“Who Do You Think You Are? Finding Your True Identity in Christ” by ‘By Mark Driscoll’ -- Book Review

In his book ‘Who do you think you are?’ Pastor Mark Driscoll attempts to expound who we are in Christ. As the title suggests, he aids the readers to discover their true identity in Christ. Pastor Mark has bought out a convincing treatise on the issue of our identity. But, I would say that the style of writing could have been better. Pastor Mark takes a mode of delivering a sermon. Except this minor glitch, he has done a stupendous work.

Throughout the sixteen chapters in the book, Pastor Mark tells how we are blessed, appreciated, saved, reconciled, afflicted, heard, gifted, forgiven, adopted, loved, rewarded and victorious in Christ. He takes us through the entire book of Ephesians to explain each and every blessing in Christ. Added to that, he uses real life examples in every chapter to touch the hearts of the readers.

Some of my favorite one-liners from the book:

‘What you do doesn’t determine who you are. Rather, who you are in Christ determines what you do.’

‘In the eyes of God, our choices, values, expenditures, words, actions, and thoughts are all acts of worship. They make up our identity.’

‘God knows that what you do flows from who you are. As Christians, we live from our identity, not for our identity. We are defined by who we are in Christ, not what we do or fail to do for Christ.’

‘We are not what we do. We do what we are. Our identity determines our activity….Our identity as new creations in Christ is the key to our victory like Christ.’

I would give this one three out of five stars.

Please note that I received this book from Thomas Nelson through their book review program in exchange for an honest review. Also be informed that the opinions I have expressed are my own. I was not required to write a positive review.

The most important single ingredient!

“The most important single ingredient in the formula of success

is knowing how to get along with people.”

-- By ‘Theodore Roosevelt’, the 26th President of the United States during 1901–1909

The choices we have ...

"There are two primary choices in life:

to accept conditions as they exist,

or

accept the responsibility for changing them."

-- By ‘Denis E. Waitley’, American motivational speaker and writer

Anyone who would wishes to live their life to the fullest !!!

‘Fully Alive’ is from the comedian Ken Davis. But, this book is not to be taken as a time pass material. It contains great insights and practical tips on how to change things for better in our life. Though there are several books in this genre already, this book is unique in the way Ken offers his advice. I found much of the suggestions implementable in my real life.

‘Fully Alive’ was a great read for me to finish this year. It had given me the necessary boost to introspect and reflect upon myself. It would inspire the audience to get fit in all walks of life. Any reader would be kindled to challenge himself / herself as they read through the chapters. The book will encourage the readers to get out of their comfort zones.

One sample quote from the book which struck the chord with me:

“If you look carefully, you will find people all around you who show few signs of life. They haven’t flatlined yet, but they stopped singing long ago. Rarely do their hearts race in excitement over the possibilities held by a new day. They lurch through the darkness like zombies, clinging to memories of what life used to be. But deep inside they long to live again.”

And, in return, Ken himself provides the solution to this:

“In this upside-down world you have only two options. You can choose to stand helplessly, waiting for somebody else to take care of you, or you can analyze the situation and do something yourself.”

I would recommend anyone longing to live fully to pick up a copy and read it. I am confident you will not regret doing so. I would give this one five out of five stars.

Please note that I received this book from Thomas Nelson through their book review program in exchange for an honest review. Also be informed that the opinions I have expressed are my own. I was not required to write a positive review.

In spite of everything..........

“In spite of everything I shall rise again: I will take up my pencil, which I have forsaken in my great discouragement, and I will go on with my drawing.”

-- By ‘Vincent Van Gogh’ Nineteenth Century Dutch Painter

A very real danger in taking the position of leadership

"When one takes a position of leadership, there is a very real danger of getting caught up in the hype surrounding that status. Oftentimes, the more power and prestige a person achieves, the more arrogant a person can become. … This is how dangerous the feeling of power and adulation can be. … Surround yourselves with people who will be honest with you about how you really are and what you are becoming, and then make them promise to not hold back, no matter how much you may try to prevent them, from telling you the truth."

~ as ‘US Senator John Ensign’ (who resigned after covering up an extramarital affair with monetary payoffs) told his fellow senators in a farewell speech in May 2011

Mountaineering and Leadership

“Mountaineering is more of culture than a sport. It breeds hope, lets you see life in a positive perspective. Mountaineering is not just about mountains, you see. It is about grooming people to react like a leader when unexpected things happen. It is about interpreting different facets of life.”

-- by ‘Mark Inglison’, the first double amputee to scale the Everest on May 15, 2006

Are you curious?

"Curiosity is one of the permanent and certain characteristics of a vigorous mind."

-- by Samuel Johnson, 18th century English poet

”Running for my life” by ‘Lopez Lomong’ – Book Review

”Running for my life” by ‘Lopez Lomong’ is full of thrills and twists worthy of being made into a movie. Lopez touches the hearts of readers. The numerous miracles in his life makes the story compelling and mesmerizing. The experiences Lopez encounters from Sudan to America are unimaginable.

Lopez’s story reminds us how blessed and privileged we are in the better parts of the world. The comparison between the life in Africa and the life in America helps the readers to develop a positive perspective and heart of gratitude. Once I started reading the book, it was quick read for me and I completed the book in two sittings. There was never a dull moment where I felt dragging.

There is God element in the book at various junctions of Lopez’s life. The supernatural element in author’s life is not exaggerated during narration. As we read this book, our heart goes not only for Lopez, but also for hundreds and thousands of lost boys of Sudan.

I am happy that I came across this book and picked it read. Now, I am able to flex my gratitude muscle and count the innumerable and taken-for-granted blessings in my life. Very interesting read. I give this one five out of five stars.

Lopez Lomong is a professional athlete now. He is also running a foundation to meet the needs of the people in South Sudan.

Please note that I received a digital copy of this book from Thomas Nelson through its Book Sneeze program in exchange for an honest review. Also be informed that the opinions I have expressed are my own. I was not required to write a positive review