This was my first experience reading a Joyce Meyer book, and it took me a very long time to get through it (like 2 months!). Although she is an incredible lady, I had a hard time engaging in her writing style. The content was good, but I felt that it was somewhat unorganized. The overall theme of the book was making the choice to enjoy live no matter where the journey takes you. She covered topics such as simplicity, regret and dread, legalism, diversity, and waiting. Each page was full of Scriptural references, which is good! :) But, I think it kept the book from flowing as well. The chapter I was most able to connect with was called "Joy in God's Waiting Room". We all enjoy different writing styles, so even though this book was not my favorite read, it might be just what you need to hear.
Here are a couple of key points that were significant to me.
"Except the Lord builds the house, they labor in vain who build it..." Ps. 127:1 If God is not the builder of my life, my business, and my relationships, then there is no stability to any of it... because my work and labor is futile without Him.
"And God said [to Moses], 'I will make all My goodness pass before you, and I will proclaim My name, THE LORD, before you; for I will be gracious to whom I will be gracious, and will show mercy and loving-kindness on whom I will show mercy and loving-kindness. But... you cannot see My face, for no man shall see Me and live... Behold there is a place beside Me, and you shall stand upon the rock, and while My glory passes by, I will put you in a cleft of the rock and cover you with My hand until I have passed by... Then I will take away My hand and you shall see My back; but My face shall not be seen." Exodus 33:18-23 This is an incredible passage to me. We can't always see what God is doing or when He is coming, but we know when He has been there... and can often sense when He is getting closer. God showed up "suddenly" and revealed His glory to Moses... it left Moses changed. By the radiance of his face, people could tell that God has passed by. Incredible.
I am glad you finished it! My favorite quote from the book is as follows: '
ReplyDelete"God gives me grace for today, but He does not give me grace today for yesterday or tomorrow. When I am trying to live yesterday today, it brings great pressure. The same thing happens if I am out into the future, dreading it or trying to figure it out.”- Joyce Meyers
I love the Moses experience with God as well. There is such hope that God is present even when we don't see or feel Him. I love what you said about sensing when He is getting closer. Fresh thought!
Thanks for letting us in on your reading journey!
Additional thoughts:
http://bit.ly/bfNatou
Joyce Mayer is amazing!
ReplyDeleteGod Bless you!
Come visit my blog sometime - I'm a girl of God too!
Love
Aimee
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