Customer Reviews for Tyndale House SEAL of God
Tyndale House SEAL of God
When his mentor was brutally murdered in Iraq, Chad Williams resolved to follow in Scott Helvenston's footsteps and become a Navy SEAL. Here he shares his journey from grueling training to terrifying war zones---and his compelling conversion story. You'll see Christ's ultimate sacrifice on the cross in a whole new light! 304 pages, softcover from Tyndale.
Average Customer Rating:
(16 Reviews) 16
Rating Snapshot (16 reviews)
5 stars
11
4 stars
5
3 stars
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16 out of 16100%customers would recommend this product to a friend.
Customer Reviews for SEAL of God
Review 1 for SEAL of God
Overall Rating:
Date:February 4, 2013
Betty P
Location:Hawley, Penna
Gender:female
Quality:
5
out of
5
Value:
5
out of
5
Meets Expectations:
5
out of
5
Book opened my eyes as to just what our young men go through in SEAL training. They truly do need our prayers for support.
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Review 2 for SEAL of God
Overall Rating:
Can't wait to finish it!
Date:November 15, 2012
Mike
Age:45-54
Gender:male
Quality:
5
out of
5
Value:
5
out of
5
Meets Expectations:
5
out of
5
Downloaded the eBook of this the other day. As a retired military member, it is the kind of book that is right up my alley. The beginning of the book is very familiar to me. Fantastic... and I haven't finished it yet! Can't wait to finish reading it!
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Review 3 for SEAL of God
Overall Rating:
Seal for God
Date:August 28, 2012
Ma Ingalls
Quality:
3
out of
5
Value:
5
out of
5
Meets Expectations:
4
out of
5
Seal for God
Chad Williams
Chad Williams
This book is a rewarding read.
Share it with the man in your life. For any man who is trying to prove himself and find his way back to God, Seal for God is for you.
For those who believe their heart is not open to the Lord's leading, this book is for you. Mr. Williams writes from an open and authenic heart, from one friend to another.
Seal for God follows Mr. Williams through military basic training and continues with the difficult journey of SEAL training. By the end of Chapter 6: Hell Week, as a reader, I was exhausted.
Seal for God greets the reader with the real grit of life: the accomplishments, the failures, and God's call between. Like Mr. Williams, I set high standards for myself to prove myself to myself and hearing God's call in the midst of my striving.
Honest to the core, Chapter 10: The Night that Changed Everything is especially well-written. As a reader, I did not know if I should laugh with the filling of the Holy Spirit or cry with pure joy. Hearing Greg Laurie's message theme and tone through out the scene made William's testimony all the more poignant.
Seal for God is the story of life, death, and resurrection. Throughout the book, the reader will see themselves and their own struggles. Seal for God brings hope by the blood of the Lamb and the Words of our Testimony. Truly the tale of the transformed life.
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Review 4 for SEAL of God
Overall Rating:
Memorable memoir
Date:July 19, 2012
Quality:
4
out of
5
Value:
4
out of
5
Meets Expectations:
4
out of
5
I've always held our military in high esteem, knowing the sacrifices they make are far above anything we can imagine. But the SEALs...wow! Chad's book gives us a healthy dose of what SEAL training consists of, and I have a new respect for these elite warriors.
Chad's story is a familiar one: raised in a Christian home, wandering down the wrong path and into full-blown rebellion. What makes his tale unique is his gut-level desire to become a Navy SEAL, and how God used his training to begin to lead him back home and to win Chad's heart for Christ.
He is an excellent storyteller, and the book is engaging and authentic. The stories Chad shares about his life with his younger brother reminded me of my husband and his younger brother and the mischief those two often got into together. In fact, Chad reminded me a lot of my husband (minus the military training!).
This is mostly a memoir of becoming a SEAL, but it's also about God pursuing a young man's heart, and the obvious change in Chad's life once he surrendered to God. I would have enjoyed a bit more about his life after he accepted Christ, but the book is still well-balanced and detailed...and you really appreciate what Chad endured to achieve his goal.
You also get a better sense of why Chad finally chose Christ...but I won't spoil it for you. It's better if you read it for yourself.
I received my copy of "SEAL of God" by swiping it off of my husband's bookshelf, and he received it from Greg Laurie and Harvest Ministries (why, I have no idea...I'm still looking into that one!).
"SEAL of God" is recommended.
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Review 5 for SEAL of God
Overall Rating:
Date:July 16, 2012
The path toward salvation is never the same for 2 people. Chad Williams shares his path that took him through teenage rebellion, SEAL training, serving our country, and now full time ministry.
More than half the book is about SEAL training. It is not until the second half of the book that Chad starts to think about God and his relationship with Him. I enjoyed both halves of the story and wonder where God is leading Chad now.
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Review 6 for SEAL of God
Overall Rating:
Seal of GOD ~ Chad Williams
Date:July 15, 2012
Quality:
5
out of
5
Value:
5
out of
5
Meets Expectations:
5
out of
5
This is the true story of Chad, who has a dream of becoming a Navy Seal and will stop at nothing to do that. Chad goes through his life from being a troubled teenager with alcohol and drugs to having a relationships with the love of his life, and dealing with the death of his mentor and very close friend. He tells of how hard the training of a Navy Seal is and explains what he has to go through, and what he is willing to go through to see his dream come true. This book is all about true passion and commitment of how GOD can change your path anytime and any place. Chad's story tells of how he has plans for his life and thinks he is in control and then at the blink of an eye GOD changes all of that and puts your life on the path that HE wants you to go through. I do not want to spoil it for anyone, so I will only say, hold on, GOD changes Chad's life many times in ways that you would not expect.
I loved this story, at first I was not sure as I thought this was going to be a "guy" book, but I guarantee you this book is the true side of life that GOD takes you on the journey HE wants you to be on. I hope that this book will touch many and make them pass this on to friends as I have. I could not put it down, as it keeps you going and you just don't want it to end, you will become very involved with this story.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through Tyndale 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.”
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Review 7 for SEAL of God
Overall Rating:
An Outstanding Book!
Date:July 12, 2012
James Ruberg
Age:45-54
Gender:male
Quality:
5
out of
5
Value:
5
out of
5
Meets Expectations:
5
out of
5
Chad shares about his life as he was growing up and how he had a burning desire to be a Navy Seal. He worked hard to fulfill that dream. Shortly after becoming a seal, Chad was sealed by the Holy Spirit when he gave his heart to Christ at a Greg Laurie Harvest Crusade! He shares how he suffered for Christ and how God was able to use him to touch many lives as he reflects the Savior! I enjoyed this book from beginning to end!
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Review 8 for SEAL of God
Overall Rating:
Excellent Book -- Highly Recommended!
Date:June 15, 2012
GoldenGirl
Quality:
5
out of
5
Value:
5
out of
5
Meets Expectations:
5
out of
5
I first heard about this book on Facebook. A few of my friends had posted about it, and since my dad is a Navy veteran, I thought it sounded interesting, so I went ahead and purchased it. I started reading it, and it immediately drew me in.
SEAL of God is the autobiography of Chad Williams, an ex-Navy SEAL. In it, he tells about his decision to become a SEAL, his training, his years as a SEAL, and, most importantly, his acceptance of Christ as LORD of his life. He shares how his experiences as a SEAL helped him better understand Christ's love and sacrifice.
Chad did an excellent job in writing this book. He pulls you into his story. A good portion of the book shares his experiences during SEAL training, and that was absolutely riveting. He shares how his lack of feeling fulfilled once he reached the top of the ladder and became a SEAL led to his conversion to Christ, and eventually, to him entering the ministry.
This was an excellent book. It's most definitely worth reading, whether or not you have any interest in the Navy or the SEALS. I read the entire book in just two days because I couldn't put it down. I would highly recommend it to anyone.
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Review 9 for SEAL of God
Overall Rating:
great read
Date:June 14, 2012
Quality:
5
out of
5
Value:
5
out of
5
Meets Expectations:
5
out of
5
I'm not much into biographies/memoirs, and rarely read them. Navy SEALS intrigue me though from what I have read and know of them, so I decided to give this one a try. It has to be the best book of this type that I have ever read. I did literally read it in one sitting and enjoyed every page of it.
The author begins by telling about his youth, pulling no punches in describing what kind of kid and teenager he was, and he was very arrogant and wild. From there, he tells of his working to become a SEAL and spends a lot of time talking about what he went through in his training to become one.
The main focus of the book is his conversion and the difference it made in his life. I was amazed at the terrible things SEALS go through to become a SEAL, and Chad did an excellent job of telling his story and describing his experiences. This book is as much of a page turner as a suspense/thriller book, which is what I love to read. I would recommend this book to anyone. It is an amazing story.
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Review 10 for SEAL of God
Overall Rating:
An inspirational treat
Date:June 8, 2012
Jessica Dowling
Location:Jacksonville, FL
Age:Over 65
Gender:female
I ordered this book because I had just read 'Never Surrender" by Lt. Gen. William Boykin. I was interested in knowing more about SEALs after gaining an insight into Delta Force from General Boykin. This is a most amazing book. First, because of what I learned about the intensity of SEAL training but more than that, the wonderful story of how God drew a most rebellious young man to Himself and totally transformed him into a firebrand for His purposes. I highly recommend.
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Review 11 for SEAL of God
Overall Rating:
Loved It!
Date:May 31, 2012
Quality:
5
out of
5
Value:
5
out of
5
Meets Expectations:
5
out of
5
I loved Seal of God! I normally don't enjoy reading non-fiction that much but I really enjoyed this memoir. The writing style is great and easy to read. I am fascinated by military training techniques and particularly liked the descriptions of Navy SEAL training. I am so thankful that the SEALS are on our side. Seal of God is a compelling true story. Chad's experiences are related in a page-turning way. This is a wonderful book for those who love our military and God. I definitely recommend this book! I don't even have anything negative to say about it.
I would like to share a passage from the book that I totally agree with. I have felt the same frustration (although I can't imagine the degree to which he must feel it having actually been there and having fought for our country).
Chapter 13, page 251. "It still frustrates me today to hear someone say that we were only in Iraq to fight for oil money or that we were not there to fight for freedom. People who have not been in Iraq and other areas where we are presently involved in conflicts may find it difficult to grasp that there is real evil there. It is palpable--you can feel its presence. We were there to fight for the freedom of those who live under this blanket of oppression.
There are powerful forces in those places, forces that hate Israel and the United States. I have stood face-to-face with people who wanted to cut off my head for no other reason than that I was an American. They see America as a "satan" and they are willing to do anything to bring our country down...including attempting to bring that hatred into our homeland.
Sometimes I wish I could load up a plane full of people who don't believe that we were there to fight evil and take them to Iraq. I would walk them out onto a street where Americans have been killed fighting for freedom, let them sense the evil, and ask if they would have us walk away and leave this country--and ours--unprotected."
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Review 12 for SEAL of God
Overall Rating:
seal of god review
Date:May 30, 2012
Chad Williams gave his life to Christ shortly after becoming a Navy Seal. This is his story. "Seal of God " is a very well written book. It will keep your interest and will make you really glad you never joined the Navy. I must say after reading this book I NEVER want to become a SEAL. It sounds really, really awful. It doesn't even sound humanly possible! The SEAL training is amazing and grueling. That part seems to be where Williams' shines as a writer. The first three chapters of this book are about Williams' youth; the majority of it is about becoming a SEAL. The last 1/4 of it is about SEAL life and becoming a Christian. I have to say that the attitude of arrogance dominates this book. Williams' has a tendency of becoming obsessed with something, mastering it, then moving on. Christianity is his latest obsession. Since Christianity cannot be mastered, it leaves one to wonder what will become of the author. Of course Williams' leaves us with the impression that he believes he has mastered it. Only time will tell if he sticks with it or moves on. He seems to believe that if one doesn't "Christianalize" like he does than they aren't real. Shortly after becoming Christian, William's writes of a beat down he received from fellow SEALs. He blames the hatred of him becoming a Christian as to why, but I can't help but think that that beating was coming, Christian or not. Very well written book, loved it, but he could stand to think a little less of himself. I received this book for free from Tyndale Publishing.
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Review 13 for SEAL of God
Overall Rating:
God can reach anyone, anywhere, even when we think
Date:May 26, 2012
Quality:
4
out of
5
Value:
4
out of
5
Meets Expectations:
4
out of
5
I think the fact that I grew up a military brat and that I am now a military spouse is what initially drew me to pick this book.
This book is an awesome story that reminds us that God can reach anyone, anywhere, even when we think we are immune.
Chad went to church with his parents one night thinking that what the pastor had to say would be a lot of hogwash only to emerge from that service transformed and transfixed on spreading God's word to everyone he encountered. Through his story we learn how it is easy to be so on fire for the Lord that we push people away and that with practice we can learn to hone our story so that we can be real messengers for God.
I found this book to be an easy read. Chad did a really good job explaining everything in laymen's terms so that non-military could grasp what he was trying to convey.
I think this is a great book to give to a teenage boy, a military buff, or any Christian friend who enjoys hearing other's stories.
This book is an awesome story that reminds us that God can reach anyone, anywhere, even when we think we are immune.
Chad went to church with his parents one night thinking that what the pastor had to say would be a lot of hogwash only to emerge from that service transformed and transfixed on spreading God's word to everyone he encountered. Through his story we learn how it is easy to be so on fire for the Lord that we push people away and that with practice we can learn to hone our story so that we can be real messengers for God.
I found this book to be an easy read. Chad did a really good job explaining everything in laymen's terms so that non-military could grasp what he was trying to convey.
I think this is a great book to give to a teenage boy, a military buff, or any Christian friend who enjoys hearing other's stories.
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Review 14 for SEAL of God
Overall Rating:
Superb Read
Date:May 7, 2012
Quality:
5
out of
5
Value:
5
out of
5
Meets Expectations:
5
out of
5
Seal of God by Chad Williams was and is a fascinating read. I have a daughter in the Army Reserves and this book intrigued me when it came up to read. I was not disappointed in the least. I am so thankful for all the soldiers and how hard they work to keep our great country free. What made this such a good read was the honesty throughout the book.
Chad committed to completing the difficult training to become a Navy Seal after his mentor and training partner Scott Helvenston was brutally murdered in Iraq. The story delves into the journey as Chad trains for twenty five physically and mentally tough weeks of BUD/S training. You really appreciate and are amazed that these guys and their bodies can stand up to this extremely tough training. Only thirteen out of 173 guys made it to graduation, Scott goes on to serve on SEAL teams one and seven and was even ambushed by enemy gunners close to the same road that Scott Helvenston was killed five years earlier.
This book pulls no punches, Chad was not a Christian when he started this journey and was a real rebel who was mad at everyone and was never going to to need anyone but himself until......... He goes to a crusade with his parents to buy more time at their house and winds up convicted about his sin and ends up making a commitment to Christ.
Find out what happens next in his walk with Christ and how he handles his "new life in Christ".
Thanks to Tyndale Publishers for sending me this book for free just for my honest opinion-this was superb.
Chad committed to completing the difficult training to become a Navy Seal after his mentor and training partner Scott Helvenston was brutally murdered in Iraq. The story delves into the journey as Chad trains for twenty five physically and mentally tough weeks of BUD/S training. You really appreciate and are amazed that these guys and their bodies can stand up to this extremely tough training. Only thirteen out of 173 guys made it to graduation, Scott goes on to serve on SEAL teams one and seven and was even ambushed by enemy gunners close to the same road that Scott Helvenston was killed five years earlier.
This book pulls no punches, Chad was not a Christian when he started this journey and was a real rebel who was mad at everyone and was never going to to need anyone but himself until......... He goes to a crusade with his parents to buy more time at their house and winds up convicted about his sin and ends up making a commitment to Christ.
Find out what happens next in his walk with Christ and how he handles his "new life in Christ".
Thanks to Tyndale Publishers for sending me this book for free just for my honest opinion-this was superb.
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Review 15 for SEAL of God
Overall Rating:
Powerful Read!!
Date:May 4, 2012
Quality:
5
out of
5
Value:
5
out of
5
Meets Expectations:
5
out of
5
This book is simply amazing! I love how Chad shares his testimony. He shares the ugly and the difficult truths that we are an imperfect people. He too shares the beauty of what God can do and how He can use us. But first, He must empty us of all self and that is where we find Chad. We see his growth, not just as a young man, but as a Christian, becoming the man God has called him to be.
I enjoyed learning so much about the Seals and reading his account of all he had learned. When I finished this book, I handed it over to my son, who is praying about joining the Navy, and said, "This is one you need to read". My son is opposite of me. He hates to read, but I can tell you, he is devouring this book. It is one every young man and woman should be reading. It contains valuable life lessons for growth. We can't find our true self, until we look to Christ for who He is through us.
Praise God for men like Chad who are willing to not only talk the talk, but walk the walk, and share so others can learn to let go and let God.
This book was a gift from Tyndale for it's review.
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Review 16 for SEAL of God
Overall Rating:
SEAL of God
Date:April 24, 2012
Quality:
5
out of
5
Value:
5
out of
5
Meets Expectations:
5
out of
5
Seal of God is Chad's story of how Christ transformed his life. It begins with his background of who he was before Christ. It was fascinating to learn of his SEAL training. I really enjoyed reading about all that entailed. Chad did a great job showing us who he was before Christ and how becoming a Christian completely changed his life. I can't imagine going through hazing like he experienced no matter how tough you are. I also appreciated his explanation of how we are fighting evil through out the world and that is fighting for freedom. I think he did a great job explaining the gospel message in the end and anyone who reads this book will be challenged by that message.
I received this book free from Tyndale Publishers in exchange for my review.
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