Power of a half hourThe Power of a Half Hour by Tommy Barnett is a practical book on maximizing your productivity in thirty minute increments.  Tommy Barnett is the senior pastor of Phoenix First Assembly of God who shares principles from his experience in ministry.  The inspiration for this book comes from Revelation 8:1,

When the Lamb broke the seventh seal, there was silence in heaven for about half an hour.

He observes, “For the first and only time on record, the reality of eternity is measured in human time” (p. 11).  He suggests  that God is drawing our attention to the significance of small amounts of time.  “If a half hour is important to God, I think it should be important to us as well” (p. 11).  Throughout the Bible we see an emphasis on the importance on the stewardship of time:

Lord, make me to know my end and what is the extent of my days; let me know how transient I am.  Behold, You have made my days as hand-breaths, and my lifetime as nothing in Your sight;  (Psalm 39:4-5)

So teach us to number our days, that we may present to You a heart of wisdom.  (Psalm 90:12)

We must work the works of Him who sent Me as long as it is day; night is coming when no one can work.  (John 9:4)

Therefore be careful how you walk, not as unwise men but as wise, making the most of your time, because the days are evil.  (Ephesians 5:15-16)

Conduct yourselves with wisdom toward outsiders, making the most of the opportunity.  (Colossians 4:5)

The book is comprised of thirty brief chapters in seven sections revealing how you may maximize your time in a variety of situations:

The power of a half-hour to impact your life
The power of a half-hour to chart your life path
The power of a half-hour to strengthen your faith
The power of a half-hour to build your character
The power of a half-hour to advance your dreams
The power of a half-hour to improve your relationships
The power of a half-hour to change the world

The book comes with an action plan to apply the principles as well as a small group study guide.  (I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review.)

 

RickAssociate Pastor – Discipleship.  The Church at LifePark

Professor of Discipleship, Columbia International University

Follow me on twitter:  rickhiggins5