A new year and a new reflection. Looking back at 2024, I noticed a couple of things. As I semi-retired, taking some time to grow in my relationship with God was a priority. ‘Be still and know that I am God.” I want to be with Jesus and not just do things for Jesus. I want to strengthen my relationship as a disciple of Jesus. I want to know Him, hear His voice and do what He says. These desires are certainly reflected in my top books of 2024.
Practicing the Way by John Mark Comer
John Mark Come shows us what it means to follow Jesus. Christian discipleship at its root, is the task of becoming an apprentice of Jesus. Be with Jesus, Become like Him, and do what He does. You will be asked to take a look at your life and life habits and prayerfully ask, “What kind of person am I becoming, and is it more like Jesus or less”
The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry by John Mark Comer
This book us to reconsider how we live our lives. “If we don’t eliminate our busyness, we may just eliminate our souls.” John Mark shares a practical and personal challenge to imagine new ways that our lives can imitate Jesus and how to stay emotionally healthy and spiritually alive in the chaos of the world we live in.
Sabbath: Finding Rest, Renewal, and Delight in Our Busy Lives by Wayne Muller
This read shows us all how to create a special time of rest, delight, and renewal—a refuge for our souls. Muller teaches how we can use this time of sacred rest to refresh our bodies and minds, restore our creativity and regain inner happiness.
The Gift of Wonder: Creative Practices for Delighting in God by Christine Aroney-Sine
This book invites us to pay attention to our childlike characteristics that have the power to reshape us, including delight, playfulness, imagination, and the ability to live in the present. She shares spiritual practices that engage our senses and help us to live a spiritual life that embraces the wonder and joy God intends for us.
Warrior of Eden: How Curiosity and Questions Lead to Understand God’s Call for Women by Beth Guckenberger
The author emboldens women to use their gifts as full participants at church, work, and at home. Warrior of Eden reminds us that women are empowered to do God’s work and are worthy of His calling.
Forming Faith: Discipling the Next Generation in a Post Christian Culture by Matt Markins, Mike Handler and Sam Luce
This book gives the reader a healthy, researched-backed and biblical perspective to disciple today’s kids in a complex and complicated world. You will be challenged to analyze and evaluate how we do ministry today and will be given a clear map, a way forward, that can be implemented immediately.
Partnering Church and Home by Denise Muir-Kjesbo, Shelley Henning, and Luz Galvez De Figueroa
In this book the authors present survey data collected from over 900 ministry leaders and parents from around the globe. They share the data collected along with ways the church and home can respond to the vital information. They share the surprising reality of spiritual formation in the home and gain an understanding of the best ways the church and home can support one another in this journey of spiritual formation, forming a powerful partnership to disciple the next generation.
Boundless Hope for Every Child: Compassion for the Misunderstood, Belonging for the Lonely by Kim Botto
(This book is not released yet. I read a pre-release copy. The book will launch on March 4.)
This book is a powerful and essential read for anyone with a child standing before them with challenging or big behaviors or a need that they can’t identify. Botto doesn’t just provide practical help and insights—she shows a path forward for anyone working with children who have experienced trauma, neglect, or isolation. Kim demonstrates how we can offer more than just help; we can offer belonging, understanding, and the kind of compassionate care that every child deserves.
