Spiritual Journey: Can I Really Get Close to God?

by Wanda Walborn

Overview

Spiritual Journey introduces the concept of spiritual formation and how to get started on the adventure of drawing near to God. Each chapter includes four parts of a subject, an obstacle a spiritual discipline and a practice to help the reader understand different parts of the spiritual journey, identify roadblocks and learn how to navigate through to the other side.

Covered themes include desperation for God, brokenness, God’s desire for us, what is a spiritual journey, identity, hearing God and developing character. Identified obstacles such as lies, fear, anger, shame, refusal of love and disobedience reveal to the reader barriers to growth.

Mirror moments are provided within each chapter to give the reader opportunity to immediately reflect and sort through thoughts and feelings that accompany the obstacles.Spiritual disciplines such as saying yes to God, community, meditation, journaling, listening prayer and submission are introduced for the reader to practice simple activities that bring transformation from the inside out.

Dr. Wanda Walborn challenges readers to enter into the adventure of the spiritual journey, process through painful places, remove obstacles and step into the freedom and fullness provided through the presence and power of Christ.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781952025204
Publisher:	Clovercroft Publishing
Publication date:	01/05/2021
Pages:	176
Sales rank:	336,423
Product dimensions:	5.50(w) x 8.50(h) x (d)

About the Author

Dr. Wanda Walborn has been serving at Nyack College since 2000. She is currently the institutional professor of spiritual formation at Nyack College and Alliance Theological Seminary in New York City. Wanda is also the Director of Empower, a certificate program for women through the Metropolitan District of the Christian and Missionary Alliance that equips women in bible, theology, spiritual formation and mentoring (empowerww.org). Wanda lives out her passion to mentor emerging leaders. As a professor, author and speaker she pours into the lives of young men and women, inspiring them to grasp the depth and breadth of God’s love in order to live lives without compromise for God. In her free time, she enjoys sports, reading, the outdoors and-above all, spending time with her family!

Table of Contents

Foreword 13

Preface: Your Adventure Invitation 15

Acknowledgments 19

Chapter 1 Prerequisite for the Spiritual Journey: Desperation 23

Obstacle: Refusing God's Love

The Way Through: Discipline of Yes

Practice: Prayer of Intention

Chapter 2 Spiritual Journey: What It Is and Why It's Important 39

Obstacle: Fear of Rejection

The Way Through: Overview of Spiritual Disciplines

Practice: Reading the Bible

Chapter 3 Belonging: A Place Where I Am Accepted as I Am 67

Obstacle: Shame

The Way Through: Discipline of Community Practice: Asking for Help

Chapter 4 Brokenness: The Area of My Life I Hope No One Ever Finds Out about Me 85

Obstacle: Anger

The Way Through: Discipline of Forgiveness

Practice: Prayer of Forgiveness

Chapter 5 Intimacy: God's Desire for Me 103

Obstacle: Lies

The Way Through: Discipline of Honesty

Practice: Meditation

Chapter 6 My Identity in Christ: Fostering My Relationship with Jesus 123

Obstacle: Fear

The Way Through: Discipline of Spiritual Warfare

Practice: Journaling

Chapter 7 Hearing God's Voice: "Is That You, God?" 145

Obstacle: Noise (Outward and Inward)

The Way Through: Discipline of Listening Prayer

Practice: Keep Coming

Chapter 8 Character: Who I Am When No One Else Sees Me 165

Obstacle: Temptation

The Way Through: Discipline of Submission

Practice: Others May, You May Not

Afterword: Where Do I Go from Here? 179

What People are Saying About This

From the Publisher

"Wanda is a trustworthy friend and ministry colleague, a woman of depth, wisdom and insight who is a reliable guide on the Spiritual Journey. Take the trip with her through the inner life and stop along the way to look in the mirror and allow the Lord to take you to new places that you need to experience for freedom and fullness in Christ! "
-Rob Reimer, Professor of Practical Theology at Alliance Theological Seminary and author of the best selling book, Soul Care

"Reading words written by someone who lives her words and practices with integrity is a rich gift. The ancient image of “integrity” came from crafty potters who inserted a substance into cracked or broken pots and then glazed over the broken parts. To have integrity is to offer something that is whole from start to finish, no cracks, nothing covered over. I have been blessed to know this author, Wanda Walborn, for many years: as colleagues, trusted friend, and co-laborer for the sake of the kingdom of God. Her words are to be trusted; her insights are to be taken in and will bring growth and wholeness as they too are lived with the integrity she brings to her ministry. Don’t just read this book: absorb it, metabolize its truth and live it. "
– Dr. Keith Anderson, President Emeritus, The Seattle School of Theology & Psychology

"From the mature Christian to those simply curious about spiritual matters, those brave enough to allow Dr. Walborn to guide their journey will find themselves uniquely equipped to discern the voice of God and to enjoy the rest that comes from sitting in his very presence. Of all the spiritual disciplines, those explored within this text are perhaps the most elusive, but most necessary for spiritual lives free of fear, anxiety, burdens, and shame. Dr. Walborn knows that in the presence of Christ exists abundant grace and complete freedom. She is journeying to that sacred place and this book is her invitation for you to come along."
–Shirley Hoogstra J.D., President, Council for Christian Colleges & Universityies

"I've known Wanda for two decades as a professor, colleague, coach, and friend. I've watched her emerge into a leader of influence and insight. This book integrates the best of human development with insight into the Scriptures. Her perspectives on brokenness, fear, and shame are stellar. I commend this work to you."
–Dr. Martin Sanders, President & Founder, Global Leadership and Director of Doctor of Ministry, Alliance Theological Seminary

"I have watched my wife, Wanda, pursue Jesus for over 36 years. It’s one of the reasons I fell in love with her. I had never met anyone with such a pure, intense devotion to encountering God. Her pursuit inspired and motivated me. In “Spiritual Journey” Wanda shares many of the secrets and obstacles she has learned and faced along the way. Her insight is deep and refreshing. I have watched her live it. This book will give you a glimpse into it as well. I believe Wanda’s journey will inspire you as it has me. Our prayer is that you would enjoy the journey into His presence as much as we have. It’s worth it!"
–Dr. Ron Walborn, Vice President & Dean, Alliance Theological Seminary and Nyack College

"Dr. Wanda Walborn has a unique style of communication which combines a pastoral tone with an underlying prophetic impulse. You are immediately drawn into a place of desperation as Dr. Walborn paints a picture of life immersed in deep intimacy with Jesus. The invitation is so compelling that I found myself physically leaning forward wanting more. The genesis of her writing, however, is in the practical call to deep personal reflection described as “mirror moments.” It is in these strategic places of “holy pause” that the Spirit animates and heals our soul, removing roadblocks and opening pathways for genuine encounters with Jesus. The powerful and refreshing articulation of “spiritual disciplines” as friends or companions that make space for God’s presence in our lives is brilliant. Intimacy is not about formulas but rather formation that is birthed out of perpetual encounters with the presence of Jesus. This book is not optional. Let the journey begin!"
-Rev. Dr. David Hearn, President of the Christian and Missionary Alliance in Canada

“...those who are close to Him are those who are desperate for Him...” “As uncomfortable as desperation is, it is the gifted reminder of my need for a Savior to save me from myself. My yes is the doorway for change and transformation.” “On a scale of one to ten...how thirsty are you for more of God?” These quotes from Dr. Walborn’s book describe the reason why one would read this book and journey with her through the process and soul-shaping patterns towards spiritual formation, wholeness, and freedom. There are key principles here that will help shape the life of any believer - whether you’re just beginning the journey in your walk with God, or you’ve been on the journey for a long time but are hungering for more; more intimacy; more of the depths of His love; more of Him! Dive into Spiritual Journey: Can I Really Get Close to God? She dives in with you and leads you on a journey to spiritual breakthrough and getting intimately close with God.
-Rev. Kelvin L. Walker, District Superintendent of the C&MA Metro District

"Walborn captures the essence of spiritual disciplines as the “grace to make space for God's presence in our lives.” She contends that to live authentically is nothing less than the fruit of God’s grace, received and given. This book is biblical and practical, born from a life of faithful discipleship and fruitful ministry, and will offer rich insights into your own spiritual journey."
–Grace May, Associate Professor of Biblical Studies, William Carey International Universityand Founder of Women of Wonder, Inc.