Run the Race Well

Over the past year and a half, I've read several of Jerry Bridges' books.  This morning I finished reading The Pursuit of Holiness.

Sometimes there are books that you know you need to read though they aren't easy for you.  That was the case for this book and me.  Every time I read a chapter I felt encouraged and challenged.  I would put off reading it.  My lack of discipline I suppose.  When I find myself needing to read a book, yet struggling to do so I set a goal of reading a chapter a day.  Within a few days I've made my way through the book.

Jerry Bridges books are always challenging and encouraging to me.  In this book, tackles the question of how we pursue holiness by living an obedient life.  He talks about the role of discipline in that pursuit and why we must pursue God and living a holy life.  He clearly says at the beginning that holiness begins with God, not with ourselves.  That is one thing I most appreciate about Bridges' books.  He is always aware that though we are responsible for what we do--God has given us a will--there is an intertwining with the Holy Spirit.  We are not sanctified by our own efforts.  I can best explain this by mentioning the illustration that Bridges begins with in his book of the farmer.  The farmer sows the seed and cares for it, but ultimately depends on God as to whether the seeds grow.  If he doesn't sow the seed nothing with grow.  But, it is also God who has given him the strength to plant the seed.  So, it is with our pursuit of holiness.

Bridges defines holiness as "conformity to the character of God." p. 22  We pursue this through a life of discipline and seeking God.  We are to write His Word on our hearts, care for our bodies, resist temptation, and as we live a joyful life in fellowship with the Lord.

If you are looking for a good Bible study that will encourage you in your walk with the Lord and you have been a believer for a long time or if you have recently come to know the Lord, Bridges has a wonderful way of helping one understand what it means to walk with the Lord.  NavPress has recently published this book as a combination book/Bible study with wide margins that you can write in.  It's a great deal!  I'm so glad they are publishing several of Bridges' books in this new format.

Please note that I received a complimentary copy of this book for review.

Lots to think about...

I have had a lot on my mind this afternoon.  I think the biggest thing is that it's easier to keep my mouth shut than to guard what comes out of it.  I second guess myself a lot.  There is a risk in opening my mouth.  A risk that I will say the wrong thing around people it will offend.  Sometimes I am a bit blunt--aren't we all?  Sometimes I am also very opinionated.  When I say something that I'm surprised at, I usually try to think about what the seed of it was.  I think I see in myself how a little seed can grow a big plant and a big idea.  Maybe that's why I'm so concerned about what's being published and the overt and subtle messages of fiction and nonfiction books.


Over the past two years, I've found that there are publishers that I trust more than others.  By that I mean, that I feel safer usually reading a book published by one of these companies.  I've found their books to encourage me more in my walk with the Lord and more enjoyable.  These books fit the scripture for me that says in Philippians 4:8 KJV "whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things."


Our pastor said something to me a few weeks ago that summarized why I think what we read matters.  He commented that we, in our world today, believe what we see and hear.  I agreed--we do!  So, I have found that I really have to be careful about what I put into my ears and eyes.


One example of the lessons God's impressed on my heart about what I read this year has to do with romance novels.  Over the years, I've heard and read several speakers/authors who have likened romance novels to pornography for women.  Please forgive the graphic language, but I think it can be at times a very accurate description.  The content of a novel can lead our minds that it is not good for them to go.  That was the concern I had with one of the books I read a few weeks ago.  I set it down because it was so visually stimulating--in an impure way.  The images conjured by the author throughout the book didn't sit with my soul.  They were unsettling.  I had to make conscious efforts to dispel the book from my mind.  When I was done with it, I put it in the recycling bin--that was not a book I was going to lend or share with anyone.


My mom chuckles at me and how seriously I take my book reading and how deeply I think about what the books I read are saying.  But, she has told me that I'm wired differently.  I'm not really sure why God has wired me this way.  So, I thought I would write which of the publishers I've enjoyed books from the most and my family's favorite books.


My favorite books and publishers this year...


from Crossway Books.  Of the publishers, I've enjoyed Crossway's books the most this year.  It is a nonprofit publisher that publishes the ESV translation of the Bible.  It's been a blessing to me to get to read and review several books published by them this year.


Mighty Acts of God, children's Bible story book for 6-10 year olds from Starr Meade  I was looking for a Bible story book to transition Autumn to help her understand more about the Bible than the simple Bible stories.  I love how this storybook explains difficult ideas like predestination at a child's level.  Later in the year, Mighty Acts of Salvation and Mighty Acts of Creation by Starr Meade were published for middle schoolers that again do a wonderful job of explaining difficult concepts at an age appropriate level.


Be Still, My Soul ed. by Nancy Guthrie  I have struggled with the place of suffering in our lives for a long time.  I battle bitterness.  Much of my battle stems from how my dad raised me and socialized me, but now the responsibility lies with me and my own heart.  I have only just begun to read this book and I've learned to be very cautious about recommending books before I've finished them, but I've already been very encouraged by this one.


The Sword by Brian Litfin  This fictional book is a story of speculative fiction set in a modern dark age.  The writing engaged me and was very out of my comfort zone with what I usually read in fiction.  But, the writing was very good and I loved reading it.  I'm looking forward to the sequel being published in the spring.


from Moody Publishing.  Moody Publishing is the publishing arm of Moody Bible Institute (MBI).  The profits from their publishing pay for the tuition of students attending MBI.


Silent Seduction of Self: Conforming Our Thoughts to the Word of God.  I was taken by surprise at the forthrightness of this author--she spoke candidly to my struggle with my thoughts and speech that I think most women struggle with.


Girls Gone Wise in a World Gone Wild by Mary Kassian  This wasn't a book on my list of books I wanted to read, but it was one that God had for me to read.  In the week after I began reading it, I was hit from multiple sides about how we need to fight the messages and attacks of the world on our hearts as women and as wives.


Growing Grateful Kids  I was encouraged as I read this very easy to read book about parenting and about being a mom. The author states over and over that we can't give our kids something we don't have--so what we give our kids begins with our own hearts.


Dancing with the One You Love  I am so thankful to finally have found a book about submission that resonates with my heart.  Cindy Easley writes not from a legalistic black and white view of submission, but a grace filled one.  


from Navpress.  The Bible studies I've doing this year have been published by Navpress.  Navpress is the publishing arm of the Navigators ministry.  


Becoming a Woman of... series by Cynthia Heald   I have been so thankful for this series this year.  I found my way through A woman of Faith, of Grace, and of Simplicity this year.  Ms. Heald's studies get me into the Word and give me a lot to think about.  I feel as if I'm learning from a much older woman--which I am.  I believe Ms. Heald is now in her early 70s.  


The Discipline of Grace by Jerry Bridges  I read several books by Jerry Bridges this year.  I have been encouraged by Bridges' explanations of what it really means to walk by faith.  He's able to talk both theologically and practically in his books--not leaning too heavily on one side or the other.  I would never call his books self help and I wouldn't say they're intellectual either.


Looking back, I've read a lot of nonfiction books that I've loved this year.  But, I read a lot of Christian fiction, but the only one that stood out to me was The Sword.  Overall, I'm very thankful that I've gotten to read so many good books this year!  Whether good or bad, the books I have read this year have given me a lot to think about!

New Small Group Curriculum Books

This morning I ordered two books that I am very excited about.  I discovered that NavPress is now publishing four of Jerry Bridges books in a combined format--the study guide and book together (rather than separately).  The titles now available are:  Respectable Sins, The Practice of Godliness, Transforming Grace, and The Pursuit of Holiness.  I have read Respectable Sins and am now reading the Pursuit of Holiness, both of which I think are wonderful, encouraging, and challenging books.  These books are only available at the NavPress website.  www.navpress.com  You do have to pay shipping, but I believe it will still work out to be less than buying the book and study guide separately (which are $11 and $8 respectively on Amazon).  In comparison, the Small Group Curriculum book for Pursuit of Holiness on the NavPress website is only $7.45 plus tax and $3.99 UPS ground shipping.

Sometimes it's worth it to just read a few pages at a time...

Sometimes I think it's worth it to just read a few pages at a time, because then you get to savor, meditate and consider what you read more deeply--rather than racing to the finish line as fast you can as I often do. When I come across a really, really good book, I love to savor it. Whenever I share with a friend that I review a lot of books or that I read 80 last year or 10 last month, their eyes open in surprise and ask "How?" I explain that I am a fast reader. I am. But, I also skim. I will admit to it. If a book is not that good, I just am not able to force myself to read every word. But, when a book is really good, I read every page and every word.

This year two fiction books would qualify for that. June Bug by Chris Fabry (Tyndale) and The Familiar Stranger by Christina Berry (Moody Publishing). In non-fiction, it has been such a blessing to come across so many more that have drawn me in. The Cynthia Heald series "Becoming a woman of..." and Jerry Bridges books Trusting God, Respectable Sins, and now Discipline of Grace. Interestingly, they've all been published by NavPress.

This morning (after 4 months), I finished reading The Discipline of Grace by Jerry Bridges. I remember starting it back in November. I read it alongside whatever Bible Study I've been going through for my devotions in the morning. At first, I was interested and then I lost steam and set it down for a few weeks. Then, in January, I picked it back up and began finding my way through it again. I wish everyone would read this book--I can't recommend it highly enough.

So many people come up against the question of Freedom in Christ and what that gives them freedom to do. And if they themselves haven't, I'm sure their children (who are a part of the entitlement generations) have. It grieves me to watch young people assert that they have the freedom to do whatever they want and that if someone tells them that they shouldn't, then it is legalism. It's not and Jerry Bridges explains that in his book.

There are several notable books on grace that have become classics. What's So Amazing About Grace? by Philip Yancey and Max Lucado's book In the Grip of Grace are the two that come to my mind immediately. But, each of those books address God's Grace in a very different way than Bridges does. Yancey's book is all about showing grace to others and Lucado's book talks about what God's grace is. Bridges talks about God's Grace and what it means to live in God's grace each day and what it means to "preach the gospel to ourselves every day".

First, Bridges identifies what the gospel is. Then, he explains what it means to preach the gospel to ourselves--because both believers and unbelievers need to hear the gospel, but for different reasons. Then he goes on to talk about how we seek God's grace. It amazed me to realize the struggles that are all connected to this discussion of living out God's grace. He addresses legalism and discipline and freedom in Christ--in context. So often we discuss these topics separately, rather than as interconnected aspects of faith in Christ.

This book is meaty. It is not like a Max Lucado book. It is not as thick as a John Piper book, though or one of Eugene Peterson's spiritual theology books. I hope you will read it and that the eyes of your heart will be opened and that you will feel God's grace and seek it daily.

Please note that I received a complimentary copy of this book from NavPress for review.

Becoming a Woman of Faith

I just finished this Bible Study this morning. It is the second one that I've done by Cynthia Heald in recent months. I was so excited to begin it. And I know why. Cynthia Heald is a wise woman. This Bible Study is similar to the Becoming a Woman of Grace study. It is more focused on God's Word than on Mrs. Heald giving her thoughts about the Word. And I appreciate that. But, I love what she has to share. Her thoughts are candid and honest and encouraging. The quotes she includes are worth remembering and contemplating. This study addresses doubt, testing, walking by faith, and staying strong in our faith.

The chapter on doubt was especially good. I'd like to include a sample of how she writes...

"After many years of walking with the Lord, I have experienced countless testings. I can say that with every test came the way of escape--a whispered Scripture in my heart to guide or encourage me or a check in my spirit to turn away from what I was about to do. I was given a way out, but it was always my choice whether or not to take it. If you find yourself telling God that the testing is too great or it's overwhelming you, perhaps it's a signal that you are trying to face it in your own strength instead of His. In God's mysterious way, He sets a limit on the test--God will allow only what will strengthen your faith, not tear it down, if you turn to Him for help." p.65 I like how she puts things. It's straight to the point, but not watered down.

"I become so focused on myself and the strength I need to live daily that I forget that "He will cover you with his feathers...His faithful promises are your armor and protection." Psalm 91:4 NLT"" p.56 She is honest about her own heart and her own struggles.

And I loved these quotes from the chapter about doubt...

"In dealing with the arrogant asserter of doubt, it is not the right method to tell him to stop doubting. It is rather the right method to tell him to go on doubting, to doubt a little more, to doubt every day newer and wilder things in the universe, until at last, by some strange enlightenment, he may begin to doubt himself. G.K. Chesterton " p.25

"A doubting temper, fond of dwelling on difficulties and objections, is fatal to unity of mind, heart, and will. doubts, if they assail you, are neither to be timidly shrunk from nor idly played with, but honestly faced and fought. But the grand secret of conviction is to dwell first and constantly on the positive evidence of truth. E.R. Conder and W. Clarkson" p.21

This Bible study has encouraged me so much this past month and challenged me to remember the truths I know about what it means to walk by faith--to live out my faith--and to seek to glorify God daily by having faith in Him.

The only thing that puzzled me is why she chose to quote from the NLT when she quoted from scripture. It seems that a lot of studies are quoting it these days and it isn't the translation I usually read because the NLT did go the way of gender neutral language (from what I understand--I don't have a copy of it) and it is much more of a paraphrase than other versions of the Bible. It doesn't take away from this study for me though because she only quotes scripture once in a while. Almost all of the time, it is for the reader to look up the scripture for herself.

I do highly recommend this study. It is the best Bible study series for women that I've done in a long time. I did receive this book as a complimentary copy from Navpress, but I would have purchased it myself.