Why not turn off the TV one night this week and start reading a good book from our church library? Here’s a few samples:
10,000 Reasons by Matt Redman
This easy-to-read book contains many real life stories of people who have gone through trials and tragedies but chose to put their faith and hope in God, having been inspired by this well-known worship song. It gives some background behind the creation of this song, as well as revealing some of the sufferings in Matt’s own life. The last chapter is very profitable, about the spiritual process of songwriting. Hugely encouraging and thoroughly recommended!
Building a home away from home by Catherine Shelton
This book is written for ex-pats (Christian or not) who plan to live abroad for a while, before returning to the UK. It’s full of practical wisdom which Julian and Catherine have gleaned from the 11 years they spent in a remote part of southern Russia (with three children). The chapters are short, pithy, and laced with humour. It also healthily challenges some of our norms in UK life which we don’t question. For most of us, this book provides a window into another world.
Face to face with Jesus by Saama Habib
An extremist bombs a church in the Middle East, during a service. The one door in the back isn’t big enough for the 500 people to escape. Some are killed but one 19-year old woman comes back to life … What follows is the riveting true story of new life, persecution, and yet forgiveness and love shown by Saama to her persecutors. What hit me hardest in reading this amazing story was the intense love this woman had for Jesus, which seemed to be in direct proportion to her persecution.
There are no ordinary people by Jeff Lucas
Can God use our everyday lives in extraordinary ways? Jeff Lucas believes He can and uses the not-so-well-known Biblical character of Barnabas (‘son of encouragement’) to make the point. Refreshingly honest, filled with Jeff’s brilliant combination of wisdom and humour, this shows God’s grace in using broken people (like us all!). If you read nothing else in this book, please read the last chapter (‘Plan your funeral’) and the epilogue (‘It’s never too late’). Both of them are only three pages long, the former summing up so well the previous chapters.
Peter Gill
