I received an advanced copy of the book Primal by Mark Batterson in exchange for my review here on my blog. So here goes!
I am trying to contain myself as I write this review. I know that no one book is a "cure-all" for the reader, but I absolutely loved this book. I recommend it highly and will be giving it away to people as I get the chance.
The premise of the book is based on Mark 12:30, "Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength."
Batterson takes the 4 aspects of the verse, "heart, soul, mind, and strength," and creates opportunities for the reader to do serious soul searching. There are pages in the book where I circled whole sections and simply wrote "Holy Crap" next to it! I didn't know what else to say...
My biggest "Holy Crap" moment came toward the end of the book. Mark does a great job throughout the book spurring you on to dream big dreams, connect with God, and allow His power be the force that drives the dreams we all have. So I am all into the dreaming thing. I even have a few dreams I have had for a while that are getting fresh coats of paint as I am reading through the book...but then page 165 happens...here is what it says:
"Let me ask you a question. It might be the question. Which do you love more: your dream or God? Do you love God for what He can do for you? Or do you love Him for who He is? In its purest, most primal form, Loving God with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength is loving God for God. Nothing more. Nothing less. Nothing else."
Don't know why I didn't see that coming, but it slapped me in the face....If you are looking for a great book to start of 2010 with, I recommend this one highly. It will inspire you to dream big, but more importantly, it will encourage you to maintain perspective. That is well worth the price of the book!
