The Forgotten Way Meditations: The Path of Yeshua for Power and Peace in This Life

by Ted Dekker

Do you ever wonder if you've been missing something?
Jesus said we would live with power, that rivers of life would flow from our innermost being, and we would know unspeakable peace and joy in this life . . . not only in the next. And yet, what Jesus said and how we really experience life are very different. 
Do you ever find yourself shackled by worry, depression, financial struggle, or the pain of regret and broken relationships? Who are you then, when it seems all of life might crush you? 
The Forgotten Way is a 21-day journey that will show you the truth of who Jesus says you are, and the Way to power and peace that is available to you right now in every situation. A Way that we all forget every day, but need not anymore. 
Now is the time to remember. To awaken. To finally live the way you were intended in power and peace as a son or daughter of God.

Genres: Nonfiction, Christian, Theology, Devotional, Christianity, Faith, Religion

283 pages, Paperback

Published January 1, 2015

About the author

Ted Dekker is known for novels that combine adrenaline-laced stories with unexpected plot twists, unforgettable characters, and incredible confrontations between good and evil. Ted lives in Austin with his wife LeeAnn and their four children.

Reviews

[Ian · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am now on my fourth reading of this tremendous addition to spiritual growth writings. I suspect I will simply restart it each time I finish it. There is that much good fruit in this set of 21 meditations that I discover something new on each reading.

This book starts out with Dekker documenting his faith journey. The volume was borne out of his own spiritual epiphany that even though he'd been a Christian for most of his life, there must be something more to really knowing God. So Ted lost himself in the Scriptures and God's Word came alive to him in a deep transformational way where he got to better understand who God is, who we are, and the life God desires for us to experience now.

Over the past couple of years I've found myself at a similar point in my relationship with Jesus: I wanted more, more of Him and a deeper awareness of His Presence. These meditations have certainly opened my eyes and heart bringing alive Scripture in a refreshing and vital way.

The 21 meditations are built around "I am the Way, the Truth and the Life" with a series of 5 declarations of who God is, who we are (the Truth), who we are in the Presence of God now and surrendering of our false self (the Way) and finally on the Life we have now in Jesus (the Life).

With tremendous story telling and a foundation based on Scripture each Meditation is 3-4 pages in length and includes the meditation, contemplation thereon, a prayer and some encouragement to remember the meditation.

The back of the book details each Scripture referred to in the meditations with notes provided by Pastor Bill Vanderbush. There is also a separate study guide that helps further consolidate one's reflections on each meditation.

What I've most benefited from the meditations is a better understanding of who I am in Christ. This underpins our experience of Christ and the life we walk with Him. If we don't have a good grasp of what the Word says about who He is and who we are in Him then we'll miss out on fully realising the relationship He desires for each of us. This, in turn, has drawn me closer to Him and I have a greater sense of His Presence each day.

I expect in the future people will refer to Dekker's "The Forgotten Way" in the same way we now refer to the writings of Lewis, Tozer, Nouwen and the like.

I can't recommend this enough and am now giving copies of it away to friends and family. At this time I believe the only way to purchase "The Forgotten Way" is via the website: https://theforgottenway.com/welcome

[Trent · Rating 4 out of 5]

The way Ted Dekker has written what it means to be a Christ follower and to truly know God will forever change my life. I cannot even begin to write all the things I have learned and underlined. The only thing I can say is that now 80 pages of my Moleskin journal are no longer blank. For any person, Christ-Follower or not, if you are longing for a deeper and closer relationship with God, I recommend this 21 day devotional to you.

[Mark · Rating 1 out of 5]

Was not biblical accurate and made assumptions one verse at a time to solidify point.

[Bob Bloor · Rating 4 out of 5]

This would be an excellent book for anyone who is either not sure of or needs encouragement about his/her identity in Christ. Dekker reminds us of who we are in Christ and what that position entails. By reinforcing those things, we can reset our priorities and live the life we are called to.

[☆ serethiel ☆]

Note to self: Bring up as a possibility for ladies' book club.

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

A superbly written, life-changing book that makes clear the Christian way of life. A definite must read for all people seeking God in the midst of our own brokenness.

[Ralene Burke · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ted Dekker really helps readers to look inside themselves and view their relationship with God in a different way. While I wouldn't say I agreed with every theology point, I did get so much out of this book!

[Dana · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have been a fan of Ted Dekker’s since Heavens Wager, Blink, Blessed Child (co-authored with Bill Bright), the Circle series (Black/Red/White/Green) and many others.
I purchased The Forgotten Way, along with the study guide, from the Forgotten Way website (which is currently the only way to purchase a legitimate copy). The purchase gave me download-access to the entire book in audio form, read by Kevin Kaiser and to discussions with Ted Dekker on each daily meditation. Often, I would read the meditation as I listened along with the audio meditation. I also listen to the meditations as I drive to work. A suggestion if you decide to purchase The Forgotten Way with the Study Guide… Write your answers in a notebook. You’ll want to do this study multiple times and won’t have to get a new study guide each time.
The first time I went through the 21 meditations, I participated in an online group and checked in nightly to say I had read the day’s meditation and to read and comment with others about what I had read. I immediately started over on my own by listening to the meditations on my commute. I joined the next online group and the next. These 21 meditations rocked my heart and changed my spiritual perception. Additionally, the “read before starting” section was fascinating. Part autobiography, part soul journey from Ted Dekker. At the back of the book, are all the scriptures, by meditation, with reflections written by Bill Vanderbush.
Okay, what’s it about? I would love to tell you, but it’s just too huge to do it justice in a review. Go to The Forgotten Way website and order the books. The 21 meditations are totally based on scripture. I’ve read some reviews saying that this is too “new age”. But that’s not so. Everything in the meditations is based on scripture. No dogma. No denominations. Just God. And you. And God’s Word. See yourself through God’s eyes. The Father loves you so much, don’t miss another day of His Love for you.

[TJ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ted Dekker’s revelations in this book are life changing. I am thinking about hosting a small group at my church and doing the group study for this. This book is a MUST for every believer. He’s not creating any new theology or doctrine, in fact just the opposite- it is The Way of Jesus, the true way that so many don’t understand and many have forgotten. But Ted, so brilliantly inspired by the the Holy Spirit, is able to explain it in terms that are truly eye opening. One of the best books I’ve ever read!

[LaRae☕️ · Rating 3 out of 5]

Parts of this book were amazing -- paradigm shifting, even.

But then ... he just couldn't stop himself, and he went on and on and on, saying some things eighteen different ways, and well ... I was bored. I had to really push to get to the end.

So it was like a treasure hunt of sorts. There is definitely treasure to be found, but you have to wade through the drivel to find it.

[Lori McKinley · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's really 4.5 stars, there were a couple things I felt hesitant on and want to study further, but on the whole it's an excellent book and echoed much of what I've been learning the hard way over the past year.

More in depth review to come soon.

[Judee Howard · Rating 5 out of 5]

Life changing Meditations and Study Guide!

[Natasha · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a great book to get you to rethink how you view belief in God. If you've ever condemned yourself or others, this book is transformative. There are a couple places where Dekker has an interesting take on Bible verses that is different than I've been taught, but I don't think it's meant to be comprehensive. He's not trying to translate the Bible for us, but he's pointing us to God in a very specific way, using plenty of Biblical support. This is one of my favorite fiction authors (if not THE favorite), and I've always loved his approach to God. Now, here, it's spelled out more fully. This book would make for great discussion and reflection in a group setting, but I gained a lot from it just from personal devotional study.

[Karl Kranich · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dekker and Vanderbush provide 21 daily meditations to help Christians take to heart all that God has given us (and made us) in Christ.

My biggest complaint is that they say that there are two prodigal sons in the well-known parable from Luke 15. If you define "prodigal" as "someone who wanders", then this makes sense and helps us consider how the older son wasn't living in close relationship with his father. And my wife says I'm being picky, since most people think that's what "prodigal" means. But really, "prodigal" refers to the extravagant way that the younger son wasted his inheritance. I like how Tim Keller pushes our understanding of the term with his book "The Prodigal God". God, like the father in the parable, is extravagant in his love for us!

[Victoria · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is probably one of the most eye-opening books on Christian spirituality that I've ever read. I did this as part of a Facebook Challenge that involved more than 8,000 people from around the world.

The meditations and study guide really helped me to question the things that separate me from a firm foundation in my relationship with God, Yeshua and the Holy Spirit. It is definitely worth reading over and over again.

[Patrick Rhody · Rating 5 out of 5]

If there is one Christmas present you should this season it is this!
The Way The Truth and The Life of Yeshua the way it was meant to be lived!

[Patrick Cox · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was different than most of Teds books. It's a non-fiction look into the life of Ted Dekker and pretty much his testimony of his walk with God.

[Marsha Johnson Davis · Rating 5 out of 5]

The format of this book might sound a little odd to some readers; it did to me at first. It is written as 21 meditations, but just consider it 21 chapters. No chapter is long in print, but endless in meaning. In our busy lives filled with responsibilities, bombarded with noise, highly impacted by social medias and win-the-race attitudes, it's easy to get lost along the way. This book brings you back to where you are meant to be and back to who you're be.
As I read each chapter, I feel like an onion. Layer by layer was peeled away until the core of me was revealed. Some layers were thicker than others, more difficult to remove and brought tears to the eyes. Other layers were just plain freeing and all layers were revealing. I relearned who I am; I am a daughter of God, a princess, a sister of Jesus. I am loved by my Creator and that love holds no record of wrongs.
I highly recommend this book to everyone. It may be read alone or is a great book to go through with a group.

[Rosevine Cottage Girls · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is different than most of his books. Normally you expect Christian Fiction from him but this book is different. The book is called THE FORGOTTEN WAY, it is a devotional, to help your walk with God. At first I was concerned about the book, but I was surprised how well the book was. I have read several devotional books and I would say this book is as good as any of them. I like the way he has written this book and discusses the subjects and brakes it down for our reading. I would recommend adding this book to your list of devotionals for reading. Received this book from the publisher for our honest review.

[Tessa · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was afraid to read this at first because I was emerging from a season that had been really difficult, in part due to a book that had influenced my thinking and personal theology in negative, destructive ways. But when I reached a point where I felt safe and firmly planted enough to read a bit of non-fiction again, I was very grateful for what I found in this book. It's split into three parts, and the first two parts are remarkably gospel-centered and share things in a way that is unique and clicks. I will admit, the third part did not have those same qualities to me and brought me back to a bit of a cautious place. But it is definitely still a worthwhile read.

[Jan Norton · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book has 21 meditations that explore one of three truths: The Truth, The Way and the Life. This is not your average devotional. It is much more in-depth. You're discovering who you are by putting aside all labels this world has given you (even ones you've given yourself) and seeing with new eyes. It is only God who can define who we are: His son or daughter.

At the end of the book is all the Scriptures that are referenced in the meditations. Some of my favorite points in the book are summed up in there, so even if you know the verses, I recommend going back there and reading through them again. This book is one that can be read over and over again.

[R. White · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've been a Christian for a long time, and I thought that I had a pretty good understanding of who God is, the Scriptural basis for my identity in Christ and my own spiritual understanding and experience of both. However, this book opened my eyes and deepened my relationship with God, deepened my understanding my own identity, and gave me a much greater appreciation of how God views both me and other people. What I thought would take me, at most, a month to read took me four months as I reviewed and pondered the things I learned. Ted Dekker's delightful way of writing really engaged my mind and heart. May you also be blessed by reading Forgotten Way.

[betanine · Rating 5 out of 5]

I want to read this again. Dekker hits a number of points that could be delved into more deeply. However, I suspect part of the strategy is to get the reader to think deeper for oneself. Whichever the case, I was challenged to think and see myself in a different light. Dekker definitely challenged me to live as though what I say I believe about God is true.

As I read, I saw concepts from Dekker’s novels over the last twenty years put into explanation along with Bible verses. That was very cool.

Some chapters made me think harder and some didn’t connect strongly. I find myself thinking that some of that might just be me on that day, but sometimes it seems like some points are repeated in slightly different applications. Definitely worth my time and I want to work through it again.

[Timothy Schmidt · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book did an excellent job presenting what it means to truly be “in Christ” (a phrase Paul uses numerous times in the epistles), and how this reality can give us real peace and naturally leads us to loving others in the same way God loves us. While some of it might not seem like new information, Dekker does a great job presenting it in a refreshing and powerful way.

While there is some stuff here that is doctrinally a bit wonky, and I think the book could have used some proofreading/editing, I would still definitely recommend this book!!

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am a Ted Dekker fan. I have been hooked on his novels since I read Three, I am in the Circle and met him at the Gathering in 2008. I am so grateful that being a fan was the catalyst for checking out what I thought was going to be *just* a Bible study. If I could only keep one of his writings, this would be the one. It has removed a layer of the grime on the mirror. I plan to wear it out re-reading it. Thank you, Ted. And Bill and Kevin.

[Gina Green · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ted Dekker uses language and imagery that breaks through the age-old perceptions of certain passages of New Testament Scripture and enables the reader to see it afresh and consider new ideas about what Jesus may have meant within the context of Love rather than fear and judgment. I went through this material with a small group and it had a transformative effect. The Forgotten Way gave us common language for expressing where we are in the process of awakening!

[Dan Carlson · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a splendid book to invigorate one's faith and relationship with God. I've read this book twice now and will do so again because it deeply touches my heart and soul each time I do. So many Christians have lost sight of the simplicity of the Gospel and God's love for us. I recommend this book to anyone who is struggling with their faith or has wandered from it and desires to return. You won't be disappointed.

[Bill Lehman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very challenging, Dekker puts to words what we know in a way that allows you to work out your identity with Christ from a different angle. I felt each meditation built on the prior one to the end. I could see myself re-reading this several times a year to remind myself what I am already and it is not something i become. The study book is very good to write out your thoughts also.

[Hew La France · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very insightful book; thought-provoking and clear. Dekker does well to follow his declaration on the nature of what Christian life should be with scripture; painting a fine tapestry for humans to strive for. A very insightful book, I strongly recommend for anyone who is looking to understand their faith from a more... loving angle.

[Cathee · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of the most important books I read in 2018. It is the simplest, most succinct explanation of what it means to be "in Christ" and to follow His way that I've ever read. And I've read a lot. It's a book every new believer should read and those who have been Christians for decades will find it a renewal of their faith walk. Excellent!!