New Year!

It's January! We had a very busy run up to Christmas, for which we are thankful. We very much appreciate the loyalty and support we receive for our small independent shop. Suddenly we have arrived in January and are needing to do a long awaited sort out (not just of books, but of our desks 😨).  In the meantime, many of you will be settling down to a new daily reading book.  If you haven't yet found a suitable one, we have some suggestions in our latest eBulletin... click here to view.
Don't forget though, that a sort out around here means that lots of books will be heading onto our sale lists - especially the £3 list. So go on, pick up a bargain while you can!

The Sweet Taste of Providence

Christine Farenhorst is a master storyteller, always engaging and finding new ways of pressing a message home. This book of 74 short stories from history is no different. Not all the stories are about Christians, some are about obscure and little known places and people but all are thoughtfully told so that the reader is drawn to consider and clearly see God's providential workings.  Each short chapter begins with a scripture passage and ends with well crafted 'Food for thought' questions. These are not trite, repetitive questions but at times real mind benders!
For example, in one chapter where we read about the man whose technical skills developed the techniques that led to the creation of the Gutenberg Press - the printing press that began the mass printing of Bibles. The gentleman himself was not thought to be a Christian, and he died friendless and penniless, but what wonderful good has come from the development of his techniques! In this chapter, one of the 'food for thought' points is... 'We live in an age where technology has advanced much beyond Gutenberg.  How can we be accountable and use this technology to God's glory and honour and to the advance of his kingdom?'.
I think this book really fills a gap in the market for devotionals for teenagers. It could be used as a daily reading or adapted for group discussions, but however it is used it will provoke careful analysis of the situations that face us in our daily lives and will cause the reader to consider our sovereign God who has all times, situations, people and places in his hands for the furtherance of the gospel and his glory.
The Sweet Taste of Providence - 74 Devotional Episodes from History, by Christine Farenhorst, published by Joshua Press.

Isaiah by the Day

This book gives me a headache - on what shelf should I put it? It calls itself a 'devotional commentary', but it would be difficult to comfortably put it in either (or fit it in as a matter of fact because of its size.  At 22 x 17cm it is a big 'un). For the moment I have settled for devotional.  It is certainly not a verse by verse commentary, and would not be useful to consult in this way.  But at the end of each of the 71 sections Motyer has divided the book up into (for convenience sake), there is a paragraph of reflection.  This is usually excellent.  Well composed and concise but full of matter for mediation, application and prayer.  It has not been a drag to use this book for daily readings. They are fairly long, but fascinating, although not perhaps for everyone.  It depends on whether you are willing to accept the author's own translation of the prophecy of Isaiah.  Do you want to read it in an unfamiliar rendering, or would you prefer to simply follow what you know? The advantage of proceeding with the former is that Motyer, with his skill as an Old Testament scholar, adds many snippets of translational notes and historical references.  He has also translated and set out the text in a form so as to reflect its literary style, and give a feel for the original language.  Motyer's passion is to enrich people's experience of Isaiah, and in this he succeeds well. This is a nicely produced hardback edition and would make a suitable gift for anyone who would like to be considered as a student of the Bible.
Jeremy
Isaiah by the Day, by Alec Motyer, published by Christian Focus Publications, £14.99

A Clearing of the Mists

In Pursuit of Wisdom upon the Scottish Hills.

Martin Haworth is a previously unknown name to me, but he reveals something of his journey to faith in this deeply reflective book. His has been a varied life: brought up in Manchester (Mancunians beware page 31!), dropping out of University to a back-to-nature job in forestry in Scotland, but also at other stages working in business in the Middle East, then starting up a guesthouse in the Scottish Highlands, before feeling a call to missionary work in the Philippines. He has always had a passion for the great outdoors, and the mountains of Scotland have drawn him back again and again to them, not only to complete his round of the 'Munros' (all the peaks over 3000 ft high to the uninitiated), but also for spiritual reasons. He would be the first to refute the idea of valid spiritual experience deriving solely from lonely mountain fastnesses, without regard to the Creator of those wonderful high places, nevertheless here his soul has been refreshed in God. Out of these times he draws some twenty one chapters of 'guided meditations'. Their titles, such as 'Seeking Direction', 'In Adversity', 'Being Approved', and 'In Fear of Man' give a flavour of the topics he explores, relating them to particular ascents he has made on well known, and some less well known, mountains of Scotland (hand drawn maps helpfully included). Haworth has some great tales to tell: most of his walks were solo (not to be copied!) and many were in demanding but rewarding winter conditions. Hill walkers of all standards from pootlers to scramblers will respond to his enthusiasm for the wilds. It is good to come across a book of this type, which has a christian perspective on it, and aims at magnifying the glory of God as seen in his creation, as well as deriving lessons for life's pathway. The meditations and their applications are not all of the same quality: there is some navel gazing and some doubtful theology to be sure, but there is also much to chew slowly and thoughtfully on. Here is your invitation to create a 'mountain panorama' of your life (and draw it if you wish, see page 249!) Note: many Bible portions are quoted in full, unfortunately from the NIV.

'A Clearing of the Mists' by Martin C Haworth
Christian Focus Publications
£8.99 p/b

Jeremy

It's not too late yet!

If you're still wondering what to buy Auntie Gladys for Christmas (or anyone else for that matter), I'm sure we have the perfect book & there is still time to get it to you before Christmas.  Browse the website or give us a call - we are always happy to advise, plus we can even gift wrap it and send it straight to Auntie Gladys if that makes life easier for you!
Daily devotional books are always a welcome gift and there is a nice new one available called A Pilgrim's Treasury - this is a complete Bible Survey from Genesis to Revelation using the popular Pilgrim Bible Notes which have been compiled into book form for the first time. Or how about a lovely leather-look gift edition of daily readings compiled from George Whitefield's writings, or Hawker's Morning and Evening Portions, or Philpot's Through Baca's Vale (which you could even get as an eBook - now wouldn't that be convenient). I could keep going with suggestions, but perhaps a look through our Devotional section would help you make a choice.
If you are buying books for children before the end of the year, don't forget that we are currently offering a selection of children's books on a '3 for 2' deal. Have a read of our December eBulletin which gives details of this offer.

Don't forget LAST POSTING DATES are

WEDNESDAY 18th December for SECOND CLASS

FRIDAY 20th December for FIRST CLASS

We can also use our courier to get last minute deliveries to you right up to Monday 23rd December.

Lorna

Mother's Day

Hands up who's forgotten Mother's Day! Don't worry, it may only be 4 days away (yes, 10th March) but there is still time for us to get great books to your Mum - we will even gift wrap and send them direct if you wish.
I think the definition of a great book is very subjective - Jeremy assures me that Mums don't want to read books about being a Mum on Mother's Day because it's too depressing when they realise they are doing it all wrong, so I will try to steer clear of them in my recommendations!

Biographies are always a good read, here's one you probably won't find in another bookshop - Ann Judson, Missionary Wife reprinted from volume 1 of 'The Lives of the Three Mrs Judsons' by Arabella Stuart. This edition has been revised, edited & expanded by Corner Pillar Press and is a fascinating read of a devoted wife & missionary.
Otherwise the newest biography on our shelves is in the Bitesize Biography series & written by an excellent author Simonetta Carr, it is about Renee of France - have a read of the review on our site & see what you think.

Devotionals are another option, Lydia Brownback has written a series called On-the-Go Devotionals for women, which are easy to read & Christ centred.

Let me know what sort of book your Mum would like as a present & we will do our best to recommend a title. We can add in a Mother's Day card too!
Lorna

Rest

After a frustrating day of technological disasters and a distinct feeling of '1 step forward, 2 back', this book just published by Reformation Heritage Books has got to be part of my weekend reading.  I have just opened at the introduction and read this...

In today's hectic and distressing world, we need to recapture the concept of daily rest.  Demands and distractions agitate our spirits.  Disasters trigger anxiety.  Diseases generate pain.  Despair creeps into our hearts. These influences displace our peace and pull us from resting in God and His Word. The reflections in A Month of Sundays: 31 Meditations on Resting in God pause our spinning thoughts and calm our fluctuating feelings.  Real rest is impossible apart from belief in the triune God... Our souls find rest when we truly trust a sovereign God, who is also our loving Father, and walk in His ways every day of our lives.

It's a good start & I'm looking forward to reading more.
Lorna
A Month of Sundays: 31 Meditations on Resting in God, by Glenda Mathes, published by Reformation Heritage Books, priced £6.25

Recommended Devotional Readings

Reformation Heritage Books are to be congratulated for being constrained to reprint this classic, after a year of it being unavailable.  Robert Hawker (1753-1827) was vicar of Charles in Plymouth, and conscious of the poor amongst his congregation, published these meditations for them on texts of scripture in small, affordable penny portions.  The eventual result was this Christ-centred devotional, which still satisfies the 'poor in spirit, who are rich in faith, and heirs of the kingdom.'  I am really pleased to have got a good stock of these on board - possibly the first in the UK to have done so?!  Our price is £24.95, which is not bad for a chunky hardback book (730 devotions for the whole year) now with a stylish new cover design.  Joel R Beeke has written a very informative and warm introduction to Dr Hawker and his ministry, which he feels has been 'largely overlooked by modern scholarship.'  May these daily doses of free grace doctrine be to the benefit of many readers.  I'm using them at the moment and I would encourage you to do so too.  This isn't a sales plug - beg, borrow or buy a copy from whoever you can!  You won't regret it.
'The Poor Man's Morning and Evening Portions' by Robert Hawker DD.
Jeremy

God's Names

I like this book.  It is written along the same lines as the 'God's Mighty Acts...' series (see http://christianbookshopossett.blogspot.com/2010/11/gods-mighty-acts.html ). With an easy style of writing it focuses on one biblical name of God in each short chapter (no more than 3 or 4 pages). Difficult theological concepts are not shied away from and the characteristics of God are reverently described and explained with plenty of application. Interaction is encouraged with suggestions for further reading and activities at the end of the chapters. An introduction for parents explains the aims of the book and gives suggestions for how it could be used.  I think it would be helpful and profitable whether it was used as an individual devotional book or a children's group teaching resource. It is attractively produced with colour pages and illustrations and would make a lovely gift or Sunday School prize. Suitable for around 5-10 years.

You can view the contents or a sample chapter on the publishers website here

God's Names by Sally Michael, published by P & R, priced £12.99
N.B. ESV Scripture texts are used throughout.
Lorna

God's Mighty Acts...

It's not often you read a children's book which makes you sit and think, seriously and profitably.  The author of these two books, Starr Meade has a way of writing that makes you do just that. These books are written for the 8-12yr bracket, but they do not shy away from weighty doctrinal issues.  Yet at the same time these issues are written about in a way that this age group can understand.  There's quite a skill in doing this and I think Starr Meade hits the nail on the head. 
The books are written with short chapters (no more than 2 pages) which can be used as daily devotionals and some points for further thought and discussion are given at the end of each chapter.  

God's Mighty Acts in Creation guides the reader through each day of creation with the main aim of showing how God is revealed through the things he has made.  For example, 10 chapters are spent on Day 1 (Light and Water) covering some great gospel truths such as Jesus the light of the world, the Holy Spirit shining light into a sinner's heart, Christ the cleansing fountain of water, and Christ the living water. I have started reading this one with my 7yr old and have found the illustrations used really grabbed him e.g. science experiments, camping trips, and the doctrinal applications have been clear without trying to be too simplistic.

God's Mighty Acts in Salvation looks in detail at the book of Galatians and aims to highlight the main teaching about God's saving work.  Again, the difficult doctrinal issues are not avoided and hard words such as justification or righteousness are not watered down but instead used and explained.

Both are books I would recommend.
Lorna

Unsearchable Riches

'Casting all your care upon Him, for He careth for you'
What a perfect rest do we get when on coming to the Lord Jesus we take His yoke upon us, the yoke which He Himself ever wore, and which He now lovingly imposes upon all His people. O, it is an easy yoke and a light burden. Love joyfully accepts what INFINITE LOVE imposes. We then are satisfied in knowing that every interest of ours is unspeakably precious to Him: that every hair is counted: every tear put into His bottle, and that every sigh is noted. Nothing can harm those whom He keeps as the apple of His eye. Our one and only danger is, that we begin to plan for ourselves, and thus virutally take ourselves out of His hands. He will bring us at whatever cost of suffering to us, to commit ourselves ABSOLUTELY to His loving and perfectly trusted hands.

Extract from 'Unsearchable Riches' by John Dickie,

(19th Century Scottish evangelist and tract writer)

I started this book back in June on our holiday and have since used it as daily readings because of its short chapters and devotional nature. John Dickie spent the majority of his life in ill-health, and this book contains the short meditations and letters he wrote to friends during his times of affliction. Well worth careful reading.
Lorna

Life Everlasting

Subtitled 'Finding True fulfilment through the Apostle's Creed.' This was the book I took up last evening, just out from Christian Focus. I'm putting it on stock this morning. Although it first came out before I was born (just), it is a delight for me to discover. How many books combine good devotional thought, personal experience in Christian ministry, structured by and giving insight to a Creed?? Much here is so necessary to be kept in mind, eg. I believe in the Holy Spirit - no hope for persevering in ministry without such clear cut faith in him and no-one else. 'He hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty.' This is so opposite to man, and even to much of the attitude to be found within churches! The seed sown in weakness God directs in power when and where he will.
There is much more here to digest, I've just given a hint about its personal impact.
Jeremy