Summer is here! We love summer because it is a time to get outside and get invigorated. Whether we find refreshment, at the river, in a hammock, or around the campfire, we know we need it, and we seek it during this time of year.

One of the best ways you can refresh your soul is by reading an excellent book. The summer can provide you with that opportunity, so I (Benjamin) have compiled a list of books to make your summer refreshing to your soul. I picked each of these books because they point us to something bigger than ourselves and are deeply rooted in the Word of God.

So order a book, pull a chair outside, grab a glass of tea and experience some refreshment this summer!

(For further book recommendations on particular topics click here.)

Awe: Why It Matters for Everything We Think, Say, and Do by  Paul David Trip

In everything, Paul Tripp writes, he has a way of drawing you into the greatness of God’s glory. This applies in particular to “Awe.” In this book, we see the fallen tendencies of seeking amazement in everything but God. Paul helps us to see this in our lives and points us toward the heart capturing nature of God. You won’t be disappointed by this book.

Finally Alive by John Piper

While this is not a new book, it is one I find myself returning to often. In Finally Alive, Dr. Piper walks us through the New Testament understanding of what it means to be “born again.” While this term is thrown around in many evangelical churches, the blessing of its truth is missed by most. Take some time to understand this glorious truth.

Alive In Him by Gloria Furman

Alive In Him develops the main themes of the book of Ephesians to demonstrate how the doctrine empowers life. If you are looking for a book to inspire you in your Christian walk, then you will want to pick up Gloria Furman’s latest book.

Things of Earth by Joe Rigney

I had the privilege of enjoying a lecture by Joe Rigney a couple of years ago at the Desiring God Pastor’s Conference. This talk was so moving it caused me to buy this book, and I wasn’t disappointed. Things of Earth is intended to help us use the everyday blessing of life to glorify God more. It is truly a refreshing read.

Home: How Heaven and the New Earth Satisfy Our Deepest Longings by Elyse Fitzpatrick

We can often get caught up in the burdens of our current situations and neglect the greater things in life. Elyse’s new book calls us to look to eternity for help and hope today. By highlighting the blessings to come she helps us to see the trivial nature of our current sufferings and cause us to long for something greater.

None Like Him: 10 Ways God is Different from Us by Jen Wilkin

Sometimes life gets stressful because we seek to take God’s place. None Like Him illustrates God’s unique character and our limited design. Grasping the truths in this book will give you the ability to rest in God.

The Imperfect Disciple by Jared Wilson

Jared Wilson has written an honest book about the reality of fallen disciples. So often when we read books on discipleship, we finish defeated. We think, “How will I ever measure up?” Reading The Imperfect Disciple will point you to the text of scripture that frees you to pursue discipleship without false expectations of an easy road.

Give Them Grace by Elyse Fitzpatrick & Jessica Thompson

This book is for those parents that love their children and want to grow in their ability to share the love of Christ with their kids. We want more from our kids than just obedience; we want them to experience and embrace the grace of Christ. Elyse and here daughter will help you to grasp theses ideas and put them into practice.