Book Reading

So, with 2008 upon us, I asked a friend of mine what recommendations he had for books to read next year. I know that he is an avid reader, so I thought his suggestions would be good. Anyway, this is what he replied to me with, and it is worth sharing with others, so I decided to just copy it as my blog post for the day :) I hope it is profitable to all... (this email has been edited from its original format to fit your computer screen).

Andy, your question regarding books is a good one. I fear oftentimes that people have no plan for their reading, and end up not reading anything at all. So, I am glad that you are pursuing this area. Here are my recommendations for you:

Start by deciding on what areas in your life that are either most important to you, you want to grow in or improve upon. Maybe you start with a list like:

Relationship with God/Devotional
Marriage
Prayer
Children
Missions / Evangelism

Obviously judging by how much time you will be able to read will depend on how big the list is. With Institute and other obligations, maybe you shorten the list by combining Marriage and children to one book on the family, etc. Once you think of the areas of like you want to improve on, select a book for each area. For example:

Relationship with God/Devotional – The Mortification of Sin by John Owen
Marriage – His Needs Her Needs by Willard F. Harley Jr.
Prayer – Praying Backwards by Bryan Chapell
Children – What a Daughter Needs from Her Dad by Michael Farris
Missions – Hudson Taylor’s Spiritual Secret or Peace Child by Don Richardson
Evangelism – Seek and to Save by Paul Chappell

This plan also helps me guard against always just reading books from one genre like “missions” and neglecting the other ministries in my life that God has given me stewardship over and wants me to continue to grow in.

Andy, we all know these are important ministries in our lives that we all wish we were better at, however it amazes me that many of us have no plan on improving in these areas. I think if you read a book each year on particular areas of your life you want to improve in, you will be “forward a year ago” in these areas.

Once you do this, if you want recommendations on a particular area, let me know and I will be happy to help you.

Take
care,

Michael

Just a friend's thoughts...