Reading The Me I Want to Be is your first step to becoming God’s best version of you. Join bestselling author and pastor John Ortberg as he ...
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reviews
Jan 04, 2011
Drew
rated it: 
It was hard to get over the title. Really hard.
But I could definitely see the book as a helpful primer for the Evangelical, wary of tradition, to come in contact with a few new (actually old) ideas. It's almost like Ortberg is making an attempt at spiritual direction, in the traditional sense, through the written word. Not ultimately surprising, considering the book I've read by him, The Life You've Always Wanted, is about the disciplines of the Faith.
In some ways, alth More...
But I could definitely see the book as a helpful primer for the Evangelical, wary of tradition, to come in contact with a few new (actually old) ideas. It's almost like Ortberg is making an attempt at spiritual direction, in the traditional sense, through the written word. Not ultimately surprising, considering the book I've read by him, The Life You've Always Wanted, is about the disciplines of the Faith.
In some ways, alth More...
Mar 31, 2011
Ashley
rated it: 
"Your deepest longing should be to be alive with God, to become the person God made you to be, and to be used to help God's world flourish. That is the life available to you every moment."
I read this book once, and then started it over again with a pen in my hand. I knew I couldn't possibly have grasped everything Ortberg was proposing in the first read. Ortberg explains what it means to be one with the spirit, to have your belly flowing with rivers of living water (John 7:3 More...
I read this book once, and then started it over again with a pen in my hand. I knew I couldn't possibly have grasped everything Ortberg was proposing in the first read. Ortberg explains what it means to be one with the spirit, to have your belly flowing with rivers of living water (John 7:3 More...
Apr 08, 2011
Jessica
rated it: 
[Listened to the audiobook.] I was a bit put off by the title because I hate Christian books that are really soft on sin or truth and too focused on making the reader feel good rather than helping the reader to grow. But I trusted that John Ortberg would not write a book like that based on previous good things I've heard about him and knowing that people that I respect respect him. This was my first Ortberg book, so I can't speak to the reviews that say that the ideas in this book are similar
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Jul 24, 2010
Dan
rated it:
It's hard to know where to start with this book. Clearly, this book is intended for those who are seeking to change something in themselves as they learn more of God. As such, those that read it probably already haver an expectation of what they want to get out of it. That was certainly my position.
I've been trying to really cement a strong understanding of my identity, so this book started at the perfect place for me, it discusses the issues of identity and in the first couple of ch More...
I've been trying to really cement a strong understanding of my identity, so this book started at the perfect place for me, it discusses the issues of identity and in the first couple of ch More...
Feb 21, 2010
Jeff
rated it:
"When heaven is about to confer a great responsibility on any man, it will exercise his mind with suffering...place obstacles in the path of his deeds, so as to stimulate his mind, harden his nature, and improve wherever he is incompetent.: - Meng Tzu.
"The ought of Jesus' message is mainly an ought of opportunity."
"Spiritual growth is hand-crafted, not mass-produced. God does not do 'one size fits all.'"
"God wants to redeem you, More...
"The ought of Jesus' message is mainly an ought of opportunity."
"Spiritual growth is hand-crafted, not mass-produced. God does not do 'one size fits all.'"
"God wants to redeem you, More...
Apr 17, 2011
Keith
rated it: 
I am not so sure God wants me to be the best version of me I can be so I can be happy... I believe we are called to find joy in the midst of difficulties and trials as well as strive for holiness.
This book could be summed up in two verses...
Rom 12:1 I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship.
Rom 12:2 Do not be conformed to this world, but be tran More...
This book could be summed up in two verses...
Rom 12:1 I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship.
Rom 12:2 Do not be conformed to this world, but be tran More...
Mar 01, 2010
Kristi
rated it:
I didn't always connect with this book, and often felt it was lacking in depth. The language of "flow" as synonymous with being under the guidance of the Holy Spirit was also an adjustment; I felt as though John Ortberg was just another author creating terminology when new terminology was unnecessary. (akin to John Piper with Piper's language of "Christian hedonism.")
However, with that said, I found part 2 on the life of the mind the best section this book had to offer More...
However, with that said, I found part 2 on the life of the mind the best section this book had to offer More...
Feb 08, 2010
Chris
rated it:
Book contains lots of good, recycled Ortberg ideas,for example, material from LIFE YOU'VE ALWAYS WANTED and his series, FLOW. Had this been my first encounter with Ortberg's material, I would likely have scored it higher. But for me this was more of a refresher than a crazy, fresh look at spiritual formation. The book is very reader friendly, packed with fun stories and chopped into easily digestible, one-page bites. Those are are headed down the Monvee path will certainly want to read this b
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Jan 13, 2012
Allan
rated it:
I have read this in small chunks over a number of months, as a kind of devotional book. This has helped me to absorb the different points John Ortberg makes along the way. I found quite a few gems in here- I really liked his take on "surrender" - the one decision that really helps. "I do not have to control the outcomes of my life- there is a God, it is not me!" And the next chapter on "trying softer" was also very thought-provoking: "Faith does not need to pus
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May 01, 2011
Shawna
rated it:
I LOVE this book.
This book helps you realize that you were purposely and uniquely created by God. God wants us to be the people he created us to be. Therefore we should seek to be the man or woman we were designed to be. Since we are all uniquely different, there are different things we can do to grow spiritually. There is no formula to spiritual growth. We need to identify the unique characteristics, gifts, learning styles, etc God has given us in order to grow to our fullest poten More...
This book helps you realize that you were purposely and uniquely created by God. God wants us to be the people he created us to be. Therefore we should seek to be the man or woman we were designed to be. Since we are all uniquely different, there are different things we can do to grow spiritually. There is no formula to spiritual growth. We need to identify the unique characteristics, gifts, learning styles, etc God has given us in order to grow to our fullest poten More...
Apr 04, 2011
Nicole
rated it:
This was a FABULOUS book! I highly recommend it. This is the first John Ortberg book I have read, and I would not hesitate to pick up another. I have to be honest; I am leery of a lot of Christian “self-help” books. I guess I am skeptical because I am cautious about who I allow, and what I want to shape my life. Not every Christian who writes do I allow that influence – and I think that to be wise.
This book is really about showing you tools to help you discover or better disco More...
This book is really about showing you tools to help you discover or better disco More...
May 17, 2010
Chris
rated it:
Good read. Challenges many long-held "Christian" beliefs that are not actually Christian -- in the sense that they are not biblical. Ortberg demonstrates how to live a more full life in Christ, full of joy and a sense of purpose; "living in the flow of the spirit," as he calls it. This book may not be for those who are not yet believers although if you've always wanted to learn more about what living in the "Christian faith" is all about, it might be for you!
Jun 28, 2010
Amy
rated it:
I love the way John Ortberg writes. I also love how he doesn't pretend because he is a pastor or an author that he is perfect. He openly talks about things he struggles with in this book. Which is good, because I can't relate with perfection. He also adds just enough humor to the book to make it funny without being cheesy. I also like the constant references to other authors and quotes. It's like he's giving me opinions other than his own.
Jul 25, 2010
Tmorlok
rated it:
I'm a HUGE Ortberg fan - hisbook "If You Want to Walk on Water" is in my top 5 favorite books - and none of his other books have spoken to me quite as poignantly....this was a good book and gave me the swift kick I needed to keep climbing my mountain....haven't taken the online test yet but LOVE the accessibility of this tool for others.
Jul 24, 2010
Gary
rated it:
Someone bought this book for me to read, and when this happens there is usually great peril for the book's review. No so with "The Me I Want To Be" as I enjoyed the content and the perspective Ortberg has for our Christian lives and witness. But I wonder if anyone would read this after my review?
Jul 27, 2010
Lyle
rated it:
Ortberg does a really good job of breaking down some complex topics into simple truths. As usual with Ortberg, his illustrations are really strong and flow naturally with the principles he is trying to explain. I would definitely encourage others to read this book.
Mar 17, 2010
Christine
rated it:
I really like this book for it's honesty and practicality. Classic John Ortberg. It gives a lot of freedom to those of us who feel like we need to measure our faith by what we do and how we do it. He hits on a few too many topics, I think, but it does make you think.
Mar 13, 2011
Julie
rated it:
It's hard to keep up with John as he reads this book at such a brisk pace! My favorite quote is: "Nothing offered in love is ever lost" - I will be thinking about that for some time. What I like most about John's books is that they give you hope & leave you feeling "I can, I know I can".
Jan 11, 2012
Jim
rated it:
The title makes it seem like it would be a bit hokey and self-help focused but this is a great book dealing with the Holy Spirit's role in our lives in working with us and molding us into who we were originally made to be.
May 25, 2010
Kirstin
rated it:
John Ortberg is my favorite Christian author. He has a knack for inspiring and convicting. Stuart and I plan to use this as a "discipleship" book at our family worships w/ the boys. It's a great basic Christianity primer.
Mar 11, 2010
Jim
rated it:
John Ortberg offers Biblical, historical and personal stories to help people find their "best versions" of themselves, the people God intended them to be. A clear element to one's journey is the recognition that God is involved in every aspect of one's life; indeed, we are not our own project, but God's. I also appreciated his commentary on the different ways to worship; just because you don't regularly read Scripture or journal doesn't mean you're not spiritual. There are many path
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May 01, 2011
Ginger
rated it:
We read this book in a small Bible Study with another couple and we all really enjoyed this book. Easy to read but very well-written and inspiring. I highly recommend this book for your next Bible Study!
Nov 12, 2010
Katie
rated it:
Great book that motivates you to be the best you can be for God, for the people around you, and for yourself. Practical non-nonsense advice that can be easily followed... which is always the best kind!
Jan 20, 2010
There's no question I'm reading too many books at one time right now - but this one drew me in, what with it being John Ortberg & needing something w/a positive outlook on my reading list.
Feb 22, 2011
elizabeth
rated it:
Very valuable book a few things I love about this book...
His imagery of being in the flow, you will have to read the book but it's provided me with a ton of peace that I'm not the only one that feels out of the flow sometimes and good ways to get back into the flow. I continue to grow from this book.
His imagery of being in the flow, you will have to read the book but it's provided me with a ton of peace that I'm not the only one that feels out of the flow sometimes and good ways to get back into the flow. I continue to grow from this book.
Feb 22, 2011
Nicole
rated it:
Was expecting a lot more meat. Found the book to have a few good points but they were repeated over and over again. This book could have been 3 chapters total.
Jan 29, 2010
Graham
rated it:
Join bestselling author and pastor John Ortberg as he guides you through the sometimes difficult but ultimately fulfillin journey toward a uniquely created spirituality.
Jun 09, 2010
Sue
rated it:
Excellent. John Ortberg at his best, encouraging Christians - new or old - to be the best version of themselves rather than trying to live up to anyone else's ideals. Sections on finding our identity, redeeming our time, transforming our experience, and more. Personal anecdotes enliven the text, and my only minor criticism is the rather tatty looking diagrams that were a mixture of computer-generated and (apparently) badly hand-drawn.
Aug 03, 2011
A Good book that delves into the study of God's will and purpose for your life. God wants you to be all the He's created you to be!
Aug 03, 2011
Proactive, spiritually based approach to becoming the best version of you (the You God intends you to be) that is possible.
