“Of making many books there is no end, and much study is a weariness of the flesh” (Ecclesiastes 12:12 ESV).
While I know that I am at risk of going against Solomon’s advice and recommending too many books, I would like to list several in response to the many requests I have received. These are all books that I have recommended in connection to our last two sermon series.
Books I recommended during our “Faith and Family” series…
… on parenting:
Shepherding a Child’s Heart by Dr. Tedd Tripp
This is one of the best books on parenting from a biblical perspective that I have in my library. Dr. Tripp teaches parents how to aim their efforts at heart change, rather just behavior change. We want more than just good kids, we want saved kids. Dr. Tripp teaches us how.
Don’t Make Me Count to Three by Ginger Hubbard
In a book that Hubbard refers to as “a mom’s look at heart-oriented discipline,” she follows Dr. Tripp’s approach, while offering even more specific discipline strategies for moms. For those that want more than theory, this book is as practical as they come.
Leading Kids to Jesus: How to Have One-on-One Conversations about Faith by David Staal
So many parents have question about this topic. Staal addresses questions of when and how to have spiritual conversations that your child can understand. Every Christian parent should read this book.
…on marriage:
Now You’re Speaking My Language: Honest Communication and Deeper Intimacy for a Stronger Marriage by Dr. Gary Chapman
Dr. Chapman, also the author of The Five Love Languages, offers a very helpful book on communication in marriage. In my experience, poor communication is the number one cause of marital distress.
Grace Filled Marriage by Tim Kimmel
Kimmel, who has also written an excellent book entitled, Grace Filled Parenting, has written a very helpful book for couples that helps them understand the importance of grace and forgiveness in their marriage. A marriage without grace will eventually lead to bitterness.
…on singleness:
Singleness: How to Be Single and Satisfied by June Hunt
I found Hunt’s book to be very helpful in preparing my sermon on how singles can live spiritually fulfilling lives. I think our singles will find this book very encouraging.
Redeeming Singleness: How the Storyline of Scripture Affirms the Single Life by Barry Danylak
Our church has often overlooked the singles in our fellowship, but we are trying to change. Reading books like this helps. Danylak makes a very insightful case for the biblical significance of singleness.
Books I recommended during our “The Rhythm of Prayer” series…
Prayer: Finding the Heart’s True Home by Richard Foster
Foster’s book is one of the most helpful on prayer that I have in my library. His insightful way of organizing types of prayers according to three prayer movements is particularly encouraging. Read this book to change your prayer life and to learn new ways of praying.
Prayer: Experiencing Awe and Intimacy with God by Timothy Keller
Keller writes as a pastor to his flock, but also as an academic to his students. This book is both for the one who needs help in their prayer life and also for the one who would understand the purpose and practices of prayer more fully. A very readable and helpful book.
Fresh Encounters: Experiencing Transformation Through United Worship-Based Prayer by Daniel Henderson
My son, Stephen, recommended this book to me. I took it on my first of the year study break. It was the inspiration for our prayer series and prayer emphasis for this season. Henderson has convinced me that our church needs to grow in its commitment to corporate prayer, not just teaching on prayer, but actually spending time together in prayer.
Well, that’s all for now. I hope these books are an encouragement to you as you seek to grow in your faith.