B&H LifeWay Review-The Good Life by Dr. Derwin L. Gray

If you are looking for a study with heart and practical application, look no further. 

Dr. Derwin L. Gray's, The Good Life: What Jesus Teaches About Finding True Happiness focuses on the Savior's teachings about the Beatitudes, found in Matthew 5: 3-12. They are as follows (Paraphrase):
Blessed are: 
1) the poor in spirit
2) those who mourn
3) the humble
4) those who hunger and thirst for righteousness
5) the merciful 
6) the pure in heart
7) the peacemakers
8) the persecuted
When I read the title of this book, I was immediately wary. Why? Fear of prosperity gospel. I do not want to review anything that promotes teachings of some misguided formula of if, then equals health, wealth. No, thank you. 

Thankfully, that is not what this book is. It might be the opposite. Dr. Gray breaks down each of the beatitudes through word study and the context of Jesus's teachings and then weaves in his powerful testimony. 
So, what are these statements entitled, "Beatitudes"? 
Check out this quote from pg. 19 of the book:
"The Beatitudes are a description of how God's kingdom enters man's realm and transforms it. The Beatitudes are a picture of God's people, under his rule and reign of grace, live like on earth. They are the ethos of heaven invading earth. It's like God's people bring the currency of heaven and spend it on earth, enriching everyone's life." 
I don't know about you, but I'll take some of that retail therapy.
Ten essential details about the book: 

• Foreward by Beth Moore
• Introductory Chapter plus eight additional chapters, 1 for each Beatitude 
• Written for easy reading. Dr. Gray knows how to apply his insight to the masses.
• Marinate On This section at the end of each chapter with a prayer focusing on the topic 
• Questions for Reflection
• Things to Remember 
• A Happiness Manifesto is included at the end of the book (Copy it and hang it up)
• Thirty-Day Happiness Challenge
• Notes Section for those of you who like to cross-reference
• My Favorite Quote: "Loving people doesn't require that we accept everything they do. It simply requires that we see people as God sees them–loved, valuable, and redeemable—and then treat them that way." pg. 132

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The Good Life