Think Spot

Think Spot 27th August 2012

How is your reading going?

When I was first converted over 45 years ago I was privileged to be converted in a church which had regular expository preaching and keen prayer meetings as well as a strong support for several missionaries abroad and in England. Week following week we had a feast of good things as we were taught on Sunday evenings the depth of the meaning of each of the Ten Commandments from Exodus 20. On each of those same Sundays in the mornings we went through a section of Paul's letter to the Colossians a few verses at a times. I had no idea how important this type of teaching was for me. I didn’t realise at the time how privileged I was. Little did I know also that God had carefully arranged my spiritual education to prepare me for future ministry. He called me first to Missionary work in London. “Launch out into the deep and let down your nets for a catch.” ( Luke 5:1ff) I was then encouraged to wait upon the Lord for a clear word from Him to lead me into such a valuable, important and necessary work in an extremely hard place, a city with a multitude of different nationalities and religions, where only a sovereign God could break through . This teaching concerning God's almighty power was so vital for me to grasp before I began. “Go now therefore and I shall be with your mouth and teach you what to say” Exodus 4:12. Before church membership it had been a regular feature I believe, to be taught three important teaching sessions on three major doctrines, Justification, Sanctification and Glorification. Yes we were certainly grounded in the faith and discipled which was so important when about to be sent into such a challenging work for God. This work in London witnessed God moving in and changing peoples lives of all ages through His powerful Word. This was followed by various Bible teaching posts in evangelical churches throughout the country. Time and time again I praised God for such a great education at the beginning of my christian life. Such brilliant preachers and mature Christians ready and available and so willing to help a young believer. Now retired and having a lot of time to write devotional booklets to help all kinds of Christian through my life experiences I can now advise from personal experience which good Christian books to read which have helped me. Two questions I would like to ask as I look at the church today. First I ask “Is discipleship such an important part of a regular church programme today?” I think of Jesus called his disciples for three years training before He sent them into the mission field. The second question I ask is how much do Christians read today of Christian Doctrine and experience? I thought I would share my knowledge of good christian authors and books which have helped build me up in my faith and have been such a help to me in all kinds of different situations which needed clear understanding of how to deal with them. Books on Prayer which have helped me are Hallesby on Prayer as well as David Pawson's teaching online on the subject of “The Lord's Prayer” from the Sermon on the Mount, so helpful to build you up in your faith in addition to your regular dipping into the Scriptures to feed your souls. Prayer is not easy and can he helped by lessons learned by these men of God. The first books I was given to read as a new christian were JC Ryle's “Expository Thoughts on the Gospels.” These are still excellent to use in your daily devotions today so easy to read and understand and divided very helpfully into useful portions to use on a daily basis. I recommend them highly. USB Notes are also very helpful and “Our Daily Bread” from RBC Carnforth. But in addition to this form of study may I suggest you read regularly biographies of some great men and women of God from the past. I was helped early on in my Christian life in reading Charles Haddon Spurgeon's Biography “The Early Years” and the second volume called “The Full Harvest” He was one of the greatest preachers this world has ever known. His writings are still popular today 150 years after his death. Corrie Ten Boom books are much smaller but excellent reading. If you need further encouragement in prayer then read the narratives of George Mueller and Billy Bray the Cornishman's story “The Kings Son” which was also so helpful to me. Finally Pilgrims Progress by John Bumyon is a must for every Christian written now in modern English. And there are so many more. Paul the apostle wrote “Study to yourself approved of God” In his epistles he makes it clear that we should give attention to reading and when in prison he asked his friends to bring him the parchments. There is a wealth of good christian literature, but we need to be guided into what is really useful for us. We can waste a lot of money without the right advice from more seasoned Christians who we know and trust. Ask for their help and take care and may God richly bless your reading and listening. Joys Prayer Dear Lord and loving Heavenly Father, You have taught us today how important it is to not stand still in our christian life. To make sure we grow in knowledge and in our understanding of the Holy Scriptures. Forgive us for laziness and being distracted by other things such as Television and other social pursuits which have been additional to what is really necessary in our lives. We are thankful Lord for Christian programmes on TV and we know the need to keep ourselves fit and healthy with exercise but we also know how these things can slip in and replace our prayer life and our life of usefulness to You. Please forgive us and recharge us as we listen to Bible teaching or read Christian books which are helpful for us to maintain our souls and to enlarge our hearts and minds. We are made aware through Scripture we are in a battle and need all the resources we can get to strengthen and equip us for each days battle and in our daily witness to your marvellous Truth. Our love for you Lord is always in response to Your love for us and we want to show Your love to all we come into contact with each morning whether at work, in retirement or in the social world. Lord help us to be shining lights for You and may we never forget to give You all the glory and praise due to Your Holy Name. In Jesus Name Amen Right Mouse click to save this as an audio mp3 file

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