Imagination

Nancy Baierl | September 8, 2023

imagination: [noun] the act or power of forming a mental image of something not present to the senses or never before wholly perceived in reality.^[1]Merriam-Webster’s Dictionary, s.v. “imagination,” available online at https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/imagination (accessed August 29, 2023).

 

Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. (Heb. 11:1)^[2]Scripture quotations are from The Holy Bible, English Standard Version, copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

 

For in this hope we were saved. Now hope that is seen is not hope. For who hopes for what he sees? But if we hope for what we do not see, we wait for it with patience. (Rom. 8:24-25)

 

“And now, O Lord, for what do I wait? My hope is in you.” (Psa. 39:7)

As a result of being created in God’s image (Gen. 1:27), we have imagination. For myself, it is why I love to read. I want to incite you to explore our library at River Cities Christian Church.  Here are my thoughts on two authors.

Author Ted Dekker

Ted Dekker grew up as a Christian missionary kid of American parents in Indonesia. He has degrees in Philosophy and Religion. Dekker writes suspense novels for adults. He also co-authors children and youth novels with his daughters. Both categories reveal truths about God and His love for us. 

I recently read Decker’s book Kiss, co-authored with Erin Healy.^[3]Ted Decker and Erin Healy, Kiss (Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson, 2008). This is a thriller involving desire for a father’s love amidst a backdrop of the pharmaceutical industry and politics. Kiss by Ted Dekker is available on the shelves at RCCC.

Author Kay Arthur

Kay Arthur is a prolific writer of Bible studies. Her method is to logically glean truth and understanding by letting the Bible comment on itself. Arthur’s studies get you reading/studying each day for a minimum of 30 to 45 minutes but you will want to stay longer! A study book can be for six weeks or longer depending on the book of the Bible or topic. The study is designed for daily reading with questions/thoughts to consider, each day building on the previous day(s). It is intended for personal study or group study.

In 2008-2009, I was involved in a group study of That I May Know Him,^[4]Kay Arthur and David Lawson, That I May Know Him: Philippians/Colossians, The New Inductive Study Series (Eugene, OR: Harvest House Publishers, 1998). a six-week study of Philippians and Colossians. I enjoy the group studies because we are all at different levels of knowledge and maturity which further enriches our lives as we discuss God’s Word.

My Bible study group has recently begun Arthur’s book The Holy Spirit Unleashed in You,^[5]Kay Arthur, The Holy Spirit Unleashed in You: Acts, The New Inductive Study Series (Eugene, OR: Harvest House Publishers, 2002). a 13-week inductive study of the book of Acts. (Note: We often take more than one week to complete the lesson assigned in the book for the week because our schedules can get chaotic!) 

I encourage you to find a friend or like-minded acquaintances to develop more meaningful relationship with God and friends through a book club or Bible study!