Lead Like Christ: Reflecting the Qualities and Character of Christ In Your Ministry (Audiobook, 2021) by A.W. Tozer, Book Review

I like to think of A.W. Tozer (many have called him a modern-day prophet) as a very bold and manly writer. We need more men of God like him. I'm not comfortable calling a living person a "man of God" anymore because the last time I said that to the late Ravi Zacharias, I was frustrated and ashamed of myself after the exposè. Of course, it's not wrong (if due respect) to call someone a man or woman of God, it is safer for the soul and faith, in my opinion, to reserve that title or honor to the long-gone, time-proven, faithful Christ followers such as A.W. Tozer. Although he passed away in 1963, his influence - writings and Christian living - is critical today. My first encounter with Tozer was through his classic book, The Knowledge of the Holy and also a biography by James L. Snyder entitled A.W. Tozer: In Pursuit of God. I have some issues with Tozer's mysticism but his love for God and His Word surpassed my judgment and is remained central in his life and writings.

Lead Like Christ edited by James Synder for modern readers is a compilation of Tozer's sermons on the Epistle of Paul to Titus which particularly focus on spiritual leadership. If you're looking for a management-side or practical method of leadership, this book is not for you. For that, as I see the importance of knowing how to lead, I would recommend other books. But if you, as Tozer puts it, have "an incurable hunger and thirst for the deep things of God" you will be blessed by this book. His insights on the Scripture, particularly the Letter to Titus, are admirable. His thoughts on the impact of spiritual warfare, the urgent need for sound doctrine, the call of servanthood, the three words he uses to describe Titus (integrity, discretion, and enthusiasm), and more are skillfully articulate to connect to the topic of spiritual leadership. He gives examples of Paul, other apostles and prophets, his contemporaries, and chiefly the Master, our Lord Jesus Christ.

There were times when I have to pause and reflect on what he said and consider my own walk with God and the people I try to lead. As Paul said to another of his mentee, Timothy, "Keep a close watch on yourself and on the teaching" (1 Timothy 4:16), that is, teach "accords with sound doctrine" (Titus 2:1). We need more leaders today. But not the worldly kind of leaders. We need Christ-centered leaders that can turn the world upside down with silent obedience and loud character that bring glory to "our great God and Savior Jesus Christ" (Titus 2:13). This is a high calling, Holy Spirit, help us! Amen.

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Repentance: What It Means to Repent and Why We Must Do So by J.C. Ryle, Audiobook Review

 Repentance: What It Means to Repent and Why We Must Do So 

(First Edition, 1878; Updated Edition, 2021) by John Charles Ryle

In the past, although I always said that Charles H. Spurgeon’s books influence my Christian believes (besides the Bible) the most but in terms of number, I read J.C. Ryle’s books the most. Ryle (1816-1900) was the Bishop of Liverpool, England, and had gained a reputation for straightforward preaching, passionate evangelism, and Gospel-centered writings. His books, in my opinion, are easy to understand and very rich in theology and practical applications. I take C.S. Lewis's advice on the reading of old books like this one: “If [one] must read only the new or only the old, I would advise him to read the old.” Lewis recommended reading one old book for every contemporary book or two. I do read old books especially Christian classics from time to time because I know the value and importance of it (but I don’t come close to his recommended ratio). If you haven’t read one old book yet or if it’s been a while, I recommend you to read this book ���

The book opens and closes with this verse: “Except you repent, you will all likewise perish” (Luke 13:5). For sure this is a warning verse. It might sound harsh and forceful or “stern and severe” but as J.C. Ryle explains: “From whose lips did these words come, though? They came from the lips of One who loves us with a love that passes knowledge. They came from Jesus Christ, the Son of God. They were spoken by One who loved us so much that He left heaven for our sake. He came down to earth for our sake. He lived a poor, humble life on earth for thirty-three years for our sake. He went to the cross for us, went to the grave for us, and died for our sins. The words that come from lips like these must surely be words of love.” Indeed, this verse is ultimately a plea from One who loves us so much and desires to deliver us from the fire of hell (“perish”). So important is repentance that when Lord Jesus began His early ministry, He preached, “Repent, and believe the gospel” (Mark 1:15). Peter’s sermon at Pentecost began with, “Repent, and be baptized…” and ended with, “Repent you, and be converted” (Acts 2:38; 3:19). When Paul defended himself, he told his audiences that he had taught all people that they should “repent, and do works fit for repentance” (Acts 26:20). "Repent!" is the call to all of us.

J.C. Ryle knows how urgent this call is. As a preacher-teacher, he wants to makes the call clear and unadulterated. So, he skillfully outlines this book into three (3) sections:

1)The Nature of Repentance: What Is It?
2)The Necessity of Repentance: Why Is Repentance Needful?
3)The Encouragements to Repentance: What Is There to Lead People to Repent?

These three sections and the conclusion are packed with biblical truths. The five marks of repentance that J.C. Ryle highlights are very crucial for us to differentiate between true or false repentance, namely: “True repentance begins with 1)KNOWLEDGE of sin. It goes on to work 2) SORROW for sin. It leads to 3) CONFESSION of sin before God. It shows itself before a person by a thorough 4) BREAKING OFF from sin. It results in producing a 5) DEEP HATRED for all sin.” If you have experienced all the marks, then, as Ryle would say, you are a truly repentant person! ��� #ServeToLead #PreachTheWord #GrowingLeaders #SpiritualLeaders #LeadersAreReaders #BiblicalRepentance #BishopJCRyle #LetsMakeReadingCoolAgain

To read PDF ebook Repentance by J.C. Ryle, CLICK HERE ��� https://anekopress.com/product/repentance-ebook/ 

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The Holiness of God (1984) by R.C. Sproul, Book Review

 The Holiness of God (1984) by R.C. Sproul

This late Sproul’s classic examines the meaning of holiness and why people are both fascinated and terrified by a holy God. It also explores God’s character, leading to new insights on sin, justice, and grace. People nowadays are so used to "the love of God" that they almost forget about "the holiness of God." When I first read this book in 2010(?), the message changed and reformed my view of the God of the Bible. Now that I read it again, the truths penetrated my mind and heart even deeper. It also brings me to repentance of my personal and ministry sins. God uses this book mightily. This is a must-read for every Christian.

When I read Dr. Sproul writes about the prophet Isaiah's vision of God in Isaiah 6, I was in awe and amazement. Our Bible Study group is studying the Book of Isaiah chapter-by-chapter weekly and by divine appointment the week that I read it we were studying Isaiah 6! Wow! “Holy, holy, holy is the LORD of hosts” (Isaiah 6:3). In the presence of a holy God, Isaiah suddenly aware of his sinfulness. Dr. Sproul explains: “If ever there was a man of integrity, it was Isaiah ben Amoz. He was a whole man, a together type of a fellow.  He was considered by his contemporaries as the most righteous man in the nation. He was respected as a paragon of virtue. Then he caught one sudden glimpse of a holy God. In that single moment, all of his self-esteem was shattered. In a brief second, he was exposed, made naked beneath the gaze of the absolute standard of holiness. As long as Isaiah could compare himself to other mortals, he was able to sustain a lofty opinion of his own character. The instant he measured himself by the ultimate standard, he was destroyed –morally and spiritually annihilated. He was undone. He came apart. His sense of integrity collapsed.” This and many other powerful sentences in the book.

I encourage you if you can, to read a physical book for it is good to read it slowly and reflectively. But if you can’t find it, don’t worry, the Ligonier Ministries make available Dr. R.C.’s sermon series on this subject on YouTube. CLICK HERE to watch. I've watched this series twice! If you already watch it let me know OR once you finished watching it let me know too ya. I would like to hear your response #ServeToLead #TheHolinessOfGod #RCSproul #1Book1Week #GrowingLeader #LeadersAreReaders

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Homer: The Odyssey (1993) retold by Geraldine McCaughrean, Book Review

 

Homer: The Odyssey (1993) retold by Geraldine McCaughrean

Many years ago, I try to finish reading Homer’s original English translations of Iliad and Odyssey (found 1 volume in the library), but I failed. Probably I wasn’t that interested in mythology before or my English wasn’t that good, or I thought it was a boring long-poem. Maybe, all. But perhaps what I need was not to know the whole story behind the poem but a retold that keeps the essentials and yet fun to read (and that may include reading children’s books). That is exactly what McCaughrean did to Homer’s Odyssey. Homer (presumably) was the first Greek writer whose works survive – perhaps the first Greek writer there was. In the Iliad, considered to be the earliest of the two, he wrote about the last few weeks of war between the Greeks and the Trojans, the imminent death of Achilles and the fall of Troy, the drama between mortal men and the gods.

Like something of a sequel, the Odyssey told the epic journey of Odysseus, warrior-king of Ithaca (fairly means “victim of enmity”), who sometimes known as Ulysses, sail back home after 10 years of war at Troy. But along the way, he and his soldiers encounter all kinds of enmities, dangers, and adventures, from Polyphemus the greedy one-eyed giant (son of Poseidon, the sea god), from the cannibal King Lamus of Laestrygonia, from the sorceress Circle, Scylla the six-headed sea monster and even the wrath of the gods themselves (how dare!) before he united with his wife, Penelope, and son. The journey takes another 10 years. “’Your son will be a big lad now, captain,’ said Polites. ‘Eleven! Almost eleven! He was only a baby when I left Ithaca. A fine help I’ve been to his mother, leaving her all alone.’ ‘Ah, but such a lady, captain! Such a lady never knew the meaning of impatience!’ Odysseus looked into the distance with unfocused eyes. ‘Indeed, yes, Polites. Such a woman.’” 

One of the main questions that I have when I read this book is this: Why they encountered with these monsters and gods on the way back home to Ithaca and not when they went to Troy? Well, myth is a myth #ServeToLead #1Book1Week #HomerOdyssey #GreekMythology

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#1Book1Week Lists March 2020

Someone said (I bet he or she is a reader), "So little time, so many books." I'm familiar with this frustration. There are two main reasons if I go to the mall: the cinema & bookstores. Whenever I'm surrounded by books, I instantly feel happy like I'm home with family and at the same time sad because I will never know all of them when I'm gone. This month (March 2020) is a rough and tough month so far but it gives us the opportunity to spend time with family and - self. Here is my list of reading this month:

1) The Power of Positive Thinking (first published in 1952) by Norman Vincent Peale. This is a classic self-help book on why positive thinking is important with practical instructions on how to have an optimistic attitude. This is my second time reading it. My favorite quote is: "What the mind can conceive and believe, and the heart desire, you can achieve" [P.s: I aim to be an optimistic-realist rather than just positive thinker].

2) Homo Deus: A Brief History of Tomorrow (2015) by Yuval Noah Harari. If you haven't read the first book, Sapiens (2011), read that one first, then read this. Here Harari looks to the future and explores how global power might shift, as the principal force of evolution – natural selection – is replaced by intelligent design and our quest to upgrade ourselves into gods (Homo-Deus = human-god). This book is both scary and hopeful. What makes it a good read is because it makes me think rather than only inform since I don't necessarily agree with his worldviews. Harari is a gifted thinker.

3) The 50th Law (2009) by Robert Greene & Curtis Jackson a.k.a. rapper 50 Cent. This is a very powerful book - partly 50's memoirs, partly Robert's Laws of Power - on success in life and inspired living by one simple principle: fear nothing or fearlessness. Someone said that this is 'The Art of War' for 'The Hip Hop Generation' but I said this is 'The Gangster Book' on personal development straight from the hood! I will read this book again, for sure.

4) Fakebook: A True Story. Based on Actual Lies (2013) by Dave Cicirelli. What can I say? I really enjoy this book so much that I texted Dave through Messenger to let him know that (he texted me back). His curiosity leads him to do a social experiment where he announced on FB that he was quitting his job (lie) and heading west (lie) for an adventure. But the truth is, he wasn't going anywhere (true) and most people believed him! (true). The big question in this book is: Who is the real 'you' and what is the story you tell others?

5) The Bible: The Book of Numbers & The Book of Deuteronomy. This is part of my discipline to read the entire Bible chronologically in 1 year. You must know the past to live in the present. Soli Deo Gloria.

What book(s) have you read this month? Share with me in the comment section #ServeToLead #LeadersAreReaders #GrowingLeader #LetsMakeReadingCoolAgain #1Book1Week

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The Science of Getting Rich (1910) by Wallace D. Wattles, Book Review

The Science of Getting Rich (first published in 1910)
by Wallace D. Wattles

Two prosperity books that I dare to read in my younger years were Think and Grow Rich by Napoleon Hill and As a Man Thinketh by James Allen. Since then, I read half a dozen others. I love reading old-classic books. After that, I slow down. At the age of 25-30, I stopped. One because many Christian leaders that I admire said that books that promote material prosperity are deceiving. And the words like “rich” and “wealth” are taboos in most of the Christian communities. I’m not blaming anyone here. What I should’ve realized early on is that I’m free to read any books that I want, be what I want to be, and dream big but be wise and discern what is good and pleasing to Christ, my Lord. What many Christian concerns are right, not all wrong. Prosperity books such as this one can lead us to believe that God (or Infinite Intelligent or Substance, as many prosperity writers refer to God or god vaguely) appears to be our ‘servant’ and we are the masters of our own lives. We willed it, God does it. This doesn't sound right. I realized too that most of the prosperity teachings are saturated with New Age ideology and not necessarily aligned with the Christian faith and beliefs. Because of this, I recommend that any Christians who want to read prosperity books such as this one should be aware of all of this and make it a priority that they should study God’s Word more seriously. With that saying, I want you to read any books that you want even if many people forbid it. There are reasons book like this stand the test of time.

I think titles like this – The Science of Getting Rich (Getting rich???) – turn people off, which is a shame. Because although this book is thin (about 150 pages only) there is nothing shallow in its contents. It is so deep and rich that it would surely benefit anyone who reads it with an open mind (this is both a good tactic and risky advice). Before I read this book, I listened to the audiobook first. So, when I read it, I can understand better and get many new insights. Wallace D. Wattles begins with this statement: “This book is pragmatically, not philosophical; a practical manual, not a treatise upon theories. It is intended for the men and women whose most pressing need is for money; who wish to get rich first, and philosophize afterward. It is for those who have, so far, found neither the time, the means, nor the opportunity to go deeply into the study of metaphysics, but who want results and who are willing to take the conclusions of science as a basis for action, without going into all the processes by which those conclusions were reached.” His approach is direct, simple and to the point. I love it.

According to Wattles, getting rich is an exact science. It works like a set of algorithms, much like the mathematical laws of addition and subtraction. By applying the science in this book, thinking and acting in accord with the laws, anyone can get rich. “To be rich, you must act in a certain way.” This book is for those “who wish to get rich first, and philosophize afterward,” thus he wrote seventeen (17) short and straight-to-the-point chapters on how to think and act on this idea, how to overcome barriers to its application, and how to work with very direct methods that “awaken it in your life.” He further explains how “creation and not competition” is the hidden key to wealth attraction, and how your power to get rich uplifts everyone around you. “Every man who becomes rich by competition throws down behind him the ladder by which he rises, and keeps others down; but every man who gets rich by creation opens a way for thousands to follow him, and inspires them to do so.” Here are the 17 powerful chapters in this book:

Chapter 1: The Right to Be Rich

Chapter 2: There Is a Science of Getting Rich

Chapter 3: Is Opportunity Monopolized?

Chapter 4: the First Principle in the Science of Getting Rich

Chapter 5: Increasing Life

Chapter 6: How Riches Come to You

Chapter 7: Gratitude

Chapter 8: Thinking in the Certain Way

Chapter 9: How to Use the Will

Chapter 10: Further Use of the Will

Chapter 11: Acting in the Certain Way

Chapter 12: Efficient Action

Chapter 13: Getting Into the Right Business

Chapter 14: The Impression of Increase

Chapter 15: The Advancing Man

Chapter 16: Some Cautions, And Concluding Observations

Chapter 17: Summary of the Science of Getting Rich

[Chapter 4, 7, 11 & 17 worth reading over and over again]

I end this short review by quoting Wallace D. Wattles on self-development: “Get rid of the idea that God wants you to sacrifice yourself for others, and that you can secure his favour by doing so; God requires nothing of the kind. What he wants is that you should make the most of yourself, for yourself, and for others; and you can help others more by making the most of yourself than in any other way.” Even if you don’t want to get rich or allergic to thinking about getting rich, read this book for the sake of your personal development and abundance mind-sets. In fact, if you need inspiration and motivation, there are lots of real gems of quotes in the book as well. It’s a short book. You can finish reading it in 1-2 hours (max). Of course, if you want to understand it, read slower.

P.s: Currently, I’m writing chapter-by-chapter blog posts on Secret on the Millionaire Mind (2005) by Harv Eker. CLICK HERE to read.

THINK BIG. START SMALL. GO DEEP.

Book Review: Spurgeon on Leadership (2010) by Larry J. Michael

Spurgeon on Leadership: Key Insights for Christian Leaders from the Prince of Preachers
(2003, 2010) by Larry J. Michael

Reading biographies – Christian biographies, especially – is one of the best decision I ever made and habit that I will keep for a lifetime. Philip Brooks, preacher, and author, said, "A biography is, indeed, a book; but far more than a book, it is a man… Never lay the biography down until the man is a living, breathing, acting person to you." We who are in the ministry – of all people – ought to read biographies. We minister to real people, and the better we understand great men and their times, the better we can minister to our people in our times. A truly good biography of a great person "has a universal quality about it that makes it touch life at many points," observed Warren W. Wiersbe.

Charles H. Spurgeon (1834-1892), well-known British’s 19th-century preacher, though I never met him, is my spiritual mentor. Since I read two of his awesome biographies Spurgeon: A New Biography (1984) by Arnold Dallimore and Charles Spurgeon: The Prince of Preacher (1997) edited by Dan Harmon, my respect, and admiration for him ever increases. It was intensified by my reading of Spurgeon Gold (2005) collection of quotes compiled by Ray Comfort and a huge volume of The Essential Works of Charles Spurgeon: Selected Books, Sermons and Other Writings (2009) edited by Daniel Partner which is over 1,391 pages! Many great preachers today also admire Spurgeon, men like John MacArthur [in his book Ashamed of the Gospel, MacArthur warned the church today not to be like the world. He uses the life of Spurgeon as an example of a faithful preacher of Christ] and John Piper for examples [he preached and wrote a book entitled Charles Spurgeon: Preaching Through Adversity]. Spurgeon is my spiritual mentor and his life is an inspiration for me. I never dream of becoming like him – far from it – because as Philip Brooks advice, "The object of reading biography… is not imitation but inspiration." Oh yes, an inspiration indeed!

Because of this, I rejoice gladly and read with great interest this book by Larry J. Michael. You can't separate Charles Spurgeon, pastor of the first megachurch in church history, from his excellent leadership. Beside pastored a megachurch, he also began a college to train pastors, founded an orphanage, instituted countless charitable organizations, sending missionaries, and bless other churches through his preaching, publishing books and book ministry for not-well-to-do pastors. No doubt among churches today this type of leader is in high demand, and Spurgeon's leadership style and innovations provide a challenging model. Rich Warren writes, "Spurgeon's model of leadership has profoundly influenced my life and ministry." Tom. S. Rainer agrees, "In every generation as few leaders emerge to set the pace and established the standards for leadership. [C.H. Spurgeon] was definitely one of these great leaders." John C. Maxwell simply says, "I highly recommend this book to all serious students of leadership!"

Here Michael points out not merely the insights of what it means to be an influential leader but also important fundamentals such as Christian commitment and moral character. Moreover, he shows how Spurgeon demonstrated extreme courage and conviction for those principles and how, in the various controversies that surrounded his ministry, he rose to meet them with a genuine sense of Christian maturity and Biblical constancy. Michael also stresses important characteristics such as grasping a vision for the task and prioritizing one's ministry in both the setting and the context of pastoral compassion and leadership. He also highlights Spurgeon as Christian model for both his staff, church members, and – especially for his family. Here too Michael does not exclude the fact that leadership often entails suffering and that was where Spurgeon truly ascended to the heights of leadership (besides physical illnesses, he also suffered depression). This book officially becomes my favorite leadership book!

It is divided into 3 parts and each cover leadership insights that are both historical in its context and practical for today's applications:

Part 1: The Leader for All Seasons

#1 Competence: Developing and Demonstrating Leadership

#2 Confidence: Balancing Faith, Attitude, Initiative, and Humility

#3 Context: Spurgeon in Victorian England

#4 Calling: Conversion and Growth

#5 Character: An Example of Integrity

Part 2: Leading Through the Seasons

#6 Casting Vision: Spurgeon's Goals and Planning

#7 Courage: Standing for Righteousness, Scripture, and Sound Teaching

#8 Commitment: Teaching and Modelling Devotion to Family

#9 Creativity: Preaching, Methods, and Ministry Innovations

#10 Compassion: Personal Toughness and Pastoral Tenderness

#11 Compass: Leading Despite Criticism and Conflict

#12 Coping: Dealing with Illness and Depression

Part 3: Applying the Lessons of a Leader

#13 A Leader for the World in Crisis

#14 A Leader for the Daily Challenge

Do you know why Spurgeon was such a great leader? For your information, he didn't go to any theological school (huh, I’m glad). Humanly speaking, he was self-taught. This is his theology and how he became a great man of God: "Jesus, Jesus, Jesus is my Lord!" he exclaimed. With Lord Jesus Christ as his Master, only Master, everyone including Spurgeon is nothing but the humble servant of God. He first a follower of Jesus, then only he is a leader of men. Keep this in mind.

THINK BIG. START SMALL. GO DEEP.

My Top 25 Classic/Contemporary Books that Change My Life (To Reread Again)

“A wisdom seeker will read a great book, savour it, and reread it in the future”

(Tony Reinke, Lit!)

My leader asked me, “You read a lot of books, is this a form of escapism for you?” My answers was (and is): “Yes, in one sense it is for the purpose of escape, but not so much as escapism. I’m not reading to avoid reality, but I do read to temporarily escape to another world.” For me what’s dangerous is when we read to escape from reality. What I’m promoting is that we read to escape to another world where we get help, encouragement and inspiration in order for us to return home to reality. Great books – Christian books or non-Christian books – can bring glory and honour to God, the Giver of Thought and Word, when those books help me to see more of God’s greatness, beauty and creativity. To these kind of books I want to escape to.

As Christians who treasure an ancient book – the Bible – we by new nature in Christ also (can or/and should) esteem old books. To be honest, many contemporary ‘Christian’ books today are not worth reading, and some are spiritually dangerous and somewhat very shallow. Given the vast number of such books in the marketplace, we need wisdom and discernment in what we read, lest we be unwittingly led astray. Therefore, it is recommendable that we read wisdom-proved old/classic books. C. S. Lewis values old books that he writes, “It is a good rule, after reading a new book, never to allow yourself another new one till you have read an old one in between. If that is too much for you, you should at least read one old one to every three new ones.”

Reading old/classic books is a good way to gain the perspective we need to guard our hearts and minds in this age of abundant nonsense and heresy. Having said that, I also would like to recommend great contemporary books that I think should be listed as classic (at least in my opinion). Here are my lists of classic and contemporary books that I will surely reread it again and again:

My Top Classic Books

1. Knowing God (First Published 1973) by J. I. Packer

2. Desiring God: Meditations of a Christian Hedonist (First Published 1986) by John Piper

3. Celebration of Discipline: The Path to Spiritual Growth (First Published 1978) by Richard Foster

4. Charismatic Chaos (First Published 1992) by John MacArthur

5. Foxe’s Book of Martyrs (First Published 1563) by John Foxe

6. The Pilgrim’s Progress (First Published 1678) by John Bunyan

7. Mere Christianity (First Published 1952) by C. S. Lewis

8. Spurgeon: A New Biography (First Published 1984) by Arnold Dallimore

9. Bible Speaks Today Series: The Message of 2 Timothy (First Published 1973) by John Stott

10. The Challenge of Mission (First Published 1959) by Oswald J. Smith

11. The Holiness of God (First Published 1985) by R. C. Sproul

12. The Mind on Fire: An Anthology of the Writings of Blaise Pascal (First Published 1989) edited by James Houston

13. Expository Thoughts on Matthew, Mark, Luke and John (First Published 1857) by John C. Ryle

14. The Confessions of St. Augustine (First known as “Confessions” written between AD397-400)

15. The Upside-Down Kingdom (First Published 1978) by Donald B Kraybill

16. Whatever Happened to Worship? (First Published 1985) by A. W. Tozer

My Top Contemporary Books (should be classic! Maybe some of it are)

1. God’s Passion for His Glory: Living the Vision of Jonathan Edwards (First Published 1998, but Jonathan Edwards’s The End For Which God Created the World was published in 1765) by John Piper

2. Don’t Waste Your Life (First Published 2003) by John Piper

3. The Supremacy of God in Preaching (First Published 1990) by John Piper

4. Ashamed of the Gospel: When the Church Becomes Like the World (First Published 1993) by John MacArthur

5. Eat This Book: A Conversation in the Art of Spiritual Reading (First Published 2006) by Eugene H. Peterson

6. Jesus the King: Understanding the Life and Death of the Son of God (First Published 2011) by Timothy Keller

7. Beautiful Outlaw: Experiencing the Playful, Disruptive, Extravagant Personality of Jesus (First Published 2011) by John Eldredge

8. Lit!: A Christian Guide to Reading Books (First Published 2011) by Tony Reinke

9. Unlocking the Bible: A Unique Overview of the Whole Bible (First Published 2003) by David Pawson

My favourite preacher, Charles H. Spurgeon, writes this about rereading books: ““Master those books you have. Read them thoroughly. Bathe in them until they saturate you. Read and reread them…digest them. Let them go into your very self. Peruse a good book several times and make notes and analyses of it. A student will find that his mental constitution is more affected by one book thoroughly mastered than by twenty books he has merely skimmed. Little learning and much pride comes from hasty reading. Some men are disabled from thinking by their putting meditation away for the sake of much reading. In reading let your motto be ‘much not many.” Now, go, read book!

THINK BIG. START SMALL. GO DEEP.