If You Want to Walk on Water, You'Ve Got to Get Out of the Boat

Rating:
Summary: I Dare You
Review: I dare anyone to read the first chapter of this book and put it down! This is the first time I have ever read, re-read, and then re-read for a third time, the first chapter of a book before moving on to the second chapter! I am privledged to sit under John Ortber's teaching every week as a member of Willow Creek Community Church. His insights have challenged nearly every aspect of my walk with Christ. This book once again has challenged me to take risks for the sake of the gospel, or face the alternative: never knowing what God could have done through me. No one asked me to write this review -- I submit this because I wholeheatedly believe that anyone who wants to deepen their roots with Christ and further explore what He may have in store for our lives ought to read this book!

Rating:
Summary: Ortberg is not an Audio person.
Review: I didn't know anything about John Ortberg, but I bought this because I wanted to listen inspirational messages while I was driving. However, I was very disappointed about this audio tape and its contents. The problem is that he doesn't seem to possess basic skills in reading books. He reads too fast and his pronunciation is sometimes not very clear. In addition to that, his voice is not suitable to this kind of recording. His lack of reading skills didn't help conveying his messages. And the content itself was not what I expected and not very inspirational and just repete of what others already said million times. I don't care what he does on the pulpit, but I recommend him not to do any more recording.

Rating:
Summary: I don't swim well
Review: I don't swim well but this book made me ready to get out of the boat! Creative, humorous and real. A must read for any Christian who feels a bit stuck in their routine. I'm looking forward to reading more of John's books soon!

Rating:
Summary: An encouraging book
Review: I found this to be a very encouraging book, full of truths and backed up with Scripture. John Ortburg's writing style is very easy to read, and he allows his readers to identify with him by admitting his own vulnerabilities and adding refreshing touches of humour.
If you've ever resisted an opportunity to live out your Christian life for any reason, this book will encourage you to "get out of the boat". It is challenging, yet practical and achievable.
It's a valuable tool within a church setting to encourage people who are considering service in any capacity, but are worried about taking that first step.
I recommend this for personal reading as well as for small-group study.

Rating:
Summary: An encouraging book
Review: I found this to be a very encouraging book, full of truths and backed up with Scripture. John Ortburg's writing style is very easy to read, and he allows his readers to identify with him by admitting his own vulnerabilities and adding refreshing touches of humour.
If you've ever resisted an opportunity to live out your Christian life for any reason, this book will encourage you to "get out of the boat". It is challenging, yet practical and achievable.
It's a valuable tool within a church setting to encourage people who are considering service in any capacity, but are worried about taking that first step.
I recommend this for personal reading as well as for small-group study.

Rating:
Summary: Got me out of my spiritual slump
Review: I loved this book because it boosted me up to a new spiritual level. I was ready for spiritual meat and whenever you get to that point it means you need to be ready to start ministering to others in a real way. Problem was I was too shy and scared to get involved in any of the ministries at my church. I was so focused on what other people might think of me that I was frozen where I was. This book really helped shake me loose and get me active in ministering to others. I'm not so concerned with how I look in the eyes of others any more--I'm concerned with keeping my eyes on Jesus as I do the work He's calling me to do. This book will serve as milk for some and meat for others, but regardless of where you are spiritually, what it will really be in your life is a big multivitamin to give you a boost to the next level--it will challenge you to DO Christianity instead of just talk about it. The text does run a bit long and the chapters could have been broken down in smaller bites, but wading through all of it is worthwhile.

Rating:
Summary: Go ahead, get your feet wet!
Review: I may be an avid reader, but I'm highly critical of what I read, especially when the author invites me to "consider the incredible potential that awaits me." On the other hand, if someone has committed his deepest thoughts to paper, and his devotion is focused on the God who created us and wants the best for us, I am willing to accept what he has to say.
What a wonderful experience! The words were enjoyable to read, challenging for my intellect, and a true blessing in my life.
Three months later, I can vouch for the sincerity of Ortberg's promise, and challenge YOU to get your feet wet, too!
...then go and read everything else that Ortberg's written....

Rating:
Summary: Disappointed
Review: I read "Everyone's Normal..." and thought it was excellent. Approached "If You Want To..." looking forward to further inspiration. Found the biblical illustrations shallow. I feel he should have stuck more to meditating on the Walking on Water passage, rather than trying to incorporate Joseph/etc other analogies.

I also take exception to his brief but potent suggestion of "what if when you died you watched a video with God to see where your life would have gone if you'd trusted him". This could be a very depressing concept for somebody who has been wrestling with life challenges prior to (or during) reading the book. It also runs roughshod over the fact that the Lord will work with what you have (or don't have) or what you've done (or not done) whenever you give it over to Him.

I'm planning to read "The Life You've Always..." also by Ortberg and from leafing through it just now I think it will definitely have more of the practical application and positive action approach that I'm looking for.

Rating:
Summary: Excellent Book
Review: I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. It combines secular as well as biblical principles regarding success. It was one of the few books that helped me to step back and make some life changes.

I am not a biblical scholar so I have no idea if it is correct interpretation, but I enjoyed the author's biblical commentary.

It is an easy, informative and fun read.

Rating:
Summary: Uplifting Book !
Review: I took this book on vacation and it was great. I smiled all the way thru the book. I could see myself in this book and feel more confident because of it. I would greatly recommend it.