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To contact us: 4150 Goodlette Road North Naples, FL 34103 Phone: 239-434-5811
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Knowing Christ . . .Making Christ Known |
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The Shepherd’s Voice. . .
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"We Are What We Read!" Anonymous
Physically speaking, "we are what we eat," insist some. But to a greater degree, our character and world view may well be shaped by what we read and study. Our graduates, from high school and institutions of higher learning, have been required to read volumes of assigned books, periodicals, and other reading materials which are designed to help them launch their lives in a direction that will eventually bring them a measure of enjoyment, expertise in gainful employment and fulfillment in life. Until now, reading has been required. After graduation, the temptation may be to allow reading time to slip for a variety of reasons. In fact this is exactly what happens to a majority of Americans when they leave high school. Statistics show that 58% of Americans have never finished reading a book, 80% of the books sold are read by only 12% of the population, and only 1% of Christians ever visit a Christian bookstore!
While secular reading in the disciplines can certainly feed our learning, confidence, and direction, it will also bring a degree of satisfaction to life. You would do well to include in your reading that which will feed the soul. In 2 Timothy 4:13, the Apostle Paul instructed Timothy, "when you come, bring...my scrolls, especially the parchments." And, so my encouragement to all of you: do not let your reading skills slip. Spend time reading in your area of interest (comics, the newspaper, fiction, novels, biographies, etc.), but also spend time with God each day in His Word. By doing so, the Psalmist testified, "I have hidden Your word in my heart that I might not sin against You" (Psalm 119:11) and "Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path" (Psalm 119:105). If we are what we read, let's pursue reading that which encourages, guides, teaches, and builds character for a life of joyful obedience and service to God and His people.
Thank you for reading this article - it is a good step - and may "God's glorious riches in Christ Jesus" fill your every need (Philippians 4:19).
In Christ's Love, Pastor Don Treglown
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A message from our Pastor June, 2008 |
