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Blink 3 of 8 - The 5 AM Club
by Robin Sharma
The Life You've Always Wanted summary
John Ortberg
Brief summary
The Life You've Always Wanted by John Ortberg is a practical guide to spiritual growth. It offers insightful advice and practical exercises to help readers live a more fulfilling and meaningful life.
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Table of Contents
The Life You've Always Wanted
Summary of key ideas
Embracing the Spiritual Journey
In The Life You've Always Wanted by John Ortberg, the author invites us to embark on a spiritual journey that will transform our lives. He begins by acknowledging the gap between the life we live and the life we desire. Ortberg suggests that the key to bridging this gap lies in the spiritual disciplines, which are not a means to earn God's favor but a way to grow closer to Him.
Ortberg introduces us to the concept of spiritual disciplines by explaining that they are exercises that help us develop our spiritual muscles. He emphasizes that these disciplines are not about self-improvement but about being transformed by God. The author further enlightens us by stating that spiritual growth is not about striving harder but about training wisely, just like an athlete.
Exploring the Spiritual Disciplines
Continuing in The Life You've Always Wanted, Ortberg delves into various spiritual disciplines, starting with celebration. He explains that celebrating is not only about parties and festivities but also about appreciating God's goodness in our lives. Moving on, he discusses the discipline of slowing down, explaining that to hear God's voice, we need to create space and time for Him.
Ortberg then explores the disciplines of prayer and meditation. He suggests that prayer is not just about asking for things but also about aligning our will with God's. Meditation, on the other hand, involves pondering God's truth and allowing it to shape our thoughts and actions. The author emphasizes that these disciplines are not about legalism but about cultivating a deeper relationship with God.
Living Out the Transformed Life
In the latter part of The Life You've Always Wanted, Ortberg shows us how the transformation that comes from practicing spiritual disciplines can manifest in our daily lives. He explains that as we grow closer to God, we become more loving, joyful, peaceful, patient, kind, good, faithful, gentle, and self-controlled – the fruits of the Spirit.
Ortberg also addresses the issue of temptation, stating that the spiritual disciplines help us resist temptation by strengthening our connection with God. He suggests that when we are filled with the Holy Spirit, we are less likely to give in to our sinful desires. In conclusion, the author emphasizes that the transformed life is not about perfection but about progress.
Applying the Lessons in Our Lives
To conclude, Ortberg encourages us to apply the insights from The Life You've Always Wanted in our daily lives. He advises us to start small, be consistent, and seek God's help in our spiritual journey. The author reminds us that spiritual growth is a lifelong process and that God is more interested in our hearts than our performance.
In essence, The Life You've Always Wanted is a guidebook for anyone seeking a deeper, more vibrant relationship with God. Ortberg's teachings on the spiritual disciplines provide us with practical tools to grow in our faith and live out the transformed life that God desires for us.
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What is The Life You've Always Wanted about?
The Life You've Always Wanted by John Ortberg offers practical and insightful guidance on how to live a fulfilling Christian life. With a blend of personal anecdotes, biblical wisdom, and humor, Ortberg invites readers to embrace spiritual disciplines and develop a deeper relationship with God. This book provides a refreshing perspective on what it truly means to experience transformation and live a life of purpose.
The Life You've Always Wanted Review
The Life You've Always Wanted (2002) by John Ortberg is a transformative guide to cultivating a deeper spiritual life amidst the busyness of everyday living. Here's why this book is worth your time:
- Explores the concept of spiritual disciplines in a refreshing and relatable way.
- Provides practical strategies to integrate spiritual practices into daily routines effortlessly.
- Offers a compelling perspective on achieving personal growth and fulfillment through intentional spiritual living.
Who should read The Life You've Always Wanted?
Individuals seeking to deepen their spiritual life and grow closer to God
People who want to live with greater purpose, meaning, and fulfillment
Readers interested in practical and applicable insights for incorporating spiritual disciplines into their daily routine
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The Life You've Always Wanted FAQs
What is the main message of The Life You've Always Wanted?
The main message is about living a transformed, spiritually fruitful life through spiritual disciplines and practices.
How long does it take to read The Life You've Always Wanted?
The estimated reading time is a few hours. The Blinkist summary can be read in around 15 minutes.
Is The Life You've Always Wanted a good book? Is it worth reading?
The Life You've Always Wanted is worth reading for its insights on deepening spirituality and practical advice for a fulfilling life.
Who is the author of The Life You've Always Wanted?
The author of The Life You've Always Wanted is John Ortberg.
What to read after The Life You've Always Wanted?
If you're wondering what to read next after The Life You've Always Wanted, here are some recommendations we suggest:
- God Is Not Great by Christopher Hitchens
- The Power of Now by Eckhart Tolle
- The Art of Happiness by Dalai Lama
- On Being by Peter Atkins
- The Biology of Belief by Bruce H. Lipton
- Buddha’s Brain by Rick Hanson
- Choose Yourself by James Altucher
- Going Clear by Lawrence Wright
- The Power of No by James Altucher & Claudia Azula Altucher
- The Demon-Haunted World by Carl Sagan