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I love to read. It's enjoyable and relaxing for me, but it's also a way to sharpen my mind, strengthen my beliefs, and serve the people I know and love. To serve you I've decided to share a monthly summary of my top three recommended books. These represent three books I read in the previous month that I believe would most benefit you. Many of them can be found in our PBC bookstall, so let us know if you'd like to purchase one there. I hope they are a blessing to you. 

#1 Coronavirus and Christ by John Piper

This is a fantastic, timely reading. How should we think through global tragedy like the Covid-19 pandemic? Piper powerfully challenges us to see God’s sovereignty amidst our suffering, to delight in Christ amidst the coronavirus. I strongly urge Christians to read this book to think more biblically about the challenges we’re facing. And if you’re not a follower of Jesus, you should read this to learn what the Bible tells us to think about the painful reality of global suffering. It’s a short, accessible book and it’s available for free in PDF, ebook, and audiobook formats from Desiring God.

 

#2 Descriptions and Prescriptions: A Biblical Perspective on Psychiatric Diagnoses and Medications by Michael R. Emlet

How should a Christian think about psychiatric diagnoses? OCD, ADHD, PTSD, Bipolar Disorder, Social Anxiety are common terms in the culture, but how should a Bible-believing Christian think about these ailments?

And what about psychoactive medications? Medicines like Prozac, Paxil, Ritalin, Xanax, Zoloft and more are more heavily prescribed than ever. Is that a good thing that Christians should celebrate, or a reason to lament?

In his book Descriptions and Prescriptions, Michael Emlet (a former M.D. turned biblical counselor and Christian author) argues that Christians should adopt the “Goldilocks Principle” to psychiatric diagnoses and medications.

Many Christians are “too warm.” They affirm psychiatric diagnoses without question, despite the fact that sometimes the diagnoses in the psychiatric community are just a relabeling of behaviors the Bible calls “sin.” They promote the benefits of psychoactive medications without question, despite the fact that research shows many do better with counseling alone, or counseling plus treatment.

Other Christians are “too cold.” They dismiss all psychiatric diagnoses out of hand, despite the fact that many people are truly suffering. They view all psychoactive medication as weakness or “not trusting God,” despite the fact that some medications are proven to help the sufferer.

Dr. Emlet carefully explains a better way. Christians should adopt a middle posture between these two extremes. One based on a robust biblical worldview and a careful examination of the facts related to psychiatric descriptions and prescriptions. One leaning heavily on genuine relational care for suffering people. One that relies on biblical wisdom.

This book is short, easily accessible, and profoundly helpful. I highly recommend it for any Christian who is struggling with psychiatric issues or desires to help those who do.

 

#3 Enjoy Your Prayer Life by Michael Reeves

This tiny little book is an encouraging reminder that you can (and should) enjoy your prayer life. Quoting John Calvin, Reeves reminds us that “prayer is the chief exercise of faith.” And therefore, prayerlessness is the chief evidence of faithlessness.

But Reeves doesn’t martial this as ammunition against the prayerless believer. He reminds us that, of course we struggle praying because faith itself is unnatural. It’s supernatural, and the truth is most of us are more infantile in faith than we think.

But don’t let that discourage you. Remember that God loves you, He invites you to pray, and even has given you His Spirit to help you pray. So do yourself a favor and read this short book to refresh your soul in prayer.

 

Happy reading!!!