A Long Obedience In The Same Direction

Since Eugene Peterson first wrote this spiritual formation classic nearly forty years ago, hundreds of thousands of Christians have been inspired by its call to deeper discipleship. As a society, we are still obsessed with the immediate; new technologies have only intensified our quest for the quick fix. But Peterson's time-tested prescription for discipleship remains the same—a long obedience in the same direction. Following Jesus in this way requires a deepening life of prayer, and throughout history Christians have learned to pray from the Psalms. Peterson finds encouragement for today's pilgrims in the Songs of Ascents (Psalms 120-134), sung by travelers on their way to worship in Jerusalem. With his prophetic and pastoral wisdom, Peterson shows how the psalms teach us to grow in worship, service, joy, work, happiness, humility, community, and blessing. This special commemorative edition of A Long Obedience in the Same Direction includes a new preface taken from Leif Peterson's eulogy at his father's memorial service.

Six studies, based on Eugene Peterson's classic on Christian commitment, A Long Obedience in the Same Direction, encourage you to continue in the path Christ has set before you.

We are surrounded by a society that idealizes quick results and stimulating experiences. The Christian life, however, calls us to be not tourists but pilgrims—disciples committed to a long journey of faith. These six studies, based on Eugene Peterson's bestselling A Long Obedience in the Same Direction, provide an accessible guide for growing in perseverance. Find encouragement in the Psalms to press on with qualities such as hope, repentance, patience, and joy. As companions to the IVP Signature Collection, IVP Signature Bible Studies help individuals and groups explore and apply biblical truths found in classic books. Each session features quotations from A Long Obedience in the Same Direction matched with Scripture passages, reflection questions, and application ideas that will equip readers to connect the text to their own lives. A leader's guide and list of suggested resources are also included.

Please note: This is a companion version & not the original book. Sample Book Insights: #1 The world is a difficult place for Christians to navigate. We are constantly being bombarded with temptations that come from the flesh, the world, and the devil. #2 The world’s way of life is difficult for a pastor to deal with. Everyone is in a hurry. They want shortcuts, and they are impatient for results. A pastor is not a tour guide. #3 The fifteen psalms that make up the Songs of Ascents were most likely sung by Hebrew pilgrims as they went up to Jerusalem to the great worship festivals. They were a way for the people to express the amazing grace and to quiet their anxious fears. #4 The Songs of Ascents are a collection of psalms that were used by the multitudes who said, Come, let's climb God's mountain, go to the House of the God of Jacob. He'll show us the way he works so we can live the way we're made.

Does the scientific process belong in pastoral counseling? Professional Chaplaincy and Clinical Pastoral Education Should Become More Scientific: Yes and No examines the widespread ambivalence among pastoral caregivers and educators over the growing inclusion of science in pastoral care and counseling methodologies. Twenty-three seasoned professionals in the field give candid and sometimes emotional accounts of their interest inand reservations aboutthe role scientific research plays in their profession. Some authors look at the issue from a historical perspective; others voice additional concerns. A few make concrete proposals on how chaplaincy can become more scientific. The result is a unique insight into the relationship between the secular and the religious. The question of whether science belongs in pastoral care and counseling is moot; pastoral care already makes extensive use of psychological testing and psychotherapeutic skillsall products of scientific thinking. But as technology becomes more dominant and health care delivery reflects a more corporate perspective, pastoral caregivers and educators are divided on whether the changes represent the significant opportunity to improve a ministry or the surrender of the ministry's very essence. The essays collected in Professional Chaplaincy and Clinical Pastoral Education Should Become More Scientific: Yes and No go a step farther, breaking down the issue of faith versus science into more specific questions for pastoral caregivers, such as: Can what you do be measured? Do you have an obligation to embrace the challenge of change? Is becoming more scientific a necessity for staying in touch with your health care peers? How cost effective is the pastoral care you provide if it doesn't include the scientific process? Could a reluctance to incorporate science into your counseling cost you your job? Professional Chaplaincy and Clinical Pastoral Education Should Become More Scientific: Yes and No presents thoughtful and thought-provoking debate that is a must-read for all pastoral caregivers and educators.

An insightful and practical look at patterns for contemporary spiritual growth found in the wisdom of the Old Testament.

There is a lot of talk these days about how churches need to become more "missional" and "Kingdom-focused"--but what about the families that make up our churches and often reflect the surrounding culture more than the Kingdom of God? Christian families know that God has a better purpose for marriage and family but often don't have the slightest idea how to get there. And while many books on Christian marriage and family are inwardly focused on simply getting along "better," this book addresses the cultural influences that have taken our focus away from God's intended purpose for marriage and family and, through analysis and practical suggestions, recalls marriages and families to the purpose for which God intended them in the first place--namely, to serve God's Kingdom as witnesses to a world desperately seeking deeper purpose and authenticity.

"Perfect for Christians looking to reassess their relationship with alcohol."--Publishers Weekly When author and Episcopal priest Erin Jean Warde quit drinking, she heard from many others in a similar situation seeking support. In Sober Spirituality, she combines personal storytelling with theological reflection to offer encouragement, wisdom, and practical insight for readers who want to reexamine their relationship with alcohol. Warde explores the way our culture promotes alcohol consumption and shows how we can choose to change our perception of alcohol in our spiritual communities. She names not only the challenges of sobriety and spirituality but also the tremendous gifts and blessings that come through quitting drinking or being more mindful about alcohol use. Readers will emerge with a deeper understanding of how their faith informs daily habits and choices. Sober Spirituality also calls the church to a better understanding of how it can ally with recovery communities. Ultimately, this book declares we are all worthy of an abundant and joyful life in mind, body, and soul.

The idols of addiction must be dealt with through reverence for God just as they are chosen through our irreverence. Reverentially Turning to God from Idols is 365-day reading. It is a combination of Addiction: A Tug of War, Quality Sobriety (Volumes 1-5), Turning to God from Idols, as well as a few other works by Gregory Madison. The epitome of reverencing God is the mind of Christ. It is impossible for someone abiding in Christ to relapse!

A different perspective can revolutionize our appreciation of the familiar. This is what Bill Crowder does as he examines the familiar story of the birth of Christ in the gospel of Luke. By looking through the windows provided by those who were there--Mary and Joseph, the angels and the shepherds, Simeon and Anna--we see and feel what they saw and felt, and learn from their responses. As we enter into the nativity events that altered the world forever and as we join the humble worshipers who welcomed Christ at His birth, we get what we need most--fresh perspective.

Broken Windows of the Soul: The "Broken Windows Theory" suggests that a community can reduce crime and maintain social order when small problems are fixed promptly. Alternatively, minor vandalism (such as broken windows) left unrepaired, sends the message that no one cares-inviting more serious crimes. Fleagle and Lichi have applied this theory to the problem of sexual temptation and moral failure. Broken Windows of the Soul reveals the destructive nature of infidelity, sexual perversion and pornography and its effect on the culture and the church. Unless the cracks are quickly repaired, more "broken windows of the soul" are soon to follow. Fleagle and Lichi teach the regular practice of spiritual disciplines to transform the heart and experience deep character change. Each chapter includes questions for individual or group study.

I am not strong enough to derail God's plan for my life. He uses people and events to accomplish his plan for my life. He is like a good chess player: he arranges situations to accomplish his plan for my life. I call it divine orchestration.

James A. Harnish, from the Introduction: “I’m broken. So are you. We’re all broken people who live in a broken world. The critical question is, how do we find strength to put broken things back together again? This book is an invitation to touch the scars that mark the broken places in our lives, in the same way the risen Christ invited a doubting disciple to touch the nail scars in his hands. It is a challenge to explore some of the dark places in our human experience, to uncover the sinister power of sin, and to experience the way the grace of God meets us in our broken places to bring new life.”

Soon after Jesus began his public ministry, he called his first ‘disciples’. He would teach and train them and then, after his death and resurrection, commission and empower them to go to the nations to make more ‘followers’. The risen Jesus is still calling and sending people today. If we heed his call, the result can be just as transformative and as exciting as it was for the first disciples. While there are no explicit occurrences of the term ‘disciple’ outside the Gospels and Acts, with only two further biblical references to ‘followers’ of Jesus, it is Peter Morden’s conviction that we need the entire Bible if we are going to be whole-life disciples. He reflects on Scripture and asks the primary question, ‘How do we live as committed disciples of Jesus today?’ He explores the foundations, resources and practice of discipleship in a range of Old and New Testament texts. The result is a well-rounded and satisfying picture of Christian discipleship, one that is wonderfully attractive as well as deeply challenging.

What if your struggles aren’t a barrier to thriving but an invitation into your most vibrant days? Discover how to live a life of joy and fullness, even in the midst of disappointment and broken dreams. How can you find a way forward when life throws you sucker punches, when you face obstacles that seem to snuff out your faith, when you lose someone precious to you? It is in the sacred space of pain and promise that we can begin to flourish. Even in the midst of disappointment and broken dreams it is possible to grow, be strong, and draw near to God. In The Fight to Flourish, Jennie Lusko draws on her experiences after the loss of her five-year-old daughter, Lenya, to show you that the ingredients for a fresh and thriving life are right in front of you. Jennie's story will help remind you of how much God loves you, even when life feels unbearable. With grit and grace, Jennie will help you: Discover that flourishing is not an impossible destination but a divine revelation of where you are right now Find relief from the weight of overwhelming circumstances by resting in the realization that God is fighting for you Trust that God is growing you in the gap between your expectations and your experience The word flourish is written all over you and your future. Discover the ongoing strength that Jennie has found and learn to reengage in life with renewed strength and confidence.

Have you ever wondered what the church would look like if Christians began to take the words of Jesus seriously—the words some Bibles print in red? What if Jesus actually meant for us to do the things he said? What if those who “believe in Jesus” really did value the things he valued? Would the church look different? Would your neighborhood stay the same? In Think Red, Larry Stoess takes a close look at the values, the vision, and the mission of Jesus, and then holds up a mirror for us to see if our communities look anything like Jesus. If we dare look in the mirror we may be inspired to leave behind our obsession with consumer-based religion and follow the way of Jesus. Those who do will be set free to imagine creative and whimsical expressions of community.

Imagine having lived in the generation that discovered fire. Very swiftly, current scientific advances will reorder our lives just as much. Artificial Intelligence, decoding the human genome, links between mind and computer... All these things once science fiction, are now quickly—and absolutely—becoming science fact. Could machines become sentient? Is "life" a computer simulation? Does science really have a genetic blueprint for all human life? Believers and unbelievers alike are easily unnerved by such questions. Interestingly though, early writers from many faiths and fields have already addressed these kinds of issues. From Plato to St. Paul, and Laozi to C.S. Lewis, they all have much to say about our "curiouser and curiouser" new world. In Faith in the Age of AI, pastor, priest, scholar, and counselor Dan Scott invites you to learn what these hallowed ancient voices have already said about faith in the age of Artificial Intelligence.