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The puritan John Miles (1621-1683)   founded the first Baptist Church in Wales. He then emigrated to America shortly after the Act of Uniformity (1662) when 2,000 ministers were ejected from the Established Church. With a large proportion of his church, Miles settled at a new Swansea, about ten miles from Providence in Rhode Island. The church grew in face of persistent opposition.   Once, when Miles was brought before the  magistrates on some charge, he asked for a Bible. He then quoted Job 19:28 - Ye should say, Why persecute we him, seeing the root of the matter is found in me ? (KJV). He stopped there and sat down. The court was so convicted by the content and context of the passage that their cruelty gave way to kindness. ( Source : An Introduction to the Baptists, Erroll Hulse)  

Just finished reading a book that has been on the shelf for sometime - Listening Life  by Adam S McHugh. The book has some real gems coupled with wobbly theology in few places. So sadly no blanket recommendation. But here are some very helpful truths I took away from it.  1.  We desire to learn how to listen better because we want to learn how to become more human. At the heart of listening is that it enables us to  love and welcome people into our lives. We all want to be story-hearers and not just storytellers because it is who God made us. 2.  Listening is obedience! The word we translate into English as “obedience” literally means a “listening from below.” Obedience is a deep listening, a listening of the whole person, a hearing with your ears and with your heart and with your arms and legs. 

This is my Bible. I am who it says I am. – Matthew 5:16 I can do what it says I can do. – Philippians 4:13 I am going where it says I will go. – John 14:3 God’s Word is milk for my soul. – 1 Peter 2:2 God’s Word is seed for my faith. – Luke 8:11 God’s Word is light for my path. – Psalm 119:105 God’s Word is power for my victory. – Hebrews 4:12 God’s Word is freedom for my life. – John 8:32 When I read God’s Word, it brings me joy. – Jeremiah 15:16 When I study God’s Word, it keeps me from shame. – 2 Timothy 2:15 When I memorize God’s Word, it purifies my heart. – Psalm 119:11 When I quote God’s Word, it defeats my enemies. – Ephesians 6:10, 17 When I meditate on God’s Word, it brings me success. – Joshua 1:8 When I abide in God’s Word, it gives me confidence. – John 15:7 I am a Bible-believing follower of Jesus Christ! ( Source : James MacDonald )