I love to read, as you have probably already guessed by now. I read almost exclusively Christian material – not because I think it’s wrong to read other material, but simply because I have a lot of books to review and a small number of hours in the day. I read everything from modern day Christian living books, to door-stopping theological books and everything in between. I enjoy reading a wide variety of materials especially to help you, my readers, know what is on the market and what is helpful. Here are some of the books I’ve read recently. Devotional, doctrinal, practical, biblical and commentary – I’m sure there will be something here for you. The main thing with these books, and that I look of in every book, is that the authors intend to inform and encourage Christians in their understanding of the Christian faith, the Bible and the gospel of Jesus Christ. Enjoy!
The Risen King by C. H. Spurgeon
If you know me, or if you’ve listened to a little bit of my preaching, it will be no secret to you – I am a big Spurgeon fan. I’ve read loads of his sermons, his books and devotional material. I find his writing to be steeped in the Bible and profoundly helpful and Christ-honouring. This book is no different. Jeff Medders has pulled together some of Spurgeon’s writings and excerpts of some of his longer stuff to create this Easter devotional. For 40 days you’ll journey with Spurgeon as you’re pointed to Jesus. Each day includes a Bible passage, a two page devotional with questions to reflection on and a prayer. This would be a great companion to help you reflect on the wonder and meaning of Easter this year. This is one of the best Easter devotionals I’ve read in recent years.
Make the Most of Your Productivity by Ana Avila
When you pick up a book on productivity, or at least when I do, maybe you feel like saying “ugh, another one, really?” However, I found this book a real joy to read. It’s not the typical ‘how to get a million things done’ kind of book. It’s also not the kind of ‘don’t do anything just remember your identity in Jesus’ kind of book. Ana helpfully weaves together practical tips, the right motivation and a Christian perspective on productivity all with the Bible’s teaching to create this little book. In this book Ana teaches six principles that will help you to reflect God’s character and honour him with your creativity and productivity. The 6 principles are – time, limits, decisions, focus, habits and tools. If you’re looking for a helpful book on productivity, and want to root it in the Bible, get this book. It offers a perspective different from what the world sees as productive.
Loved Indeed by Dan Cruver
So many Christians today struggle at different points in their lives and for different reasons to understand and remember that they are loved by God. Sometimes feelings of inadequacy and the struggles of life cause us to doubt or question our salvation. Dan Cruver in this little but pastorally-powerful book helps the reader think a little bit about assurance and the greatness of God’s love for his people. Split into two parts the book first looks at ‘our battles and our strength’ and then at ‘our foundations and our fortifications’. As you would expect with a Union book Cruver interacts with people like Edwards, Luther, Goodwin and other reformers and puritans. I particularly liked how Cruver brings deep theology home with a pastoral heart and a desire to strengthen Christians. I would highly recommend this book.
An Anchor for the Soul by Paul Mallard
How can you stand firm in your faith in the storms of life? The reality is that no matter how long we’ve been Christians, there may be times when we are prone to drift and wander. In comes Paul Mallard with a great little book that will help you focus on the cross and resurrection of Jesus which will encourage you and point you to Jesus – the anchor for your soul. Mallard goes to Psalm 22 and walks through each verse to help the reader grasp the immensity and security of our anchor in Jesus. It’s a quite but very encouraging read that I would highly recommend to all people. If you’re in the midst of a storm, read this book. If you’re in calm waters, read it to be prepared for when the storms of life rage.
1 & 2 Chronicles Vol 1 and Vol 2 by Philip Eveson
Some of the least preached books in the Bible, in my experience at least, are 1 and 2 Chronicles. Many preachers are afraid of their size, the details and some even by amount of scholars who argue that these books aren’t historically accurate. Even worse however, I worry that Christians feel that these books have nothing to teach us today – which is not true. In these new editions to the ‘Focus on the Bible’ series by Christian Focus Eveson helps the reader understand and apply 1 and 2 Chronicles. These books aren’t very technical commentaries, but they go into enough detail of the text to help both a preacher and a teacher. I think the big benefit of these books is they help to clarify some of the questions of times and dates when seen in contrast with the books of Samuel and Kings. One of the things I like about this series, and these volumes do not disappoint, is that each chapter ends with an application section. The application sections in these particular volumes are very helpful to ground 1&2 Chronicles in real life, in the life of Jesus and in the life of the church. If you’re looking for a good resource to study 1&2 Chronicles that won’t bog you down in detail but help you understand them more, these would be a very good place to go.
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