Posted by In case you haven’t realized it over the past month, I love to read. Obviously, I’ve read more than just the 13 books I’ve listed here, so here are a few more gems that have been impacted my life!
The Cost of Discipleship by Dietrich Bonhoeffer
In this incredible book, Bonhoeffer outlines the difference between cheap grace and costly grace. It’s an eye-opening look at how we view the amazing grace of God and whether we place the appropriate value on it during the course of our busy lives. Grace doesn’t give us free license to live however we want, but is an invitation to savor the free gift of God he’s generously given to us. This book is a great way to refocus your mind and heart and let yourself become overwhelmed by the goodness of our incredible God!
Crazy Love by Francis Chan
There’s a chapter in this book called “Profile of the Obsessed” that describes how people who are fully surrendered to God live. These are people who give freely and generously, who love those who can’t or won’t love them back, and who are more concerned with the mission of God than their personal comfort, to name just a few. Every time I read through that chapter, I am convicted about the state of my life. This book reminds me of the immense love of God toward me, leaving me little room but to respond by loving others.
Desiring God by John Piper
This was and is a paradigm-shifting book for me. The idea that I can find my joy, my delight, and my satisfaction fully in God is still hard for me to comprehend. But, through the pages of the book, Piper graciously invites us to draw nearer to God and savor his incredible presence. While there will always be temptations and a thousand different stimuli vying for our attention, we will ultimately find the most satisfaction in the One who made us and loves us.
Gracenomics by Mike Foster
I’m a big fan of minimalist design and that’s exactly how this book is laid out. There are wide margins, lots of space for notes, and fun, memorable phrases scattered throughout. It’s a short read but full of incredible content about what grace is, why it matters, and how to apply it to different areas of your life, starting with yourself. Toward the end of the book, Mike Foster asks the question “Instead of trying to change things that are unchangeable, why not spend that energy growing yourself?” #micdrop
More or Less by Jeff Shinabarger
My dream job is to be a philanthropist. I want to provide strategic solutions for complex problems and connect resources to the right individuals to create long-lasting change. And, in many ways, this is how Jeff and his community live. Throughout the book, he challenges the reader to identify what is enough in their lives and then encourages them to get creative with sharing the excess. This book is full of crazy stories of radical, simple, and innovative acts of generosity done by regular people. It’s challenging and well worth a read.
I could talk about books all day long, but I’m going to use some self-control and end it here.
I want to say a huge thank you to everyone who joined me for this series. I’ve added so many new books to my “to read” list based on your recommendations (it’s going to take me a long time to get through them all), and I’m excited to dive in!
We have quite an eclectic combination of books in this post, have you read any of them? If so, what was your biggest takeaway?
If you haven’t, which one are you most excited to read next?
P.S. I’m thinking about doing a post like this every year. What are your thoughts? (My feelings won’t be hurt if you disagree.)
Don’t forget! Pick up your copy of His Story: A Devotional on the Character of God today!
Disclosure: some links in this post are affiliate links, meaning, at no additional cost to you, I will earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase.
Work in Progress 
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