What I’m Reading

Several friends have posted lists of what they are currently reading and I have gotten some great suggestions, so I thought I would tell you what I’m currently reading. Hopefully you’ll find some of them interesting too. I’m not listing them in any specific order.

“Believing God for His Best – How to Marry Contentment and Singleness” by Bill Thrasher

No, I’m not single, but I was until I was 38, so I have a lot of empathy for young (and not so young) ladies who struggle with the age-old questions: How and when will I ever meet the right person? Has the Lord forgotten me?

I also have two daughters, ages 19 and almost 21, who have made a commitment to courtship. They would both like to marry and be wives and mothers someday. Now, I would not like them to marry. Just not too soon, since we are really enjoying having them home, but I too look forward to the day when they will be wives and mothers and I will be a grandmother.

The author didn’t marry until he was 36, so he too had a taste of singleness. His dedication really tells you what the book is about, and I quote:

“Dedicated to every single who desires to maximize their time of singleness for the Lord and discern God’s wisdom in regard to a marriage partner.”

“Dedicated to every caring parent who desires to protect their children from scarring their lives before marriage and shepherd their children to wait on God for His will, person, and timing for a marriage partner.”

“Dedicated to every caring person who desires to honor Christ by esteeming singles and esteeming marriage.”

If you fall into any of these categories, this book is a must read. It can be found at Christian Book Distributors.

Believing God For His Best: How to Marry Contentment and Singleness By Bill Thrasher / Moody PublishersThis book is a personal story that will walk you through the author’s journey of singleness, and ultimate decision to marry. The anecdotal style, coupled with godly wisdom is sure to inspire singles and provide fresh insight for those in need of encouragement.

The second book I am reading is “Created to be His Help Meet” by Debi Pearl.

Yes, yes, I know this book has been controversial, but…in my humble opinion, it is one of the best books on marriage I’ve ever read. In fact, this is my second time through it and I’m still learning. I don’t agree with everything she writes, but then I find that I seldom agree with everything in most books. What I like about this book is that it challenges me to rethink my ideas on marriage, submission, obedience to God and my husband, and a myriad of other topics that we as wives struggle with. One thing I’ve found, especially during my second reading, is that some of the things I disagreed with the most were things that I think are true, but I just didn’t want to do.

I also like the fact that Debi doesn’t pull punches, she tells it like it is. She calls sin, sin and doesn’t allow me to get around it by calling it by a nicer name. Yes, you need to be ready to read a book like this. I’ve had a love/hate relationship with it for several years now, but it keeps me thinking and seeking the Lord about my actions in my marriage. For me that is good and very necessary.

It’s one of the books we plan to have our daughters read before they marry.

You can find out more about the book and order it at: http://www.ngj.org

The next book we are reading as a family. We all read a chapter and discuss it one evening a week. It’s “Reclaiming Surrendered Ground” by Jim Logan. The subtitle is “Protecting your family from Spiritual attacks”.

We were reminded in a very painful way last November that we really do have an enemy that seeks to: steal, kill, and destroy (John 10:10). Without much notice we found that we were facing a very real adversary like it says in I Peter 5:8 – “Your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour”.

Mr. Logan gives very practical help to families who are facing such a battle. He takes you step-by-step through the process of reclaiming ground that you may have given over to the enemy and teaches you how to walk in the freedom the Lord has purchased for each of us.

You can find out more about this book and Mr. Logan’s ministry at: Affiliate code for Reclaiming Surrendered Ground

Reclaiming Surrendered Ground By Jim Logan / Moody PublishersSometimes Christians forget they have an enemy. But let your guard down for just a moment and Satan – ever watchful for an opportunity – is waiting to attack not just you but your family as well. Jim Logan shows how Christ alone can save your home from the destructive powers of bitterness, unforgiveness, pride, and anger.

The last book I’m reading is Crown Financial Ministries Biblical Financial Study.

We are taking this ten week class as a family. We first read, “Your Money Counts” and are now doing the weekly Bible Study. The purpose for the Crown study is to teach people God’s financial principles in order to know Christ more intimately and to be free to serve Him.

You can find out more about this seminar at: http://www.Crown.org.

Since all of the above are pretty heavy reading, I’ll throw in another we are doing as a family.  We found out that Randy Alcorn – author of many of our family’s favorites – loves the old Nero Wolf mysteries, so we’ve started to get them out of the library and read them together. We are real avid mystery fans and have already devoured every Sherlock Holmes story we can find, as well as Father Gilbert, Miss Marple, and Mrs. Polifax, so we are glad to have another author to explore.

I feel compelled to mention a few of our Randy Alcorn favorites here:

Lord Foulgrin’s Letters and The Ishbane Conspiracy 2 Volumes By Randy Alcorn

The Ishbane Conspiracy By Randy AlcornSneak a peek over the enemy’s shoulder as Lord Foulgrin describes his plan to capture the souls of four young friends. Picture-perfect Jillian is terrified of getting hurt. Tough-talking Brittany trusts nobody. Successful athlete Ian dabbles in the occult. And former gang member Rob struggles with old guilt and new faith. Will they resist temptation? 300 pages, softcover from Multnomah.

Deadline/Dominion, 2 Pack By Randy Alcorn

Safely Home By Randy Alcorn“Is this the day I die?” wonders Li Quan as he endures persecution for his faith. Half a world away his college buddy, businessman Ben Fielding, steps on the plane to China. Reunited after 20 years, both men face decisions that will determine their destinies—and the fates of their nations and the world. 400 pages, softcover from Tyndale.

That’s my list! I hope you find something to pique your interest. Please feel free to e-mail me if you have questions or need more information. Let me know what you are reading, too.

Finding Joy in the Journey,
Phyllis

Phyllis Sather
Proclaiming God’s Faithfulness at:
http://www.Phyllis-Sather.com
© 2007 Phyllis Sather
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Contact me at: Phyllis@Phyllis-Sather.com