James Bryan Smith

The Fire of the Word

Prayer & Spiritual Formation

“Once in a great while a book points me directly to God, like the arrow of a compass that points to the true north. The Fire of the Word was exactly that for me. I found myself focused Godward with each passing page as the Spirit ravished my heart, increasing my longing to be with the eternal Word that finds its way to my heart through ink and paper in the Bible. After reading this well-written, honest, funny and wise book, the sacred Scriptures--which I can at times take for granted--are more sacred to me than ever.”

The Gift of Restlessness

Prayer & Spiritual Formation

“As the author writes about 'the little graces hidden' in the seasons of our lives, I found myself encountering hidden graces on nearly every page. This book is honest and raw and real, unafraid to wade into the waters of restlessness, to help us understand that it is not a pain to be avoided but a gift to be received. And because the writer was unafraid, I felt myself becoming less afraid and more welcoming of something I once feared, but now see as an ally in my formation.”

The Language of the Soul

Christian Living

Afterword

“In reading this book it hit me--this mysterious, untranslatable feeling is something we all have. All people. At all times. Everywhere. I am grateful to Jeff Crosby for giving all of us these wonderful words. I will treasure this book for the rest of my life.”

The Path Between Us

Marriage, Family & Relationships

“Rarely have I read a book so perfectly titled. The Path Between Us helps the reader understand the sometimes complex interplay between Enneagram types. As a person who has long studied and tried to apply the Enneagram to my own relationships, this book is indeed the best guide I have found on the subject.”

The Practice of Remembering

Christian Living

“The Practice of Remembering does something no other book I have seen dares to do. It explores the importance of memory in our spiritual formation. Our experiences, memories, and stories form a script that influences our lives in deep ways. This beautifully written, honest book is full of much-needed wisdom. Prepare to be changed.”

What Does Your Soul Love?

Prayer & Spiritual Formation

“As I read through this deep and insightful book What Does Your Soul Love?, I felt as though I was in a safe space, with deeply kind and wise spiritual directors, gently nudging me to peer into places where I had been afraid to look, to embrace my vulnerability and not run from it, and to place my trust in a God who loves me and longs for my good more than I do for myself. This book is a gift. Thank you Gem and Alan.”

When the Journey Hurts

Christian Living

“A question Dallas Willard often asked was, 'Does the gospel we preach and teach bring comfort and strength, hope and meaning, to those who are suffering? If it does not, it is not Jesus' good news.' This book brings the gospel to those who are suffering. It is the best book I have read on the subject of how to find purpose in and through suffering.”

Why Is There Suffering?

Theology

“The problem of suffering has been an eternal riddle that has left people puzzled and perplexed for centuries. What I love about this book is its approach to this riddle. It is truly an expedition, and the author knows the terrain inside and out. It reads like a field journal written by a deeply informed guide. If you are looking for an excellent book about how to think about this problem, you need look no further. You have found it.”