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What’s on your nightstand? July ‘12

Not much has changed since my June nightstand. The summer has been too packed to include much reading.

Here are the updates:

Just started

Living-Jesus-by-Randy-HarrisLiving Jesus: Doing What Jesus Says in the Sermon on the Mount
   by Randy Harris
I’ve heard Randy speak several times, so I was right in assuming his book would be humorous yet insightful and deep. Did Jesus really intend that we live out what he was preaching? Yes, he did! 

By-Grace-AloneBy Grace Alone: How the Grace of God Amazes Me 
   by Sinclair B. Ferguson
I know; another book on grace. What can I say? I’m loving grace. I’m on chapter three of this short seven chapter book, organized around the first seven stanzas of Emmanuel T. Sibomana’s hymn, “O How the Grace of God Amazes Me.”

Why a book on “How the grace of God amazes me”? For one reason: not all Christians find it so amazing.

Being amazed by God’s grace is a sign of spiritual vitality. It is a litmus test of how firm and real is our grasp of the Christian gospel and how close is our walk with Jesus Christ. The growing Christian finds that the grace of God astonishes and amazes.

...A chief reason for the weakness of the Christian church in the West, for the poverty of our witness and any lack of vitality in our worship, probably lies here: we sing about “amazing grace” and speak of “amazing grace,” but far too often it has ceased to amaze us. Sadly, we might more truthfully sing of “accustomed grace.” We have lost the joy and energy that are experienced when grace seems truly amazing.

Still reading

52 Lies Heard in Church Every Sunday: And Why the Truth Is So Much Better
   by Steve McVey
And still loving every single chapter.

The Blue Parakeet: Rethinking How You Read the Bible 
   by Scot McKnight

Hell: A Final Word 
   by Edward Fudge

Through Painted Deserts 
   by Donald Miller

Finished from June’s nightstand

Stopping Stress before It Stops You
   by Dr. Kevin Leman
It was fine, but nothing earth-shattering. I think we all know what to do; it’s actually getting us to do it that’s the problem. Prioritize. Slow down. Stop trying to do it all. Nonetheless, it was still a good reminder.

You Are a Writer
by Jeff Goins
This was the free book I chose from my trial month with Amazon’s Prime membership. Unfortunately, when my membership expired, so did my notes. But my prime takeaway is encouragement to keep writing. And keep reading Jeff’s blog; he inspires.

The Hidden Life of Prayer
   by David McIntyre
A short classic on the importance of prayer. I read it with Challie’s Reading Classics Together. I always enjoy Tim’s picks. I’m sure another is coming soon.

UPDATE: Challies announced The Discipline of Grace by Jerry Bridges is the next book to read together. Couldn’t be happier with that choice! Get your copy now (great deals listed here) and finish chapter 1 by August 9.

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What book have you enjoyed lately?

We’re sharing reading lists here.

What's on Your Nightstand at _5 minutes for Books_

Comments (7)

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"...we sing about 'amazing grace' and speak of 'amazing grace,' but far too often it has ceased to amaze us. Sadly, we might more truthfully sing of 'accustomed grace.'"

So very true and challenging. Reminds me of the importance of stopping to simply meditate on God's grace, to revel in it, to enjoy it--instead of just moving on to the next thing.

My recent post Hoping for rain
1 reply · active 667 weeks ago
Exactly. To be amazed requires us to notice. And how can we notice when we're moving so fast?
My recent post What’s on your nightstand? July ‘12
Had to go back in to add "Living Jesus". I forgot I had started it during the plane rides to and from El Salvador. And I'm almost finished if that tells you anything about the delays and flights we had. :-)
My recent post What’s on your nightstand? July ‘12
Earlier this year, I pulled that Bridges book from Allen's shelves as a to-read. Maybe now is the time. I *love* that the Lord is emphasizing grace in your heart and reading right now. Welcome back. Grace to you for the re-entry roller coaster.
My recent post The Lord Is Peace {Names of God}
1 reply · active 667 weeks ago
I've been wondering if I have the grace book somewhere too. Possibly hidden on my Kindle "shelves"...

Thanks for the welcome back. You always have the sweetest and most encouraging words for me. I appreciate you.
My recent post Who do you follow?
So, Living Jesus and By Grace Alone look great! Also, I saw earlier what the Challies new book was and thought of you. I may just join in this time!

Amy @ Missional Mama
I haven't joined in with Challies book readings yet, but I am thinking about it this time.
My recent post Friday’s Fave Five

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