I’m an avid reader, and after I read Christian living books, I will write a review and post it to my website.  It’s been a while since I’ve shared any of my book reviews with my Forsyth Family friends, so that’s the focus of this month’s column…. I recommend any and all of these books.  I hope you’ll read these and enjoy them as much as I did, and mostly—I hope they will challenge you as they’ve challenged me.

Groeschel, Craig. Dangerous Prayers.

I was terrified of this book.  It’s a heavy topic— prayer.  And then you add the word “Dangerous” to the title and it’s no joke.  This book will jar your prayer life.  It’s going to challenge you and make you take a long, hard look at the way you approach prayer.  It’s a call to action kind of book and one that will challenge you to pray with more boldness and confidence than you can imagine.

Kendrick, Stephen and Alex. Defined.

In a world that tells us to “be ourselves” and “find ourselves,” the truth is—we’re already defined.  While many look to self-help books to explain themselves to themselves, all the answers are in Scripture.  Specifically, this book is a deep-dive study in the book of Ephesians.  The authors do a brilliant job of explaining how to find our identity in Christ.

Laurie, Greg. Jesus Revolution: How God Transformed an Unlikely Generation and How He Can Do It Again Today.

This book is part historical, part autobiographical. And 100% about the power of the Holy Spirit.  Our world needs revival in the worst way.  By taking us on a nostalgic journey back to the Jesus Movement revival of the 60s and 70s, Pastor Greg shows how limitless the Holy Spirit is…. He reminds us of how much the Holy Spirit can do with a few willing hearts, even if they may seem to be ill-equipped and unqualified.  For those who are praying for revival—this is a must read.

Lucado, Max. Jesus: The God Who Knows Your Name.

This book goes section by section into Jesus’ life and reminds the reader of who we are in the eyes of God.  We have a Creator who is deeply invested in us and our lives.  So much so, that He purposely experienced life with us so that He can relate to all the feelings and emotions we have.  Jesus knows us and He wants us to know Him.  This book invites us to do just that.

Millard, Bart. I Can Only Imagine.

I Can Only Imagine is an amazing story focused on Bart Millard, the lead singer for the Christian band, MercyMe!  His story, and relationship with his father, is an incredible testimony to the grace and forgiveness of God! The writing tends to be so honest and so real. By the last page, you feel like Bart has been personally telling you his story. Best of all—he credits God with every miracle in his life. A powerful testimony and great book!

Stewart, Don. The Rapture: The Blessed Hope of the Church.

For months, I looked for a book that would explain the various views of the “Rapture.” The author has done an incredible job of outlining the various points of view. Each chapter includes the belief and the basis of the belief…then, it outlines the Biblical problems and objections to said belief. While I am still a believer in the “Pre-Tribulation Rapture,” this book has helped me understand other points of view.

TerKeurst, Lysa. Forgiving What You Can’t Forget.

In 2019, I heard Lysa was writing a book on forgiveness and I was especially excited, since that was my 2019 Word of the Year. Like every Lysa-book, it’s a book filled with her personal testimony and honest truth.  She is vulnerable and shares her own experience with forgiveness, while pointing us back to Scripture and practical applications of it to apply to our lives.

Wallace, J. Warner. Cold-Case Christianity: A Homicide Detective Investigates the Claims of the Gospels.

For a girl who loves real-life mysteries and “Forensic Files,” finding a faith-based book written by a cold-case homicide detective was a huge win. And I absolutely loved it. The author has applied his experience in forensics to analyze the validity of the Gospels. I really don’t know how any skeptic could read this book and walk away with doubt. It’s a thorough review of every aspect and argument for or against Scripture. Detective Wallace has left no stone unturned, and he has made a rock-solid case for the claims of Christianity.

For a full list of my recommended reading, visit www.MyGraceFullLife.com and click on “Reading List.”