Summer is right around the corner for most of the U.S. but here in the PNW our weather can’t seem to figure out if we’re going to dally in winter temps or pop into the bathing suit season. Whether I’m at the beach or curled on the couch with the pups, there’s a new stack of books calling my name.
Let’s jump into the list, shall we?
This month I have 5 non-fiction’s to share with you:
First off:
A Women’s Guide to Making Right Choices by Elizabeth George
Known for her “A Woman after God’s Own Heart” series, Elizabeth George’s writing style is easy, encouraging and at times, a bit convicting when it comes to spurring on women in their walk with Christ. I truly love returning to her books time and time again because she speaks to me through her books as a beloved mentor who only wants to guide God’s daughter’s back to Him. And in “A Women’s Guide to Making Right Choices” I’m finding once again the gentle reminder of what/how God calls His daughters to think, act, speak and do. Elizabeth reminds us that our days are filled to the brim with choices even before our feet hit the floor. And the goal is to invite God into daily steps, learning to seek Him, choose Him and make Him the priority over/in our lives.
A reminder I need continually! Especially when my plate is overflowing with heavy responsibilities.
So far the greatest take-away is the reminder that we are all called to be Titus 2:3-5 women. Women who love God deeply, seek His presence in everything we do and then take what we are learning and pour it right back into the lives of other women who may need the same encouragement.
If you find yourself need a godly mentor to point the way back to Christ, help you center your life first and foremost around our Lord, give this little gem a read, it’s chocked full of gentle reminders on how we too can seek first the kingdom of heaven.
Next we have: The Most Overlooked Women of the Bible – What Their Stories Teach Us About Being Seen and Heard – by Mary DeMuth
I love reading history. Who did what, when, why, and how – all of those tiny details deepen my understanding and bring to life the stories we read. It’s a great reminder these were in fact real life living breathing women who changed the course of history but there’s always a why tucked behind the story and I want to find out.
Mary’s book spans the lives of 12, typically overlooked women in the bible and how God uses each one of them to remind us that while the world may not sit up and notice us, God, loves us deeply and we are never, ever forgotten. In fact, we are completely designed by Him to make a difference today and in our lifetime legacies. Grab a copy dear friend, and read on!
Thirdly: A Hunger for God by John Piper
This little book was brought to my attention a few weeks ago by our pastor as we were studying Matthew 6:16-18. I’ll be the first to admit that fasting has never been a topic that in all my years of going to church, was ever really talked about. Odd isn’t it? But what he said was that when we abstain from something for a period of time it opens a window for God’s grace to grow our hunger for Him.
Hello! Now who doesn’t want a deeper walk with the Lord? I certainly do. I remember years ago one of the women in our bible study said to me, “I’m so glad we’re doing this study because it reminds me that I don’t want to be the same Christian as I was last year. I want to grow in the Lord.” It’s easily been 30 years since those words were spoken and they’re just as convicting today as they were back then.
So I suspect the good Lord is trying to get my attention on the topic of fasting. It’s time to grow a little deeper. I know when folks talk about fasting, food is the first thing that comes to mind, but God can ask us to fast from anything that is garnering our attention more than Him. That’s where time and prayer and listening and waiting for the Holy Spirit’s prompting comes in. So if you will, please join me as I seek God’s will. I know there’s something He wants me to break free from so I’m thinking this little book is bound to open my eyes to a new spiritual discipline.
Fourth: The Case for Hope by Lee Stroebel
Now if you’ve ever read or watched any of Lee’s “The Case for”… series this is another one for us to enjoy. The Case for Hope caught my eye at the library because it was new to me and I really enjoy Lee’s investigative-point blank writing style. I like things in black and white and Lee is all about proving to his readers why God does what He does and what He says, He means. Lee has an entire series on books that prove that our God is real, that Jesus died for our sins and we are all saved through His amazing love and sacrifice. But let’s face it, sometimes life just stinks and our faith is waning and we need a little reminder that our God is real, He’s alive and working in our lives. That’s where this little book comes in.
This isn’t a book about wishful thinking, dreaming upon a star or good vibes, this is God based truth that in the midst of whatever hell we’re facing, we can have hope, unwavering, undeniable hope that our God stands with us, is for us and will love us for eternity.
If you need a reminder that you are chosen and loved and yes, in the midst of every soul-shattering heartache that you are loved and you can have hope, this is the book for you, give it a read. And, as a side note if you’ve not read any of Lee’s other books, try, The Case for Christ, start with that one, it’ll change your heart and mind about just how deep God’s love is for you.
Lastly: The Daniel Code – Living Out Truth in a Culture That is Losing Its Way
I picked up this little read to help me flesh out a bible study I’m working on. And sister am I so glad I did! Talk about conviction and encouragement all rolled into one. This is it. What I’m enjoying is the great combination of historic details, biblical background and insight and of course truth that leads me to the Lord.
Unless you’re living under a rock, it’s hard not to be negatively impacted by the world’s diatribe. It comes at us from all angles; news in every form imaginable, family, friends, co-workers, strangers. You name it, it’s almost impossible to escape what is happening the constant battering ram aimed at our souls and minds. But The Daniel Code reminds us that there is a way to navigate this life we live and it’s through a God honoring resolve. This is the same resolve Daniel, Meshach, Shadrach and Abed-nego all had while living in Babylonian captivity and what’s incredible is that what/how they lived is still very much applicable to our lives today.
I don’t want to give too much away other than an encouragement of giving this small book a read. Generally speaking I don’t spend money buying books, choosing instead to utilize my local library system. But… I will say, if you rent this one, don’t be surprised if you go out looking for a used copy to call your own. I think you’ll find yourself not only pulling out your bibles to cross reference much of what author O.S. Hawkins writes but I think you’ll enjoy his insights on how we too can lead a God-honoring life when our focus is on God, not on the world, our troubles, those who fill our lives or even our own thoughts. We too can resolve in our hearts to love the Lord our God with all of our heart, soul and minds.
I hope you find yourself drawing closer to the Lord because of those who have written words of admonition, encouragement and biblical cornerstones that enable to learn, grow and develop and deeper relationship with the Lord.
Until next month, enjoy the beauty that surrounds you and give the Lord all of the praise!
I’m praying for you!
Blessings and best wishes,
