I started reading The Purpose Driven Life at the request of a friend who was going through a difficult time in her life. The book is designed to teach the reader about God's purpose for his/her life and how to live in such a way as to fulfill that purpose. It contains 40 short chapters (4-5 pages each) and suggests reading 1 chapter a day for 40 days (a symbolic number in the bible...40 days of rain, 40 days in the desert, etc.) The book recommends reading it with a friend so that you can stay accountable to the reading, discuss each chapter with that person, and better absorb the message.
The book is designed for Christians at any point in their faith. It does not matter if you are new to Christianity or have been following God for 60 years, it has something to teach you or reinforce in you wherever you are in your walk. Pastor Rick Warren does a good job of defining God's purpose for our lives as found in the scriptures. He writes in a very accessible way and because you only read 1 short chapter a day, you have time to let each message sink in. While at times some of the messages seem basic, it is through mastering the basics that we can grow and evolve into more authentic, committed Christians.
In addition to writing about God's purpose for us, Pastor Warren provides practical ways to fulfill our role. Each chapter concludes with a "Point to Ponder" (the message of the chapter), a "Verse to Memorize" (to reinforce God's purpose for us) and a "Question to Ask" (so that we can apply the message to our own life). All in all, it is a very practical and useful book that, whether you read with a friend or on your own, will provide daily encouragement that will enrich your life. It is the type of book that you'll be able to pick up many times in your life to help guide you in your Christian walk.
I understand that this book has taken America by storm, but I would give a strong word of caution to any who are considering reading it. There is some useful stuff in there, but Scripture is tossed around rather loosely, and ends up being taken out of context on numerous occasions.
I would strongly encourage anyone who is, has, or is planning to read this book to do a search for "purpose driven life critism". You will undoubtedly find links such as http://www.biblebb.com/files/purpose.htm and http://www.biblebb.com/files/pdl.htm which aren't unfair, but honest. They report honestly and give good, solid examples of why the book isn't on their top must-read lists.
I truly believe Rick Warren's heart is in the right place, but being a Christian isn't about being happy with your life; it's about being satisfied in God. Too many evangelists try to sell Christianity on "do this and you'll be better, happier, etc." That is NOT what the bible teaches; rather, it teaches that you can be content in every situation when you have the strength of faith to know that He will protect your eternal soul, regardless of what happens to you on this earth. Ask any Christian martyr if being happy is what following God is about!
Think twice before you buy, and PLEASE read with both eyes open: there's lots of smoke out there! Seek, rather, a "Spirit-lead life" and you will find TRUE happiness--in God!
This is a great book that is very meaningful for your everyday walk with our Lord. It explains many different realtionships with God and how to become closer in your relationship with him. It shows the loving powers that he has for us and what we should have for him. I encourage any one to read this book no matter where your at in your walk.
Great book!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Out of the five books that I bought received four.All are in good condition.The books price is cheap and the shipment was effective.Am happy with result except for the one book I missed.Hope e-bay will send the one I missed.
This book truly is life changing. You read one chapter a day for 40 days and the chapters are very interesting and help you to think deeply about your life and how to change it for the better. After I bought this book my friends and family bought it as well and it has been life changing for them too.
I have time to do many things and read this book for the purpose of god too.It is a happy christian book for thought of his trinity more than jumping to space which a new boss whom would ask us in first initiation"who are you?",so the trinity is the clue inside the book.The head of each chapter will reminding speeches of famous men such as "Unless you assume God,the question of life's purpose is meaningless"by Bertrand Russell,atheist.A poem which present about the beautiful eternal cosmic of god's purpose is our beloved earth above us that actually reached there by poetry's graceful language more than physical langauge that still meaning in the same purpose and nonseamless of god purpose such as "God doesn't play dice"by Albert Einstein. Actually,although i didn't finish this book in one day of god time,i am happy with poetry in eternal aspect to reaching and even trinity of the christ prophesy that never was interpreted directly to other religious in my previous books to remind.I wish it to be the same as route of a life for god's purpose as a good civilian or citizen.How I can give rating this book "Excellent"without god?
I like rick warren book because its easy to read. it makes you think about the decisions you make on a daily basis. i was surprised at how his questons make you think and dig deep into yourself. it makes you tell the truth about yourself.each time you read one of his books and answer the questions ,your answer will be different , because your at a different place in your life. I had ordered what on earth am i here for? i was going to give it to my aunt but they were out of it so i got the journal instead. so i look forward to using it. i had already purchased one on ebay to let someone read it. i also have his cd to the book. it's a perfect book to have to help you with your spiritual journey. i'm also trying to get my church members to read it. we are working on the date.
This book is an easy read. Even if one does not agree with everything Rick Warren writes, his underlying message of getting closer to God and obeying his laws will inspire you to learn more about the Bible. If this book brings at least one person back to his church and practice living faithfully, it is worth it. This book has done that for me. I have been inspired to join faith sharing groups as well as discussing this book with my friends. It has been a good thing for all of us. When two or more gather in his name ... can only lead to good. God Bless.
This book is a must have. This is all the great things I have heard over the years combined into one book. Great job Rick Warren!!! Your day and God are very proud to put out such a piece! Don't even think about buying this, just buy it and read or listen to it regularly.
The chapters are short and easily read in a short time. I had had 2 copies previously and gave them out to interested friends. Now I have my own copy back and am enjoying the time spent reading.
I've sent 2 inquries cuz my ordrer was supposed to arrive on 4/25 and still hasn't and i have not received a status from seller. am very disappoined with this transaction. I WANT A FULL REFUND!!
Easy read, the book takes you through forty chapters. It is designed to be read one day at a time, so you can think about what you read and let it sink in before you go on to the next. This is explained in reference to so many things in the Bible was done or took fourty days. Interesting!
The book has 40 short chapters that utilize the scriptures to explain why we are here, why were we born, and what is our purpose on earth. It also talks about the reason for the church and why its good to fellowship with others. This book changed my life. Read it. you will like it.
Please don't waste your money! I am a born-again Christian and have read this book. This book is full of misquoted scripture and does not clearly present the gospel of Jesus Christ. There is no mention of the Law (10 Commandments which is a mirror to show us how sinful we are Romans 3:23, that we are not good people Mark 10:18), sin, hell, righteousness, grace, repentance, and the list goes on. If you really want to know what your 'purpose' is in life, read your Bible. That is all you need.
Excellent book written by Rick Warren of Saddleback Church. A real lifter of spiritual guidance. Highly recommend for someone who has lost a loved one or is suffering from other disastrous issues in life.
Each day the daily lesson is very inspiring. You have something to thin about as you go through your day. I love this book and have encoouraged my young adult daughter to read it. It helps you get focused on God and your purpose.
I bought this book because one of my friends recommended that I should read it. He said, "It will make you think about the purpose of life." This book helped me a lot, because it helped me realize many things which I didn't notice before, or didn't pay much attention to. By reading this book I realized that I had accomplished many things in life, but so many of them only brought me temporary joy and happiness. So many things which I tried to achieve now seemed worthless because I now knew that I won't live on earth forever, and enjoy everything which I had tried to achieve. It helped me understand that there is nothing more joyful than getting to know the Creator (God) and having a personal relationship with him. This book brought a significant change in my life, which not only I noticed but people around me. I now knew that there is no point of living if God isn't in my personal life. Nothing will make me happy without God because he made me to have a personal relationship with him through the Calvary where the blood of Jesus was shed for my trespassings. Overall, I would reccomend this book to every person who is looking for the purpose of life and wants to find joy that will not bring temporary happiness, but will last forever in a close relationship to God.
I love this book! It will give you a whole new insight about life and why/how we are here. It all makes sense too! It's a book that you can read, your children should read and just one that you can pass around to all.
For years I struggled with why I was unhappy at church. I couldn't put my finger on the problem and often felt I was simply being overly critical. I felt a strong desires to stop attending but a great deal of guilt about those feelings. I came across a copy of this book and it was the light at the end of the tunnel. Never in almost forty years had I heard such things at church. I now knew what I had missing all these years and was able to make the transition to a new church knowing exactly what I was looking for. I am now no longer bound to a go no where church and am totally free from the feelings of guilt.
This very simple book is packed with the truth that "Real Christians" thrive on. There is no condemnation, for anyone! It is about a God of love, who loves you and desires that you love others. It takes you through 40 basic steps of that process. Simple enough to understand the first time profound enough to re-read for a lifetime. We can never love too much! We can never be reassured of being loved enough.
It doesn't matter if you are not a Christian! This book seriously packs all the information and viewpoints about life that will get you seriously thinking about your true purpose in life. Go through this amazing 40 day journey and apply all the things learnt! Its truly life-changing!!!