I decided to start re-reading “Chasing Daylight” again last night. This is one of those books that should be required reading once a year. The message seems to always be very timely. Below are a few underlines from the first time I read this book.
“There are things God does for you and things God waits for you to do. The journey begins when you choose. Stop wasting daylight. Choose a life of meaningful adventure. When you do, you will live in the epicenter of God’s activity”
“Like Rahab, we are always just one choice from a different life. At our worst, good is only one decision away.”
“Do what you know you should do, and you will know what to do. God clarifies in the midst of obedience, not beforehand”.
“All of us pass a bit of ourselves on to others. You better like who you are and make what you give to others from yourself a gift and not a curse.”
“The most important decisions of our lives will require us to forsake invisibility and risk becoming visible. Whenever you choose to seize divine moments, you move from invisibility to visibility.”
“Many times when we claim we are waiting on God, He is waiting on us.”
Thanks to those that made recommendations on my library run. I’m getting some use out of a library card that sat unused for several years. Here’s are my short reviews on what I got and what I am currently working through:
Confessions of a Reformission Rev. by Mark Driscoll – Great book. Driscoll continues to challenge me in every area of my faith. Reading the story behind Mars Hill Church in Seattle was inspiring and calls me to something far beyond what I am currently doing.
The Way of the Wild Heart by John Eldredge – I loved this book when it was called “Wild at Heart”. Sarcasm aside, I didn’t care for this book. Either I am no longer “Wild” or I can only read the same message so many times.
Mark’s Story by Tim LaHaye and Jerry Jenkins – Interesting book. To take the brief look we have into the day before Christ died from the bible and add much more “color” to it was interesting. I have not read the Left Behind Series, but my guess is they are moving away from end times and towards the life of Jesus with this series of novels.
Through Painted Deserts by Donald Miller – I am as big a fan of Donald Miller as the anyone. This book…not so much. Miller went away from his signature style to basically give a play by play description of driving across country. I found it as boring as sitting in the backseat on said drive. Not his best work.
The Audacity of Hope by Barack Obama – I’ll probably receive hate mail for this, but I didn’t read it. I read one chapter and to be honest..I’m just not there yet. I know this is a great book. I have heard and read that everywhere. I just wasn’t ready to read it yet. Maybe I will read it when he’s our next President.
Just picked up -
Everything Must Change by Brian McLaren – This book has gotten a ton of run through the blogs I frequent. I am really looking forward to digging into it.
The Prodigal Comes Home by Michael English – Ever since the first time I heard the song “I Bowed on My Knees” (below) I have followed Michael English’s career. There are very few songs that cause chills to go up my spine, but that is one of them. His very public struggles and failure have produced a forum for him to share the story of Gods grace. I’m looking forward to this one too (thanks Kerri for the recommendation).
It’s All About Him – by Denise Jackson – Much of the reason for reading the book above is my reason for wanting to read this book by the wife of country music star Alan Jackson.
“For such a time as this, I was placed upon this earth. To hear the voice of God and do His will, whatever it is.” -Wayne Watson
During my travel yesterday (delays, cancellations and all) I powered my way through the book “Confessions of a Reformission Rev.” by Mark Driscoll. If you follow this blog regularly, you know that I really enjoy the teaching and preaching of Driscoll. Sure, Mark has his critics but so did Paul. He’s abrasive at times but he reminds me of one of those friends that you have that tells it like it is no matter what. There are times when you can’t believe they just said what they said, but you were thinking the same thing. They just had the guts to say it.
As I reflected on the book this morning, I was reminded of how fortunate we are to live in this time and this place. With the internet and the media available we have access to so much outstanding teaching. Imagine the ministry of Paul had he lived in a time where his podcasts could be heard across the world. Imagine if his writings were published and blogged in real time. I’m thankful that God has placed me in this time in history to have access to what I do.
I have also learned that God in His wisdom places books in my hand at the perfect time. To read a book about a church that is on a mission and made tough decisions to continue that mission (at all costs) was so refreshing. I was inspired and encouraged. I’m challenged by their commitment to advancing the Kingdom. Lastly, I am evaluating why God has placed me here for such a time as this.
With some cross country trips coming this week, I couldn’t think of a better time to dust off the library card and get caught up on some reading. I did some searching online, reserved my selections and the family and I made a library run this morning. Below are what I picked up and what’s to come. I’ll do some reviews as I get through them. Any recommended reading?
I should mention that I toyed with the idea of reading “The God Delusion” by Richard Dawkins. I actually reserved it and picked it up while we were at the library. After doing a quick speed read, I decided to pass. Maybe some other time.
After reading the first two days of Nehemiah I am convicted already! Reading Nehemiah’s prayer in verse one and his plea to the King in verse two has me asking myself some questions. It would be my belief that we need look no further than the newspaper or news on TV to see stories and events which call us out. There is suffering, pain and need all around us. Some of it in the very city that we live. Have I been moved to pray and do something for those stories? For example, I think of Katrina and the way the church as a body responded.
I sit here this morning thinking of those that will not have a warm meal, or a table of family for Thanksgiving. I am challenged to do something. I can’t get this song out of my head as I reflect on what I have read the past two days. “Let us choose to be a blessing for life“.
