e-Readers: free, quality books

Someone encouraged me to subscribe to Inspired Reads, a blog that posts about Christian Kindle books.

After cautioning that the term Christian represents a variety of orthodox and not-so-much views, I want to recommend this source to those that use Kindles or a Kindle app for reading.

Some of the books we have in our church lending library are intermittently available --for free-- through Kindle sales at Amazon, and this blog (and its newsletter via email) keeps me posted on what's available.

I love free, and when you combine that with accurate Reformed theology, you have an unbeatable combination!

Updated our listing of materials

I came home having heard about John Piper's plan to have a "successor" at Bethlehem Baptist, and I wondered if we had a copy of his book When I don't desire God.

In the search, I went to this blog, and clicked on the "Listing of Materials" in the right-hand menu bar. (I had to update the link so it would work).

I was able to search -- and happily found that yes: we do have a copy.

Hope you too will search and find something you like!

Kindle user? Free book

The Transforming Power of the Gospel
by Jerry Bridges
192 pages, published in 2011 by NavPress.

Jerry Bridges is an excellent author, and if you have access to Kindle book readers or Kindle apps on your devices, you may want to check out his newest book, available FREE this afternoon on Amazon.

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B006OHK2VU/?tag=readtoday-20

What a deal!

New books, new opportunities

We are currently working on a couple of dozen new books to be added this coming Sunday, September 18. There are so many wonderful resources available -- common, unassuming books and audio CDs that don't look nearly as explosive as they can prove to be in your spiritual walk.

Thanks to the faithful ones who have donated these powerful books, DVDs and CDs. We are praying for the Lord's purposes for each item!

Among the new items this week:

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"Cognitive dissonance" -- or getting caught in a book

By God's provision, our lending library is experiencing a continuing inflow of quality reading material (and viewing and listening items). Thanks to all who are sharing -- lives are being impacted.

I can say this truthfully because I read a recently donated book last Sunday, and it carried me further into God's truth. Someone who was clearing out their home library gave us some books, and one of those was a title that the Lord knew would equip and grow me. I suspect that family had no idea of the impact even just one of their titles would make on someone in our church family.

What does it look or feel like to "grow" from reading a book? At its deepest level, it's an unconscious thing. Your mind is caught by a phrase, or an idea -- and it bumps up against some belief you held previously. There are long and complex phrases from the psychology of learning that describe the process, but growth happens when we are focused on the message of what we're reading rather than on the process of reading itself.

Add to this the promise that each believer has: "the Spirit of truth ... will guide you into all the truth" (John 16)-- and you'll see why our new lending library offers some exciting opportunities!

Come find the next book that will help you grow -- and see how the Lord will use it to produce eternal fruit.

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Spotlight: "Job" by John Piper

There are a number of excellent, not-to-be-missed resources in our lending library. One such book (newly donated, thanks!) is Job, an illustrated hard-cover version of John Piper's poem "The Misery of Job and the Mercy of God." Reformed Theological Seminary thought enough of this book to use it as gifts to supporters.

Joel Belz nicely summarized the work in World magazine. I hope you'll look for this book and join others who have grown from their reading of it.

[Piper's] insights and ability with words are coupled with the powerful themes of Job's timeless story ... the shortness of the book saved me no time at all, for I had to go back and read it again and again.

The author's theme, of course, is not Job, but God. That is always John Piper's theme. He wants his listeners to know the God of the Bible ... "It is a great sadness when sufferers seek relief by sparing God His sovereignty over pain. The sadness is that this undercuts the very hope it aims to create."

Joel Belz
World Magazine
August 10, 2002
Excerpt from http://www.worldmag.com/world/issue/08-10-02/opening_1.asp

How to check books out -- and back in

Trying to keep it simple, we're using a card system for checking out books in our lending library.

When you decide to check out a book, write your name and the date the book will be due back (3 weeks from the day you check it out). Put that card in the manilla Check-Out Cards envelope at the top, left-hand shelf on the book rack.

When you return the book, pull that card out of the envelope. Cross out your name and stick the card back into the pocket in the front of the book. Return the book to the book cart.

If you need more time, write the new date (again, 3 weeks from the date you are renewing it), and put the card back into the envelope.

Simple, straight-forward, honor system.

Remember our ministry goal, to equip everyone for the Kingdom life, and check out something that speaks to a need or a question in your life.

Remember that checking out a book is a Vote for the Book, to ward off weeding =)

And hurrah! New books were donated today! They are excellent resources, and something will have to go, to make room for them. Which books are YOU using?

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