| Book
Review – Lessons From the Road |
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Author —
Nigel James with Third Day
Authentic
Publicity through The
B & B Media Group, Inc
Review by Tom Gilbert — © October, 2008
It would be easy for anyone having
the opportunity to tour with a popular and inspirational
band like Third
Day to get caught up in their success and prestige.
Nigel James has toured with the group for several years,
serving in the capacity of road pastor. He admits early
in his book Lessons
from the Road that the opportunity has
been special. He’s had wonderful experiences over
the years and his faith has been strengthened even while
helping provide spiritual direction to band members.
However, the life of musicians is not all glamour. Grinding
tour schedules and long days away from family and home
are a reality. Nigel James gives us a keen insight into
the life of this Christian rock band that has been recognized
with many awards as well as big record sales and impressive
concert ticket sales. What we discover is that Tai Anderson,
Brad Avery, David Carr, Mark Lee and Mac Powell face many
of the same challenges as anyone. And they can often have
a greater challenge staying true to living the faith they
profess. The trappings of fame can be just that –
an entrapment.
The book includes numerous contributions about life, songwriting,
touring, church and family from the band members. That
helps make the book richer. James naturally contributes
his insight and even shares some of the devotionals he
has used with the band. If you are fan of Third Day you
will certainly appreciate this inside look, but it is
valuable for anyone who wonders how to make their faith
more meaningful in the midst of busy and demanding schedules.
The members of Third Day are based in Atlanta, Georgia
and Nigel James hails from Cardiff, Wales. They’ve
been able to share their interests with each other and
as a result expand each others’ horizons. Nigel
likes cricket and some of the Third Day members enjoy
baseball. They discuss culture, music and movies. And
they all have a heart for worthy causes. In particular,
James works intensely with Ignite,
a UK-based youth discipleship program he helped found.
The organization has helped others in India and elsewhere.
So his respect for how Third Day stays involved in global
mission efforts is evident.
The lessons from the road in this book can benefit any
of us. The road pastor shares about success, friendship,
the work of the Spirit, faith in action, reverence for
God and creation and the willingness to embrace the way
of Jesus in our daily lives. I found many of the insights
beneficial.
You also can enjoy finding out more about the songs of
Third Day and their creative process, as well as interesting
memories from various tours. This is a book that is both
spiritual and practical. I also found the honesty about
the group members and the pastor refreshing. The Christian
music scene sometimes comes across a bit contrived, but
not so with Third Day and Nigel James.
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| Tom Gilbert writes articles
and reviews about the Christian life and maintains the
e-ministry, Living the Solution (www.livingthesolution.com) |
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Scripture taken from the
Holy Bible, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®.Copyright ©
1973, 1978, 1984 International Bible Society. All rights
reserved throughout the world. Used by permission of International
Bible Society.
NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION® and NIV® are registered
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trademark for the offering of goods or services requires
the prior written consent of International Bible Society.
Scripture quotations marked (NLT) are taken from the Holy
Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996. Used
by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Wheaton,
IL 60189, USA. All rights reserved.
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