It is surprisingly difficult to find a list of Christian books that have been released in any given month—especially if you want that list to be filtered by books released through particular publishers. That’s one of the reasons why I close each month by coming up with my list of New and Notable books. I comb through what I’ve received in the past month (and scour all the publishers’ websites) to come up with a list of titles that are interesting to me—and may just be interesting to you. Here are my picks for July. In each case I’ve included the publisher’s description.

Grace at Work: Redeeming the Grind and the Glory of Your Job by Bryan Chapell. “For many people, their job is merely ‘the daily grind’ needed to provide for family or pay the bills. Yet our work is a vital means for fulfilling God’s purpose for our lives and displaying his grace to those around us. In this book, author and pastor Bryan Chapell shares this biblical perspective of vocation, explaining how God gives purpose to our work by making it an instrument of his grace to our own hearts, as well as a way of bringing his goodness and glory into our world. Chapell explains how we can worship God by our work, rising above drudgery, duty, or self-interest with the understanding that our jobs are unique callings for displaying God’s character and care. Our work is worship when we see the glory beyond the grind, the mission in the mundane, and the grace at work.” (Buy it at Amazon or Westminster Books)
Give Me Understanding That I May Live: Situating Our Suffering within God’s Redemptive Plan by Mark Talbot. “Since creation’s fall, suffering has been part of earthly life. At times, it can feel overwhelming, even for believers who trust in the Lord. The Suffering and the Christian Life series provides help and hope from Scripture for those who are suffering. In volume 2 of this series, Mark Talbot explores Scripture’s account of the origin, spread, and eventual end of suffering, giving Christians the perspective they need to get through life’s difficult times. He encourages readers to see themselves within the Bible’s storyline (creation, rebellion, redemption, and consummation), finding the courage to endure and taking comfort that God is at work for their good.” (Buy it at Amazon or Westminster Books)
God’s Secret Listener by John Butterworth. “Berti Dosti faced a terrible but intriguing dilemma. He was an Albanian army captain and his job as a radio specialist was to listen into the world’s airwaves … As he idly twiddled the radio dials, he heard a voice saying: ‘If you want to find out more about God we will meet again tomorrow.’ 1980s Albania. The world’s most isolated country and ‘the first atheistic state’. Captain Dosti knows that by secretly listening to a Christian radio station he could put his life and the life of his whole family at risk. And yet, he cannot resist. This is the story of Berti’s journey from Captain Dosti to Pastor Dosti. It’s the story of the explosive growth of the early Albanian church after nearly half a decade of repressive atheism. And it’s the story of the of the untiring efforts of Trans World Radio to broadcast the Christian message across closed borders to Albanians, who for most of their life had been told there was no God.” (Buy it at Amazon)
40 Lives in 40 Days: Experiencing God’s Grace Through the Bible’s Most Compelling Characters by John MacArthur. “Have you ever wondered why God uses ordinary people to accomplish His work and to spread the good news? Join bestselling author and Bible teacher John MacArthur as he takes a closer look at the everyday lives of the men and women that God trusted to carry His message and lead His people. 40 Lives in 40 Days is a brand-new devotional compilation of MacArthur’s extensive studies of the Bible characters who show us that we don’t have to be perfect to do God’s work. From the twelve disciples to the Samaritan woman, MacArthur shares that Jesus chose average people–fishermen, tax collectors, doubters, political zealots–and gave them a remarkable mission. These encouraging stories, based in Scripture, help shed light on these real men and women who endured struggle, pain, and heartache, just like us. They were perfectly ordinary sinners–living proof of God’s kindness–who went on to serve an extraordinary purpose in spreading the gospel. By tracing the lives of these unlikely heroes, MacArthur shows us that the difficulties and temptations that they lived through are the same trials that modern believers face today.” (Buy it at Amazon)
Ours: Biblical Comfort for Men Grieving Miscarriage by Eric Schumacher. “This 31-day devotional gives biblical comfort and practical support to men processing miscarriage. The loss of a baby in the womb can leave the father reeling, as well as the mother. He may feel confused, helpless, lonely, deeply sad, or just numb. As readers draw alongside Jesus in the pages of Luke’s Gospel, they’ll find help to process their grief and to address questions they may be too afraid to ask. There’s also lots of practical help on how to care both for themselves and for their family in the aftermath of miscarriage. Eric Schumacher writes with sympathy and compassion as someone who has experienced the grief of multiple pregnancy losses making this book a great way to reach out to men who are suffering in this way. Includes foreword by Paul David Tripp and contributions from Nate and Lore Wilbert, Jenn Hesse, and Brian Croft. There is also space for journaling.” (Buy it at Amazon or Westminster Books)
Sowable Word: Helping Ordinary People Learn to Lead Bible Studies by Peter Krol. “When the word of Christ falls on good soil, the results will astound. That’s why there’s a surprising glory in leading a group of ordinary people to simply open their Bibles, read what’s on the page, and discuss how God might use these words to change the world. Yet too many small group leaders hesitate to try such a method without professional guidance from a curriculum or study guide. This book will inspire and equip believers in Christ to lead fruitful and engaging small groups where God’s Word is read, discussed, and put to direct use to transform lives. This book will equip leaders to open the valve on this living water so thirsty souls can drink their fill. This book will serve lay leaders and Bible teachers who have any degree of experience. Some will gain confidence to lead their first Bible study that brings a neighbor to Christ. Others will learn to draw more deeply on the power of interaction, thereby overcoming their penchant for dominating conversations. All will discover the surprising glory and astounding fruit borne from leading a group of ordinary people to open their Bibles, read what’s on the page, and discuss how God might use these words to change the world.” (Buy it at Amazon or Westminster Books)
Cultural Identity and the Purposes of God: A Biblical Theology of Ethnicity, Nationality, and Race by Steven M. Bryan. “Humanity’s diverse nationalities, ethnicities, and races were intended to be a blessing from God. However, due to sin and rebellion, these differences often result in alienation, hatred, and even violence, becoming one of the most urgent problems facing the world. Cultural divisions are unfortunately common in the church, too. How can Christians embrace God’s purposes for diversity and experience renewal and unity as his people? Steven Bryan presents a biblical framework for thinking about cultural identity and experiencing cultural diversity as a positive good that God intended. Writing from more than 20 years of experience in cross-cultural mission work in Ethiopia, Bryan examines historical and political aspects of nationality, ethnicity, and race.” (Buy it at Amazon or Westminster Books)
On Worship: A Short Guide to Understanding, Participating In, and Leading Corporate Worship by HB Charles Jr. “What does it mean to worship–especially in spirit and truth? Christians hear the word ‘worship’ a lot. From singing hymns and choruses to receiving ‘calls to worship,’ on a Sunday morning, we’re certainly familiar with the term. But do we really have a grasp on what it means for the believer? For the Church as a whole? On Worship casts a vision for the biblical principles and practices of worship. Pastors and other church leaders will learn what the Bible teaches about worship and why it is so important to get this topic right. You’ll learn how to think practically through preparing and executing corporate worship services so that you can lead your congregation to worship wholeheartedly in spirit and truth. In this companion title to On Preaching and On Pastoring, H. B. Charles draws from over thirty years of planning and leading worship for local churches of varying denominations, traditions, and cultural backgrounds.” (Buy it at Amazon or Westminster Books)

I’m so thankful to P&R for sponsoring the blog this week to tell you about their new printing of The Gospel of Jesus—a helpful resource for better understanding the gospels.

Today’s Kindle deals include at least a couple of especially interesting books.
Westminster Books is offering a steep discount on an excellent series.
Credo House has their “Seminary in Your Pocket” on sale for a short time.
(Yesterday on the blog: New and Notable Christian Books for May 2023)
Quarantine Is Not a Good Option
What do we do when we see so much immorality around us? “As tempting as it might be, don’t move your family to a plot of land without internet, electricity, and running water. I’m suggesting that instead of being overwhelmed, we intentionally inoculate our children. Let me explain.”
Pastor: Help Your Congregation Navigate Pride Month
Here are some pointers for pastors that may prove helpful as they help their congregations navigate this month.
What is Your “One Thing”?
“When I talk to people, many individuals confess to following Jesus, loving Jesus, and desiring to honor Jesus. At the same time, many of those same people willingly follow Jesus in every area of living except one or two specific areas.” Do you have your own “one thing?”
The Lord Opened a Door for Me … So I Shut It
This is an interesting little verse that I hadn’t pondered before.
Beware The Leech’s Daughters
And then there’s this verse as well. “The leech has two daughters: Give and Give.” What’s that one all about?
God Is Eager to Forgive You
It’s so wonderful to consider that God is truly eager to forgive us.
Flashback: The Space Between Courting and Hooking Up
Courtship and hooking up are two very different approaches for a relationship, but they share a common consequence: They put too much weight on too weak a relationship.

When death becomes the property of the believer it receives a new name and is called sleep. —William Arnot

Good morning. Grace and peace to you today.

Today’s Kindle deals include a number of books on apologetics.
(Yesterday on the blog: A Prayer for Times of Anxiety)
Conrad Mbewe shared yesterday that his son Mwansa has gone to be with the Lord. I know you’ll want to be in prayer for the Mbewe family.
How Adoption Mirrors God’s Love for the Fatherless
Amy DiMarcangelo: “Throughout history, God has faithfully used Christians to play a pivotal role in orphan care. Until Christ’s return—when he brings full restoration and makes all things new—we’re called to continue this work.”
4 Aspects of Being Made in God’s Image
What’s bound up in being made in God’s image? Doug explains here.
Lamenting the Church Plant Fad
“I cannot tell you how thankful I am for the quality of church planting movements I have been a part of and a cheerleader for in the last decade across our country. I have seen a genuine uptick in church planting taking its rightful place as a critical value for many denomination and mission organizations. It is right and a beautiful answer to prayers for our nation. It also is in jeopardy of becoming a fad.”
What is Mormonism? And is it different than Christianity? (Video)
This video from Radical helpfully lays out the issues with Mormonism.
Order and Beauty: A Little Theology of Christian Writing
Greg Morse provides a little theology of Christian writing and does so by looking at the Bible’s Wisdom Literature.
Thankfulness (and other habits)
“Historically, Christians have sometimes been too quick to over-spiritualize all anxieties and mental struggles. They recognize the sin and spiritual brokenness that is at the root of all issues, but sometimes offer only spiritual solutions without considering all the complicated mental issues that may be underlying it. In recent years as conversations about mental health are becoming more and more common, some people have gone too far the other way.”
Flashback: A Reflection of Christ
In my leadership am I providing an accurate picture of Christ? Or do the ones I lead see an image of Christ that is warped and distorted? Do they see me looking out for their well-being as Christ looked out for the well-being of those he loved?

‘Wait on the Lord’…is a necessary word, for God often keeps us waiting. He is not in such a hurry as we are, and it is not his way to give more light on the future than we need for action in the present, or to guide us more than one step at a time. —J.I. Packer