I Really Want to Change... So, Help Me God

by James MacDonald

Are you truly serious about allowing the power of God to transform your life? If you are, then prepare yourself for an incredible, life-changing experience. Change is difficult, but it's made even harder without practical guidance on how to do it. You will find that guidance in Lord, Change Me . James MacDonald is serious about the business of change according to God's Word. While many tell us that we should change and be more like Christ, MacDonald actually teaches us how to do it.  Lord, Change Me is split into three sections as the model for approaching change:
This is a book about a different you. There are no warm fuzzies within these pages. Rather, MacDonald is a direct, to-the-point pastor with a heart for seeing lives completely transformed by the truth of the Gospel. If you're serious about changing your life, this book is just what you need.

Genres: Christian, Christian Living, Nonfiction, Religion, Faith, Spirituality, Theology

218 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2000

About the author

James MacDonald (D. Min. Phoenix Seminary) is married to his high school sweetheart, Kathy, and both are from Ontario, Canada. He is the father of three grown children, a daughter-in-law, a son-in-law, and grandfather to four amazing grandsons. James’ ministry focuses on the unapologetic proclamation of God’s Word. In 1988, along with a small group of ministry partners, James and Kathy planted Harvest Bible Chapel which has grown to 13,000 people each weekend, meeting in six locations.

In 1997, a Bible-teaching broadcast ministry called Walk in the Word was established, now reaching more than three million people weekly. In 2002, a church planting ministry called Harvest Bible Fellowship was born and has established more than 70 churches across North America and around the world. James’ vision is that God will use him to help plant 1,000 churches in his lifetime.

James’ extensive ministry also includes a training center for pastors, a year-round camp, a biblical counseling center, a disaster recovery organization, and a Christian school—all used to reach more people with the life-changing message of the Gospel.

Now impacting millions of lives annually, God’s favor upon these ministries has been described by James as “abundantly baffling.” The MacDonalds’ view their ministry as proof that God still uses broken vessels to pour out His grace.

Reviews

[Shannon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Have you tried to live the Christian life, and failed? Are there things in your life that don't match up to God's Word, that you've tried to change, and you just don't know how? Do you want God's Word to be living and powerful to change your life? That's where I was when my pastor handed this book to me. I was so desperate for victory that I was almost too afraid of failure to begin the book. But I was desperate to be free of the burden that I was living with. That burden was sin because though I believed God's saving grace, I needed His sanctifying power. I had tried taking steps in my own resolve. I had tried asking Him for help, but always some key ingredient seemed to be missing. This book took me through the faulty methods to Jesus Christ and the power of His Spirit and faith, and to the necessity of biblical Christian friendships. I love the study questions. They're categorized as "Teacher" "Prophet" and "Shepherd" types. If you're mentally questioning, teacher works for you. If you're challenging God's way, prophet is what you need to hear. If you need the kindness and compassion of a shepherd, then the last is obviously for you. Each chapter closes with steps to take and a prayer that directs you to God. The true power of this book comes from the Bible itself because its truth is what is contained here. There's nothing new if you've read that, but it's helpful if you didn't take the practical steps then. James MacDonald simply includes God's work in his own life, testimonies from others, and realistic ways for you apply God's Word to your own situation. It's not a quick-read with 10 steps to victory. It's a realistic look at the practical process of santification and the way you choose to interact with God in that process.

[Mandy J. Hoffman · Rating 5 out of 5]

"God's Power Can Transform Your Life!" is the tag line on the back of the book. And James MacDonald does a wonderful job of explaining scripture and digging in with you in a way that makes it easy to understand. This book was/is a huge tool in my life for aiding in change in my own life. I want to be growing in my walk with Christ and this gave me and helped me understand the Biblical way to see victory in change rather than just prolonged banging of my head on a brick wall. At the end of each chapter there are great questions and practical application assignments that take reading this book to a new level. I highly recommend reading this after reading the bookGrace Rules Living in the Kingdom of God Where. While at first they seem to be coming at this from 2 different angles, in the end they compliment one another quite nicely for a more balanced look at God's mercy and grace and power in our lives. So stop "trying" and start living!

[nia humphrey · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was always scared of change. It filled me with anxiety knowing that things might be different or I might be different. But I was meant to read this book. Reading this book and revaluation the cracked and broken walls my life through repentance and overcoming my biggest struggle: fear and anxiety. This book helped me understand how God wants to change me not only through understanding the victory of Christ (though that is the most important principle in wanting to change, understanding the death and resurrection of Christ), but through faith, the word, and biblical friendships as well. I am delighted to continue my path of change for the days, weeks, and years to come.

[Molly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Breaking down active faith and how to take first steps in living in faith/obedience. Baby trust-obey steps to living in freedom. Found this really helpful and insightful.

[Michelle Nix · Rating 5 out of 5]

Life changing book!!!

[Savannah Whipple · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was skeptical when I first picked up this book. There are so many quick fix books out there that in my opinion can be more harmful than good. But, this book I will highly recommend. James MacDonald uses Biblical Truth to help guide the reader to lasting change. This book is for those who are struggling with there Christian walk and are really wanting to change.

[Chris McGrath · Rating 3 out of 5]

There is some valuable stuff in this book, especially the chapters on repentance and Biblical friendship. Unfortunately I feel like it's missing a lot too. I think that after reading a book like this it would be far too easy to work very hard on fixing your own behavior but never addressing your underlying character defects that are at the root of the behavior. You could walk around chanting "I'm dead to that" all day (reminds me of "Serenity Now!" from Seinfeld) and maybe through sheer force of will beating that stubborn sin habit to a pulp, but only by exhausting yourself and continually tying harder, which is what we all naturally do anyway.

I read this book because I want to change; not just my actions or my bad habits but who I really am underneath, and how I relate to God. On that front I don't think this book delivered nearly as well as some other things I've read.

The real test for a book like this is to apply it to your life for a year, or two, or five, and see if you have really changed.

[Drew Tenpas · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really liked this book! It was a very practical look at how change takes place in the life of a Christian. When I have followed the teachings layed down in this book, I have experienced victory at many points of temptation.

[Barry Karschner · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great book Gods tranforming power to change you.

[Caroline Miller]

Perfect. Change, we all need it.

[Rachel · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book is kind of stupid. I had to read it for my Bible study group. Do not recommend.

[Kaleena]

So far so good....