Friday, October 29, 2010

The Truth IS …

I have a devotion running today with Proverbs 31 Ministries called Joining the Geek Squad. It’s about Daniel becoming a part of the Babylonian king’s pack of advisors.  And how the wisdom of God preserved him there when things got dicey.

You should know I don’t consider the term “geek” derogatory.  Note, I married a professor. And I’m just as likely to read a research article in an academic journal as I am to read Better Homes and Gardens. I’ve even been known to read Matthew Henry’s Commentary poolside.

Poke around this website and you’ll find I refer to myself as “a word geek who has fallen in love with the Word Made Flesh.” After all, He is the source of all grace and wisdom. And the amazing thing is, He’s willing to share it with us!

I’m sometimes asked why I wrote my new book It’s No Secret: Revealing Divine Truths Every Woman Should Know, and that’s the reason.  More specifically, Jesus’ comment to His followers in Matthew 13:11 propelled me.  He said, “The knowledge of the secrets of the kingdom of heaven has been given to you.”  I was captivated by the notion that God was willing to share His secrets with me. So I set out to discover what they are.

It's No Secret front coverAs I dug through the Bible I found many such secrets – biblical teachings that run counter to what our gut or culture tells us about successful living.  The word secrets used here is translated from the Greek musterion, which means a sacred hidden truth that is naturally unknown to human reason but is made known by revelation of God. (I probably read that poolside while the other moms wondered what hefty reference book I was toting now.)

These God-sized secrets contain the keys we are looking for—answers to the issues of modern life, such as exhausting schedules, unpaid bills, relational conflicts, and unmet expectations. So I selected twelve of them I felt were particularly pertinent to women today and wrote the book.  I would’ve included more secrets but the other moms assured me they don’t like toting around 3 lb. books.

The truth is, the secrets contained in the pages of my book are nothing new or hidden at all. They’ve all been wrapped within the Word of God and the person of Christ for thousands of years, readily accessible through the ages.  But each generation of women must encounter and apply these truths for themselves.

As we do, we not only uncover the uncommon wisdom of God, but we also uncover our truest selves.

**So here’s your chance to snag a copy of the book and find out the secrets.  My publisher David C. Cook is giving away a copy of It’s No Secret today on their Facebook page.  All you have to do is follow this link and once there, post to complete the sentence: My favorite place to read is ______________ .

I think you know where I like to read.

7 comments:

  1. When I first became a Christian, over 20 years ago, I was totally into the Word. I never thought there would be a time when I struggled with time management and go for days at a time without reading my Bible. Even when I do, it's usually just a few verses to keep in mind as I fall asleep, with a promise to myself and God, that I will make more time the next day.

    I am thankful I'm saved by grace through faith, and my salvation doesn't depend on my behavior. I really do plan on using one of those guides to read the whole Bible in a year, even if it stretches a little longer.

    Now, I've written that down. Maybe that will help, like you said in one of your posts. :o)

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  2. I am desperate to get my hands on a copy of your book! I am an avid reader of your blog, and I know your book is going to be simply wonderful!

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  3. That's so encouraging, Trish. Hope you win!

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  4. Thanks for the P31 and your blog devotionals today. I pray for the kind of faith and trust in God that Daniel displayed. I have not finished it yet, but have enjoyed what I have read so far of your book. I like the questions at the end of each chapter which make me think about how the Biblical passage should be applied to my own life. Thank you for your ministry.

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  5. I would love a copy of your book. Do you have to be on facebook to finish the sentence. I would love to enter, and I love to read at the beach. What a great one that would be. Jackie

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  6. Really enjoying reading your book, Rachel! It's taking me a little longer than I thought, though, to read it - I have to take it slower with the questions at the chapters' end as I'm currently in another Bible study as well. So I just do a bit of it at a time. :)

    The content of the chapters is so pertinent to our lives in following Jesus!

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  7. Once again, I LOVED your devotion on Proverbs 31! Just a little food for thought.... ever wondered how all the lavish gifts that were given to Christ by the WISE MEN from the east came to be? Daniel received great wealth for his wisdom. He didn't need it all and put most of it in his treasury for safe keeping. He was one of the chief advisors, well respected, and since he quickly learned about astrology and science I'm sure he was able to put what he already knew about God together with what he learned from science. Of course visions from God helped a lot too! I just wonder if God (in his perfect planning and timing) was preparing hearts, minds, and treasures for His son :)

    I hope you have a blessed day!

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