Reading List (November 2013)

I finished all 3 books I was reading/started last month, and I read 2 more short ones and have started on the next ones! :-D  My goal now is about one book a week, although I tend to read multiple books at once! However, I am reminding myself not to neglect my Bible reading (or do a little less because I’m reading other things). Bible first!!! Also, this month I am doing a 30-day devotional from the back of Nancy Leigh DeMoss’ book Choosing Gratitude. Very appropriate for November! 

Recently Finished:

The Power of Prayer in a Believer’s Life by C.H. Spurgeon.

Excellent! Very convicting. J I love reading Spurgeon, I am so inspired by his passion! Favorite quote:  “If you would reach to something higher than ordinary experience, look to the Rock that is higher than you, and look with the eye of faith through the windows of importunate prayer. To grow in experience, there must be much prayer.”

The Gospel Call & True Conversion by Paul Washer.

A very solid Biblical exploration of conversion and what the life of a true believer should look like. Really thorough explanations on what it means to believe, receive Christ, and receiving Him as Savior AND Lord, what regeneration is (chapter 9), and the whole book is packed with God’s promises to complete His work that He began in us.

Favorite quote: “The goal of the Christian life is the pursuit of an intimate knowledge of God that leads to a greater estimation of His worth, a greater satisfaction and joy in His person, and a greater giving of oneself for His glory. As the old catechism states, ‘Man’s chief end is to glorify God and enjoy Him forever’.” p. 16-17

When People Are Big and God is Small by Edward T. Welch.

This is a really helpful, practical book! This was my 2^nd time reading this one! It’s a great resource for helping you see God as greater than yourself and your feelings, as well as other people, trials and circumstances. I highly recommend it!

Favorite quote: “To look to Christ to meet our perceived psychological needs is to Christianize our lusts. We are asking God to give us what we want so we can feel better about ourselves, or so we can have more happiness, not holiness, in our lives.”

The Freedom of Self-Forgetfulness by Tim Keller.*

Short little book, but excellent! I SO need to think about myself less!

Favorite quote:  “The essence of Gospel-humility is not thinking more of myself or thinking less of myself, it is thinking of myself less.”

Trusting the Shepherd – Insights from Psalm 23 by Haddon Robinson*

Another short book – a really insightful exploration of the 23^rd Psalm.

Favorite quote: “We don’t need courage to fight our own spiritual battles. We have an enemy not made of blood and flesh, an enemy we cannot see or touch. He is an enemy who would destroy us if he could. What kind of courage does a Christian need? We need courage to trust the Shepherd. If we know that He is nearby, we simply trust ourselves to Him and go back to grazing again. And that takes courage!” (p. 70)

Currently Reading:

The Hobbit by J.R. Tolkien*

A Gospel Primer by Milton Vincent*

Are Miraculous Gifts For Today? – Four Views by Wayne Grudem

Addictions – A Banquet in the Grave by Edward T. Welch* (I’m reading this as a study with a friend, so it may take longer to get through.)

Next books I want to read:

Jefferson Lies – exposing the myths you’ve always believed about Thomas Jefferson by David Barton

Hole in Our Holiness by Kevin DeYoung

The Bookends of the Christian Life by Jerry Bridges

Accidental Pharisees – Avoiding Pride, Exclusivity, and Other Dangers of Overzealous Faith by Larry Osborne

*an addition from last month’s log.