By Matt Freeman
We’re only two weeks into 2021, and anyone wanna hit ‘Refresh’, too? Well, I’m thankful that whenever that thought occurs, by grace, I know better: We are known by, and serve the God who not only refreshes, He redeems the time. He redeems us through Christ Jesus. He is making all things new. That is the ultimate ‘Refresh’. And, I pray these book ideas will encourage you, and help you get your thoughts, and actions, around that Reality.
1. Down To Earth by Tom Hughes
In Down to Earth we learn that these stories are different from the stories we tell each other—these are stories intended to change your life. They’re soul stories—stories that get inside you and linger there, stories you start to find yourself living into. And when you do, you and the world around you are transformed for good.
2. The Glorious Pursuit by Gary Thomas
There aren’t a lot of books that focus squarely on classical Christian virtues; those that do often approach the topic in a scholarly, detached fashion. Gary Thomas has a deep concern for the spiritual vitality of his audience, and that concern comes through in this book.
3. Praying Through by Jarrett Stevens
Praying Through will help you connect with God in fresh and meaningful ways no matter what season you may be going through. Whether you’re new to prayer, or God seems silent, or you’re grieving a loss, or you need direction, or you’re feeling grateful and don’t know how to express it—you don’t have to let these obstacles keep you from God.
4. The Gospel Comes with a House Key by Rosaria Butterfield
What might be one of the best ways for us to restart in the New Year? Have some people over for dinner. After almost a year of many being isolated, disrupted in social schedules, not feeling as connected as once before, a great gospel opportunity may be in a meal. With this story of her conversion as a backdrop, Rosaria Butterfield invites us into her home to show us how God can use this same “radical, ordinary hospitality” to bring the gospel to our lost friends and neighbors. Such hospitality sees our homes as not our own, but as God’s tools for the furtherance of his kingdom as we welcome those who look, think, believe, and act differently from us into our everyday, sometimes messy lives–helping them see what true Christian faith really looks like.
5. Try Softer by Aundi Kolber
Aundi Kolber believes that we don’t have to white-knuckle our way through life. In her debut book, Try Softer, she’ll show us how God specifically designed our bodies and minds to work together to process our stories and work through obstacles. Through the latest psychology, practical clinical exercises, and her own personal story, Aundi equips and empowers us to connect us to our truest self and truly live. This is the “try softer” life.
Find more new reads in our Reboot & Restart sale!
