fate in life. Johns book shows us how to reach that extraordinary individual that resides in all of us. B ISHOP T. D. J AKES , senior pastor, the Potters House of Dallas, Inc. In Extraordinary , my friend John Bevere guides readers on a journey toward discovering a life of more 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! E D Y OUNG , senior pastor, Fellowship Church and author of Outrageous, Contagious Joy My favorite thing about John Beveres books is theyre all loaded with Scripture, challenging you to grow deeper in your walk with Jesus, and Extraordinary is no different. John walks through the Bible and opens your eyes to Gods passion of getting you away from the ordinary and into the extraordinary. Prepare to be challenged and changed as you read. A ARON B ADDELEY , PGA golfer, Scottsdale, AZ With both grace and guts , John Bevere challenges us to live a bigger life in Godthe 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. M ATT R EDMAN , songwriter 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. Lets do it! We can all release Gods power and do the extraordinary! S HAUN A LEXANDER , former NFL MVP In Extraordinary , 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. T OMMY B ARNETT , pastor, Phoenix First Assembly and Dream Centers: Phoenix, Los Angeles, New York 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! R ON L UCE , president and founder, Teen Mania Ministries John Bevere speaks and writes with an unmatched passion to see people become everything God intends for them to be. Extraordinary 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. L OUIE G IGLIO , Passion Conferences/Passion City Church
I dedicate this book to my son
Austin Michael Bevere
God has blessed you.
Youre reliable, faithful, and sincere.
Youre strong, witty, and ingenious.
Youve been a delight to raise.
Its a joy to watch your extraordinary life unfold.
Ill love you forever, son
Contents
Acknowledgments M y deepest appreciation toLisa. To my gorgeous wife, best friend, lover, amazing mother, most faithful supporter, and co-laborer in the ministry. You are truly Gods gift to me and His beloved church. I love, value, and treasure you.My four sons. Addison, Austin, Alexander, and Arden. Each of you brings such great delight to my life. You are each a special treasure. Thank you for not only your encouragement but also your participation. Your reward is great!The staff and board members of Messenger International. Thank you for your unwavering support and faithfulness. Its a pleasure to work with each of you and an honor to serve God together. Lisa and I love every one of you.Our many ministerial friends all over the world. Space doesnt permit me to write all of your names. Thanks for the invitations and the honor of speaking and ministering at your churches and conferences. I love you pastors and ministers who serve God faithfully.Tom Winters and Steve Cobb. Thanks for your encouragement and belief in the message God has burned in my heart.Bruce Nygren. Thank you for your editing skills on this project. But most of all, thanks for your support.All the staff at WaterBrook Multnomah. Thanks for supporting this message and for your professional and kind help. You are a great group to work with.Most important, my sincere gratitude to my Lord. How can words adequately acknowledge all You have done for me and for Your people? I love You deeply and more than words can express.
Extraordinary
N o 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).
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 heavens 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).
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