Books

I'm in the middle of reading several different books right now; and I just wanted to make a note of a few of the highlights I have come across.   The two books I've been using as part of devotions are "The One Year Book of Psalms" and "Knowing God's Purpose for Your Life" by J.I.Packer.  And the book that is supplemental reading for my community group study is "The Relationship Principles of Jesus" by Tom Holladay.

Most recently, in my devotional books, God has been clearly reminding me that my character is being refined through the suffering process.   A few of the quotes that have stood out are:

• "God's will is not that I should every moment feel happy, but that I should every moment be holy."  (Heb 12:7,11)
• "As a Christian believer, I can expect to suffer"  (ref. Phil 1:29)
• "Suffering is a natural and necessary part of the Christian life"  (ref 2 Corinth 4:17)
• "God's grace does not shield me from sorrow" (ref John 16:33)
• "God promises that I will not be overcome by suffering"  (ref 1 Corinth 10:13)
• "My suffering can make me a channel of God's life"  (ref 2 Corinth 1:3-4)
• "Patience accepts trials as opportunities for growth"  (ref Heb 6:12)

God is GOOD; for He knew that these truths were what I really needed to be reminded of.   And, from Psalms, as I read Psalm 119, I was struck by how much the Psalmist really loved God's Word.   Coupled with the study in Nehemiah, seeing the revival that came with reading God's word; and the amazing prayer that led to confession and worship, I am compelled to renew my passion for Scripture.

I also gained much comfort from Psalm 121:
I lift up my eyes to the mountains—
    where does my help come from?
My help comes from the Lord,
    the Maker of heaven and earth.

He will not let your foot slip—
    he who watches over you will not slumber;
indeed, he who watches over Israel
    will neither slumber nor sleep.

The Lord watches over you—
    the Lord is your shade at your right hand;
the sun will not harm you by day,
    nor the moon by night.

The Lord will keep you from all harm—
    he will watch over your life;
the Lord will watch over your coming and going
    both now and forevermore.

 As families traveled to Jerusalem for the annual Feasts, they often had to travel through territory that was not so safe.   Psalms of ascent like this one would give them comfort for safety, as well as generate excitement for going to worship and celebrate in Jerusalem.   All these years later, I too gain comfort for safety from these words, and am excited that I am able to worship HIM, who watches over my life!