As I mentioned yesterday, I’ve had quite a bit of time this week to read, write, pray, and study. The following is a brief description of the books I’ve finished this past week
Note on how I read: I’ve never been a highlighter. I always felt that highlights would just distract me if I ever wanted to re-read the book and if I highlighted, I couldn’t pass it on to someone else (or so I thought). However, as I’ve been reading the past few months, I’ve had a changed mind. My process now is to highlight or mark key phrases or ideas that stick out to me then go back through the book and type up “notes” from that book. I’ve done it with The Hiding Place, Heavenly Man, Releasing the Power of Prayer, and three out of the four books below. I think these notes will prove to be useful for me in the future.
The Circle Maker by Mark Batterson
I read In a Pit with a Lion on a Snowy Day in one sitting when I was in Bible School (and it wasn’t even assigned reading!). Mark Batterson’s style and material caught my attention. I was excited to order his most recent book, The Circle Maker, without knowing much about it. It came in the mail and I brought it with me. I started reading it while I was traveling – which was perfect timing! The book challenged me to step out in faith and inspired me to pray. I would highly recommend it!
Be Joyful by Warren Wiersbe
As “joy” seemed to be a consistent theme in my life just before I left, this title caught my attention at The Bookmark, the used bookstore in downtown Fergus. I was excited to see that it was a study of Philippians! (I memorized the book of Philippians this past Fall and God has used it to speak to me time and time again!) This section-by-section practical study opened up my eyes to many principles in Philippians that I hadn’t yet seen.
Of Whom the World Was Not Worthy by Marie Chapian
After finally reading this book (it’s been an intention of mine for many years), I was very much inspired the main character. Her commitment to persistent prayer greatly challenged me. I started this 250-page book Wednesday afternoon and finished it Thursday evening.
Calvary Road by Roy Hession
This was the first discipleship-type book that I read. I’m not sure what inspired me to pick it up in 8th grade (maybe because it was small?) but it changed my life then and has challenged me the few times I’ve read it over the years. The call to humility and brokenness is such a good reminder of the manner that we are to live as Christians.