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Click here for an excerpt of the book on the reformation21.org blog, and read more on vocation from the author here on the Ligonier Ministries blog.

How can I pick the right job?

Actually, you don’t need to choose a job that’s “perfect for you.” But you do need to be faithful and productive in ways that honor God in your work life.

Here’s a better question: As a believer, how can I determine what I am supposed to do, and then do it well?

The doctrine of calling, or vocation, leads us to the answer. Because for those who are “called according to his purpose” (Rom. 8:28), God provides a place, a time, and the gifts necessary to work for him in this world.

This book will help you do three things:

1. Ponder the doctrine of vocation—learn what it means to have a calling and what Scripture teaches about work.
2. Prepare for vocational living—determine the skills and character traits you’ll need and learn how to sort through your vocational options, remaining faithful to your other callings as you work.
3. Practice vocation—apply biblical disciplines to succeed at work and relate work to the rest of who you are as a Christian.

God placed us in his world to work for his glory. You might not know exactly what he has planned for you, but you must—and can—be faithful where he calls you to be.

Table of Contents:

Introduction
PART ONE: PONDERING VOCATION
1 What Is Vocation?
2 What Is Work?
3 How Is Calling Related to Conversion?
PART TWO: PREPARING FOR YOUR VOCATION
4 Have Something to Offer
5 Choose Wisely
6 Remember Your Other Vocations
PART THREE: PRACTICING VOCATION
7 Work Well
8 Be Sure to Rest
9 Manage Money Wisely
APPENDIX: QUESTIONS ABOUT VOCATION
Appendix A What If I Hate My Job?
Appendix B Is My Vocation Compromised by Sin?
Appendix C Should I Go to College?
Appendix D Is Military Service a Good Option for Me?
Appendix E Am I Called to the Ministry?
Notes

What others are saying about this book:

"Finding My Vocation by Pastor Bill Boekestein is a timely book. Many young people are questioning the traditional assumptions about how to find their niche in life. This book masterfully unpacks calling in the space of 100 pages. Simple without being shallow, Boekestein exams the biblical concept of vocation as well as how to prepare and practice one’s vocation. The content of each chapter is illustrated by the stories of people that were interviewed over the course of writing the book. Finding My Vocation: A Guide for Young People Seeking a Calling will be a birthday gift for all my grandchildren who are trying to find their calling. I could not make a better recommendation than that."
– Tedd Tripp, author of Shepherding a Child's Heart, pastor emeritus, conference speaker

"Pastor Bill Boekestein has done young people—and the whole church, really—a tremendous service by providing an accessible overview of the Bible's teaching on vocation. We are most happy, and God most glorified, when we “live in a manner worthy of the calling to which we have been called.” This book will help you do just that. I commend it highly."
– Jonathan Landry Cruse, pastor, Community Presbyterian Church, Kalamazoo, MI

"Pastor Boekestein has written a book that is all at once practical, motivating, challenging, and encouraging.  The normal feel-good platitudes of the day won’t cut it, and Bill dives into a scriptural take on one of the most important issues and considerations we will ever face.  His communication style is clear and succinct yet with true depth and richness that makes the key takeaways of the book really stick.  I cannot recommend this enough!"
– David Bahnsen, author of Full-Time: Work and the Meaning of Life

“Thoroughly Reformed. [Boekestein] includes good quotes from the Reformed fathers, confessions, and Scripture...I encourage those in high school and college to read this book, especially if they are struggling to find a vocation. But it is not only for a segment of people struggling to find their vocational calling. Those who know what God is calling them to do and those who are doing it will benefit as well. Parents, grandparents, and counselors will benefit greatly from the book to help the coming generations settle on a vocation that fits them and is honoring to God. I personally found it beneficial, as I work in the kingdom calling God has given to me."
– Garry Eriks, pastor, Unity Protestant Reformed Church, Byron Center, MI

The doctrine of vocation is a surprisingly important one. If you come to a firm understanding of this doctrine while you are young, it will serve you well for the rest of your life. That is why I am so pleased with this book. It addresses sound teaching and faithful application to teens and young adults—the very people who have a whole lifetime of vocation ahead of them.
– Tim Challies, founder of the Challies blog and author of Do More Better: A Practical Guide to Positivity

"Young people seeking God’s will for their life’s calling will discover a treasure trove of wisdom in William Boekestein’s Finding my Vocation. Vocation covers all of life. As they prayerfully make decisions for the future, they will consider biblical principles of work and relationships, they will assess their God-given talents and providential circumstances, they will aim to serve their family and their neighbor, and they will honor God. A rich, fulfilling, Christ-centered life awaits them if they follow the principles found on these pages."
– Mary Beeke, author of Teach Them to Work: Building a Positive Work Ethic in Our Children

"Three things are most important in life: Knowing God, marrying the right person, and finding the right vocation. William Boekestein's thoughtful book may help young people follow a good path and recalibrate if they've gone astray."
– Marvin Olasky, author, chairman at Zenger House, and former editor of WORLD magazine

"In this book, William Boekestein shows us a true pastoral heart. He lays out biblical principles that can enable young readers to seek a vocation that fits them and then do it with gracefulness and God-glorifying purpose. As a founding chancellor of a Christian university in Africa, I will want to put this book into the hands of all our students. The truths in this book could have far-reaching results on our continent!"
– Conrad Mbewe, pastor of Kabwata Baptist Church and founding chancellor of the African Christian University in Lusaka, Zambia

"God brings us to our vocations, but his callings still require our preparation and discernment.  William Boekestein has written an engaging, biblically and theologically-informed guide for young people trying to figure out where God wants them to serve that is both practical and spiritual.  But it is also a guide for those of us already deep in our vocations who perhaps do not fully realize the role vocations play in the Christian life."
– Gene Edward Veith, professor emeritus of literature at Patrick Henry College and author of God at Work: Your Christian Vocation in All of Life

"I am often asked by worried parents if their teenager should go to college or not. They often mistake an apathy towards higher education as depression, a lack of drive, or just pure laziness. I wonder if in most cases it is a lack of purpose. Many of these parents have fallen into the trap of thinking that a college education is the only avenue to a respectable life. It’s simply not true. I value a liberal arts education, and hopefully the children of these worried parents received one in high school. This does not mean, however, that only a white-collar occupation can provide true purpose. Nonsense! Our value, identity, and purpose cannot be satisfactorily defined by salary, position, or social standing. The doctrine of vocation frees us from this false choice. We are first freed from sin on account of Christ. Now that we are free, God uses us, no, he calls us to be his coworkers in the world. What title or amount of money could satisfy our yearning for purpose more than that? This book needed to be written. This is tough stuff, isn’t it? Especially for teenagers trying to figure out what to do with their lives. Boekestein will help these young Christians navigate these tough questions. He puts the gospel first and by doing so frees the worried teen about their standing before God, but he also shows them that whatever their vocation it is honored by God. God gives them a divine purpose in life."
– Michael Berg, author of Vocation: The Setting for Human Flourishing

"Hardly a week goes by when I am not asked an earnest and serious question about vocation. Often it has to do with preparation for work; sometimes it has to do with enduring a job that seems unfulfilling. This short book offers clear, practical, but most importantly, biblical advice on the nature of work, its place in the Christian’s life, and how to engage in what God gives us to do. I recommend it highly."
– Jonathan Master, president, Greenville Presbyterian Theological Seminary

"Very thought-provoking and practical and...helpful for teens."
– Martyn McGeown, author, pastor, Providence Protestant Reformed Church, Grandville, MI

"Many people spend more of their lives working than any other activity. This wise book blends the insights of several Reformed confessions, the Puritans, and many contemporary voices to create a valuable guide for young people and their parents on vocation. Boekestein is to be commended for this biblical, wise, and highly practical treatment on calling and service to God and our neighbor."
– Tom Schwanda, associate professor of Christian formation and ministry, emeritus, Wheaton College

"Mastering his usual literary skills, William Boekestein covers every aspect of the doctrine of vocation particularly as it applies to young people thinking about their future. Accompanied by true-life examples, this helpful guide is especially timely in a society characterized by a contrasting mixture of high expectations and common anxieties. Even someone like me who has left youthful days far behind can benefit from this reminder and these practical suggestions on how to “lead the life that the Lord has assigned to him, and to which God has called him” (1 Cor. 7:17 ESV). Because of the abundance of scriptural references and pertinent quotations, I have found this book more devotional and nourishing than I would have expected. Highly recommended for the whole family."
– Simonetta Carr, author of the Christian Biographies for Young Readers series

"Early in life, young Christians should ask themselves a simple question that directs them toward their future service to God and the world: “Do I have something to offer?”...It is refreshing to read a book that forgoes nonsensical clichés like “chasing one’s dreams” or “following one’s heart.” Instead, the focus is on the acquisition of concrete skills that will be useful in almost every vocation...Perhaps a more accurate subtitle would be “A Guide for Young People Seeking a Calling and for Those Who Counsel Them.” For as valuable as this book will be to serious Christian young people, it will prove just as valuable to parents, pastors, youth leaders, and educators as they help our youth to think biblically about their vocations." 
– Charles Wingard, Reformed Theological Seminary Journal

What teens are saying about this book:

"In this book, I liked the order that Rev. Boekestein approached the topic from, with the steps being in a chronological order. At the end of each chapter, Rev. Boekestein includes a real example of someone’s story of their vocation, which I also liked because it makes it more real." – Logan K.

Read reviews from Wes Bredenhof (Clarion) and @kristiyaknow_reviews. Read more about this book from Redeemed Reader, Challies.com. Listen to podcast conversations on this book via 3GT (Three Guys Theologizing), Moody Radio, and the Laymen's Lounge.

William Boekestein is the pastor of Immanuel Fellowship Church in Kalamazoo, Michigan and the author of numerous books. He worked in residential construction and taught at a Christian school for several years. He and his wife have four children.

• 168 pages
• paperback
• ISBN 978-1-959515-29-6
  
• Release date: August/September 2024

eBook version available

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In this devotional for ages 9–13, you will travel through several time periods, starting with Israel in the wilderness, then through the life of David, the captivity of Judah, and finally Christ’s work on earth. You will tour many important sites like caves, palaces, and even a national park. We’ll also make some stops along the way to consider spiritual topics from the psalms that are still relevant for young Christians today.

What others are saying about this book:

"I called my grandson Liam and asked how the book was going. He said it is one of his favorite books!" —Lori (Escanaba, MI)

"I met Mike at the #SpeakUpConference last year. I was thrilled when I heard that he was releasing his first book on the Psalms. I started adding it to my morning routine (if there is such a thing with three young kids). It's a devotional, so it's a quick read and it's beautifully illustrated! I've been looking for a resource that could provide some biblical insight in an easy-to-understand way, and since it's written for a younger audience (9-13 years) this book delivers! It's been a great resource to have, and because of the pictures it has also sparked some great conversations with my six-year-old about the Bible!" —Stephanie (Franklin, TN, USA) 

"This is a great devotional for the entire family. We read every night after dinner and the devotions were not too short or too long and led to nice discussions with the children, who are high school age and younger. Looking forward to the next devotional from this author." —a reader via Amazon.com (Indiana, USA)

Mike Velthouse is an avid reader. In 2020 he began writing articles for his church’s newsletter about people and places from Bible history. Since then he has published many articles for children in the magazine Ignited by the Word. Mike lives in West Michigan near his three adult daughters and granddaughter. Journey Through the Psalms is his first book.

Erinn Kuiper is a wife and a mom to four children. She enjoys working with watercolors and especially likes to paint greeting cards. Erinn lives in West Michigan.

• 98 pages
• paperback
• ISBN 978-1-959515-22-7
  
• Release date: June 14, 2024

eBook version available

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Rewards.

For many Christians, this word is a cause for fear and suspicion. It suggests doctrines of merit and a salvation based on works, as well as other ideas at odds with the teachings of the Christian faith.

But that need not be so.

In this accessible book, Brian Huizinga offers a rare historical and theological exposition of the biblical and Reformed teaching on the oft-neglected topic of the rewards of grace for the saints—in both the present life and in the life to come. Excluding any merit, and in full harmony with his sovereign and particular grace, the Lord indeed promises to reward the good works of believers. Far from unbiblical or dangerous, the truth of rewards occupies a surprisingly large and important place in Scripture. As such, it demands our attention. Crowning His Gifts will help all believers better grasp this topic by deepening their understanding of salvation in Christ and by offering fresh encouragements for a renewed life of godly zeal, to God’s glory.

What others are saying about the book:

"The relation between our good works and God’s rewards is unavoidable because our Lord himself often made this connection. Today, also because of the prosperity gospel, many are confused. In this book, with its wonderfully fitting title, Brian Huizinga builds on the spiritual and theological wisdom of Augustine, Calvin, Francis Turretin, Abraham Kuyper, Herman Bavinck, and Herman Hoeksema, among others, and provides a reliable guide through the tricky shoals of this subject. Huizinga’s treatment is biblically grounded and confessionally sound in its careful distinctions, clear definitions, and appropriate cautions. This is a groundbreaking, thorough, practical, and timely book."
– John Bolt, Professor emeritus of systematic theology, Calvin Theological Seminary (Grand Rapids, MI), editor of Herman Bavinck’s English editions of Reformed Dogmatics and Reformed Ethics

"The author shows that the doctrine of God’s rewards for our works is in line with the Reformed tradition…Crowning His Gifts is a solid, biblical, Reformed study of our covenantal relationship with God. Pick up this book and read it carefully!"
– Jürgen-Burkhard Klautke, Akademie für Reformatorische Theologie (Academy for Reformed Theology, Giessen), Evangelisch-Reformierten Gemeinde (Confessing Evangelical-Reformed Congregation, Giessen), Germany

Read reviews by John Hooper (Bible League Quarterly) and Daniel Holstege (Protestant Reformed Theological Journal).

Brian Huizinga is professor of Dogmatics and Old Testament Studies at the Theological School of the Protestant Reformed Churches in Wyoming (MI). He is also an editor of the Standard Bearer magazine. Before his appointment to professorship, he served for eight years in the pastoral ministry in Redlands, California. Crowning His Gifts is his first book.

• 288 pages
• Hardcover
• ISBN 978-1-959515-00-5
• Release date: May 2024

eBook version available

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In the hustle and bustle of modern life, finding moments for peace and reflection can be a challenge. Yet, within the psalms, we discover a treasure trove of heartfelt prayers, honest expressions of emotion, and profound insights into the experience of every believer—that is, of a pilgrim and stranger in this world.

Through daily readings, thoughtful meditations, and heartfelt singing, you'll find in this book the comfort and guidance you need as you weave your pilgrim way through the sacred songbook.

Whether you're seeking solace in times of trouble, longing for a deeper connection with God, or simply craving a moment of stillness in your day, this devotional will nourish and strengthen you with the riches of the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ. May you, in the reading of this devotional, come to see yourself as a child of God on your pilgrimage to God’s house, singing praises all the way.

Read a review by Marc Daniel Rivera (KristiyaKnow).

What others are saying about this book:

"These short meditations contain the riches of the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ and great encouragement for the saints in their pilgrim journey. Although short in length, Rev. Heys exhibits a gift of compressing profound truths of the sacred song book into each day’s meditation. The reader will also appreciate the continued references to the versification of the psalm of the day from the Psalter." –a reader

John A. Heys (1910–1998) served in the ministry of the Protestant Reformed Churches from 1941–1980. In those years, he pastored congregations in Michigan, Iowa, and Illinois. Heys was also a musician with a great love for singing and the psalms, composing multiple tunes for The Psalter (1912). After retiring from active ministry in 1980, he penned a series of devotional pamphlets called Daily Devotions from the Psalms, which have been published in this book under the title Songs of Our Pilgrimage. Heys, who is remembered for his profound yet humble and gentle preaching and catechism instruction, deeply loved the psalms. Each devotional in Songs evidences that love of the sacred songbook and all the profound, timeless truths therein.

• 400 pages
• hardcover
• ISBN 978-1-959515-20-3
  
• Release date: June 21, 2024

eBook version available

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As the Son of God, Jesus had it all—perfect communion with both the Father and the Holy Spirit and the glories of heaven. But Jesus left it all behind to humble himself, taking on our human flesh and suffering his whole life long and especially at the cross.

In life Jesus faced humiliation through outright rejection. Even as he preached the gospel and performed mighty miracles, his enemies falsely accused him and even took up stones to kill him (John 5–9).

So, why would the Son of God become a humble, suffering servant?

Because Jesus cares deeply for you and all his people—those who know themselves to be spiritually blind, lame, and hungry. Read from the gospel of John and meditate on how he gave himself so that you might be made whole and be nourished unto eternal life.

Click here to review or buy the first book in this series, Who is Jesus?

Read a review by Sarah De Boer (Grandville Gleaner).

What others are saying about this book:

"The book encourages us to walk with Christ daily and always trust in him...This devotional is a good way to remind yourself to follow Jesus and trust in him because he showed us how to be humble and loving. Whether you're a teen or an adult this is a great book to help you grow in your spiritual journey." – Sarah De Boer (Grandville, MI)

Abby Van Solkema has been writing devotionals for young people since 2018. She is a graduate of Grand Valley State University and lives with her husband, Tedd, and their four children in Byron Center, Michigan. Follow Abby on Instagram @the.left.fork.

• 106 pages
• paperback
• ISBN 978-1-959515-18-0
• Release date: April 26, 2024

eBook version available

Other books in the Devotions on the Gospel of John series: COMING SOON! Subscribe to our email list to stay informed of new teen book releases and sales!

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With the insight of a theologian, the heart of a pastor, and the clarity of a preacher, Herman Hoeksema expounds key sections of the epistle to the Hebrews. The glory and work of the author and finisher of our faith, Jesus Christ; the biblical saints of old and their victories by faith; the beauty of the prize at the end of the race that is set before us—these are the main themes of A Cloud of Witnesses, a book that will encourage
readers as they press on in their pilgrimage toward that city whose builder and maker is God himself.

What others are saying about this book:

“Often it is the case that we read the theology of a great churchman like Herman Hoeksema and so call him a theologian. But in reading his sermons, we are reminded that his first job and calling was to preach. Students of theology might be better served reading more sermons than works on theology. Thankfully, in this volume the reader gets both.” – Douglas J. Douma, pastor of First Presbyterian Church (Unionville, NY),
author, and founder of Sola Appalachian Christian Retreat

"There is something reminiscent of the preaching style of Dr Martyn Lloyd-Jones in the meticulous and practical way that Herman Hoeksema expounds the biblical text. 'A Cloud of Witnesses' is a powerful collection of sermons that speak right into the situation that we find ourselves in today." – @biblebookstheology

Read a review from @biblebookstheology.

Herman Hoeksema (HH) (1886-1965) was ordained into the ministry in the Christian Reformed Churches in 1915. He is considered one of the founding "fathers" of the Protestant Reformed Churches in America. He taught in the Seminary of the Protestant Reformed Churches from its founding and until his retirement in 1964.

• Edited by Dr. Marco Barone
• 352 pages
• hardcover
• ISBN 978-1-959515-27-2
  
• Release date: July 26, 2024

eBook version available

Paul writes a letter to Philemon, his friend and fellow believer. It is delivered by a special carrier: Onesimus, Philemon’s runaway slave. But Onesimus is not the same man who fled from his master: he is now a Christian. As such, Onesimus desires reconciliation with Philemon. Sharing Onesimus’ desire, Paul uses his letter to instruct Philemon, Onesimus, and every Christian about true repentance and what it means to have a forgiving and reconciling heart.

It seems that everywhere we look today, we see conflict: in the world, which, because of its rebellion against God, is doomed never to enjoy peace; in marriages, even Christian marriages; in homes, even in Christian homes; and in churches. The little letter to Philemon contains principles of peace which we would be wise to follow—especially since, as the children of God, we are called to be peacemakers.

Based on a series of sermons preached in the summer of 2012 to the Limerick Reformed Fellowship, Lessons in Forgiveness details the author's study of an overlooked chapter in the New Testament. In this book about Paul’s often neglected epistle, Martyn McGeown expounds truths that are vital for the lives of all Christians—truths that flow out of the gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ, who has forgiven us and reconciled us to the Father.

Martyn McGeown is a pastor in the Protestant Reformed Churches. He is also the editor of the RFPA blog and the author of multiple RFPA publications.

• 144 pages
• hardcover
• ISBN 978-1-959515-32-6
  
• Release date: September 2024

eBook version available

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If you live in a godly home, you have probably known from a very young age what it looks like to be a Christian.

But simply knowing about God and acting like a Christian isn’t enough. And trusting in your own ability to live a life that looks good to others is not the way to friendship and fellowship with God. The only way to the Father is Jesus. He makes the way through his death and resurrection and leads us in this way by his Spirit.

As you read through John 10–15, pray that Jesus will lead you in this way—the way of repentance, belief, and trust in him—because it is the only way to true peace and eternal life.

What others are saying about the books in this series:

"This devotional is intended for teens, but like most good books, other ages would be blessed by reading it. I read several of the devotions aloud to all of my children at breakfast; now I’m passing it along to the teens in our home to read in its entirety. And I’m looking forward to the next three installments in the series. In my busy season of life and as Christmas approaches, I’m grateful for the opportunities this little book granted me to consider, Who is Jesus? After all, there is no other question in all the world that is more important or more urgent." – Sarah Mowery (Loveland, CO) on Who is Jesus?, book 1

"The book encourages us to walk with Christ daily and always trust in him...This devotional is a good way to remind yourself to follow Jesus and trust in him because he showed us how to be humble and loving. Whether you're a teen or an adult this is a great book to help you grow in your spiritual journey." – Sarah De Boer (Grandville, MI) on Humble Servant, book 2

Abby Van Solkema has been writing devotionals for young people since 2018. She is a graduate of Grand Valley State University and lives with her husband, Tedd, and their four children in Byron Center, Michigan. Follow Abby on Instagram @the.left.fork.

• 103 pages
• paperback
• ISBN 978-1-959515-36-4
• Release date: November 22, 2024

eBook version available

Other books in the Devotions on the Gospel of John series: COMING SOON! Subscribe to our email list to stay informed of new teen book releases and sales!