Heart Soul and Might

Rich Kirkpatrick tagged me with one of these things that goes around the blogosphere. So, here is my reading list.

One book that changed your life: John Piper’s The Pleasures of God. Hands down, this is the most God-saturated book I’ve ever read. I might be called a “Piperite” but I could be called worse. Though not overtly a book on worship, there is more worship in this book than possibly any other book I’ve read. A tour de force on the study of the character of God and how ultimately He finds His greatest pleasure in Himself. Sounds arrogant, but read Piper and you’ll find out why this is the only way it can be.
One book that you’ve read more than once: The Seeking Heart by Francois de Salignac de La Mothe-Fenelon. I think I’m on my third or fourth reading. I try to read a letter a day along with my time in the Word. His letters are very short, but profound and life-changing. Fenelon was a 17th century Bishop in France and played a major role in helping to reform the Catholic Church. On Heart Soul and Might, every Friday is Fenelon Friday.
One book that you’d want on a deserted island: Gosh, how could I answer this with anything but my ESV Bible? I’m guessing that deserted island implies no other people and only one book. In that case, there’s only one choice. Couldn’t do without those precious ancient words…
One book that made you laugh: Death in the Long Grass by Peter H. Capstick. We’re going on a safari when we travel to Kenya in October, so one of my “teammates” Mark Hammond recommended this book to get ready for the safari. Actually, its a very graphic book about man-eating animals like lions, tigers, elephants, etc. Honestly, there’s nothing really funny about people getting eaten by lions, but I’ve found myself laughing out loud at the crazy circumstances of some of these attacks and how unbelievably ferocious these animals are - saying things like “Oh my word!” and “Oh man! What on earth?!?” Don’t read this book if you’re looking for a laugh… it’s just the only thing I knew to do when I was reading some of the descriptions as my eyes were bulging out of my forehead!
One book that made you cry: I’m sure I shed a tear when reading Shadow of the Almighty: The Life and Testament of Jim Elliott by Elisabeth Elliott. I’m not sure I’ve read a more inspiring book. Jim Elliott’s undying passion for the gospel and his unquenchable thirst for the Word of God have so influenced my life. Reading this a few years ago no doubt has had an impact on my journey toward the Global Outreach position I just recently took.
One book that you wish had been written: 10 Ways to Beat Insecurity in Your Teens - I wish I could have dealt with insecurity better as a teenager, because it would have helped me figure it out and deal with it better now. I think we all have insecurities… but I know I’ve been plagued by them in a big way and they’ve shaded how I’ve acted and reacted even to this day. Get over it!
One book you wish had never been written: The Da Vinci Code - I actually really enjoyed reading this book, but I do believe it has done some damage to weak hearts and souls who might be swayed by it’s irreverent and blasphemous claims about Christ. The movie probably didn’t do as much damage as the book, because the movie was just plain bad. But the book made such erroneous claims of fact, woven with true history, art and architecture, that it no doubt caused many people to seriously question the claims of Christianity. For that reason, I wish it hadn’t been written.
One book you are currently reading: Jonathan Edwards: A Life by George Marsden. This is a continuation of my 2006 church history reading focus and I’m looking forward to teaching a church history Equipping Center class in the spring, Edwards being one of the historical figures we’ll focus on.
One book you’ve been meaning to read: Ragamuffin Gospel by Brennan Manning. I heard him speak a couple months ago, and it reminded me that I’ve had this book for years and need to read it. I appreciate that he lived in a cave at one point and eventually got out of the Catholic Church. He’s led an intriguing life and has some great insights…

And, now this tagging thing means I’m supposed to tag 5 others to post the same information from their library of reading. So, Samuel Rainey, Chad Jarnigan, Reid Monaghan, Carlos Whittaker and Matt Pregont - you’ve been TAGGED!

“Perhaps the greatest gift any father can bestow upon his children, apart from the covenant blessings of parish life and a comprehension of the doctrines of grace, is a passion for reading. It is cheap, it consoles, it distracts, it excites, it gives a knowledge of the world, and it offers experience of a wide kind. Indeed, it is nothing less than a moral illumination.”

Thomas Chalmers

HT: Together For the Gospel 

Scot McKnight posts on tips for marking books as you read. I really enjoy Scot’s blog, and this is an interesting and helpful post… Eight tips, plus a few helpful quips..

If you’re like me, you like to know what others are reading, or have read. Reid Monaghan (Power of Change) provides a great resource on his blog and actually recently posted a reading list that you should check out. Reid is an apologist and is well read in the areas of apologetics, philosophy, church history, theology, discipleship, etc.

Thanks to Justin Taylor (Between Two Worlds) for pointing me to a great blog devoted to church history called “Historia Ecclesiastica”. Read Michael Haykin’s post here on why we should study the “church fathers.” I’ve grown a real appreciation for what we can learn from studying church history and was recently inspired at Nashville’s Passion event by John Piper’s biographical message on the life of Athanasius. Read it here. 

HT: Between Two Worlds

If you haven’t yet visited Together For the Gospel blog, you need to. I have really been inspired and intrigued by Ligon Duncan’s 7-part series on “Pastors - Studying and Reading” - I guess primarily intended for pastors, but beneficial for EVERYONE who wants to grow in their knowledge of God and depth of their faith. I have gotten some great ideas not only on what to add to my reading list, but on what not to add to my reading list, and why. All of the contributors to this blog - Mark Dever, Ligon Duncan, Al Mohler and CJ Mahaney - are well-read, well-spoken and humble.

Also, Bob Kauflin’s series (pt. 14 so far) on “What Does a Worship Leader Do?” at Worship Matters is really quite comprehensive and, while primarily written for worship leaders, is great “perspective-giving” reading for any worshipper. I really respect Kauflin’s perspective, and as a worship leader myself, have been challenged and inspired.

My friend and fellow pastor at Fellowship, Reid Monaghan, blogs at Power of Change Blog and is a must read. His perspective is always thoughtful and his insights are beyond his years. His area of primary interest is apologetics and he has done some work regarding The Da Vinci Code that you will want to check out.