A Sweet Fragrance

    Books Worth Reading

    Thoughts Concerning the King by Elizabeth Prentiss
    Originally published in 1890, these selections from Elizabeth Prentiss' private papers represent the cream of her thoughts and relationship with the Lord. While simply a collection of quotes and poetry, the depth and insight of these quotations make this book a treasure indeed.

    Children of the Storm by Natasha Vins
    Natasha Vins tells the story of life as the daughter of the persecuted Russian pastor Georgi Vins.

    Release the Power of Prayer by George Muller
    George Muller testified that he had received at 50,000 specific answers to prayer. Read the powerful testimony of a man who looked to God for all needs and believed that God delights in the prayers of His children.

    Studies In The Sermon On The Mount by Oswald Chambers
    The Sermon on the Mount would bring us to despair apart from the work of the Holy Spirit. Oswald Chambers expounds on the meaning of these commands of Christ and shows us that Christ enables us to follow His teachings.

    Mimosa: A True Story by Amy Carmichael
    A young Indian girl one day heard of a Savior who loved her and from then on she chose to worship only Him even though for many years she could not remember His name. This story reveals the amazing power of our Savior's love.

    If by Amy Carmichael
    If I covet any place on earth but the dust at the foot of the cross, then I know nothing of Calvary love.
    This convicting book, in short, pointed sentences, reveals the true meaning of Calvary love.

    Rose from Brier by Amy Carmichael
    Written not from the well to the ill, but from the ill to the ill, this book contains the treasures of Amy Carmichael's spiritual life during the final years of her life. This collection of poetry, short stories, and encouragement for fellow-sufferers addresses many aspects of human suffering and points us to Calvary as the only source of peace and comfort.

    Set-Apart Femininity: God's Sacred Intent for Every Young Woman by Leslie Ludy
    In contrast to the shallow, selfish, pleasure seeking femininity found today, Set-Apart Femininity lays out a blueprint for life-changing, world altering femininity that is based on God's sacred call and purpose. This book calls young women to make an eternal impact on this world rather than indulge themselves in today's self-focused culture. Speaking forthrightly to the corruption of today's culture and its infiltration into the church, the message of this book drives deep into the heart of true set-apart femininity and the heart of God.

    Golden hours: Heart-hymns of the Christian life by Elizabeth Prentiss
    In this book, Elizabeth Prentiss puts into verse her experiences of both intense joy and suffering. Born out of a time of the darkest pain, these poems reflect the lessons learned by a life consecrated to God.

    Essays on Various Subjects Principally Designed for Young Ladies by Hannah More
    Written over 200 years ago, this thought-provoking collection of essays expounds on various qualities that are unique to femininity. Chapter topics include conversation, meekness, education, and religion. This book affirms the God-ordained distinctions between men and women and encourages young ladies to pursue excellence. A very refreshing book for those who desire to return to a Biblical pattern for womanhood.

    Vanya by Myrna Grant
    The story of a young Russian soldier whose faith did not die in the face of torture and martyrdom. The amazing miracles God did through his life fanned the flames of Christianity in Russia.

    A Day's Time-Table by E. S. Elliott
    Written over a century ago, this simple tale of one day in a young unmarried woman's life incorporates and reveals powerful truths concerning the relevance of God's Word to every detail of our lives. This fictional story is written in the style of a novel, yet is full of Scripture. God's design for womanhood flows throughout the book, untainted by modern feminism.

    Let Me Be a Woman by Elisabeth Elliot
    A collection of letters written to the author's daughter on the meaning of womanhood.

    No Graven Image by Elisabeth Elliot
    The fictional story of a young single woman missionary who is given the enormous task of starting a work among the Quichuas of the high Andes. As she begins her life as a missionary, she quickly learns that she is supposed to project an image of herself as a successful, spiritual missionary. Then something happens that shatters that image and she learns to put no created image, no matter how "spiritual", in the place of God.

    The 1599 Geneva Bible
    The original 1599 Geneva Bible with notes written by the reformers. Nothing has been updated except the spelling. This translation is characterized by simple and beautiful language that is surprisingly understandable even to modern readers.

    Aunt Jane's Hero by Elizabeth Prentiss
    The heartwarming story of a Christian couple seeking to establish a home whose happiness flows from a beautiful relationship with the Lord Jesus. Biblical truths about marriage and family life are interwoven throughout this lovely story.

    Gold Cord by Amy Carmichael
    The story of the Dohnavur Fellowship in Amy Carmichael's own words. An amazing testimony of the work of God.

    They Found the Secret by V. Raymond Edman
    This is a book about the exchanged life, the life that is of Christ. This collection of 20 short biographies of men and women who discovered the power of the indwelling of the Holy Spirit will increase your desire to experience the power of the Holy Spirit in your own life. The Christian life is, first and foremost, about a mighty, resurrected Lord whose Spirit can indwell and completely transform those who surrender to Him.

    Toward Jerusalem by Amy Carmichael
    A collection of poetry and songs written for those who are about the King's business.

    His Thoughts Said. . .His Father Said . . . by Amy Carmichael
    The thoughts of a child of God are often troubled and questioning. The Father has an answer to all of them.

    A Chance to Die: The Life and Legacy of Amy Carmichael by Elisabeth Elliot
    My favorite biography of Amy Carmichael. Full of excerpts from Amy's writings, this well-researched book gives us a glimpse into the life of one of the great lovers of God.

    Love to the Uttermost by F. B. Meyer
    An exposition of John 13-21. The author digs deep into the events of Jesus' last hours in order to bring us to a closer, passionate devotion to the Messiah.

    God's Missionary by Amy Carmichael
    "The Cross is the attraction." This fiery little book reveals Christ's standards for the true soldiers of the Cross.

    Testament From Prison by Georgi Vins
    A collection of personal testimonies, stories, sermons, letters, and poetry written by Georgi Vins, his family, and other persecuted Russian believers.

books

Don’t miss the other book reviews I’ve posted this week:
Keep A Quiet Heart by Elisabeth Elliot

Kohila: The Shaping of an Indian Nurse by Amy Carmichael

Testament From Prison by Georgi Vins

Also be sure to check out My 10 Most Favorite Free Online Books.

 

Lies Young Women Believe: And the Truth that Sets Them Free by Nancy DeMoss and Dannah Gresh has a message that desperately needs to be heard by today’s Christian girls. I picked it up to read mainly because (even though I’m past the “girl” stage of life) I receive so many conflicting messages about how, as a woman, am supposed to feel and act. Today’s young women are incredibly confused. I personally think that Christian girls are some of the most confused because of the conflicting expectations they must deal with from multiple sources. They see different sets of values and beliefs everywhere they go and receive hardly any guidance about how to think Biblically about them.

    Lies are everywhere, and they are very subtle. But the Truth will redeem you. This is the entire theme of Lies Young Women Believe. The book seems to be mainly targeted at teenage girls who have grown up in a Christian church – girls who have been exposed to some truth but are teetering between following the sleazy culture around them and following God. The authors of this book do not mince words as they confront the common secret sins of American teenagers and the lies that lead to sin. Each chapter covers 2-4 common lies that today’s Christian teenagers believe and counteracts them with Biblical truth. Here are some of the Lies Young Women Believe:

“God is not enough.”
“I’ve never been exposed to satanic activities.”
“Beautiful girls are worth more.”
“I need a boyfriend.”
“I can’t handle the loneliness of staying pure.”
“It’s OK to be one person at home and a different person with others . . . especially online.”
“I’m my own authority.”
“My youth pastor is my connection to God.”
“I can’t overcome my sin.”
“The benefits of constant media use outweigh the harm.”

And the big one . . .

“Having a career outside the home is more valuable and fulfilling than being ‘just’ a wife and mom.”

    Even at my (ahem) age, I still identify with a lot of the issues described in this book. I can’t participate in any kind of activity outside of my home without being nearly overwhelmed by the immorality, alcohol abuse, and general sleaze that characterizes today’s young women. The really sad thing is that girls that grew up in churches are buying into the lies American culture (i.e. the devil) tells them. I have been incredibly discouraged in recent years by the number of my own personal friends who have fallen into major sin and dumped Christianity altogether.

    But that’s not the end of the story. There are a few – very few teenage girls out there who are striving to live a life of purity. They need encouragement. Some of them may not have any Christian friends. Their parents may not support their decision to live a set-apart life. It is incredibly important for us older (relatively ) women to cheer these girls on as they strive to follow Christ.

   If you know any teenage girls who are confused, struggling, and unsure of what is right or wrong, this would be an excellent book to give as a gift. This book sets the uncompromising truth of God’s Word in opposition to the most common lies of our culture.

     The book is mainly targeted to the 13-18 age group and is quite readable. One weakness of the book, I think, is that it doesn’t explain the basics of Christianity well enough to be understood by a non-Christian. If you give it to a girl who has had little exposure to Christianity, you will want to include other Christian literature as well. For those younger girls who have been blessed enough not to be exposed to much of the immorality of their generation, I would recommend seeking parental guidance before reading the book as it does deal explicity with certain sins common among American teens.

     You can get the book here. There is also a website that goes with this book.

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Related posts:

  1. Book Review: Radical Womanhood by Carolyn McCulley
  2. Book Review: Jesus Calling by Sarah Young
  3. Book review: Beautiful Girlhood by Mabel Hale

4 Responses to “Book Review: Lies Young Women Believe by Nancy DeMoss and Dannah Gresh”

  1. pearl_magriet
    pearl_magriet

    it would seem that i myself need to read this – i was recently convicted of another lie that i’d been believing and i was amazed at what a huge influence it had had with regards to my relationship with God and with those around me. it’s closely related with the first lie you mention, and that is that God isn’t good.

    oh, i’d never have said it out loud. i didn’t conciously think it even.
    but i believed it.
    and that in itself was enough and it kept me in the chains of “orphanhood”.
    but Jesus is in the business of breaking chains.
    and another thing:

    God IS good!!

    [Reply]

  2. warrior_poets
    warrior_poets

    I have read this book and you did a wonderful review of it. :) I can’t even tell you how much I can relate to what you said….”The really sad thing is that girls that grew up in churches are buying into the lies American culture (i.e. the devil) tells them. I have been incredibly discouraged in recent years by the number of my own personal friends who have fallen into major sin and dumped Christianity altogether.”

    I have seen/experienced that in some of my friends and the saddest part is that church youth leaders don’t even see it themselves. I simply cannot believe the type of “leaders” that churches put in charge over the youth. They are terrifyingly ignorant of the many core-issues and problems and they’re much too concerned about keeping the peace and comfort than confronting the sin and lies.

    [Reply]

  3. A_Sweet_Fragrance
    A_Sweet_Fragrance

    @warrior_poets - Yes, it’s really sad to see what’s going on among churched young people. So many of them don’t even have a basic idea of the difference between right and wrong.

    [Reply]

  4. A_Sweet_Fragrance
    A_Sweet_Fragrance

    @pearl_magriet - I was thinking about that today to. It’s so easy to subconsciously deny God’s goodness even when we outwardly say that we believe that God is good. Accepting the truth of God’s goodness is life-changing!

    [Reply]

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