Whether you’re on vacation or just enjoying downtime in the area, summer often provides extra time for a little reading. We’re providing a list of several books (ordered by length) that can inform your mind and equip your heart in your relationship with the Lord and His people. The first book you ought to read, however, is God’s Word! It, alone, is perfect and without error. As you read other books that reference the Bible, take the time to read the verses as you go.
The (Not-So-Secret) Secret to Reaching the Next Generation, by Kevin DeYoung, is only 26 (very small) pages, which EVERYONE should read! DeYoung pulls the curtain back on clear and effective ministry to win the next generation and shows that many church’s failed efforts at being clever do not work. He briefly describes five aspects that are both simple, and not-so-simple, but also not-so-secret.
Understanding Temptation: The War Within Your Heart, by Mark Shaw, provides a biblical perspective on overcoming sin and temptation by examining three areas we are all tempted: lust of the flesh, lust of the eyes, and the pride of life. Shaw helpfully shows how we often doubt God’s goodness and love, His wisdom, and God’s power and sovereign plan, and gives antidotes for each. Understanding Temptation is great for its brevity (36 pgs), readability, and biblical practicality. (Check out TheAddictionConnection.org and see if you can find Matthew Ott’s name on the website!)
God’s Grand Vision for the Home, by Rob Rienow describes “Four God-Filled Moments” the gives us every day with our children. This little book is grand with vision and has been a favorite of mine since it was first published! Rob writes from his own personal journey of being humbled by God as He was brought to repentance, then learning how to live according to God’s described vision for every Christian’s home. Rob writes with great enthusiasm and encouragement. Having had Rob speak at my previous church, I know He is genuine and is passionate for marriages and families (VisionaryFam.com).
The Art of Divine Contentment, by Thomas Watson, began as his own personal study where he saw that, “Discontentment is to the soul as a disease is to the body; it puts it out of temper and greatly hinders its regular and sublime motions heavenward” (v). Watson, a 17th-Century Puritan Minister from London, followed Paul’s model and teaching, allowing His own battle with discontentment to lead him to search the Scriptures, where he learned to live with “a gracious frame of heart. . . [being] satisfied . . . [by] trusting God’s providence.” Watson shows that contentment is not a natural state but a learned art, essential for a fulfilling Christian life.
Sufficiency: Historic Essays on the Sufficiency of Scripture in Counseling. Don’t let the word “counseling” dissuade you from reading this excellent collection of essays describing the truth that the Bible is enough, or sufficient, for guiding us through all of life’s challenges. The fact is that we all act as “counselors” in one form or another, so we must strive to give biblical counsel in every way. My professor, Dale Johnson, wrote here that “God reveals in Scripture what we need to know for addressing problems we face as we live life and pursue godliness . . . When we counsel outside of the sufficient Word, we offer anemic solutions that cannot bear the weight of human suffering.” This book is good to read at a slow, methodical pace. Don’t let it’s medium size fool you; it is rich with challenging insight.
Sunday Matters, by Paul Tripp. Every week we we have the opportunity to gather with God’s people to worship the Lord. Worship is about God, not us. Choosing whether to meet with our church family is also about God, not us. Tripp is an inspiring writer who will richly encourage your heart with this weekly devotional about how we prepare to gather together. Read it alone or with your family and use the brief reflection and family discussion question to foster honest and meaningful conversation.
