I am just a tad housebound, and my time is spent in front of a computer or reading books. They are not just any books…….they are Christian books from a book club.
It is so easy to join……just select 5 books at twenty cents each and buy the sixth book at regular cost. Belonging to this book club is so easy that you must promise to purchase five more books at regular cost within the next two years.
In two short months I have fulfilled the promise and then some. My books have now become my addiction.
In two months time, I have now accumulated four extra shelves and stacks of books. My husband dreads each and every time a box appears on our door step.
I take great honor and pride in my books, each is marked with a special tag listing the date received, date read, and logged into a data base in my computer.
Why am I writing this? Last night in my boredom I counted over two hundred books cluttering my living room and desk area. Each are essential and will never be passed on. Each has taken the personality of a cherished child. I did not receive all 200 books from the book club……..but a Godly portion have found their way into my home.
Am I a book-aholic? “Yep!” “I is!” But it did not dawn on me until I received an email full of Biblical questions that the reference books in my library have become a great resource.. My new found source of knowledge regarding the Bible is now at my fingertips and it gives a person a very powerful feeling. Oh, but do not let me brag or boast, it is just that my books have become my best friend. I could get lost in the tales of old saints from Francine Rivers. I learn my prayer power through Dutch Sheets and Larry Crab. Dr. Charles Stanley has guided me along the pathway of perfect Godliness. Good ole’Ravi Zacharias opened my eyes to the world events versus the Christian beliefs. Ann Spangler has taught me how to pray the name of God and Jesus. And finally Beth Moore has become a very close confidant with her spiritual Bible Studies.
Am I a book-aholic? “I really do not want to be, but I just cannot fight the opportunity to own just one more book.”
I think the truth finally hit me between the eyes when this morning one of my so called created book shelf came tumbling down. And the best part is when the book on top of the fallen few was about “Addictions and the Chains that Bind us.”
Is being a book-aholic a good thing? To a point it is, as long as it does not steal us from the time we are to be in God’s Word and in Prayer. Being a book-aholic can lead to stongholds in our life. But I have also found that there are good strongholds that will keep us facing Heavenwards. That stronghold is the Lord as in 2Corinthians 10:3-6: “We do not live in the world, but we do not fight in the same way the world fights. We fight with weapons that are different from those the world uses. Our weapons have power from God that can destroy the enemies strong places. We destroy people’s arguments and every proud thing that raises itself against the knowledge of God We capture every thought and make it give up and obey Christ. We are ready to punish anyone there who is not willing to obey, but first we must obey fully.” New Century Version. So as I remain a book-aholic, at least my thoughts are remaining captive by the Lord. AMEN!
Please let me know if you too are a book-aholic, and perhaps we can swap books.
Blessings and Honor be unto the Lord now and forever…Amen
Sue Ramsey ramsey234@comcast.net