Retreats are amazing. A weekend where you spend time with other Christian women around the word of God. We sing, chat, learn, and grow together. But there’s something even better than a retreat: it’s our daily walk with God. He gives us occasions away to focus intensely at times, but our life is truly determined by the day-by-day moments we spend meditating on His truth.
At the WCBF Ladies’ Retreat this year, we heard many good lessons on God’s ways, our emotions, and the truth that will bring about peace and change in our lives. These are some of the books for general sanctification that were recommended to us by our main speaker, Sarah Arnold.
Each one presents an opportunity for us to grow each day this year, each day until our next ladies’ retreat.
“Stemming from Packer’s profound theological knowledge, Knowing God brings together two key facets of the Christian faith―knowing about God and knowing God through a close relationship with Jesus Christ. Written in an engaging and practical tone, this thought-provoking work seeks to renew and enrich our understanding of God.” (Amazon description)
“It’s time to take another look at the role we play―and God plays―in our growth as a Christian. Renowned author Jerry Bridges offers a clear and thorough explanation of the gospel and what it means to the believer. A must-read for Christians wanting to grow in their faith, this book will comfort and challenge you as you learn about the disciplines of commitment, convictions, choices, adversity, and more.” (Amazon description)
“Want help memorizing Scripture amid the busyness of life? His Word in My Heart is a classic on how to best memorize Scripture. Rather than memorizing random scattered verses with fragmented truth, try memorizing sequential verses in their contexts, achieving a more accurate and complete picture of God. Speaking from practical experience, Janet Pope shares how her life was changed by the process of thinking and meditating on specific truths learned by memorizing Scripture.” (Amazon description)
“The question of profiting from Scripture provides the theme for this book, originally published as a series in Studies in the Scriptures. Contents include how the scriptures deal with topics of Sin, God, Christ, Prayer, Good Works, Obedience, the World, the Promises, Joy, and Love.” (Amazon description)
“Taking his cue from Calvin’s definition that ‘prayer is the chief exercise of faith,’ Reeves helps us understand that prayer should be a natural expression of our faith. Just as faith is awakened as we grasp the wonders of the gospel, so prayer follows as our hearts respond to these glorious truths. Enjoy Your Prayer Life is a delightful read; and as you turn the pages, it’ll show you that prayer doesn’t have to be a duty to be performed, but is rather a gift to be enjoyed.” (Amazon description)
“Practical holiness and entire self-consecration to God are not given adequate attention by modern Christians. The unsaved sometimes rightly complain that Christians are not as kind and unselfish and good-natured as those who make no profession of faith. But Scripture makes it clear that holiness, in its place and proportion, is quite as important as justification. The aim of this book is to instruct you, equip you, and encourage you in the pursuit of holiness.” (Amazon description)
“In a practical and engaging manner, Matt Smethurst—a pastor in Richmond, Virginia—presents nine heart postures that will prepare you to unpack all that’s awaiting you in God’s Word. Although there are many great resources on how to read and study Scripture, hardly any focus exclusively on how to approach it in the first place. That’s what Smethurst provides in this unique “prelude” to opening your Bible. For without the right heart postures, we’re not yet ready to start reading.” (Amazon description)
“God did not give us His gospel just so we could embrace it and be converted. He offers it to us every day as a gift that keeps on giving us everything we need for life and godliness. Here is a valuable tool to preach the gospel to yourself daily to strengthen your faith and define what you believe and why.” (Amazon description)
“In Psalms in 30 Days, author and teacher Trevin Wax has adapted a centuries-old approach to reading the Psalms by providing a ‘Morning,’ ‘Midday’ and ‘Evening’ pattern. . . This journey through the Psalms features other songs from the Bible, confessions of faith, and written prayers from faithful Christians who have gone before us. Here is a guide to praying through the Psalms each month by lifting our eyes, three times a day, to see and experience the goodness and faithfulness of God in the midst of all things.” (Amazon description)
“We all know it’s important to study God’s word. But sometimes it’s hard to know where to start. What’s more, a lack of time, emotionally driven approaches, and past frustrations can erode our resolve to keep growing in our knowledge of Scripture. Women of the Word has helped countless women with a clear and concise plan they can use every time they open their Bible. This book will equip you to engage God’s word in a way that trains your mind and transforms your heart.” (Amazon description)
Coming soon! Lists of books recommended for guiding our emotions with God’s truth!
