by Joe Thorn, with review by Matt McAlvey

I have a pattern of reading a couple of chapters from the Bible on a regular basis, but I also find it refreshing to shake up my routine by dipping into the devotional thoughts of someone else. 

One of the wise friends that I turn to is Joe Thorn and his book, “Note To Self.” This book is a brief collection of two-page reflections about the discipline of preaching to yourself by which Thorn means, “the personal act of applying the law and the gospel to our own lives with the aim of experiencing the transforming grace of God leading to ongoing faith, repentance, and greater godliness.” 

Thorn writes chapter titles that catch my eye and draw me in. Two of my favorites are “Know Your Idols” and “Don’t Be a Fan Boy.” I appreciate this book because it helps me see myself more accurately and see the alluring beauty of Jesus. I hope that you find the same to be true, too.

You can pick up your copy of Note to Self at Books by the Park. For more book recommendations to help you build your personal library, please visit our website.

About the Author

Joe Thorn (MDiv, The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary) is the founding and lead pastor of Redeemer Fellowship in St. Charles, Illinois. He is an active blogger at JoeThorn.net, a contributor to The Story ESV Bible and The Mission of God Study Bible, and the author of Note to Self: The Discipline of Preaching to Yourself and Experiencing the Trinity: The Grace of God for the People of God. He and his wife, Jen, have four children.

About the Reviewer

Matt McAlvey joined Parkside's team in July 2001, and is leading Parkside's next church plant, Parkside Church Westside, in Lakewood, Ohio. Matt met his wife, Beth, in their junior year of high school during chemistry class. They have three sons, Titus, Graham, and Carter. And, despite hailing from Michigan, Matt confesses that he has become a Cleveland Browns fan. Please pray that his heart will soften when it comes to rooting for Ohio State.