I read some great books this summer, and for different reasons would recommend each of them. I also read a few C.S. Lewis stories just for fun that I won't include here.
When God Comes to Church by Ray Ortlund: I borrowed this book from a friend who recommended it, and it became clear that God wanted me to hear what Ortlund is saying in this book at this time of my life. This is a book about how God moves through revival, and how we pray for that. The author takes a different passage of scripture each chapter (all from the Old Testament) and basically exegetes the passage through the entire chapter. Here's a quote: "If
we were to dig through all the attributes of the person of God we would hit
bedrock at his mercy. We could dig no deeper. So while we are by nature
inclined to turn away from him in apostasy, he is by nature inclined to turn
toward us in mercy. It is simply his way. That is why he himself is all our
hope.” I'm grateful for what God taught me as I carefully read the book and the passages Ray Ortlund was writing on. I'm praying differently and viewing God, His Church and myself differently because of it.
Desiring God by John Piper. I'm reading this book currently with the elders at Grace Road Church as well as with a small group. Piper has received some criticism for some of what he says in this book. His perspective on God and our humanity has been very refreshing for me, however. I've looked at myself and come to the conclusion that I really should just be a happier person, and can become a more happy, joyful person only by delighting in God. I've made some decisions recently in relation to my work and ministry, partly because of how little joy and peace I've had over the past few weeks. This book is full of quotes, but here is one from the chapter on Love: "the very longing for contentment that ought to drive us to simplicity of life and labors of love contents itself instead with the broken cisterns of prosperity and comfort."
Oh my! Some tough things to read, but very motivating!
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