Have you ever read a book that you simply couldn’t not tell others about? I’m assuming your answer is likely yes, since we’re part of a blog that focuses on the love for and inspiration behind reading. Specifically fiction.
But today I’m sharing about two non-fiction books, and if I could buy them for you, I would. They’re that good!
They’re very different reads as a quick glance at the covers will tell you. But they’re both powerful reads about speaking the truth and living in Truth.
Live Not By Lies: a Manual for Christian Dissidents
by Rod Dreher
You guys already know I’m serious about studying history, and this book is a very candid, even ominous look at the rise of communism in the former Soviet Union, and specifically in Czechoslovakia. It details the telltale signs of “soft” totalitarianism in that era that mirror, with striking similarity, the severe infringements on civil liberty and religious freedom that are happening in America as we speak. Recently banned on Twitter, anyone?
It’s amazing how telling the truth on social media these days can get you banned. But we must speak truth. Speak it in love, yes. Absolutely. Just as Jesus commanded. But we must speak his truth and not be silent.
Here’s the review I left on Amazon:
More about Live Not By Lies:
“In Live Not By Lies, Dreher amplifies the alarm sounded by the brave men and women who fought totalitarianism. He explains how the totalitarianism facing us today is based less on overt violence and more on psychological manipulation. He tells the stories of modern-day dissidents–clergy, laity, martyrs, and confessors from the Soviet Union and the captive nations of Europe—who offer practical advice for how to identify and resist totalitarianism in our time. Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn famously said that one of the biggest mistakes people make is assuming totalitarianism can’t happen in their country. Many American Christians are making that mistake today, sleepwalking through the erosion of our freedoms. Live Not By Lies will wake them and equip them for the long resistance.”
New Morning Mercies by Paul David Tripp
Randy Alcorn recommended New Morning Mercies by Paul David Tripp in a group zoom call last fall—and it’s so good. It’s a daily devotional with insights from God’s Word that really are treasures!
Insightful. Practical. Convicting. Encouraging. Empowering!
I find myself underlining sentences every morning and then thinking about the truth from God’s Word throughout the day.
If you’re looking for a new daily devotional for 2021, I highly recommend New Morning Mercies!
More about New Morning Mercies:
“Mornings can be tough. Sometimes, a hearty breakfast and strong cup of coffee just aren’t enough. Offering more than a rush of caffeine, best-selling author Paul David Tripp wants to energize you with the most potent encouragement imaginable: the gospel. Forget “behavior modification” or feel-good aphorisms. Tripp knows that what we really need is an encounter with the living God. Then we’ll be prepared to trust in God’s goodness, rely on his grace, and live for his glory each and every day.”
“If you’re prone to wander, this book is for you.”
―Matt and Lauren Chandler, Lead Pastor, The Village Church, Dallas, Texas
“Paul’s writing encourages those who have grown weary of the struggle, living under the weight of the world.”
―TobyMac, hip hop recording artist; music producer; songwriter
Now it’s your turn…
1) Have you read either Live Not By Lies or New Morning Mercies? If yes, I’d love to know your thoughts.
2) Is there a book you’ve read recently that you’d like to recommend to the community at Inspired by Life & Fiction?
Blessings on your Tuesday,
Tammy
Tamera Alexander
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Thanks for the recommendations, Tamera. I’m always looking for a good daily devotional, and New Morning Mercies looks fantastic. I’m off to go find a copy. 🙂
You won’t be disappointed, Karen!
You won’t be disappointed, Karen!
I haven’t read either one of those books, but the New Morning Mercies looks really good. I didn’t pick a devotional book for this year because I didn’t find one that seemed to go with where the Lord is leading me this year, but that description sounds about right.
I recently finished That Sounds Fun by Annie F. Downs, and it was fantastic!
You won’t be disappointed, Stacey! It’s stellar. Thanks for the recommendation! Checking it out.
I have not read either of those, but they both sound good. I just finished two great books: Becoming Elisabeth Elliot by Ellen Vaughn and Fear and Faith: Finding the Peace Your Heart Craves by Trillia J. Newbell.
Bless you for those recommendations, Barbara! I’ve got them in my stack!
A dear friend who lead us through a group about grief and suffering recommended New Morning Mercies. I’m reading through it now and have recommended it to friends. It is deep, but very insightful. Thanks for sharing your thoughts on these important books and issues!
You’re right about it being deep, Carrie. Hugs to you, friend.
My husband and son have read Live not by Lies. I guess I’ll have to put it on my shelf now! And I love Paul David Tripp, so I’ll definitely check that one out, too! Thanks for the recommendations!
Yes, Anne. Do. It’s stellar. It will spur deep and changing conversations among you, I’m betting.
I have not read either but they both sound like they need to be on TBR list. Thank you!
Thanks for connecting today, Angie!
Thanks for the book recommendations. I got the audio of the Rod Dreher book after reading your recommendation. I had just gotten another audiobook by him yesterday, ” The Benedict Option”. That was a confirmation to me that I needed to
listen to both of them!
I got the audio too, Alva!Appreciate you sharing today.
Thanks for the recommendations! I’ve shared the first book with some of my family and will look into getting that… I can’t decide if I should do audio or print. I have the New Morning Mercies book. I think I made it through October before falling off the wagon… so that’s confirmation that I need to pick it back up as I kept telling myself. It does have great things within – I found myself constantly taking pictures of certain things to share with friends.
Me too, Tiffany, on sharing parts with friends. It’s full of treasures!And Live Not By Lies is a powerful read.
I recommend Double Blessing by Mark Batterson.