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 book on seeking God's will for your life-not some self-help book that has you focus on yourself and your own powers. It is divided into 40 chapters-one to be read each day until you finish the book.
I believe every God placed every human being on this earth for a reason. And it's not to be happy or make money-even though He'd like us to be happy. In fact I need to become less self-centered and more God-centered. I need to seek out God's will for myself.
At the end of each chapter, there's a section called "Thinking About My Purpose". In it there's a "Point to Ponder", which is something to ponder on. The second part is a "Point to Ponder", which is something to ponder on the day you read the chapter. The third and final part is a "Question to Consider" which helps you think about what you read in the chapter and apply it to your life.
He also has "Discussion Questions" in Appendix I and encourages us to find friends to read and study the book with us for 40 days.
I do like the format of the book and the journal-which also contains the "Point to Ponder" and the "Question to Consider" as well as some other good material for the chapter. It also has space to write down the lessons you learned. Although I plan on reading it alone the first time so I can get started right away, I plan on talking to some Christian friends and neighbors about studying it with me in the future.
Since Rick Warren did suggest writing notes in the margin, I'd like to see him publish an edition with wide margins for this purpose.
I bought this book because so many people were talking about how inspirational it is. I was expecting to pick it up and be completely open to whatever the author may suggest.
The book had some good basic guidelines that were helpful and inspirational. Other than that, I have to admit it was not nearly as motivating as it has been praised to be.
This book has 40 chapters and Rick Warren intends for the reader to read one chapter a day. Even though that in itself is a brilliant idea, it's the daily lesson that had me cringing.
It almost seems as if Mr. Warren feels he has the right to speak on God's behalf. The whole book seemed very arrogant and "knowing" for a human. The way he tried to explain the purpose of life made me feel very uncomfortable following his advice. It wasn't as if he was trying to convey an idea or philosophy. He wasn't just talking from experience. He was writting as if everything was fact. It just had a very pompus feel to it that disturbed me and frankly, I wouldn't feel right recommending this book to anyone. A lot of my friends felt the same way when they read it and we are all Christians.
Aside from some of the basic ideas that can be incorporated into your life, this book was an overall disappointment.
I like this book because it has been able to tell me a few things already that I didn't know or realize. I find that hard to even hear at church! This book has great info and thought movement that most people don't think about. I guess some do though if they are at the crossroads I'm at. I bought this book, because I know the answers to the questions asked so far without giving it thought. I knew ahead of time that I needed this book and journal in order to hopefully find a guide to help me open a door to God that will help me figure out my destiny and the purpose God put me here for. Everything I have been doing has seemed to be just failures, and I have come to decide that it's because the things I wanted or was trying to achieve were not the things that God had planned for me to do. We all think of suicide from time to time and it's because we are lacking the purpose God made us for. So, this book is something that all children should read when they reach 13 - 14 years old. It will help them to have direction and teach them how to find it. Who they are and why their life is so special even though they are in a world of many. It will give them faith and a sense of hope for the future and may even guide them through it.
I hope this helps as a description and a push for sales in this book, because everyone in this world should read a copy of this book. God Bless the World!
One of the worst popular Christian books on the market. Pulls scripture verses totally out of context and makes them say whatever he pleases even the exact opposite meaning. He also will use obscure paraphrase versions which totally change the real meaning. Warren also does not have a good grasp of Covenant and makes errors by mixing Old and New Covenant parties terms and promises. He waters down the gospel to a mental accent faith only reception of Christ, rejects free will and boils the Christian experience down to one thing, prayer and praise.
This book is not fit for the development of any Christian. So many more better books out there.
It is an excellent book that is progessive. It ask questions that challenges the reader to look inside and make decisions. I buy it to share with a women's study group at a shelter. They love the book!
I bought this book because it was recommended to me. My 23 year old son was killed in a car accident two and a half years ago. I will always have a hard time with it. A parent should never bury a child. It is a hurt that is so painful and goes so deep, it is indescribable. I totally haven't come to terms with my son being gone and, perhaps, I never will. However, this book has shown me that after this life there is something better and more wonderful we go on to. The book has also helped me to understand the 'why' of us being here, our purpose while here, and what awaits us. I have also received comfort in knowing that my son, not a church goer, was still welcomed into Heaven. I went through a hard time with that and, also, he never received 'The Last Rites'. I grew up very Catholic and felt Peter needed that to gain acceptance by God. I also worried about Purgatory, something once adamantly taught in Catholic religion classes and by the Catholic Church in general. I have learned differently and there is a measure of comfort in that. Only another parent who has lost a child can understand what I mean by this.
The author states it takes 40 days to read the book. He has a purpose for this. He wants one to reflect on what one chapter per day has to say. He writes different things for one to ponder. For example, he may write to read a particular bible verse over and over. The author also suggests to go back and think what one can change and what one cannot. An incident or aspect of one's life that cannot be changed, needs to be let go. I will admit I had a hard time NOT continuing onto the next chapter but I stuck to what the author suggested.
I highly recommend this book. It is helping me to slowly move forward. It is still a hard go and I plan on reading this book a few times.
I actually started this book with a study group. I also have the journal, and I include a study bible for further research (as recommended by the author). It binds the Why am I here? with the Why did God put me here?
Its not based on any specific church - which is good. It is based on Faith and the Bible. Ergo, all may learn from this book - even if not currently attending church (but it will lead you there - and there is no prediliction for you to pick a specific type - that is part of God's purpose too!)
I strongly recommend it, as spiritualism is missing in many of our lives. Its the part that calms us, and helps us to live each day for that day. I keep the book, and start over again - finding something new.
Thsi book is a must read if you're wanting to take your relationship with God to the next level! It's a day by day reading that keeps you focused and gives you direction about why you're hear on earth. I read it over and over again and I get something new each time. A definite reccomendation! :}
MY PASTOR LOANED MY HUSBAND THIS BOOK AND THEN I STARTED USING IT. IT IS A DAILY STUDY/DEVOTIONAL AND I DECIDED I WANTED MY OWN COPY. I LIKE IT BECAUSE IT IS EASY TO READ, UNDERSTAND AND MOST IMPORTANT IT IS INSPIRATIONAL. IF YOU DOUBT THAT YOUR LIFE HAS MEANING I WOULD STRONGLY RECOMMEND THIS BOOK.
Ever wonder what your purpose in life is? Oprah nor her special guest know...Its not something within you. It is God. Knowing him and his purpose will have you feeling fullfilled and your heart content. This is a great book on just that. Finding Gods love and HIS purpose for you. You won't regret this read.
Excellent service. The book had a very good quality and it didn't get a long time in order for me to receive it. I am sure I will buy from him/her again whenever I need it.....
I bought this book as a gift after having read it for myself. It speaks the truth and offers a new understanding and meaning to life. Once you read this book, you will never ask the question "what is the meaning of life?".
I heard of the book from a friend and looked it up immediately. This seller was easy to work with and the fast delivery of the book was just what i needed
I had read The Purpose Driven Life by Rick warren but I wanted to share a new copy with my brother who just graduated from college. It is a great book to stay focused.
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.