Cliffhanging

I've decided to take a break from recommending books, because the ones I've already mentioned are really at the top of the list, so you should check those out again. I thought I'd just relate some stories for a while. Stories from books that have really spoken to me. I'll call this one "the cliffhanger."

"Help!" The man cried as he dangled helplessly from the edge of a cliff. "Can anyone up there help me?"
"Yes," answered a heavenly voice, "I'll help you. But first you must let go."
"Let go!" gasped the man. "But then I'd fall!"
"I'll catch you," replied the voice.
There was a long pause, then the man cried out, "Can anyone else up there help me?"

If we want Christ to save us, then we must let go of the idea that we can save ourselves, even a little.

Traveling Light

Do you ever carry the burdens of anxiety, discontent, fear, hopelessness, or doubt? Lucado's book is all about releasing this cumbersome baggage so that we can experience joy and peace instead. Max Lucado is quickly becoming my new favorite author because of the simple and brilliant word pictures he uses. His chapters are super short and reading his books are like gobbling up cookies. There is also a study guide in the back of the book for deeper study.
Here's a quick excerpt from the chapter about self-reliance titled, "I'll do it my way"
According to the Bible, "We all have wandered away like sheep; each of us has gone his own way." (Isa. 53:6)
You wouldn't think sheep would be so obstinate. Of all God's animals, the sheep is the least able to take care of himself. Sheep are dumb! Have you ever met a sheep trainer? Ever seen sheep tricks? Know anyone who has taught a sheep to roll over? No. Sheep are just too dumb. Sounds to me as if you could use a shepherd.

Otherwise, you might end up with a Twenty-third Psalm like this:

I am my own shepherd. I am always in need.
I anoint my headache with extra strength Tylenol.
My Jack Daniels runneth over.
Surely misery and misfortune will follow me, and I will live in self-doubt
for the rest of my lonely life.
Praise God that He wants to rescue us from ourselves and from the burden of doing things our own way. If you find yourself needing to lighten your load, and have Someone else carry your bags, this book is for you!

Galatians

Do you have a tendency to keep trying and trying to do everything right? Do you feel the need to look good and be perfect? Do you feel the need to impress others, or even God?If you're not sure what to read in the Bible, the book of Galatians is so refreshing and will bring new light to your faith.
I've been a christian all my life, and after re-reading this book of the Bible, I just feel like I'm beginning to truly understand the power of Christ's love for us. I always knew that I couldn't save myself or impress God, but part of me thought that I should still try. This book will show you how to live in freedom from yourself and not in slavery to a law that God knows we can't keep.
Here are just a few of Paul's words:
3:3 After starting your Christian lives in the Spirit, why are you now trying to become perfect by your own human effort?
3:11 So it is clear that no one can be made right with God by trying to keep the law. It is through faith that a righteous person has life."
In John, Jesus hammers this truth home. In John 6:28 the disciples ask Jesus " what should we do?"
Verse 29 "Jesus told them, "This is the only work God wants from you: Believe in the one he has sent."
My pastor says that believing is a full time job. Its so tempting to think that we have to makes ourselves right. We can't. This book of the Bible will help you to realize the futilty of trying and give you freedom to serve God out of love, not duty. (The pictured book is not what I read. I did use a study book, but the Bible is all you need.)

Waiting on God

There is nothing I hate more than waiting. I must do something! I am plagued by my multi-tasking nature that must feel productive. I try to "help" God be productive in my life too. What I didn't realize, was that my self effort was really hindering His desire to bless me. Andrew Murray is a classic author and in this book he uses very short (3 page) chapters to help us learn how to wait on God. There are 31 short chapters. This paperback book will only cost about $6. Here are some of his words:
"Just as much as it was God's work to create, it is His work to maintain. As little as man could create himself, is he left to provide for himself."

"If we only saw our God in His love, if we only believed that He waits to be gracious, that He waits to be our life and to work all in us- how this waiting on God would become our highest joy..."

"Waiting on God, unceasing and entire dependence upon Him is our only wisdom."

Don't be surprised when this small, pocket sized book leaves a huge mark in your life.

Streams in the Desert

2 Minutes a Day Devotional! Seriously. Aside from prayer, this 2 minute investment is just that. Your life will be changed. Every book I post, you can see sample pages/passages if you look online at bn.com. Still, I want to post a short sample passage...Go ahead, time it.
Here's May 3rd:
Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.(Joel 2:32)
So why don't I call on His name? Why do I run to this person or that person when God is so near and will hear my faintest call? Why do I sit down to plot my own course and make my own plans? Why don't I immediately place myself and my burden on the Lord? Straight ahead is the best way to run, so why don't I run directly to the living God? Instead, I look in vain for deliverance everywhere else, but with God I will find it. With Him I have His royal promise: "I will be saved."

My situation is urgent, and I cannot see how I will ever be delivered. Yet, this is not my concern, for He who made the promise will find a way to keep it. My part is simply to obey His commands, not to direct His ways. I am His servant, not His advisor. I call upon Him and He will deliver me. (Charles Spurgeon)
You can get this book for less than $5.00! I know you'll love it and I bet you'll even end up buying it for a friend or two.

Ruthless Trust

This is my favorite among favorites. Brennan Manning, the author of The Ragamuffin Gospel, constantly reminds us of God's love and grace. This book, although not as popular as The Ragamuffin Gospel, is even more powerful. You feel God's love and compassion just by reading the book. His message is centered on simply trusting that we are loved as we are.
He has so many great words, but I will just include two quotes:
"You will trust Him to the degree that you know you are loved by Him."
" Behold, the splendor of the human heart which trusts that it is loved!"
If you're in need of some love and grace, (who isn't) then this book will leave you amazed by Christ's acceptance of us and also produce another great benefit: trust in God.

Walking with God

Do you have trouble listening? You've probably noticed that I do. I suck at listening, especially to God. This book helped me tune in and realize that He will speak and guide me...
John Eldredge shares this prayer that I think sums up the book:
"Jesus, forgive me. I ask your forgiveness of this deep commitment to make life work on my own-for all my striving and pushing and for all the unbelief that propels me. Forgive me. And I ask you to heal me of this. Heal the places in my soul that have so long felt alone, felt that life was up to me."
If you need freedom from yourself and a clear grasp of the Loving One that is in control and how to follow Him, this book will get you back in step with God for sure.