Sometimes life seems to have gaps. Not that there are really moments where there is missing data or experience, but at sometimes, time goes by and then I look back and say, "Has it really been that long?" It is hard to believe my last post on this blog was in April. In some ways, the gaps are representative of how things seem to be going for me this year, yet I have not been idle.
Often when I am asked about what I am doing, I answer that I have been busy. By being busy, one would think there is a lot happening to report on. However, much of the business is doing routine things: I go to work, do chores around the house, visit with friends and family, read books, watch TV and movies, and so on. These are the things of life and we fill our time up with them -- thus we are "busy."
Ironically, being busy often means that I do not have time to do what I really would like. For example, I have a number of books on my desk that I had good intentions of reporting on in book reviews on this blog. However, as these things pile up, they become a reminder of what I wish I could be doing, rather than many of the things I spend my time doing.
I am writing this with the intent to start blogging more consistently. As a result, I would like to do a quick catch up.
One of the books I finished reading is "Love Alone is Credible" by Hans Urs Von Balthasar, a Catholic theologian. I have run across Balthasar a few times in my studies, and had him on my wish list. A while back Misty Edwards posted a quote from him, and that pushed me to go ahead and read some of his books. This book is about what makes Christianity credible. When looking at what is uniquely distinctive of the Christian faith, he concludes that its teachings of love alone stands out as making Christianity credible. Balthasar explores this in detail in this book. It was an interesting read, though Balthasar has a way of making prenthetical statements within his sentences, which makes the book a difficult read. I don't know if this is typical for his writings. The book is definitely worth reading, if you are wanting to explore the topic of love and the Christian faith.
Another book I read was "Following Jesus: Biblical Reflections on Discipleship" by N.T. Wright. Wright explores what it means to follow Jesus in this excellent, easy to read, book. The book is in two parts. Part One explores Jesus, as revealed in the New Testiment books of Hebrews, Colossians, Matthew, John, Mark, and Revelation. These chapters are devotional in nature, exploring Jesus from the perspective of the writer's primary thematic emphesis on Jesus. Part Two explores the topic of Jesus as a living sacrifice. Wright includes chapters on the ressurection, renewal of the mind, temptation, hell, heaven and power, and new life-new world. I found Wright's book to be fresh and exciting. I highly recommend it to all who seek to be followers of Jesus.
One more point about Wright's book. His chapter on Hell was very interesting, as he brought in some correctives to certain common ideas of hell that are not exactly supported by scripture. It was refreshing, and actually practical. It prompted me to explore some related theologies more. I have a couple books in my "stack to read" waiting for me to find the right time.
I am currently re-reading Watchman Nee's, "The Normal Christian Life." It has been a while since I read this book, and I am still working through it. In it, he discusses the exhchanged life, as taught by Hudson Taylor. This prompted me to read the Book "Hudson Taylor's Spiritual Secret" by Dr. & Mrs. Howard Taylor. Wow, awesome book! Taylor, a 19th Century missionary to China, was a man of prayer and faith. He repeatedly, trusted all that he had and needed to God in prayer. As a result, his life powerfully shows the power of prayer and the faithfulness of God. In his total surrender to God, Taylor found the key to abiding in Christ. The book ought to change any Christian's life, and I also recommend it for those considering missionary work.
"God does not give us overcoming life: He gives us life as we overcome." To him the secret of overcoming lay in daily, hourly fellowship with God; and this, he found, could only be maintained by secret prayer and feeding upon the Word through which He reveals Himself to the waiting soul." p. 238
Taylor took to heart the promise of the Lord to give us living waters (John 4:14). That living water spring up out of his his daily walk with God, and through them, he found all he needed in the face of the many trials he faced in that life.
"Hudson Taylor stopped at no sacrifices in following Christ. "Cross-loving men are needed..." p. 214
It is not possible to do this little book justice in this short review. It is inspirational, challenging, simple, and yet, profound. It is a must read for any Christian. I am looking forward to starting Watchman Nee's "Changed into His Likeness" soon. Watch for the review.
Another book I have been reading recently is "The Fire of God," by John Michael Talbot. This hard to find little book is proving to be wonderfully good and very pratical. I have enjoyed every book of Talbot's that I have read. It is about the work of the fire of God in our lives and overcoming the "fires" of this world. I have been going through this book quickly, and hope to be done soon. Of course, I am reading a number of other books, which I will report on when I get done with them.
I guess as I refect back, I find that I have accomplished many things over the last few months, even if life's business has seemly pushed me forward in a way that causes me to lose track of time.
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