Summer Read

So what are you reading this summer?  I could disclose my ecclectic and random reading list, but I'll save that for a later post.

i want to tell you about another book I'm reading.  I've read it over and over again. It's that good. 

It's:

• unpredictable
• surprising
• astounding
• profound
• bizzarre

The book?  Yeah, you guessed it.  The bible.

I've actually been reading from 2 Chronicles, which next to Leviticus, has the rep of being the most boring book in the Bible.  I disagree. 

For example, when King Jehoram (a bad king) died, the bible records this epitaph: no one was sorry when he died.  Seriously, that's in the Bible.  How would you like that to be written about you? Challenged me.  That's for sure. I would so hate God to make that my epitaph.

How about a small country that defeated a world superpower because God was on their side?  And all they had to do was....sing.  Seriously (again). Read this. Made me think about how powerful our God is, and how much I underestimate Him.

There's a ton more. And that from the second most boring book of the bible.  I just had to blurt on a couple of them.

I know this sounds cliche, but I'm hoping that the Bible is the best summer read you've got. Cuz I think it is.

What has grabbed you in your readings lately?

 

Comments

[Laurie McNair]

I have just finished a book by Sheila Walsh - Extraordinary Faith and am almost finished Holy Ambition by Chip Ingram. These two books have really spoken to my heart.

As for your question--more devotionals would be awesome. I love to delve deeply into online devotionals as the interpretations and experiences of the writer always seem to provide insight into scripture. I have found that if I just "read" scripture with no real focus I don't gain any spiritual wisdom. Are there any tips that you could provide for devotionals--how to go about it; where to start and end? I have a yearly devotion bible but it seems to follow the standard lectionary system and I have found that this doesn't speak to my heart as deeply as I would like. How to go about choosing a passage is all so confusing...this is one of my stumbling blocks.

[Andrew Wagner-Chazalon]

Hey Carey,
I've been reading Acts, a book that is just full of surprises. The story that grabbed me the other day is Paul's argument with Barnabas. Here you have these two guys who were travelling together, planting churches like crazy, doing God's work. They'd been together for years -- since their days as rabbinical students, according to legend. And then they have a serious argument about whether to take John Mark with them. The argument is so serious, in fact, that it fractures their friendship and Barnabas and John Mark march off one way, while Paul and Silas go another.
And I thought "Huh!" We always think of disagreements as being a bad thing, and we try to keep peace with people at all times. But God can use even our arguments to do great things.
Not that I go around picking fights, but I find that a pretty cool thought to carry around with me.

Andrew

[Allen Forget]

Carey
Yup, the Bible for me this summer as well. I am not much of a novel reader as when I read it is usually technical or music related stuff with some great exceptions such as the book UNCHRISTIAN and MADE TO STICK. I have always been somewhat of a New Testament guy but I have made an effort to study the "Old" a little more and I am struck by how God was setting up the coming of His Son. I am studying Daniel right now and was amused by how the leaders that Daniel ruled over turned on Him because they were jealous of his position. He never lost his faith and could have suffered for that but was not afraid and he believed unconditionally in God. He had the power to get rid of his enemies but chose rather to lean on his faith and show to everyone that God was the almighty power. In the end, the very king he served ( Darius ) declared the to all his people that the God of Daniel shall be revered by all. I wonder why people continue to use their position over others to try to earn respect and to fulfill their need for control. It is like demanding that “ you better like me or else”. Daniel taught me to lead people with God in the drivers seat and not me. With Him at the front I lead with a lot more confidence.
Peace

[Dianne Hibrant]

I am interested in more devotional content in your posts.

I have read the Bible in various books as is my usual custom and it is most important to me too.

I have read several books this summer. A couple were studies in the book of Hebrews.
I read The Shack, and a couple books by Liz Curtis Higgs on Bad Women of the Bible. She writes very well and with humour many times.
I also read, Just Give Me Jesus by Anne Graham Lotz, a wonderful read. Now I am reading "The Jesus I Never Knew by Philip Yancey

It's wonderful to have so many good books available to read. We are certainly blessed.
I always remind myself that to 'whom much is given much shall be required'. We are blessed to be a blessing.
Dianne