If we are physically what we eat, then it’s probably true that we are spiritually what we choose to feed our minds with in our free time. If so, then we would be wise to choose our reading and viewing with discernment … and here’s a few suggestions from the church library!
Courageous – DVD
A powerful and moving film of four policemen who can confidently handle most challenges on the streets. However, when tragedy strikes in one of their families they discover there is one challenge that none of them are really prepared for – fatherhood! They wrestle with their hopes, fears, faith and fathering, which drives them closer to God and to their children. Thoroughly recommended, especially for Dads!
Philippians by Paul
Yes, probably one of the shortest books you could read! This letter, written by Paul from prison (for his faith) to the Christians living in Philippi, Greece, is only about four pages long but fairly bubbles over with joy! Paul is not in a POM (Poor Old Me) mood, but on the contrary can see good coming out of this far-from-ideal situation. He urges the new Christians to have a humble mindset like Jesus, to stay united, to find their joy in Jesus (not their circumstances!) and encourages them to exchange their worries for God’s peace. Sounds very relevant and necessary to me, in spite of being written years ago! This ‘book’ is part of a collection of ‘books’ – otherwise known as our Bible!
The End of Me by Kyle Idleman
Possibly not the most attractive title(!), but this and its bright red cover might make us curious to know more! It sub-titled ‘Where Real Life in the Upside-down Ways of Jesus Begins’, which might give us more of a clue. In this easy-to-read book, the author, referring to parts of Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount, looks at several truths of the Christian life, including ‘brokenness being the way to wholeness’ and ’emptiness is required to know true fullness’. As the back cover says, ‘Only when we come to the end of ourselves (our self-sufficiency and independence from God) can we begin to experience the full, whole life that Jesus offers.’ Highly recommended!
Peter Gill
