” Adversity is not simply a tool. It is God’s most effective tool for the advancement of our spiritual lives. The circumstances and events that we see as setbacks are oftentimes the very things that launch us into periods of intense spiritual growth. Once we begin to understand this, and accept it as a spiritual fact of life, adversity becomes easier to bear” Charles Stanley
For more quotes by Charles Stanley see:
I couldn’t let the month go by without at least one book recommendation, so here goes.
While on vacation I have been reading, A Touch of Freedom-Meditations of Freedom in Christ, by Charles Stanley. It’s a 30 day devotional on the subject of freedom. Each devotion includes a Bible verse, meditation by Dr. Stanley, and a photograph(also taken by Dr. Stanley). For those of us who are more visual, this is a real bonus.
Here’s a quote from a devotion entitled Maximum Freedom:
“Whereas our world teaches us that freedom is gained through throwing off all restraint, the Scriptures teach that the opposite is true. Human being forfeited a great deal of their freedom in their attempt to gain absolute freedom. As we begin to put two and two together, it becomes increasingly clear that freedom is gained and maintained by adherence to God’s laws. Just as a good father sets loving limitations for his children, so the heavenly Father sets moral and ethical perimeters for us.”
The meditation makes the point that in the beginning, in the Garden of Eden, God gave man maximum freedom. There was only one rule to follow: other than that, the man and woman were totally free to enjoy themselves in loving relationships with each other and God. When they broke that rule they became much less free—now they were slaves to sin and death.
If you want to spend more time in God’s word meditating about freedom, this book is a good choice. Let us know if you like it.
Lutheran Ladies Connection 