Follow, Read, Listen, Grow #1

Solid Christian resources have become my love language in the last year. I am also a girl who loves to write without an abundance of time. So, Consider the Lilies is being revived (yet again) with bi-weekly resource recommendation posts in hopes that I can share tools the Lord has used to grow me, as well as keep the rust off the writing portion of my brain. 

***Christian resources are a wonderful gift from the Lord to stir our affections for Him, but they are not meant to replace corporate worship and community with the local body of Christ. If you currently do not have a church home in the Purcell area, please consider visiting Emmanuel Baptist Church. If you do not live in the same area, please do not hesitate to reach out for help in finding a gospel-centered church in your location.***

Follow

Twitter: Jackie Hill Perry

Can you use emojis on blog posts? (No!) Because this girl is FIRE! Do not just stop at Twitter. Follow Jackie on everything. She speaks truth. She is hilarious. Enough said.  

Instagram: Only The Gospel

Jamere is a college friend who runs this account with the intent to bring posts directly from Scripture to your Instagram feed. All the frilly, cute stuff that fills our feeds is usually taken out of context and elevates you more often than God. OTG’s posts are going to exalt Christ, point to the gospel, and make you think. They may even make you slightly uncomfortable and that is a good thing. 

Facebook: The Gospel Coalition 

TGC is an organization that provides all sorts of encouraging and educational Christian resources. They post several articles every day pertaining to a wide-variety of topics. 

Read

Bible: Charles Spurgeon CSB

Y’all—it has Spurgeon’s handwritten notes in it. That is so cool! Plus, the Christian Standard Bible version is great!

Theology: The Knowledge of the Holy by A.W. Tozer

I was so excited to finally read this classic on the attributes of God at the beginning of this year. I am normally a quick reader, but I had to really slow down to digest each chapter. Favorite quote by far: “What comes into our minds when we think about God is the most important thing about us.”

Christian Living: Radical by David Platt

If you have not read this, you are slightly behind. There is still time, so go ahead and put it at the top of your list. It turns American Christianity on its head. If that does not sound good to you, that is reason you should read it all the more. 

Motherhood: UnsuperMommy by Maggie Combs 

I read this book when my son was just a few months old in 2017. Maggie did an incredible job attacking motherhood fleshly desires and concerns and replacing the lies with Gospel truths. 

Marriage: This Momentary Marriage by John Piper

One of my best friends is reading this now per recommendation (well, if you call showing up at her house with a stack of books when she really only asked for one a recommendation, then...). It dives into the mystery of marriage and what earthly marriage represents spiritually. 

Parenting: Parenting—14 Gospel Principles That Can Radically Change Your Family

I like Paul Tripp A LOT. Even though I have not had a chance to read his two most recent books, his parenting book was by far and away my favorite work of his thus far. He also does a live simulcast conference on marriage or parenting a couple of times each year. 

Children’s Book: The Biggest Story--How the Snake Crusher Brings Us Back to the Garden by Kevin DeYoung

It is safe to say this may be my favorite children's book ever. I read it to Rhettson in the womb and I am pretty sure we have read through it at least 20 times in his relatively short life. I have also been known to take it to bible studies and read portions out of it. It is a must have, for children and adults.

Fiction: A Lineage of Grace by Francine Rivers

It has been at least 7 years since I read this book, but I still find myself thinking about it and talking about it often. Francine covers the women in the lineage of Christ from a fictional standpoint and it is absolutely fascinating. 

Bible Study: James by Jen Wilkin

James was my second Jen study that I completed one-on-one with a friend. I refer back to the notes I took at least weekly. You are going to see Jen’s name A LOT on my recommendation posts. She is a gifted teacher that graciously provides free bible study and audio resources. She has several book studies to order, as well. Like I said, she will be back (again and again and again).

Blog: Risen Motherhood

Mama friends—do yourself a favor and follow RM on Facebook to see their daily blog posts. They post each mid-morning, so I usually have been covered in yogurt, yanked at my own hair, and changed 2 diapers by the time I see it and need to be reminded there is much more going on in my home than I realize. 

Consider the Lilies Throwback: Isaiah 61

I occasionally enjoy recalling the days where I wrote a little more often. Here is a personal favorite from 2014.

Listen

Podcast: Pastor Talk

Skylar, another dear friend from college, now pastors the church I attended in Weatherford. He is joined by Trinity’s Worship Pastor, Larry, to discuss a wide variety of topics through a Christian lens. You are made to feel as if you are in the room discussing with them. They usually post on iTunes every Thursday. Do not worry if it is not there a week, chances are I have already texted Skylar to file a joint complaint. 

Conference Session: A Matter of Life and Death by John Piper

I probably should not start with the closing session of The Gospel Coalition Women's 2018 conference, but it goes real well with this post’s song...plus, WOW! Three pages of notes was still not enough.

Sermon: Elements of Your Gospel-Centered Testimony, Ephesians 4:17-32 by Wally Kelly

Here is a close look at who Christians were before coming to Christ and what we should look like and continue striving towards afterwards. 

Song: “Great is Thy Faithfulness” by Austin Stone Worship, added verses by John Piper

This song was recorded live at the conference mentioned above and has a real cool story to go along with it! 

Grow

Scripture Memory: How to Study the Bible Cards by The Daily Grace Co. 

Prayer: Weekly Prayer Cards by The Daily Grace Co. 

Journaling: Highlighter Set by The Daily Grace Co. 

Bible Study Tools: Bible Study Cards by The Daily Grace Co.

The Daily Grace Co. is basically my new obsession, as you can tell. Men, everything listed above would be great tools for you, too. You can easily look passed the floral prints. ;)

Currents

Nightstand: Everyone’s A Theologian—An Introduction to Systematic Theology by R.C. Sproul

I am totally geeking out over this one, y’all! Currently, I am over halfway through and will most definitely share more details about this gem soon. 

Phone App: New City Cathecism

This app is amazing! My app lives in the child version and has worked itself in our morning routine due to the awesome songs for kids. We listen during morning playtime. Rhettson likes to dance and Mommy memorizes the children's version of the cathecism. 

Kitchen Table: Daughters of Grace Bible Study by The DailyGrace Co. 

This is the first study I have purchased from TDGC. Wow! It is surpassing my high expectations! Side note: The Daily Grace Co. has a Facebook group called "Lamp and Light" where they complete online Bible studies together. This is the study they are starting on August 7. 

Thanks for checking out my first full list of resources! Let me know if you have followed, read, listened, or grown using anything mentioned before or after this post. If you have any specific questions about something or someone listed, reach out on social media! 

At His feet,
~Madi