Adding to Your Faith…

HeartLife Ministries is committed to promoting sound, Biblically based lessons to strengthen and encourage our readers. It is no accident that we infuse our daily inspiration with scripture texts. It is our hope that our readers will see a scripture in the reading, that will be a Rhema word for them and pursue further personal study during their devotions. One of the things that we have found to be very important is making the most of all the resources that are available to the body of Christ. Perhaps the greatest experience I had as a young Christian was coming through a loving and supportive church, where my participation was encouraged in Sunday School, with the youth, in women’s ministry. Nothing takes the place of on-the-job training, with a pastor and other leaders who will keep you accountable. Now, I do have to admit that I didn’t always value this – time brings maturity – and maturity helps you see that we need both vinegar and honey!

A time set aside for daily devotion is necessary to obtain growth and maturity. Reading the scriptures (if you don’t understand it, or the chronologies get too long – turn the page and come back to it later) and coming into the presence of God and talking to Him are life and breath to the believer. I believe it is also essential to take advantage of all the resources available to us in this hour. Radio, cd’s, dvd’s, even television ministries have their place in our development. However, for me, I have leaned heavily on authors that I have come to respect for their fundamental, scripturally sound doctrine. Today I would just like to mention a few of the authors that have encouraged my walk – and my knowledge.

This week as we looked at the life of Joseph, I can’t leave it without talking about The Bait of Satan by John Bevere, a classic for dealing with the spirit of offense. Other good books by John Bevere to start with are entitled, Drawing Near and How to Respond When You Feel Mistreated.

Christian classics like, The Christians Secret of A Happy Life by Hannah Whitall Smith; The Purpose Driven Life by Rick Warren; Your Best Life Now by Joel Osteen; and one of my favorite authors is Myles Monroe – In Pursuit of Purpose and Maximizing Your Potential: The Keys to Dying Empty.

Last year I broke through a wall that I had built by my own ignorance when I read, The Secret Things of God: Unlocking the Treasures Reserved For You by Dr. Henry Cloud. Always being one to resist psychology as being anti-Christian – I discovered that Dr. Cloud is not just a brilliant psychologist but also a very “in the word” bible teacher. I have since purchased more books by Dr. Cloud because I found out that there is a place in ministry for one who knows how we’re made, as long as they are in touch with the MAKER!

From time to time I will review books and other resources that will add to – not replace – personal devotions. I am gratified to find that many of you have been encouraged by our efforts to bring about a “thought” for you to begin your day – sometimes it might hit you, sometimes it won’t – feel free to pass this website on – we are now incorporated and soon there will be more information about additional opportunities to gain the benefits of HeartLife Ministries!

God Bless You,
Maria