Thursday, March 19, 2009

Becoming the Answer to Our Prayers - Shane Claiborne & Jonathan Wilson-Hartgrove


This is Shane Claiborne's third book that he's written and I've read. It was my first of Jonathon's that I've read, I would like to read his other two books. It was very challenging in it's content. Here are some of my favorite quotes:

"People argue a lot about the differences between these two camps. We're not sure who's right, but we have notices that the debate doesn't seem to do much for people in our neighborhoods. What it does , unfortunately, is divide the church. Christians seem to feel more allegiance to the positions of the left or the right than we feel to God's people. Rather than share what we have in common so that on one has a need, we self-segregate into conservative and liberal congregations or black and white or upper and lower-class congregations. The powers and principalities think themselves wise. And the wisdom of God seems like foolishness."

" What we're really looking for in our life together and in the church is what the apostle Paul calls the "life that is truly life" (1 timothy 6:19). We have to stop promising people life after death when what we are all really asking for is if there is life before death. And the good news is-there is. Eternal life begins now. It is living in the presence of God."

Take a read and be challenged to be the people of God and being the answer to the problems of our day with God's help of course.

Monday, March 9, 2009

The Four Agreements by Don Miguel Ruiz




I just finished reading The Four Agreements and I really enjoyed it. My friend, Marsha, raved about it for a year to me, so I felt like, if she loved it that much I should read it.

If you have read any of Anthony DeMello's books, to me, Don Miguel Ruiz is similar. The four agreements are simple, and common sense, but really appear to me that in life if we follow them, we would be more content, peaceful people. Here they are:

1. Be impeccable with your word
2. Don't take anything personally
3. Don't make assumptions
4. Always do your best

It's worth the read if you are looking for something. Now, the hard part is to follow them.