Essentials for Life by Marcia Ford is a very valuable little volume. Each of the fifty short chapters outlines one specific piece of the puzzle of what a Christian life is. Each topic is supported my relevant scripture as well as quotes from a variety of people. The use of scripture is encouraging without being overwhelming. I like that so many topics are addressed, such as Bible study and spending quiet time with God. The purpose of this book is not to exhaustively explore any of the chapter topics, but rather to address each one, support it with scripture, and discuss practical ways to apply each to ones own life. While I would recommend reading cover to cover, I also love that this would be a great resource to use at any time for a quick Word about so many issues of the Christian life. It is a great jumping off point that one could use to begin a more in depth study of these topics. The author does a wonderful job of covering each topic in a thorough yet concise manner. In fact, each chapter includes a brief list of “dos” and “don’ts” at the end to sum up the main points, making it even more user friendly. A great resource!
