They say that we are what we eat! I am convinced this principle applies to our entire being. Our bodies, minds and spirits are all hungry for wholesome nourishment. But even as I know this, I am aware of my tendency to get lazy and I forget to intentionally feed my whole self with life-giving food.
In 2006, the late Eugene Peterson wrote Eat This Book – A Conversation in the Art of Spiritual Reading.
This classic has been on my long list of Books I Want to Read for a while now. So with the passing of this godly biblical teacher a few months ago, I have begun to ‘Eat This Book’.
The title concept comes from the opening chapters of Ezekiel where the prophet is told by the Living God to open his mouth and eat the scroll… the book covered front and back with God’s words.
Ezekiel was to open up, taste them, take them in, BE Fed and transformed by them. Then, in turn, he was to go to God’s people and speak them out.
With this in mind, I share with you some of the books that have fed me in 2018. I love reading and appreciate that this is not everyone’s experience. But I hope that this ‘menu’ will entice you to resolve with me to feed on the good food of inspirational, godly literature throughout this New Year and the years to come.
(By the way, I would be delighted to add to that long reading list of mine as I hear back from you what books have fed your spirit in 2018.)
Lynny’s 2018 Good Spiritual Food Menu:
The Message
How fitting to finally complete this translation of the Bible in the year of Eugene Peterson’s Homecoming. He has left behind a true legacy that helps bring the scriptures to life. This inspirational best seller of all time keeps getting better and better! (In 2019 I will continue feasting on The Passion Translation.)
Women of the Word by Jen Wilkinson
An easy read and excellent Bible study and teaching resource.
Treasuring Christ When Your Hands Are Full by Gloria Furman
A lovely book written for young mothers. A great reminder for all of us to treasure Christ in the busyness of life.
If I Had Two Lives – The Extraordinary Life and Faith of Costas Macris
Missionary biography by Dan Vorm
Not just an interesting read, but I had the honor to meet the author and Costas’ son, Jonathan, who continues the ministry in Greece.
He Speaks in the Silence by Diane Comer
A courageous deaf woman candidly shares how she learned to hear the voice of God.
The Emotionally Healthy Woman by Geri Scazerro
I studied this excellent resource with my mum and daughter over an eight-week period. This one is a real eye-opener and relationship builder.
Ministry that Transforms by Kathleen McAlpin
A Contemplative Process of Theological Reflection
Theological Reflection by Judith Thompson
A Model for Pastoral Practice
Both these texts were helpful in my theological studies as I was encouraged to intentionally take time to reflect on how my ministry practice aligns with God’s Word, my own call and the world around me.
Can You Drink The Cup? by Henri Nouwen
I am always challenged by Henri and this one was no exception as he made me drink deeply… “When we are crushed like grapes, we cannot think of the wine we will become.”
In the Name of Jesus by Henri Nouwen
This one tasted good! Henri offers another beautiful meal to the Body of Christ as he reflects on Christian leadership.
The Rome Gospel by Ben Chenoweth
This is the third book in Ben’s historical novel series. A great friend and talented author, Ben helps us get in touch with the original biblical audience.
The Gifts of Imperfection by Brene Brown
“Let go of who you think you are and embrace who you are supposed to be.”
I highly recommend this as great food for thought and full of practical ideas to implement for personal growth.
An Altar in the World by Barbara Brown Taylor
This was gifted to me to help prepare for our sabbatical leave. It contains a good message about noticing God wherever we are in the world. Unfortunately, it left me empty in its rare mention of Jesus as the only way to satisfy our hunger and thirst.
Back From the Brink of Hell – Hope after Black Saturday By John & Jan Graham with Meredith Resce
These amazing Aussies are some of our closest friends and tell their incredible story in a way that inspires the church to step out and meet the everyday crises surrounding us.
The Grace Awakening by Roy Godwin and Dave Roberts
Another gift for our sabbatical, this is an enjoyable feast that tells the story of a Welsh retreat and prayer house where God meets people in their need and blesses their socks off!
Abide by Warren Weisbe
A short but sweet summary of John 15. “Without Me, you can do nothing.”
The Broken Way by Ann Voscamp
Ann’s musings have been rich food for my soul and this book has deeply touched my heart. It has built some courage within me to embrace my brokenness and go on blessing others in theirs.
One Year of HOPE
Devotional by Nancy Guthrie
The One Year Heaven on Earth
Devotional by Chris Tiegreen
Both of these wonderful devotionals add greatly to the flavor of our family meals around the table. Yes, they are taking a bit longer than a year to get through… we are savoring them!
So, with all this ‘food’ going around, let’s say a New Year’s ‘grace’…
Father, thank you for ALL the meals you have provided and prepared for us. We open our mouths to receive all the good food you want us to eat and then speak out to feed others.
Lord, cleanse us from the toxins and the junk we have consumed.
May we BE Fed directly from Your hand so that we can live and grow to Your glory!
May every meal we devour, body, mind and soul, be life-honoring and life-giving.
May our New Year’s resolution include more wholesome, nutritious meals all around, more exercising of faith, hope & love and more of Jesus… yes, much more of Jesus our Daily Bread!
By the power of Your Holy Spirit, may we all be blessed throughout this New Year, ever transforming into Your likeness until, at last, we feast around Your table forever.
In the name of Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen
Well, back to my reading… Happy New Year friends and Bon Appetit!