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Win from Within Lib/E: Finding Yourself by Facing Yourself
Mega-Pastor and media personality John Gray uses powerful Biblical principles to help you become your best self-the person God created you to be.
In Win from Within, John Gray helps listeners identify how best to handle the most difficult, challenging, and yet necessary battle that we all face-our inner struggle to overcome the worst versions of ourselves. He offers biblical lessons to aid in combating bad habits and limiting patterns so that the best version of ourselves emerges.
Win from Within gives practical application to the story recorded in Genesis of Jacob wrestling with the man at the River Jabbok, and through it listeners will learn how to become the persons they were created to be. The persons God intended each of us to be develops as we face our inner battles.
With examples from his own life as well as his ministerial counseling, Gray provides a pathway to awakening. He includes strategies for confronting the past, how we have been labeled, who people have said we are, even who we think we are, so that we can win the battle and be who God intends us to be.
Jacob spent much of his life running and hiding from himself. At a certain point we, like Jacob, cannot run from our true selves anymore. We must stop and face ourselves if we are to become great. Win from Within helps us conquer our inner darkness and overcome such hindrances as fear, shame, and guilt.
This powerfully biblical self-help guide will push us toward victory over our inner struggles. Winning will make us the persons we have always wanted to be, the persons we have dreamed about becoming, the persons God created us to be.
In Win from Within, John Gray helps listeners identify how best to handle the most difficult, challenging, and yet necessary battle that we all face-our inner struggle to overcome the worst versions of ourselves. He offers biblical lessons to aid in combating bad habits and limiting patterns so that the best version of ourselves emerges.
Win from Within gives practical application to the story recorded in Genesis of Jacob wrestling with the man at the River Jabbok, and through it listeners will learn how to become the persons they were created to be. The persons God intended each of us to be develops as we face our inner battles.
With examples from his own life as well as his ministerial counseling, Gray provides a pathway to awakening. He includes strategies for confronting the past, how we have been labeled, who people have said we are, even who we think we are, so that we can win the battle and be who God intends us to be.
Jacob spent much of his life running and hiding from himself. At a certain point we, like Jacob, cannot run from our true selves anymore. We must stop and face ourselves if we are to become great. Win from Within helps us conquer our inner darkness and overcome such hindrances as fear, shame, and guilt.
This powerfully biblical self-help guide will push us toward victory over our inner struggles. Winning will make us the persons we have always wanted to be, the persons we have dreamed about becoming, the persons God created us to be.
Audio CD
Published December 18, 2018
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About the author
John W. Gray III
4 books81 followersJOHN GRAY is the associate pastor of America's largest church, Lakewood Church, in Houston, Texas. He preaches at Lakewood's midweek service, where attendance has quadrupled in the last several years. He is also a featured keynote speaker, emcee, and comedian for "Acquire the Fire" youth rallies held in arenas all over the U.S. He resides in Houston with his wife and their children.
Librarian’s note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.
Librarian’s note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
October 28, 2018
Gray was shocked into facing the reality of his life when his wife said she was leaving him. A successful pastor, author, and speaker, he realized he had success on the outside but was a mess on the inside. He took stock of his life. He has written this book to help us do the same.
Gray uses the life of the biblical character Jacob as a framework for his teaching. He writes about God using broken areas, the importance of knowing who we are in Christ, that winning from within is facing ourselves and realizing victory really happens at the spiritual level. Gray desires we listen to the Holy Spirit as He speaks to us about our character. We are to listen to faithful friends who tell us the truth. We are to recognize the hope we have in Christ.
This is an encouraging and thought provoking book. It is encouraging because we see how Gray dealt with a revealing time in his life. Apparently it didn't interfere with his ministry at all as he is now senior pastor of a large church. I also found the book thought provoking and perhaps a bit troublesome. While Gray does a good job of giving life changing principles from the life of Jacob, I missed deep and personal feelings of transformation from him. I felt Gray's experiences have become teaching points and the opportunity to write a book. His writing style seemed to lack a personal level to it. He mentions writing songs at the beginning of his career. “The songs were beautiful. But the songs have no human attached to them.” (Loc 1592/2305) That's sort of how I felt with this book. He uses “we” and “us” rather than making the lessons personal. I just didn't sense the brokenness and humility I would have expected after his wife said she was going to leave him.
I recommend this book as it is a pretty good study on the life of Jacob and what it has to say to us about our transformation. Just don't expect a personal account of how the Jacob like experiences changed the author.
I received a complimentary egalley of this book from the publisher. My comments are an independent and honest review.
Gray uses the life of the biblical character Jacob as a framework for his teaching. He writes about God using broken areas, the importance of knowing who we are in Christ, that winning from within is facing ourselves and realizing victory really happens at the spiritual level. Gray desires we listen to the Holy Spirit as He speaks to us about our character. We are to listen to faithful friends who tell us the truth. We are to recognize the hope we have in Christ.
This is an encouraging and thought provoking book. It is encouraging because we see how Gray dealt with a revealing time in his life. Apparently it didn't interfere with his ministry at all as he is now senior pastor of a large church. I also found the book thought provoking and perhaps a bit troublesome. While Gray does a good job of giving life changing principles from the life of Jacob, I missed deep and personal feelings of transformation from him. I felt Gray's experiences have become teaching points and the opportunity to write a book. His writing style seemed to lack a personal level to it. He mentions writing songs at the beginning of his career. “The songs were beautiful. But the songs have no human attached to them.” (Loc 1592/2305) That's sort of how I felt with this book. He uses “we” and “us” rather than making the lessons personal. I just didn't sense the brokenness and humility I would have expected after his wife said she was going to leave him.
I recommend this book as it is a pretty good study on the life of Jacob and what it has to say to us about our transformation. Just don't expect a personal account of how the Jacob like experiences changed the author.
I received a complimentary egalley of this book from the publisher. My comments are an independent and honest review.
October 29, 2018
"Win From Within - Finding Yourself by Facing Yourself" is John Gray's second major book. It's a follow-up to his first effort, "I am Number 8". Gray is a well-known television host, airing programs on both The Oprah Winfrey Network (OWN) and a second program on a number of Christian television networks. He is also senior pastor of Relentless Church in Greenville, South Carolina, and is associate pastor of Joel Osteen's Lakewood Church in Houston, Texas.
"Win from Within" is based upon the biblical story of Jacob and Esau. Its a modern day take on Jacob's deception of his father, Isaac, as he stole Esau's birthright.
Gray brings forth a great effort in likening our modern culture to the Jacob/Esau/Isaac story. As he discusses the prevalence of blind ambition in the modern culture, he shows that same ambition existent some 3,000 years ago. He shows that man has always struggled with issues of personal integrity. He further highlights stories of David and Bathsheba, and David's plot to remove Uriah from his self-created love triangle. Stories continue as he further dwells on the drama of Samson and Delilah.
His book is a means to one's self-examination. As he summarizes his book, Gray writes, "Normally in big prizefights or "game seven" moments, it's winner take all... This reveals to us that, in God's economy, it's not winner take all, it's winner leaves all. Winners leave a legacy that lasts... In fact, a true victorious life, a life that says, "I won," is a life that says, "I lost it all-- but I lost it in the right places." (pp 181-182)
John Gray is a compelling speaker, entertainer, author, and minister. His latest book is incredibly interesting, insightful and inspiring. I give it my highest rating and my most profound recommendation.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher (Faith Words) in exchange for a fair and honest review. There were no expectations by the publisher, author, or this reviewer beyond said review. This review can also be found at www.Amazon.com, www.goodreads.com, and my blog www.jonreviewsbooks1@wordpress.com.
"Win from Within" is based upon the biblical story of Jacob and Esau. Its a modern day take on Jacob's deception of his father, Isaac, as he stole Esau's birthright.
Gray brings forth a great effort in likening our modern culture to the Jacob/Esau/Isaac story. As he discusses the prevalence of blind ambition in the modern culture, he shows that same ambition existent some 3,000 years ago. He shows that man has always struggled with issues of personal integrity. He further highlights stories of David and Bathsheba, and David's plot to remove Uriah from his self-created love triangle. Stories continue as he further dwells on the drama of Samson and Delilah.
His book is a means to one's self-examination. As he summarizes his book, Gray writes, "Normally in big prizefights or "game seven" moments, it's winner take all... This reveals to us that, in God's economy, it's not winner take all, it's winner leaves all. Winners leave a legacy that lasts... In fact, a true victorious life, a life that says, "I won," is a life that says, "I lost it all-- but I lost it in the right places." (pp 181-182)
John Gray is a compelling speaker, entertainer, author, and minister. His latest book is incredibly interesting, insightful and inspiring. I give it my highest rating and my most profound recommendation.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher (Faith Words) in exchange for a fair and honest review. There were no expectations by the publisher, author, or this reviewer beyond said review. This review can also be found at www.Amazon.com, www.goodreads.com, and my blog www.jonreviewsbooks1@wordpress.com.
December 7, 2018
Win From Within is a spiritual growth book by author John W. Gray III. I wanted to read this book to help me overcome my inner battles. Battles I have fought as long as I can remember. Battles because of labels attached, battles from listening to who other people say I am, even false thoughts of who I think I am.
In his book, John compares his life to that of Jacob and Esau. He is open and honest about his life in hopes it will help another reader. The author wrote this book so the reader would face themselves (faults and all)understanding that victory happens at the spiritual level (see Introduction, p. XIX).
Did this book meet my expectations? Yes! Excellent book with strategies to fight the inward battle. The main point conveyed in the book is: the victory wasn’t in the actual winning, the victory was in holding on (p. 144) I learned that I don’t have to be held hostage to the worst version of myself. The past whispers “unworthy”, the devil uses unworthiness and shame and guilt to attempt to keep us from seeing, embracing, and acknowledging the finished work of Jesus (p. 151) The power of God is He saw who we would be in totality and still chose to bless us, to love us, to use us. (p. 152)
Even though my situation may seem at odds, I learned I am to just rest in surrender and trust God. I recommend this book to all believers and those who may be struggling.
Disclaimer: I receive complimentary books from various sources, including, publishers, publicists, authors, and/or NetGalley. I am not required to write a positive review and have not received any compensation. The opinions shared here are my own entirely. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255
In his book, John compares his life to that of Jacob and Esau. He is open and honest about his life in hopes it will help another reader. The author wrote this book so the reader would face themselves (faults and all)understanding that victory happens at the spiritual level (see Introduction, p. XIX).
Did this book meet my expectations? Yes! Excellent book with strategies to fight the inward battle. The main point conveyed in the book is: the victory wasn’t in the actual winning, the victory was in holding on (p. 144) I learned that I don’t have to be held hostage to the worst version of myself. The past whispers “unworthy”, the devil uses unworthiness and shame and guilt to attempt to keep us from seeing, embracing, and acknowledging the finished work of Jesus (p. 151) The power of God is He saw who we would be in totality and still chose to bless us, to love us, to use us. (p. 152)
Even though my situation may seem at odds, I learned I am to just rest in surrender and trust God. I recommend this book to all believers and those who may be struggling.
Disclaimer: I receive complimentary books from various sources, including, publishers, publicists, authors, and/or NetGalley. I am not required to write a positive review and have not received any compensation. The opinions shared here are my own entirely. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255
November 18, 2018
I got this book as a free review copy from the publishing company. I guess that technically makes it a paid review, but truth be known, I am just grateful to have read this excellent book. I am prepared to say that every person in ministry should read this book. John W. Gray III is an associate pastor of Joel Osteen's Lakewood Church as well as the senior pastor of Relentless Church in South Carolina. His success is notable, but he starts this book talking about how while he was rising to the top and speaking all over the world, his marriage was falling apart. With his priorities out of whack, the man the world knew was very different from the man his family knew.
The subtitle of this book says it all. Finding yourself by facing yourself. By paralleling his own story, with the story of Jacob from Genesis, Gray succeeds at writing a book that is both inspiring and immensely convicting. This book was challenging on every page and had me checking myself. You see, you don't have to be preaching at one of the largest churches in the world to find yourself getting out of alignment with the will of God and while I don't think I have strayed too far, I do feel that God gave me this book for such a time as this. If you are in any form of leadership, you really should read this book.
The subtitle of this book says it all. Finding yourself by facing yourself. By paralleling his own story, with the story of Jacob from Genesis, Gray succeeds at writing a book that is both inspiring and immensely convicting. This book was challenging on every page and had me checking myself. You see, you don't have to be preaching at one of the largest churches in the world to find yourself getting out of alignment with the will of God and while I don't think I have strayed too far, I do feel that God gave me this book for such a time as this. If you are in any form of leadership, you really should read this book.
November 6, 2018
"Win From Within - Finding Yourself by Facing Yourself" is John Gray's second book. I had the opportunity to read his first book, "I am number 8," which was a great book. However, I really enjoyed "Win from Within" more.
Win from Within" is based on the story of Jacob and Esau from the Bible. We are taken through the stolen birth right of Esau. John writes in great detail of this book how man has struggled with integrity and how we each have to examine ourselves. If we truly want to win, we must leave it all. We must leave a legacy that lasts beyond us. We must pursue a life that lasts beyond us and is for the glory of God. Wining means gaining it all for Christ.
I love that Gray writes about his own weaknesses and even is transparent enough to be vulnerable in this book about them. I love how he goes there. Gray doesn't leave us there though, he shows us to pick ourselves up and go to the dream and plan that God has for our lives. This book is compelling, inspiring and incredibly insightful. I highly recommend reading it. I was surprised at how much I enjoyed this book.
Win from Within" is based on the story of Jacob and Esau from the Bible. We are taken through the stolen birth right of Esau. John writes in great detail of this book how man has struggled with integrity and how we each have to examine ourselves. If we truly want to win, we must leave it all. We must leave a legacy that lasts beyond us. We must pursue a life that lasts beyond us and is for the glory of God. Wining means gaining it all for Christ.
I love that Gray writes about his own weaknesses and even is transparent enough to be vulnerable in this book about them. I love how he goes there. Gray doesn't leave us there though, he shows us to pick ourselves up and go to the dream and plan that God has for our lives. This book is compelling, inspiring and incredibly insightful. I highly recommend reading it. I was surprised at how much I enjoyed this book.
December 4, 2019
This book was yet another reminder that if you are not okay with yourself, you can’t be okay with anybody else! We learn about Jacob and his struggle with the Lord after he took the birth right blessings from Esau. Once Jacob wrestled and overcame his issues, he was a new person named Israel.
We go through life, carrying hurts and scars about what someone intentionally or unintentionally did to us many years before. We continue to wrestle with this, and it ultimately affects those we love.
It is time to take stock and look deep within yourself and rip out everything you are wrestling with. Deal with each and every scar you have and then move on.
It is important to remember that once you moved on, you are no longer that old person with hurts and scars - you are now new! Look at life with new eyes.
This is a powerful book and it highlights the many areas in which we fail and hold on to hurts. Let go and let God minister to you. Find your healing and move on!
We go through life, carrying hurts and scars about what someone intentionally or unintentionally did to us many years before. We continue to wrestle with this, and it ultimately affects those we love.
It is time to take stock and look deep within yourself and rip out everything you are wrestling with. Deal with each and every scar you have and then move on.
It is important to remember that once you moved on, you are no longer that old person with hurts and scars - you are now new! Look at life with new eyes.
This is a powerful book and it highlights the many areas in which we fail and hold on to hurts. Let go and let God minister to you. Find your healing and move on!
May 16, 2020
This is a very challenging book.
Pastor Gray is candid about his life and marriage and how it lead to one of the breakthroughs of his life. With that in mind he contrast it to the life of Israel, formally known as Jacob and how when we want to win from within we must come face to face with who the world says we are, admit that those characteristics might be true, and then find out who God has called us to be.
This book will take you to some dark places if you let it, and when you get back out of wrestling with God you'll be changed.
Pastor Gray is candid about his life and marriage and how it lead to one of the breakthroughs of his life. With that in mind he contrast it to the life of Israel, formally known as Jacob and how when we want to win from within we must come face to face with who the world says we are, admit that those characteristics might be true, and then find out who God has called us to be.
This book will take you to some dark places if you let it, and when you get back out of wrestling with God you'll be changed.
December 28, 2018
Five stars. Because when a man looks in the mirror and sees himself and his mess and does something about it? THAT is 5 stars!
From the Forward by Steven Furtick to chapters like 'Mama's Boy,' 'Pot Meet Kettle,' and 'The Grace Place,' this 200 page book is a page-turner.
Whether in ministry or on the pew I highly recommend Gray's book for all men who need to "reintroduce" themselves through grace.
From the Forward by Steven Furtick to chapters like 'Mama's Boy,' 'Pot Meet Kettle,' and 'The Grace Place,' this 200 page book is a page-turner.
Whether in ministry or on the pew I highly recommend Gray's book for all men who need to "reintroduce" themselves through grace.
January 14, 2023
Love this workbook. This is a great piece of Christianity.. It is basically a role play book. Each chapter is a different person, and the real life situations that they go through. It has you reflect on yourself, and what you would do. Or what you did in that same or similar situation. I actually did the workbook with my spouse. It was great.It makes you think about everyday life and how you would react to it. Very introspective and reflective workbook.
February 24, 2019
Revealing;!!
Pastor John Gray takes you on a look at your inner self and you may not like what you see. For many years, I thought that I was "living right", but however, I wasn't . Pastor Gray teaches the simple principles to come back to Christ as well as being good stewards to our families!
Pastor John Gray takes you on a look at your inner self and you may not like what you see. For many years, I thought that I was "living right", but however, I wasn't . Pastor Gray teaches the simple principles to come back to Christ as well as being good stewards to our families!
March 31, 2019
I love John Gray III!!!!! Awesome!Awesome!Awesome! I love how Pastor Gray is so transparent. Sometimes, that's all we need...... Just to know we're not the only ones and how to overcome the trial and not get stuck in it.....
May 22, 2020
This read was very inspirational. On the contrary of being a woman of faith, I don't read self-help books often. However, this book was very informative on biblical works and Pastor Gray really dissected the word well.
August 16, 2021
Enjoyed the book. Not really a whole lot to say. Really good, but not a favorite. It's worth reading. Right now, it's hovering between 4.5-5 stars. Not sure what i want to rate it right now so I will just say 5 stars.
December 2, 2018
Fantastic Book, Really loved the tools to develop me.
January 24, 2019
Enlightening!
This book is an amazing book filled with wonderful words of wisdom for people like me who need healing and enlightenment for themselves
This book is an amazing book filled with wonderful words of wisdom for people like me who need healing and enlightenment for themselves
August 8, 2019
Pastor Gray tells his truth, which is why some of what has been done makes more sense now after listening to this book.
June 8, 2020
Great book
January 31, 2024
This was a good read!!!
This was a good read!!! It was amazing. Love how he back it up with scripture. Thanks John for sharing 🥰💙.
This was a good read!!! It was amazing. Love how he back it up with scripture. Thanks John for sharing 🥰💙.
Want to read
March 25, 2024Auntie Yvette recommendation
April 8, 2025
A brave autobiography!
August 2, 2019
I am sure this will be great for someone, just hard for me to get going in it. I will keep trying as I have time, I just need books that engage me right away!
April 23, 2019
A very interesting read.
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews