Purity: A Godly Woman's Adornment (w/ giveaway)

I don't think I've made it any big secret around here that I'm a big fan of Crossway Books. Jonathan was joking the other day that most people walk into bookstores and look for the books they are most interested in, in alphabetical order. Me on the other hand? I like to look for books by publisher. Chances are that if Crossway is the publisher, I'm going to find a great deal to value in the book. Therefore it will come as no surprise to you that I really enjoyed Purity: A Godly Woman's Adornment which is an "on the go" devotional book.

Although the book is devotional in style, it can easily be read straight through. (I find that it's hard for me to remember to finish a book if I'm supposed to read it in parts. I make a habit of reading books in as few sittings as possible.)

The best way to introduce the book to you is truly in the author's own words. She begins by defining purity and it sets the tone of the entire book. Quickly, Lydia Brownback describes purity as follows:

"It is to have a single goal, a single focus, and a single purpose for ourselves and for our lives. . . . At its core, purity is having a heart for the Lord that isn't watered down or polluted by lesser things." (Part One, Introduction.)

Throughout the book she describes what a woman who is pure in heart and purpose should look like. Some of the qualities she lists are as follows:

"A Pure Woman is . . . Clear-sighted
. . . Perceptive
. . . Loves the Lord
. . . Esteems Christ
. . . Hopes
. . . Knows What to Value"

The list goes on and there is much to glean from and think about. I found it a very insightful read and prompted me to examine and re-examine the way that I view myself in light of my ultimate goal. And that goal is? To glorify God and to enjoy Him forever. This book questioned my thought processes and challenged me to consider whether or not I am living wholeheartedly for the Lord or if I am holding parts of myself back.

There were many passages and questions that Brownback asked that were good for me to hear. For example, when discussing wholehearted devotion to God, Brownback says the following:

"We always choose at every moment what we think best conduces to our greatest happiness. If we believe that God and His ways will lead to happiness, we are going to choose Him and His ways. But whenever we choose something else, it's because, at that moment, we don't really believe God and His ways are going to make us happy." (page 40)

I think it's a great temptation for us to want to make decisions that will make us feel good in the moment. We apply our own wisdom to circumstances and situations, claiming arrogantly that we know what is best for ourselves at any given point in time. Instead of asking God what He would have us do, and fearing that He'll ask for something difficult, we charge ahead and close off our hearts to Him. Or, perhaps, this is just me? But if I truly do believe that God knows best (and I do!) and that He has the best planned for me (which I believe He does!) then seeking to have a pure, clean heart before Him is in mine and everyone else's best interests. It's a good word of encouragement (the kick-in-the-pants kind!) to hear that if I fail to seek His wisdom in making personal decisions, it is because I do not believe God to be Who He says that He is. I doubt Him with an impure heart.

There were many passages I could list but time and space being of the essence (and a desire to save a little face!) I'm going to stop there and share some fun things which are revolving around the release of this book.

#1 - Lydia Brownback will be hosting an interactive Bible study called Tuesday Talk on Facebook beginning on June 1, 2010. If you'd like to follow along with her devotional talks, you can do so on Facebook by clicking HERE OR you can follow along on the Crossway Blog. To follow on Facebook, click the "Like" button at the top of the screen. (I'll assume you know how to operate Facebook. I do not. But I trust you!)

#2 - Crossway Books has graciously and generously offered THREE copies of Purity: A Godly Woman's Adornment to three of you! To win? Simply leave a comment below. This contest will be open through Thursday, June 11th and is open to U.S. Residents only.

Again, although this book is labeled "devotional" I don't think it reads exclusively as such. I'm glad to mention this book to you and have the opportunity to host a giveaway of it because I think that we typically discuss "purity" when it comes to our sexuality. I like how Purity: A Godly Woman's Adornment expands on the theme, encouraging women to have a heart relationship with God which is as pure and unencumbered from the snare of sin as is possible. Brownback encourages her reader to seek after God with their whole hearts and I, for one, drank in the encouragement.

"Come close to God, and God will come close to you. Wash your hands, you sinners; purify your hearts, for your loyalty is divided between God and the world." James 4:8 (NLT)