This past Monday, Dannah Gresh blogged about how she’s not reading Fifty Shades of Grey, and we received over 18,000 site visits in a day! Obviously, books are important to you.
We love them, too. While we’re purposefully not reading certain books around here, there are plenty of others that we are devouring! Read on to learn what several Revive Our Hearts staff members are reading right now.
Then, I’d love even more good book recommendations. Other than your Bible, what’s on your nightstand right now? Do tell!
Yours truly,
An Avid Bookworm
What’s on Your Nightstand . . . and Why?
Me:
- At Home: A Short History of Private Life by Bill Bryson – Because Carolyn McCulley recommended it; because it’s refreshing in my line of work to read a good mainstream book every once in a while; because his writing is exceptional; because I love to learn, and this book is full of fascinating tidbits for me to share with my next-door neighbor on our evening walks.
- The Four Loves by C.S. Lewis – I’ve been trying to get through this book for ages. It’s so good, but C.S. Lewis takes me awhile to digest—no skimming with him! God’s wired me to be interested in relationships, and in this book, Lewis compares affection, friendship, eros, and charity.
- Desiring God: Meditations of a Christian Hedonist by John Piper – Because I need books that fuel my love and enjoyment of God.
- One Thing You Can’t Do in Heaven by Mark Cahill – This book propels this scaredy-cat off her comfy couch and out into the streets to boldly share Jesus with those who don’t yet know Him.
- Seeing the Unseen: Preparing Yourself for Spiritual Warfare by Joe Beam – Because I’ve sensed God preparing me for more front-lines ministry for a while now (and have been asking Him for that). I know that means increased warfare, and I want to be ready.
Nancy Leigh DeMoss (you know who she is!):
Invariably, I have more books in/around my nightstand than I will actually have time to read. But here are some of my top ones at the moment:
- The Valley of Vision: A Collection of Puritan Prayers & Devotions – Current devotional book—love it!
- Song of Songs by Richard Brooks – I’m reading this, along with others, as part of my prep for the current radio series I’m teaching on the Song of Solomon.
- Every Body Matters: Strengthening Your Body to Strengthen Your Soul by Gary Thomas – A friend who is praying with me in regard to personal physical disciplines recommended this . . . SOO good, very convicting, practical, really impacting the way I think about this whole (difficult) area of my life.
- The Secret of Power and other sermons by Alexander MacLaren, 1882 edition – Pastor Michael Catt gave me this treasure when I visited his office recently; am hoping to dive into it this summer.
Tammy Zebell, Web Project Manager
- An Old-Fashioned Girl by Louis May Alcott – I’ve been loving it. It so reminds me of life here–waging a battle for womanhood. There are some cool quotes in the book that are very “true womanish.”
Justin Converse, Media Specialist
- Counterfeit Gods by Timothy Keller – Tim Keller's books are some of my personal favorites. Counterfeit Gods is one I had not read yet.
- Drinking with Calvin & Luther: A History of Alcohol in the Church by Jim West – Recommended by friend. A fascinating historical read.
- Strong Fathers, Strong Daughters by Meg Meeker – I heard Meg Meeker on FamilyLife Today talking about this book. Since I have two daughters, I wanted to read more on how to be a better father to them.
Carla Shier, Ministry Representative
- The Valley of Vision: A Collection of Puritan Prayers & Devotions – cause I want better God vision.
- Becoming a Woman who Pleases God by Pat Ennis and Lisa Tatlock – cause I want to grow in my womanhood.
- Nourishing Traditions by Sallie Fallon – cause I’m a nutrition freak!!
Lindsay Swartz, Church Engagement Coordinator
- Soaring on Broken Wings by Kathy Bartalsky – The Lord uses biographies and autobiographies to build my faith more than anything else, second to the Bible. Kathy’s story of trust in and worship of the Lord despite really hard circumstances spurs me on to press in to know the Lord and serve Him with my whole heart.
- Evidence Not Seen by Darlene Deibler Rose – Darlene's testimony like Kathy's, is a hard one. It left me asking the question, "Do I really count all things loss compared to knowing Jesus?"
- Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen – Who doesn’t need more the classics in their life? There's nothing quite like getting lost in another time and another place, all while sitting on my couch.
- Taste and See by John Piper – The Lord uses rich and solid teaching of His Word to increase my confidence in and love for Him. These little tidbits wake up my soul during my time with the Lord in the morning.
Wes Ward, Sr. Director, Media
Our family of six has declared this "the Summer of Reading" (well, at least Carrie and I have!). For kids—and for us—we're hoping to mainly lean towards classics.
- Mere Christianity by C.S. Lewis – Wow, I can't believe I've never actually read this. It's time. Plodding slowly and devotionally and chewing on the ideas.
- The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien – We're reading it as a family at night, getting ready for the movie this December.
- Bonhoeffer: Pastor, Martyr, Prophet, Spy by Eric Metaxas – Fascinating to read this and Cost of Discipleship at the same time. I love the way Metaxas writes. Smart, witty, insightful . . . and biting at times.
- Cost of Discipleship by Dietrich Bonhoeffer – Unpacking and repacking how I think about what it means to surrender and follow Christ wholeheartedly . . . and, how I shepherd people.
Dabbling in . . .
- Steve Jobs by Walter Isaacson – I keep picking up and then setting down Isaacson's biography. It's tragic and human. On every page I wish Jobs knew Christ.
- What's the Mission of the Church? by Kevin DeYoung – Really helpful to not assume I have this figured out. Challenged to love Christ's bride and equip her more intentionally.
- Christ Formed in You by Brian Hedges – Superb, easy-ish read to look at how Christ transforms us. I love how it covers so much, conversationally, and oh-so biblical.
- Good Strategy, Bad Strategy by Richard Rumelt — Rather than just setting goals, having raw ambition, or even a good vision, a strategy details the problem and gives possible solutions.
- The Advantage by Patrick Lencioni — Recommended by a friend, centers on organizational health as paramount.
- More CS Lewis and Metaxas (Socrates in the City; Amazing Grace)
Angela Temples, Project Manager
- The Tehran Initiative by Joel Rosenberg – Several in the office said it is really good and I like to read fiction right before bed. It helps clear my mind, and at night I cannot process deep books.
- Rees Howells: Intercessor by Norman Grubb – I have a real burden for prayer, and the Lord has been waking me up many nights. Rees Howells has a call on his life to pray and be obedient to whatever the Lord may ask. A friend said I must read it. It is my second time through.
- Leading on Empty by Wayne Cordeiro – Recommended read since I was weary in my role and needed refreshment.
Karen Watts, Administrative Assistant
- Bonhoeffer: Pastor, Martyr, Prophet, Spy by Eric Metaxas – The pastor of my home church in Texas said, “If you only read one book this year, make it Bonhoeffer.” I took the challenge, even though it took me over a year to read!
- They Found the Secret by V. Raymond Edman – Recommended by a relative.
Carrie Gaul, Biblical Correspondent
- Kisses From Kate: A Story of Relentless Love and Redemption by Katie Davis – Recommended by several friends
- Not a Fan by Kyle Idleman – Recommended by a friend
- Transformed By Grace by Jerry Bridges – Because I always, always, always need reminders of what it means to live under grace.
Dawn Wilson, Writer, Editor, and Researcher for Revive Our Hearts
I'm always reading books for Revive Our Hearts, but this is my personal stack:
- I'm Not Good Enough . . . and Other Lies Women Tell Themselves by Sharon Jaynes
- How Many Lightbulbs Does It Take to Change a Person? by Rhonda Rhea
- Made to Crave Devotional by Lysa TerKeurst
- The Promise of Heaven by Randy Alcorn
- When You Can't Find God: How to Ignite the Power of His Presence by Linda Evans Shepherd
- Wheat Belly: Lose the Wheat, Lose the Weight, and Find Your Path Back to Health by William Davis, MD.
- A Girl after God's Own Heart by Elizabeth George (This is the book that I'm studying with my eleven-year-old granddaughter in our "God, Grammy, and Megan" time . . . eight dates with Grammy.)
- Spiritual Leadership by Henry & Richard Blackaby
- Give Them Grace: Dazzling Your Kids with the Love of Jesus by Elyse Fitzpatrick and Jessica Thompson
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Comments
on Thursday, May 31, 2012 at 6:47 am
In the Land of Blue Burqas, by Kate McCord
True Woman 101: Divine Design, by Mary Kassian and Nancy Leigh DeMoss
Conversation Peace, by Mary Kassian
Women Helping Women, by Elyse Fitzpatrick and Carol Cornish
Counseling: How to Counsel Biblically, by John MacArthur
And of course, the Bible.
on Thursday, May 31, 2012 at 7:24 am
I, too, am an "avid bookworm", and so I usually have a few books floating around my home with bookmarks in them! Just last evening I pulled off my shelf "Voices of the True Woman Movement" edited by Nancy Leigh DeMoss. While I read some of the transcripts online of the messages of the first TW conference, I just love that they are all collected together in book form, so I am looking forward to re-reading some, and reading for the first time other messages that I didn't read online. I also have a little gem by my nightstand entitled, "Humility-True Greatness" by C.J. Mahaney. I am re-reading this treasure because pride is something that I daily battle with, and I need to be reminded over and over how deadly an enemy pride really is, and that humility is my greatest friend. I also recently "revisited" Elyse Fitzpatrick's excellent book, "Because He Loves Me." This book is one of my all-time favorites. How I need to be reminded that "though I am more sinful and flawed than I ever dared believe, I am more loved and welcomed than I ever dared hope." Another revisit was Linda Dillow's
"Satisfy my Thirsty Soul-For I am Desperate For Your Presence." This is a book on worship, and that "true worship is both a specific act and a lifestyle." Linda does a great job showing us how to "bow our life, our work, our words, our pain, etc.
I have a friend who chuckles whenever I refer to my books as "friends." But they are! At any time, night or day, I can pull one of my "friends" off the shelf to speak truth to me when I have "forgotten" or when I am stressed and not thinking biblically. Now isn't that what true friends are supposed to do??
I am so looking forward to reading others' recommendations! Thank you for this post!
Happy reading!
Arlene
on Thursday, May 31, 2012 at 7:31 am
Hearts and Hands: Chronicles of the Awakening Church--reading it with my kids
Liberating Ministry from the Success Syndrome by Kent and Barbara Hughes--recommended by a friend
Love to Eat/Hate to Eat by Elyse Fitzpatrick--overcoming food addiction and learning to deny myself
The Knowledge of the Holy by Tozer--read a little bit each day to help me think more deeply on the amazing attributes of God.
Beyond Duct Tape: Holding the Heart Together in a Life of Ministry by Shari Thomas and Tami Resch--my husband ordered it for me because of a difficult year in ministry as a church planter's wife.
on Thursday, May 31, 2012 at 8:00 am
The Valley of Vision - Authur Bennett, Editor
Parenting by the Book by John Redmond
The Maiden's Bequest - George MacDonald
The Papa Prayer - Larry Crabb
Telling Yourself the Truth - William Backus (I am preparing to lead a Bible Study with the latter starting next week.)
Thank you for the information about "50 Shades of Gray". It is neccessary, at times, to be prepared to answer all the "why not" questions that inevitably arise when we say "no" to unhealthy and unholy reading material.
on Thursday, May 31, 2012 at 8:10 am
Becoming a wife after God's own heart by Elizabeth George
Give them Grace by Elyse Fitzpatrick
One Thousand Gifts by Ann Voskamp
on Thursday, May 31, 2012 at 8:54 am
Christian Counselor's Manual - The Practice of Nouthetic Counseling - Jay Adams
Competent to Counsel - Jay Adams
A Theology of Christian Counseling - Jay Adams
Strengthening Your Marriage - Wayne Mack
The Walk of Repentance - Steve Gallagher
Counseling: How to Counsel Biblically (MacArthur Pastor's Library)
Death Comes to Pemberley
The Immortal Life of Henneritta Lacks
Angel in the Rubble
The Bluepring - Kirk Franklin
on Thursday, May 31, 2012 at 9:09 am
The Hidden Life of Prayer by David MacIntyre
Valley of Vision
A Guide to Biblical Manhood--reading this so I can learn how to pray for my husband and better understand him.
Note To Self by Joe Thorn
The Works of Thomas Watson
Holman Christian Standard Bible
on Thursday, May 31, 2012 at 9:12 am
on Thursday, May 31, 2012 at 9:49 am
on Thursday, May 31, 2012 at 10:40 am
on Thursday, May 31, 2012 at 10:51 am
Pursuit of Holiness by Jerry Bridges
Sheparding a Child's Heart by Ted Tripp
About to begin a book study on Respectable Sins by Jerry Bridges
Emma - Jane Austen listening on my Ipod to keep me inspired while I sew a regency style wedding dress
on Thursday, May 31, 2012 at 10:57 am
Close to 60 percent of young people who went to church as teens drop out after high school. How can we be a part of fixing this problem? It starts with us.
That's My Girl: How a Father's Love Protects and Empowers His Daughter by Rick Johnson -
A father impacts every aspect of his daughter's life--for her entire life. I want to be an accurate picture of God the Father to my girls.
The 5 Love Languages of Children by Gary D. Chapman -
It's super helpful to know how to relate to your children and how they relate to you.
The Explicit Gospel by Matt Chandler -
How many of us really, deeply know the Gospel, not just know ABOUT it? I want to know it fully.
The Book of the King (The Wormling #1) by Chris Fabry & Jerry B. Jenkins -
Children's fantasy novel series. Hey, I like light reading, too. Love to let my imagination just go!
on Thursday, May 31, 2012 at 11:00 am
on Thursday, May 31, 2012 at 11:08 am
Currently I am reading:
It Is Not Death to Die: A New Biography of Hudson Taylor by Jim Cromarty. I like the subject matter, having read of biographies of Taylor before, but this book is kind of slow-going for me so far.
Infinitely More by Alex Krutov about an abandoned orphan in Russia whom God brought to Himself. It's riveting so far.
When Christ Was Here: a Woman’s Bible Study by Claudia Barba. Excellent so far.
I recently finished Grace for the Good Girl: Letting Go of the Try-Hard Life by Emily P. Freeman. and really enjoyed it.
I am usually into a Christian fiction book at all times, but I am between them so far. I just finished Chasing Mona Lisa by Tricia Goyer and Mike Yorkey, about Swiss OSS agents trying to keep the famous painting from German hands and The Fiddler by Beverly Lewis.
on Thursday, May 31, 2012 at 12:18 pm
I am also reading A Confident Heart by Renee Swope as my daily devotional. :)
on Thursday, May 31, 2012 at 12:29 pm
on Thursday, May 31, 2012 at 2:15 pm
on Thursday, May 31, 2012 at 3:02 pm
Explicit Gospel by Matt Chandler
Jesus + Nothing = Everything by Tullian Tchvidjian
Choosing Gratitude by Nancy Leigh DeMoss (ever heard of her? LOL!!)
Faithful Women and their Extraordinary God by Noel Piper.
on Thursday, May 31, 2012 at 6:32 pm
on Thursday, May 31, 2012 at 8:46 pm
on Thursday, May 31, 2012 at 10:48 pm
Am in a historical mood so I'm reading
Cleopatra by Margaret George
As a teacher I always have a YA book going:
A Year Down Yonder by Richard Peck (utterly delightful snapshot of small town life in the 1930's)
Re-reading Mere Christianity after a couple of decades.
on Thursday, May 31, 2012 at 11:22 pm
and I love reading!
I have several started:
Walking Among the Unseen by Hannah Hurnard
(I carry it in my purse, digesting it slowly for the 2nd time)
Lies Women Believe ( for the 3rd time)
The Limpopo Academy of Private Detection by Alexander McCall Smith.
and soon to start Rare Earth by Davis Bunn ( as soon as its released June 11).
on Thursday, May 31, 2012 at 11:24 pm
on Thursday, May 31, 2012 at 11:26 pm
on Thursday, May 31, 2012 at 11:27 pm
KL, I think you’re right—we will need to do this again. :)
Christy, I wish I could see pics of the regency style wedding dress you make!
Beth Anne, praying your new marriage gives the world a breathtaking picture of Jesus loving His Bride and her honoring and obeying Him!
on Friday, June 1, 2012 at 10:41 am
I just finished Beyond Boundaries by John Townsend- GREAT book to read if you've experienced any kind of severed relationship, whether it's with your spouse, child, or other family member, friend, etc and are thinking about, or needing to reconcile that relationship.
I am currently reading You're Already Amazing - Embracing Who You Are, Becoming All God Created You to Be by Holley Gerth- I would recommend it for all women, it's one of those books where passages leap out at me and stay stuck in my mind.
I also have in my stack Tim Kimmel's Grace Based Parenting (because I want to do better with my grandchildren than I did with my children!), Choose Joy by Kay Warren, and Grace for the Good Girl by Emily Freeman. I could go on and on with all the books I have that are waiting to be read, but I won't. I SO appreciate this post and everyone's participation- thank you!
on Friday, June 1, 2012 at 11:56 am
An Untroubled Heart, by Micca Cambell - a friend and I did an online Bible study together (A Confident Heart by Renee Swoope) several months ago and then the Lord led us to this book next. It is about " finding a faith that is stronger than all your fears."
I am also reading Sacred Breath, Forty Days of Centrring Prayer by J. David Muyskens. About a year and a half ago, I sought God for healing after suffering from extreme anxiety. He led me to a centering prayer group that I have been a part of ever since. I have learned so much about trusting God and am blessed to say that God is the healer!
I love the way God ministers to me through other people's anointed writings. Praise God for the different gifts and talents He gives each of us!
on Saturday, June 2, 2012 at 12:36 am
A Praying Life by Paul E. Miller
Resolution for Women by Priscilla Shirer
Passionate Prayer (both versions) by Catherine Martin
Feasts of Faith - Finding Jesus in the Jewish Feasts by Dallas and Carl Paetzold
Sitting at the Feet of Rabbi Jesus by Ann Spangler and Lois Tverberg
On a lighter note for fiction I like the Grace Chapel Inn Series of books by various authors. Also fiction by Debbie Macomber
on Saturday, June 2, 2012 at 1:40 am
Platform-Get Noticed in a Noisy World by Michael Hyatt
Hearts of Fire-Eight Women in the Underground Church and Their Stories of Costly Faith - a VOM book
Sacred Influence-How God Uses Wives to Shape the Souls of Their Husbands by Gary Thomas
If You Bite & Devour One Another-Biblical Principles for Handling Conflict by Alexander Strauch
on Saturday, June 2, 2012 at 7:48 am
Brokenness by Nancy Leigh DeMoss - because I need to be reminded of what God requires. I will start this one again today. I have the Trilogy on my KIndle app so I will probably end us reading the who trilogy before it's over.
on Monday, June 4, 2012 at 12:10 pm
on Monday, June 4, 2012 at 12:31 pm
The Life You've Always Wanted by John Ortberg. Just finished his other book, "If You Want to Walk on Water, You've Got to Get Out of the Boat."
Forgotten God - Frances Chan
How to Have a 48 Hour Day by Don Aslett (so I can read all the books I want to read!)
Have a New Teenager by Friday
From Good to Great in God's Eyes - Chip Ingram
Effective Parenting in a Defective World - Chip Ingram
A Confident Heart - Renee Swope
The Liver Cleansing Diet by Sandra Cabot
I have a lot more to add to my list now! Thanks for all the ideas!
on Tuesday, July 31, 2012 at 12:47 am