Archives

Calling Any Book Worms: Jesus Calling by Sarah Young

Nov3

Hello All You Dear Readers!

I have felt so strongly that this month, God wants me to learn how to dig into a well that is “where the God who sees me” dwells. This well is called Promise. I’ll elaborate more about it in another post, but feel free to research into Genesis chpt 26 if you’re curious.

In the mean time, my workplace has a kiosk where you can pick up your prescription medication at any hour of the day (ideal for this little intern who may work day or night shift depending on the day). When I went to pick up one that I desperately needed (for my asthma), it wasn’t there! Without grumbling or anger I stopped on by the pharmacy after a 15hr shift overnight and they ended up being able to fill a different prescription that I was dropping off in only a few minutes. I decided to take the time to look around and there was a book that stood out to me.

I have been seeking peace. Not only were there two people who prophesied that over me before October began, but I have felt the need to seek after God- the God who speaks peace into my life.  It is written in the first person as if God is speaking directly to the reader’s heart and many times it feels exactly like that to me. I have devoured multiple day’s worth of reading already and I cannot wait to keep seeing what else God wants to say to my heart. It is my goal to have some quiet time with Jesus daily to meditate on the things I have read.

So for any of you who are looking for a new devotional- I highly recommend this one. Join me on a year long journey into finding yourself restored, renewed, and at peace in Him daily.

Rebekah M.

Book Review: God’s Armor Bearer I & II

Jun3

I’m going to cut right to the chase here: If you’re a Christian, read this book. It focuses on being an armor bearer to your pastor, and running with him to achieve the church’s vision. But really, what it means is to have the heart of a servant. And it applies to all of us, whether we’re a church leader or out ministering to the homeless.

The book acknowledges the spirit of “where should I go with my life?” and “what’s going to help me achieve my dream?” that’s so rampant in the church today. And it cuts through all of that to discuss how you can ‘bloom where you are planted’ – wherever that may be. It discusses how preparation for your calling can come in unexpected ways, and how God plants you and directs your steps for your whole life. He knows where you are right now, and didn’t place you there idly. Even if you feel like you’re in limbo, you’re playing a part in His plan.

It touches on how to hone your gifts to be a productive member of the body. It touches on the balance between submission and leadership. It touches on taking the “me” out of “team”.  It touches on patience and God’s timing. It touches on how to flourish even if you’re in what’s considered a lowly position. It touches on sooo many things that are relevant to Christians and churches today. Most importantly, it does this from an individual standpoint, and also from the viewpoint of getting more involved in your local church.

The bottom line is, if you are Christian and you want to walk strongly as part of the Body of Christ in whatever calling God has for you, read this book.  Yes, you.

God bless!

~Rebekah A

Book Review: He Came to Set the Captives Free

Apr20

Full-blown spiritual warfare is something not often freely discussed in general Christianity. Sure, we’re quick to blame Satan when we sin or when things don’t go our way, but to take up the word of God as our double-edged sword, to put on His full armor, and battle in His name sounds a little bit more farfetched somehow.

Yet, in some fashion or another, we all need to. Think of those times we blame sneaky Satan for convincing us to do things we don’t want to do, or blame the enemy for doing such-and-such in our lives; no matter how minor, those are attacks. God has an enemy here on earth, and His enemy is Satan. When we side with God, like it or not, we make an enemy too. It’s why Jesus’ message and the world’s so-called common sense contradict each other so often. The world, technically, belongs to Satan. Jesus is a king, but this is not His kingdom. So when we move and act as citizens of Heaven, it stands to reason that Satan is not happy about it. So, he does what he can to cause all the trouble he can, and it’s only when we stand on the power and authority of Jesus Christ that we can combat it.

He Came to Set the Captives Free, by Rebecca Brown, MD, is a book that touches upon how to do exactly that. It is written by a Christian doctor, with co-narration from a former Bride of Satan named Elaine. The two actually battled each other for awhile before ultimately Elaine converted and gave her life to Christ. Together, they go in-depth into ways Satan and his demons work, and into the ways we inadvertently open doorways for him to attack. Not every doorway is automatic for every person, but it is definitely food for thought on how sneaky the enemy can be. It made me look back through my life and my past and officially close some of those potential doors in prayer.

Regardless of whether you feel called to the battlefield as part of your Christian walk, it is an interesting read, if intense at times, that will get you thinking about where the enemy is in relation to your life and the lives of those around you. So I say check it out.

God bless!

~Rebekah A

“A Faith That Breathes”

Mar15

Yes, I am writing my very first blog book review! A Faith That Breathes, by Michael and Tiffany Ross, is a book that was lent to me by a friend, when I was having a rough time this fall. It’s part devotional, part journal, and for me it was perfect. It’s written by women (though compiled by a woman and her husband), for women, and every day is a new topic to think about. I read it with a journal on hand, and definitely recommend you do the same. Each day has a written entry, followed by a related interview from well-known Christian women. It’s instant solidarity and instant encouragement, and for me, I couldn’t have received it at a better time.

Before I moved to NYC, I was surrounded by Christian friends. Any time I wanted to chat or pray or worship, I had someone to do that with. It was great. I had friends I’d meet with for dinner, and hours later we’d still be talking about how God is moving. Rebekah M has posted about the power of sisterhood; for me, it’s been a vital part of my spiritual growth. I wouldn’t be the same Christian without it.

Since moving to NYC, I’ve been more on my own. I can pray with my friends over the phone or skype, but it’s just not the same. I miss my home, I miss my friends, I miss these talks, I miss these prayers….basically I just miss my girl time. I depended on it before, and while I am growing here, I really feel the loss of those connections I had.

Enter A Faith That Breathes. This book, by  has all the girl time you could ever want, in paperback form – let’s face it, our friends aren’t portable. But these ladies are, and they are a close second! Every entry is thought-provoking; they write about their journeys to certain realizations, periods of growth, things God’s revealed to them. Each one has Bible verses that relate to it, and there is a section in each that gives a broader view of what this particular topic looks like when it’s walked out. There’s even a chance to reflect on what they wrote about and how it relates specifically to you. I started reading it when I was feeling some distance from God, and could feel myself reading the Bible less, praying for shorter amounts of time. That’s a slippery slope, to say the least. This book singlehandedly gave me the jumpstart I needed to get grounded in God again, and get my focus back. It was like having an instant group of friends who knew me and related to me – without ever meeting me.

So if you need to kickstart your faith or if you’ve been in a spiritual rut, definitely check out this book. Hopefully it will speak to your heart as strongly as it has been to mine! And if you just need some girl time, don’t worry – they’ve got you covered there too.

And for you men…sorry. Find your own book.

God bless!

~Rebekah A