Be Inspired This Summer

With summer in full swing, you?re probably looking for a couple of books to crack open during these long, sunny days. You might even have a reading list full of books you can?t wait to finish. It?s already the middle of July but we?d like to suggest a few new titles to add to your summer reading list. Whether you?re reading these by the lake, while you?re camping, or just on your back porch, these books will inspire and encourage you.

Soul Rest

by Curtis Zackery

While summer can be full of relaxing days spent in the sun, it can also be one of the busiest seasons of the year. At times it can feel overwhelming. With so many responsibilities and distractions vying for our attention, let Curtis Zackery show you how to create healthy rhythms of rest in Soul Rest. This thoughtful reflection on rest calls us to the intentional work of self-examination, helping us move towards a purposeful and sustainable life with Jesus. Be inspired to find true soul rest this summer.

Rise Above

by Steve Zakuani

This summer, the entire world has been captivated by the 2018 FIFA World Cup. Straight from the soccer pitch comes this inspiring and encouraging story of overcoming adversity. A broken leg nearly ended Steve Zakuani?s career. But he came back stronger than ever. That injury?and his 500 long days of recovery?forced him to grapple with who he was when his identity in soccer and his personal goals were taken out of his hands. Rise Above gives you a raw, honest look into his story. Let him coach you on how to face tragedy with a positive mindset, how to set goals that are bigger than your adversity, how to remain hopeful in your darkest moments, and how to help others in your life overcome their own greatest challenges.

Finding God in the Margins

by Carolyn Custis James

Often, inspiration comes straight from the Word of God. In Finding God in the Margins, Carolyn Custis James shows you how the ancient book of Ruth speaks into today?s world with astonishing relevance. Against the backdrop of disturbing issues we are facing today, this bracing narrative puts on display a radical gospel way of living together as human beings that shouts the Kingdom of God, foreshadows Jesus? gospel, and raises the bar for women and for men then and now. This engaging exploration of the book of Ruth is poised to offer you new and refreshing insights.

The Apostles? Creed

by Ben Myers

In this winsome little book, Ben Myers re-introduces the Apostles? Creed. That creed has united Christians from different times, places, and traditions, but is often misunderstood or overlooked today. By drawing on the richness of Christian tradition, Myers shows us what about the Christian faith is so counter-cultural and why this foundational statement is so critical today. If you?re looking for a book with some theological depth but handled with a light touch, The Apostles? Creed is a perfect fit.

Lexham Geographic Commentary

edited by Barry Beitzel

On the surface this book might feel a little out of place on a summer reading list. But consider this: so many churches plan trips to the Holy Land during the summer. But why leave the comfort of your own home (and save a ton of money) by digging into your own personal tour of Israel in the Lexham Geographic Commentary on the Gospels. This commentary will not only place you in the sandals of the disciples as they traveled throughout Israel with Jesus, but it will explain the significance of the geographic details to the biblical text and your life today. And because each chapter is self-contained, working through this book bit-by-bit is the perfect way to spend your summer.