Download or read book The Practical Steps to the Deeper Spiritual Life written by Larry Mehaffey and published by WestBow Press. This book was released on 2012-01-23 with total page 184 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: In attempting to more effectively communicate the principles of spiritual life to those who sincerely desire a deeper reality in their walk with Christ, I have discovered that most people appreciate practical and straightforward instructions, and this is especially true when it involves the mystical nature of spiritual life. Although spiritual life is not meritoriously attained through natural means or human effort, there are several Practical Steps that can be taken to help facilitate the practice of spiritual disciplines. The combination of these Practical Steps with the spiritual disciplines themselves will work to promote a dynamic life of faith that will effectively bring the believer into a productive and rewarding relationship with God. Man is an intentional creation of divine wisdom explicitly designed to fulfill a sacred purpose: Agape love requires a soul to empty the wealth of its humanity upon the altar of God as a willing sacrifice If determination is to live up to its potential in promoting the spiritual life , it must be united with some very fundamental practical steps Heaven should not be a culture shock to the consciousness of the believer; it should be a gradual final step into the glorious reality of a spiritual life whose progress began at conversion Divine pleasure must be the goal of human effort, not divine favor The genuineness of what we actually believe is nowhere so obviously exposed as in our daily schedules It does not take overtly carnal acts to corrupt the days of a mans life, for inattention and idleness produce the same result as evil actions or wicked intentions Liberty must always precede service if either are to be authentic It is our great love for the Father, not our initial desire for salvation, that motivates and liberates the sincere believer to live a life of chosen obedience to God

Download or read book Sacred Rhythms written by Ruth Haley Barton and published by InterVarsity Press. This book was released on 2009-12-14 with total page 194 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Picking up on the monastic tradition of creating a "rule of life" that allows for regular space for the practice of spiritual disciplines, Ruth Haley Barton takes you more deeply into understanding seven key spiritual disciplines along with practical ideas for weaving them into everyday life.

Download or read book From Here to There written by Dennis Lee and published by Xulon Press. This book was released on 2015-07-28 with total page 195 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: When you look in the mirror, what do you see: a person who truly believes he/she is on the right path, or one struggling daily to find a sense of identity? More importantly, how do you see God as you seek the purpose for your life: as your back pocket Lord, or as your personal guide? For some, they may feel they are on the right path but have drifted away from discerning and understanding God’s will for them. This inspired pastor and author Dennis Lee to establish a meaningful resource for readers wanting to grow in their relationship with God, in his new Christian discipleship book; From Here to There: A Journey to Spiritual Transformation, part of his Spiritual Formation series. As an “A through Z roadmap on discipleship,” Dennis offers readers a biblically-sound guide to familiarize readers to biblical principles of what it’s like to be a follower of Jesus Christ, being found in His likeness. Each chapter clarifies this developing relationship with God, established when you accept Jesus as your Savior and Lord, and furthered through changing how you approach living this life in Christ. Pastor Lee takes the reader along this narrow road described by Jesus, looking at a Christian’s true identity when pursuing God’s presence and becoming aligned with His will. To make sure his readers’ stay upon this path, Lee looks at Satan’s potholes that damages a person’s spiritual transformation, as well as God’s speed bumps to help believers slow down and not miss God’s promises for their lives. It’s a journey to the ultimate destination of Heaven with God, and this guide will help you make the necessary changes and take the required steps to stay upon God’s path.

Download or read book The Practical Steps to the Deeper Spiritual Life written by Larry Mehaffey and published by WestBow Press. This book was released on 2012-01-19 with total page 184 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: In attempting to more effectively communicate the principles of spiritual life to those who sincerely desire a deeper reality in their walk with Christ, I have discovered that most people appreciate practical and straightforward instructions, and this is especially true when it involves the mystical nature of spiritual life. Although spiritual life is not meritoriously attained through natural means or human effort, there are several "Practical Steps" that can be taken to help facilitate the practice of spiritual disciplines. The combination of these "Practical Steps" with the spiritual disciplines themselves will work to promote a dynamic life of faith that will effectively bring the believer into a productive and rewarding relationship with God. "Man is an intentional creation of divine wisdom explicitly designed to fulfill a sacred purpose" "Agape love requires a soul to empty the wealth of its humanity upon the altar of God as a willing sacrifice" "If determination is to live up to its potential in promoting the spiritual life ..., it must be united with some very fundamental practical steps" "Heaven should not be a "culture shock" to the consciousness of the believer; it should be a gradual final step into the glorious reality of a spiritual life whose progress began at conversion" "Divine pleasure must be the goal of human effort, not divine favor" "The genuineness of what we actually believe is nowhere so obviously exposed as in our daily schedules" "It does not take overtly carnal acts to corrupt the days of a man's life, for inattention and idleness produce the same result as evil actions or wicked intentions" "Liberty must always precede service if either are to be authentic" "It is our great love for the Father, not our initial desire for salvation, that motivates and liberates the sincere believer to live a life of chosen obedience to God"

Download or read book The Deeply Formed Life written by Rich Villodas and published by WaterBrook. This book was released on 2021-08-31 with total page 290 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: During our chaotic times, discover five forgotten values that can spark internal growth and help us reconcile our Christian faith with the complexities of race, sexuality, and social justice. WINNER OF THE CHRISTIANITY TODAY BOOK AWARD Most believers live in the state of “being a Christian” without ever being deeply formed by Christ. Our pace is too frenetic to be in union with God, and we don’t know how to quiet our hearts and minds to be present. Our emotions are unhealthy and compartmentalized. We feel unable to love well or live differently from the rest of the world—to live as people of the good news. New York pastor Rich Villodas says we must restore balance, focus, and meaning for our souls. The Deeply Formed Life lays out a fresh vision for spiritual breakthrough following five key values: • Contemplative Rhythms Value: slowing down our lives to be with God. • Racial Justice Value: examining a multi-layered approach to pursuing racial justice and reconciliation. • Interior Examination Value: looking beneath the surface of our lives to live free and love well. • Sexual Wholeness Value: exploring how our sexuality connects with our spirituality. • Missional Presence Value: living as the presence of Christ in a broken world. The Deeply Formed Life is a roadmap to live in the richly rooted place we all yearn for: a place of communion with God, a place where we find our purpose. Praise for The Deeply Formed Life “The Deeply Formed Life is a book for our time. Honest, wise, insightful, funny, and—above all—deep. The way Rich and New Life Fellowship hold emotional health and racial justice together is beyond inspiring. This is spiritual formation for the future of the church.”—John Mark Comer, pastor of teaching and vision at Bridgetown Church and author of The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry “I’ve studied the Bible under Pastor Rich’s leadership for close to a decade. The core values he shares in this book serve as guidance, not only for how we should live as Christians in an ever-changing world but also for how we can live a life of purpose—that consistently and enthusiastically points to Jesus.”—Susan Kelechi Watson, actress from the awardwinning television series This Is Us

Download or read book How to Live a Holy Life written by Charles Ebert Orr and published by Good Press. This book was released on 2019-11-26 with total page 121 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: "How to Live a Holy Life" by Charles Ebert Orr is a self-help and devotional book that was written to help Christians live a more Godly life. Starting with an example of the type of life to use as a model, Orr goes on to discuss the different ways one can be closer to their faith. Using the bible, using heaven, using the Commandments, and more are all discussed and through well-thought-out arguments, the book allows readers to slowly gather the tools they need to live according to their values.

Download or read book The Pursuit of Holiness written by Jerry Bridges and published by Tyndale House Publishers, Inc.. This book was released on 2016 with total page 201 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This new edition replaces both The Pursuit of Holiness (ISBN 9781576839324) and the study guide (ISBN 9781576839881) by combining both resources into one volume "Be holy, for I am holy," commands God. But holiness is something that is often missed in the Christian's daily life. According to Navigator author Jerry Bridges, that's because we're not exactly sure what our part in holiness is. In The Pursuit of Holiness, he helps us see clearly just what we should rely on God to do--and what we should take responsibility for ourselves. As you deepen your relationship with God, learn more about His character, and understand the Holy Spirit's role in holiness, your spiritual growth will mature. The included study guide contains 12 lessons.

Download or read book Pursuing God s Will Together written by Ruth Haley Barton and published by InterVarsity Press. This book was released on 2012-04-25 with total page 257 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Church boards and other Christian leadership teams have long relied on models adapted from the business world. Ruth Haley Barton, president of the Transforming Center, helps teams transition to a much more fitting model—the spiritual community that practices discernment together.

Download or read book The Practice of the Presence of God written by Brother Lawrence and published by Hyweb Technology Co. Ltd.. This book was released on 2011-10-15 with total page 311 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt:

Download or read book Truth Plus Love written by Matt Brown and published by Zondervan. This book was released on 2019-04-23 with total page 209 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Imagine what our world might look like if Christians became known for remarkable love, as well as life-giving truth. The stakes are high and the need is great for Christians to represent Jesus to a watching world. And today, we have more influence than ever before--for better and for worse. We are among the first generations to have access to a global megaphone through social media. But it's not enough to speak truth louder to a noisy culture. To counter the reputation Christians have earned, our love must be just as loud. Ask evangelist Matt Brown, and he will tell you Christians today are facing a crisis of influence. In our rush to speak truth to today's tensions, cultural issues, and trending controversies, it becomes all too easy to focus on proving our points rather than extending God's grace. Conversely, when we seek only to love yet never proclaim a better way, we short-circuit God's plan. Truth Plus Love invites you to rediscover the biblical framework for engaging culture as ambassadors of Christ. Through biblical insight, cultural analysis, and practical principles, Matt Brown outlines how to champion truth without compromise, how to love unconditionally, and ultimately, how to step into this great adventure of representing God to the world. It's hard, it's messy, and it's the unfinished project of a lifetime, yet here we find our great adventure: representing God to a watching world.

Download or read book Attached to God written by Krispin Mayfield and published by Zondervan. This book was released on 2022-02-22 with total page 252 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Why does God feel so far away? The reason--and the solution--is in your attachment style. We all experience moments when God's love and presence are tangible. But we also experience feeling utterly abandoned by God. Why? The answer is found when you take a deep look at the other important relationships in your life and understand your attachment style. Through his years working in trauma recovery programs, extensive research into attachment science, and personal experiences with spiritual striving and abuse, licensed therapist Krispin Mayfield has learned to answer the question: Why do I feel so far from God? When you understand your attachment style you gain a whole new paradigm for a secure and loving relationship with God. You'll gain insights about: How you relate to others--both your strengths and weaknesses The practical exercises you can use to grow a secure spiritual attachment to God How to move forward on the spirituality spectrum and experience the Divine connection we all were created for You'll learn to identify and remove mixed messages about closeness with God that you may have heard in church or from well-meaning Christians. With freedom from the past, you can then chart a new path toward intimate connection with the God of the universe.

Download or read book Deeper Richer Fuller written by Tom Paterson and published by Simon and Schuster. This book was released on 2010-06-01 with total page 274 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Discover the true purpose of your life with a patented nine-step process. In Deeper, Richer, Fuller, Tom Paterson, world-renowned business strategist, inventor, and mentor, demonstrates how Christians can become everyday saints, learning to love and help others by living out God’s purpose. Through Patterson’s patented LifePlan process you can: - Identify important milestones in your spiritual journey - Discover your spiritual roadblocks - Create a life of joyous fulfillment - Deepen your relationship with God Peppered with personal stories from a lifetime of interactions with world and spiritual leaders—from U.S. presidents to Walt Disney to famous CEOs—Deeper, Richer, Fuller delivers an extraordinary process of spiritual transformation, allowing you to chart your course for the future.

Download or read book The Examen Prayer written by Timothy M. Gallagher and published by Crossroad. This book was released on 2006 with total page 0 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The first book to explain the popular Christian practice of the examen prayer. Fr. Gallagher takes us deeper into the prayer Ignatius of Loyola believed was at the center of the spiritual life, showing how relevant it is today.

Download or read book Conformed to His Image written by Kenneth Boa and published by Zondervan Publishing Company. This book was released on 2001-09-01 with total page 544 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: A practical, engaging, and devotional study of the various pathways to a deeper relationship with Christ In these postmodern times, there is a growing desire for an authentic spirituality that will touch our lives in meaningful and practical ways. The biblical vision of the spiritual life as a relationship with the living and personal Creator can satisfy this deep desire, but most accounts of this vision are fragmentary or one-sided. Conformed to His Image offers a comprehensive, balanced, and applicable approach to what it really means to know Christ. Rather than presenting one or two approaches, author Ken Boa provides an in-depth discussion of twelve pathways in the spiritual life and shows how each of these pathways contribute to the dynamic process of spiritual growth. With its systematic, synthetic, and broad-based approach to the spiritual life, Conformed to His Image draws readers into a deeper appreciation and desire to participate in the various facets of Christian spirituality. Among the twelve facets of spiritual formation addressed are: * Relational spirituality: loving God completely, self correctly, and others compassionately * Exchanged Life spirituality: grasping our true identity in Christ * Process spirituality: being vs. doing; process vs. product * Warfare spirituality: the world, the flesh, and the devil * Corporate spirituality: encouragement, accountability, and worship

Download or read book Introduction to the Spiritual Life written by Brant Pitre and published by Image. This book was released on 2021-11-02 with total page 337 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: A compelling exploration of the biblical foundations, contemplative practices, and spiritual path of Jesus himself—from the bestselling author of The Case for Jesus “What happens when a biblical theologian explores classic spirituality? This book. Pitre’s students have asked, Why have we never heard this before? The reader wonders the same.”—Dr. David Fagerberg, author of Liturgical Mysticism The path of following Jesus is an ancient and storied spiritual tradition. Yet many believers are not familiar with the three major forms of prayer and the three stages of spiritual growth that exist to bring them closer to God. In his most personal book yet, Brant Pitre, PhD, draws on the riches of the Bible, the words of Jesus, and the writings of mystics across the centuries to shed light on the mystery—and wonder—of the spiritual life. Starting with the age-old belief that the path of prayer is not only informative but transformative, Dr. Pitre explores • the scriptural roots of the major forms of prayer: vocal prayer, meditation, and contemplation • the purgative, illuminative, and unitive stages of spiritual growth • the spiritual exercises of prayer, fasting, and almsgiving • the Jewish roots of the Lord’s Prayer • Lectio Divina: how to pray with the Bible • seven vices and their seven opposing virtues • the battle of prayer: how to deal with difficulty and distractions • the “dark night of the soul” in the Scriptures Full of sacred truths, contemplative insights, and practical steps, Introduction to the Spiritual Life is a biblical road map of the spiritual landscape that enables us to follow Jesus as our primary guide.

Download or read book A Book For Life written by Jo Bowlby and published by Yellow Kite. This book was released on 2021-06-24 with total page 208 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: 'The A List Shaman' - The Times Magazine 'A must-read packed full of aha moments.' - Naomie Harris OBE, Actor 'It's interesting, fun and it's relevant to all of us ... Perhaps the key thing for me is the feeling that Jo is talking from her heart rather than writing from her brain ... It's important.' - Sarah Stacey, Victoria Health Jo Bowlby is a world-renowned Shaman, coach and mentor. This very special book is filled with insights and practices which for centuries were only known by spiritual teachers and their devotees, but which Jo Bowlby has used to underpin her powerful work as a Shaman, coach and mentor. With a focus on resilience and finding balance, Jo turns ancient teachings into life-changing practices that will provide you with a skillset designed to help you navigate life's ups and downs. Whether you seek stillness, want to reclaim your freedom from a mental struggle, or simply inject some wonder into your world, this inspirational book will help guide you on the way. 'Really enjoying this. Not your usual self-help book. It's succinct, very well written and not selling nonsense. Highly recommended.' - Levison Wood

Download or read book The Deeper Christian Life An Aid to It s Attainment written by Andrew Murray and published by DigiCat. This book was released on 2022-05-29 with total page 66 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The book by Andrew Murray, published in 1895, touches upon different spiritual questions, like the connection between humans and God, spiritual practices and insights in everyday lives, and many more. The book is quite popular among Christians and can be used for inspiration, answers to spiritual questions, preparation of sermons, and ministry.