I was really excited to read Emily Freeman’s new book called Written on Our Hearts – Invitations from the Old Testament. Because who really knows the Old Testament really well? Not me! I was interested to see what she had to say about it.
There really are some great stories in the Old Testament and I’m sure we’re all familiar with at least a few of them. But the Old Testament is really long and often hard to understand. So for the average girl (like me) I haven’t had a chance to dive into them. And I know I need to do that soon. Especially after reading this book!
I love Freeman’s love and passion for this set of scriptures. She really helps bring them to life and makes them relatable. She has great personal stories as well as general stories to help you see how the Old Testament has influenced her life. Often you find that you have been in a similar situation that she has and these scriptures can apply to you in the same way.
One of my favorite things in the book is each topic has a question at the end which encourages you to apply the lessons she has found in the scriptures into your own life. Which is what we’re supposed to do with the scriptures anyway right? They are great questions which could be used as journal entries or moments of pondering.
Freeman goes through each book of scripture in the Old Testament and pulls out stories and phrases that have created so much meaning for her which in turn allows us to learn as well. I love how she reads the scriptures and then thinks about them. Really ponders about certain phrases and stories and then understands what they mean. I know we can all do that, but we have to be willing and pay attention. I love at the end of her introduction she says,”In the midst of every challenge or adversity, one thing is certain- the Lord will deliver us. The Old Testament will help us understand how.”
It’s a great book to help you understand better and be thinking about the stories in the Old Testament.
Kathleen says
That sounds like an interesting book and one I will keep in mind when I study the Old Testament. You're right, we should try to apply the Scriptures in our own lives everyday.