Each week (give or take one or two here and there) I share three things I like – It could be a book, a movie, a podcast, an album, a photo, an article, a restaurant, a food item, a beverage, or anything else I simply enjoy and think you might too. You can find a whole pile of things, especially books, I like and recommend HERE.
1) The Book of Proverbs
When I was in my teens and twenties I remember thinking that the book of Proverbs was redundant, pushy, heavy handed, and uncomfortably invasive. Which is to say, I was what Proverbs calls “a fool.” I’m sure you’ve heard the phrase ‘with age comes wisdom” too, and at best that is aspirational. With age comes opportunities at wisdom, but with the fear of the Lord comes actual wisdom–taking God seriously, learning to see as he sees and value like he values, and realizing that his instruction makes sense in reality. As I read Proverbs today I am struck repeatedly by the thought, “God is really smart.” It just makes so much sense of life and of how to live life. On top of this, Proverbs is like a prayer guide for parents. I have two teenaged daughters, and now I have an arsenal of practical, directed prayers for them as they step into adulthood. Not so long ago Proverbs made miserable because I was at odds with God. Now Proverbs offers peace because it shows me how to walk with God.
2) Living Life Backward: How Ecclesiastes Teaches Us to Live in Light of the End by David Gibson
Ecclesiastes is a book, that, several years ago largely had the reputation as depressing and difficult. In recent years, however, people seem to have realized that life is actually depressing and difficult and Ecclesiastes offers clear biblical perspective on it. I love the way David Gibson wrote about my favorite book of the Bible (if one is allowed to have one of those). He refuses to let the reader tip into the lie that everything is fine or into depression that all is pointless. He focuses on the end of life as the reason to live life well, and it is convicting and encouraging. In short, he pastors the reader and shepherds us through this book. Stylistically, I appreciated his ability to get to the point and avoid needless repetition. He says what he wants the reader to know and doesn’t distract or talk down. If you are worn down by life, this book is a rich, realistic encouragement.
3) Saint Paul and the Broken Bones
I ran across this band a little while back. Love their sound and their quirkiness. Happy Friday.
