The Me I Want to Be will help you discover spiritual vitality like never before as you learn to "live in the flow of the spirit."
Why does spiritual growth seem so difficult?
God's vision for your life is not just that you are saved by grace, but that you also learn to live by grace, flourishing with the Spirit flowing through you. And this book will show how God's perfect vision for you starts with a powerful promise: All those who trust in God "will be like a tree planted by the water that sends out its roots by the stream. It does not fear when heat comes; its leaves are always green. It has no worries in a year of drought and never fails to bear fruit" (Jeremiah 17:7-8).
Pastor and bestselling author John Ortberg first helps gauge your spiritual health and measure the gap between where you are now and where God intends you to be. Then he provides detailed tasks and exercises to help you live in the flow of the Spirit, circumventing real-world barriers--pain and sorrow, temptations, self-doubt, sin--to flourish even in a dark and broken world.
As you start living in the flow, you will feel:
God invites you to join Him in crafting an abundant and joy-filled life. The Me I Want to Be shows you how to graciously accept His invitation.
Spanish edition also available, as well as a video study and study guide.
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"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."
— Sue (5 out of 5 stars)
" good read -- especially with a group or partner to extend the conversation. Ortberg isn't new to this game and here he flexes the opportunity to accentuate the positive. it can be life changing but more of a self-realization than a change book. "
— Jim, 2/14/2014" I love the way John Ortberg writes! He's such a story teller, and concepts easy to understand by giving concrete examples. Want to be come the person God would have you to be? Read this book! "
— Janice, 2/7/2014" I just can't seem to connect with Ortberg. I'm reading this with a group and find that the book does not lend itself to deep conversations. I'm Skimming the remaining chapters before group each week, and then will donate the book. This keeps happening with me and Ortberg, so I should have known better. There is just something about the way he handles his subject matter that bugs me. "
— Melissa, 1/22/2014" A very inspiring book, which is definitely worth a second read in order to truly benefit the authors wisdom! This is the first time I have read John O's books so was really impressed with his style of writing. Would definitely recommend this & him to family and friends! "
— Shiala, 1/17/2014" Although I am not a fan of the "Osteen - ish" title this is a tremendous survey of what it means to live "life to the full" - John 10:10. Ortberg covers a lot of ground in showing us what true human flourishing looks like. "
— Jason, 1/12/2014" This started out a lot stronger than it finished, which is always a disappointment for me. The first half (give or take) was steeped in philosophy and filled with echoes of C.S. Lewis. As it progresses, though, the book becomes more of a checklist on how to be a Christian. The sections become shorter and Ortberg loses the excellent flow he showed early on. He makes good, thought-provoking points throughout, but the drop off in writing made it hard for me to finish. "
— CB, 1/4/2014" Brilliant! A fun and deeply thought-provoking invitation to a deeper spiritual life. Dispels stale notions and invigorates the reader with a broader understanding of the Life With God. An engaging, readable and more accessible version of my D.Min. thesis! "
— Nancy, 12/27/2013" I love John Ortberg. Could definitely read this again. "
— Susan, 12/7/2013" Appreciated his openness about his struggles. Ortberg always has a good balance of depth & the practical. Highly recommend this book as a small group resource as well as a personal read. "
— Bobby, 11/15/2013" I'm always blessed when I read John Ortberg, and in this book he's even better than usual. With a strong emphasis on grace's ongoing work in the life of the believer, Ortberg writes compellingly of the freedom that comes with seeking God to bring transformation in our lives. Highly recommended! "
— Tim, 11/7/2013" Fantastic book on how to become the unique you God intended, and not feel guilty about not being like others! We are all unique so we can all come to God differently. Loved it! So excited John Ortberg will be at Leadership Summit this year! "
— Jennifer, 11/6/2013" Excellent, excellent book with practical ideas for being all God wants me to b "
— Karen, 11/4/2013" Practical, helpful and encouraging. I am sure that I will be going back to this book several times. "
— John, 10/30/2013" Takes some of the mystery out of spiritual growth. Life is not about what you do, but about who you become. "
— Cindy, 10/24/2013" I like his style -- reference he has the gift of pouting and exercises it ... I fear I do too :(! "
— Amy, 10/13/2013" Ortberg has a lot of great ideas about how to live the Christian life and I find his perspective refreshing. I have set this book down for now but I pick it up occasionally for inspiration. "
— Anastasia, 7/31/2013" One of my favorite Books of 2010 "
— Dave, 6/22/2013" Ortberg is challenging his readers to figure out what makes them tick and to use those traits to serve God more fully. Coincidentally, the sermon at church today mirrored a lot of his thoughts; and you know what they say about coincidences. "
— Angie, 5/29/2013" I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Ortberg has the gift of presenting profound spiritual concepts in accessible terms. His book is a description of life lived in the Spirit. "
— Claudia, 3/31/2013" 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. "
— Jim, 3/14/2013" This is a great book about learning who God wants you to be and what kind of life He wants you to live for Him! "
— Angela, 3/13/2013" Very thought provoking and good look at myself and who I think God wants me to be. NOW act on it... "
— Tiffanie, 11/12/2012" Very good read. For the most part I really enjoyed this book. Parts of it were a little basic but it is a very good read. "
— Jamie, 10/14/2012" I like other self assessments like Myers-Briggs or StrengthsFinder better for discovering how you're wired. "
— John, 8/28/2012" Join bestselling author and pastor John Ortberg as he guides you through the sometimes difficult but ultimately fulfillin journey toward a uniquely created spirituality. "
— Graham, 7/1/2012" This is a fine book, written with humor and maybe a little too many "cutsy" things, but it has a lot of depth and meat, too. "
— Leroy, 2/2/2012" good spiritual development read. Ortberg has a lot of good stuff out there. Not too heavy but still challenging. "
— Jolee, 1/1/2012" Did as a study for my life group. It was great, lots of funny things on top of learning. Great book. "
— Marya, 11/2/2011" 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! "
— Ginger, 9/12/2011" best read of 2011.... "
— Carla, 8/23/2011" Good thoughtful read .Good way to check your spiritual health constructively "
— Gill, 5/1/2011" 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! "
— Ginger, 5/1/2011" 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. "
— Nicole, 2/22/2011" Best lesson from this book: Do you know if you are growing spiritual in life? Ask yourself, are you growing more and more irritated? "
— Ryan, 2/10/2011" One of the best books I've EVER read !!! Came at just the right time in my life !! Thanks, Ladies!! "
— Beth, 1/7/2011" One of my favorite Books of 2010 "
— Dave, 1/5/2011" Appreciated his openness about his struggles. Ortberg always has a good balance of depth & the practical. Highly recommend this book as a small group resource as well as a personal read. "
— Bobby, 12/28/2010" Interesting and inspiring. I like his sense of humor woven through-out the text. "
— Paul, 12/23/2010" 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! "
— Katie, 11/12/2010" I really love this Christian author. There is something very comforting in the way he shares his faults. "
— Jennifer, 11/11/2010" I like his style -- reference he has the gift of pouting and exercises it ... I fear I do too :(! "
— Amy, 10/28/2010" There's some good stuff in here! It's one I will read several times. "
— Kristi, 9/23/2010" My Life Group read this book together and had some great discussions about it. I recommend it highly.<br/> "
— Bonnie, 9/21/2010John Ortberg is a popular speaker and widely respected teaching pastor. Formerly at Willow Creek Community Church in South Barrington, Illinois, he is now senior pastor of Menlo Park Presbyterian Church in California. He creatively brings scripture to life through his use of practical application and humor. He’s the author of numerous books including The Life You’ve Always Wanted, Love beyond Reason, and If You Want to Walk on Water, You’ve Got to Get out of the Boat.