Summer Reading

From the earliest days I recall going to the public library with my family and checking out books. There was always such excitement to have all the shelves filled with books, and I got to take some home! The anticipation of the worlds my selections would take me, the places I would go and the people I would meet never got old.

Still to this day I love to read for many of the very same reasons. I hope and pray you do as well. One of my biggest frustrations is checking out a new book, or receiving that wonderful Amazon package with the newest arrival to only be disappointed with its content. Sadly, I have more castoff books than I would like to admit. Those books that I will never read again, nor share with anyone. That’s why I’ve always loved reading list. Recommendations from individuals I trust.

Many of my friends and church family know my love of reading, as well as my goal of completing a book a week, so I get asked often what I’m reading. Well…here’s my Summer reading list with a few that I have recently completed or current reads. Enjoy…and happy reading.

Jerry Bridges, The Pursuit of Holiness (NavPress)
 

Let’s be honest, any book by Jerry Bridges is a must read. I’ve read this volume many times, and have done so again, recently. “Be holy, for I am holy,” commands God. But holiness is something that is often missed in the Christian’s daily life. According to Navigator author Jerry Bridges, that’s because we’re not exactly sure what our part in holiness is. In The Pursuit of Holiness, he helps us see clearly just what we should rely on God to do―and what we should take responsibility for ourselves. As you deepen your relationship with God, learn more about His character, and understand the Holy Spirit’s role in holiness, your spiritual growth will mature.

Jared Cohen, Accidental Presidents: Eight Men Who Changed America (Simon and Schuster)


If you are a fan of American history and the Office of the President, I keep hearing this is a must read. I’m looking forward to diving in.
 
Rod Dreher, Live Not by Lies: A Manual for Christian Dissidents (Penguin)


This volume has been recommended to me by more than one friend. Looking forward to completing it in the days ahead. Here’s a little blurb to help you get the idea of the book.

In Live Not by Lies, Dreher amplifies the alarm sounded by the brave men and women who fought totalitarianism. He explains how the totalitarianism facing us today is based less on overt violence and more on psychological manipulation. He tells the stories of modern-day dissidents--clergy, laity, martyrs, and confessors from the Soviet Union and the captive nations of Europe--who offer practical advice for how to identify and resist totalitarianism in our time.

Raymond Edman, They Found the Secret: 20 Transformed Lives that Reveal a Touch of Eternity (Zondervan)


The Holy Spirit of God is often misunderstood, yet His work in our lives is crucial to living on purpose and for great purpose. I hate to admit this, but a copy of this book has set on my reading stack for years. This is the summer to complete it.

Tim Keller, How to Reach the West Again: Six Essential Elements of a Missionary Encounter (Redeemer City)


We are living in a post Christian culture, not only is there added benefit in society to living as a follower of Christ, there can be an actual cost. Our call as believers is not to retreat, but to advance His kingdom. Looking forward to learning at the feet of a man that has lived this in New York City for years.

Andy Stanley, Better Decisions, Fewer Regrets: 5 Questions to Help You Determine Your Next Move (Zondervan)


This is one of the better books I’ve read in the past few months. After 20 years of pastoral ministry, nothing is more heartbreaking than sitting across the room from fellow believers who’ve really messed their lives up and hurt those they love the most by making bad decisions. In this volume, you will learn 5 questions every Christian should ask as you make decisions.

Abigail Shrier, Irreversible Damage: The Transgender Craze Seducing Our Daughters (Regnery)


This is a well-researched and up to date volume on one of the timeliest topics of our day. As a Pastor, dad, and follower of Christ I want to think distinctively Christian in this area. Although, not written from a Christian perspective, I’m looking forward to gaining wisdom.

Marshall Foster, The American Covenant, The Untold Story (Nordskog)


Recommended by a friend, this book will acquaint you with the Christian underpinnings of our nation that birthed the American experiment of, “one nation, under God, indivisible, for liberty and justice for all.
 
Jimmy and Kristin Scroggins, Full Circle Parenting: A Guide for Crucial Conversations (B&H)


I’ve only just begun to read this new volume and it’s already giving me some great insights into parenting. For one, he explains how to use the 3 Circles evangelism tool in your parenting.

Pastor Chris Williams
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