Happy New Year! As usual, I’m posting a few of my favorite reads from the past year. These are not listed in any particular order…although I might go ahead and say “Abandoned to God” (no. 2) was my favorite. Safe to say a few of Oswald Chamber’s books will probably make their way into my 2025 reading list! If you have read, or decide to read any of these, I always love to hear your thoughts on them – leave a comment or send me a message!
1. A Traveler’s Guide to the Kingdom – James Emery White
White takes an interesting approach with this book. Each chapter is tied to a geographic location which inspires his discussion on a particular aspect of the Christian Life. More or less, it’s like taking a pilgrimage through a book instead of on foot. White covers topics such as spirituality, calling, sexuality, community, doubts, and the will of God. His writing is easy to read, and held my attention, while effectively provoking reflection on how spiritual truths impact one personally – as any good pilgrimage should.
Life led by God is a life that hungers for a word from God; it is a life that will be relentless in pursuit of that word. Let me get very specific: how fervently have you prayed? How passionately have you searched the Scriptures? How intently have you sought counsel? How purposefully have you launched out in ways that afford God the opportunity to direct your steps? Hearing a word form God is anything but a passive enterprise.
2. Oswald Chambers – Abandoned to God – David McCasland
This biography is loaded with entries from Chamber’s own diaries, letters, and poetry, which helps give a more sincere portrait of him. Chambers’ life, though relatively brief, seems to have been really given over to the happy influence of the Holy Spirit. Indeed, I think this book is what prompted recent growth in my understanding of what righteousness by faith really is. I was encouraged through the life of this brother to “let God engineer” my life, to be faithful where I am, and to take hold of the words in Luke 11:13 “If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will the heavenly father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!”
Holiness is not an attainment at all, it is the gift of God, and the pietistic tendency is the introspection which makes me worship my own earnestness and not take the Lord seriously at all. It is a pious fraud that suits the natural man immensely. He makes holy, He sanctifies, He does it all. All I have to do is come as a spiritual pauper, not ashamed to beg, to let go of my right to myself and act on Romans 12:1-2. It is never ‘Do, do and you’ll be’ with the Lord, but ‘Be, be and I will do through you.’ It is a case of ‘hands up’ and letting go, and then entire reliance on Him.
3. So, You’re Single – Margaret Clarkson
The title is a little cringy – but don’t judge a book by its cover! Margaret Clarkson lived 1915-2008, and wrote many hymns including “Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing.” She lived her whole life as a single woman and published this book in 1978 when she was 63. It seems a lot of young people like to blog about singleness, but Margaret’s mature perspective was insightful and deeply refreshing. She also writes clearly, and with humor and narrative. Although Margaret wouldn’t have chosen singleness for herself, she has a grasp on the purpose of singleness in the Church. Often, church organizations are structured around family, despite the large percentage of their congregations who are single…and often marginalized. This book takes a practical look at the single life lived for Christ, and is an edifying read for singles and couples alike.
Many, or most, singles can trace in their own lives some comparable chain of circumstances…But Christians who know God do not deal in human factors, nor recognize second causes…God is the supreme Reality in our life, and all that concerns us is under his control.
4. Living With Hope – Michael Panther
I received this book as a birthday present from a friend who has participated in Michael Panther’s ministry, “Hope Mobility” which delivers wheelchairs to children in Africa. Originally from South Sudan, Michael lost his mobility when he was ten years old. Living With Hope is an inspiring autobiography about how God redeemed this tragedy in Michael’s life for good, and is using him to bring hope – temporal and eternal – to thousands of children in similar straits. I love to hear people’s stories, because it’s a reminder of how powerfully God is still at work today, turning our disappointments into journeys of hope. If you need an inspiring read, I recommend.
The team was deep in thought, and so was I. It had been a joyful time, but my heart was burdened for these children. I hoped God would allow me to serve them and many more, praying he would allow me to expand this ministry of hope in Africa. My heart was burning. This dream is bigger than me, I thought. I cannot do it on my own. Lord, I need your help!
5. Mr. Midshipman Hornblower – C.S. Forrester
The first book in Forrester’s Hornblower series, Mr. Midshipman Hornblower follows the early naval career of a young midshipman through many adventures including plague, captivity, and taking his first command of a ship. This book makes it into my top 5 because I could hardly put it down! Each chapter is more-or-less a stand alone episode, making it easy to read on the train to work or before bed. Forrester is a good writer, and draws you into the insecurities of the young Hornblower as he holds responsibility over a crew much his senior.
The heavy sound of a cannon shot reached their ears, and close on their starboard quarter a ball threw up a fountain of water before plunging into the side of a wave just ahead. Hornblower looked round just in time to see the last of the puff of smoke from the bows of the frigate astern pursuing them.
Abby, you do an excellent job on critiquing these books. Makes me want to order all five! I love so many of the things you shared about spirituality and the journey we are all on, to know Him the author and finisher of our faith!
Wow! It’s interesting how you found points in each of 5 very disparate narratives which helped you weave a tapestry of insight into faith, courage, setback, adventure together. A unifying theme ( especially the first four books is the timelessness within which God works and the reassurance we receive by allowing him to be the engineer, architect and builder in our lives. Our hope in Him allows us to persevere through setbacks but also develop a patience to understand Gods works in His own time, not human temporal understanding. Great insight!