Every summer, we like to take the time to recommend a few books—some we’ve already enjoyed, some we’re currently enjoying, and some we look forward to enjoying in the future. Last week, Pastor Andrew gave his recommendations of books that would be well-suited as opportunities for your personal edification, and this week, I want to take the time to recommend a few books for families. As has become my tradition, I want to recommend one book for families to read together and one book for parents to read for themselves as they seek to be built up in the task of raising their children in the discipline and instruction of the Lord.
First, for families to read together—as my own children are growing slightly older and able to handle slightly longer books, we have greatly enjoyed and appreciated The Beginner’s Gospel Story Bible, written by Jared Kennedy and Illustrated by Trish Mahoney. Kennedy is the founder of the organization Gospel Centered Family and the author of many wonderful children’s books that point children and families toward the truths of the gospel. This book is comprised of 52 stories (some well known, and some you might not expect to find in children’s story Bible!) from both the Old and New Testaments which tell the story of the Bible with a particular emphasis on showing children how God’s plan of salvation permeates all of Scripture. As is often the case with good story Bibles, I’ve been learning a few things for myself along the way as my son and I read a story each night! With 52 stories, you could easily read one story each week, but if you’re like us and want to read every night, you’ll have plenty of opportunity to go through this entire book quite a few times before a year is done!
Second, for parents, I want to recommend a book that has been an encouragement to me when I recently discovered it while listening to one of my favourite podcasts. It’s called For the Love of Discipline: When the Gospel Meets Tantrums and Time-Outs by Sara Wallace. If you’re anything like me, parenting books can sometimes feel daunting. It can often feel like parenting is an overwhelming task that we must perform in our own strength, and we often feel guilty when we fail to measure up. By contrast, this book provides a grace-infused, realistic, and hopeful look at parenting from the lens of what truly matters—what is the heart of Christian discipline? What is its ultimate aim? And how can we pursue the call to discipline our children faithfully? If you’ve ever found yourself weighed down by parenting books and leaving more discouraged than you started, I suspect this book will prove to be a liberating breath of fresh air as it points you with graciousness toward the great Saviour who strengthens and empowers you to do the work set before you and who works even in the midst of our imperfections.
All the best,
Luke Burrow
