Devotion was good. We really rarely have the opportunity, that’s why I told the Lord what a wonderful time it was. Then, I was reminded by Him, ‘draw near to me and I will draw near to you’. I thought about that and relished the blessedness of Emmanuel…the blessedness of having God with us. It doesn’t just mean that His presence is with us. It means that His peace, power, love, grace…every part of Him is with us. For that, I feel so blessed!

Come Fri, the second time we met for devotion, we came before Him with burdens upon our hearts. I started singing You Are My All in All to declare His sufficiency and Leon sang Just A Closer Walk With Thee. I was reminded of Psalms 23 and what my lecturer shared in class saying that the metaphor of a Shepherd also corresponded to the metaphor of a King for the Hebrews. It was an apt reminder that He is King. He is greater and more than able to carry those burdens brought before Him.

On another note, I was really blessed in an unexpected way on Thu. In my hurry to complete my reading before Thu morning’s New Testament II class, I was speed reading on the bus on my way to school with a ‘not so right spirit/attitude’ if you know what I mean. I was a little grouchy because of the time pressure. Nevertheless, I came across this encouraging writing by Michael F. Bird:

He (Paul) takes solace from the fact that ‘Even though our outer nature is wasting away, our inner nature is being renewed day by day’ ( 2 Cor 4:16). The degenerative effect that trials have upon the Christian cannot overcome the regenerative power of God in sustaining them. Christian ministers should take comfort from the fact that if God intends to use them, then in the course of time he renews them in order to continue the work to which he has called them.

God is good. I was rewarded with encouragement despite my poor attitude towards learning. I am humbled too.

Now I am attempting to do what Mike asked by writing a book recommendation. It is apparent then that some of you who know me very very well would be indeed surprised at the book I will chose to recommend.

It is my principle that I will never recommend something I have not gone through myself as there are a lot of garbage out there. I dislike the fact also that people seldom filter what they see, hear and read. So in my attempt of self improvement and with the current amassment of free time I have obtained from not having a job which is causing me to be on the verge…..wait a minute. I think in a certain sense I am bankrupt. Hahahha. I am here writing a recommendation for a book!

I am actually not a big fan of mega churches. Again a clash of principles here that I would not care to elaborate. Still I respect the work that Bill Hybels has come to do. I may not agree still with many things though I have to admit I am in no position to really say anything‚Ķbut some know that doesn’t stop me hahaha but I would indeed say that this book is worth the read.

I took an hour to finish this book‚Ķ.yes some do not believe that it is possible. But let me tell you it is. Don’t ask me though to memorize words because that is not my forte. But I would presume that it’s not many of your fortes too. Hahah. Oh well, this book is essentially about Popeye moments which you will repeatedly hear about throughout the entire book that really got me annoyed. Then I was thinking, hmmm I think someone told me I write that way too. He has his point and I think it’s a good one especially for those who really want to find the answer to the question ‚ÄòWhy you do what you do?’ I have been in most cases incapable of telling people how to do this and I think this book will help many of you find what drives you deep inside.

From a person I learnt terms like defining moment and what I have been talking about quite regularly among my peers ‚Äòfinding your true strengths’, I have learnt another inspiring fact about myself through this book and therefore decided to recommend this for your reading.

Now this book is more illustrative then theological which will be a goodie for most readers who don’t enjoy the books I love reading. It has a story attached to everything which clearly is entertaining to read. I do hope though that readers will see that this book is not stories but principles that he is trying to help readers see. He talks about his principle in the first half of the book then goes on how to discover, manage and use the principle. Quite insightful and helpful if I may say. Maybe it will help you.

Even so the latter part of the book was not quite my type of reading as the principle in the book that was what drove me wild to the point I am writing this at 230am. I think I will let you discover that for yourself.

Apparently though I better make myself clear that I like this theoretical principle of Holy Discontentment that he writes about but I will like to be clear that I’m not a supporter of all his methods.

Final words, looking hard to understand yourself and find purpose in what you do? This is the book you should read. Apart from it, I think this book will change your perspective on seeing the motivation factor in many areas of life. Helpful for leaders and even those who just want to help bring a smile to someone’s face.

The book is not as technical I as write here. It is easy reading thus the 1 hour finish thing. I think it’s less than that but I better be on the safer side. It’s very easy reading and if you don’t find it easy reading let me know cause I will know how to gauge my reviews (if I have anymore in the future) next time.

Happy reading!

Rating : 8/10