Book Meme

The Rules...
1. Pick up the nearest book of at least 123 pages.
2. Open the book to page 123.
3. Find the 5th sentence.
4. Post the next 3 sentences.
5. Tag at least 3-5 people.





My good bloggin' buddy, Jess tagged me for a book meme. I always think these things are kind of interesting. Sadly, I think it appeals to the Nosy Nosella that abides deep within; but I'd also like to think (more positively) that I like to broaden my horizons and get good recommendations for future reads. And by future, I mean, maybe in the year 2020 I can actually start AND FINISH (there's the rub) a book. In fact, I haven't finished the very book that I plan to extract the excerpt. But, it's a very good read.....very thought provoking, very convicting, and oddly very promising. I'm going to go ahead and share the excerpt, but then read on, I want to share how I feel like this little meme might just be the encouragement I needed.

The 5th sentence on page 123 from "Raising your Child to Love God." by Andrew Murray reads:

" Where the believing parent seeks not only to form the habits of obedience, but also in prayer and faith to mold and guide and strengthen the will of the child in the ways of the Lord, he may count upon the workings of God's Holy Spirit to do what God alone can do." {Emphasis mine}

Wow, now that sentence packs a powerfully uplifting punch!! As I mentioned before, we've been struggling in the parenting department. I won't go into the details because it's just the normal stuff. But can I just say that I needed the encouragement. Basically, Mr. Murray says that if we are trying to raise our children to know and love the Lord and if we pray in faith for this to happen, the Holy Spirit comes in and takes over......What a relief! So, I'm particularly thankful for this opportunity and for the promise that I now know that I can claim.

I highly recommend this book. It is not for the faint at heart, but for that matter, neither is parenting. It was written by a South African, Andrew Murray (1828-1917) who was a pastor and missionary there after receiving his education from Scottland and Holland. So, the language is a little more difficult. In fact, the language may be a tad dated, but the content is timeless. At the end of each chapter he offers a prayer of consecration. These are worth posting somewhere and praying over your children often. It just so happens that the Prayer of Consecration is also on Page 123. Let me just share it with you.....if you don't want to take the time to read it, feel free to click away, but it's good stuff.

"Holy Lord, with fear and trembling I bow before you in light of the work to which you have called me- that of raising my child to love you. I know that I lack the necessary wisdom, so I come to you who promised to give it liberally and without judgement.

Lord, help me to understand fully the wonderful nature of the immortal spirit that you have placed in my care, with all its power of mind and emotion and will. Give me wisdom that I may know the way in which the child should go, even the way of your footsteps. May he learn from me that there is no other way well pleasing to you and thus no other way that can give true pleasure. Help me guide and influence his will in such a way that he will yield himself first to my will and then to yours, to choose only and always your way.

And strength my faith, Lord to hold onto the blessed assurance that a godly training in the fear of the Lord and under the rule of the Holy Spirit cannot fail. Your promise is sure; your power is infinite; you will bless the seed of your servant.

Amen."

Now, my friends......."that'll preach"..............I'm just sayin'

Well, I'm encouraged, sure hope you are...

If you like these kind of things, consider yourself tagged. I'm sure glad I did it. By the way, I'm sure it was no coincidence that I chose this book for the assignment. Out of several that I could have chosen, I chose this one....and followed the instructions to the 5th sentence on page 123. HOLY SMOKE!!