The Great Investment: Balancing. Faith, Family and Finance to Build a Rich Spiritual Life

Bishop T.D. Jakes invites readers to "pack three bags" for the journey of life: finances, family, and faith. On this three-legged stool rests his formula for success and the basis for the book The Great Investment. His concepts are simple, yet solid. On family: "Accept your mate's differences." "Compromise." "Teamwork." "Be grateful." On finances: "Get a receipt." "Learn to distinguish between your needs and your wants." "Don't waste your hard-earned money on the lottery or games of chance; invest it instead." On faith: "Divine guidance is an invaluable resource. Without it, you are like a sailor at sea unable to find his way because he has no compass on his ship."

Jakes is a familiar figure to many, hosting a weekly television program on the Trinity Broadcasting Network and Black Entertainment Television. The New York Times recently named him one of the nation's most influential ministers, and many of his books, including Woman, Thou Art Loosed and The Lady, Her Lover, and Her Lord, have found a wide readership.

In The Great Investment, Jakes challenges Christians to hang on to their Christian ideals, yet still build a bridge to those who live less-than-ideal lives. He endeavors to make faith and biblical wisdom accessible and relevant to those both inside and outside the church who are seeking practical help for stabilizing their lives. A lofty goal, and with his large audience, one that will hopefully succeed. --Cindy Crosby