“What are you reading?” “Do you have a plan for your reading?” “When do you find time to read?” These are three questions that I am asked frequently? In the last few days in particular these questions have come my way. So I thought tonight, I share with you my answers.
First of all the books I am currently reading.
- The Bible
- 1 Corinthians by Gordon Fee
- The Gift of Prophecy by Wayne Grudem
- Simply Christian by N. T. Wright
- Leading Small Groups with Purpose by Steve Gladden
- The Israeli-Palestinian Conflict by Dale Hanson Bourke
- The Leadership Challenge by Kouzes and Posner
My reading plan is shaped each year during my study break. My sermon calendar has a lot to do with what I will be reading during the year. My reading list always includes biblical studies, theology, leadership, history, and novel. I just finished reading Sycamore Row by John Grisham. There are some book that I read over and over. Each time the book yields something new to me. Those are the books that I really cherish.
My mornings are devoted to prayer and study Monday through Thursday, beginning at 5 AM. On my day off I still read in the mornings but it is more for personal growth or enjoyment. Before I go to bed at night, I usually read for at least a half an hour. When I’m driving I’m listening to a book. Currently I am listening to Duty by Bob Gates. I use the Kindle App on my iPad so that I always have something to read.
Of course this is an important part of my life’s calling. When I accepted God’s call to preach the gospel, it meant I must be a student of the Bible, of my community and congregation. I’m grateful for my books and papers. They are my friends, mentors, teachers and have taken me back in time to understand the times we live in. Jack Hayford, Eugene Peterson, Donald Gee, D. Martyn Lloyd Jones, John Wesley, George Whitfield, Martin Luther, John Calvin, Paul, Solomon, King David, Moses, and Jesus have taught me. I understand why the Apostle Paul would say to Timothy, “When you come, be sure to bring … my books, and especially my papers.” (2 Timothy 4:13, NLT)
I like receiving book recommendations and reading lists and why they recommend the book or books. My son recently recommended a book to me that was difficult to put down. It was a study on guerrilla warfare. His recommendation helped me understand the current war our country is fighting in Afghanistan.
What are you reading? Do you have a plan? When do you read?
Coram Deo 
I’m currently reading: Contagious: Why Things Catch on by Jonah Berger; HBR Guide to Getting the Right Work Done; Yawning at Tigers: You Can’t Tame God, So Stop Trying (advance reader’s copy) by Dew Dyck; The Power of Habit: Why We Do What We Do in Life and Business by Charles Duhigg; and Bonhoeffer: Pastor, Martyr, Prophet, Spy by Eric Metaxas. I’m working on a better reading plan and when I read. My goal is to read at least 30 minutes a day. I also use the Kindle app when I’m on the go.
Hi Bryan, good to hear from you. Metaxas’ book on Bonhoeffer is on my favorite books about his life. Let me know what you think about The Power of Habit, it is on my to read list. Be sure and greet your Dad for me next time you speak with one another. Blessings!