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 draws me closer to Christ, helps me feel H

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 always.  In Jesus' Na