Here is the second group of recommended books for 2016. They are not always religious, but they are interesting and helpful. With each book I enclose “Why I recommend this book.”

• “The Power of Praying for Your Adult Children,” by Stormie Omartian. The author addresses areas of concern you may have for your grown children and shares how to lift them up to God. Why I recommend this book: “One rapidly spreading epidemic I see today among many adult children is confusion about what their purpose is in life. One of the things contributing to such confusion is that they are getting far more input from the world than they are from God.”

• “Rogue Lawyer,” by John Grisham. On the right side of the law. Sort of. Sebastian Rudd defends people other lawyers won’t go near. Why? Because he believes everyone is entitled to a fair trial. Why I recommend this book: Some books are just for enjoyment. If you appreciate a good story full of interesting characters, then “Rogue Lawyer” will be several hours well spent. Great story.

• “Doing the Math of Mission: Fruits, Faithfulness and Metrics,” by Gil Rendle. Doing the Math of Mission offers theory, models and new tools for using metrics in ministry. This book is intended to give leaders a toolbox they can use in their own setting to clarify their purpose and guide their steps. Why I recommend this book: “Doing the Math of Mission is not for the faint of heart but the message is clear. The numbers show North American protestant denominations declining. For any pastor or leader, this is a painful but necessary book that can guide our churches toward a better future.

• “An Indigenous Peoples’ History of the United States,” by Roxanne Dunbar. For the first time acclaimed historian and activist Roxanne Dunbar-Ortiz offers a history of the United States told from the perspective of Indigenous peoples and reveals how Native Americans actively resisted expansion of the US empire. Spanning more than four hundred years, this peoples’ history radically reframes US history and explodes the silences that have haunted our national narrative. Why I recommend this book: “An Indigenous People’s History of the United States” may be the most painful and challenging book, I’ve read. What I learned in high school history is debunked as legend, myth and lies. Reading this book gives you an opportunity to witness history from a radically different perspective.

• “Glory Days: Living Your Promised Land Life Now,” by Max Lucado. Keep walking. This may be the day your Jericho walls come down. Need a new battle plan for life? Keep believing. These may be your Glory Days. Why I recommend this book: Max Lucado himself said it best: “Here is what you need to know about the walls of Jericho. They were immense. Here is what you need to know about Joshua. He didn’t bring the walls down. God did that for them.” Max Lucado is a master storyteller, and Glory Days‚ will help us face the walls of Jericho and turn to God for answers.

Merry Christmas.

REV. LARRY E. DAVIES  can be reached at larrydavies@sowingseedsoffaith.com.