Reading for Desert Times
If you've been involved in Christian circles for any length of time, you've heard "God's timing is perfect." And, I'm pretty sure we can agree that there are times that we don't always see where God is leading us, or understand what we are supposed to be doing. There are many times when we feel like we're just going through the motions of getting through each day.
Our Bibles should always be the first thing we grab when we are seeking direction. The Word of God is living and active, and just as He used human writers to record the Holy Scriptures, I believe that God continues to use His people today to offer encouragement and support.
These three books were ones that "somehow" ended up in my path, and were very timely for me. If you feel like you are experiencing every day doldrums, or are feeling like you're living "middle gray" -- or perhaps feeling like you're desert wandering -- then these recommendations are for you.
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Be aware that these are books you'll probably want to keep, not borrow. I suspect you will find yourself wanting to jot down thoughts, mark pages, underline meaningful points, or take notes. You might want to grab some colored pens and a pretty notebook as you read...
Priscilla Shirer
I picked up this book in a used book store as it looked like a good read. What's interesting is that I sat it aside for later, and when I finally picked it up several months later, I quickly realized it was a "God's timing" thing.
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Priscilla Shirer parallels the Israelites wanderings with our everyday lives. This book is full of godly truths that point out how important it is for us to keep our focus on God. For me, the timing of this book couldn't have been any more perfect. I had been writing a "Journey to the Jordan" blog, I had just completed a study of the Exodus, and in the midst of reading this book, I discovered I'd be leaving my hometown for a new land. I felt like the book had been written solely for me. (Don't you get chills when you read something and feel that way?)
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The Israelites struggled with change. They struggled with direction. They struggled with keeping their focus on God. Sounds like us, doesn't it? We can choose to live differently, and leave the past behind. It's time to overcome our own obstacles and live more fully!
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"Get over being average. Break out of the box. Don't just want it. Live it. Today and every day." Priscilla Shirer
Ruth Chou Simons
This is another book that God put right in front of me at the right time. Most of us can recognize that we go through "seasons" in our lives, and some periods are easier to understand than others.
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"Have you ever found yourself disappointed with your right now - your circumstances, your relationships, your daily grind? You want to do so many things - good, godly things - but your current situation feels like it won't allow you to step into those good things." Ruth Chou Simons
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This book offers exercises and assessments that help guide us toward building our godly character and letting go of fear. Ruth points us to scripture and reminds us that God is always working. He's preparing us for what's next. This is one of those books I suspect that you'll return to, as I have done.
Candace Cameron Bure
This devotional was given to me as a gift when I left for Florida. My dear friend who gave this to me knew about all the ups and downs I've had over the years, and recognized that this "new" experience would offer me something special.
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My friend is very wise, and this book was so beneficial to me as I was trying to adjust to my new surroundings. Each day Candace offers a brief devotional thought directly pointing to a scriptural truth. There is plenty of space to write out a prayer to God, journal your thoughts, or express your heart to God. What you write may be as different as each day.
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"Do your days feel monotonous, your responsibilities endless, and your motivation nearly (or totally) gone? Great news: God's renewal is waiting for you each morning! During this 100-day devotional, you'll get excited about life again as you discover how to open your eyes to the newness that surrounds you."
Candace Cameron Bure
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Additional books from these Authors
you may want to explore
*Please note that I have read some of these, but not all.
Book titles are all linked directly to Amazon where you can read summary.
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