Saturday, November 5, 2011

In My Bag at the Moment...

I'm checking back in after over one year off (it's difficult to blog when I'm not on sabbatical I guess) to share the abundance of good reading that I've been enjoying of late...

To read more about each title, simply click on the book's title to be taken to the Amazon.com bookstore page for that book. There you'll find reviews of others who have read the book as well as other books in similar categories.


Building Below the Water Line by Gordon MacDonald

From the cover material... 
In this important work, Gordon MacDonald gives the reader a blueprint for leading a life that is at once powerful and humble, productive yet unhurried, focused yet expansive. By telling stories from his own life and sharing wisdom of people like Henri Nouwen and Richard Foster, he takes us step by step through the interior processes and qualities necessary to be able to lead others effectively.... This book is not just for pastors. It is a powerful manual for anyone who answers God's call upon their life and says, 'take me.'

Thirsting for God by Gary Thomas
From the cover material...
This fascinating and easy-to-read journey into the insights of Christian leaders from centuries past will help you...set meaningful goals for your spiritual life, overcome temptation and develop authentic holiness, survive and even thrive in desert times. Discover what Christians through the ages have learned--a truly relevant Christian walk has nothing to do with fads and styles and everything to do with a life that's centered on God.




The Effective Pastor by Peter White
From the cover material...
The Effective Pastor is a book for both trainee and experienced ministers. ...'Christian ministers, old and young alike, have needed material to which they could turn regularly and with confidence for wise counsel, encouragement and biblical direction in their immensely demanding calling'l Few authors have risen to the challenge but in 'The Effective Pastor' ministers now have a friend to help them. 


Jesus + Nothing = Everything by Tullian Tchividjian
Possibly my favorite cover of all. 
From the cover material...
During a year of great turmoil, Pastor Tchividjian discovered the power of the gospel in his own life. Sharing his story of how Jesus became more real to him, Tchividjian delves deeply into the fundamentals of the faith, explaining the implications of Christ's sufficiency--a revelation that sets us free and keeps us anchored through life's storms.

Lit by Tony Reinke
There are two of these books in our home. I ordered one copy for Gretchen and one for me. When the books arrived, we settled into our inner "book geek" modes and read the Table of Contents aloud, one to another before moving on to the reviews written by other writers that are printed on the first few pages.  Imagine our excitement about a book devoted to the Christian's endeavor of reading books.

From the cover material...
"I love to read. I hate to read. I don't have time to read. I only read Christian books. I'm not good at reading. There's too much to read."
Chances are, you've thought or said one of these exact phrases before because reading is important and in many ways unavoidable. Learn how to better read, what to read, when to read, and why you should read with this helpful guide from accomplished reader Tony Reinke. Offered here is a theology for reading and practical suggestions for reading widely, reading well, and for making it all worthwhile.

The Prayer Coach by James Nicodem

From the cover material...
In Prayer Coach, James Nicodem, begins with a frank discussion about the obstacles of prayer, and then offers practical suggestions and basic principles on how the reader can strengthen his or her prayer life and bring depth to this spiritual discipline. As readers apply the methods taught in this book, they will learn to approach the throne of God with passion, fervency, and confidence.

The World-Tilting Gospel by Dan Phillips
From the cover material...
The first generation of Christians were not popular. They were ridiculed, persecuted, yet according to Acts 17:6-7, they "turned the world upside down." As a result, their message was communicated louder and clearer than any message before or since. Even with today's social medias, big-name celebrities, and shiny evangelism techniques that add glitz and glamour to the gospel, today's Christians fail to communicate as effectively as the first followers of Christ. Simply put, the early church turned the world upside down, but today's church has been turned upside down by the world.


What He Must Be...If He Wants to Marry My Daughter by Voddie Baucham
This is what we are currently studying in Sunday School. 
From the cover copy...
...God has given us a clear picture of the role of the husband/father in the home, and in [this book] Voddie Baucham breaks this picture down into ten desirable qualities. Not only should parents seek these qualities in a son-in-law, but parents of young men should strive to cultivate these qualities in their sons.
As you can see, my bag is full but the reading is rich! I hope you've got a good book in your bag.