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You Can Live a Deeper, More Spiritual Life Right Where You Are. An expanded edition with a new chapter on prayer and discussion questions The heart of Christianity is transformation-a relationship with God that impacts not just our "spiritual lives," but every aspect of living. John Ortberg calls readers back to the dynamic heartbeat of Christianity-God's power to bring change and growth-and reveals both the how and why of transformation. With a new chapter on prayer and added discussion questions, this expanded edition of The Life You've Always Wanted offers modern perspectives on the ancient path of the spiritual disciplines. But this is more than just a book about things to do to be a good Christian. It's a road map toward true transformation that starts not with the individual but with the object of the journey-Jesus Christ. As with a marathon runner, the secret to winning the race lies not in trying harder, but in training consistently-training with the spiritual disciplines. The disciplines are neither taskmasters nor an end in themselves. Rather they are exercises that build strength and endurance for the road of growth. The fruit of the Spirit-joy, peace, kindness, etc.-are the signposts along the way. Paved with humor and sparkling anecdotes, The Life You've Always Wanted is an encouraging and challenging approach to a Christian life that's worth living-a life on the edge that fills an ordinary world with new meaning, hope, change, and joy.… (more)
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Ortberg’s (2002) challenge is to continue to train in these disciplines for the rest of our lives in a God-honoring attitude. This writer appreciated his delivering of these disciplines, not as a checklist, but as a chance for every moment of our life to learn from Jesus how to live in our current circumstances. Ortberg (2002) describes several disciplines including: celebrating, scripture, slowing down, prayer, servant hood, confession, receiving the Holy Spirit, secrecy, reflection, developing a rule of life, and experiencing suffering. Each of these disciplines can draw us nigh unto the Savior and teach us to depend on him.
If this writer had to describe the purpose of the book, it would be to equip Christians to pursue God authentically and with passion. It has given a revitalized perspective on discipleship as a method of growing in our faith as opposed to a list of to-dos. This writer has spent the last year studying spiritual disciplines during my quiet times and study time and some of it has fallen flat with me. Some of the books I read provided me with a quick burst of motivation that was followed by disillusionment and feelings of failure and guilt. I love Ortberg’s totally different approach, which had a deep impact on my spirit. This book made me more hopeful and gave some practical steps toward maturing in Christ. Ortberg (2004) explained that it is not how many chapters you read or how many verses you memorize, it is how much you grew in love that is the mark of a true spiritual disciple. It was a wonderful read; the pages practically turned themselves. By the time I was done, I thanked God for the gift. It’s morphing time, indeed!
Offering modern perspectives on the ancient path of the spiritual disciplines, The Life You've Always Wanted guides us on a journey beyond performance and externalism to a life marked by joy, peace, kindness, and all the signs of a faith that's vital and growing. Now with an added chapter on prayer, this expanded edition of the ECPA best-seller offers an encouraging and challenging approach to a Christian life that's worth living--life on the edge that fills our ordinary world with meaning, hope, change, and growing closeness with Christ. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.