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Chasing Daylight Seize the Power of Every Moment by McManus, Erwin Raphael [Tomas Nelson,2006]
Chasing Daylight Seize the Power of Every Moment by McManus, Erwin Raphael. Published by Tomas Nelson,2006, Paperback
Unknown Binding
First published January 1, 2002
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About the author
Erwin Raphael McManus
53 books506 followersErwin Raphael McManus is an iconoclast known as a cultural pioneer for his integration of creativity and spirituality. He is an artist, entrepreneur, and cultural thought leader who is also the founder of MOSAIC, a community of faith in Los Angeles California. Known for their innovation, creativity, and artistry, MOSAIC has been named one of the most influential and innovative churches in America.
Engaging such issues as culture, creativity, change, and leadership, Erwin is widely known as a thought-provoking communicator, poet, and wordsmith. His travels have taken him to over 50 countries and he has spoken to over a million people from a wide variety of audiences, from professional sports, Wall Street investors, universities, film studios, and conferences across the world.
McManus is the author of Soul Cravings, Chasing Daylight, and other leading books on spirituality and creativity. His newest book is The Artisan Soul: Crafting your Life into a Work of Art.
Erwin Raphael McManus sees the imagination as the principle vehicle through which we create a better self, a better world, and a better future. He argues that creativity is both uniquely human and the essence of human uniqueness. Creativity, McManus contends, is a natural expression of our spirituality. When we are most fully alive we create out of love all that is good and beautiful and true.
Erwin has a BA in psychology from UNC Chapel Hill, a Masters of Divinity from Southwestern Theological Seminary, and a Doctorate of Humane Letters from Southeastern University.
Engaging such issues as culture, creativity, change, and leadership, Erwin is widely known as a thought-provoking communicator, poet, and wordsmith. His travels have taken him to over 50 countries and he has spoken to over a million people from a wide variety of audiences, from professional sports, Wall Street investors, universities, film studios, and conferences across the world.
McManus is the author of Soul Cravings, Chasing Daylight, and other leading books on spirituality and creativity. His newest book is The Artisan Soul: Crafting your Life into a Work of Art.
Erwin Raphael McManus sees the imagination as the principle vehicle through which we create a better self, a better world, and a better future. He argues that creativity is both uniquely human and the essence of human uniqueness. Creativity, McManus contends, is a natural expression of our spirituality. When we are most fully alive we create out of love all that is good and beautiful and true.
Erwin has a BA in psychology from UNC Chapel Hill, a Masters of Divinity from Southwestern Theological Seminary, and a Doctorate of Humane Letters from Southeastern University.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 77 reviews
March 14, 2022
In this book, the subject of going from passive to proactive life is deeply explored. What benefits it brings to the society even if you stumble and even if you may think what you do is insignificant; at the end it is important.
Is a life of adventure really worth the risk? What choice would you make if opportunity knocked on your door?
People are so busy with the mundane and ordinary that when the miraculous and extraordinary knocks on the door, we are too busy to answer it. We miss experiencing life. Missed life is a life unlived. It’s better to make mistakes and learn from them than waiting for a perfect time or perfect opportunity (you never know if it will come your way).
Even with success you can become stagnant. Whatever you accumulate, you need to use it, continuously making progress. And what we accumulate sometimes becomes our enemy as it holds us back from experiencing something new.
Find your passion and let it be your fuel to initiate a new step in your life. Crave some kind of adventure or wherever your passion leads you to get out of the passive state. Uncertainty is part of the journey and willingness to take the risk. And to give us strength to do that we need to keep faith and believe in the higher purpose and the higher power.
Positive influence inspires others to do good. “We are all contagious. Let’s make sure that we infect people with the right thing.” Many times, the events of significant importance can be traced back to the humble beginnings.
If we were perfect and had a perfect life, then truly there would be no point of living. Let yourself fail. That’s not God’s punishment. That’s part of your life’s journey. “God’s instructions are to go, live life, take risks, move forward, advance.”
McManus’ writing always brings passion, which fuels you to go out and change your stars and be part of the bigger picture. What may seem insignificant to us at the moment, later can create a tremendous impact. That’s why we need to become proactive even with little things. “A person’s life does not require some extraordinary event to distinguish it. A life well lived can be equally inspiring and its contribution also great.” Pandemic brought out a lot of issues, but ask yourself would you rather be one of those being part of the productive system or the one abusing it? And remember life well lived is also a great contribution.
Is a life of adventure really worth the risk? What choice would you make if opportunity knocked on your door?
People are so busy with the mundane and ordinary that when the miraculous and extraordinary knocks on the door, we are too busy to answer it. We miss experiencing life. Missed life is a life unlived. It’s better to make mistakes and learn from them than waiting for a perfect time or perfect opportunity (you never know if it will come your way).
Even with success you can become stagnant. Whatever you accumulate, you need to use it, continuously making progress. And what we accumulate sometimes becomes our enemy as it holds us back from experiencing something new.
Find your passion and let it be your fuel to initiate a new step in your life. Crave some kind of adventure or wherever your passion leads you to get out of the passive state. Uncertainty is part of the journey and willingness to take the risk. And to give us strength to do that we need to keep faith and believe in the higher purpose and the higher power.
Positive influence inspires others to do good. “We are all contagious. Let’s make sure that we infect people with the right thing.” Many times, the events of significant importance can be traced back to the humble beginnings.
If we were perfect and had a perfect life, then truly there would be no point of living. Let yourself fail. That’s not God’s punishment. That’s part of your life’s journey. “God’s instructions are to go, live life, take risks, move forward, advance.”
McManus’ writing always brings passion, which fuels you to go out and change your stars and be part of the bigger picture. What may seem insignificant to us at the moment, later can create a tremendous impact. That’s why we need to become proactive even with little things. “A person’s life does not require some extraordinary event to distinguish it. A life well lived can be equally inspiring and its contribution also great.” Pandemic brought out a lot of issues, but ask yourself would you rather be one of those being part of the productive system or the one abusing it? And remember life well lived is also a great contribution.
March 19, 2014
For a book to get 5 stars from me it has to be both life-impacting and compelling. This book was easily both.
It's uncommon for a book to be so theological without feeling so. It's incredibly practical and I believe a book I needed to read at just the right time.
Though the theme is pretty much - "Go do something - you don't need specific direction to do so" I think God used this theme to give me some specific direction. Go figure - He's that kind of God.
A great book for someone who's tired of "living life in neutral."
Highly recommended.
It's uncommon for a book to be so theological without feeling so. It's incredibly practical and I believe a book I needed to read at just the right time.
Though the theme is pretty much - "Go do something - you don't need specific direction to do so" I think God used this theme to give me some specific direction. Go figure - He's that kind of God.
A great book for someone who's tired of "living life in neutral."
Highly recommended.
August 24, 2013
This book changed my life! It filled me with a thirst for Christ and a passion for his kingdom
February 12, 2021
I started this book on a whim with somewhat low expectations, because I enjoyed but wasn’t impressed with “Artistan Soul.” Turns out this is a work I hope to return to again and again.
In a way, it struck me as his McManus‘ “Mere Christianity”— a lot of theology that doesn’t necessarily feel like theology, as another reviewer mentioned, combined with the theme of urgently making the most of the time, perspectives, and opportunities God has given you. It’s definitely caused me to evaluate what opportunities I may be taking for granted and not seizing. McManus has both reinforced truths I already know about God, and offered fresh perspectives I’ve never considered, even as a longtime Christian and former seminarian (such as how easy it is to use needing to pray about some thing as an excuse for not acting in an area...for which I hadn’t even realized I was guilty). Also, THANK YOU McManus for having the courage and creativity to articulate what “having faith” is and is not.
All that being said, I could have totally done without the excerpts of The Perils of Aiden at the beginning of every chapter.
There are dozens of profound quotes to be found in this book, but this one probably spoke to me the most:
“God rarely shows you the problem so that you can tell someone else about it.“
In a way, it struck me as his McManus‘ “Mere Christianity”— a lot of theology that doesn’t necessarily feel like theology, as another reviewer mentioned, combined with the theme of urgently making the most of the time, perspectives, and opportunities God has given you. It’s definitely caused me to evaluate what opportunities I may be taking for granted and not seizing. McManus has both reinforced truths I already know about God, and offered fresh perspectives I’ve never considered, even as a longtime Christian and former seminarian (such as how easy it is to use needing to pray about some thing as an excuse for not acting in an area...for which I hadn’t even realized I was guilty). Also, THANK YOU McManus for having the courage and creativity to articulate what “having faith” is and is not.
All that being said, I could have totally done without the excerpts of The Perils of Aiden at the beginning of every chapter.
There are dozens of profound quotes to be found in this book, but this one probably spoke to me the most:
“God rarely shows you the problem so that you can tell someone else about it.“
September 2, 2017
Erwin McManus is one of the most captivating people I've been able to observe from afar. The premise of this book is simple but incredible: Make the most of the time given to you. Faith, in part, is living a life of reckless trust in Jesus.
Like his other books, this one is full of fascinating stories, epic one-liners, and is sprinkled with humor. One of my favorite things about McManus is that his writing style is unbelievably conversational. As I'm reading his words, I'm hearing him preach. To me, that is the sign of a great writer (and a really good editor). Moreover, because I've had the chance to hear him preach several times, I believe every word he writes. His books, like his life and ministry, are the real deal.
Chasing Daylight is a nice wake-up call. It offers fresh insights and motivation to keep following Jesus and leading others.
It was a nice reminder to "seize the day." And, as McManus says several times, "to seize the power of every moment."
Like his other books, this one is full of fascinating stories, epic one-liners, and is sprinkled with humor. One of my favorite things about McManus is that his writing style is unbelievably conversational. As I'm reading his words, I'm hearing him preach. To me, that is the sign of a great writer (and a really good editor). Moreover, because I've had the chance to hear him preach several times, I believe every word he writes. His books, like his life and ministry, are the real deal.
Chasing Daylight is a nice wake-up call. It offers fresh insights and motivation to keep following Jesus and leading others.
It was a nice reminder to "seize the day." And, as McManus says several times, "to seize the power of every moment."
November 13, 2018
I feel like I’ve read Erwin’s books all out of order, but I’m so glad I read this book now. The story of Jonathan & Saul is dissected in such a way to inspire movement and advancement, to recognize your influence and truly be in communication with Jesus always. Obey and pray and then advance and move. I know Jonathan has become a new hero to me, and a person who I hope to emulate entirely. I underlined so many parts of this book, it’s not even funny. READ TODAY and CHASE THE DAYLIGHT! #seizeopportunity
June 21, 2016
Highly recommend. Fantastic book that I picked up primarily by accident, began reading and whipped through it in no time. I couldn't put it down. God definitely put this book into my hands at just the right time for me.
August 21, 2019
A Good Read for Inspiration.
April 24, 2018
I probably underlined or highlighted a significant percentage of this book.
I agreed with more than I disagreed.
His view of Christianity is more task oriented than mine. I think Christianity is more relational.
After having said all of that, I will leave you with a great quote.
"Some of life's greatest opportunities are not behind doors or windows, but behind walls. They requite genuine effort. Beyond risk they require real sweat. Our religious integration of Christianity with capitalism and consumerism has resulted in a view of life that says if God is in it, it comes easily. Then when the inevitable difficulties come, when we hit the wall, we either assume God is not in it or conclude we've made a wrong choice in our pursuit...I've become convinced over the years that the most important moments to seize, the most significant God opportunities, are the one that do not come easily."
I agreed with more than I disagreed.
His view of Christianity is more task oriented than mine. I think Christianity is more relational.
After having said all of that, I will leave you with a great quote.
"Some of life's greatest opportunities are not behind doors or windows, but behind walls. They requite genuine effort. Beyond risk they require real sweat. Our religious integration of Christianity with capitalism and consumerism has resulted in a view of life that says if God is in it, it comes easily. Then when the inevitable difficulties come, when we hit the wall, we either assume God is not in it or conclude we've made a wrong choice in our pursuit...I've become convinced over the years that the most important moments to seize, the most significant God opportunities, are the one that do not come easily."
March 25, 2022
In 1 Samuel 14, the Bible shares a story of valor, courage, determination, and perhaps risk; the story is that of Jonathan and his armor bearer. During a time when the Philistines were waring against Israel and land was being lost, Jonathan did what most would not - he took the fight to the Philistines. Chasing Daylight is a call to action, a call to instead of passively wait for life to happen actively follow God and attempt great feats for Him. McManus takes the readers slowly through the this story in order to encourage believers to trust God and compel them to be bold and follow after Him after all that is what we were created to do.
May 25, 2024
This is a compelling and transformation read. The entire book is impactful, but rarely do you see such a run of life-changing chapters like you do in this book’s first four chapters. That alone makes the book five stars. Chapters 5-8 are a tiny step down from there, but make no mistake it is still really good. Chapter nine (AWAKENING) is also a really powerful chapter. But all in all, this idea of seizing divine moments is huge and I think every follower of Jesus should read this, especially those who have a hunger to make a difference in the world for Christ. One of my all-time favorite books!!
Rating: 9.5/10, FIVE STARS!!!
Rating: 9.5/10, FIVE STARS!!!
April 15, 2023
McManus drives into the idea that YOU are where you're meant to be every second of every day, and you have a purpose for being in that moment. What a wonderous and powerful concept to know your presence in this life is so impactful to the world around you!
The Protestant Christian perspective heavily influences this book, so folks are not so inclined be aware. There is still so much you can take away from the idea that who you are and what you do matters to those around you, and the smallest act can change someone's life.
The Protestant Christian perspective heavily influences this book, so folks are not so inclined be aware. There is still so much you can take away from the idea that who you are and what you do matters to those around you, and the smallest act can change someone's life.
August 19, 2021
Again, I’m taken by how Erwin weaves miraculous stories in with the principles he writes…he’s lived these and works creatively & masterfully to give away the truths he’s experienced. His fierce, no-nonsense, Jesus-follower mentality is contagious and challenging and ignites hope and determination to live a next-level, thrilling and expectant faith life. Just what I needed to inject fire into a new season of stepping out into church ministry. 🔥🔥🔥🔥
August 19, 2023
Lots of excellent nuggets. We underline anything that stands out in our non-fiction and this one is covered front to back. His biblical references to Jonathan are excellent.
It is dated though. He references many events of the late 1990's-early 2000's which doesn't affect the points he's making, but is a little distracting.
It is dated though. He references many events of the late 1990's-early 2000's which doesn't affect the points he's making, but is a little distracting.
September 29, 2024
Now is the time to seize every moment!
Chasing Daylight offers a unique perspective on the story of Jonathan. Offering an exceptional human example of how we can all step confidently and courageously into the Divine Moments God puts in front of us. McManus shows us how we can seize every opportunity to engage with the Father, and follow God into the purpose He has for us!
Chasing Daylight offers a unique perspective on the story of Jonathan. Offering an exceptional human example of how we can all step confidently and courageously into the Divine Moments God puts in front of us. McManus shows us how we can seize every opportunity to engage with the Father, and follow God into the purpose He has for us!
February 1, 2024
As always, Erwin is inspiring
As always, Erwin is inspirational. I really enjoy reading his books and this book is no exception if you are in need of some inspiration, vision or purpose in your life this is a good book for you.
As always, Erwin is inspirational. I really enjoy reading his books and this book is no exception if you are in need of some inspiration, vision or purpose in your life this is a good book for you.
February 11, 2025
Loved it
Another great book by Ps Erwin McManus, I think I am addicted to his books now. Could not put this book down. Seize the moment, I did when I left my corporate work to start a business, what will your seizing of the moment looks like?
Another great book by Ps Erwin McManus, I think I am addicted to his books now. Could not put this book down. Seize the moment, I did when I left my corporate work to start a business, what will your seizing of the moment looks like?
September 24, 2025
It’s been an okay book but has been a bit of a struggle at times. Erwin is a creative writer and that style is sometimes lost on me. However, the incredible heart he has for community and reaching the lost is amazing and inspiring.
February 10, 2017
Starts off very repetitive an abstract, then gets more practical and concrete. Get through the first 50 pages or so, and the rest of the book is good.
July 20, 2017
One of my favorite books of all time! So incredibly inspiring.
December 13, 2017
Challenging and inspirational. A call to living every moment to its fullest no matter the obstacles.
January 27, 2019
I mean read the front, seizing the moments! making the most of our lives here..this is what the books about and I loved it! Live a life of excitement with Christ!!
August 9, 2019
Well. My world is rocked.
Read
June 22, 2020Algo limitado.
July 19, 2020
Powerful and helpful. Needed to read this now. Thank you
January 29, 2021
Quite a challenging book on living a bold impactful life. I need to re-read it at a slower pace and make notes and highlight and then put into action.
January 5, 2022
Excellent book
Brings home the message about Being real with God and he will show Himself real with us
Brings home the message about Being real with God and he will show Himself real with us
May 14, 2022
Good storytelling. Seize the day. Some good insight.
June 17, 2023
- better to control a wild stallion than wake up a dead horse
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 77 reviews