Craig Groeschel - Altar Ego [Book Review]

 'Altar Ego' by Craig Groeschel, Senior Pastor at Lifechurch.tv Oklahoma wins book of the year so far for me. Last year one book that I read that rocked my world was Pete Wilson (Senior Pastor at Crosspointe Church Nashville)'s 'Empty Promises' while that delved into how we can continually remind ourselves of the real truth about the world and ourselves through the practice of various disciplines, Craig Groeschel's Altar Ego is a very practical book that deals with the issue of identity in Christ and how to live it out on a daily basis.

For anything in the world don't miss the chapters Bold Behaviour, Bold Prayers and Bold Words ( Chapters 9,10 and 11 respectively) even if you have to stand at the shelf in a bookstore and read them. One great thing about the book is how Craig shares vulnerably of the everyday ways he experiences God's power in his life and even the shortcomings he's looking to God to change. You will definitely relate. In Altar Ego, Craig beckons us to acknowledge our labels even if we don't deserve whatever we are called as individuals, not pretend like it does not exist and trust God to manifest in us the new name He's already given us.

Apart from a number of failed attempts at humor that might cause you to roll your eyes every once in a while and a hunger for more when this 'short' book ends, 'Altar Ego' might just be the most life changing book you would come across this year. Yes, it's that good.

Pete Wilson - Empty Promises [Book Review]

I don’t think I have made markings and highlighted as much in any book recently as I did with Pete Wilson (Pastor at Cross point church Nashville)’s new book ‘Empty Promises’. At the beginning I was first shocked at him laying all his cards on the table and just putting it out there what the book was all about [which he also admitted in the opening pages of the book]. I was ready to admit this book was either a sham or was going to break new revelation grounds I had never witnessed. The later was true and I'm deeply thankful for Pete’s honesty with this book. 

I think the beauty of a book is when it serves it intended purpose. I see books as conversations,  an opportunity to communicate or converse something on your heart in its entirety with someone you might never meet or might never have all the time to do that with. And can I say without sounding too goody that Pastor Pete does just that in ‘Empty Promises’ with so much honesty and hope. He doesn’t have all the answers, so he gives us the answers God has been showing him.

Empty Promises is a book about us, about how we try to fill the God shaped hole in us with a lot of things that don’t fit just too well.  It’s about looking for the things only God can give in other places. It’s about how the good things such as Beauty, Achievement, Love, Power and Money can be our sabotage to the best things in life.  And what I love most about it is how it stands out from other books that might have picked up this topic in the past in that, it’s no guilt trip, its grace trip . . . all the way.

This book is packed with so much insights that would help you see things in a whole new light after you finish. I must say this book moved and impacted me in very deep ways, helping me see a whole new level in my walk with God, and knowing the essence of my relationship with Him and making necessary changes in moving from a task towards the communion it is designed to be . 'Empty Promises' is practically honest and relevant. And I must say, it is a must read and I for one have placed this on my ‘re-read’ shelf. 

Book Synopsis

 We all long for more of something in our lives. In our endless pursuit to feel worth and acceptance we find ourselves sacrificing everything for the promise to be a little more beautiful, a little richer, a little more powerful and successful, a little more loved.
How do we break free from these empty pursuits and start chasing the only Promise that will ever satisfy? How do we uncover the hidden idols that are driving us and turn our devotion toward the one true God?
Join Pastor and best-selling author Pete Wilson in discovering the joy and freedom that comes with seeking after God with your whole life. Learn how to replace, and not just relinquish, life's empty promises by turning your focus and worship toward Him. It is the only thing that will set you absolutely free from the endless pursuit of everything else.