With a new chapter and study guide questions, this expanded edition presents readers with what it means to live as Jesus would on a day-to-day basis--one filled with new meaning, hope, change, and a joyous, growing closeness to Christ.
Average Rating: 5 out of 5 stars(5 out of 5 stars)
8 of 8 Reviews Showing:
4 out of 5 stars
Reviewed by Robert Mouilton (Wentworth, NH), January 27, 2009
Possibly the most well-balanced book on spiritual disciplines I've ever seen. Very practical. Appended study notes make it ideal for an adult or late-teen study.
5 out of 5 stars
Reviewed by Maria Leal (Miami, FL), May 01, 2008
This book help me to start again my relationship with Jesus,"with a new vision". because sometimes I think that I can not do.
4.5 out of 5 stars
Reviewed by Kennedy McGowan (Hollywood, FL), October 03, 2007
Another excellent work by Ortberg. It takes the at times complex thought of Dallas Willard, and summarizes it in ways that are more accessible yet still faithful to the core ideas. In addition, it is full of practical applications of Willard's ideas, Ortberg's trademark humor, and his ability to convey in very moving and helpful ways how we might indeed morph into the people that through Christ's power, we can be.
4 out of 5 stars
Reviewed by C Henry (Newport News, VA), September 10, 2007
Our men's group really made progress as a result of Ortberg's challenging study. His humor and straight forward approach to probing our spiritual walk led to great discussions.
5 out of 5 stars
Reviewed by Reviewer (San Jose, CA), January 15, 2007
Ortberg is a wonderful writer who not only writes about the disciplines, but gives examples from his life and also shows the reader ways that they can apply the spiritual disciplines. I hope to read more quality books from Ortberg!
5 out of 5 stars
Reviewed by Doug Rouse (West Hills, CA), December 07, 2006
This is the most helpful book to my Christian life, apart from the Bible, that I have read in a long time. Ortberg made every chapter fresh, alive, and applicable. If you want to go deeper in your life with God, I heartily reccomend this book.
5 out of 5 stars
Reviewed by Dr. Robert W. Kellemen (Taneytown, MD), May 02, 2005
In "The Life You've Always Wanted," pastor and author John Ortberg calls Christians back to the basics. In fact, you could think of his book as "Spiritual Disciplines 101," or "The ABCs of Growing in Grace," or, as Ortberg himself mused, "One of my private working titles for this book was 'Dallas for Dummies' (referring to Dallas Willard's works on spiritual discipline). His subtitle says it well, too, "Spiritual Disciplines for Ordinary People."
Ortberg did not write to duplicate the thorough work done by authors like Willard, Richard Foster, and Donald Whitney. Rather, he wrote to "explicate" their writings--to provide an easy-to-read and apply approach to the spiritual disciplines for the Christian life.
His intent may frustrate some readers or reviewers, but it really does not need to. Throughout Church history, God raised up deep thinkers and deep relaters/doers (Aquinas and Bernard of Clarvaux being one such historical pairing). Every generation needs both.
Ortberg's approach is hopeful--it leaves the reader with the belief that, "I understand the spiritual disciplines and I could even discipline myself to practice them, even with my busy lifestyle and scattered life." Thus motivated, readers just might discipline their minds to then also read and apply Willard, Foster, or Whitney. Either way, their much better off for having read Ortberg.
Reviewer: Dr. Robert W. Kellemen, author of "Soul Physicians" and "Spiritual Friends."
5 out of 5 stars
Reviewed by David R. Bess (Charleston, West Virginia), January 18, 2003
This work is the second title I have read by John Ortberg. The first title, "If You Want to Walk on the Water..." was impressive, and this second one certainly was not disappointing. I am eager to read his latest release, "Love Beyond Reason."
Perhaps the best way to describe this book is to parallel it to Dallas Willard's classic work on spiritual formation. Willard's writing is profound and powerful, yet is often difficult for an average layperson to follow. Ortberg comments in his preface, "...one of my private working titles for this book was 'Dallas for Dummies'."
The author here introduces the concept of spiritual disciplines. He then describes several disciples in easy-to-understand, entertaining language. Ortberg includes the practices of celebration, slowing, prayer, servanthood, confession, guidance from the Holy Spirit, secrecy, and reflection on Scripture. He concludes with comments on a well-ordered heart and the importance of Christian endurance.
This book is simply excellent. I recommend it wholeheartedly to all Christians, leaders and laity alike. Don't pass on this one!
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