One reason why we fail to hear God speak is that we are not attentive. We suffer from what might be called ‘spiritual mindlessness.’
JOHN ORTBERGOne reason why we fail to hear God speak is that we are not attentive. We suffer from what might be called ‘spiritual mindlessness.’
JOHN ORTBERGGod has entrusted us with his most precious treasure – people. He asks us to shepherd and mold them into strong disciples, with brave faith and good character.
JOHN ORTBERGThe Holy Spirit says: You are it. You are God’s plan. In a thirsty world, people need to be refreshed. It is a broken world, and people need to be healed. Now get out there and do it!
JOHN ORTBERGTo become truly free, you must surrender.
JOHN ORTBERGHaving faith does not mean never having doubts or questions. It does mean remaining obedient.
JOHN ORTBERGSkepticism can keep us from blessing, can keep us trapped in two minds.
JOHN ORTBERGIt’s better to have the faith to embrace reality with all its pain than to cling to the false comfort of a painless fantasy.
JOHN ORTBERGLove and hurry are fundamentally incompatible. Love always takes time, and time is the one thing hurried people don’t have.
JOHN ORTBERGGod sees with utter clarity who we are. He is undeceived as to our warts and wickedness. But when God looks at us that is not all He sees. He also sees who we are intended to be, who we will one day become.
JOHN ORTBERGJesus gave the world its most influential movement.
JOHN ORTBERGsometimes we do not realize how much we have to be grateful for until it is threatened.
JOHN ORTBERGWise people build their lives around what is eternal and squeeze in what is temporary. Not the other way around.
JOHN ORTBERGMake your life about something bigger than your life.
JOHN ORTBERGJesus associated with the outcasts; he spoke with them, touched them, ate with them, loved them.
JOHN ORTBERGThe decision to grow always involves a choice between risk and comfort. This means that to be a follower of Jesus, you must renounce comfort as the ultimate value of your life.
JOHN ORTBERGAt the deepest level, pride is the choice to exclude both God and other people from their rightful place in our hearts. Jesus said the essence of the spiritual life is to love God and to love people. Pride destroys our capacity to love.
JOHN ORTBERG