12 Faithful Women, edited by Melissa Kruger and
Kristen Wetherell

Biographies have never been my go-to genre, but I resolved to read more of them after doing Well-Watered Women's Confident study. It taught me the value of looking to those who've gone before me and considering: what glimpse of God were they privileged to receive through their particular circumstances? This book is a window into the lives of women who endured persecution, loss, imprisonment, chronic pain, and more, yet remained steadfast by holding to their steadfast God. Through each testimony, different facets of God's good, unchanging character come vividly into view, and each story displays how God uses suffering to deepen our relationship with him and make us more like Christ. It’s a beautiful compilation about women who knew what it looked like to count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ, and it will inspire you to do the same. —Abbey, Copy Editor + Ministry Assistant

The Chronicles of Narnia Box Set by C.S. Lewis

At the age of thirty-two, I finally read the classic fantasy series The Chronicles of Narnia by C.S. Lewis. I read the stories of the Pevensie children’s adventures one by one, and God ignited my imagination and drew me closer to his heart with each page. I didn’t grow up a reader, and honestly, I felt embarrassed to admit it had taken me three decades of life to read this series. Nevertheless, you’ll find me encouraging everyone—adults and children—to read these books so that their faith might be invigorated through these stories.
—Gretchen, Founder

The Common Rule by Justin Whitmel Earley

I purchased this book for my husband after listening to an interview with the author. It arrived three days before his birthday, and I couldn’t help myself—I read the introduction, then the first chapter, then the next. After my husband unwrapped it, I finished it while he worked. Earley’s wisdom cuts through the cultural moment with humility and honesty, holding out accessible habits to form our hearts—not conformed to the ways of this world, but transformed by prioritizing a lifestyle of purpose, of living in accordance with what we confess to believe and be in Christ. —Lauren, Content Editor

Enjoying God by Tim Chester

Do you like God? This is the question Tim Chester asks, and it’s one I’ve found myself contemplating frequently since I first read those words. I know a good bit about God. I love and respect him. But do I enjoy him? Chester encourages his reader to stop thinking about our Creator as a distant and impersonal force and instead to think of him as the three persons with whom we can have a relationship. He encourages us to understand the role the Trinity plays in our lives and how each person of the Trinity helps us to experience an intimate relationship with God. If your faith feels dry or dutiful right now, this book will open your eyes to all the ways you can enjoy fellowship with God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit. —Whitney, President

Habits of Grace by David Mathis

For anyone who can find themselves falling into earning mode or checklist mentality when it comes to spiritual disciplines, Habits of Grace will help. David Mathis groups the spiritual disciplines into three primary categories: hearing God's voice (his Word), having his ear (prayer), and belonging to his body (fellowship). He highlights how each one is intended to draw us deeper into relationship with God. Each chapter details a different discipline and gives a simple but thorough overview, focusing more on purpose and practical application than technique or prescriptive method. Mathis' book both compels you and gives you the tools you need to regularly position yourself within the three channels through which God pours out his grace.
—Abbey, Copy Editor + Ministry Assistant

The Hiding Place by Corrie ten Boom

My world turned upside down when I read The Hiding Place by Corrie ten Boom. After being captured for hiding Jewish people during the German occupation, Corrie, her father, and her sister Betsie entered prison and later a concentration camp with only the Word to light the darkest place imaginable. At the invitation of this Dutch family, I witnessed a glimpse of God, suffering, and faith that profoundly affected my perspective and empowered my hope and my endurance. The sisters and their stories continue to be my companions in my times of trial. —Lauren, Content Editor

Jesus Through the Eyes of Women: How the First Female Disciples Help Us Know and Love the Lord by Rebecca McLaughlin

Rebecca McLaughlin takes her readers through the Gospel accounts to demonstrate that contrary to popular opinion, Jesus’ treatment of women was radical and countercultural. More than just presenting evidence of Jesus’ high view of women, McLaughlin uses Scripture to demonstrate the depth of love and care Jesus showed for women through his interactions depicted in the Gospel accounts. If you’ve ever doubted whether God truly cares for you, as a woman or just as an individual, this book will encourage your heart and leave you marveling at the great love of our Savior. —Whitney, President

Once Upon a Wardrobe by Patti Callahan

This fictional novel incorporates true events from the life of C.S. Lewis into the fictional story of a woman coming of age. I not only learned so much I didn’t know about C.S. Lewis’ early life and how it shaped his future writings (especially The Chronicles of Narnia), but I also felt compelled to consider my own redemption story and how God used it to prepare me for the work he has called me to do. —Maggie, Content Director

Praying the Bible by Donald Whitney

When I first picked up this book, I thought it would be trivial simply because it’s short. Despite its meager length, this book is packed with biblical wisdom and practical tips to help grow your prayer life. I often feel paralyzed in prayer—either having too much or too little to say. Donald Whitney is both relatable and helpful, and this book helped open my eyes to the simplicity and beauty of fellowship with the Father in prayer.
—Sarah, Fulfillment Specialist

Rembrandt Is in the Wind by Russ Ramsey

I read this book when I was walking through postpartum depression. Everything around me seemed to be shadowed by an abrupt end to my pregnancy, health complications, and the overwhelm that burdened my soul. My husband brought this book home for me on one of those dark days, and as I began to read, God shone a light of hope on my heart. Russ Ramsey is not only an excellent writer but also a man of wisdom. This book will surprise you as you learn about the stories behind famous painters, and it will stir your heart to know and love Christ more! —Gretchen, Founder 

Sitting at the Feet of Rabbi Jesus by Ann Spangler
and Lois Tverberg

This book helped me understand how to view the Bible within the context of the Jewish culture in which Jesus taught. I learned so much and constantly found myself exclaiming, “I can’t believe I never knew this!” on almost every page. This book deepened my love for God’s Word and inspired me to keep digging in daily, living as a true disciple of Christ. —Taylor, Staff Writer 

The Wonder-Working God by Jared Wilson

It was the introduction that immediately hooked me. Jared Wilson proposes that the miracles of Christ in the New Testament didn’t turn things upside down but rather right-side up. The many miracles he performed weren’t for the sole benefit of helping people but more for making a statement about who he is and what he has the power to do. Oftentimes I catch myself asking God for a miracle, not because it praises him but because it serves me. This book reshaped how I read the Gospels and think about miracles in my own life.
—Sarah, Fulfillment Specialist

 

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