BOBBY MCGRAW

speaker + instigator of hope

Monday Mentions 5.15.23

Hi friends,

This week’s Monday Mentions contains a recent message I gave that seemed to strike a chord with people and a Bible re-binder whose work is incredible.

What are you reading/watching/learning?

Bobby

The Five Fights to Freedom – A Recent Message I Gave at SHC

Pastor Chuck and I are teaching through Exodus at Sugar Hill Church. This message is the kickoff the series.

In Exodus, God initiates a rescue mission for His people. He calls Moses to initiate it. But Moses experienced a ton of doubt. We do too. This message examines the top five excuses we give when God wants to use us.

If you find this message encouraging, would you consider sharing it to you social media by sharing this link?

A Bible Rebinder that Does Incredible Work – Frost Leather

Jeremiah, of Frost Leather, is an incredible Bible rebinder. If you’re unfamiliar with rebinders, they can beautifully restore Bibles that are falling apart. There are also able to replace leather covers – giving them a new look and feel.

There are a few rebinders that I’ve used over the years. Frost Leather is one of my favorites. Frost Leather has transformed several of my Bibles, making them heirloom quality. These Bibles look timeless and will surely stand the test of time.

Monday Mentions 4.3.23

Hi friends,

This week’s Monday Mentions includes a brand new book and a teaching that I think will encourage you.

What are you learning these days?

Bobby

The 16 Undeniable Laws of Communication by John C. Maxwell

I’ve learned so much from John Maxwell over the years. I’ve read a ton of his books, attended several live events, and even serve as one of his team’s coaches. I believe John is one of the best communicators on the planet. He knows how to read a room. He is super encouraging. He doesn’t take himself too seriously, and he is super effective.

In The 16 Undeniable Laws of Communication, John distills what he’s learned and practiced into practical chapters. Chapter 1, The Law of Credibility, is worth the price of the book. John reminds us that the most effective message is one that we actually live. 

No matter what setting you communicate in, I believe this book will be helpful. The more effective your communication skills, the more effective you’ll be in your efforts. Enjoy!

From Amazon:

Never Be Afraid to Speak to a Group Again

It’s been said that public speaking is the number one fear of most people, with death being second. “This means,” said comedian Jerry Seinfeld, “if you have to be at a funeral, you would rather be in the casket than doing the eulogy.”

How can you overcome fear or ineffectiveness as a speaker? Learn the Laws of Communication!

John C. Maxwell has been a public speaker and motivational teacher for more than fifty years. He is one of only eight people on the planet who have been awarded Toastmaster’s Golden Gavel and been inducted into the National Speakers’ Association Hall of Fame. In The 16 Undeniable Laws of Communication: Apply Them and Make the Most of Your Message, he shares everything he’s learned from a lifetime of communication.

Learn how to

  • Speak from conviction
  • Prepare your content and yourself for speaking
  • Find and use your personal and communication strengths
  • Focus on your audience and connect
  • Tell better stories
  • Read the room and create energy and anticipation
  • Add value to people
  • Inspire people to take action

Everyone has a message to share. Whether you want to improve your ability to inspire employees, speak at PTA meetings, report to a board of directors, teach students, deliver a sermon, address a small group, speak from a stage, or communicate to an arena full of people, this book can help you.

Learn from one of the best communicators in the world and start making the most of your message today.

Finding Jesus in the Passover – Video Teaching by Anna Beth Havener

The Passover Meal is a traditional meal that Jewish families have observed annually since the time of the  Exodus. It is a very orderly, detailed meal that has a lot to teach us today.

I’d encourage you to carve out some time to watch Anna Beth Havener teach through how this meal points to Jesus. I believe you will be encouraged. Anna Beth is an incredible teacher who serves with Light of the Messiah Ministries.

Monday Mentions 3.27.23

Hi friends,

This week’s Monday Mentions includes two excellent books.

What are you reading?

Bobby

Uncharted by Ines Franklin

I had the pleasure of meeting Ines Franklin via Zoom last year. So naturally, I was excited to see her first book come out. This great book has been a long time in the making. I’d encourage you to check it out.

From Amazon

DISCOVER THE UNCHARTED PATH FULL OF MYSTERY & FULL OF FAITH

Every faith journey is unique―a beautiful and at times frightening mystery―fully known only to our Creator. Unfortunately, this journey can also be confusing. The struggles of life, the inability to hear God, and our desire for control can all complicate the abundant life and leave us unsure where we’re supposed to be heading. And when life runs into us headfirst, or the fog of uncertainty envelops us, we may find ourselves stumbling into―or even falling off the edge of―disorientation.

Pastor Inés Franklin offers her own courageous journey of faith and biblical insights―providing healing and hope for those still finding their way or doubting their path. Her careful analysis and scholarly approach to the Bible will encourage readers to discover the truth that at the very foundation of the Christian faith lies an invitation to active surrender––to offer and release all our circumstances to our perfectly loving God, giving him complete authority over our lives. Active surrender leads to a thriving faith that gives us the courage to take risks and be open to the unknown as we pursue our God-given purpose.

In the foreword, Dr. John Townsend says, “A book that is worth your time investment requires an answer to the question, How do I move forward with these truths? What are the steps? We need a path to guide us in transforming our everyday lives. Inés provides us with a framework of best practices for the faith journey.

In Uncharted, you will find a practical rhythm to grow in your faith, transforming your fears into trust and your hesitation into commitment.

  1. Knowing God’s Desires
  2. Overcoming Challenges
  3. Blessing through Obedience
  4. Thriving by Thirsting for God

In a world full of obstacles, comparison, and uncertainty, the most rewarding journey you will ever undertake is the uncharted walk with God.

Forever Young by Mark Hyman

I love learning about health. Mark Hyman is a functional medicine doctor … meaning he thinks of the body as one system instead several distinct parts. The benefit of this thinking is that you are often able to treat the underlying problems, whereas other approaches tend to mask symptoms. Your biological age does not have to match your chronological age. If you are looking for ways to improve your health, this book might be for you!

From Amazon

Bestselling author Dr. Mark Hyman presents the definitive guide for reversing disease, easing pain, and living younger longer.

Aging has long been considered a normal process. We think disease, frailty, and gradual decline are inevitable parts of life. But they’re not. Science today sees aging as a treatable disease. By addressing its root causes we can not only increase our health span and live longer but prevent and reverse the diseases of aging—including heart disease, cancer, diabetes, and dementia.

In Young Forever, Dr. Mark Hyman challenges us to reimagine our biology, health, and the process of aging. To uncover the secrets to longevity, he explores the biological hallmarks of aging, their causes, and their consequences—then shows us how to overcome them with simple dietary, lifestyle, and emerging longevity strategies. You’ll learn how to optimize your body’s key longevity switches; reduce inflammation and support the health of your immune system; exercise, sleep, and de-stress for healthy aging; and eat your way to a long life, featuring Dr. Hyman’s Pegan Diet. You’ll also get exclusive insight from Dr. Mark Hyman on which supplements are right for you, where the research on aging is headed, and so much more.

With dozens of science-based strategies and tips, Young Forever is a revolutionary, practical guide to creating and sustaining health—for life.

Monday Mentions 3.13.23

Hi friends,

This week’s Monday Mentions includes a book, dad jokes, and a great podcast.

What are you reading?

Bobby

How to Grow Your Small Business

Written by New York Times bestselling author, Donald Miller, this book makes growing a small business accessible to anyone. 

From Amazon

Running a small business is no easy feat. As a small business owner, it’s easy to get overwhelmed by the number of hats you have to wear to be successful. You started the business so you could share the product you love with the world, but logistics are getting in the way.

Donald Miller knows this frustration all too well. He faced the same challenge when starting his company. While he knew his time was best spent creating content for small-business owners, he was constantly being torn away to focus on things he didn’t understand. After several years of figuring it out, Donald has decided it’s time to share what he learned. In this book, you will learn:

  • An easy-to-understand framework that can be applied to any business.
  • How to navigate the ins and outs of finding and hiring the best candidates available to you.
  • The best way to organize your company structure to maximize your skills and allow you to identify areas best handled by someone else.
  • How to identify your and reach your key customers.
  • Areas where you can increase capacity to better serve your customer.
  • And much more.

Growing a successful business is not easy, but it’s not impossible. With the right guidance, anyone can expand their company and reach new customers.

Have a Good Laugh Today – Dad Jokes

Do you need a laugh-break today? You might want to check out this short video from my friends. What’s Forrest Gump’s password? Check out the video!

A Fantastic Podcast – The Positive Talk Podcast

In a world full of anger, anxiety, and negativity, we could all use a positive word. Each week, co-hosts, Chuck and Julie unpack the integration of faith and psychology. With encouragement and truth, you can discover your best you.

Monday Mentions 3.6.23

Hi friends,

This week’s Monday Mentions contains several books I’ve recently read or intend to read soon.

What are you reading?

Bobby

Live No Lies by John Mark Comer

I am re-reading John Mark’s latest book for a group I am part of. John Mark does such a great job of outlining the battle we are in. If you’re not familiar with the battle, I highly encourage you to check out this book.

From Amazon

We are at war. Not with a foreign government or domestic terrorists or a creepy new artificial intelligence hell-bent on taking over the world. No, it’s a war we feel deep inside our own chests: we are at war with lies.

The problem isn’t so much that we tell lies but that we livethem. We let them into our bodies, and they sabotage our peace. All around us in the culture and deep within our own body memories are lies: deceptive ideas that wreak havoc on our emotional health and spiritual well-being, and deceptive ideas about who God is, who we are, and what the good life truly is.

The choice is not whether to fight or not fight, but whether we win or surrender.

Ancient apprentices of Jesus developed a paradigm for this war; they spoke of the three enemies of the soul: the devil, the flesh, and the world. Live No Lies taps into this ancient wisdom from saints of the Way and translates the three enemies for the modern era, with all its secularism and sophistication. As a generation, we chuckle at the devil as a premodern myth, we are confused by Scripture’s teaching on the flesh in an age where sensual indulgence is a virtue not a vice, and we have little to no category for the New Testament concept of the world.

In this provocative and practical book, bestselling author John Mark Comer combines cultural analysis with spiritual formation. He identifies the role lies play in our spiritual deformation and lays out a strategic plan to overcome them.

Do you feel the tug-of-war in your own heart, the inner conflict between truth and lies? The spirit and the flesh? The Way of Jesus and the world? It’s time to start winning. It’s time to live no lies…

A Cool YouTube Stream – Nambia Waterhole

Take a look at this live feed from a waterhole in the heart of Namibia. I find it very relaxing to watch.

A Cool YouTube Stream – Bald Eagle Nest

Take a look at this live feed from a bald eagle nest in Big Bear Valley.

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