Previous Post
***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: Matt Smethurst
I have no idea when or how I came across Matt, but I frequently find myself retweeting, liking, and meditating upon the nuggets of truth and thought-provoking tweets he posts. He is the managing editor of The Gospel Coalition. In the last week, he has shared a lot of great content. Follow him and catch up!
Instagram: Kristin Schmucker
Kristin is the founder of The Daily Grace Co., which you know I geek out over on the daily. I recently started following her personal Instagram account and have been so encouraged by her testimonies each day and the snippets she shares of her studying endeavors.
Facebook: Tim Challies
Tim reviews a LOT of Christian resources. I find several books of interest and steer clear from a few based on his reviews. He also blogs and shares quotes from authors regularly. You can (and should) follow him on any social media platform!
Read
Bible: ESV Study Bible
Everyone needs a good study Bible and this one is my personal favorite. My BFF Jen only likes for us to use commentaries after we have dug into the Word on our own, but anything that I question or wrestle with beyond a week of study, I look up here. Verse by verse commentary is the tool I use the most, as well as the introductions and historical context given at the beginning of every book.
Christian Classic: The Cost of Discipleship by Dietrich Bonhoeffer
This book is a classic for many reasons. I read it for the first time this year. It is one you could chew on for a lifetime. It was extremely convicting. This specific edition had a short biography of Bonhoeffer at the beginning of it. I think it only made his writings all the more weighted. He lived out what he believed. May it be the same of us!
This book is a classic for many reasons. I read it for the first time this year. It is one you could chew on for a lifetime. It was extremely convicting. This specific edition had a short biography of Bonhoeffer at the beginning of it. I think it only made his writings all the more weighted. He lived out what he believed. May it be the same of us!
Theology: None Like Him: 10 Ways God is Different From Us (and Why That's a Good Thing) by Jen Wilkin
Yes, I put that in the correct category. Women can write theology, too! ;) This was Jen's second book, the first in looking at the characteristics of God. None Like Him focuses on the characteristics of God that are distinctly God's. For example, the book covers His omniscience, eternality, and sovereignty. Jen does a great job exalting God and showing our limitations as humans, and why it IS good thing.
Christian Living: A Little Book on the Christian Life by John Calvin
Sometimes I think many people are scared to read books authored by well-known theologians. Truth be told, I am not sure I would have ever found this specific book on my own. It was a free gift at the TGCW conference this summer. It could easily be in the "Classic" or "Theology" section, but I loved how this excerpt from one of Calvin's longer writings brought out so clearly how our theology (what we believe about God) directs our everyday, practical living.
Womanhood: 12 Extraordinary Women by John MacArthur
The subtitle was really long to include above: How God Shaped Women of the Bible and What He Wants to Do with You. MacArthur takes an up close and personal look at 12 women in Scripture and pulls out timeless truths about God in their lives that can apply to all women today.
Marriage: Happily Ever After: Finding Grace in the Messes of Marriage by Desiring God
Desiring God (John Piper and many others) put together this 30-day devotional. My husband and I went through it together a couple of years ago. For a month, I felt like it covered a great variety of topics that always need to be discussed in any Christian marriage.
Desiring God (John Piper and many others) put together this 30-day devotional. My husband and I went through it together a couple of years ago. For a month, I felt like it covered a great variety of topics that always need to be discussed in any Christian marriage.
Orphan Care: Adopted for Life: The Priority of Adoption for Christian Families and Churches by Russell Moore
Russell Moore is one of my favorite authors, ever. Adopted for Life was what first introduced me to him. Orphan Care is a new category this round. This book had to be the first mentioned. It is a close look at the doctrine of adoption and the command of James 1:27 for EVERY Christian.
Children’s Book: Psalms of Praise by Danielle Hitchen
My son has recently fallen in love with songs and books that have to do with motion. This movement primer is one of our favorites. Each page has a movement command and scripture reference that pairs. We read it nearly every morning.
Bible Study: Better: A Study of Hebrews by Jen Wilkin
A group of church ladies and friends abroad completed this study over the summer. It was a phenomenal time diving into the Old Testament references and seeing Christ as better--our Prophet, Priest, and King. It is another free study with weekly audio teachings. Do it alone or grab a group of friends!
Daily Devotional: New Morning Mercies by Paul Tripp
Here is another new category! I have got to share a little behind-the-scenes reason for this new one. A few weeks ago I was at a conference lunch when a woman shared what daily devotional she used and was just going on and on about it. Instead of speaking up and offering a more biblically sound option, I missed a good opportunity and just sat silent. So, I decided this category is necessary for any and all who come upon it.
I have only ever used a handful of daily devotionals, but most of them have 365 days and are significantly better than what you'll find at the airport bookstore. Tripp's is a great one!
I have only ever used a handful of daily devotionals, but most of them have 365 days and are significantly better than what you'll find at the airport bookstore. Tripp's is a great one!
Piper had Jen join him for three episodes of "Ask Pastor John" at the end of last month. The link is only for the first episode, but you can easily access the other two from the page. I know this also could fall into the podcast category. I prefer to read the transcripts when possible. Reading is kind of my thing. ;)
Consider the Lilies Throwback: The Bride
Have you ever heard our wedding story? Well, this is the post that began the blog way back when. This post shares more truth that I STILL have to remind myself of. There is a much funnier version that you can look for or wait until October's post.
Listen
Podcast: Risen Motherhood
They are BACKKKK! My Wednesday morning breakfast, boy bath time, and kitchen clean up routine involves Risen Motherhood. From snacks to evangelism, they cover the ins, outs, ups, and downs of motherhood--always, always pointing listeners back to the gospel. Added bonus: This week's episode featured my girl Jackie Perry as a guest!
Conference Session: He Will Hold Me Fast: Exhausted Mothers and Our Inexhaustible God by Aimee Joseph at TGCW18
The room was PACKED at this conference with young moms and nursing infants. It was by far my favorite workshop that I attended in Indianapolis. I had never heard of Aimee before then, but I knew as soon as I saw the title of the workshop that it was for me. That it was! She made sure we all knew we weren't going to walk away with a fix-all. I know I walked away with more--and even a practical application on Sabbath rest from her testimony. All exhausted moms, give yourself the time to listen!
Parenting is clearly a repeated theme in this post! My pastor finished the book of Ephesians since my last set of resources. This specific sermon covered Ephesians 6:1-4. It was an excellent reminder of the importances of parenting as Christian parents.
Song: Death Was Arrested LIVE by NorthPoint Inside Out
I have loved this song since I first heard it on the radio. A few weeks ago, I was listening to Pandora and this LIVE version came on. It is even better than the original version. I have since listened to it a TON and still get goosebumps every single time!
I have loved this song since I first heard it on the radio. A few weeks ago, I was listening to Pandora and this LIVE version came on. It is even better than the original version. I have since listened to it a TON and still get goosebumps every single time!
Grow
Scripture Memory: Scripture Memory Cards
Prayer: Prayers for My Marriage
Journaling: Highlighting Guide
The above are still all from The Daily Grace Co. I just continued to be extremely impressed by the quality and intentionality of their products. I am a fan for life!
The above are still all from The Daily Grace Co. I just continued to be extremely impressed by the quality and intentionality of their products. I am a fan for life!
Bible Study Tools: Sing a New Song: A Guide to the Psalms
I left out the "women" part of the title because I've been reading a psalm a day for 30 days and using this book as a guide. There has not been any material that is gender-specific. It has been a really helpful tool for understanding each psalm's context and digging into each one a little deeper.
I left out the "women" part of the title because I've been reading a psalm a day for 30 days and using this book as a guide. There has not been any material that is gender-specific. It has been a really helpful tool for understanding each psalm's context and digging into each one a little deeper.
Currents
Headphones: Austin Stone Worship on Pandora (shouldn't change what isn't broken)
Kitchen Table: Living by the Book by Howard and William Hendricks
Thanks for checking out the resource post #3! 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 or your own recommendations for me, reach out on social media!
At His feet,
~Madi
