 |
Read melds vivid biblical text and intelligent personal perspectives, supporting his central thesis: to develop a spiritual underpinning for life's many twists and turns, one must resist the temptation to take, instead giving over all needs to God. When God created the universe, he endowed the care of a beautiful garden under his protection to Adam and Eve. But the couple were tempted by Satan, disguised as a snake, to disobey God. Thus, what God had given them was ignored, and the selfish action taken by the couple became the first example of sin. Throughout this diligently researched work, Read reveals how the wish to take for self-satisfaction rebukes God's freely offered gifts, whereas God's bounty offers forgiveness and builds faith, described in the Holy Bible as "the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen."
Hope and courage are gifts from God, ameliorating earthly sufferings and providing strength for genuine success in overcoming the wiles of Satan. The trials and triumphs of such Old Testament figures as Nehemiah, Jeremiah, and Abraham, and the later examples of Jesus and his disciples are offered by Read with relevant biblical quotations as support for his well-chosen theme, demonstrating the blessings of taking to heart and soul the gifts that God offers.
Read has participated in both small professional enterprises and large corporations and has been a coach for junior high sports. Marriage and parenthood revealed to him the significance of firm attachment to God and Jesus Christ. Through exploring his inner experience, he was led to share his insights with others. Read's deft balance of human perceptions and scriptural guidance projects a positive pathway that will doubtless intrigue those exploring it in group settings, and encourage individuals seeking wider understanding of its basic, eternal messages.