The Red Sea Rules: 10 God-Given Strategies for Difficult Times by Robert J. Morgan

The Red Sea Rules: 10 God-Given Strategies for Difficult Times Reviews

• 
  Michelle Griep

  I'm not a big non-fiction reader, so why did I pick up this one? Honestly, because a friend gave it to me as a gift. I felt 'obligated' to read it because I knew the next time she saw me she'd want to know how I liked it. I didn't want to lie nor make up an elaborate excuse as to why I didn't read it, so I took the easy way out. I read the thing.
  
  And am I ever glad I did.
  
  This isn't just another follow-these-rules-for-a-stellar-life kind of thing. These are more like Biblical principles you should base your life upon. These will come in handy especially when your life hits a rough patch. It's short. It's direct. It's worth reading.
  
  I've even bought an extra copy to give away to someone else when the time is right. Yep. It's that good.
• 
  Aurimas Gudas

  „Nerimas – tai ateizmo forma, nes jis išduoda tikėjimo ir pasitikėjimo Dievu stoką. F. J. Sheen
  
  Aš jums tai kalbėjau, kad manyje turėtumėte ramybę. Pasaulyje jūs turėsite priespaudą, bet būkite drąsūs: Aš nugalėjau pasaulį! Jėzus Kristus
  
  Viešpats nukreipia žmogaus žingsnius ir Jam patinka jo keliai.
  Jei jis klumpa – neparkrinta, nes Viešpats laiko jo ranką. Ps 37, 23-24
  
  Jei tik galėtume žvelgti į sunkias krizes kaip į progą pasinaudoti dieviškos malonės aprūpinimu, sugebėtume išsaugoti savo sielų pusiausvyrą ir šlovinti Dievą, net giliausiuose vandenyse. C. H. Mackintosh“
• 
  Crista Huff

  This is definitely for Christians who are going through long, difficult situations, like job loss, bankruptcy, death, relationship struggles, getting arrested, serious medical issues, etc. The advice is on-target.
  
  If you're early-on in your trauma, this book is going to seem like a bunch of sappy Christian platitudes. As you continue in the trauma cycle, and you re-read the book, you're going to recognize many things the author discusses, because you have personally experienced and contemplated them. At that point, I want you to know that everything else you read, which you haven't experienced yet, WILL BECOME RELEVANT.
  
  Trauma is not chaotic. The circumstance which caused the trauma might be chaotic, but the trauma process itself has a pattern to it. I think that a large percentage of people, who experience prolonged trauma, think about suicide; or at the very least, wish they were in a coma, because their reality is so painful and relentless. It really helps to know that there is hope, and that life will get better.
• 
  Pj

  
  I was given this book by my Brother Gary. He was reading this book while he was in the hospital dying of cancer.
  I was greatly inspired by this book. I can truly understand what Gary saw in reading the RED SEA RULES.
  I have "loaned" this book to many friends,but this book is a keeper for more than one reason.
  If you ever thought you were in a unwinning place, this is the book to give you courage.
  God will lead you in and God will lead you out.
• 
  Craig Turnbull

  Robert Morgan has given us a great little book to put in the hands of the man or woman going through difficulty and trial. In bite-sized format he exegetes Exodus 14 and gives 10 principles for walking through pain all the while holding the hand of a good God.
  
  If you're looking for a book to leave in someone's hand after you've prayed for them, and you don't want that book to be a massive tome on etiology, this is certainly an accessible resource.
• 
  Emma Hinkle

  Sweet little book delving into 10 principles that can be gleaned from the parting of the Red Sea in Exodus.
• 
  Amanda Millar

  Coming back to write a review because I need to go to bed..
  
  BUT. Wow. My pastor gave this to me last week.. after seemingly seeing the state of my discouragement. The Lord refreshed and realigned my spirit throughout this quick read. While walking through so much uncertainty and battling hurt and pain, I’ve been reminded time and time again of God’s unfailing presentness. Through trials, we acknowledge and are more acutely sensitive to the Lord than arguably at any other point.
  
  “The Lord’s presence is never so sweet as in moments of appalling difficulty.”
  “When you find yourself between sword and sea, remember that difficult times can sensitize us to God’s nearness. He’s never so close as when we’re shipwrecked on omnipotence and driven by despair into His chambers where we find Him - “a very present help in trouble (Psalm 46:1).””
  
  He is a God of deliverance and provision. Worthy to be given all the glory and praise. What He is doing now, I may not understand, but I will know after (John 13:7).”
  
  Okay.. stay tuned for a formal reflection.
• 
  Justin Roland

  A short book that gives you ten guidelines for seeking God amidst whatever adversity is facing you. I should say that it is more like ten principles to help you get through the storms of life. A proper focus shift on things above.
• 
  Joan

  This is a good book for help through difficult situations. Morgan has gleaned ten principles of living a God honoring life from Exodus 14. Some of them are expected, like pray. Others take work, like stay calm and confident and wait for God to work. Each chapter has questions at the end so this book could be used for personal meditation or a group study.
  See my full review at
  http://bit.ly/1jo41bY.
  I received a complimentary egalley of this book from the publisher for the purpose of an independent and honest review.
• 
  Todd Coburn

  Great Book. Tiny. Simple. Clear. Concise.
  
  In this tiny book, Morgan presents ten strategies, principles, or "rules" for dealing with tough situations. These "rules" spring from his observation of the Israelite situation as they stood trapped between the power of the Egyptian army and the impassibility of the Red Sea at the start of the exodus from Egypt.
  
  The principles Morgan presents are simple, Biblical, and infused with the truth of the Holy Spirit.
  
  I look forward to trying to follow these better in my own life. I hope you find them useful as well.
• 
  Abby Daniels

  I read this book in a moment in my life that I was acting as an Israelites did in the dessert. I was feeling without direction and could not help but complaining to anyone who would listen. I read this book with a small group of people that throughout the journey became really good friends all going through very different life stages and situations, but all needing to be reminded that God is with us, leading us, confronting us, and we are still called to worship. I would recommend this book to anyone who feels like they are off track in life, because I am not sure if there is such a thing!
• 
  Candy Shepard

  Healing. Hopeful. Inspiring. Encouraging.
• 
  Teresa

  Wonderful journey this fall and winter w/ the church ladies. Highly recommend! Solid insights for coping with mental, physical, or even workplace trauma (my own Red Sea). I truly enjoyed the real world examples and steps towards both application and reflective faith.
• 
  Baylee Sanders

  I really enjoyed this book. It’s an easy read, great to take chapter by chapter as a morning devotional to supplement your time in the Word. I was very convicted by a lot of it, and gained some really good perspectives on following Jesus through hard times. 10/10 recommend!! :-)
• 
  Jana Kelley

  I have gone thru this book twice and I am sure I will again in the future. A very good book that I will recommend to any believer going thru transition or facing a struggle.
• 
  Carolyn Litfin

  This is one of my favorite books! When your life it going along well, it's a good book. When life presents struggles, it's pure gold! I've memorized most of the chapter titles, because they each contain enough truth to pop into my mind at key moments and remind me of the overall theme of each chapter. Highly recommend.
• 
  Heidi McGill

  Simply written with excellent examples to speak to any reader. Excellent insight and new ways to see the age-old story of Moses and the Red Sea. Excellent quotes and scripture usage.
• 
  Josh Miller

  A pithy, powerful read from the author. Taking as his text Exodus 14 & 15, the author extracts ten principles we can learn from God for life re: Israel's exodus from Egypt & through the Red Sea.
  
  Personally, I love that the principles were taken directly from Scripture and buttressed with other Scriptures, historical and personal illustrations, and direct application to the reader.
  
  Another plus (IMO) is the layout of the book. A short read to begin with, it is broken down into very short chapters. A great book to give away as the book is only 136 pages long (in addition, it is a mini-book).
• 
  Victor Gentile

  Robert J. Morgan in his new book “The Red Sea Rules” published by Thomas Nelson Publishers gives us 10 God-Given Strategies for Difficult Times.
  
  From the back cover: God delivered the Israelites and He will deliver you too.
  
  Just as Moses and the Israelites found themselves caught between “the devil and the deep Red Sea,” so are we sometimes overwhelmed by life’s problems. The Red Sea Rules reveals that even in the midst of seemingly impossible situations God promises to make a way for us. His loving guidance will protect us through danger, illness, marital strife, financial problems, or whatever challenges Satan places in our path.
  
  Using the Israelites’ story in Exodus 14 as an example, Robert Morgan offers ten sound strategies for moving from fear to faith. Life is hard, especially for Christians. It is certain that we will face difficulties, and that God will allow them, as He allowed the Israelites to become trapped between Pharaoh’s rushing armies and the uncrossable Red Sea. But just as certain is the fact that the same God who led us in will lead us out. As The Red Sea Rules makes comfortingly clear, He is in control.
  
  What a situation in front of the Israelites is The Red Sea, to the right and left are impassable mountains and the only way out, which is the way they came in, is soon going to be filled with angry Egyptians who want to kill them all. And the best part of everything is that God Himself brought them to this spot on purpose. What do you do when you are in an impossible situation that looks absolutely hopeless? Pastor Morgan wrote down the ten steps found in Exodus 14 as our template. Pastor Morgan provides a nice breakdown of the events that occurred, what they did and what we should do. Then at the end of each chapter he provides Study Questions to help what we learned become part of us. Why do we need this book? We all have our Red Sea experiences that clog us with stress, worry and cares that draw our attention, “The Red Sea Rules” re-focuses our attention on our God and away from those things so that we can be renewed and refreshed. It always helps to be reminded that The Same God Who Led You in Will Lead You Out. This is one book you will be returning to over and over again.
  
  Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers through the BookLook Bloggers book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
• 
  Reid

  On the front of the book is another sub-title: 10 God-given Strategies for Difficult times.
  This book is based on Moses and the exodus
  
  1. Realize that God means for you to be where you are.
  "I am here...
  - by God's appointment
  - in His keeping
  - under His training
  - for His time"
  
  2. Be more concerned for God's glory than for your relief
  -the presence of the Lord surrounds us while the promises of the Bible sustain us
  
  3. Acknowledge your enemy, but keep your eyes on the Lord.
  -every time we resist even the slightest temptation, we honor God
  
  4. Pray!
  -God brings us into straits that He may bring us to our knees
  -There comes a time, in spite of our soft, modern ways, when we must be desperate in prayer, when we must wrestle, when we must be outspoken, shameless and importunate...the fervent prayer of a righteous man is mighty in its working.
  
  5. Stay calm and confident, and give God time to work.
  -wait on the Lord to open the way
  
  6. When unsure, just take the next logical step.
  -I have found that if we go as far a we can, God opens up the rest of the way
  -ask the Lord to cast out fear and pray for the next step
  -don't doubt in darkness what God has shown you in the light
  
  7. Envision God's enveloping presence.
  - affirm His nearness in your heart
  - visualize God's presence in your mind
  - access God's nearness in prayer
  - reflect His presence in your demeanor
  
  8. Trust God to deliver in His own unique way.
  - the Lord knows how to deliver the godly out of temptations
  - God marks across some of our days, "Will explain later"
  
  9. View your crisis as a faith builder for the future.
  - a faith that isn't tested can't fully be trusted
  - our faith grows when we choose to apply God's promises to today's problems and use the experiences to mature us for tomorrow's challenges
  - Faith is simply finding and claiming the promises of God in every situation, and, based on those promises, making logical assumptions, being fully persuaded that God has the power to do what He has promised.
  
  10. Don't forget to praise Him.
  - wash your face every morning in a bath of praise
  - wisdom is seeing things from God's point of view and praise is the natural reaction to it!
• 
  Judith Kimsey

  "Whenever we choose character over convenience, faithfulness over ease, or honesty over deceit, we bring honor to the Lord Himself." (pg. 36)
  
  "I've decided that sometimes plodding is better than plotting when it comes to finding God's will." (pg. 69)
  
  "This, then, is the principle: our faith grows when we choose to apply God's promises to today's problems and use the experiences to mature us for tomorrow's challenges." (pg. 116)
  
  In The Red Sea Rules, Morgan draws ten principles from Exodus 14:1-15:2. I absolutely LOVE digging into the Scriptures this way, pushing and pulling on each part, gleaning everything we can from the words and stories. This book, however, isn't a theological treatise. It's more a set of devotions or encouraging stories. Each "rule" receives two or three short observations, often involving stories from Morgan's own life or the lives of people he knows. There's also a quote (with attribution but no citation) at the head of each observation/devotion. It's friendly and approachable but never made me stop and say, "This is new for me!" Morgan's emphasis on God's glory over our comfort is already a major theme of my life and writing. Or perhaps if I was IN a difficult time (re: the subtitle), I might receive it differently.
  
  Others, especially new believers, will surely find Red Sea Rules encouraging and even thought provoking. But save it for a time when you need it.
• 
  Audrey Grant

  I had this book a long time ago and it hit all the right notes for me! It was a real treasure I intended to keep forever, but God had other plans and so I gave it away and have missed it greatly in the last few years. So when I found it on sale I snapped it up.
  SO glad I did! It's even better this time. It is more handy by being smaller and in a little hardback book that can tuck in my purse and go with me! I am loving the new one even more than the first one!
  I can't say enough good things about this book!
  It applies to EVERY christian at some point or another in their walk with Christ. God told us there would be trials and tribulations but that He would be there to lead us OUT!!
  That is what this book is based on. The ten rules we can learn as Christians from the children of Israel being back against the water and the army of Egypt behind them.
  God didn't bring them to the river...to DIE. He brought them there to show how mighty he was, how weak they were, the miracles He alone could preform, and that it was His Might and Strength that saved them. So no one could look back and call it a hoax.
  He does the same thing in our lives. Sometimes when it looks unfix-able and helpless, that is when God steps in and does a mighty work so there can be no doubt that it was Him!!
• 
  Juanita

  Morgan has brought together ten rules which have been adapted from the event at the Red Sea involving Israel and the Egyptians. These ten rules can be used to transform us from fear to faith. Some of these rules cover the areas of being where you are, God's glory, keeping your eyes on the LORD, prayer...
  
  I found each and every chapter speaking to me through the scripture given and the real life examples which were presented. The explanations of each rule caused me to reflect on my own life and how I handle situations, as well as thinking of better ways to handle them.
  
  All rules and explanations are presented in a way to understand and relate to the reader.
  
  I highly recommend The Red Sea Rules and will return to its pages from time to time for reference.
  
  BookLook Bloggers has provided me with a complimentary copy/advanced reading copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
  
• 
  Madisson

  This little book is a gem. One of the best I've read so far this year. The author gives 10 God-given strategies for the difficult times you may be going through. The same God who led you in will lead you out. Whatever we are going through, even if there appears to be no way through it, no hope, all things are possible with God. He is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all we could ever ask or think. "No sea is deeper than the ocean of His love. There is no army stronger than His hosts, no force greater than His throne of grace, no enemy who can overcome His direct and indirect work in our lives. The reality of the Red Sea, in a word, is this: God will always make a way for His tired, yet trusting children, even if He must split the sea to do it."[p. viii]
  The sea was before them, Pharaoh's hosts behind them, and the mountains around them. And all this, be it observed, permitted and ordered of God. [C.H. Mackintosh]
• 
  Matt Chan

  This book was recommended to me by a pastor during a very difficult time of my life. There isn't any thing in this book that's life-shatteringly innovative, but it does speak a lot of truth about how our faith can help us during times of trials. Morgan arranged good reminders out of the story of Moses parting the Red Sea (well, God parted the sea but you get what I'm saying) into 10 rules. Each of these rules were accompanied by some written meditation from Morgan, as well as other scriptural excerpts, quotes from other writers and theologians, as well as anecdotal stories that are encouraging and relevant. It's a quick read, and while nothing in the book are new knowledge or insights (for me anyway), they are truly great reminders and encouraging thoughts to have while getting through a rough patch of life. I highly recommend picking up a copy (it's like $2 on Kindle) and give it a go if you are going through some challenges right now.
• 
  Gerald Thomson

  Morgan provides some interesting lessons from Israel’s Red Sea experience. These lessons are described as “ways of handling dilemmas and discouragements.” Though these are great tools, the book does seem to simplify life into a “do A and B will result” formula. I wish the book was sold as what we can learn from Israel’s Red Sea experience instead of a step-by-step guide. Still, a good reminder that God uses adversity to build our faith and character and that it does not mean we are abandoned by God.
• 
  Joanne Hofmeister

  Robert Morgan is a great writer and teacher of the Word. I loved and appreciated this book, a gift from my dad. It's the kind of book you can pick up anytime to review an encouraging truth. His writing is down-to-earth yet imaginative and pleasant, making it easy to pick up truth. The 10 rules that he learned by meditating on the story of God's parting the Red Sea should be kept at the front of the mind, and God's character revealed in them should be kept at the front of the heart.