Tuesday, June 9, 2009

Husband says I do not...

really have favorites. He makes this conclusion from the fact that I have so many favorites. Which he says nullifies the idea of a fav-o-rite.

I understand his logic. I really do. But I still counter with the fact that he is my favorite Husband!

When it comes to the Bible though, I have maintained for many years that my favorite book of the Bible is Hebrews. I have not yet found a book of the Bible that I did not enjoy studying or reading. Each book as God's glorious written word, His redemptive plan towards man, His gift of Christ and the gospel--all of them are incredible in literary, spiritual and truthfully fulfilling sense.

But Hebrews....this book causes my soul to sing like no other. I run out of words to express why exactly. Part of the reason is how Hebrews is an amazing commentary on the Bible itself, like God's inner short notes on why He has done particular things, why He is still doing specific things, and how He will continue to exactly do all things.

Important stuff like that.

Hebrews is the most unique book to me in the Bible containing some of the sternest warnings and also the fullest assurances. I love how God takes the criticism of contradiction in His word and answers with the book of Hebrews. Amazing!

For my summer study, I decided to work on an in-depth study of Hebrews. I am using a book by Nancy Guthrie called Hoping for Something Better. I was privileged to hear Nancy Guthrie speak at a Women's Conference in January 2009. I had run across her story years back through a Time magazine article. Her experience with genetic illness and death of a child spoke to my heart. Reading her book Holding Onto Hope was a unique gift to me for providing new understanding of my personal grief regarding James.

I'll be blogging about what I'm learning through this study. If you do not have a Bible study to work through this summer, consider buying this book (no credits or commission come to me in any shape, fashion, form or bill denomination!) and studying Hebrews with me. Whether it is your favorite book of the Bible or not, reading through Hebrews is a life-changing gift.

Another unique aspect of Nancy's book is she has written questions at the back of the book for you to do before you read the chapters. IOW, she responsibly requires that you read actual Scripture and work through what God is saying before you read her comments. Now that is a woman of God right there. Pointing you to His word before her own.

7 comments:

  1. I'm writing the name of this book down and will be checking for it. I have a hard time pinning down a real favorite when it comes to the books of the Bible...

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  2. I'm in. I read as much as I could off Amazon! I could use something besides all the FIAR books to keep me going this summer. Can't wait to hear what you have to say.

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  3. I've felt the same way about Hebrews! It makes my heart sing, also. I always am excited when I get to it in my continual reading through the Bible. I'll have to get this book and study, too. Thanks for the recommendation!

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  4. I just put her on my wishlist... I hope you are abundantly blessed by this study.

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  5. This is how the book began for me! I was heading into summer knowing that too many summers I had barely opened my Bible. So I decided to study the book of Hebrews like I was going to have to teach it. And two years later my church asked me to teach it which then became this book.

    Let me know how it goes for you. I hope it will be a blessing!

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  6. Look! You got a comment from the author herself! Cool beans!

    I will be facilitating this study this fall in our ladies' Bible study group. I cannot wait!!!!

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  7. Count me in. An answer to prayer. I will order it tomorrow. Let us know when to start. My pastor is preaching through it and almost done. Looking forward to it.

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