The Life You've Always Wanted

I want to recommend a book. Last week I finished The Life You've Always Wanted, by John Ortberg. There are several reasons I'd encourage others to read it.

First, it's a book about spiritual disciplines. I know that many people shy away from that topic. It can summon up thoughts of works-based faith instead of grace-based. But used in the right way, spiritual disciplines can be incredibly beneficial to a Christian. It's what makes disciples, whether we call it that or not.

Second, this is a fairly easy read. There are many excellent books on spiritual disciplines. Richard Foster and Dallas Willard are incredible authors who have written much about this. John Ortberg refers to both men, and expresses gratitude particularly to Willard. He also says that the working title for his book was Dallas For Dummies. Yes, he makes this topic much more readable. Without actually dumbing anything down.

A taste:
Chapter 11 is entitled: "An Undivided Life." Is that not what we really want? He quotes Soren Kierkegaard,
"Purity of heart is to will one thing."
That one thing is the pursuit of the Kingdom of God.

His subtitle for that chapter is: "The Practice of Reflection on Scripture." In the subtitle he gives us the path to the undivided life. The word that God speaks to us through His Word can renew our minds, and lead us on to the singleminded devotion.

Every chapter is basically a gold mine. I hope that others will be encouraged to read this book.

Having said that, one study that I would love to do with a small group of people is on the spiritual disciplines. Foster's book has a study guide with it. Even Ortberg's has a study guide at the end. I've got a workbook on spiritual formation coming in the mail from Amazon. Is anybody interested in doing this with me?