Joy and Strength (Christian life and music)

I love to read.  In addition to the Bible, I read mostly Christian non-fiction.  But the Bible is always first. I tend to gravitate toward the classic writers and also contemporary writers who write deeply of Christ. I noticed that when I read other contemporary books - those that are popular and all the rage in Christian circles - there is sometimes a different tone about it. They are more me-centered.  They get me thinking more about myself than about Christ.   I get a nervous or anxious feeling when reading them. I was trying to come up with a good analogy for this.  The best I could come up with is this: one is like drinking an empty calorie drink - my flesh likes it, it may taste good, but it is useless to noursih me.  The other is like drinking the purest, cleanest, freshest, spring water.   Sorry, but that's the best I could come up with. One type of book makes me think of myself (hence, the anxiety and lack of peace), and the other dr...

Once in a while, I read a book that is so overwhelmingly helpful in my walk with Christ that I must tell others about it. I have been reading "Maturity," by Sinclair B. Ferguson.  I am on chapter eight which is about Fighting the Enemy.   Here is the link where you can buy the book.  This is all I want to share with you today, to tell you of this wonderful book to read and ingest.   https://www.amazon.com/Maturity-Growing-Going-Christian-Life/dp/1848718659 I am simply encouraging you to read this book.  It is rich in God's truth.  It is helpful for growing in Christ.  It is chock full of wisdom that we all need. I pray you buy it and read it and that you grow in your faith in and walk with Christ as a result. Lord Jesus, I pray for all those reading these words right now that You would move in their hearts to buy and read "Maturity."  I pray that it moves them to become more serious in their commitment to You, Lord, in this New Year and ...