What was I Reading in November?
My November Reading List
In November I was finishing up reading through the entire New Testament that I started in October. My purpose was to write notes about the responsibilities of the church and church leaders. While I was at it, I was again reminding myself what is required of me as a Christian, a woman, a wife and a mother. Verses I never remember reading before in the numerous times I’ve read the Bible jumped off the pages because I was also reading a newly re-released book, Driven By Eternity by John Bevere. I also scanned the book, Medical Medium by Anthony William at the end of the month. I’d like to spend more time with this book when I have time. I don’t like the term “medium,” although he states that all his information comes from the Holy Spirit.
Is Driven By Eternity Similar to Little house on the Freeway?
Hearing the previews before this release of Driven By Eternity reminded me of a book I read back in the early 90’s called Little House On the Freeway by Tim Kimmel. This book is MUCH different, though. Little House on the Freeway focused on simplifying your life and looking at all the all the things that are vying for your time, emotions and energy. Then it encourages you to ask yourself, “does it matter in eternity?” It’s a book about setting priorities and letting go of things that don’t matter in eternity. It’s a great book – I haven’t forgotten it in the 25 years since I read it. It has helped me get through some tough situations. But it’s different.
My Synopsis of Driven By Eternity
Driven By Eternity focuses more what the Bible says about the judgment of all people, how we get to Heaven, and what we can expect in eternity. The allegory, Affabel, helps us understand the different judgments, and what will be the consequences when we are judged. He goes on to point out, both through the story and in the book, how we can steer our actions so we have a better outcome. I liked how the author often directly uses Scripture to form his sentences. Most often he doesn’t paraphrase, he quotes. He uses different versions of the Bible for clarity. He also delves into the original language and definitions for even more clarity, when necessary.
All of the characters in the story Affabel believed they were Christians. All said they knew Jesus. But not all went to heaven. Some heard, “depart from me, for I never knew you.” Others made it to heaven and got different rewards. These were based on what they DID on earth.
I’ve been taught for many years that all you need to do is believe that Jesus died for your sins, say a little prayer and you are assured a place in heaven. Before that, in the denomonation I attended from age 5 through 30, I was taught that if you were baptized as an infant, confirmed, then gave to the church regularly and took communion at least once a year you were going to heaven. But my reading of the Bible never agreed with any of those teachings. This false teaching – or partial Gospel – actually makes me indignant with the churches and people who mislead people this way. This book looks at those doctrines and lines them up with Scripture. Some are rejected and some are in agreement.
Is This Book Similar to 7 Habits of Highly Effective People
Many years ago I read several books by Steven Covey. I believe it was in 7 Habits of Highly Effective People that he urges you to write down the four top things that you want people to say about you at your funeral. He says that these are your goals, your values. He then goes on to explain how to decide what is important to achieve those values and goals. From that, I have always said that the very first thing I want people to say is that I loved Jesus and was a good example of Him. I want to hear Jesus say, “well done, my good and faithful servant.” Driven By Eternity is not like that book, either.
Driven By Eternity starts with and ends with, what does God say? Jesus plainly says in the prayer to the Father, that He did what the Father sent Him to do. Paul knew that we each have a purpose and plan for our life when he said, “I’ve run MY race, I’ve finished MY course.” Then the author gives practical ways to hear what God is saying to you for your life. He proves through Scripture that we each have a call and purpose for our life designed by God even before we were born. We can ignore it or we can go with it. Then he tells us why it’s important to live this life God’s way.
I don’t want to give too much of the book away. I have to say it’s a MUST READ. It will challenge you. It will encourage you. It will cause many to plead for forgiveness – hopefully now and not when they are standing before Jesus. Until December 19th, 2016 ALL the resources on their site are 50% off. This is a great book to start the new year right. Any of the books on his site will make great Christmas gifts. Here’s a link to the sale page on their site.
Additional Thoughts
After I wrote the above part of this post, I was getting ready for bed and it occurred to me that I should tell you why I included writing about this book in my blog. So I wrote a quick sticky-note and put it on my computer screen to remind me to write this postscript before actually posting this blog. I wrote, “I feel that the way we live and raise our children directly impacts THEIR eternal destination and rewards. There is no greater responsibility for a parent than to raise their children in and for the Lord.” This morning, as I was finishing his book, John Bevere wrote this: “Maybe you’ve been called to be a wife and a mother of children… IF you’ve done this faithfully to the end, THEN you will be rewarded greatly for your obedience. …I personally believe that on the front lines of heaven we will see far more mothers, business people, blue collar workers, and the like receiving the greatest rewards from the Master” (pg 248). The Lord confirms those things He feels are important. This final thought was important to impart to you.
Happy Reading!