August is usually a fairly quiet month for new book releases, sitting as it does between the busy spring and fall seasons. However, there were still quite a few excellent books published this month, and I’m glad to share some of them with you. In each case, I’ve shared the editorial description so you can learn a bit about it.
Good News for Parents: How God Can Restore Our Joy and Relieve Our Burdens by Adam Griffin. “Be firm with your kids, but not scary. Be friendly, yet maintain authority. Work hard, but prioritize time at home. Parents are faced with an overwhelming mix of advice. Self-help books, blog posts, and endless tips often leave parents feeling more stressed, discouraged, and fearful. In Good News for Parents, Adam Griffin offers a refreshing alternative to typical parenting advice. This book reveals how walking by the Spirit can free parents from the anxieties, stress, and self-doubt of parenting. Drawing wisdom from Galatians 5, Griffin demonstrates how each fruit of the Spirit provides the lasting relief they so desperately need. Ultimately, readers will feel more prepared to approach parenting with peace, confidence, and strength, trusting that Jesus is renewing both them and their children day by day.” (Buy it at Amazon or Westminster Books)
Unfailing Love: 30 Devotions to Encourage Dementia Caregivers by Robin Thomson. “Caring for someone you love who has dementia is a huge privilege but a heavy load too. It can be draining and sometimes overwhelming. Unfailing Love provides support and care for the caregiver with 30 short devotions on simple gospel truths that bring comfort and hope. You will be encouraged to learn that it is possible to both lament and trust God at the same time—that you can bring your struggles honestly to him as you continue to find strength in his word. Woven throughout are stories from fellow caregivers so you can find solace in the experiences of others. If you are not a caregiver yourself but know someone who is, love them well by gifting them this compassionate devotional.” (Buy it at Amazon or Westminster Books)
Prayerfulness: Cultivating a Bible-enriched Prayer Life by Peter Adam. “How’s your prayer life? Do you pray as often as you’d like to? Does it feel like a chore? Most Christians long for a deep, fulfilling prayer life, but life’s busyness and distractions can make prayer an afterthought or a burden. In Prayerfulness, experienced pastor and Bible teacher Peter Adam guides you in rediscovering the joy and power of prayer. He uses the Bible, the wisdom of Christians from the past, and down-to-earth examples to help you: understand the biblical foundations of prayer and see how the gospel can transform your prayer life; overcome common obstacles to prayerfulness; learn how to plead God’s promises, actions, character and reputation—going beyond simply asking God for things; experience many kinds of prayer—thanks, praise, lament, confession, dedication—and the joy of bringing your requests to God. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to go deeper in prayer, Prayerfulness will help you embrace God’s gracious and transformative gift of prayer.” (Buy it at Amazon or Westminster Books)
From the Rising of the Sun: A Journey of Worship Around the World by Tim Challies & Tim Keesee. Am I allowed to include my own book? I guess there’s no rule against it! “Get ready to travel the globe and experience the beauty of Christian worship like never before. From the Rising of the Sun takes you on an unforgettable journey, showcasing how believers from all corners of the earth praise God in ways that are consistent with Scripture but faithful to the local language, customs, and culture. And here’s the best part–this book includes a code for free streaming access to a 12-episode video series, so you can witness these incredible moments of worship for yourself! Starting in Fiji, you’ll follow the sun as it rises and sets, moving through Australia, Asia, Europe, Africa, the Americas, and beyond. Along the way, you’ll meet brothers and sisters in Christ who worship amidst stunning landscapes, vibrant cities, and remote jungles. From the hymns sung in Korea’s bustling metropolises to the prayers offered in Zambia’s open plains, you’ll see and feel the unity and diversity of God’s people.“ (Buy it at Amazon or Westminster Books)
The Biblical View of Abortion: God’s Heart for Life in the Womb by Tom Pennington. “By deciding to make man in His own image, God Himself established the value of human life (Gen. 1:27). That sovereign, immutable decision makes abortion one of the greatest moral and ethical issues of our time. For the Christian, the only question about abortion that matters is: “What does the Bible say?” Tom Pennington has written The Biblical View of Abortion to expose the corrupt spiritual and cultural foundations of abortion and to build a compelling biblical case against abortion by discovering, explaining, and defending the primary biblical arguments. If you already have a biblical understanding of abortion, Tom’s writing will help further strengthen, encourage, and equip you from the Scripture. But if you don’t yet know or embrace the Bible’s teaching on abortion, may the Holy Spirit use these pages to instruct you from His Word so that God’s view of abortion will become yours.” (Buy it from Amazon)
Limping Heavenward: Living by Faith in Comprehensive and Chronic Suffering by Karrie Hahn. “How do Christians endure suffering that upends every aspect of life—perhaps permanently? Comprehensive and chronic suffering can assault our faith, strain our relationships, and leave others in the church unsure how to help. A shaky theology of suffering—others’ or our own—only compounds our hurt. In this honest, direct, and compassionate guide, Karrie Hahn tackles the hard questions: What does affliction reveal about who God is and how he relates to us? How can we move forward when we are devastated by pain? She helps sufferers keep walking by faith—and equips other believers to walk with them for the long haul.” (Buy it at Amazon or Westminster Books)
Alexander Maclaren Study Bible: Encouragement and Insights for a Christ-Centered Life. “Few preachers in the nineteenth century rivaled Alexander Maclaren. Called the “Prince of Expositors,” Maclaren was considered one of the best preachers of his era, acclaimed for offering remarkable biblical insights in a poetic style. The Alexander Maclaren Study Bible invites you to learn from his powerful insights as you explore the Scriptures. Study notes drawn from his more than 1,500 published sermons illuminate every chapter of the Bible. Passage outlines based on his sermons guide you in systematic study of key texts. Short notes encourage you to apply the Bible to your life and see Christ’s relevance to all Scripture.” (Buy it at Amazon)
Priceless People: Loving Older People and People Living with Dementia by Ben Boland. “Discover how to effectively share Jesus’ love with older people and those living with dementia in this practical and compassionate guide by experienced chaplain Ben Boland. Drawing from over fifteen years of ministry experience, Boland provides valuable insights, biblical wisdom, and hands–on strategies for meaningful spiritual care. Written for both professionals and volunteers, this accessible resource equips readers with the knowledge and tools needed to overcome common challenges in elder care ministry. Boland combines theological depth with practical applications, offering clear guidance while addressing sensitive topics with wisdom and grace.” (Buy it at Amazon or Westminster Books)
The Daily Remembrancer: A Morning and Evening Devotional by James Smith. “Written by C.H. Spurgeon’s pastoral predecessor, The Daily Remembrancer is a soul–stirring devotional that provides a feast of spiritual encouragement for every morning and evening of the year. Written with remarkable insight and pastoral warmth, James Smith offers readers intimate moments of reflection that bring scripture to life and draw hearts closer to God. What sets The Daily Remembrancer apart is its remarkable ability to address the heart’s deepest needs while consistently pointing readers to the sufficiency of Christ. Every meditation is carefully crafted to comfort the troubled, challenge the complacent, and guide all readers into a more intimate walk with God.” (Buy it at Amazon or Westminster Books)
The Man on the Middle Cross: Are You Going to Heaven? by Alistair Begg. “In this engaging and deeply encouraging paperback, pastor and preacher Alistair Begg retells the stories of three ordinary people who had no way to be sure what was in store beyond this life—until they discovered an extraordinary hope. This is the offer of the gospel: An eternity not dependent on effort or endeavor, but on the one who stands inviting us to ‘come.’ Why? Because salvation depends on Christ — not on us. This short book cuts through spiritual confusion with clarity and grace. It’s ideal for giving away at Easter, outreach events, or one-to-one conversations. Whether you’re exploring Christianity, feeling unworthy, or simply need a reminder of how good the gospel truly is, The Man on the Middle Cross points to the hope that is found in Jesus alone.” (Buy it at Amazon or Westminster Books)
