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Five Fall Favorites: Top 5 of 2025

We’ve made it to the weekend! Today I’m sharing my Top Five Reads of 2025—books that have encouraged me, challenged me, and stayed with me long after the last page. Some are newly published, some older, but all were fresh and meaningful in my 2025 reading life.

And don’t miss the free ebook at the end!

1. A Noble Comfort by Katja Labonté

Goodreads link →

What a fun book to start the year with! The characters were clear, distinct, and defined. The language was polished and interesting. The description was vivid and gave the entire story a sense of realness and grounding. The plot was both action packed and deeply spiritual with adventures and Biblical truths clearly and naturally woven throughout the story.

The depictions of the emotions were real and relatable. I loved the way the Biblical messages were shown and learned time and time again. It was excellently portrayed how peace, comfort, and joy come but there is still a daily struggle to receive them and live in them in new circumstances—the battle IS already won, but it takes time for us to receive and live in its victory.

2. The Last Battle by C.S. Lewis

Goodreads link →

The allegories and parallels to the kingdom of God in this book will never cease to awe and inspire me! Yes, sin and evil are present around us, but we dwell in another kingdom… a kingdom of knowing Him, a kingdom we don’t even have words to describe, a kingdom of love and light and beauty, a kingdom where we are moving further up and further in to Him for eternity!

3. Reimagining Church by Frank Viola

Goodreads link →

I shared about this earlier this week, but it also happened to be one of my top reads of 2025. This book completely reframed how I think about fellowship, body life, and the purpose of the church. It’s bold, biblical, and full of thought-provoking truth. If you’ve ever questioned how modern church aligns with Scripture—read this.

4. Trim Healthy Wisdom by Serene Allison & Pearl Barrett

Goodreads link →

Part health guide, part life wisdom, this book isn’t just about food—it’s about healing, wholeness, and walking in grace. It’s one of the most practical reads I picked up this year. So much truth for mind, body, and spirit. Also, it’s massive. 🙂

5. Little Pilgrim’s Big Journey (Parts I & II)

Goodreads link →

Pilgrim’s Progress is arguably one of the best and greatest books of all time, and this beautifully illustrated children’s adaptation is no different. It’s simple enough for young readers, but profound enough to challenge adults. I enjoyed reading this old story from a new perspective. Somehow, every time I go through the story of Pilgrim’s Progress, God speaks to me in more ways through it.

More Five Fall Favorites Posts

Don’t forget to visit these amazing blogs today and see their top reads of 2025:

Free Ebooks!

Head over to readanotherpage.com/blog and onceuponanordinary.com/blog to find out who won the epic book giveaway!

Find the Winner Here!

But first, stop and grab my fall-themed book Memory’s Mind for FREE today only! This book is one of my personal favorites of everything I’ve written. It’s packed with action, but it’s also packed with quiet moments and learning to meditate on God’s Word and fill your mind with it to the exclusion of your own thoughts. It’s an adventure story with dramatic storylines interwoven with the main character’s journey to the heart of God. It’s very meaningful to me personally and I can’t wait to hear what you think of it!

Grab it HERE for free! (It’s part of a series, but it can be read as a standalone.)

And then go check all the other participating blogs! Many of them have free ebooks today too!

Which books made your 2025 unforgettable? Let me know in the comments—and thank you for joining me this week. It’s been such a joy to share stories with you all!

Happy reading, and happy fall! 🍂📚

Five Fall Favorites: Books I’ve Reread

It’s reread day! You know those books that feel like coming home every time you open them? The ones you finish and then think, “I want to read that again…”? Today I’m sharing five stories I’ve revisited more than once—and loved more with every return.

1. The Disappearing Stranger by Lois Walfrid Johnson

Goodreads link →


A childhood favorite! This mystery from the Adventures of the Northwoods series is full of Christian values, suspense, and snowy charm. I enjoyed it growing up, and recently I introduced my daughter to the series … especially since we enjoy visiting the location that inspired the setting for this series. Of course, I had to reread it, and it held up and was just as good the second time through!

2. Jack and Jill by Louisa May Alcott

Goodreads link →

This lesser-known Alcott gem is heartwarming and rich in life lessons. Jack and Jill’s friendship and journey through recovery make for a gentle, soul-nourishing read. This is one of my all-time favorite books. The family values, high morals, character interactions, and fun storyline make this book a definite winner that I’ll continue to reread as often as I can.

3. Five Little Peppers and How They Grew by Margaret Sidney

Goodreads link →

Old-fashioned in the best way. The Pepper family’s love, struggle, and cheerfulness have stuck with me for years. This is another of my all-time favorite series! I can’t reread this one enough! The family values, the cheerful tone, the interactions – everything is a winner.

4. The Bronze Bow by Elizabeth George Speare

Goodreads link →

The first time I finished this book, I immediately started writing a sequel. That’s how good it is. Set in Roman-occupied Israel, this book is both powerful and heart-wrenching. The themes of vengeance, forgiveness, and the transforming love of Christ hit just as hard—maybe harder—every time I read it. Historical fiction at its finest.

5. Vanya by Myrna Grant

Goodreads link →

This true story of a young Soviet Christian’s courage and martyrdom never fails to convict and inspire me. It’s a sobering yet uplifting reread.

Follow More Five Fall Favorites

Don’t miss what my fellow bloggers are rereading and loving today!

Don’t Miss the Epic Book Giveaway!

Be sure to enter over at:
 readanotherpage.com/blog
 onceuponanordinary.com/blog

And DON’T forget to join the epic book giveaway at https://onceuponanordinary.wordpress.com/blog/ and readanotherpage.com/blog!

Enter The Giveaway Here!

Which books have you read more than once? Any favorites you return to again and again? Drop them in the comments—I’m always looking for reread-worthy treasures!

Happy fall reading! 🍂📖

Five Fall Favorites: Genres I Don’t Usually Read

Happy Thursday, friends! 🍂 Today I’m stepping out of my reading comfort zone to share five books I didn’t expect to love—because they’re from genres I don’t usually reach for. Whether it’s sci-fi, dystopian, or bunny-led fantasy (yes, really!), these stories stretched me and stuck with me. Let’s dive in!

1. Red Rain by Aubrey Hansen

Goodreads link →

I read very little sci-fi – most of what I’ve seen just isn’t my thing – but this variant of Christian sci-fi pulled me in. A 16-year-old girl is relocated to Mars and caught in a web of secrets and impossible choices. Short, sharp, and full of depth—it showed me what real, Biblically-focused Christian sci-fi could be.

Excellent Christian foundation and themes, good POV from the main character, excellent conflict. I appreciated that the plot was complex – not just “good guys fight the bad guys.” The ending was unique and refreshing. I never read dystopia or sci-fi, but I’m happy to recommend this book as the almost sole exception to that. Christian sci-fi and dystopian authors, take note. 🙂

2. Counted Worthy by Leah E. Good

Goodreads link →

hought-provoking, outstanding, realistic, clean, refreshing, thrilling…

I don’t usually read or enjoy dystopian, but Counted Worthy threw the genre into a refreshing, clean, uplifting setting. Nothing questionable was present. What’s more, Counted Worthy is a well-written action story centered around Biblical values. Heather’s feelings, thoughts, fears, and plans were realistic and relatable. 

3. The Chronic Warrior Chronicles

Goodreads link →

I’ve never before read superhero stories… but wow! Angie Thompson can truly take any genre and make it amazing. These aren’t your ordinary superheroes… each one of them has a chronic illness, and their abilities are directly related to that in a way that almost feels like it could be totally realistic and scientific with medical advances. What’s more, every character has personality. It’s fun. It’s real. There are many struggles and challenges. I may never read superhero fiction from any other author, but I’d highly recommend this series and its sequels.

4. AKA Simon Lee (series) by P.D. Atkerson

Goodreads link ->

Enjoyable. Fast paced. Clean. Great dialogue. Lots of adventure. 

I don’t read spy thrillers – ever. But P.D. Atkerson writes clean, simple, and Christian-based stories that keep you turning the pages. I recommend this to readers who enjoy clean spy fiction with snark.

5. The Green Ember by S.D. Smith

Goodreads link →

Talking rabbits with swords? I didn’t think it was for me—but this one proved me wrong. A beautiful tale of loyalty, hope, and honor wrapped in classic storytelling. It’s whimsical but weighty.

I wasn’t sure what to expect from it, so I went in with no expectations. I’d heard good things, and it’s been on my Kindle/TBR for a while, but I’d never read it – mostly because I’m not too much of a fantasy/alternate world reader (I’m very picky) and I generally don’t enjoy stories with animals as the main characters.

This book may have been about rabbits (#rabbitswithswords), but it wasn’t really about animals in its tone. At many points, I forgot the characters were rabbits. They acted exactly like people, and the fact that they had fur and long ears and quick, high-jumping legs made the plot more interesting and allowed world-building not possible in a people world.

And that world-building was superb. The descriptions, places, society – everything was set up well. The characters were well developed and relatable, and there were such a fun variety of personalities! The tone was a good mix of light and serious. The writing style was simplistic and detailed. Since I listened to the audiobook, it didn’t bother me.

Most of all, the message and themes of the story set it apart. There were so many quotable spiritual themes and phrases repeated throughout this book.

For instance:
– “Bear the flame.”
– “My place beside you.”
– “I accept you.” “I am accepted.”
And my personal favorite:
– “It will not be so in the Mended Wood.”

The analogies are deep and thought-provoking, and that’s not common for a story seemingly aimed at children. I say “seemingly” because there are battles and fighting in this book. Bad things happen. Wolves and birds of prey war against rabbits, and deaths and injuries occur. It’s not graphic, but it’s a lot for a book for children.

Check Out More Five Fall Favorites!

This week, I’m joining other bloggers to celebrate stories and share favorites! Be sure to stop by these lovely blogs and see what they’re featuring today:

Don’t Miss the Epic Book Giveaway!

Visit readanotherpage.com/blog and onceuponanordinary.com/blog to enter a massive book giveaway running all week!

And DON’T forget to join the epic book giveaway at https://onceuponanordinary.wordpress.com/blog/ and readanotherpage.com/blog!

Enter The Giveaway Here!

Thanks for reading along! Have you read any of these genre-defying favorites? Let me know in the comments—I’d love to hear what unexpected books have surprised you this fall! 🍂📚

Five Fall Favorites: Favorite Non-Fiction

Happy Wednesday, friends! Today, I’m sharing five of my favorite non-fiction reads—books that have impacted my walk with God, shaped my perspective, and offered deep spiritual insight. If you’re looking to be challenged, encouraged, or inspired in your faith, these titles are sure to bless you.

1. The Kneeling Christian

by Albert Richardson



Find it on Goodreads

Every believer needs to read this book. 

It gives a picture of prayer that we need to grasp. It inspires the reader with a glimpse of heavenly perspective. Our God is faithful. Are we praying?

2. Spiritual Depression

by D. Martyn Lloyd-Jones



Find it on Goodreads

This collection of sermons addresses real struggles believers face, bringing encouragement and truth to the weary soul. Lloyd-Jones offers both theology and pastoral care. This book is insightful and meaningful.

3. Reimagining Church

by Frank Viola

Find it on Goodreads

This thought-provoking book explores how church truly looks in Scripture—biblical, relational, and entirely Spirit-led. It invites believers to rethink how we gather and grow. It encourages us to let go of our preconceived ideas and traditions and embrace solely what Scripture and the Spirit say about church. What’s more, it gives practical examples of what that can and does look like today.

4. The Normal Christian Life

by Watchman Nee


Find it on Goodreads

A classic on what it really means to live the Christian life. Watchman Nee’s writing is rich in spiritual depth and practical wisdom. This book is eye-opening and faith-stretching. It’s a Christian classic that everyone should read at least once.

5. Daily Light on the Daily Path

compiled by Jonathan Bagster


Find it on Goodreads

A timeless devotional with morning and evening readings made entirely of Scripture verses arranged by theme, it’s beautifully suited for quiet reflection and personal worship. I love the meditative way that this arranges Scriptures by topic each morning and evening. It invites reflection and depth of intimacy with God. I’d highly recommend this devotional to every Christian! There’s nothing better than reading a devotional straight from the Word of God, and this arrangement is so helpful and beautiful!

DON’T forget to join the epic book giveaway!

Head over to Once Upon An Ordinary and Read Another Page to enter. There are tons of great books up for grabs!

And DON’T forget to join the epic book giveaway at https://onceuponanordinary.wordpress.com/blog/ and readanotherpage.com/blog!

Enter The Giveaway Here!

Make sure to also check out the recommendations from the other amazing bloggers on Team Aspen:

These books are treasures for any believer longing to go deeper. I hope one or more speaks to your heart this fall!

Coming up tomorrow: books from genres I don’t usually read—but that surprised me in the best ways.

See you then! 🍁📘

Five Fall Favorites: My Favorite Indie Books

Hello again, book lovers! Today we’re celebrating some fantastic indie books by amazing authors you might not have discovered yet. These hidden gems have touched my heart, inspired my faith, and kept me turning pages late into the night.

If you love supporting indie authors and finding fresh, heartfelt stories, this list is for you!

1. Glad Tidings

by Angie Thompson


Find it on Goodreads

These short stories are such heart-grabbers! In just a few words, the author not only sets the scene but gets us into the hearts, heads, and shoes of relatable, life-like characters. Christmas spirit permeates this book, and so many angles are touched upon in this story: Christmas in a poor family, Christmas in hospitals, working on Christmas, tender moments between family members, Christmas through the eyes of children, Christian with the elderly, Christmas festive and Christmas bleak, Christmas historical and Christmas modern, Christmas in fields and Christmas in feasts. Hope, love, joy, peace, and purpose shine from these pages. Don’t miss this collection!

2. Ilyon Chronicles (series)

by Jaye L. Knight


Find the series on Goodreads

This action-packed non-magical fantasy series combines rich world-building with strong characters and meaningful spiritual themes. A thrilling journey from start to finish!

Ilyon Chronicles sets itself apart from other stories because it is very relevant to all those who find their beliefs and convictions attacked. As humanity becomes less tolerant of those who are different, we find the need to cling to and stand for our beliefs. Resistance, the first book, is a very real, exciting, and motivating story of a handful of people who did just that. Despite how easy it is to ignore the culture war around us, Resistance reminds us that if we fail to stand, we lose our freedoms. It applies to you and to me as well as being a thrilling story.

Ilyon Chronicles has a thrilling and gripping storyline that flows excellently amongst the many plot twists and subplots woven throughout. The characters are well-developed. Although it is a fantasy story for young adults, it has a light clean feel that sets it apart from other stories of the same genre. Each book has a strong spiritual theme, and the plot line gets deeper and more rewarding as you go.

3. Mrs. Meade Mysteries (series)

by Elisabeth G. Foley


Find the series on Goodreads

Excellent little series! I loved the subtle mystery and Mrs. Meade! All the characters were distinct and lovable, and I also enjoyed the length of the book: long enough to be satisfying but short enough to not keep me guessing for hours and to not be unnecessarily drawn out simply for the sake of suspense. The twists were excellent, and did I mention how much I loved Mrs. Meade?

4. The Accidental Cases of Emily Abbott (Series)

by Perry Kirkpatrick


Find it on Goodreads

This spy mystery series is so much fun! Clean, riveting adventure, relatable characters, fast-paced plot, quirky humor – you won’t want to miss this series!

5. Ransomed

by Elisabeth Ender

Find it on Goodreads

“Powerful…beautiful… so true.” These are the first words that came to mind the first time I read Ransomed. Although this story could be viewed as fiction, it is not. Every part of it is completely real. It is an allegory: an allegory of my life – and of yours.

Ransomed sets the mood in the very first sentence. It seems impossible to set a scene so quickly, but the author does so. Although an entire background story could be behind the opening scene, further description is not needed, for we are right there, drawn into the story. The love and care are deep and real. The contrast between the quietness and the danger is astounding – and yet it is there. The deceit of the enemy is portrayed realistically and very fittingly. Persuasiveness comes across through the dialogue. The first person point of view puts the reader into the shoes of the main character – and main character is not named, for it is me. It is you.

Love – true, deep, strong love, not mushy love as modern culture has defined it – is portrayed powerfully. At the end of each section, short gripping sentences clinch the transition. The story flows smoothly and naturally with power in the way the sentences are fashioned. Danger, deep emotion, fright, hopelessness, deliverance, trust, lies, doubts, and truth are dealt with in this story. The whole thing is very well put together and very effective.

It is thought-provoking allegory that leaves the reader with a challenge for life. I really enjoyed reading it and it was well worth my time! Even now, after I have read it several times, it still grips me and challenges me, refocusing my perspective on life and what truly matters. Read Ransomed. You will be blessed.

Don’t forget to join the epic book giveaway!

Head over to Once Upon An Ordinary and Read Another Page to enter. There are tons of great books up for grabs!

And DON’T forget to join the epic book giveaway at https://onceuponanordinary.wordpress.com/blog/ and readanotherpage.com/blog!

Enter The Giveaway Here!

Make sure to also check out the recommendations from the other amazing bloggers on Team Aspen:

Which of these indie books will you pick up next? If you’ve read any of these, which was your favorite? I’d love to hear your thoughts and recommendations in the comments.

Stay tuned for tomorrow’s post featuring my favorite non-fiction reads!

Happy reading! 📚✨

Five Fall Favorites: Books I’ve Recommended Most

Hello, friends! Welcome back to the TENTH ANNUAL Five Fall Favorites blog party, where we share five books in five categories for five days, with a bonus sixth day!

As the crisp autumn breeze settles in and the leaves turn golden, it’s the perfect time to curl up with some truly enriching reads. Today, I’m sharing some of my all-time favorite books—timeless treasures that have inspired my faith and deepened my walk with God. These are books I’ve recommended again and again in previous Five Fall Favorites because they nourish the soul and spark reflection.

DON’T forget to join the epic book giveaway at https://onceuponanordinary.wordpress.com/blog/ and readanotherpage.com/blog!

Let’s dive into today’s list of Books I’ve Recommended for your fall reading!

1. The Practice of the Presence of God

by Brother Lawrence



Find it on Goodreads

Brother Lawrence’s classic guide teaches us the art of living in constant awareness of God’s presence—no matter what our circumstances. This timeless classic beautifully captures the simple yet profound discipline of living in constant awareness of God’s presence. It teaches me how exactly to live in God’s presence every moment of every day.

2. The Power of the Blood Covenant

by Malcolm Smith


Find it on Goodreads

This powerful exploration of biblical covenant helped me grasp the depth and significance of what the very important Biblical term covenant actually means – for me today. Did you know covenant is found on every page of Scripture? This book is one of my favorites for good reason. Once we understand covenant, our eyes are opened to many deep truths of how God’s kingdom works! I highly recommend this book to every believer.

3. Ishmael

by E.D.E.N. Southworth


Find it on Goodreads

 Ishmael is a 19th-century classic full of drama, romance, and human struggle. It’s a deeply engaging story that has stood the test of time. It’s a thought-provoking and unconventional read that stays with you long after the last page. Ishmael is an inspiring main character with plenty of flaws and yet very high, noble morals. He’s a hero you can look up to and aspire to emulate in all the best ways.

4. Hind’s Feet on High Places

by Hannah Hurnard


Find it on Goodreads

What an amazing allegory. Hannah Hurnard presents the believer’s walk with God in a deep, beautiful story with profound lessons for our lives. Lovely description meets an insightful message in this book. Highly recommend this and its sequel Mountains of Spices.

This allegorical tale beautifully illustrates the journey of spiritual growth and overcoming fears. Its gentle encouragement is inspiring. It’s like Pilgrim’s Progress in a different setting, and perhaps even more applicable to daily life.

5. Stepping Heavenward

by Elizabeth Prentiss



Find it on Goodreads

While I read this several times as a teenager, I wanted to reread it now that I’m in the season of wifehood and motherhood. It was just as inspiring, challenging, encouraging, and relatable this time around, and I was indeed able to better understand some of Katy’s struggles as a wife and mother. May God work that likeness of Himself in me!

This book is a journey. Katy doesn’t always make the right choices or have the right view of God or herself, and therefore everything she says in this book must be weighed against Scripture. Yet God changes her many flawed ideas of Him until she is indeed resting in His work in and through her. May I rest in His work in me so!

And that wraps it up!

Which of these have you read? Or which one do you want to start with? I’d love to hear your thoughts!

This year I’m on Team Aspen – make sure to check out the recommendations from the other bloggers on Team Aspen!

Lydia: beyondhistoryspage.weebly.com

Hannah: hskylianauthor.com

Virginia: Booksbyvirginia.wordpress.com

Bella: egbella.com

Gabrielle: substack.com/@gabriellabatel

Faith: farmgirl4jesus.wordpress.com

Erika: Restinglife.com/blog (You are here!)

Stay tuned tomorrow for more favorite reads — indie gems you won’t want to miss.

And DON’T forget to join the epic book giveaway at https://onceuponanordinary.wordpress.com/blog/ and readanotherpage.com/blog!

Enter The Giveaway Here!

Happy reading! 🍂📚

Summer Shelf Sale – Uplifting Reads at Unbeatable Prices!

Whether you’re looking for a fresh fiction series that inspires faith or a meaningful nonfiction read that challenges your spiritual walk, this sale is for you!

📖 Here’s what’s on sale:

  • All paperbacks – 10% off
  • All bundles – 15% off
  • Defective & clearance items – 50% off!

Now is the perfect time to dive into the Truth from Taerna kingdom adventure series or explore my Christian living titles. Each story is written to encourage your heart, strengthen your walk with God, and remind you of His presence in everyday life.

⏳ Stock is limited—especially for clearance and bundle items. Don’t miss out!
Sale ends July 31.

🛍️ Shop now: restinglife.com/buy
🛍️ Check out other books by Christian indie authors also on sale: wildbluewonderpress.com/sale

Let these books speak peace, challenge, and encouragement into your summer. Thank you for supporting stories that glorify the Lord!

How to Hate With All the Love of God in You

In the New Testament, Jesus tells a story of those who had gods before God. 

“Then said he unto him, A certain man made a great supper, and bade many: And sent his servant at supper time to say to them that were bidden, Come; for all things are now ready. 

And they all with one consent began to make excuse. The first said unto him, I have bought a piece of ground, and I must needs go and see it: I pray thee have me excused. 

And another said, I have bought five yoke of oxen, and I go to prove them: I pray thee have me excused. 

And another said, I have married a wife, and therefore I cannot come. 

So that servant came, and shewed his lord these things. Then the master of the house being angry said to his servant, Go out quickly into the streets and lanes of the city, and bring in hither the poor, and the maimed, and the halt, and the blind. 

And the servant said, Lord, it is done as thou hast commanded, and yet there is room. 

And the lord said unto the servant, Go out into the highways and hedges, and compel them to come in, that my house may be filled. For I say unto you, That none of those men which were bidden shall taste of my supper.”

Luke 14:16-24

Let’s re-tell this parable from a slightly different angle:

    A certain King made a great supper and invited all of “Me” to come. At supper time, He sent His servants, Prompting of the Spirit and Calling of Love, to say to various parts of Me, “Come for all things are now ready.”

    And all my emotions, my will, my mind, and various parts of my body in one accord began to make excuse. The first said unto Him, “I told these people that I would spend time with them, and I need to go do it. I pray you, excuse me.”

    And another said, “I just got a new book and I’m about to study it. Have me excused.”

    Another said, “I am way too tired; therefore I cannot come.”

    …what is the end of this story? Do we listen to the excuses of our emotions, our mind, our will, and our body and therefore miss out on the King’s supper? Or does our spirit gladly say, “I come, LORD, to be with Thee”? 

  Just as supper is a daily activity, this is a daily decision. He has prepared it for you; He wants to be with you. How do you respond to His daily invitation?

  With this background, the next words of Jesus – Luke 14:26 – make sense: “If any man come to me, and hate not his father, and mother, and wife, and children, and brethren, and sisters, yea, and his own life also, he cannot be my disciple.” Those who were bidden to the supper did not “hate” all else but Him. They had gods before God: houses, ground, animals, and wives.

  To this end, my spirit – not my soul – says, “I hate people (things, possessions, activities, events, etc.).” It is our spirit, not our soul, because our soul is still naturally attached to those things. However, once our spirit has spontaneously—apart from our own power or will—declared hatred, we are free from our expectations of other people and things around us. If we hate them, we expect nothing and therefore our expectation is in God alone.

    When we choose off a menu, it is not that the other items on the menu are not good things; it is just that we have chosen one above the others. It is the same way with God; other people and things may be very good in our lives, but we are choosing God above them. 

  We are not worthy of Christ if we do not hate our father, our mother, and others; Christ said so. Because of this, I can hate with all the love of God in me! We are not free to love others with the love of God in us until we first hate others with all the love of God in us.

    The love of God in me is directed towards Himself. It therefore causes me to hate others. Once I do, my heart, soul, and spirit belong to God alone. When they are fully in His control and not in the control of others, the love of God flows through me in love to others. This is a picture of one who has no other gods before God.

  This hatred is not a malicious, vengeful, ugly, wicked hatred; it is the “perfect hatred.” This is the “time to hate.” Allow the love of God to work its perfect work in you – in both love and hatred!

    “My soul, wait thou only upon God; for my expectation is of him.” – “Jesus, I am RESTING, resting, in the joy of what Thou art…” – “Nothing between my soul and the Savior!!” – “Thou shalt have no other gods before me!”

No Other Gods Before Me

BHow do we know if we have other gods before God? Many people who have had other gods before Him do not recognize it and would not believe it if someone told them so – so how can we know if we have other gods before God?

    First, it is not solely our responsibility to know that. Leading us towards Himself is God’s job; as long as our hearts are open to His voice, we have nothing to fear. The very fact that we may be concerned about having other gods before Him revealed that we are concerned about His place in our lives and that our desire is to keep Him first. If God does not show us other things in our lives, we do not need to be paranoid about it. Having no gods before Him is a state that He Himself will keep us in as we abide in Him, not something to fret and fear about. 

   Second, consider this question:

    Would you rather lose [fill in the blank], or would you rather lose God? 

In reality, it is a bit difficult to lose God unless we choose to, since God is everywhere – and He is within us – but if we choose to, we can, in a sense, “lose God.” Thus, if asking yourself this question reveals that you would rather lose whatever you filled in the blank with than lose God, He is still first place in your life. 

    If not, you may have other gods before God. 

   What if you did lose what you filled that blank with? Undoubtedly, it would be difficult, painful, and so on. However, you would still have Father. He would be enough to get you through losing [fill in the blank]. Yes, it would be a terrible loss, but we know that He is enough. He is God. 

On the other hand, suppose you lost God. Who or what would be enough for you then? Who or what could get you through that loss? What could compensate the horrible enormity of that unimaginable loss? Could [fill in the blank] ever possibly be anywhere near enough to compensate for losing God? If the answer is no, then most likely [fill in the blank] is not a “god before God” in your life. 

    This puts life in perspective in a certain sense. The apostle Paul said, “I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my LORD, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ, and be found in Him…” (Philippians 3). He had no gods before God. He suffered the loss of all things – and found that God was enough. And God is enough – in my life and in yours. 

Copyright 2026

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