Good Reading

I like to read - It's relaxing to me and transports me to different places and times and introduces me to new people in new situations.  Lately, my taste has been in the lines of Christian novels.  Most of them have been set in times long ago.  Francine Rivers has been my author of choice for about the last five books I've read.  She is very talented and her research into settings and history and situations is remarkable.  Each has its dark side, too; a little daunting at times but pretty realistic, as well, I'm sure.

The Mark of the Lion Collection is a trilogy set in Bible times, right after the death of Christ.  The apostle John, who was probably a teenager when Christ was in his early 30s, is still alive.  It is the era of catacombs, gladiators, chariots...when Christians were highly persecuted, imprisoned, thrown into the arena with lions, fed to wild dogs.  I had a hard time getting into the first book because it has numerous characters, all with Latin names, and I had to really concentrate to learn who was who.  But as the story unfolded, I found myself spellbound.  All three books are excellent, captivating, disturbing, set-you-to-thinking jewels.  I'm so glad to have read them.

In a nutshell, each has characters who worship other gods and who, one by one, are converted to Christianity.  Fascinating reading.  It made me realize anew how fortunate we are.  We are free to worship as we choose, be open about our convictions, pretty much free from much persecution.  We take it so for granted, don't we.  They, on the other hand, took their lives in their hands when they professed to be followers of Christ.  Their own families disowned them; they were literally in danger every second of the day.  Can you imagine risking your life, facing roaring lions or mad dogs, by not worshiping idols or mythological gods and goddesses?

The next time I'm tempted to complain about anything, I will remember how horrible it used to be for Christians...and how dangerous it can still be for our missionaries and other Christians living around the world in less-than-friendly environments.  They are in my prayers for sure.  Never will a day go by that I won't thank God for life in America where I'm free to be who I am in Christ.

Another thing I love about the Lion trilogy is the scripture used.  The gospel is shared frequently and well in the conversions.  In Book 3, the entire story of Christianity is shared, in a nutshell.  These would be excellent books to share with someone struggling or searching or lost.  The author does a wonderful job in applying scripture to life situations. Love is the theme...as are hope, patience, honesty, integrity. 

So, if you're in the market for some good reading, head to the bookstore, Amazon, or the Kindle Store and check out The Mark of the Lion Collection by Francine Rivers.  You won't be sorry!