Summertime Reading

Since I have a little extra time on my hands, I have been able to increase my reading quotient.  In the morning when I get up, I have been reading two books as I eat breakfast.  The first is a book by Sam Storms entitled, Signs of the Spirit – an interpretive work on Jonathan Edward’s book, Religious Affections.  As you might well imagine, this is not an easy read, but it is perhaps one of the most valuable books I have read in the last 4 years about the Christian life and what true conversion looks like.  I wish I would have had the spiritual impetus in high school to read this book and then to read it periodically after that (perhaps every 6 to 8 years).  I will definitely read it again, probably as soon as I finish it… there is just so much there.  I may share some of the contents with you in future blog entries.

 

The second book is simply entitled, Bruchko.  It is the story of a 19-year-old youth who sets off on his own to minister to Stone Age Indians in South America and ends up being used by God to bring many from the Motilone Tribe into the kingdom of God.  Quite simply, my review of this book is “Wow.”  I read this book when I was in 10^th grade (many moons ago), I read it again in seminary, and now find myself wrapped up in the story, sucking every ounce of enjoyment and amazement I can from its pages before I am done with it.  It is a story like something out of the life of Paul on his journeys, or Peter preaching at Pentecost, or perhaps more closely, Jesus. 

 

Al Mohler, president of The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary has said, “We read biographies because worthy portraits of our fellow human beings help us to make sense of the world.”  A gentleman on Amazon.com wrote about his Christian biography list:  “I want them (his children) to know that we aren’t guaranteed a cozy American suburban existence, nor is that what Christianity is all about. I cannot easily remove them from this place and time, but I can read to them about the struggles of others to prepare them spiritually and intellectually for whatever God has in store for us.”  I find that Bruchko fits the bill nicely on both accounts. 

 

For my part, when I read Bruchko, many things stir in me, but primarily I find two realities at work.  1.  I am convicted as I read its pages.  I find myself asking, “What are you doing Trenton for the kingdom of God?”  Of course, not everyone is called to savage and violent tribes in South America – risking life and limb for the spread of Christ’s fame and the glory of His name.  I am however, called to live out the life of Christ wherever I find myself, and in the course of a day to ask myself, “Did I live in such a way that Jesus was made to look good, that people understood more of the wonder and awe of Christ?  Did I make the most of every opportunity to give the reason for the hope that I have?”  2.  I am encouraged as I read its pages.  It is an inspiring story that reminds me that God uses everyday people who are faithful to use the gifts God has given them and who listen to and obey His leading.    

 

Read them/don’t read them… that’s your decision.   I would encourage you though; read something of substance this summer.  Obviously the Bible is the best place to start.  Perhaps read one of the books you haven’t read in a while, or perhaps haven’t understood very well in the past, and ask the Holy Spirit to give you insight into it.  After that, find at least one book that will challenge you spiritually, intellectually, emotionally, culturally, psychologically, etc (you get the picture).  And, as a personal favor to me (I used to tell my students something like this when they went to the movies or listened to music)… don’t read just for amusement.  The enemy would like nothing better than to find our brains in neutral, not really thinking but just passively accepting.  (consider for a moment the word “amuse.”  The negative “a” meaning “not” and the root word “muse” meaning “to think or ponder”).  I had a teacher that encouraged me to always try to engage myself in whatever it was that I was reading or watching.  I guess I have become like him in that regard – make it a point to find at least one thing you can “chew on” and savor.  For example, consider the worldview that is being presented, or the theological assumption that undergirds the author’s view on things like human nature, God, sin, or death.  (sorry, that’s the teacher coming out in me)  Don’t get me wrong.  I’m not anti-entertainment.  I’m just not for checking one’s brains at the door. 

 

Happy reading.

 

Lookin’ Good

I remember an advertising slogan by Vidal Sassoon that said, “If you don’t look good, we don’t look good” (actually my friend Jill helped me remember who said it). Aren’t we a culture that is obsessed with looking good? Everywhere we turn, we see opportunities to make ourselves look good by improving our image, style and personality. We want people to think we’ve got it together and have the world by the tail. Self-promotion is at the very root of American culture. Do you remember when you first learned to put a resume together? Or interview for a job? The goal was to present yourself in a manner that makes you the preferred candidate. Let me be clear, there’s nothing wrong with wanting to present yourself well. How we look, act and talk give people a perspective of who we are and how we live. But we can become so engrossed with how we look that a good intention turns into narcissism.

Sam Storms, founder of Enjoying God Ministries, does a great job of putting this paradigm into perspective this way: “When people see you, does God look good?” Below are a few questions from his article so titled.

When you pray, do people comment on your eloquence or God’s excellency? 

When you intercede in a corporate gathering, are those present impressed with your godliness or God’s goodness? 

When people see how I spend money, do they conclude that God is a priceless treasure, exceedingly valuable above all worldly goods?

When people observe my relationship with others, are they alerted to the power of Christ’s forgiveness of me that alone accounts for my forgiveness of them?

When we open our mouths and speak of others in public (or private), are they made to think of Jesus in whose mouth no “deceit” was found (1 Peter 2:22), the one who, when reviled, “did not revile in return” (1 Peter 2:23)?

If I am complimented for some accomplishment, does the way I receive it drive onlookers to give thanks to the Lord?

Is my use of leisure time or devotion to a hobby or how I speak of my wife the sort that persuades others that my heart is content with what God is for me in Christ? 

Does my reaction to bad news produce in you doubt or fear, or does it inspire confidence to trust in God’s providence? 

When I feel disappointment or experience a shattered dream, is your trust in his promises diminished or enhanced?

Does my reaction to suffering inspire your comfort in him?

These are piercing questions. I encourage you to read Pastor Storms entire article, “When People See You, Does God Look Good?”. The Apostle Paul gives us some insight in how God is made to look good through our lives.

¹²Put on then, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, ¹³bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive. ¹⁴And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony. ¹⁵And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful. ¹⁶Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God. ¹⁷And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. (Colossians 3:12-17 ESV)

So let’s go make God look good today!

Peace!