Summer is almost over, and I am devouring books as fast as I can before textbooks take over my reading time. However, even during the school year, I always keep two books with me--my Bible, and a devotional book. The devotional book does not have to be laid out as a day-to-day lesson book like most. To me, a “devotional” is simply a book written with the intent of focusing the reader on God and who He is. No matter how many textbooks and short stories are assigned to me, it is always refreshing to read inspiring words by other Christians. It encourages me to know that others have experienced walking this path that God has called us to take. The encouragement is not always pleasing at first. Sometimes it hurts, but it pushes me to go the right direction. If you are looking for some guidance and encouragement, here are three books I would highly recommend:
Mere Christianity by C.S. Lewis
C.S. Lewis has been my favorite author for a long time. I
have read most of his books, but this one is the most life-changing. As a
former atheist, C.S. Lewis knew all the questions people had about God. He
tried to disprove God’s existence, but never could. When he became a Christian,
he found the answers to a lot of those questions, and he shared them in this
book. His logic is extraordinarily simple and understandable. Some of it is
speculation. Much of it is metaphor, helping the reader see God in a new, fresh way. All of it is a revelation, not only of God’s
existence, but also of how we, as Christians, should respond to that existence.
Read this book slowly. Reflect on each page. Faith cannot be taught, but
sometimes we need to embrace logic. When we do, it may not build our faith,
but it can help us better understand what and Whom we believe and how we should respond to Him.
There are different versions of this book. The classic edition is
written in old English and is difficult to understand. I am reading an updated
edition right now. It takes a year to go through, with one page a day (I
sometimes read two a day, one in the morning and one at night). The book is a
compilation of lectures and writings by Chambers, who did not intend them
to be published. The first day I read this, I knew it might change me. It has
challenged me every day to think about things differently. I am amazed that a
man from the early 1900s could write things so relevant to a nineteen-year-old
girl. He points out things in myself that I never recognized before, and he has
instilled in me a passion to give everything to God day by day. James Reimann,
the writer of the updated edition, writes: “I encourage you to read with this
book in one hand and your Bible in the other. This book is not the Bible—it is
intended to point you to the Bible.” Chambers did not intend to write a new
theology. Read prayerfully, seeking discernment, and be willing to let the
words change you.
The Practice of the Presence of God by Brother Lawrence
This compilation of writings were not composed by a
great theologian, but by a humble cook in a monastery. His words gave me a new
understanding of worship and devotion to God. As the title reveals, he teaches that we must practice living in God’s presence every moment. His relationship with God aroused a hunger in me for the same. Reading about how
someone lived so beautifully is as affective, if not more affective, than a
sermon. It makes the Christian life real and attainable and irresistible.
As I read these books, I had to remember, as Reimann said, that these are not the Bible. It is always important to read God's Word. Even more importantly, I had to remember that time spent in a book is not always the same as spending time with God. I must spend time in reflection and prayer and practice living in God's presence throughout the day.
I hope you enjoy these as much as I did,
Emily
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