i read a book!

Okay, I have a confession to make. I am not a reader. Eep! I hate the sound of that. Don't get me wrong, I love books, and I love reading, but.. I am simply not a reader. I don't soak up books like those around me do, and maybe you've noticed the lack of any mention of any book, ever. Well, that's cause I am not usually reading, so I don't have any recommendations for you.

Don't get me wrong, I do have some great recommendations up my sleeve, if you are ever interested. But they don't change often, because I probably have not read any new books since you last asked me.

Recently, I read Women of the Word, by Jen Wilkin.

I have always enjoyed Jen as a Bible teacher, and the subtitle of her book really appealed to me: how to study the Bible with both our hearts and our minds. I know that approaching things heart first is one that is so oft taken by women. Although, I may argue that as a student of science, I put a large emphasis on evidence, or "head-knowledge" as Christians like to refer to it sometimes. But I am still a woman, and I love my emotions. Jen argues that we need to use both our minds and our hearts to study the Word, and boy is she right.

J warned me that this book would probably cover things that I have heard before (either through him or through my church's teaching - and praise God for that! I have access to really great resources). But the book was still just what I needed.

The book is simple, short, and really sets you straight about how you should read the Bible. Sure, I didn't actually have any mind-blowing realizations while reading the book. But I still think it is a superb book that all Christian women should read (the principles apply to men too, although the book is written to women).

This book reaffirmed my understanding of Scripture, and gave me the necessary kick in the butt where I needed it. The Bible is about God, not me. So I ought to read it that way and ask, "what does this passage reveal about God, and his story of creation, fall, redemption, and restoration?".

• If you have no idea how to read the Bible, this is an excellent read.
• If you want to know God more, I encourage you to give this book a quick read. It is exactly that, a quick read.
• If you get solid Biblical teaching from your church, your spiritual leaders, etc., then this might just be a quick summary of what you think you already know!

Ultimately, this book is a short guide to reading your Bible. In the end, I would encourage you to go ahead and do that- read the Bible!

*Note: the images above are not my own. Hover for sources.