I was thinking about how we grow (intellectually, emotionally and spiritually) the other day.  One of the ways we grow is by exposing ourselves to new situations where we are forced to think in different ways, experience new and even uncomfortable feelings and to depend more fully upon God to help us adapt.

We can do this by trying new ministries, becoming involved in new fellowships, going on a mission trip.  Another way we can stretch ourselves toward growth is reading a book.  While sitting in our den or bedroom we can journey to far away places as we read about how other Christians have lived and served.  This leads me to mention our Covenant Library.  Have you been there lately?  Do you even know where it is?  (It is in Room 12 in the children’s wing.)

In our library you can read biographies:

 Corrie Ten Boom, who suffered for her faith in a Nazi concentration camp.

 Jim Elliot, who felt God’s call to take the gospel to the South American jungle.  He and others were killed while trying to proclaim Jesus Christ.
  
 C. S. Lewis, who accepted Christ later in life and became a well-respected interpreter of the faith.

 Billy Graham

 Sojourner Truth, who was an African-American woman born into slavery in  the early 1800’s, and after gaining her freedom, became a resounding spokesperson for freedom for all.

 William Wilberforce, who lived in England and led the effort to outlaw slavery and the slave trade.

We  grow  by  broadening  our minds as we read about the  lives  and  service of others.  We  are challenged  and strengthened by their example.  All of this can happen in the comfort of your own home.

If you are a child or youth you can enjoy the “Sugar Creek Gang” series of stories or the “Cul De Sac Kids” series.

If you are a parent you can read Transforming Children into Spiritual Champions, by George Burna or Boundaries with Teens by Dr. John Townsend.

Or you might be interested in reading the following:

 Integrity, by Dr. Henry Cloud – How Six Essential Qualities Determine Your Success in Business

 Messy Spirituality, by Mike Yaconelli

 Jesus Among Other Gods, by Ravi Zacharias – In a world with so many religions, why Jesus?  Can all religions be true?

 Celebration of Discipline, by Richard Foster – A classic on spiritual disciplines

 The Book of Confession of the Presbyterian Church

You can go around the world, into different periods of time, just by reading a book in our Library.  I encourage you to dedicate yourself to expanding your mind in a way that might lead to growth in your faith – just by reading a book.  Our Library  - it’s full of exciting people, adventures and thoughts.

Special thanks to Betty Collins, Pat Countess, Mary Gray, Flo Trotter and David Weible for volunteering their time in our Library.

With joy,

Hal