Staff Favorites
Here is some of the favorite reading of MSU Cru’s staff members.Courtney Reynolds “Seeing & Savoring Jesus Christ” – John Piper This is a short devotional book (12 chapters) that points you to Christ and helps you see more of his character and attributes. “The Search for Significance” – Robert S McGee You will examine how God sees you in Christ and have opportunities to examine the lies we so easily believe–whether you fall into the performance trap, seek approval from others, etc. You’ll learn more about God’s answers to these false beliefs though justification, reconciliation, propitiation and regeneration. It has been a huge source of encouragement and truth in my life. “Wilderness Skills for Women” – Marian Jordan Go ahead a laugh if you want… Marian Jordan really gets at the heart of trusting God in times of testing (or wilderness) and she writes in a fun, yet Biblical way that will encourage you and show you that you are NOT alone in your struggles. Whatever your wilderness season is, she will give you practical perspective and skills to persevere and trust God each step of the way. “God’s Big Picture: Tracing the Storyline of the Bible” – Vaughan Roberts This book will help you understand the big picture and context of the Bible. It is simple to read and will change the way you read the Bible. It is a great tool and resource to have, even if you don’t read it all the way through. Jessica Hall “Peace Child” – Don Richardson Great example of cross-culturally communicating the Gospel. “Silence” – Shusaku Endo A fictional account of a true story of some of the first missionaries to Japan. Makes you think about what you would endure for the Gospel. “Imaginary Jesus” - Matt Mikalatos AWESOME book about confronting our incorrect image of Jesus before we can understand who He REALLY is. “Revelation of a Single Woman; Loving the Life I didn’t Expect” – Connally Gilliam. Basically, this woman’s story of how she learned to love life and live it abundently in Christ when her plans for her future didn’t pan out the way she expected. “Girl Meets God” and “Mudhouse Sabbath” - Lauren Winner “Girl meets God” is an interesting memoir of a woman who grew up Jewish, became an orthodox Jew in college, then found a relationship with the Messiah while studying in England. “Mudhouse Sabbath” is how she has incorporated the Jewish tradition of Sabbath into her Messianic world-view. “The Rest of God” – Mark Buchanan. Wonderful insight into God’s call to rest, and he shares ways to practically appy what he has discovered. Josh Baker “My Utmost for His Highest” – Oswald Chambers Great short daily devotional. Very very challenging. “Knowing God” – J.I. Packer Faith is trust. You can’t trust someone more than you know them. This book takes a solid look at various attributes of God in a practical way that increases your faith and love for him. “Seeing and Savoring Jesus Christ” – John Piper Fall in love with the glory of Christ. Also available in PDF at desiringgod.org. “The Wonderful Spirit Filled Life” - Charles Stanley Great book on this simple yet complicated, and vitally important aspect of the Christian life. “Systematic Theology” – Wayne Grudem Not a “fun” read, but it does bring you delight in our God. This is a resource necessary in every library. “Shadow of the Almighty” – Elizabeth Elliot The autobiography of Jim Elliot (missionary killed by Indians in Ecuador) compiled form his journal entries. THIS IS A BOOK FOR THE MEN!! You will be challenged and convicted by the great love and faith this man had for our God. “Pursuit of God” – A.W. Tozer Great book by an old pastor from Chicago on what it means to really seek hard to know our God. Justin Osborn “50 Reasons Why Jesus Came to Die” - John Piper Do you ever find yourself needing to remember why Jesus came to die, the meaning of it, or how it applies to your life? Or perhaps you simply need to be encouraged and remember the truth of the gospel. Each chapter, only two pages long, is full of life giving truth, along with many scripture verses to point your heart and soul back to the essential truths of the gospel. Nathan Reynolds “Heaven” – Randy Alcorn The thought of eternity always freaked me out so I needed to read this book. It’s great at helping you understand Heaven and at getting you excited for the future to come. It also does a great job on explaining God’s heart and his redeeming character. “The Me I Want to Be” – John Ortberg Cheesy title aside, I really enjoyed this book. It does a great job looking at the spirit-filled life, using different words and ideas to describe it than I’m used to hearing. “Changes that Heal” – Henry Cloud Dr. Cloud is great at giving a biblical perspective for growth, identifying key areas in our lives that we need to be maturing in. “Locking Arms” - Stu Weber Great book I read back in my college days after I picked it up at a seminar at IndyCC. Written by a former Green Beret, it looks at God’s design for masculine relationships. “Spiritual Leadership” – J. Oswald Sanders Does a great job looking qualities of spiritual leadership and contrasting it with natural/worldly leadership. Paul Hardaloupas “Kingdom of Couches” – Will Walker Great book on life transforming community. Great book on the importance and requirement of real fellowship in our sanctification.
