Five (5) Tips For Reading a Book Thoughtfully (such as 'Becoming Hannah') #LeadersAreReaders December 2024

Many people misunderstand Hannah Yeoh’s book, Becoming Hannah (Sarcastically speaking, some people took 10 years to read it and suddenly decided something was ‘wrong’ with the book!). Some assume it reveals a hidden agenda to make Malaysia a Christian country. This is far from the truth. The book focuses on her personal journey, faith, and challenges in serving as a politician. Unfortunately, many critics haven’t read the book or fully understood its content, relying instead on hearsay.

To avoid misunderstandings like this, here are five tips for reading a book thoughtfully. These can be applied to any book you read:

1) Read the Entire Book - Don’t judge a book based on a few pages or isolated quotes taken out of context. Take time to read the whole book before forming an opinion. This ensures you understand the author's full message. If you haven’t read it, don’t criticize it. Simple.

2) Check the Author’s Purpose - Ask yourself: Why did the author write this book? Look for clues in the introduction or foreword. For example, Becoming Hannah was written to share Hannah Yeoh’s journey and inspire readers, not to push any agenda.

3) Avoid Prejudgments - Approach the book with an open mind. Avoid making assumptions based on the author’s religion, background, or what others say about the book. Prejudgments can distort your understanding.

4) Pay Attention to Context - Take note of the context of any statement or story. A single sentence can be misinterpreted if you ignore the surrounding paragraphs or chapters. Always ask, “What is the bigger picture here?”

5) Discuss with Others Who Have Read It - Engage with people who have also read the book. Sharing thoughts can help clarify your understanding and correct any misinterpretations.

Books like Becoming Hannah deserve to be read carefully and fairly. Avoiding misunderstandings not only helps you gain true insights but also prevents the spread of false assumptions. So, take time to read responsibly! Read widely and with an open mind. Don’t fear strange ideas or foreign beliefs. If your faith is strong and true, and you stay critical and thoughtful while reading books outside your comfort zone, you won’t be easily influenced (Although, I fully recommend you read the Bible or the New Testament too, because “the truth will set you free” 😉)

To read my monthly reading articles, CLICK HERE

THINK BIG. START SMALL. GO DEEP.

Printed Pages, Lasting Benefits #LeadersAreReaders November 2024

 

For me, reading printed books daily is a rewarding habit that brings freshness and knowledge. You don’t have to read for hours or finish a book in one sitting—just a few pages a day, done consistently, can make a big difference. Printed books offer a unique experience. The feel of the pages, the scent of the paper, and the act of turning each page make reading more personal. Unlike screens, books don’t strain your eyes or distract you with notifications.

Start by setting aside just 10 minutes a day (once the habit forms, 10 minutes can be your minimum!). Choose a book you enjoy and keep it nearby. Whether it’s before bed, during breakfast, or during a quiet moment, make reading part of your routine. Over time, this small habit can improve your knowledge, focus, and mental clarity. A few pages today can bring lasting benefits for a more thoughtful life 😊

To read my monthly reading articles, CLICK HERE

THINK BIG. START SMALL. GO DEEP.

Dear Full-Time Workers, Read Books! #LeadersAreReaders October 2024

 

Have you ever experienced writer’s block? You sit down to write, and there’s nothing. You stare at the laptop (or paper) for what feels like hours, and you’re not sure what to say. It happens to everyone, but it’s often because you’re running on empty.

Now, imagine this as a full-time worker in ministry. As a minister, you’re constantly creating. Week after week, you’re pouring everything you have into your messages—sermons, Bible studies, or short sharings. The challenge is that you can only pour out what you’ve put in. If your bucket, so to speak, is running dry, you’ll struggle to pour anything more out. A reading habit helps keep your bucket full all year long. It’s essential to be reading your Bible (first and foremost, above all else) and, in your spare time, other books.

The key is CONSISTENCY. When you make a habit of reading every day, you’re constantly finding ideas. Storing these insights in a notes database, or simply in your mind, means you’ll have a wealth of fresh thoughts and ideas ready to deliver. You’ll always have something meaningful and helpful to share. And when you sit down to write your messages (or in my case, outline ideas)—whether you’re working weeks in advance or, as I often do, a night or even just hours before (a risky move!)—you’ll be able to produce good messages faster. But you have to put in the work—read books! 😊

To read my monthly reading articles, CLICK HERE

THINK BIG. START SMALL. GO DEEP.

(A Tale of) Libau Discovers the Bible - and Reads It! #LeadersAreReaders September 2024

In a longhouse where everyone lived simple, predictable lives, there was a boy named Libau who was different. One day, while wandering around, he found an old, forgotten missionary house. Curious, he picked up a book (unknowingly, a Bible) and started reading. It was as if a whole new world opened up to him—he learned about the Creator, Jesus, the Son of God, the Holy Spirit, and truths that stretched beyond anything he had ever known.

As Libau kept reading, he began to think differently. He used the knowledge and truth he gained to teach other young men and women in his longhouse, helping them better understand the world and the reality of God around them. At first, the people were suspicious and even opposed him. But as time went on, they began to notice that Libau lived differently and saw things in a way they didn’t. Some of them started turning to him for advice and prayers, though, overall, he was still rejected by many.

One day, missionaries came through the longhouses, speaking about the Kingdom of God and the call to preach the Gospel beyond the horizon. Libau, filled with curiosity and a sense of God's calling, decided to join them and go into all the world. The people of the longhouse saw Libau leave, knowing he had risen above the ordinary, not because he was stronger or richer, but because he had the power of the knowledge of God through reading, meditating, and living the Bible.

The missionary house, with all its hidden wisdom, remained—waiting for the next curious and seeking mind to discover its truths. Will you pick up the Bible and read it too? 🙏

To read my monthly reading articles, CLICK HERE

THINK BIG. START SMALL. GO DEEP.

 

3 Ways To Keep Learning Every Day #LeadersAreReaders August 2024

A Christian eager to learn is a growing Christian. They understand that their God-given mind is a responsibility and desire to use it for God's glory. Here are three ways I continue my passion for learning every day:

1) READING: Reading and meditating on God’s Word is vital for spiritual growth. We should read Scripture with both our heart and mind. I also read theology, commentaries, biographies, and the writings of great people, as they offer inspiration and wisdom. It’s easy to spend most of our time on TV or social media, but mature Christians I know choose good books and quiet time over entertainment (though there is a time for everything).

2) OBSERVING: Learn by observing others. I enjoy watching people in public places to understand more about life. As John T. Noe said, “Too many people are more concerned about how others see them than observing others.” I also watch spiritual mentors—whom I know personally or through media—closely, learning from both their successes and failures.

3) LISTENING: We can’t learn if we’re always talking. When I pray, I talk to God, but when I read Scripture, God speaks to me. That’s why reading His Word is so important (or, my favorite, listening to the audio Bible!). Listening more and talking less helps us learn from others, young and old, who have much to teach if we take the time to listen.

To read monthly reading articles, CLICK HERE

THINK BIG. START SMALL. GO DEEP.

Reading the Scripture Together with Your Spouse #LeadersAreReaders July 2024

One of the things that I miss so much when I'm working outstation is reading the Scripture together with my wife every night. It has become our habit, and I always feel something is missing or incomplete if we are not doing it. I'm very reluctant to give marriage advice to anyone (technically, not qualified in terms of experience), but let me give one here: aim to grow together in Christ one day at a time. One of the essential ways is to read (aloud), reflect, and pray the Scripture daily. First, it fosters emotional, intellectual, and spiritual intimacy, allowing both of us to connect on a deeper level as we explore the faith together. This shared practice strengthens our relationship, creating a sense of being one heart and mind in Christ and reminding one another to be under His lordship.

Next, it provides an opportunity for open communication, as we discuss passages and their meanings. Usually, we read 2 to 4 chapters a day and pause after every chapter to hear one another's thoughts and insights (sometimes I will provide the context and explanations of the text if it's difficult chapters, and she will make wise remarks because she's smart!). This leads us to greater understanding and teaches empathy for one another. Read and listen. The routine of reading together also establishes a consistent, calming end to each day (yes, we do have bad days), helping to reduce stress (yes, daily responsibilities, relationships, and work can be stressful) and promote a peaceful household environment (yes, we do have small arguments).

Moreover, the Scriptures offer valuable life lessons and true guidance, inspiring us to grow in the fruit of the Spirit such as love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. God often uses His Word to encourage us, correct us, and even rebuke us (I can't count how many times He confronts my pride and stubborn heart when we read the Scripture together! Here and there is a time for repentance, asking for forgiveness, and reconciliation). Finally, we end with prayer. This shared journey not only enriches our marriage but also lays a foundation for future challenges and adventures. But it must be done, if possible, daily or consistently - read, reflect, and pray the Scripture together - because the foundation cannot be less than solid Rock!

THINK BIG. START SMALL. GO DEEP.

Reading In The Digital Era Still Matters #LeadersAreReaders June 2024

In the digital era, it might seem like YouTube is the best place to get information (at least for me). However, as writer and illustrator Tomie dePaola said, "Reading is important because if you can read, you can learn anything about everything and everything about anything." While videos can help you grasp a topic quickly, they don't offer the deep understanding that reading does. One of the best examples I can think of is the wonderful overview videos of each book of the Bible by The Bible Project YouTube channel. These videos are great resources, but they can never replace the value of reading the Bible for ourselves.

Jim Kwik, a Brain Coach, said that multimedia's impact on learning is limited without reading as the foundation. Books, especially good ones that distill decades of experience, provide a depth that short videos can't match. Digital sources (with the exception of longer and in depth videos) are useful for starting your research and sparking your interest, but for true understanding, reading is essential. Maybe I'm in the minority... but I'm right, right? 

THINK BIG. START SMALL. GO DEEP.