"Lessons in the Rearview Mirror," a new book by Hosea 4:6 Ministries founder and CEO Phil Baker, is now available for purchase on the web: xulonpress.com; amazon.com; barnesandnoble.com; and booksamillion.com.

     Baker says he wrote the book because he realized that many of the people and events he had experienced and known in his life had helped shape who he had become in God. Not all the stories are flattering, but as he says in the book's introduction, "For the past several years, I have read countless books written by some of the most honored Christian writers and preachers of our time and of times past. They have proven invaluable to me as I have sought to find God's plan and purpose for my life.

     "Most of the books, though, are authored by men who knew and accepted their calling early in life and had the good sense not to seriously deviate from God's plan for their lives. That isn't my experience. While all of us are the blessed recipients of God's grace, I have come to know well and appreciate God's long-suffering love, because He has truly suffered long in waiting for me to submit and commit my life to Him.

     "Much of my understanding of His word and His will not only for me but for all the world has come from carefully reviewing the events of my past life, in terms of mistakes that I've made for sure, but also in the simple events and the many people who have had an influence on me."

 

     Dewayne Moore, a singer, songwriter and worship leader in Alabama, wrote the Forward. In the opening paragraph, Moore writes, "Jesus often taught in parables -- short stories that were easy for his contemporaries to understand and relate to. My friend, Phil Baker, understands the power of simple stores, and in his writing he weaves strong life-messages from everyday life-experiences ... I found myself engrossed in his gentle, non-assuming style."

 

    Daniel Moore (no relation) is a nationally known sports artist and writer. He says about the book, "Phil Baker's life is one that so many of us baby boomers can identify with. His life experiences, like ours, are both joyful and painful. Phil has the God-given gift of being able to take his "rear-view mirror" experiences and turn them into practical road maps for his own life as well as our own. Superb!

 

     Keith Hodges, pastor of Liberty Church in Arab, AL, says, "Lessons in the Rearview Mirror" is a powerful book that drives home the realities of the gospel. This book is great for a sit-down read or to be used as a daily devotional. Phil does an amazing job communicating the principles of scripture, in a real life way."