Loving God

I am attempting (once again!) to read through the book 'Loving God' by Charles Colson. I say attempting because since I got this book about three years ago, I've picked it up twice but both times failed to delve into it for reasons I can't really pinpoint at that time --- the book just didn't grab me, it didn't seem relevant to me...

This time though, somehow it is different! I was barely through the first chapter when tears started to form in my eyes and I couldn't put the book down. I think the difference is that over the past three years, I have grown, spiritually that is! I now understand (more than before) what it really takes to love God.

Some snippets from the first few chapters that grabbed me ---

"It is not what we do that matters, but what a sovereign God chooses to do through us. God doesn't want our success; He wants us. He doesn't demand our achievements; He demands our obedience. The kingdom of God is a kingdom of paradox, where through the ugly defeat of a cross, a holy God is utterly glorified. Victory comes through defeat; healing through brokenness; finding self through losing self."

"For maturing faith --- faith which deepens and grows as we live our Christian life --- is not just knowledge, but knowledge acted upon. It is not just belief, but belief lived out --- practiced. So obedience is the key to real faith --- the unshakable kind of faith so powerfully illustrated by Job's life. This is real faith: believing and acting obediently regardless of circumstances or contrary evidence. After all, if faith depended on visible evidence, it wouldn't be faith. True faith depends not upon mysterious signs, celestial fireworks, or grandiose dispensation from a God who is seen as a rich, benevolent uncle; true faith, as Job understood, rests on the assurance that God is who He is. Indeed, on that we must be willing to stake our lives. There was a time when eleven men did just that. They staked their lives on obedience to their leader, even when doing so was contrary to all human wisdom. That act of obedience produced a faith that emboldened them to stand against the world and, in their lifetimes, change it forever."

I have a feeling that I am going to be able to read through this book this time around! :-)

"Understand, therefore, that the Lord your God is indeed God. He is the faithful God who keeps His covenant for a thousand generations and lavishes His unfailing love on those who love Him and obey His commands."
---Deuteronomy 7:9 NLT