What to Do When You Don't Know What to Do

by David Jeremiah

Not sure what to do next? In this in-depth look at the book of James, Dr. David Jeremiah offers stories and biblical insights about what to you’re feeling pressuredWhen wrong seems rightWhen you don’t know what decision to makeWhen faith doesn’t seem to workWhen you’re not feeling confidentWhen your goals are not God’sWhen you’re in a hurry and God is notWhen you have financial strugglesWhen you face difficult timesSometimes the big and small decisions in life seem overwhelming. How do you know what choices to make about your career, kids, and relationships? Even when you make good decisions, how do you avoid temptation along the way? In What to Do When You Don’t Know What to Do, renowned bible teacher Dr. David Jeremiah walks you through the book of James to glean God’s wisdom on issues such as finances, faith, and decision making. What does it look like to consider God in all of your plans, depend on God rather than wealth, and put prayer above your personal efforts? Learn how to receive God’s supernatural strength to meet the challenges you face. As James learned, the road of spiritual wisdom always leads to joy.**Includes Reader's Guide!** This book features a Reader’s Guide for group discussion or personal study. Inside you will find discussion topics, activity suggestions for your group, and questions to encourage individual or group discovery and application.  David Jeremiah is senior pastor of Shadow Mountain Community Church in El Cajon, California, where he also serves as president of Christian Heritage College. He has authored more than a dozen books, including Turning Toward Joy and the best-selling Escape the Coming Night. Dr. Jeremiah is a regular speaker at Bible conference and at professional sports chapels.He and his wife, Donna, have four children.

Genres: Christian, Nonfiction, Christian Non Fiction, Self Help, Spirituality, Christian Living, Faith

372 pages, Kindle Edition

First published March 1, 2009

About the author

Dr. David Jeremiah, founder of Turning Point Radio and Television Ministries and senior pastor of Shadow Mountain Community Church, felt God’s calling on his life at a very early age. Born February 13, 1941 in Toledo, Ohio, Dr. Jeremiah was raised in a family deeply committed to ministry. At the age of eleven, Dr. Jeremiah and his family moved to Dayton, Ohio where his father, Dr. James T. Jeremiah, was the Pastor of Emmanuel Baptist Church, and in 1953 became the President of Cedarville College in Cedarville, Ohio.


As Dr. Jeremiah was sensitive to God’s leading in his life, he followed in his father’s footsteps. In 1963, Dr. Jeremiah received a Bachelor of Arts from Cedarville College. In that same year, Dr. Jeremiah married his college sweetheart, Donna Thompson who also was attending Cedarville College as a business major. He went on to earn a Masters degree in Theology from Dallas Theological Seminary in 1967. He completed additional graduate work at Grace University and was granted the Doctor of Divinity degree from Cedarville College in 1981.



In 1969, Dr. Jeremiah began Blackhawk Baptist Church in Fort Wayne, Indiana, and developed a Christian school grades K through 12. In the 12 years he served as pastor, Blackhawk Baptist Church grew from 7 families to 1300 members. He also launched The Bible Hour television program.



Dr. Jeremiah heeded God’s call, and in 1981 he and his family moved to California where he became the senior pastor of Scott Memorial Baptist Church, now Shadow Mountain Community Church.



Shadow Mountain Community Church is one of the largest churches in San Diego County. It is also the home of Southern California Seminary and Christian Unified Schools.



As Dr. Jeremiah began his ministry at Shadow Mountain, he felt God’s calling to continue the broadcast ministry he started in Fort Wayne. In 1982, Turning Point Ministries became a reality.



Today, Turning Point's 30-minute radio program is heard nationally and internationally on over 1800 stations and translator/satellators. In recognition of Dr. Jeremiah’s commitment to teaching the Word of God, he received the Broadcaster of the Year Award in 1999 from the National Religious Broadcasters (NRB), in August 2002, received the Award of Merit from the Western Chapter of National Religious Broadcasters for Excellence in Broadcasting and Faithfulness in Service, and in 2006 Turning Point received the Best Radio Teaching Program Award. Dr. Jeremiah has served on the Board of Directors for the NRB since 1996.



Turning Point launched a television program in 1982 in San Diego and went nationwide in 2000. Now seen around the world through cable and satellite technology, as well as on terrestrial stations all across the United States, conservative estimates suggest that close to 200 million homes around the world have access to Dr. Jeremiah's Bible teaching each week. Turning Point Television offers a half-hour Bible study message and a full hour worship service with the same great preaching. Carried on several national and international networks such as TBN, ION, and INSP, Turning Point Television has most recently been added to Middle East TV Network and BET, the Black Entertainment Network.



Dr. Jeremiah is a sought-after conference speaker for organizations around the country. He frequently speaks at Cedarville College, Dallas Theological Seminary, Moody Bible Institute, Billy Graham Training Center, Phil Waldrep’s Senior Adult Celebrations and numerous NFL, NBA and Baseball chapels.



Along with his speaking schedule around the country, Dr. Jeremiah also finds time to fulfill another passion in his life, writing. His books are always gripping and right to the point. Some of his books include Escape the Coming Night, The Power of Encouragement, What the Bible Says About Angels, Prayer The Great Adventure, which brought him The Gold Medallion Award in 1998, God In You, Gifts from God

Reviews

[Tarissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

After hearing much about the knowledgeable Dr. David Jeremiah, I was so pleased to finally get the chance to read one of his books. What did I find out? He is a knowledgeable man of God, with much wisdom to share to Christians.

'What to Do When You Don't Know What to Do' focuses on the book of James for the main scriptural readings. Chapters in this book include:

What to Do When the Heat's Turned Up
What to Do When Wrong Seems Right
What to Do When the Mirror Doesn't Lie
What to Do When Justice Isn't Blind
What to Do When Faith Doesn't Work
What to Do When Your Tongue Isn't Tied
What to Do When Wisdom Is Foolish
What to Do When Worship Turns to War
What to Do When Your Goals Aren't God's
What to Do When Your Net Worth Is Worthless
What to Do When You're in a Hurry and God Isn't
What to Do When Pain Leads to Prayer

Although each topic might not hit home for you, there's still so much to learn from. I soaked in excellent points and Biblical references from each chapter, even if I don't experience the exact issue at hand. I'm sure my notes from each topic will help at a later point in my life. For example...

This is the kind of book where if you were to read it 5 different times in your life, you would glean new information each time. Just because something didn't apply to you the first time you read it, it will likely mean more later on, and vice versa.

Along the way, I also learned much that I didn't know before about James. I had either forgotten (or maybe didn't even know) that James was one of Joseph and Mary's sons. How could I not remember that Jesus' earthly brother contributed his writings as one of the books of the Bible? It was amazing to me to be able to see what kind of man James was in his special situation, as I was guided step-by-step through his writings -- with new eyes this time, thanks to the author.

"According to James, faith is made perfect by works." (Chapter 5, What to Do When You Don't Know What to Do)

All of David Jeremiah's points, arguments, and actionable steps are backed by scriptures. Additionally, he often quotes from fellow religious leaders of our time and preachers from days of old. He's well-rounded in the knowledge he dispenses to the reader.

Included in the back of the book, you'll also find additional material and questions to use either in personal or group study. A remarkable resource to utilize while reading the book.

Thanks to the author and Netgalley for the free review copy.

[Carrie Daws · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good blend between commentary, devotional, and study on the book of James. As one of my favorite books, I've read a lot on it so I didn't find a lot of new material here. Sitll, it would be good for someone new to James or who struggles with some of his instructions.

[Rachel Svendsen · Rating 1 out of 5]

As a Bible study this was horrible. It spoon fed you everything to the extreme. The questions at the end of the chapter were no more thought provoking and insightful than if they had asked you to copy out a passage of scripture. This is my first time going through anything written by Dr. Jeremiah. I was disappointed by his teaching of the scriptures. It wasn't as though he was saying wrong things about the Bible, what upset me was how he extrapolated meanings from the passage which were not even remotely in the chapter. He did not teach scripture contextually which I find a very dangerous way of teaching the scriptures.
If I have my choice, I will probably never read another one of his books again.

[Elaine]

A great book on James.

[Michael Minuto · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm sure when I downloaded the book I read the description. I never just buy a book for the cover. It felt a lot like a University lecture on the book of James. The Dr was clearly a Dr. and I was quite sure there would be a test at the end. What I didn't get was a clear picture for me as to what the title said. What I did get was a very concise, systematic study into the book of James. For that kudos.

[Ed Barton · Rating 4 out of 5]

Diving Into James

A deep, meditative book focused on lessons from the Letter of James. An interesting perspective that isn’t alluded to in the title. A good, solid, theologically sound read for any Christian. It comes with prompts and questions for both self and group study as well.

[Iain Hamill · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not what I was expecting but I enjoyed this guide through the difficult book of James.
The other has clearly made good use of the best of the commentaries and there are plenty of helpful anecdotes and quotes from a wide range of sources which help to bring the study alive.

[Jack · Rating 5 out of 5]

A cross between a devotional and a commentary on the book of James, Dr. David Jeremiah has hit another homerun. This book is accessible and instructive. It is a great help and will remain in my library and consulted often when studying the book of James.

[Aaron Horton · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a must read for any one who doesn't know what to do from a Christian point of view. This the first book I read from David Jeremiah. This was given to me to check out. I will have to find more of his books.

[Alexia C. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great references to scripture and commentaries from other theological scholars.

Biblical teaching in understandable language.
Something all our modern churches should read.
Before you get started prepare yourself for the study materials offered at the end of the book.

[Douglas Stephens · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thought provoking

Very good book
Will read the book of James in my bible and reread this book
Thought provoking and inspiring

[Joshua Foote · Rating 4 out of 5]

James

Very good book going through the book of James from beginning to end David Jeremiah does a wonderful job with tons of real life stories

[Larry Myers · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very good study. There were 12 men in our group and we all liked the book and our discussions.

[Bonnie Fournier · Rating 5 out of 5]

Not what I expected

So much more. Chock full of God's truths and how to apply them to our lives in today"s world. End

[David Edgren · Rating 5 out of 5]

This man is clearly a preacher! This was both a fun and informative jaunt through the book of James.

[Ethan Nunn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great Book. Highly recommend for a teen devotional, or anyone else.

[Mishael · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an excellent study of the book of James with some solid theology. I highly recommend it!

[Dr. Heidi Kay Begay · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was fine. Not what I was expecting, but it was okay.

[Darren Sapp · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jeremiah is always good, and his treatment of James is valuable. I didn't care how quote-heavy this one was. It's sort of 60% Jeremiah, and 40% other authors he quoted.

[Janet Cline · Rating 5 out of 5]

excellent book. it would make a great Sunday School Study

[Rachel Wadley · Rating 5 out of 5]

It delves into the book of James, nearly verse by verse, to help you comprehend what Biblical decision making looks like and how to find answers when you don’t know what to do next.

[Carole Duff · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent study of the Book of James.

[Mindy Morgan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lots of good points

David Jeremiah has a great writing style and this was a great book. I learned a lot and took lots of notes. Would definitely read again.

[Adrian Rose · Rating 4 out of 5]

The author of this book is a staple on many Christian radio stations and broadcasting networks. Head pastor of Shadow Mountain Community Church in El Cajon, California, and president of a Christian college connected to the church, David Jeremiah is known as a man who faced the reality of his own mortality when, in 1994, he was diagnosed with lymphoma and had to undergo stem cell transplant surgery to save his life. That experience is one he draws on in many of his sermons and his broadcast ministry, Turning Point.
In this book the reader is taken through the book of James, using the scriptures to teach things like what to do when a person is not feeling confident, when even small decisions seem overwhelming, when we are being pressured to do the wrong thing, and other dilemmas that life always seems to put in our paths. I do have to warn anyone who listens to Jeremiah’s radio or television programs on an ongoing basis that this might seem like simply reading a series of his sermons. However, for those who are not familiar with Dr. Jeremiah and are looking for answers to help them through difficult times, this is an excellent read.

[Logan · Rating 2 out of 5]

I can only review this for the five chapters I read before stopping. I'm not sure if I just read the book in the wrong mindset or the book is at fault but I just grew incredibly bored. I don't think there's anything wrong with the content presented; the author is essentially walking through the book of James and drawing applications out of the text. But it all just seemed so... superfluous? And very drawn out. I liked the accessibility of the applications but it just seemed so surface-level. Also, the title feels very out of place for what the content of the book is about. A lot of the chapter titles felt forced as if the author was trying incredibly hard to make everything fit the title but it just wasn't working.

I personally didn't care for the book, overall. I've got a couple commentaries that present better conclusions of the book of James and in a much more succinct fashion. To my friends reading this: if you're curious, give it a shot and let me know what you think. But to me, it's just okay but not really worth investing anymore time into.

[Kyle Robertson · Rating 4 out of 5]

This my first book by Dr. David Jeremiah and I thought it was very well written. I have listened to his radio programs so I am familiar with the way that he breaks down scripture in a way that is easy to understand. Anyone who is facing struggles in life can find guidance in this book, in particular why things happen and how we should deal with them.

The whole book is a narrative of the Book of James. I recently watched Matt Chandler's sermon series on the same topic and found similarities between the two. Overall I would recommend this to anyone who is struggling with the road ahead of them, or anyone who may be studying the Book of James.

I received this as a free ARC from David C. Cook Publishing through NetGalley.

[Brenda · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a very good book of information for a new Christian or someone who wants to learn more about having a relationship with Christ. It has everything you want to know and more. Well-written. Covers a number of topics that you might not know about. Going from being an ex-jehovah witness (in my youth) to Baptist (my 20's and several strong Christian mentors) this book covers a monumental amount of information. I did like one statement about how trials do help you mature. I would have like to have read this book when I got newly saved in 1990. Great job, Mr. Jeremiah.

[Pug · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another fantastic Jeremiah book, this time about the book of James, featuring:

What to Do When the Heat's Turned Up
What to Do When Wrong Seems Right
What to Do When the Mirror Doesn't Lie
What to Do When Justice Isn't Blind
What to Do When Faith Doesn't Work
What to Do When Your Tongue Isn't Tied
What to Do When Wisdom Is Foolish
What to Do When Worship Turns to War
What to Do When Your Goals Aren't God's
What to Do When Your Net Worth Is Worthless
What to Do When You're in a Hurry and God Isn't
What to Do When Pain Leads to Prayer

[James Frederick · Rating 4 out of 5]

The book of James has always been one of my least favorite parts of the Bible and this book is all about what James is supposed to say to us, so I felt I should read it. It was helpful in many ways and a good read. James is still not going to be one of my favorite books, but I have a better insight into it than I did before.

James

[Gena DeBardelaben · Rating 4 out of 5]

eARC: Netgalley

What do you do in times of trouble? The word of God brings us comfort and guidance. David Jeremiah shows examples from the Word.