From time to time, I like to capture the books I’m reading and enjoying.
We are studying the Book of Exodus this year in Women’s Bible Study at church. The last time I studied Exodus was on my own in early 2006, and at that time, I loved reading F.B. Meyer’s Devotional Commentary on Exodus. This time, I’m reading F.B. Meyer’s The Life of Moses. It is excellent! It is enriching the study so much. F.B. Meyer is a gifted writer. He offers thoughts I would never think of, and I feel as though I’m transported back to that time as I think about Moses and what his life was like. This is a great accompaniment to a study of Exodus, or even by itself. I highly recommend it.
I’ve been thinking a lot about prayer the last several weeks, as seen in my last couple of posts, so this book came at a good time. Previously I’ve found classic books on prayer so helpful, such as Andrew Murray’s With Christ in the School of Prayer. I love this book, though, because it’s a present day book by someone whose life models the truths he shares and presents. I know Manny Mill is “the real deal,” and I learned a lot as I read through this book, truths that I am trying to put into practice.
The Freedom of Self-Forgetfulness by Tim Keller is a book I should read quarterly! It only take 30 minutes or so to quickly go through it again, but it’s worth it every time I read it! One of Keller’s quotes from the book that I often see on Twitter is “… the essence of gospel-humility is not thinking more of myself or thinking less of myself, it is thinking of myself less.” That cuts straight to the heart! It reminds me of a quote from a sermon my father-in-law gave when I was in high school. He said, “Self is the single greatest obstacle to effective ministry.” I’ve always remembered that, probably because I wrote it right down on the page of my Bible.
I won’t spoil it, but the best part is toward the end. Keller writes on issues of Christian identity and why we don’t need to prove ourselves. I love remembering the truths he lays out so well in this short book.
I didn’t expect to really like or need this next book, The Best Yes by Lisa Terkeurst. I don’t feel in a season of “endless demands” but rather in a more balanced time, but yet, I ended up with this book and started to read it. And I liked it! I’ve underlined and been impacted by a lot that was perfectly timed for my life, even when I didn’t think this subject mattered to me. Lisa is president of Proverbs 31 Ministries, and I’ve been impressed by many of the things they offer, including the new First 5 app, developed to help women study the Bible daily.
One of my all-time favorite books was Amazing Grace: William Wilberforce and the Heroic Campaign to End Slavery by Eric Metaxas, and so his recommendation for Fierce Convictions by Karen Swallow Prior was all I needed to pick this one up. Though I’m just getting started, I’m enjoying it so far. It’s about the life of Hannah More, a contemporary of William Wilberforce. These reformers and abolitionists of the late 18th century were inspiration for the classical school my children attended, and so it’s always been of special interest to learn more about their lives and how through their faith they were able to stand against wrongs in their culture for the good of others. I find these sorts of books give inspiration for how we might do the same.
This is another book that’s worth picking up time and again to be encouraged in the task of parenting. Paul Tripp always draws you back to gospel truths and heart issues, helping you see this time of parenting teens as truly an “age of opportunity” instead of a season to be dreaded! I am thankful each time I browse through this book for the encouragement it offers.
So that’s most of what I’ve been reading at the present time. I probably need to read a larger variety, include some fiction, but I’m grateful for the strong truths and words of encouragement to be found in many books like the ones above.
What are you reading? I’d love to hear what’s on your bookshelf.
Praise Proclaimer 