One of my favorite disciplines is regularly engaging with good books that sharpen my thinking and stir my affections for Christ. Here are a few books I’ve recently finished and some reflections on how they challenged, encouraged, or entertained me.
The Wars of the Lord: The Puritan Conquest of America’s First People – Matthew J. Tuininga
American history is complicated. This begins with the first several decades in New England. Matthew J. Tuininga chronicles these years in the new world with a focus upon the wars fought there. It’s tricky on so many levels. The settlers were dealing with pressures to survive, make money, and be faithful spiritually. Navigating the relationships with the original inhabitants of Massachusetts was a struggle. As a Christian pastor in New England with deep family roots here, I’m always interested to read the history. This book provides a detailed window into the events while wrestling with how the Puritans’ various convictions led them throughout. By far the most compelling portion was the detailed chronicling of John Eliot’s ministry to the Indians. His faithful mission work and dedicated pastoring serves as fodder for encouragement from and expectation of God’s powerful work. The transformation among the praying Indians, in the towns right near our church, was such a blessing to read.
Saints, Sufferers, and Sinners: Loving Others as God Loves Us – Michael R. Emlet
Michael Emlet’s Saints, Sufferers, and Sinners provides a biblical framework for ministering to others with wisdom and grace. He reminds us that every person we counsel or care for is simultaneously a saint (redeemed in Christ), a sufferer(afflicted by sin and a broken world), and a sinner (in need of repentance and grace). Rather than offering a one-size-fits-all approach, Emlet teaches how to discern which aspect of a person’s identity is most pressing in a given moment. By understanding these categories, we can offer counsel that mirrors God’s love—bringing encouragement to saints, comfort to sufferers, and correction to sinners. With a blend of biblical truth, practical application, and pastoral sensitivity, this book equips believers to engage in soul care that is both truthful and compassionate.
The Prayer of the Lord – R.C. Sproul
In The Prayer of the Lord, R.C. Sproul provides a rich and insightful study of the Lord’s Prayer, showing how Jesus’ model prayer teaches us about God, our needs, and the nature of true worship. As readers have come to expect from Sproul, he is precise theologically and exceptionally practical. In a topic like this, Sproul’s value shines through. He unpacks each petition, revealing the theological depth behind familiar words like “Our Father” and “Give us this day our daily bread.” With pastoral warmth and clarity, he also highlights the balance between reverence and intimacy in our relationship with God. More than just a study of a prayer, this book serves as a guide to deepening one’s prayer life, helping believers approach God with confidence, humility, and trust. Sproul is the theological evergreen of our day.
The Trouble With Poetry – Billy Collins
Recently, I was challenged to read more (some) poetry. It’s not exactly my favorite. Billy Collins’s work came highly recommended. With the title, The Trouble With Poetry, I felt a connection. I have to say that I enjoyed reading him. He writes accessibility and warmth, making poetry feel like a familiar conversation rather than an academic exercise. I also enjoyed his conversational tone and quiet wit, exploring the everyday moments that spark his prose. Some of the poems I’ve enjoyed so far include: Monday, Obituaries, The Trouble With Poetry, and No Things. Since about one-third of the Bible is poetry, I feel a need to improve in this area. If you have poetry recommendations, let me know.
Radical Candor – Kim Scott
Kim Scott challenges leaders to “Challenge Directly and Care Deeply.” Too often, we either avoid hard conversations to spare feelings or dish out criticism without love. Scott warns against these pitfalls—Ruinous Empathy, Obnoxious Aggression, and Manipulative Insincerity—and instead calls leaders to speak the truth in a way that builds up rather than tears down. Good leadership requires both honesty and compassion. When we truly care for those we lead, we won’t withhold necessary feedback, but we’ll also ensure it’s given with grace. Scott provides practical wisdom for fostering a culture of trust, accountability, and growth—where honesty isn’t feared but welcomed. Scott demonstrates the value of “the light of nature” by applying a number of biblical principles (without referencing them) in her work. Disclaimer: Radical Candor contains some inappropriate language and candid anecdotes that some readers may find offensive.
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