Some Unique Summer Reads

For all intents and purposes, summer is now upon us. If you're looking for some books to read that you've never flipped through before, one of these six might fit the bill. I've chosen these because each of them is unique in the content presented, the way the content is presented, or (most often) both. Enjoy your summer break!

The Quest for Meekness and Quietness of Spirit by Matthew Henry

I picked up this book a couple of years ago when I was looking for something that specifically explained what it means to live a quiet Christian life (a la 1 Thessalonians 4:11-12). This work didn't quite fit that bill, but what I found inside was nonetheless worthy of the purchase. I read the original, in Matthew Henry's Puritanical English style--and I don't regret that. However, there is now a version with modern English that may be better for you.

Here's the synopsis of the original work:

The author here pleads with us to avail ourselves of the "ornament of a meek and quiet spirit" and to apply this precious and comely grace in all our contacts in everyday living. No message could be more practical or fitting for this age, when the world, more than ever, is too much with us. This is a deep and tender, altogether winsome plea. Would you know the nature, excellence, and application of this meekness and quietness? Come then with the author to Him who said " . . . learn of me, for I am meek and lowly" And all the world will see and know that we have been with Jesus. Living and dying, let us be found among the "quiet in the land" We all wish to see quiet families, and quiet churches, and quiet neighborhoods, and quiet nations; and it will be so if there be quiet hearts; and not otherwise.

Amazon link: https://a.co/d/3tWX0SQ 

John Ploughman's Talk by Charles Spurgeon

Spurgeon was known as the Prince of Preachers because he had a way with words--and this book puts that on full display. Taking his day's version of "Joe Six Pack," C.H. Spurgeon unleashes a wealth of proverbial wisdom about topics such as patience, gossip, debt, home, hypocrisy, and much more. Unlike the Matthew Henry book above, I've only read this one in the updated English version, but the original version is linked below.

Here's the synopsis:

In John Ploughman’s Talk, Spurgeon assumes the persona of a simple ploughman to dispense advice and address serious moral issues in the language of the common man. Spurgeon’s homespun humor and rustic illustrations reflect on a variety of issues...In Spurgeon’s words, “That I have written in a semi-humorous vein needs no apology, since thereby sound moral teaching has gained a hearing….There is no particular virtue in being seriously unreadable.” In the tradition of John Bunyan’s Pilgrim’s Progress, Spurgeon’s tale is destined to be enjoyed for generations by people of all ages and backgrounds.

Amazon link: https://a.co/d/3tWX0SQ

Respectable Sins by Jerry Bridges

This has been one of my favorite books for nearly all of my Christian life--and Jerry Bridges has long been one of my favorite Christian authors. With the sweetness of a grandfather, Bridges pierces the heart of the Christian reader with warnings full of wisdom. He had the unique ability to cut deeply in such a way that left the wounded saying, "Thank you for that." This book exposes every one of us, while also showing us a better way.

Here's the synopsis: 

Practical, thought-provoking, and relevant at any stage of life, Respectable Sins addresses a dozen clusters of specific “acceptable” sins that we tend to tolerate in ourselves, such as jealousy, anger, judgementalism, selfishness, and pride. Writing from the trenches of his own battles with sin, Bridges offers a message of hope in the transforming grace of God to overcome our “respectable sins.” Now with an added study guide for personal use or group discussion so you can dive deeper into this staple of Jerry Bridges’s classic collection.

Amazon link: https://a.co/d/8577Bq4

Beyond Forgiveness by Don Baker

Here's a book and an author that few have heard of. Indeed, the content of this book is uncommon as well. In Beyond Forgiveness, Don Baker tells the true story of a man in ministry who was caught in sin, was subjected to church discipline, and was restored to fellowship. It's one of the most encouraging books that could be read by serious church members, as it instills a newfound confidence in Christ's plan for His church.

Here's the synopsis:

The Bible is very clear about the way we are to treat a fellow Christian who has sinned, especially if that person is a leader in the church. Yet we so often fail to respond biblically to a fallen brother or sister. Sometimes we ignore the sin. Or we go to the other extreme and kick the sinner out of the church. We allow him to quietly disappear, never to face and overcome his wrong. Or we allow him to stay in the body, yet fail to truly forgive him or restore him to a place of effectiveness for his Lord. This story of one congregation's response to a member of its staff who had sinned is a triumph of love and restoration. Pastor Don Baker's search for the Bible's answers to each step of the church discipline process offers wisdom to all who seek hope for despair, renewal for brokenness, beauty for ashes.

Amazon link: https://a.co/d/g9c0xGn

The Secret of Guidance by F.B. Meyer

F.B. Meyer was an English pastor who died in 1929. He was a leader in the Keswick movement, a "higher life" philosophy with which I have some qualms. Nevertheless, he was a serious believer who had a way with words. His bent toward some forms of asceticism comes out at times in this book (like the chapter devoted to calling Christians to total abstinence from alcohol); yet there is plenty here to make the thinking Christian think some more and grow in wisdom.

Here's the synopsis:

How much of our Christian work has been abortive because we have persisted in initiating it for ourselves, instead of ascertaining what God was doing, and where He required our presence! We dream bright dreams of success. We try to command it. We call to our aid all kinds of expedients, questionable or otherwise. At last we turn back, disheartened and ashamed, like children who are torn and scratched by the brambles, and soiled by the quagmire. None of this had come about if only we had been, from the first, under God's unerring guidance. 

Amazon link: https://a.co/d/d0fRFhX

Real Love for Real Life by Andi Ashworth

When thinking of books about hospitality, many Christians today will first remember Rosaria Butterfield's The Gospel Comes with a House Key. That is indeed a helpful and challenging book for all believers. However, earlier this year I discovered that a book came out well before that one that perhaps addresses the issue even better. In Andi Ashworth's Real Love for Real Life, "caring" as a broad topic is explored and considered through the lens of a biblical worldview. I'm still making my way through it, but so far it has proven very helpful.

Here's the synopsis:

As society grows increasingly technological, isolated, and lonely, those who take their caregiving gifts seriously can fill a tremendous void. In Real Love for Real Life, caregivers of all kinds can find the help and hope they need to fulfill their calling. Through personal illustrations, timely research, and thoughtful quotations, Ashworth addresses the practicalities, philosophies, challenges, and joys of providing care in the relationships of home and community-leading readers to a greater understanding of the value and the validity of their call to be caregivers.

What if caregiving means giving loving care everywhere and in everything? What if caregiving actually applies to all people of all ages? Ashworth believes it does and shows us how. Her remarkable book has, for many, become the handbook for living a loving, hospitable, caregiving life. For Andi, imaginative care for people and planet is the human mission on earth.

Amazon link: https://a.co/d/0ao1py2