Brianna Lambert asserts that God made us not just to work but to enjoy created things. She outlines “10 kinds of hobbyists based on the deeper joys that drive them, exploring a wide range of playful activities and outlining how they benefit us and others. She even lists pitfalls to watch for in each category. If, like me, you sometimes battle the need to feel “productive,” or you balk at the thought of being “lazy,” this book may feel freeing. Or, if you have been seeking new ways to rest, spend your free time, or cut down on social media usage, this is a worthwhile read. Maybe it will inspire new ways to express the creativity God instilled in you.

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This is the kind of book I like to read when I want to remind myself of God’s greatness. Although I have committed my life to him, it is all too easy to get caught up in the muck and mire of life, forgetting how awesome, powerful, and amazing God is. As author Jackie Hill Perry dives into God’s holiness, she helps readers understand that trust in God grows as we learn to appreciate his “otherness.” In reminding us all the ways that God is completely different and above us, Hill helps us deepen our sense of awe and wonder.

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Having read Kevin Burrell’s faith/bird essays, I knew I would fall in love with his book, and I did. Considering Sparrows is absolutely delightful! The bird stories are fascinating and entertaining, and Burrell creatively ties together lessons learned from birds to biblical truths from the book of Philippians. He even adds a solid dose of humor (loved the mallard story!). All around, a wonderful book that would also make a great gift. Burrell has a free study guide on his website, making it easy to use the book for group study.

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Matthew Bingham’s rich dive into the roots of reformed Christianity offers relatable, practical wisdom for growing in spiritual maturity. Bingham confidently and positively addresses criticisms of Protestantism and clears up misconceptions about our oft-maligned Puritan ancestors’ impact on the faith. A Heart Aflame for God inspires a desire to practice Bible reading, biblical meditation, and prayer with greater diligence and hopeful expectation. This ranks as one of my favorite books!

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In this follow-up to their memoir, Hope Heals, Jay and Katherine Wolf offer encouragement for Christians living in the space between expectations and reality. They know that space well, having personally navigated it together since Katherine’s debilitating stroke at age 26. With the clear-eyed realism that comes from suffering, the Wolfs share authentic comfort grounded in biblical truth.

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It can be tempting to think of Ecclesiastes as the “depressing” book of the Bible, with its assertions that “everything is meaningless.” But Bobby Jamieson thoughtfully challenges that notion. He shows us how Ecclesiastes offers surprising and freeing answers to questions about life’s meaning and purpose, and it points readers to where we will find true and lasting joy. This book is rich and thought-provoking, and beautifully-written.

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Jared Wilson shares sound biblical teachings and vulnerable personal stories to show readers “how God’s perfect love fills our deepest longing” to be fully known, yet loved anyway. But this is not just a book about being loved - it is about how God made us to love him and how his love enables us to love others well.

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Kristin Couch shares real-life examples of “the fruit of the Spirit” in this sweet book. From a kind neighbor to a gentle grandfather to a patient family friend - her stories beautifully illustrate how the Holy Spirit quietly works to make us more like Christ. Combined with relevant Scripture reflections, Couch’s book is an encouraging read for anyone frustrated with the sometimes slow pace of sanctification.

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As Christians, the work of our lives is staying the course of faith through seasons of suffering, waiting, doubting, busyness. And though the Holy Spirit empowers us, perseverance requires something of us: our daily, faithful intention to follow and trust God, no matter what is happening in and around us. Glenna offers practical and biblical advice to help us along the way.

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Paul David Tripp knows his topic well from navigating life with a debilitating kidney disease for years. Recognizing that our lowest times make us vulnerable to spiritual drift, he aims to encourage sufferers to be alert and seek comfort in God’s grace when suffering. Writing with honesty and spiritual clarity, Tripp offers sound theological guidance, biblical comfort, and compassionate empathy to readers. I especially benefited from his thought-provoking list of the things we bring to our suffering that increase our pain.

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To dive into the deep end of systematic theology, read Wayne Grudem’s dense textbook. It includes 1500+ detailed pages of Biblical doctrine, offering Christian writers an excellent resource on any topic. Grudem even includes life applications and worship resources.

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This timeless resource by respected theologian and pastor J. I. Packer simplifies complex theological concepts while promoting awareness of God’s holiness. The result is a helpful volume that inspires worship.

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Formatted as a daily devotional, this book by Kevin DeYoung walks readers through 260 topics topics arranged by traditional systematic categories of doctrine. It is like a mini (and accessible) introduction to theology course. It is a palatable way to wade into challenging and complex topics of the Christian faith.

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Hansen's books are a pleasure to read, even when covering complex topics like anger, because of the trademark humor woven into his message. In Unoffendable, he offers thought-provoking reasons why Christians should stop assuming their anger is “righteous” and practical wisdom for embracing Christ-like humility, gratitude, and forgiveness instead.

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Some people call this the best book about humility ever written. Author Andrew Murray has packed valuable riches and wisdom into this short and concise book, offering a compelling explanation for why humility is such a critical virtue. He then traces back all the wretchedness of humanity to the root of pride and explains why Christ is the only antidote and cure. Every Christian should read this book.

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A fairly short but nourishing book by one of the best-known theologians of the past century. Tozer may not have been a very present husband or father, but he passionately pursued knowing and preaching God throughout his life. His goal with this book (and perhaps his whole ministry)? “I want deliberately to encourage this mighty longing after God. The lack of it has brought us to our present low estate.” (p. 17) He speaks much truth in this meaty classic.

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We become sanctified or “set apart as holy” when we receive the gift of salvation. In this short but powerful book, David Powlison helps us understand the other side of sanctification - the process of growing into our holiness throughout the rest of life after salvation. And although we are not puppets in that process, we tend to overcomplicate it. Powlison helpfully addresses overgeneralizations and other problems that confuse Christians as we seek to grow into who we already are in Christ.

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Wow! Now, I understand why this book is such a classic. Knowing God is a rich and rewarding read. J.I. Packer has gifted the world with a thorough and thought-provoking treatment of what it means to know God in "real life," not just as a theological exercise. I particularly enjoyed the way the author unpacked God's attributes. Packer emphasizes that the study of God is for one reason: to know and enjoy God, not to be puffed up or for intellectual pursuit. And the more we know him, the more we can respond out of growing love and obedience. I read this book one chapter at a time, slowly digesting, processing, and taking notes, and I recommend that method due to its rich density. A study guide is also available.

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