Tuesday, July 7, 2009

July's Book Review

Two books I am re-reading as the lazy days of summer begin at our house are by Elyse Fitzpatrick. Elyse has spent over twenty years as a biblical counselor as well as the author of many books.

My goal will be to read and review two of her most recent books sometime this summer.

One I've already read and would highly recommend
Because He Loves Me, How Christ Transforms our Daily Life.As a daughter, sister, wife, mother and pastor's wife I have often identified myself in a particular role, but those roles change as we grow older, some of us have never been married or had children.
This book helped me with my identity in Christ, something that will never change.

She begins this book with almost ten pages of scripture helping us to remember God's great love for us. One of my favorites:

"And those whom he predestined he also called, and those whom he called he also justified, and those whom he justified he also glorified."
Romans 8:30

"Delighting in God's love will transform everything about us, including who we are, or our identity. This love is illustrated for us in Scripture, and particularly in the story we call "the gospel." (p.36)

Chapter Two on Identity Amnesia helped me see my true identity in Christ.
Other chapters on idolatry, fear, worry, anger are covered thoroughly always pointing me back to Jesus Christ and the gospel of his grace.
One of the last chapters of the book, Walk In Love, is my favorite. She encourages her readers to think of our heavenly Father's love for us and how He sees us as His 'little darlings. As a member of his family, you're the apple of His eye, the child He loves to bless. You're His darling."

I know this in how He demonstrated His love for me in sending His only Son and taking my place on the cross. He will never stop loving me. This is the gospel and I rest in the fact I will someday see Him Because He Loves Me.


2 comments:

Gigi said...

Sounds like you've got some good reading ahead!

...because He loves us! That speaks volumes, doesn't it?!

Tamela's Place said...

we love Him because He first loved us.. This sounds like a really good read.. Thanks for sharing Jody.