Books I’m Reading

I’m almost finished with two books that I’ve been reading over the past few months.  The first is more of a devotional put together by the pastors/leaders of Bethel Church in Redding, CA (check out their website for great resources to strengthen your Christian walk).  The book is called Spiritual Java.  It is a very good 40 day devotional if you are interested.  I’ve also been reading The Practice of the Presence of God by Brother Lawrence.  Brother Lawrence lived during the 1600s and was a cook in a monastery.  The book is about how he cultivated such a deep relationship with the Holy Spirit that everything in his life became an act of worship.  His posture towards God was the same whether he was cooking in the kitchen, spending time in prayer or going to church. 

Here are a few of the quotes that really spoke to me from these two books.  Perhaps they’ll speak to your heart as well.

“Many do not advance in Christian progress because they stick in penances and particular exercises while neglecting the love of God, which must be the end purpose of ALL actions.” – Brother Lawrence

“Do not move faster than grace.  People do not become holy all at once.” – Brother Lawrence

“You would think it rude to leave a friend alone who came to visit you – so why must God be neglected?” – Brother Lawrence

“People don’t need to be convinced of our insights, our gifts, or our ability to convey truth.  What people need is God.”  - Bill Johnson

“We miss God when we live as though we have Him figured out.  In fact, if we think we understand Him, we have probably conformed Him into our own image.  To endeavor to know Him is to embark on an adventure in which questions increase rather than disappear.”  - Bill Johnson