Matt, Inspire Missioner in Leeds, England, recommends this book:
Before You Open Your Bible: Nine Heart Postures for Approaching God’s Word
by Matt Smethurst. Published by 10ofthose.
I found myself writing ‘Inspire’ in several places through the book because it talked about the importance of being satisfied in God, and of having spiritual friendships (although it didn’t quite use that term). For example:
“Satisfy us in the morning with your steadfast love (Ps.90:14, ESV) It’s not just that we’re distracted from God. We’re also dissatisfied in God. Sure, we know he’s a significant part of life, but we figure that if we want to be really filled dup – really happy – we’ll need to look elsewhere.”
“Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, which presumes the members aren’t a bunch of spiritual silos. They’re doing life together, as a body.”
Helpfully, the book also focuses on how the whole Bible is an epic story about Jesus, so we should read it ‘Christocentrically’.
Before You Open Your Bible, by Matt Smethhurst is available from bookstores. If you chose to order from Amazon, don’t forget to start at Amazon Smile so that your purchase helps Inspire:
