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.

Don't Start Your Day with Social Media First, But... #LeadersAreReaders August 2025

Don’t start your day or your optimum time of focus by scrolling through social media before turning to the Word of God. Many people “program” themselves every morning (or every evening) on bed while endlessly scrolling social feeds. These are often filled with both positive and negative content. In my opinion, social media leans more heavily toward the negative. No offense. Dangerous, but sometimes useful. Scary, but attention-grabbing. Undesirable, but hard to ignore.

That is why an old advice is still very true: “Read with the Bible in one hand and the news in the other.” But the order matters: God’s Word first. I suggest you don’t dive into social media first thing in the morning or at your peak focus time. Save that for later. Instead, feed your mind and soul with something mor
e inspiring, uplifting, and meaningful at that hour. Begin with God’s Word. It strengthens your soul for the rest of the day. Take a moment to be thankful for another day, blessed by God, and use that time to listen (through His Word) and to speak (through prayer).

Let that be your first offering of the day or the best offering of your optimum time. As Jesus said, “Seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well” (Matthew 6:33). Socials later; first, the Word of God 📖

#ServeToLead #LeadersAreReaders #LetsMakeReadingCoolAgain

THINK BIG. START SMALL. GO DEEP.

Learning Beyond School: Why It Still Matters #LeadersAreReaders July 2025

 
I’ve learned that you don’t need a classroom to grow your mind. Today, books, websites, podcasts, and videos can teach you what schools once could only offer. With just my phone or a trip to the library, I can keep learning anytime, anywhere. Research shows that people who keep learning - no matter the method - are more confident, adaptable, and successful in life. A study found that lifelong learners handle change better and feel less stuck. They think deeper, lead better, and stay curious.

I'm hunger to learn. For me, learning beyond school helps in every area of life. It grows my faith, improves my thinking, and teaches me how to manage my time and leadership. The more I learn, the more I grow, not just in knowledge, but in wisdom. I’ve come to see that I don’t need to go back to school to move forward. Learning isn’t just about getting a degree, it’s about self-development. So, I keep reading, listening, and watching. And every small step matters. I believe this kind of learning can change lives... starting with mine. And the best part? I can start (or restart) today. So can you 🫵

#ServeToLead #LeadersAreReaders #LetsMakeReadingCoolAgain #LearningBeyondSchool

THINK BIG. START SMALL. GO DEEP.

When Was the Last Time You Picked Up a Book for YOU? #LeadersAreReaders June 2025

When was the last time you picked up a book NOT for school or an assignment, but for YOU? These days, many of us spend hours scrolling TikTok, watching YouTube videos (I’m guilty!) or gaming (thank God, I’m not). But let’s be real, with the exception of good YouTube videos, how often do those things help us think better or grow wiser?

Reading books might sound “nerdy” or “old-school,” but it’s actually one of the best things you can do for your mind and your heart. A good book can help you understand life, people, and — in the case of The Book a.k.a. The Bible — the mind and heart of the LORD God. It teaches you to think clearly, make better decisions, and gain practical wisdom.

So… how can YOU start reading more?

1. Start small — aim to read at least 10 minutes a day (and increase over time);
   
   
2. Read what you like or interested — the Bible, biographies, magazines, comics, real stories… anything! (in the month of June, I'm soo interested in The Toral and Messianic Jews);
   
   
3. Swap some screen time for book time - don't try to eliminate screen time completely at once. Instead, focus on replacing some of your regular screen time with reading;
   
   
4. Find a reading buddy or join a group (I have one — let me know if you're interested!);
   
   
5. Visit your state or local library, or a book fair — you might find a gem!

 Reading isn’t just for “bookworms.” It’s for anyone who wants to grow. So if you want to think better, live wiser, and have an informed heart — open a book. One page at a time. Let's start reading and let’s read more. Let’s make reading cool again. You’ve got this! 💪📖 #ServeToLead #LeadersAreReaders #LetsMakeReadingCoolAgain

THINK BIG. START SMALL. GO DEEP.