One of the first things I have tried to simplify and minimize is what I read, particularly concerning my faith. I love to read, and in the past mostly read for entertainment.
But something has switched in me this past year, and I find myself not wanting to waste my time on fluff. I want the good stuff. I want to read things that challenge me in the way I live my life.
The biggest change for me has been paring down to reading the Bible. If I truly want to know God and what it means to love and obey Him, there is no better source than his Word. I used to read devotionals, now I read the Bible. I used to read a lot of books written for spiritual growth. I still read some, but mostly I have been reading the Bible for spiritual growth. I used to depend on the American Christian church to define christianity, now I am looking in the Bible.
I've learned a lot from listening to podcasts by Francis Chan. I am drawn to his teaching because he teaches the Word of God. He constantly encourages his listeners to spend time alone in the Word.
This is what I am striving to do, and it is so good.
you are such an inspiration and help to me
ReplyDeleteI am so thankful for you and delighted in your hunger and thirst for more of Jesus!
Jill, where do you get the Francis Chan podcasts? I am a big fan of podcasts (I really like Andy Stanley at North Point) and I would love to listen to Francis Chan. I haven't read Crazy Love yet but I have heard SUCH great things about it!
ReplyDeleteJill, I just linked over today from your comment at FIMBY to your thankful blog and then found this one. What a treat to find. I'd love to follow along this journey that God has you on. I hear you loud and clear on that calling. Thanks for your recommendation for this podcast.
ReplyDelete"I used to depend on the American Christian church to define christianity, now I am looking in the Bible."
- Amen sister!