Happy Reformation Day

In honor of Reformation Day I thought that it would be appropriate to make a book recommendation to all of you dear readers.

 

"Pierre Viret: The Angel of the Reformation"

 

This book is written by R.A. Sheats about one of the foremost leaders of the reformation in French Switzerland.  Viret, along with William Farel and John Calvin, was one of the mighty instruments that the Lord used to draw His people back to the Truth. He was known for his gentle spirit even when boldly defending the truth of Scripture, and respected by his comrades and opponents alike.

 

I'm only a few chapters into the book, but have already been impacted by the life of this gentle follower of Christ. I'm sure that the rest of the book will be equal to the beginning, and I can't wait to learn more about how God worked through one of His servants.

 

Click here to buy the book, "Pierre Viret: The Angel of the Reformation".

 

What I Have Just Re-Discovered

We cannot do anything righteous or holy without the Lord.  This is such an obvious fact, yet I had forgotten it.


I have been failing miserably the last couple of days to behave in a gracious and loving manner, and I couldn't understand why. Tonight, I do.  I have unintentionally been trying to "be good", without God.  I have been saying, "Lord help me do what is right", but then going back to my plan of doing what was right without truly thinking that the Lord would provide the needed grace. 


I am coming to realize more and more that God is sovereign though. I've always known that He is sovereign, that He is controlling everything, that He is never taken by surprise or helpless, but I now understand that He even knew and planned for me to get caught up in myself and how much I can take care of being Godly on my own to show me how much I need Him in every area of my life if it is to be holy at all. What grace!!! What love and mercy He has shown to me, a sinner.  How gently He has dealt with me, calling me back to Him, and showing me how great His love is for me. Showing me that I can do nothing righteous in and of myself, but that I only need call upon Him, in faith, and He will provide the needed grace, and will make me holy even as He is holy.  He will clothe me in His righteousness.