We believe that the Bible is unlike any other book; it is the inspired word of God and our standard for truth. Even if our feelings, reasonings, experts, committees, sciences, or any other source says otherwise, we adhere to Scripture. The Bible is written for everyone. It is the foundation for how we view ourselves, our family, our companies, our friends, and all of life, and it also informs how we make decisions and treat others. If we or the clients we serve at 1st Principle Group ever see that we are doing something that is out of line with what Scripture says, we are quick to confess, repent, and realign our lives with God’s vision revealed in His Word.

In “Evidence That Demands a Verdict: Life-Changing Truth for a Skeptical World,” Josh McDowell and his son Sean McDowell provide a confident and thorough reference guide for the most common and pressing questions that Christians encounter from skeptical nonbelievers. Split into four sections, the book presents evidence for (1) the Bible, (2) Jesus, (3) the Old Testament, and (4) truth. Rather than simply trying to “win the argument”, the McDowell’s request their readers to handle gospel defenses graciously, with the goal of showing others the love of Christ.

At 1st Principle Group, if you are a client examining your own beliefs, this is an excellent resource that can help you address your doubts and questions. Believing clients love this book as a preparatory tool for expressing the truth of the Gospel and sharing their faith with unsaved family members, coworkers, and neighbors.

With the massive attention social justice issues are receiving these days, how can we think about them in a discerning and God-honoring way? In “Fault Lines,” Voddie Baucham urges the Church to carefully discern contemporary conversations surrounding racism and Critical Race Theory so that we are not blindly following these popular worldly ideologies that are threatening to severely damage the Church. To begin, Baucham shares his own personal experience dealing with racism growing up. Yet he still firmly asserts that the Critical Social Justice movement has become its own religion, one that is void of salvation. Uncovering lies and exaggerations, Baucham stands by Scripture and offers a necessary perspective on how the Critical Social Justice movement is an attack on the Gospel and must be rejected.

Our clients find this book helpful for understanding recent social justice movements, and how to respond to cultural influences in a way that is both discerning and Godly.  This book is helpful for learning how to uphold justice and righteousness while also rejecting false ideologies that lack the hope of the Gospel.

Nearly everyone today either struggles with trauma or knows of someone who does.  In “The Body Keeps the Score: Brain, Mind, and Body in the Healing of Trauma,” Bessel van der Kolk offers insights into the effects of trauma on our bodies and brains, with 30 years’ worth of research-backed hope for those recovering from trauma.  Although it is not a light or easy read, this book shares helpful, real-life stories of trauma survivors and comprehensively explains alternative therapeutic interventions to drugs or talk therapy.  Kolk offers genuine hope for both trauma survivors and carers of trauma survivors alike.

One of the things we often share with clients is that our bodies are not made to store trauma.  Trauma unfortunately also cannot be compartmentalized between personal and professional worlds, different relationships, or even different settings.  We love working with clients who have decided they’ve carried their trauma for too long.  Together, we process the trauma, move towards healing, and hold to the hope of the Gospel throughout the journey.

Have you ever felt like you were enslaved by an addiction? In “Addictions: A Banquet in the Grave,” Edward Welch helpfully shows how the Scripture speaks about and gives hope to the issue of addictions. To begin, Welch frames addictions as a voluntary slavery that leads to a further estrangement from God and reveals how Scripture deeply addresses all sorts of addictions. At its core, the heart of addiction is idolatry, and Welch relays practical wisdom for how to overcome our addictions and receive healing from the Great Physician.

Rather than just dealing with the surface symptoms of addiction with our clients, we go deep with them and get to the core of the issue: looking to something else to find what only God can provide.  We aim to help all of our clients learn to lean on God to provide what they need and find satisfaction and relief in him.

How do you respond to complex mind-body issues like Alzheimer’s Disease, head injury, depression, or attention deficit disorder? In “Blame It on the Brain,” Edward Welch argues that the brain may reveal a sinful heart more clearly, but the brain can never force someone to sin. In the first part of the book, Welch dives into Biblical principles for rightly understanding and responding to brain research and sciences. Then using that foundation, Welch dives into how to address specific conditions from a Biblical perspective, helpfully separating them into three distinct categories and uncovering the spiritual dimension to these issues. Welch’s book brings refreshing spiritual insights into a conversation where we often hastily blame everything on the brain.

Here at 1st Principle Group, we want our clients to experience freedom from thinking they are enslaved to a particular diagnosis or condition.  Instead, we help our clients to care for body and soul as we seek to view every diagnosis through the lens of Scripture, and address the whole person at a heart level, as a human made in the image of God.

In “The Consequences of Ideas,” R.C. Sproul creates a convincing argument on how philosophy deeply impacts our daily lives. As Sproul navigates through history’s most influential philosophers and their ideas, we see how ideas have become beliefs and how beliefs have major consequences for our theology, our work, and our interpersonal relationships. In other words, beliefs run our lives and change our worldviews. This book challenges clients to identify what they truly believe: whether their beliefs are influenced by modern philosophy or by Scripture.

This book is also a phenomenal introduction for helping clients to understand how their beliefs may be affecting their behaviors, thoughts, and emotions.

How can a Christian grow spiritually – and really, truly stick to righteousness through life’s trials and temptations? In “How People Change,” Timothy S. Lane and Paul David Tripp tackle this difficult yet common question by offering the helpful metaphor of “Heat, Thorns, Cross, and Fruit”. Heat refers to the pressures and strains of life. Thorns refer to our default, sinful reaction to Heat. Cross refers to the act of refocusing on Jesus over ourselves. And Fruit refers to a better, Christ-honoring response to Heat. Lane and Tripp argue that to effectively change spiritually, we must uproot our heart’s idols. They offer practical tips and great hope that making true, lasting growth as a Christian is possible in Christ.

Clients who are struggling to make distance from sin, who want to grow in righteousness, or who want to get disciplined in their sanctification will find this book a helpful resource.

Do you hunger for spiritual growth, whether for yourself or for others in your life? In “How People Grow: What the Bible Reveals About Personal Growth,” Henry Cloud and John Townsend uncover the truth that our everyday issues all have spiritual solutions. Supported by their background in psychology and neuroscience, Cloud and Townsend break apart common misconceptions about spiritual growth, concluding that spiritual growth ultimately comes through God alone in the context of living alongside His people. This book touches on practical topics that are important to growing spiritually, like suffering, spiritual poverty, and time.

Our 1st Principle Group clients have loved this resource as a practical lesson in staying rooted in God: the source of our spiritual growth.

How can we solve the unhappiness and frustration in our lives? In “Inside Out: Real Change is Possible if You’re Willing to Start From the Inside Out,” Larry Crabb reveals how the solution begins with honestly facing the realities of our hearts and obeying and depending on God in true repentance. All too often, we pretend we have everything together when we don’t, simply just try to work harder and do better, and avoid asking the tough questions. However, Crabb argues for frankly wrestling with our issues using three sources of light: the Spirit of God, the Word of God, and the People of God. In doing so, we can experience the powerful love of God and new godly desires within our hearts.

One of the things we often repeat here at 1st Principle Group is the idea that “beliefs drive behaviors”. This means that whatever we believe at a heart level will influence our actions, words, and thoughts. Rather than avoiding their problems, we encourage clients to go deep and address the core issues so that they can experience repentance, healing, and peace in Christ.

How well do you understand the temptations to sin that you face each day as a Christian and God’s unbreakable love for you? In “The Screwtape Letters,” C.S. Lewis uses a fictional situation where two demons named Screwtape and Wormwood endeavor to tempt a human away from God. From this unique perspective, Lewis uncovers the deceptiveness of the Devil to lead people away from God and into Hell through half-truths and a false view of God. Written during the second world war, this Christian classic is a valuable insight into the spiritual warfare that all Christians must fight as well as the hope we have in Christ.

This book is an eye-opening look at the nature of temptation and sin, and a sobering perspective that encourages us to take sin seriously and develop a right view of God.

Sometimes, we just don’t know what to do with our feelings.  In “Untangling Emotions,” Groves and Smith explore just how complex and yet crucial emotions are in our relationship with God and others.  They explain how emotions are a signal of what we are worshiping – and as such, we are to neither dismiss our emotions as if they don’t matter nor use our emotions to define reality.  Instead, our emotions point us to what we are believing or trusting in.  Groves and Smith argue that we ought to engage with both our positive and negative emotions in order to see what, if anything other than God, is ruling our lives.  This book helps our clients leverage their emotions, whether in business, at home, or personally.  

Our clients love this book because it helps them better understand their hearts, repent from idolatry, and taste the sweetness that comes from keeping God first.

In “Mindset: The New Psychology of Success,” Dr. Carol Dweck argues that how we view our inborn talents can dramatically influence our success in nearly every area of life. Saying statements like, “I’m not smart enough,” or “I could never do that,” are symptoms of a “Fixed Mindset”: the belief that you can never grow past a given amount of natural-born talent. Dr. Dweck reveals the healthier “Growth Mindset” alternative: the belief that your current amount of intelligence, skills, and positive traits can increase. While a Fixed Mindset encourages us to give up in the face of hardships and play it safe, a Growth Mindset allows us to embrace risky challenges and learn from our failures.

At 1st Principle Group, clients identify where they may have a Fixed Mindset and replace it with a Growth Mindset. We help our clients use this book to improve relationships, make the most of constructive criticism, and view others’ successes as a source of inspiration. Clients bounce back from set-backs faster and go further than even they once believed they could go.

The statement, “Vulnerability is the same as weakness,” is a popular belief debunked in “The Power of Vulnerability: Teachings on Authenticity, Connections and Courage” by Brené Brown. In her book, Brown argues that vulnerability actually requires great courage and strength, to take a risk and be truly seen by others. Even though it’s easier to avoid being vulnerable, the countless benefits of vulnerability (trust, innovation, empathy, joy – to name a few) far outweigh the momentary discomforts. Throughout the book, Brown reveals how to cultivate resilience against shame; she dispels other common myths about vulnerability; and she shares practical essential skills for wholehearted living.

At 1st Principle Group, vulnerability is a keystone in creating trust through all relationships: as a leader, in a team, amongst family members, in friendships, within the church, etc. When our clients decide to be vulnerable, they open themselves up to a full life of authenticity, connection, and courage.

In Atomic Habits, James Clear provides valuable insight into why we often have a nearly impossible time breaking bad habits and embracing good ones. James Clear reveals practical and easy-to-understand strategies on how to create new habits, even despite a lack of motivation or willpower, through the power of tiny (atomic!) changes. He also addresses how to make it harder to fall back to old habits and how to overcome the difficulties of falling off-track.

After reading this book, rather than saying, “I’m the worst at managing my money,” we can learn to say, “I am someone who is on a journey to learn how to be the best manager of my money.”
In our work with clients, we use the identity that God has given us to help define the change we want to make. For example, if someone wants to get in great physical shape, we might help them understand how they are called to be a steward of their bodies. We then work with clients to define the atomic changes that they can make that will lead to lasting improvement – and help them implement meaningful rewards that will encourage them every step of the way.

In “Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can’t Stop Talking,” Susan Cain speaks up for the undervalued types of people who would rather listen than speak and work alone than participate in a group: introverts. As an introvert herself, Cain insightfully argues that, despite a third of the world being composed of introverts, society has wrongly and excessively deemed extroverts as being superior to introverts. Cain explores the lives of successful introverts who have made an irrefutable impact on our society, such as Chopin and Steve Wozniak, to convincingly assert that introverts are far more valuable than we might have ever thought.

At 1st Principle Group, our introverted clients love this book, as it provides powerful and practical suggestions on how to structure your life in a way that unlocks your introverted strengths. Extraverts love learning how to better help introverts embrace and use their strengths and wiring to glorify God.

How do we raise our children differently from the staggering number who have left the church right after they leave the home? In “Family Driven Faith,” Voddie Baucham warns of cultural dangers that directly affect families and encourages parents to intentionally train their children to follow Jesus. He offers unique ideas for how to do this, including having regular family devotion, homeschooling children rather than sending them to secular public schools, and attending an age-integrated church without separate children’s and teen’s ministries. Overall, this practical book is a great encouragement and challenge to any parent or guardian seeking to raise their children in the nurture and admonition of the Lord.

We encourage all of our clients to move beyond trying to control and modify their children’s behavior and to disciple their children at a heart level by encouraging them to love and follow Jesus. This book presents helpful ideas for how to disciple your children and make your home a place that is saturated with the Gospel.

How can a father lead his family well? In “Family Shepherds: Calling and Equipping Men to Lead Their Homes,” Voddie Baucham Jr. urges fathers to step up in their role as the leader of their homes and equips them in how to faithfully deal with their responsibilities. After providing a Biblical foundation of family discipleship, Baucham dives deeper into how to lead your family in a way such that the Gospel is central, how to strengthen your marriage as the foundation for a strong family, and how to appropriately discipline your children within the ministry of your home. This practical, Biblical resource offers clear and profitable guidance for fathers striving to be a faithful evangelist, discipler, and shepherd of a Gospel-centered home.

This book is a great resource for fathers and husbands who may be struggling with their leadership responsibilities or just want to learn more about what biblical leadership looks like in the home. This book is a valuable resource for learning how to love and lead a family well.

What is the key to a long-lasting, happy marriage? In “The Meaning of Marriage,” Timothy Keller bases the secret behind his 36+ years of marriage in the foundation of the Gospel. To begin, Keller tackles the basics of what the Bible teaches about marriage, love, and marriage’s main enemy: self-centeredness. His wife Kathy also notably contributes a chapter dedicated to specifically covering the tricky topics of gender roles and complementarianism. In another chapter, Keller also addresses those who are single and those who are pursuing marriage. In the recent flood of marriage books, Keller’s book uniquely offers hope for a lifelong and love-filled marriage through the Gospel and God’s meaning for marriage.

Regardless of how healthy or unhealthy your relationship with your spouse is, this book is extremely helpful. We recommend this book to our clients so they and their spouses can learn how to fight for the good of the other person and build their marriage on the foundation of the Gospel.

Have you been tempted to sweep another Christian’s sins and struggles under the rug simply for the sake of “keeping peace?” In “Bold Love,” Dan Allender and Tremper Longman show how Christlike love has nothing to do with always just being nice, avoiding conflict, and doing what someone else wants. Instead, the love of Christ is aggressive, courageous, and genuine. After revealing deep insights about the doctrine of love, Allender and Longman helpfully walk through practical strategies on how to love the average sinner, how to love a fool, and how to love the wicked. By doing so, we can love others more boldly and grow a deeper appreciation for the love of our Savior.

We use this book to help our clients learn how to deal with conflict constructively and authentically love others in a Christlike way, even in the face of challenging relationships.

Why do we need other people? In “Connecting: Healing Ourselves and Our Relationships,” Larry Crabb makes a powerful argument that connecting with others can provide the same amount of healing as mental health professionals that people depend on so often these days. Crabb unfolds how the church, and the relationships built within, should be the main center where spiritual maturity occurs. In a logical and easy-to-read manner, Crabb focuses on encouraging others to dig deep into the lives of other believers and to hear how the Holy Spirit is working in their lives. As a result, we can find healing for ourselves and others by seeing what God is already doing through our relationships.

We are made for close relationships, first with God and then with other people. We use this book to encourage our clients to go deep with others and form relationships that lead to healing and growth.

How do we better minister to others within the context of the local church? In “Effective Biblical Counseling: A Model for Helping Caring Christians Become Capable Counselors,” Larry Crabb expounds upon the statement that counseling is most effective when carried out within a local body of believers. Using a Biblical lens as his foundation, Crabb logically and cohesively walks through what the goal for counseling should be, how problems develop, and how to counsel others with those issues. This book is an informative and practical resource for those looking to more effectively counsel others so that they can be transformed more into the image of Christ.

This book is extremely helpful for anyone looking to grow in their ability to care for others within the local church. We hope to see all of our clients take learnings from their sessions and use it to bless others.

You know you’ve got a relational issue with someone, but you aren’t sure how to broach it graciously and boldly. What do you do? Susan Scott provides real conflict management help in “Fierce Conversations: Achieving Success at Work and in Life One Conversation at a Time.” Her book is filled to the brim with practical strategies and real-life conversation examples set in emotionally-intense contexts. Scott emphasizes the importance of listening well and interrogating reality in every conversation.

One of the many things we work on with our clients is getting to the real core of a situation: understanding that what we see on the surface is often representing a much larger desire or dynamic at play. Once our clients understand the heart of what is going on, we help them use the model outlined in Fierce Conversations to have productive and constructive conversations. Clients have found this book to be a phenomenal resource for resolving tough issues, making true changes, and enriching many relationships.

How can you forgive others who have deeply hurt you, and what does forgiveness even mean in the first place? In “Forgive: Why Should I and How Can I?” Timothy Keller reveals the key to true forgiveness: the cross of Jesus Christ. In fully appreciating how much Jesus forgave you, you can be equipped with the power to fully forgive others. At the same time, he helpfully distinguishes between “costly grace” empowered by the Gospel and simply letting the offender off the hook. One main emphasis in this book is the need for forgiving from the heart and releasing internal bitterness, all based on the experience of “divine forgiveness” from Jesus.

We love working with clients who are ready to forgive and be freed from the chains that come from holding onto a grudge. We help our clients learn how to identify what needs to be forgiven and understand identity as beloved sons and daughters of Christ to develop a greater and more profound understanding of forgiveness.

In “True Community: The Biblical Practice of Koinonia,” Jerry Bridges unpacks the Greek word for fellowship (“koinonia”) and the necessity of walking in communion with God and with others. After establishing the importance of a thriving relationship with God as the foundation for fellowship, Bridges walks through practical concepts such as serving, suffering, spiritual gifts, and sharing in life together.

Just as it was in the days of the early church, fellowship can and should be far richer, more varied, and more purposeful than a brief chat on Sunday mornings; our clients love this book as a roadmap to get there.

How should we approach using Scripture and secular psychology in counseling ourselves and others? In “Understanding People: Why We Long for Relationship,” Larry Crabb begins with an academic premise for the complete authority and sufficiency of Scripture to address the root of our heart issues. Then Crabb dives into how counseling must be guided by the Bible and how psychology that has been tested by Scripture can be a helpful tool for counseling. Through tackling various topics like what it means to be made in the image of God and the need to be aware of both our positive and negative emotions, this book provides a helpful guide for how to counsel ourselves and others in a Bible-centered and God-glorifying way.

Our approach to counseling and coaching is that Scripture is our ultimate authority and guides everything we do. We help our clients view and interpret their relationships with others through the lens of what Scripture says is true so that they can experience healthy connections with others.

Do you struggle with codependency, peer pressure, or wanting to be needed by others? In “When People Are Big and God is Small,” Edward Welch begins by explaining how we often fear man more than we fear God. This can manifest in a fear of exposure or humiliation, a fear of rejection or ridicule, or a fear of physical attack or oppression. Welch then sets our minds on what it means to fear God more, which will dissolve our fears of man. While we were not made to be alone and we do need others in our lives, Welch also shows us how to recognize and fight an inconspicuously common idol we may not even know that we are carrying.

Often, our dysfunctional behaviors in relationships come from an inaccurate view of how big and great God truly is. Clients benefit from this book as they learn to put away their need to people-please and develop a right understanding of the greatness of God.

How can we live for Christ? In “The Christian Life,” Sinclair Ferguson provides a deep yet clear theological resource on Biblical doctrines that will help newer and older Christians. Within 18 chapters, Ferguson expounds on complex topics like justification, election, and perseverance. Throughout the book, Ferguson teaches how our knowledge of Scripture should practically affect how we live and includes helpful suggestions on living out each doctrine he walks through.
Whether you’re new to the faith and want a thorough understanding of Christian doctrines, or you’ve walked with Christ for decades and need a refresher on a specific topic, this book is an incredible resource for growing in understanding theology.

Does God’s love change how you act? In “Crazy Love: Overwhelmed by a Relentless God,” Francis Chan warns Christians to test whether they are truly good soil and challenges lukewarm churches to act passionately and sacrificially, which happens when both churches and individuals are filled with the amazing love of God. To start, Chan explains the issues in our understanding of who God is are rooted in the fact that we have forgotten and minimized God. Rather than have a lukewarm, shallow relationship with God, Christians to examine themselves and live radical lives for God. This powerful resource shows how to live lives of radical obedience and sacrifice because of the crazy love that God shows us.

Our beliefs about God inform how we relate to him. Often, we are not passionate about the things of God because we don’t understand how great God is or how much he loves us. We encourage clients who may be struggling to believe that God loves them (or wants to know more about God in general) to pick up this book.

What is the purpose of life? In “Desiring God: Meditations of a Christian Hedonist,” John Piper argues that the answer to this vital question is Christian hedonism. Using the Scripture as his foundation, Piper shows how God is most glorified (His greatest goal), and we are most happy (our greatest desire), when we are completely satisfied in Him. Piper then shows how Christian hedonism affects topics including the happiness of God, our conversion and worship, love, Scripture, money, marriage, missions, and suffering. A contemporary Christian classic, this resource will challenge your current understanding of the purpose of life and infuse it with God-centered joy.

We encourage our clients to read this book to learn more about what it means to find deep, abiding joy in God. If you feel like your relationship with Christ is lackluster or want to experience greater joy in Christ, this book is a wonderful resource.

Are you looking to better understand the contents of 1 and 2 Kings and how these two books connect to the Gospel? In “Exalting Jesus in 1 & 2 Kings,” Tony Merida exposits these two Old Testament books for personal or pastoral study alike. Merida walks through each book thematically, section by section, with each section starting with an overarching main point. Then after he exegetes the section, Merida zooms out to show how the section fits within the whole story of the Bible and ends with thought-provoking questions for reflection. This in-depth resource is easy to read and offers insightful challenges and encouragement from the books of 1 and 2 Kings.
This resource is extremely helpful for anyone wanting to understand how the Old Testament reflects and glorifies Christ. We encourage our clients to embrace all of Scripture, and this book is very helpful for understanding how 1st and 2nd Kings fit in with the larger narrative of Scripture and growing our understanding of the Old Testament.

Where do you go first to medicate your pain? In his relatable and thought-provoking book “Finding God,” Larry Crabb opens with a story of his brother’s death and his struggle to respond to the tragedy. In this broken world, loss, grief, confusion, and distress are a normal part of life, and Crabb notes how in recent times, we have sought out the help of medication, psychologists, and counselors, but have neglected the supernatural peace that comes with knowing God. Rather than doubting God’s goodness or obsessively trying to get Him to fix all of our problems, we should strive to see how God is always good and how our ultimate need is Him.

Recent psychological research and advancements are often helpful, but even the best therapy is a band-aid without a heart-level knowledge of God, who loves us and cares for us. We aim to help our clients see that God is sufficient and that all their needs are met in him.

Have you ever heard someone blame self-esteem as the culprit of their poor behavior? In his brief 46-page paperback “The Freedom of Self-Forgetfulness,” Timothy Keller gently reveals how both high and low self-esteem, seen in pride and self-loathing, are actually two forms of the same self-centeredness. Keller describes how the human ego is, “empty, painful, busy, and fragile,” and uncovers the answer in Gospel humility. In this short yet thought-provoking read, you can learn how to be relieved from the performative shackles of self-love and find true freedom in self-forgetfulness.

Our clients find this book tremendously helpful in finding hope and freedom that comes from rooting their confidence in the hope of the Gospel. In a world where it is easy to focus on ourselves (and end up even more insecure), this book encourages us all towards the freedom of Gospel humility.

This book is a practical guide that emphasizes the power of the Gospel in daily life. It encourages believers to continually reflect on the truths of the Gospel to grow spiritually, experience greater joy, and overcome struggles. The book outlines how the Gospel not only brings salvation but also sanctifies and transforms believers, fueling their faith and gratitude. Vincent provides Scripture-based meditations and personal reflections, offering readers a deeper understanding of God’s love and grace, helping them apply the Gospel to every aspect of their lives.

Our hope for all our clients is that they understand the Gospel at a heart level and that it shapes every area of their lives. This book is an excellent resource for anyone wanting to better understand the power and work of the good news of Christ Jesus.

How can we understand the holiness of God in light of His seemingly unjust acts and His infinite and incomprehensible nature? In “The Holiness of God,” R.C. Sproul argues that holiness is one of the most important characteristics of God to wrestle with and understand. He uses illustrations to help his readers grasp God’s beautiful and perfect holiness and encourages the pursuit of a holy life. A timeless and highly regarded classic, this resource will provide great insight into how you can better love God as you better understand His holiness.

We highly recommend this book for clients who struggle to understand God’s holiness, or who are wondering how God can be loving and holy at the same time. We want all of our clients to have their beliefs and behaviors shaped by the holiness of God.

When was the last time you thought about the spiritual discipline of fasting? In “A Hunger for God,” John Piper argues for the goodness of fasting and warns of dangers that may come with fasting in order that we might have a greater hunger for God. Firmly grounded in the Scripture, Piper addresses each rebuttal against fasting to show how Jesus expects His followers to fast and acknowledges dangers in the way that we often misuse the good gift of food. Then he practically explains when and why Jesus’s followers fast as we eagerly wait for our Savior’s coming. Ultimately, this resource shows how fasting can increase our hunger for God and enjoy the Giver above all of His good gifts.

We want all of our clients to have a close, intimate relationship with God. Although fasting may be appropriate for some situations and not others, we encourage clients to regularly spend time with the Lord and find ways to practice spiritual disciplines.

How can we better know God and avoid only knowing about God? In “Knowing God” J.I.Packer reveals how to seek God and know Him personally. To begin, Packer discusses each person within the Trinity: God the Father, Jesus His Son, and the Holy Spirit, and then explains the unchanging and reliable attributes of God, from His love and grace to His jealousy and majesty, and so much more. Lastly, Packer dives into how to apply this knowledge in our lives and in our relationship with God. This book is full of Biblical truth that will grow you closer to God and change your life radically more than mere academic knowledge.

One of our goals as we work with clients is to help them move truths about God and his attributes from their head (intellectual knowledge) to their heart (heart-level beliefs). This is because the more we know God at a heart level, the more we will grow to love and adore him and experience a flourishing relationship with him.

How can we enjoy God more? In “The Pleasures of God: Meditations on God’s Delight in Being God,” John Piper reveals that we can only understand how glorious God is when we understand what brings God delight. In each chapter, Piper logically and Biblically explains a different aspect of what brings God delight, starting with Himself and His actions, and later focusing on human responses that God delights in. Throughout this book, we can learn how to enjoy God more by understanding better just how much the happiest Being and the One who we were made for enjoys Himself.

One of our goals at 1PG is to help our clients have a deep, authentic, relationship with God, which starts with knowing how glorious God is and what delights him. We encourage clients to read this book so that they can grow in their love and admiration of Him.

Do you often pray because you feel like you should or just when you need something from God? In “Prayer: Experiencing Awe and Intimacy with God,” Timothy Keller discusses how crucial it is that we desire to pray. As prayer should be in response to God’s Word, Keller stresses the importance of consistently reading and meditating on Scripture. Whether we are thanking and praising God through upward prayer, searching for and repenting of sin through inward prayer, or requesting and pleading with God through outward prayer, prayer should be an essential part of our daily lives.

We love partnering with our clients to help them build strong, robust prayer lives. We encourage them to dig into God’s word, and allow God’s word to shape their prayer, and find ways to incorporate prayer into their daily lives.  This book is very helpful in learning more about prayer and why it is so crucial in our Christian lives.

Do you feel worn down from always trying to live a perfectionistic and performance-based Christian life? In “The Pressure’s Off: Breaking Free from Rules and Performance,” Larry Crabb dives into how we can keep the pressure off and enjoy a deeper and more fulfilling relationship with God through the Law of Liberty. As opposed to the Law of Linearity, which Crabb defines as rules we put on ourselves to earn God’s blessings, the Law of Liberty and living by grace is what God intended for us. In a Bible-backed and transparent and honest way, Crabb urges us to break free from the pressure of rules and performance, and to live freely and fully as we grow in intimacy with God.

We help our clients break free from the mindset that they have to earn God’s favor, but rather to grow in our love for God and embrace the grace he freely gives us. This book is a great resource for learning how to live a life of freedom in Christ.

What is The Westminster Confession? Written by G.I. Williamson, “The Westminster Confession of Faith for Study Classes” offers an in-depth guide collection of Bible-backed answers to the question, “What do you believe?” Contained in 33 main chapters, it includes a comprehensive and abbreviated systematic theology on common topics like Scripture, creation, and the end times. Despite how densely packed with truth it is, the book is a profitable reference for Christians who want a clearer understanding of various Biblical doctrines and their relevance for life today.

Often, we have a partial understanding of what we believe, even though we know it is true. We recommend this book to help our clients better understand and clarify their beliefs and develop a well-rounded view of reformed theology.

How much do you really understand grace? In “What’s So Amazing About Grace?” Philip Yancey dissects what true divine grace is and retells illustrative stories about how the doctrine of grace is worked out in practical life. He uses stories from history, fiction, and even modern movements in order to paint a clearer picture of how grace can work in the lives of Christians. At the end, Yancey also dives into how the church has strayed into legalistic ways and how grace can heal the church and thereby change the world. While no book can fully plumb the depths of God’s grace, this book is a powerful and influential tool for more clearly and accurately understanding God’s amazing grace.

We want to help our clients see that meaningful change and transformation only comes through God’s unmerited, freely-given grace. Often, we find that we become worn-out and stuck in repeated sin patterns when we have an underdeveloped view of Grace. We use this book to help clients delve deeper into what grace is, how it works, and why it is so important to maintain a right view of God’s amazing gift to us

What is the secret to a powerful competitive advantage? In “The Advantage: Why Organizational Health Trumps Everything Else in Business,” Patrick Lencioni argues that the secret to running a great business lies in possessing both “smarts” and “health”. In other words, an effective organization that trumps competitors is “smart” in its knowledge and expertise of the business world and “healthy” in its cohesion, clarity, and morale. Many companies are smart, Lencioni argues, but not all are healthy enough to take advantage of their smarts. Lencioni describes four straightforward disciplines that are necessary for strong organizational health, including (1) building a cohesive team, (2) creating clarity, (3) over-communicating clarity, and (4) reinforcing clarity.

At 1st Principle Group, our clients love the “smarts” and “health” framework that Lencioni provides, which can be applied both in corporate organizations, non-profits, and even churches! If you are looking to make your organization the best it can be, this resource offers practical and insightful direction to achieve health and success.

Who is really responsible for the successes and failures of a team? In “Creating Effective Teams,” Susan Wheelan argues that the responsibility for a team’s success lies on the shoulders of every single member, whether a leader or a follower. Wheelan presents four stages of group development: dependency and inclusion, counter-dependency and fight, trust and structure, and work and productivity. To combat the challenges of each stage, she highlights the importance of problem-solving and explains ten specific areas teams should focus on for success, including goal setting, role distribution, and interdependence.

We seek to help our clients develop teams that are relationally healthy and highly productive. Whether you are working with others in a business, church, or personal setting, this book is full of effective, practical insights to help you partner with other people to accomplish more together.

Does your team freely share their opinions, quickly make decisions, and collectively work for the good of the whole team?  In “The Five Dysfunctions of a Team,” Patrick Lencioni offers hope and instruction to any team, no matter how dysfunctional things might be.  Through a fictional story of a new CEO, Lencioni introduces five dysfunctions, including (1) absence of trust, (2) fear of conflict, (3) lack of commitment, (4) avoidance of accountability, and (5) inattention to results.  He brings actionable solutions to each.  Using Lencioni’s clear insights, any team or team leader can learn how to overcome these dysfunctions and become an effective, high-performing team.

At 1st Principle Group, we start the process of helping teams overcome dysfunction by setting a foundation of strong Mutual Trust.  We then teach teams tools, such as how to have constructive conflict and clear communication in order to help create a culture where team members can work effectively together.

Do you want to be able to persuade others to do something? In “Influencer: The Power to Change Anything,” Kerry Patterson, along with Joseph Grenny, David Maxfield, Ron McMillan, and Al Switzler offer simple key ideas based on sociology and psychology to be able to win others to your side whether in your professional or personal life. An effective influencer defines a “SMART” goal, uses tools like storytelling and motivational techniques, considers the social and physical environment, and appropriately uses rewards. The concepts from this book can be implemented with any organization, group, or individual for effective and lasting change.

Often, our clients have amazing ideas but need help building momentum and getting people on board. Our clients love this book because it provides a simple, effective framework for how to influence to effect positive change.

What makes an effective leader? In “Leadership: Theory and Practice,” Peter G. Northouse walks through several theories on leadership and leadership styles to uncover how to become a purposeful leader who leaves a lasting impact. Starting with older theories and moving towards newer ones, Northouse explains what each model entails, along with strengths and weaknesses of the model, as well as case studies and application sections to further document each theory. While packed with conceptual content, this resource is a practical must-read for any leaders hoping to motivate a team towards a common goal.

Almost everyone has a leadership style that feels most natural to them.  Rather than elevating one leadership style at the expense of another, we encourage all of our clients to learn how to leverage their leadership style is a way that is really authentic to who they are.  This book will help anyone looking to understand more about their leadership style and the leadership styles of others.

In today’s fast-paced and ever-changing world, change is a given but also a challenge: implementing and adapting to effective, lasting change can be extremely difficult. In “Leading Change,” John Kotter walks through eight practical steps for how leaders can encourage positive change within their followers. Whether it’s establishing a sense of urgency, communicating the change vision, or anchoring new approaches in organizational culture, each section in Kotter’s framework details the importance and process of each step. This resource practically and effectively equips people to be able to implement new strategies, establish new processes, and ultimately succeed through any change of any size.

We love working with clients or organizations who are going through change. Although change can feel disruptive and even risky, we help our clients see that change as an opportunity to come out better and stronger on the other side. We also walk with clients to help them navigate change in a way that is healthy, purposeful, and beneficial to everyone involved.

How do people lead effectively despite their weaknesses and failures? In “Leading with a Limp: Take Full Advantage of Your Most Powerful Weaknesses,” Dan B. Allender gently reminds us that God uses the weak and powerless to accomplish His will and that the most effective leaders embrace their need for Him. Through stories and easy-to-understand terms, Allender walks through five challenges every leader faces: crisis, complexity, betrayal, loneliness, and weariness, and addresses how to respond to them in paradoxical yet faithful ways. Through this book, you can learn how you can be used by God despite your flaws in amazing ways to become a limping leader.

Here at 1st Principle Group, we know that all of us have deep flaws and failings. Instead of covering up or hiding imperfections, we encourage our clients to grow in self awareness and authenticity.  We love seeing our clients become genuine, confident leaders who use their weaknesses to lead with excellence.

This book provides timeless insights into navigating leadership during periods of rapid transformation. Drucker discusses adaptability, forward-thinking strategies, and the importance of leveraging change as an opportunity for growth. His approach to topics like technology’s impact on management, the future of organizations, and leadership’s evolving role makes the book a valuable read for today’s executives.  Readers will find Drucker’s practical advice empowering, as it equips them with the tools to remain effective in times of upheaval.

Often, we help clients who are facing change and uncertainty in their industries. We seek to empower our clients to thrive in times of change, and we encourage anyone who is facing change in the workplace to read this book.

Are you looking to better understand organizations and how they work? In “Organizations and Organizing: Rational, Natural and Open System Perspectives,” the authors explain how we are influenced by organizations around us all the time and dives` into three organizational theories: rational, natural, and open systems. Each theory differs in many ways, including how the individuals within the organization interact and how they work towards goals. Whether you are interested in the world of sociology, psychology, engineering, or business, this resource provides a comprehensive and clear foundation for how the organizations that surround us operate and succeed.

We recommend this book to our clients who want to understand what an organization is, and how organizations impact and are impacted by our changing world.

How can you lead in a way that will build the healthiest and most effective team possible? In “The Serving Leader,” Kenneth Jennings and John Stahl-Wert tell a fictional tale about a man named Mike stepping into a leadership role in place of his estranged and ill father, to explain the paradoxical yet vital importance of servant leadership. The five actions that Mike learned in becoming a serving leader include running to a great purpose, upending the pyramid, raising the bar, blazing the trail, and building on strength. Whether you are a leader of one or a leader of one million, this resource will provide you with incredibly practical insights to transform your team and achieve greater success.  

We recommend this book to clients who want explore or grow in their servant leadership, both professionally and personally.

How do you want to spend your life? In “Don’t Waste Your Life,” John Piper builds on his philosophy of Christian hedonism to argue for living a life fully devoted to Christ. Whether it is in suffering or in the face of death, in working in international missions, or in a normal 8 to 5 job, Piper passionately explains how we can make much of Christ no matter where we are. He also notably spends one chapter showing how taking bold risks for Christ is right. Regardless of whether you are a young adult or well into your years, this book will challenge you to use your life well for the glory of God and in enjoyment of Him.

We encourage all of our clients to serve God with all that they have and are.  We help each client understand their gifts and wiring so that they can land where they are able to lean into their strengths to live out their calling each day. Rather than live and work for temporary pleasures and short-term gain, clients are encouraged to live for what matters the most: enjoying and glorifying God.

In “Every Good Endeavor,” Keller and Asdorf comprehensively address some of our most pressing questions about work from a Biblical perspective.  To start, Keller explains God’s design for work and the purpose of our work, and in the following sections, he provides insightful perspectives on how to deal with the frustrations and burdens of work we often carry.  So often, we mistakenly use work as an idol and supplant God as our chief end, unnecessarily burdening ourselves.  Keller argues that while we work, we should always remember that the only One we are trying to please is God and that He is always watching us.  Additionally, if we remember our loving Father who saved and is sanctifying us, we will build a stronger connection with Him and learn to grow through the successes and failures of our work.  

We aim to help our clients uproot any false beliefs they have around work, and also to help them see God’s good purpose and find joy in their work.

What is the point of the difficult times in our lives? In his easy-to-read and insightful book, “To Be Told: Know Your Story, Shape Your Future,” Dan Allender reveals how God is the Author of our lives and has written meaning in every story of our lives, both the good and the bad. Too often, people miss the beautiful and meaning-filled stories of their own lives, because they are distracted by the seemingly more interesting and attractive stories they see through television, sports, or novels. Yet God intended for His children to live through purposeful stories that reveal His glory. In this raw and vulnerable book, Allender shares personal stories and practical wisdom for how to grow closer to the greatest Writer of all time and live fulfilled in His redemptive story.

We live in a world where it is easy to compare our lives to the lives of others who seem happier and more pain-free than we are. Clients love this book because it helps them make sense of the difficult times in their lives and find hope in God’s overarching purpose for them.

Do you resonate with the statement, “To live is to hurt?” In “The Healing Path, How the Hurts in the Past Can Lead You to a More Abundant Life,” Dan Allender acknowledges that suffering is an inevitable part of life and shows how we can find healing even in the deepest wounds. In the face of suffering, we are often tempted to be paranoid to avoid unexpected and unexplained pain, be fatalistic to minimize the pain, be heroic to avoid dealing with the true pain, or be optimistic to distance ourselves from the pain. Whether the pain stems from experiencing betrayal, powerlessness, or ambivalence, Allender encourages the hurting to move towards redemption by wagering on God in faith, struggling with God’s silence in hope, and remembering that we are loved through Christ. When we live by faith, hope, and love, we can reach out to others in service for God.

We recommend this book to anyone who is struggling with hurt or has experienced hurt in the past. We love working with clients who want to do more than just minimize or distance their pain and walk with them to help them find deep, abiding hope and healing in God.