Book Talk

Today I started reading a new book, a gift from someone who knows me well! :) This book is very moving, and I can't wait to finish it. The author is a man named Tom Doyle.

The title of the book is Killing Christians: Living the Faith Where It's Not Safe to Believe

Catchy, right?

Wow. As a true believer, I am appalled, though not surprised, at what my brothers and sisters are going through in other countries, especially in Africa and the Middle East. Still, this book makes me think, it makes me look at myself, which I believe is one of the main purposes of the book.

The following are excerpts from the book, words from a Christian who lives in Syria:

"I used to think I lived a life of sacrifice, but that changed when the war broke out. Although Syria has so few believers that there was danger before, I did not really know what it means to sacrifice. What I thought was sacrifice was actually just inconvenience."

"There is remarkable freedom in having no expectations, no plans for tomorrow. The question I and many others start every day with is this: "Jesus, what do You have planned for me and my family?" Only today matters. Only how I live for Jesus counts. Everything else is superficial. When I hand over my life to my Lord, knowing each day may be my last one on this earth, I am more at peace than ever before."

"Is your life about Jesus and nothing else? When you may die at any moment, it has to be that way, but we're ALL called to live only for Him, no matter what. Although Paul once sacrificed Christians, he met Jesus, gave up all his "rights" and made himself a living sacrifice. Once you live like this, you grasp the most profound fulfillment possible in life."

If THAT isn't thought-provoking to you, then you really need to look at yourself and check your heart.