Hello Jonathan, I just discovered you yesterday on Substack. Thank you so much for your posts. I've already read several and have gotten so much out of them. I love the way you describe transactional vs. transformational Christianity. I never looked at it from that angle before but it makes so much sense to me. I so want to be transforme…
Hello Jonathan, I just discovered you yesterday on Substack. Thank you so much for your posts. I've already read several and have gotten so much out of them. I love the way you describe transactional vs. transformational Christianity. I never looked at it from that angle before but it makes so much sense to me. I so want to be transformed by Christ and am so frustrated with the slow growth. Is there a book you'd recommend as a starting point? I've been a struggling Christian for several years. Got saved in 1982 and although I've grown a lot, I know there is so much more God has and wants from me. I am not familiar with the 3 fold way but can see how it has been part of my walk with the Lord even though I didn't have a name for it. I have been a Renovare online follower for several years now but moreso lately as my desire for Christ seems to be intensifying lately. I have several of Dallas's and Richard's books but honestly have finished few of them. I'm 64 and it seems like after putting in a full day's work, my energy is drained. I do try to read some on Sunday's but generally bounce from book to book and never finish one. I'd love to hear your recommendations and again, thanks for sharing. Jo-Ann
Hi Jo-Ann ... thanks so much for reading and commenting ... and the encouraging words. You made my day! I'm glad to hear that the distinction between transactional and transformational Christianity was helpful. It made a huge difference for me at the time :)
Hmmmm ... I wonder what would be a good book ... let me offer you a few and see if any resonate:
3) This is a helpful book about little practices we can do anytime throughout our day. It's from a wonderful author, Tish Harrison Warren, The Liturgy of the Ordinary: https://www.ivpress.com/liturgy-of-the-ordinary
Also, another idea may be to set the books aside, and just try a simple practice, something like a breath prayer for 3 min ... or fasting a snack once a week ... or even just faithful napping, while trusting in God. All of these can be simple ways to live more God-centered. Nothing spectacular – just simple, gentle, and easy ways of growing in friendship with God.
I hope some of this may be helpful. If not, let it drop to the ground.
Let me know how you're doing every once in a while!
Thanks Jonathan. I will definitely check those out. I look forward to following your posts and your journey as well. Thank you for using your gifts to help me and others. I pray you’ll be encouraged to know the Lord is using you. May the Lord reward you and be your reward. God bless. Jo-Ann
Hello Jonathan, I just discovered you yesterday on Substack. Thank you so much for your posts. I've already read several and have gotten so much out of them. I love the way you describe transactional vs. transformational Christianity. I never looked at it from that angle before but it makes so much sense to me. I so want to be transformed by Christ and am so frustrated with the slow growth. Is there a book you'd recommend as a starting point? I've been a struggling Christian for several years. Got saved in 1982 and although I've grown a lot, I know there is so much more God has and wants from me. I am not familiar with the 3 fold way but can see how it has been part of my walk with the Lord even though I didn't have a name for it. I have been a Renovare online follower for several years now but moreso lately as my desire for Christ seems to be intensifying lately. I have several of Dallas's and Richard's books but honestly have finished few of them. I'm 64 and it seems like after putting in a full day's work, my energy is drained. I do try to read some on Sunday's but generally bounce from book to book and never finish one. I'd love to hear your recommendations and again, thanks for sharing. Jo-Ann
Hi Jo-Ann ... thanks so much for reading and commenting ... and the encouraging words. You made my day! I'm glad to hear that the distinction between transactional and transformational Christianity was helpful. It made a huge difference for me at the time :)
Hmmmm ... I wonder what would be a good book ... let me offer you a few and see if any resonate:
1) I really like this simple book by Richella Parham called A Spiritual Formation Primer: https://renovare.org/books/spiritual-formation-primer
2) This was a big help when I was starting out with Spiritual Formation: Revolution of Character by Dallas Willard: https://www.amazon.com/Revolution-Character-Discovering-Spiritual-Transformation/dp/1576838579
3) This is a helpful book about little practices we can do anytime throughout our day. It's from a wonderful author, Tish Harrison Warren, The Liturgy of the Ordinary: https://www.ivpress.com/liturgy-of-the-ordinary
Also, another idea may be to set the books aside, and just try a simple practice, something like a breath prayer for 3 min ... or fasting a snack once a week ... or even just faithful napping, while trusting in God. All of these can be simple ways to live more God-centered. Nothing spectacular – just simple, gentle, and easy ways of growing in friendship with God.
I hope some of this may be helpful. If not, let it drop to the ground.
Let me know how you're doing every once in a while!
May Jesus ever live and reign in our hearts!
–Jon
Thanks Jonathan. I will definitely check those out. I look forward to following your posts and your journey as well. Thank you for using your gifts to help me and others. I pray you’ll be encouraged to know the Lord is using you. May the Lord reward you and be your reward. God bless. Jo-Ann