My Reading List for 2016

The following are books that I *hope* to read in the coming year. I love to read, but having very young children has dramatically altered the amount of time that I am able to spend "behind the books." :-) And so this is not a long list, but it is a practical one for me at this time in my life. I am really looking forward to each one. Maybe you will find one among them that you might enjoy, too (pictures and titles are clickable links)--

How I Found Livingstone, by Henry Morton Stanley

This is a book that was given to me for my birthday. I love, love, love missionary/Christian biographies, and so this one has a special "drawing" for me, but not for that reason alone. This past year, I made a difficult decision that was painful and costly for me, only by the grace of God. At the time when I was prayerfully arriving at this decision, the Lord spoke to me powerfully through a message that Ravi Zacharias gave. In it, he mentioned the missionary David Livingstone and this particular biography. I won't go into much detail here, because I am hoping to write more about it later, but Livingstone's testimony deeply touched me and I felt compelled to read this book. 

Authentic Fire, by Michael L. Brown

This was actually one of my husband's Christmas presents that I mean to confiscate. ;-). As a very Conservative believer who holds that God still speaks (not primarily, but occasionally) through dreams, visions, and impressions upon our hearts and minds -- according to His Word and by His Spirit), I was very glad to see this respectful rebuttal of well-known theologian John MacArthur's position on this topic (cessationism). Through extensive reading of missionary biographies, the testimony of the persecuted church (especially in closed countries) and through my own experience, I am convinced that the Holy Spirit still works as He did with New Testament believers, in a living, breathing, active way. I am looking forward to delving into Michael Brown's position and examples on this topic. 

The Practice of the Presence of God, by Brother Lawrence

This is a short book that I'm hoping to include in my devotional time. Brother Lawrence's deep love and thirst after God comes through strongly in his writings. He inspires me to live a life more devoted to Christ through his example. The little "chew" mark at the top of the book? From a house bunny. :-) They can be very sweet pets, but also very mischievous. :-)

Streams in the Desert, compiled by L.B. Cowman

I began this devotional last year and am planning to continue it this year. The Lord has used these beautiful, Christ-saturated writings from older authors to speak to my heart deeply over the past several months. I'm looking forward to continuing with it. 

Outlasting the Gay Revolution, by Michael L. Brown

In light of the Supreme Court decision, this book really piqued my interest this year. I purchased the book and have been anticipating reading it. I love Micheal Brown's godly, gracious, unwavering positions, and admire his courage in writing on such a difficult topic. As believers we must be prepared Scripturally and spiritually to stand on the Word of God, even when it will cost us--and above all, our position undergirded with love. 

God's Good News Bible Storybook, by Billy Graham

I was so happy when our family received this book for Christmas! I try to have a daily quiet time with my young children, and had been hoping to find a new devotional for this year. This one is wonderful . . . We began it and my young daughter especially loves it (my son is still a little too young to express his opinions! :-)). The pictures are vivid and engaging and the devotion itself is deeply rooted in Scripture. Something that I also personally like is that the Scriptures are taken from the New King James Version, which is the version that I like to use, so that is an added blessing for me!  

And there you have it, my reading list for 2016. What are you hoping to read in the coming year? 






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