Books & Reading

I love books! I’ve been a reader since I was a 10-year-old boy. That’s why I love to encourage others to read. Reading will inspire you; it will instruct you, and it will inform you. The fact is, not all readers are leaders, but you can be sure that all leaders are readers. In fact, a good leader will generally read between 2-3 books a month. Maybe you are not there, but if you want to keep growing why not make a goal of reading at least one book a month this year. So, with that in mind, I thought I would suggest some of my recent favorite books, in no particular order, for you to pursue in the months ahead.

The Bible should be at the top of your list… reading just 4 chapters a day will enable you to read the entire Bible in one year. (reading plans are available on our website)

Jim Cymbala’s FRESH WIND, FRESH FIRE.

R.T. Kendall’s DOUBLE ANOINTING. Kendall is one of my all-time favorite authors. He is very good at applying Biblica truth to practical Christian living.

R.T. Kendall’s THE PRESENCE OF GOD.  

Erwin Lutzer’s THE ECLIPSE OF GOD. Anything by Lutzer is worth reading. He is another of my favorite authors.

Ron Dunn’s SURVIVING FRIENDLY FIRE. Dunn was one of my favorite bible teachers.

David Barton’s THE AMERICAN STORY. This comes in two volumes—“The Beginnings” and “Building the Republic.”

Andy Andrews' THE SEVEN DECISIONS.

Tom Elliff’s A PASSION FOR PRAYER.

Os Guinness’ OUR CIVILIZATIONAL MOMENT.

Joe Rigney’s THE SIN OF EMPATHY.

Michael Youssef’s NEVER GIVE UP.

In addition to these, read a biography or two of great Christians to discover what made them great. Read thematically and categorically in areas like holiness, history (secular and Christian), relationship building, leadership, cultural analysis, and theology among others. Also, read a few trusted news sources to stay aware of what’s going on around you. I regularly read the Wall Street Journal, World Magazine, The Washington Examiner, and The Epoch Times, along with trusted web sources like the “Christianpost.com”, “foxnews.com”, and “WND.com” among others.

Here’s a revelation…If you do not read, you will never love reading. Reading is a discipline for growing Christians. I read multiple books at a time in different categories, that is my own system. Doesn’t mean it has to be yours. Find your own reading plan, just read! And remember, God is always trying to take you someplace new. I love being your Pastor!

For God’s Glory Alone,
Pastor Ray

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