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| Disclosure: I received items from Family Christian to facilitate this giveaway. No other compensation was given. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. Full Policy Here. |
Have you ever felt guilty for enjoying a glass of wine or chocolate? Did it make you feel like you weren't being loyal to God? If so, then this book is for you. The Things of Earth, by Joe Rigney, is all about treasuring God by enjoying his gifts here on earth.
This book is a very heavy read, so I decided to take some of the topics that really stood out to me to discuss. Each person will get something different out of it. Especially, if you're in a different season of your life.
Sometimes when reading, certain passages will hit you like a ton of bricks. The chapter I was reading was called, The Glory of the Triune God.
"However, in leaving the world, he is not abandoning them (and us) as orphans (14:18). Because he is going to the Father, he will send the Holy Spirit (16:7)."
This hits home because when you think about it we truly never lose our loved ones. They are in us, just like God our creator is in us. We are never alone, even though we may sometimes feel this way. That person we love, and hold dearly, was created by God and God lives in each and every one of us.
"God is an author. This world is his story. We are his characters." I love this quote, but it gets me thinking about things. I have trouble watching the news because it can be so devastating. One of my spiritual gifts is mercy. So, when I see things on TV, I become deeply affected. Therefore, I try to tune lots of things out. I think God gives us freewill. I don't think he wants horrific things to happen to his children.
"Like the author of a novel, God can ordain that evil exists without himself being tainted by evil. No one condemns Tolkien because he put Sauron in Middle-earth." Like any story there is usually a plot with good versus evil. I still have issues wrapping my head around it. If we are God's stories, he made them pretty interesting, since time has begun.
I really liked this quote. It's very reassuring. "There are no rogue molecules. There are no random atoms. There are no wayward snowflakes. Everything has a purpose. Everything has a design. Everything has intent. We may not always know exactly what it is, but we can rest in the knowledge that God is working all things according to the counsel of his will, that his purposes are always for our good." So beautiful!
"In despising the gifts, we insult the Giver." So, the author is saying go ahead and enjoy that Starbucks overpriced latte, heck even that Big Mac. I don't think the author is telling us to go out and be unhealthy, but to enjoy the gifts. Indulge in that ice cream, once in awhile. Give gratitude and thanks for all gifts.
Would I recommend this book? I would if you're looking for a deep read. Honestly, this book was over my head in places. It's written by an assistant professor. Do I think you can benefit from this book? Yes, it really got me thinking differently about some of the gifts in my life. I think everyone can benefit differently from this book.
You can purchase The Things of Earth by clicking here!
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What is the last book you read & what did you learn from it?
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