To Be a Christian Mystic or a Man of God? #LeadersAreReaders March 2026

I remember reading Richard Foster’s Sanctuary of the Soul (2011) on a flight from KLIA2 to KIA. At first, I was drawn to the subject of meditative prayer, partly because of the positive influence of Foster’s Celebration of Discipline. However, halfway through the book, I began to feel that most of the Bible verses were explained in a rather mystical way (I should've known... also, I'm not a fan of 'Desert Fathers,' too much quotes). Although I finished the book before landing and gained some helpful insights on prayer in general, I realized that the author’s approach to spirituality does not quite suit my temperament and personality.

Perhaps this is also because I have come to understand Scripture more deeply and have become more discerning about certain aspects of meditative prayer. Still, I find some of the ideas intriguing, such as meditation and prayer, the concept of descending with the mind into the heart to behold the divine, the idea of a “safe space” where the spirit is free to breathe and the heart is secure, the notion of self-love as turning inward for healing and protection, and the emphasis on stillness as a way of reconnecting with the soul. To be honest, I am not entirely sure how to practice most of these.

On the other hand, David Pawson’s Men of God (2020) is very compelling. In fact, I find all of Dr. Pawson’s books helpful. In this work, he addresses the crisis of masculinity in both the church and society. He argues that many churches function like lifeboats, prioritizing women and children, while men are often disengaged, creating a gap in spiritual leadership. His contrast between modern perspectives and biblical principles is striking, especially his emphasis that God calls men to be active as warriors, leaders, and followers of Christ. This message is deeply needed today. The way Pawson presents his arguments is both persuasive and heartfelt, reflecting a genuine concern for men to become men of God. This is a subject I care deeply about as well, namely biblical manhood. As he writes, “I make no apology for saying that I believe the strength of any church is in its men.” I wholeheartedly agree 💯#ServeToLead #LeadersAreReaders #LetsMakeReadingCoolAgain

THINK BIG. START SMALL. GO DEEP.

No Article.... #LeadersAreReaders February 2026

I forgot to share… I only managed to finish one book 😅 In February, I was busy reading lots of reference books for preaching, teaching, and Bible studies 📖 #ServeToLead #LeadersAreReaders #LetsMakeReadingCoolAgain

THINK BIG. START SMALL. GO DEEP.

The Joy of Not Finishing Books #LeadersAreReaders January 2026

I used to push myself to finish every book I started because I felt guilty stopping halfway. I tried to finish Yuval Noah Harari’s Nexus, James Patterson’s Private Games, and Martin Lings’ biography of Muhammad (BM), among others, but I eventually lost the drive to continue. Instead of enjoying the process, reading became a burden. But reading James Colley’s article in The Guardian (30 Nov 2018) a few years ago helped me rethink that pressure.

He points out that there simply isn’t enough time in a lifetime to read every book. That means each moment I spend forcing myself through a book I’m not connecting with is a moment lost from reading something that might truly move me. Most of us know that feeling. You are hundreds of pages in, you do not care about the characters, and you keep flipping to the back just to see how many pages are left. Colley argues that this reflects sunk cost thinking. Because we have already invested time, we do not want to “waste” it, even if the book is no longer rewarding.

What struck me most was how freeing it felt to see putting down a book not as defeat, but as a choice. Letting go of a book I do not enjoy means clearing space for one that brings joy, insight, or connection. It is a small act of self-honesty and that is valuable not only in reading, but in life ❤️#ServeToLead #LeadersAreReaders #LetsMakeReadingCoolAgain

THINK BIG. START SMALL. GO DEEP.

Mentored by the Books I Read, by the Authors I Never Met #LeadersAreReaders December 2025

J. Oswald Sanders, in his book Spiritual Leadership (revised, 2017), writes: “If people are known by the company they keep, so also their character is reflected in the books they read. A leader’s reading is the outward expression of their inner hunger and aspirations. The vast number of titles pouring from the presses today makes discriminating choice essential. We can afford to read only the best, only that which invigorates our mission. Our reading should be regulated by who we are and what we intend to accomplish.” Sanders reminds us that what we choose to read both reveals and shapes who we are, especially for those called to lead. In a world flooded with information, intentional and discerning reading is not a luxury but a responsibility, as it profoundly influences our convictions, clarity, and calling.

Since mentoring can be understood as one life empowering another, I have always regarded certain authors as some of my most influential mentors. Though I never met them personally, their lives and insights came alive in my study as I spent countless hours reading their works, eager to learn and grow. Authors who have deeply shaped me include J. I. Packer (Knowing God), John Piper (Don’t Waste Your Life), John MacArthur (Ashamed of the Gospel), Adrian Rogers (Unveiling the End Times in Our Time), Oswald Smith (The Challenge of Missions), John Stott (The Message of 2 Timothy), Michael Heiser (The Unseen Realm), Anthony Robbins (Awaken the Giant Within), Jim Rohn (The Art of Exceptional Living), John Maxwell (The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership), and C. S. Lewis (The Chronicles of Narnia), among others.

In addition, biographies of heroes of the faith such as Charles Spurgeon, John Sung, and William Tyndale have also been a great help to me, as their lives and testimonies continue to instruct, inspire, and strengthen my walk with the LORD. As Sanders so aptly puts it, “The leader should read to have fellowship with great minds. Through books, we hold communion with the greatest spiritual leaders of the ages" 💯#ServeToLead #LeadersAreReaders #LetsMakeReadingCoolAgain

Read my monthly articles on reading HERE 🔗 https://legasitv.blogspot.com/search/label/Book%20Review?m=1

THINK BIG. START SMALL. GO DEEP.

Reading, Fast and Slow #LeadersAreReaders November 2025

I often read comments from people who say they love to read Scripture slowly and without rushing. I wholeheartedly agree. However, reading only this way means many never finish the whole Bible in their lifetime, or it takes 10+ years to do so. Too long. As a result, some Christians, even faithful ones, may pass on without knowing the whole counsel of God. My personal suggestion is to read the Bible both fast and slow, a phrase I borrowed from Daniel Kahneman’s Thinking, Fast and Slow (2011), though I use it differently.

Reading fast means reading for the big picture of Scripture. This helps us understand how each book fits together, showing the logic, connections, and flow of God’s redemption story. I imagine there are no chapter or verse numbers and read each book as a complete work. I read narratives and prophecies like a novel, and poetry and letters like scrolls, often finishing shorter books in one sitting or one day (when I'm busy). For historical books, I use audiobooks and Bible overviews to help me move quickly and remember the stories. With this approach, I can read through the Bible once or twice each year and still have time to read other helpful books.

At the same time, I read slowly for deep study and reflection. Currently, I study Psalms weekly with friends, reading and praying through each psalm carefully and thoughtfully, a journey that will likely take about three years. I strengthen my learning by recording podcast lessons and reading Bible commentaries alongside Scripture. I also create short video teachings on the Gospel of Luke, focusing on small passages and explaining them in simple but meaningful ways, a project lasting about one and a half to two years. Reading slowly allows me to notice the details and beauty of God’s living Word that faster reading might miss.

Try, reading, fast and slow 😉 #ServeToLead #LeadersAreReaders #LetsMakeReadingCoolAgain

THINK BIG. START SMALL. GO DEEP.

The Quiet Return to Reading #LeadersAreReaders October 2025

Imagine this: you sit down after a long day, pick up a book you’ve been meaning to read, and before you know it, ten peaceful minutes have passed. No pressure, no goals… just a quiet moment for yourself. I experienced this last week, and it felt good! Many of us miss that feeling. Life gets busy, our phones pull our attention, and reading slowly slips out of our routine without us noticing.

But getting back into reading doesn’t need to be dramatic. You don’t need a best-selling title or a detailed reading plan. The most important step is simply opening a book again. Start with something light, short, or familiar. Reread an old favourite if that helps you begin. Even a few pages count. Make reading easy for yourself. Keep a book where you usually reach for your phone or always have one in your bag. Listen to audiobooks while cooking, cleaning, or driving (those count too!). Create a small reading moment in your day, maybe in the morning with a drink or at night before bed. Choose a comfortable place that feels relaxing.

If it’s been a while since you last read, remember that reading is like warming up muscles you haven’t used in a long time. Like muscles, you either use it or lose it. Start small, enjoy the process, and let the habit grow naturally. Want me to suggest a book for you? Just let me know! 😉

#ServeToLead #LeadersAreReaders #LetsMakeReadingCoolAgain

THINK BIG. START SMALL. GO DEEP.

Why Actual Books Are Better Than eBooks (For Me) #LeadersAreReaders September 2025

Many people today prefer reading on screens. eBooks are easy to carry, and you can store hundreds of titles on one device. But no matter how advanced technology becomes, there’s still something special about holding a real book in your hands. Here’s why actual books are still better than eBooks. First, YOU CAN FEEL AND TOUCH. Reading a physical book gives you a real experience. You can feel the pages, smell the paper, and see how far you’ve read. Turning pages helps you remember where things are in the book. Many people also understand and remember better when reading from paper than from a screen.

Secondly, I love this — FEWER DISTRACTIONS. When you read an eBook, there are often notifications, messages, or other apps that can disturb your focus (of course, you can turn them off, duh). But with a real book, there are no pop-ups or sounds. You can simply sit, read, and think quietly. Especially when reading the Bible, a printed one helps you reflect and focus on God’s Word. Thirdly, BETTER FOR LEARNING. Studies show that reading from paper helps your brain process information more deeply. When you read on screens, it’s easier to skim or read quickly without really thinking. Physical books encourage slow reading — and slow reading helps us understand more. Fourthly, NO BATTERY, NO PROBLEM. Books don’t need to be charged, updated, or connected to Wi-Fi. You can bring them anywhere — even to a quiet retreat or a place without electricity. They’re always ready to use.

Fifthly, YOU TRULY OWN IT. When you buy a real book, it’s yours. You can underline, write notes, or pass it to someone else. It can last long and can even be passed down to the next generation. Sixthly, DEEP READING, LEARNING, AND REFLECTION. When you hold a Bible or any book in your hands, it invites you to slow down. Turning the pages gives time to think and pray. Many Christians say that reading a printed Bible helps them feel closer to God’s Word — not just reading it but living it. ANYWAY, eBooks have their advantages — they’re convenient and portable. But real books touch our senses, mind, and heart in ways a screen never can. In a world full of noise and distraction, opening a real book might be one of the simplest ways to slow down and grow deeper in truth 🙏

#ServeToLead #LeadersAreReaders #LetsMakeReadingCoolAgain

THINK BIG. START SMALL. GO DEEP.