Ignite a deeper, more vibrant relationship with God that impacts not just your spiritual life but every aspect of your daily life.
John Ortberg calls readers back to the dynamic heartbeat of Christianity—God's power to bring change and growth—and reveals how and why transformation takes place.
The Life You've Always Wanted offers modern perspectives on the ancient path of the spiritual disciplines. But it 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 person at the journey's end—Jesus Christ.
As with a marathon runner, the secret to finishing a race lies not in trying harder, but in training consistently—training with the spiritual disciplines. The disciplines are neither taskmasters nor ends 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.
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"Definitely a "basics" on spiritual life, but it is clearly one of the best I've read. It is practicaly, Godly, and full of personal stories. Pastor Ortberg is easy to relate to. He speaks of what he has experinced. I actually listened to the audio version, and probably will again. Excellent book."
— Dennis (4 out of 5 stars)
" Powerful book. I learned a lot from reading this. "
— Ro, 2/18/2014" We used this book as a study series in my small group. We took turns leading with each chapter. We learned a lot. "
— Effobee, 2/7/2014" Great (and do-able!) advice on how to grow in your spiritual life. "
— Tracy, 2/3/2014" many answers to live right "
— Kris, 1/31/2014" One of the best books I have ever read on living out the Christian Life. Extremely practical. "
— Joe, 1/27/2014" Great book on spiritual disciplines -- very readable, practical and insightful. Ortberg is honest & likable in sharing his personal "stories" and calls us live the abundant life that Jesus provides for us. "
— Carol, 1/27/2014" By far, one of the top 3 books for spiritual development to me, outside of The Bible. Read everything John Orterg writes. He's that good. "
— Eric, 1/24/2014" This is one of the simplest, least judgmental (read guilt-inducing), and most straight-forward "spiritual how-to" book I have read. It incorporates disciplines that are actual possibilities for an unstructured, busy mother of three. "
— Shannon, 1/22/2014" Every chapter of this book is teaching me something new about my walk with Christ. "
— Jen, 1/16/2014" I read this one in combination with a Bible Study at church.. which led me to read another one of his books as a part of a Bible Study at church.. "
— Tiffanie, 11/28/2013" great book esp for quiet times... "
— Esther, 11/15/2013" Book that accompanies a 6-part group study. I wish I had bought a physical book rather than down-loading it onto my Kindle. Kindle is better for novels. "
— Darlene, 11/6/2013" put on the shelf next to CELEBRATION OF DISCIPLINE. this is very good and very practical. the best chapter deals with HURRY SICKNESS and challenges us all to SLOW DOWN. "
— Brian, 10/23/2013" Love it. Accessible and inspiring, and a good dose of moderate theology. One of the few spiritual formation books I've read that actually makes me want to participate in spiritual disciplines, rather than making me feel guilty for not having done a great job of it before. "
— Elizabeth, 8/28/2013" Reading for Bible study. "
— Melissa, 8/1/2013" Read this book right after my divorce and it helped me to refocus on where I should be going and how far I was away from that place. "
— Hoserking, 7/30/2013" Good beginner's book on spiritual formation "
— John, 12/24/2012" This was a really good book. I really got a lot of of the chapters. They were soul string! "
— Lisa, 12/14/2012" Wonderful illustrations of the spiritual disciplines! So simple yet so powerful! "
— Matthew, 1/28/2012" Challenges and encourages you to live a holy life. Fill with humor and practical suggestions for get you life that you wanted. "
— Milton, 9/24/2011" I love how Ortberg writes I feel like we're just sitting down for a talk. This was a great read. I'm taking a lot away with me on this one. In fact I kept notes through most of the book. "
— Stephanie, 11/9/2010" Loved this book. Help me in many areas to discover the things that were slowing me down. "
— Craig, 2/13/2009" I've heard so many good things about John Ortberg, and was surprised to find this book so full of pop-psychology drivel. Maybe it just paled in comparison to Adam Hamilton's Why? , or Paul's writing in "Acts". Ehhh. It was okay. "
— Thing, 10/9/2008" Practical. Ortberg shares openly from his own life. He's a good storyteller. "
— Allan, 10/8/2007" It was an okay book to read, it's up to par with it's specific descriptions and topics. Pretty good overall. "
— Eli, 4/18/2006" I love John Ortberg! This was our Bible study book - good for a Bible study and personal growth... "
— Paulette, 8/8/2005" A beginners guide to spiritual disciplines, in a good way. Easy to read, accessible. "
— Deanna, 9/14/2004John Ortberg is a popular speaker and widely respected teaching pastor. Formerly at Willow Creek Community Church in South Barrington, Illinois, he is now senior pastor of Menlo Park Presbyterian Church in California. He creatively brings scripture to life through his use of practical application and humor. He’s the author of numerous books including The Life You’ve Always Wanted, Love beyond Reason, and If You Want to Walk on Water, You’ve Got to Get out of the Boat.
Sandra Burr is an AudioFile Earphones Award–wining narrator. She has read more than one hundred books in her career, including the New York Times bestselling Cedar Cove romance series by Debbie Macomber.