Book Review: Your Average Joe Unplugged by Joe Schneller

Are you guys ready for a light Christian devotional? Pick up a copy of Your Average Joe Unplugged by Joseph Schneller.

In this funny and insightful devotional, Schneller takes readers through 30 days in the life of an average Christian. Though told from a man's point of view with a decidedly male image on the front cover, I believe any man or woman would enjoy reading this book.

Some of the issues Schneller addresses are:

• job dissatisfaction


• a crisis of faith


• using our gifts to honor the Lord


• how marriage changes your life


• daily Bible reading


• coping with fear

Sandwiched in between these devotional moments are previously published humorous articles about things like taking out the trash, becoming  a parent, painting, epidurals, and shopping. Now, if I've given you the impression this book is only a barrel of laughs and serious Christians should steer clear of it, let me say that the author has an equal amount of profound wisdom to share with his readers.

Having made the tough decision to leave his job while his wife was pregnant with their second child, Schneller remained unemployed for some time. His writing produced a bit of money, but this former U.S. Marine captain with a degree in Psychology, was thrilled to find an entry level job paying minimum wage. While he knew that God has never been wrong, Schneller wasn't too happy about his job situation. As he considered God's infinite perfection (Day 1), he was able to relate to his Lord in Genesis 6:5-6 when God was, "grieved that He had made man on the earth, and His heart was filled with pain." Schneller goes on to discuss on Day 2 how much of our lives are spent working and wondering why that is. He brings us through the reasons for job dissatisfaction on Day 3. We live in a fallen, sinful world, but God wishes us to live with thankful hearts--even in the workplace. Schneller states that thankfulness is like a muscle--it needs exercise.
By the time you're done with all Schneller has to share on the subject, you're thinking, "Wow! He's right."

Each day ends with the Bread for Your Soul section that includes a portion of Scripture, Today's Encouragement, and a prayer.

Your Average Joe Unplugged by Joe Schneller is the perfect blend of humorous and insightful, playful and profound, light and deep. I recommend it to the everyday Christian who is eager to devote more time to the Lord.

Title: Your Average Joe Unplugged
Author: Joseph Schneller
Publisher: Nordskog Publishing
ISBN-10: 0983195714
ISBN-13: 978-0983195719
SRP:  $11.95

The author's publicist paid me to promote this book with a virtual book tour through Pump Up Your Book. That fee did not include a review. I received no compensation of any kind to provide my honest opinions.