We conclude our summer reading list from Shepherd Press begun in yesterday’s post with three more books. 

A Proverbs Driven Life: Timeless Wisdom for Your Words, Work, Wealth, and Relationships

By Anthony Selvaggio

As the title suggests, this new work examines the practical theology of the Proverbs under several categories: work, wealth, friends, marriage and children. Of particular interest to our readership will likely be the latter two chapters covering marriage and family. For example, the chapter on children proceeds upon the axiom, “A Proverbs-Driven life accepts the calling to raise children as a task delegated and directed by God.” The chapter unpacks Proverbs 22:15, “Folly is bound up in the heart of a child, the rod of discipline will drive it far from him,” and advocates a Gospel-centered, heart-focused discipline. The chapter later gives the parents profound wisdom with an exposition of Proverbs 6:23, “For these commands are a lamp, this teaching is a light, and the corrections of discipline are the way to life.” Parents, as well as children, stand desperately in need of the grace of God, in raising children in the discipline and instruction of Christ, the author argues, and he provides roadmap through Proverbs, with categories to guide the discipline of children. Like all good books on Christian doctrine, this book is both theological as well as practical. 

Excerpt. “While corporal discipline certainly has its place in raising young children, the overwhelming emphasis in Scripture is on training children by speaking to them. In fact, Proverbs teaches that parents should seek to become so effective at verbal discipline that corporal discipline eventually becomes unnecessary. There are two main verbal disciplinary techniques suggested by Proverbs: To encourage good behavior and to discourage bad behavior.” 

“Don’t Make Me Count to Three!” A Mom’s Look at Heart-Oriented Discipline

By Ginger Plowman

Speaking of discipline, Ginger Plowman’s 2003 book needs to be rediscovered by moms (and dads!) across the scope of evangelicalism. I cannot improve on Tedd Tripp’s commendation: “This book is properly aligned. It makes the focus of discipline the heart and unpacks how to use the Scriptures for both encouragement and reproof. The tendency in parenting books is to be heavy on ideas and strategies for managing our children and light on biblical foundations. (This book) weaves together solid biblical truth and practical parenting advice.” In addition to dealing with heart discipline, the book includes excellent appendices on how to lead your child to Christ and how to pray for your child.

Excerpt. “Many parents today have bought into society’s definition of discipline. Because they relate the word to negative training, they would rather tolerate their children’s behavior than correct it. Those who do attempt to establish standards tend to miss the hearts of their children. They simply try to control their children, focusing only on their outward behavior. They have adopted the philosophy that if they can get their children to act right, then they are raising them the right way.” 

Craftsmen: Christ-Centered Proverbs for Men

By John Crotts 

Real men all know one thing: they are not wise and need the wisdom, that James describes, “comes from above.” John Crotts is just such a man and he has written a book pointing men to the only well from which true wisdom may be drawn: God’s Word. And the Bible is not a book of cutesy, but disconnected moral aphorisms like Bartlett’s Book of Quotations. Instead, Crotts correctly views it as God’s Word, His special revelation that points men (and women!) fundamentally to the place where all stores of wisdom are located: Christ. The author begins with the meaning of wisdom, the beginning of wisdom and the end of wisdom (Christ) and, in separate chapters, shows how Christological wisdom is pertinent to everyday life in areas such as work, authority, sex, the tongue, the temper and relationships. Any man who wants to lead his family in godliness must first be ready to serve as an example of it; Men, start with Craftsmen; it is a sure and certain guide. 

Excerpt. “If you have been blessed with an oversized brain and an IQ that would make Einstein jealous, but you live as though God doesn’t matter, you are just a big-headed fool. God’s wisdom starts with an attitude (not an IQ) and then works out into a lifestyle. Understanding the meaning of wisdom is a foundational component of knowing what God wants us to strive for. As one wise man observed, ‘If you aim at nothing, you’ll hit it every time!’” 

As summer unfolds in all its sun-baked glory, the heat and extra spare time offers the perfect excuse to indulge in the reading of books.  Shepherd Press has graciously provided a half-dozen titles that we would like to commend for your reading pleasure. These six books are related directly or indirectly to biblical manhood and womanhood, marriage, parenting or some combination thereof.

Instructing a Child’s Heart

By Tedd & Margy Tripp

            This work was released in 2008 as a complement to what is for many parents (includingthis parent!) a landmark book, Shepherding a Child’s Heart also by TeddTripp. In this sequel, the Tripps emphasize the critical importance of steepinga child’s heart formatively in the inspired, inerrant Word of God.  God works through His Word by the Holy Spirit to change hearts and the Tripps unpack this foundational theological construction over three sections: The Call to Formative Instruction, Introduction to Formative Instruction, Application of Formative Instruction.  Best of all, this book is Gospel-centered in its approach to parenting, teasing out the child-rearing implications of the Reformation principle of sola Scriptura.  If your family has been blessed by Shepherding a Child’s Heart, don’t miss part two.

            Excerpt.Chapter two establishes five goals for the formative instruction of children: “Remember Scripture is our personal history, develop godly habits, apply Scripture to life, model spiritual vitality and grow into a mature relationship with your children.” 

The 7 Hardest Things God Asks a Woman to Do

By Kathie Reimer & Lisa Whittle

            In another work released a few years ago (2007), the mother-daughter team of Reimer and Whittle seeks to show that genuine liberation comes to women when they walk inobedience to the Word of God. The seven hard things God asks women to do may be boiled down to this: deny yourself in the manner of Christ.  Reimer and Whittle tease out the difficult Christian pilgrimage by pointing women to the Gospel and the God of the Gospel through His Word and encourage them to find their strength and identity in the One who created them for His own glory.

            Excerpt.  In the first chapter, Lisa points argues that God calls women to a single-focus (Christ) and simultaneously to be a multi-tasker in pursuing gratefulness, kindness, mindfulness, graciousness and servanthood. On being a servant: “Servantssometimes suffer.   Jesus Christ served and suffered and we are not greater than he. Our decision to serve him and then others gives us far more blessings than we can imagine.  So it comes down to this: if we’re offended at the thought of serving someone, our husband, our boss, our mother-in-law, our child, our parent, our friend, our obnoxious neighbor, maybe there’s a problem somewhere in our relationship with the servant of all servants; Jesus, the King.”  Each chapter includes with a set of study questions.

Heaven at Home: Establishing and Enjoying a Peaceful Home

By Ginger Plowman

            The thesis for Plowman’s 2006 book might well be stated this way: the happiest home is theChrist-centered home. In a warm and engaging manner, Plowman unfolds the “heavenly home” in five delightful sections over 20 chapters. The home is heavenly, she argues, when: the wife/mother is happy, unity prevails, relationships are right, children obey and when the home is a haven for family members. Plowman calls women to delight in the woman whom God has made them and in the roles to which He has called them. The book includes Gospel-centered wisdom on subjects as diverse as getting along with one’s in-laws to the Christ-focused discipline of children and “Living joyfully when your husband won’t lead.” As Nancy Leigh DeMoss points out in her commendation of Heaven at Home, a loving, peaceful, Gospel-entranced home doesn’t just happen; it takes great planning and profound effort.  Plowman provides a thoroughly biblical roadmap for how to get there.

            Excerpt.  “Some women feel that homemaking is not a glamorous or rewarding job.  Yes, Jesus himself is a homemaker. Jesus said, “I am going there (heaven) to preparea place for you” (John 14:2b).  While Jesus is obviously more than a home-maker, Jesus expresses his care for his people by preparing a home for them.  Homemaking is a divine occupation exemplified in the life of the divine Savior.” 

One month into my journey as a mother, I'm loving and appreciating this new role more than I ever thought possible. I'm also more overwhelmed than I ever thought possible. It certainly is a learning game—I would describe it as starting a new career where you have to learn to do everything the job requires without very much (or mixed) instruction. You obviously can't learn a new job all at once—it takes a while, and you learn things bit by bit. Here are a few things I have learned, or have been surprised to discover:

1. I do not mind late night feedings. My precious Susan is so wonderful to spend that sweet time with! I do love it that she needs me, and that it's just her and me at that time. When I look at that precious life who depends on me completely, it reminds me how frail we are as humans, and how dependant we are on the Lord for life and breath and everything.  I think I value life so intensely because I have recently witnessed some suffering and death.  My mother passed away 3 months ago, after a severe stroke, and 2 weeks in a coma.  I saw her frail body slowly give way to death, and though I rejoiced for her to be with her Savior, my perspective on life has changed forever.

2. God's design for motherhood is amazing. I am continually surprised by the instincts that have kicked in—in just a matter of days.  Nursing a baby, soothing a baby, understanding her cries:  all things I did not know how to do just weeks ago! I have never been a huge baby person, and everyone assured me it would be different when it was MY baby. They were right! I am humbled to see the way God has designed me—to be a mother.

3. We're taking one day at a time. . . well, it's more like one feeding or nap at a time. It's really true that each family has to figure out what works for THEIR child, and their lives together! My sister-in-law had a baby just 2 days after I had Susie, but he stayed in the NICU for 2 more weeks, and underwent extensive testing and brain surgery.  Knowing the struggle that baby and his family were enduring, and the grace and faith the Lord has provided for all they faced, has helped me to embrace even the harder times of the day.  I know the Lord will give grace to me when I need it.  I also appreciate every little routine activity that we go through—feeding, wake time, naps. What a joy to discover that everyday activities are special and valuable time.

4. The Lord answers the prayer of His child when she prays for wisdom. I had some fears about how much the baby was eating, and one evening I just broke down and was crying harder than she was. Hormones, grieving for my mom, and sleep-deprivation played into these tears, but as I calmed down, I asked the Lord to give me wisdom—or show me a good source for wisdom. He graciously provided my cousin Corrie to give me some input on nursing, and several other encouraging people (including my kind husband!) to help me navigate those rocky days. James does say that if we lack wisdom, to ask God for it! THANK goodness!

5. Josh and I are like kids at Christmas with that cute baby! I love sharing the fun with him. We both think she is utterly adorable, and that she already has a fun personality. We're grabbing the camera every 2 seconds—I see now why there are only 2 million MORE pictures of my older brother than there are of me. 2 adults with one baby to watch—that means there is always one set of hands to be snapping away.  What a precious treasure!  Thank you Jesus!

My denomination, the Southern Baptist Convention, has often been accused of being a “fighting people,” one that is perennially involved in an intramural war over theology, ministerial methodology, eschatology and a thousand other things that good Christian men have disagreed on throughout church history.  But, as R. Albert MohlerJr., denominational statesman and president of our flagship seminary, has often said, it is a good thing, a healthy thing, when Christians are talking about theology.

            While earthly denominations must never be confused with the Kingdom of Christ, I am thankful that Southern Baptists love the Bible and see theology as a matter worthy of deep reflection and lengthy discussion.  May God keep us humble and focused on proclaiming His Gospel.  Last week, our city, Louisville, played host to the SBC’s annual meeting and I was reminded of another reality for which I am thankful: issues of sexuality and gender are not matters for debate within the SBC.  Southern Baptists invariably get this issue right and this was evidenced once again Wednesday morning, June 24, as more than 8,500 messengers voted overwhelmingly in favor of a resolution upholding biblical sexuality and opposing federal policy proposals extending special rights to homosexuals.  Specifically, there solution:

·       Called on Congress to reject all attempts to repeal the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) and urged passage of a constitutional amendment upholding “the time-honored definition of marriage as exclusivelybetween one man and one woman.”

·       Urged Congress not to pass so-called “hate crimes” legislation that would criminalize religious beliefs and speech about homosexuality and other sexual practices forbidden by Scripture.

·       Expressed support for the current military code barring homosexuality in the service.

·       Communicated the good news of the Gospel’s power to change the lives of those imprisoned in sexual sin.  Hear the gracious language of the resolution’s concluding paragraphs: “…we affirm the Southern Baptist Convention Task Force on Ministry to Homosexuals in its effort to call our churches to engage in loving, redemptive ministry to homosexuals…(also) we proclaim that those who practice any unbiblical sexual behavior can be forgiven and changed, as the Apostle Paul write, “…some of you were like this, but you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God” (1 Corinthians 6:9-11).

Thank you Southern Baptists for your boldness in graciously upholding biblical truth in the face of a culture that views conservative evangelicals as ignorant, intolerant Neanderthals.  May it please God to rescue many from the deadly clutches sexual sin of all kinds through the proclamation of His redeeming love in Christ through faithful churches of all denominations. 

At the recent annual meeting of the Southern Baptist Convention in Louisville, CBMW council member Danny Akin issued a plainly-worded and sobering challengeto men regarding the task of missions.  Statistics show that many more women are willing to surrender their lives for the cause of the Gospel in missions than men, Akin pointed out.  Akin serves as president of Southeastern BaptistTheological Seminary and is one of the most delightfully straight-forward men to serve in SBC leadership in recent years.  Dr. Akin’s words are sometimes pointed, but they are always seasoned with humility and grace. Thus, the adage from the old EF Hutton commercial is true of Danny: when he speaks, people listen.

Akin pointed out that nearly 3.5 billion people worldwide exist with no access to the Gospel and three out of four in North America live outside of the grace of God in Christ. Therefore, Akin did not mince words in admonishing men to grab the baton and take the Gospel to the nations:

“How is it that this spiritual crime is being so perpetuated? Who is guilty of this sin being perpetuated? Too much of the fault falls at the feet of men. Recently, I did some research and discovered that, among our wonderful Journeyman program, today theInternational Mission Board has 331 journey girls on the field, but only 126 men. There are 2 1/2 times more of our sisters on the mission field as there are our brothers. I was informed a couple of months ago that in West Africa, one ofour most difficult regions, there are today 50 journeymen—48 are females, only two are men. You say, “Where are the men?” They are sitting at home in their boxer shorts and T-shirts playing video games—that is where the men are. The fact of the matter today is that the median age of those who are addicted to those things (video games) is 34 years old.

“Gentlemen, what are we not doingto inspire our sons and grandsons to dream of doing something great for Jesus? What is it we’re not doing that would cause them to want to give their life for Christ and the nations and put their life on the line for that which really matters? You say,  ‘This is a new phenomenon.” No, unfortunately it is not; when Lottie Moon (Southern Baptists’ most famous missionary, a woman who labored in China in the late 19^thcentury) was on the mission field and she would write back home, she would write some scathing letters. Here is just one of them: “I am trying to do the work that could fill the hands of three or four women and in addition, I am doing the work that ought to be done by young men.  I must add that the work is suffering and will continue to suffer for the want of a man living on the spot.”

Okay guys, are you ready to drop the joysticks and lay down your life for the cause of Christ?