Author Unknown
Posted in Daily Focus on Monday, November 18, 2013
As I stood in front of the formidable shelves of books in our local library, I wondered where to begin. Finding thought-provoking books with godly and moral values shouldn't have been so difficult, but it was. Frustrated, I prayed and asked God to help me in my search for wholesome literature for my children. "Consider the source" came to my mind. I realized God was prompting me to first study the authors, and then I would find the right books.
No matter how objective an author attempts to be, his beliefs and attitudes are reflected in the words and content he chooses to write. Studying the author's life before reading his book saves hours of reading nonsense and foolishness. I learned I couldn't always judge a book by its glitzy cover, and it was better to flip to the back panel and read the author's biography first.
Praise God, we don't have to worry about trusting the author's words of the greatest book written, the Bible. Although God used the personalities of 35 different men to pen the words, they only wrote as God moved them: "But holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost" (2 Peter 1:21b). God is the author of every inspired word contained within the 66 books of the Bible (2 Timothy 3:16).
God is not only the author of the Bible, but He is also the author of our faith (Hebrews 12:2). He is the author of love, and we love Him because He first loved us (1 John 4:19). He is the author of forgiveness who died for us while we were yet sinners (Romans 5:8). God even authored the saving work He began in us, and He will perform it until Christ returns (Philippians 1:6).
Is God the author who has influenced you the most in your life? If not, go again to the Bible to rediscover the wonder and holiness of the mighty One who wrote it. His promises are sure, and His words will guide you throughout your entire life. Not only is He the author of our beginning, but He will also be the author of the end. "I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end, the first and the last" (Revelation 22:13).
Father, You knew me before I was even born, and I thank You for being the author of my life. Reveal more of Yourself to me through Your holy Word and continue to show me how to live for You until You bring me home. In Jesus' name, Amen.
Comments(9 comments)
BRIDGET B 11/23/2008 13:53:52
lI believe this makes me want to question GOD about doing a mighty work in me. I want to jump up and kiss GOD all over HIS face when HE does great things for mee like when I least expect. For instance HE guided me to my destination HE said HE lead mee into the path of righteousness Psalms 23:3. Yea though I go through the valley of the shadow of death I will fear no evil for though art with me.Psalms 23:4. The reason I mentioned is because I was by myself and with no place to go or live and I was in the Bev'erly Center area and it was night time and I stayed in a restaurant until it closed then I asked where I could go since I did not have a vehicle to live in someone told me to go to the Norms restaurant I did not know where it was I asked where it was the person told me where it was. I walked toward the restaurant even though it was dark I could have been mugged, raped or even killed but GOD walked with me to the light of where the restaurant was. Once I arrived there I parked my laundry basket and rested my head on the table. A waitress came to my table she asked what would I like to have. I was about to answer nothing but she added "a man from another table said you can have anything you want to eat and drink the tab is covered so what did you say you wanted to eat?" I just wanted to say the Bible says Psalms 23:5 Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of my enemies. So I practically have been living the 23rd Psalms despite the tribulations of being homeless. and living in a shelter. GOD said I will be with you even to the ends of this world.
BRIDGET B 11/23/2008 14:40:10
So Jesus Christ said Matthew5:14 Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on hill cannot be hid. What is the point? I had went to a gym to work out and I had finished my workout. I stood at the bus stop and waited for the bus. The bus came and I didn't have any billboards or cards or flyers with me. As I sat down in the front of the bus, a senior lady said "I can see Jesus in you." I was surprised she mentioned because I did not open my mouth or pass any tracks out. Yet the lady said, "I can see Jesus in you." Let's be real with each other sometimes you do not have a word flowing from your mouth and people can see Jesus on your brow. It is amazing because the Bible said Matthew 5:16 Let your light so shine that they may see your good works and glorify your Heavenly Father which art in heaven.
So be aware of your conduct everyday because people are reading you whether you are displaying Jesus Christ on your brow or foolishness on your brow.
BETH A 11/18/2010 06:26:18
What wisdom!...Look at the author, and you'll know if the book is worth reading. Thank you for sharing that insight! It will save time and wasted hours..
CARA B 11/18/2011 07:19:03
So true. Garbage in, garbage out! When we research what an author's worldview is, it can really help determine if we want those powerful messages coveyed to our precious children. Phillipians 4:2 tells us what kinds of things we should be dwelling on, and so much of what an author writes cannot help but be biased! Love these devotionals!
Cara B.
SOONER R 11/18/2011 13:06:24
So interesting how the timing of this is, of course, just right. I was at Barnes N Noble last night for 3 hours looking for Bible reference books for my parents who are new believers. I don't want anything to "childish" nor too heavy as they are babes in Christ. I kept wondering how I was going to figure out which author(s) were the best to choose and God kept pressing on my heart to do my research. I often tend to lean toward instant gratification but I chose to wait to do some research on the authors today! Thank you, God, for your extra confirmation!!
JOYCE A 11/19/2011 22:41:16
Joyce A
To Cara B...FYI it's Phil. 4:8 not 4:2
KATHY S 11/18/2012 09:27:23
Bridget B.
I live in Illinois. We have many places where people who are homeless can go. We have a place called "Morning Star Mission". They have seperate building s for women and children. They provide meals, Bible teachings, and I think even Job training. Of course there are rules. But, better to have a warm place to stay.
I'm glad that God is watching over you Bridget.
Now I pray that he Blesses you with a warm and safe place to stay. How did you find this website? Do you homeschool? Do you have a child with you?
You have really made me thankful this morning for the small apartment that my son and I reside in. Thankful for my 21 year old car to get us back and forth to Dr.s and the store etc.
I guess I can get on a "pity mode" until I hear from someone like you. Homesless and still so striong in your faith. God be with you.
SUSAN C 11/18/2012 18:58:34
Just wondering if anyone has a short list to start with?
GINA M 11/19/2012 16:24:25
The left behind series for kids are wonderful!!! There\'s 40 in the set, so that should keep them reading a while!! My daughter is 12 and I read them with her. We couldn\'t put them down!!!!
Gina M