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Thursday, June 03, 2010

Purity: A Godly Woman's Adornment (w/ giveaway)

I don't think I've made it any big secret around here that I'm a big fan of Crossway Books. Jonathan was joking the other day that most people walk into bookstores and look for the books they are most interested in, in alphabetical order. Me on the other hand? I like to look for books by publisher. Chances are that if Crossway is the publisher, I'm going to find a great deal to value in the book. Therefore it will come as no surprise to you that I really enjoyed Purity: A Godly Woman's Adornment which is an "on the go" devotional book.

Although the book is devotional in style, it can easily be read straight through. (I find that it's hard for me to remember to finish a book if I'm supposed to read it in parts. I make a habit of reading books in as few sittings as possible.)

The best way to introduce the book to you is truly in the author's own words. She begins by defining purity and it sets the tone of the entire book. Quickly, Lydia Brownback describes purity as follows:

"It is to have a single goal, a single focus, and a single purpose for ourselves and for our lives. . . . At its core, purity is having a heart for the Lord that isn't watered down or polluted by lesser things." (Part One, Introduction.)

Throughout the book she describes what a woman who is pure in heart and purpose should look like. Some of the qualities she lists are as follows:

"A Pure Woman is . . . Clear-sighted
. . . Perceptive
. . . Loves the Lord
. . . Esteems Christ
. . . Hopes
. . . Knows What to Value"
The list goes on and there is much to glean from and think about. I found it a very insightful read and prompted me to examine and re-examine the way that I view myself in light of my ultimate goal. And that goal is? To glorify God and to enjoy Him forever. This book questioned my thought processes and challenged me to consider whether or not I am living wholeheartedly for the Lord or if I am holding parts of myself back.

There were many passages and questions that Brownback asked that were good for me to hear. For example, when discussing wholehearted devotion to God, Brownback says the following:

"We always choose at every moment what we think best conduces to our greatest happiness. If we believe that God and His ways will lead to happiness, we are going to choose Him and His ways. But whenever we choose something else, it's because, at that moment, we don't really believe God and His ways are going to make us happy." (page 40)

I think it's a great temptation for us to want to make decisions that will make us feel good in the moment. We apply our own wisdom to circumstances and situations, claiming arrogantly that we know what is best for ourselves at any given point in time. Instead of asking God what He would have us do, and fearing that He'll ask for something difficult, we charge ahead and close off our hearts to Him. Or, perhaps, this is just me? But if I truly do believe that God knows best (and I do!) and that He has the best planned for me (which I believe He does!) then seeking to have a pure, clean heart before Him is in mine and everyone else's best interests. It's a good word of encouragement (the kick-in-the-pants kind!) to hear that if I fail to seek His wisdom in making personal decisions, it is because I do not believe God to be Who He says that He is. I doubt Him with an impure heart.

There were many passages I could list but time and space being of the essence (and a desire to save a little face!) I'm going to stop there and share some fun things which are revolving around the release of this book.

#1 - Lydia Brownback will be hosting an interactive Bible study called Tuesday Talk on Facebook beginning on June 1, 2010. If you'd like to follow along with her devotional talks, you can do so on Facebook by clicking HERE OR you can follow along on the Crossway Blog. To follow on Facebook, click the "Like" button at the top of the screen. (I'll assume you know how to operate Facebook. I do not. But I trust you!)

#2 - Crossway Books has graciously and generously offered THREE copies of Purity: A Godly Woman's Adornment to three of you! To win? Simply leave a comment below. This contest will be open through Thursday, June 11th and is open to U.S. Residents only.

Again, although this book is labeled "devotional" I don't think it reads exclusively as such. I'm glad to mention this book to you and have the opportunity to host a giveaway of it because I think that we typically discuss "purity" when it comes to our sexuality. I like how Purity: A Godly Woman's Adornment expands on the theme, encouraging women to have a heart relationship with God which is as pure and unencumbered from the snare of sin as is possible. Brownback encourages her reader to seek after God with their whole hearts and I, for one, drank in the encouragement.

"Come close to God, and God will come close to you. Wash your hands, you sinners; purify your hearts, for your loyalty is divided between God and the world." James 4:8 (NLT)

29 comments:

Annette W. said...

I think I would use this as a devotional...except on those days when I just can't get enough...then I'd keep reading!

Brittanie said...

I would love to win a copy. :)
treewaterduchess at yahoo dot com

Melissa said...

I love Lydia. I have the other devotionals she's written. Thanks for the chance to win this one!

Barbara H. said...

I just received the one in this series called "Trust" but haven't read it yet. I'd love this one as well -- your initial quote from the book on the definition of purity is probably the best I've heard.

Heather VanTimmeren said...

This sounds very good. I'd love to win a copy!

bekahcubed said...

Wow--that quote was good. It's stunning to think that every time I sin, I'm basically saying that I don't believe that God is good.

Yikes!

JBrianneJahn said...

I love the quotes you shared. This book seems like it would work well with a small community group. My HS girls (I'm the leader of it) are currently just absolutely hungry for God's word and His teachings. I'm growing through "How People Grow" with them right now. I'm always looking for more ideas and I think this "Purity" would be a great one to go through with them. Thanks for sharing!

Ronnica said...

I'm with you about having to read books like devotionals. It's just now how I read. But this one sounds really, really good (and I would have added it to my Amazon order, if it didn't already ship). You've done it again! (so here's to winning it!)

monica @ paperbridges.net said...

me !!

Lisa Spence said...

I've read "Contentment" (and will re-read it for the summer book club with my friends at church); I just got "Joy" in the mail. Good stuff! I like Lydia's blog too.

collettakay said...

Please enter me in your drawing. This looks like a very interesting book.

pepsi324[at]yahoo[dot]com

Megan said...

We posted about your giveaway at Winning Readings.

inspiredbyfiction[at]gmail[dot]com

karenk said...

what a wonderful devotional...thank you for the chance to read it :)

karenk
kmkuka at yahoo dot com

Julia M. Reffner said...

This sounds great. Please enter me. Also wanted to mention that GirlTalk blog (Carolyn Mahaney & girls) will be reading this book.

julesreffner(at)gmail(dot)com

Brooke from The Bluestocking Guide said...

This one sounds good.

thebluestockingguide at me dot com

Linda Kish said...

I would love to win this book.

lkish77123 at gmail dot com

apple blossom said...

I have two teen daughters. I'd love to win this book. Thanks
ABreading4fun [at] gmail [dot] com

Debbie F said...

Please include me! I would love this!

thanks
dcf_beth at verizon dot net

thecoolmom said...

I would like to read this and I have grown daughters I can pass it on to as well.

Holly (2 Kids and Tired) said...

This one sounds wonderful. I'd love to win it!

je2kids(at)yahoo(dot)com

Anonymous said...

Sounds great! Thanks for the giveaway.

~Melissa
hismercysurrounding(at)yahoo(dot)com

Tracey M. said...

The parts of the book you shared and your comments are definitely encouraging. Thanks for your honesty. Also, thanks for the chance to win the book.

Sky said...

This post hit me where it hurts, so often in these last few weeks/months I run off and do what I think is going to make me happy instead of waiting for God to let me know what He would have me do.
I'll have to pick up a copy of this book!

Anonymous said...

I enjoyed your review and would love to read Purity :) *Thanks* for the giveaway!
theluckyladybug[at]gmail[dot]com

Heather said...

Please enter me! Thank you for posting and making us aware about so many great books! :)

Sheri said...

Please enter me in the giveaway. It sounds like a great devotional book.

Anonymous said...

Purity is a topic that needs more attention. I'd like to read this.

Wendy
ebeandebe at gmail dot com

Anonymous said...

I would love to read this book! Thanks for the giveaway-
artandjen at juno dot com

Have a great week!
Jen N

missreneer said...

I would love to have this and after reading it passing it on to my sister and mother. Thanks for the great giveaway :)

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