2021 Potential Reading List
As 2021 has begun, I have seen many posts about what books people will read this coming year. There is something about a new beginning that prompts us to consider where we have been and where we want to go.
As many of you know, I like to read. So I thought it would be fun to share some books that have had a significant impact on my life and faith and books I am looking forward to reading this year.
As I recommend books, I also want to share my "philosophy of reading". I got this from an article several years ago by Greg Stier. How do we choose what to read? You have first to understand that there are three stacks of books from which we read. The first is a stack of 66 books that is the foundation of how we determine what truth is and what is in error. This book, of course, is the Bible. If you haven't signed up yet, you should consider joining us as we read this stack of books chronologically together utilizing the Bible Recap reading plan. You can get information here.
The second stack of books are the books that help us understand doctrine, the practical application of God's Word in our everyday lives.
The third stack is any other book in the world. As long as we are processing what we are reading through God's Word, we can stand confident that we won't be deceived. I find it helpful to my faith to read perspectives different than my own, but only when I am reading through the lens of God's Word.
With that in mind, here are some books that have impacted me that you may want to add to your reading list this year. First, here are some books that will contribute to the deepening of your faith and the ability to experience the presence of God.
Gospel by J.D. Greear: This book is an insightful book that helps us understand the true message of the Gospel, leading to the ability to experience the Father.
Follow Me by David Platt: We must understand what it truly means to follow Jesus. David Platt does a fantastic job of clarifying what it looks like to be a Jesus follower.
Mansions of the Heart - Thomas Ashbrook: Do you feel the love and delight of the Heavenly Father in the everyday stuff of your life? If you don't, you are in good company, well at least you are in my company. This book delivered an understanding of the journey God has us on to connect our hearts to his. It is a book that will stretch your thinking and cause you to wrestle with thoughts and ideas, but it is worth the struggle!
Switch on Your Brain by Dr. Caroline Leaf: What you think about is critical to our ability to experience abundant life. Dr. Leaf weaves the truth of God's Word into neuroscience, showing us how powerful our thoughts are and how we can bring them captive into the obedience of Jesus Christ, allowing us to experience the promise of abundant living.
Old Paths New Power by Daniel Henderson: I have been pretty honest about how hard I must work to have a relentless, effective, and fruitful prayer life. This book was genuinely insightful on this journey for me.
Books on engaging others with the love of Jesus: These five books all build upon each other, teaching us how to engage those God has placed in our lives with loving acts of kindness and how to do the most caring and kind thing possible - share our faith in Jesus.
Daring Greatly by Brene Brown: As a people called to live in community, this book is a great resource to learn about the negative impact of shame and the life-giving truth of vulnerability.
Walking through Pain and Suffering by Timothy Keller: Life is hard and confusing. Question God and his goodness are normal. This book helped me how to find God, even while suffering.
The Way of the Dragon or The Way of the Lamb by Jamin Goggin and Kyle Strobel: I am still processing the truth contained in this book. But power is something we all grapple with. I would even say power is something God has given each of us in some capacity. The question is, am I using this power in a way that honors God or reflects the enemy?
If you are interested, you should check out some of these books and see if they are a blessing to you as they were to me. If you do, reach out and let me know. I would love to hear what God teaches you!
Pastor Matt