Book Check

If you were the greasy haired bully in the third grade, and you were to "book check" me lately, here are the books you would scatter on the floor--for these are the books I've just recently finished:

Shepherding a Child's Heart by Tedd Tripp

Incredible book! I received this one through my nouthetic counseling classes. I was confronted with how often I discipline because of annoyance or embarrassment. Tripp reminds you that no matter how young, and how cute, the parent is still called to shepherd the child's soul. A great compassionate guide for exposing the sin in your child and calling them to fall at the foot of the cross.

The Priest with Dirty Clothes by RC Sproul.

About the time I finished Tripp's book, my mother bought me Sproul's for my birthday. So many people struggle to understand "the great exchange"--that on Calvary, Christ takes our sin upon Him and offers us His righteousness. Sproul writes a childrens' story that allows a mother or father to teach this principle to their children. The book is listed for ages 6-10, but my 4 and 2 year old enjoy it. [My mother said the only way she located a copy was through Ligonier's Canadian ministry.]

The Treasure Principle by Randy Alcorn

I'm looking at doing a summer sermon series on Giving, Finances and Stewardship. I'd heard many people recommend this book, so I thought it would be a good place to start. I began the book at 9pm and was finished by 11:30! Actually, if I just bought a copy for everyone in the church, I probably wouldn't need to preach a sermon series.

Of course, I'm also reading through a couple commentaries on 1 John. Stotts was recommended by Derek Thomas and I do enjoy it. But the New American Commentary Series continues to be my favorite series, and I am enjoying Daniel Akin's work through 1,2,3 John. I'm also about a third of the way through Above All Earthly Powers by David F Wells. At this point, I'm loving it, and wondering why I don't hear it referenced more by those who love to tout postmodern ministry methods.