Here are three books to get you off to a great new year. Why not pick one and set a goal to read a book a month (or one every quarter if 12 a year are too many) during 2011. Reading will help you think, and thinking will strengthen your mind. Strong minds, like strong spirits, are signs of a healthy Christ-follower.
Many authors give lists of their top 10 books, and the more aggressive types have lists of 25 or 30 books. When I go into a restaurant to eat, I like a simple menu. Big menus confuse me. So here’s a simple menu of three delightful books.
The list includes one of the most interesting and enjoyable biographies I have every read, along with the best guide to discovering God’s purpose for one’s life I’ve come across in 40+ years of ministry. The third book is a recent find, but gives an excellent survey of the message of the Bible in language that everyone can understand. If you must choose one book, read that one.
For convenience, I have placed all of these books on our “Resources for Your Faith” link (blue box above this article). If you choose to buy online (as I do), purchases on this site will result in a contribution to Faith Now. Here are my top three books:
Bonhoeffer: Pastor, Martyr, Prophet, Spy by Eric Metaxas (Thomas Nelson). This is a beautifully written story of the pastor who was martyred by the Germans near the end of World War II. This book will inspire you.
The Call: Finding and Fulfilling The Central Purpose of Your Life by Os Guinness (Thomas Nelson). Guinness gives us a classic in his thorough examination of what it means to live a life of divine purpose. When he speaks of ‘calling’ he’s not just referring to clergy callings, but that every Christ-follower is called. My copy is underlined throughout!
The God Who Is There: Find Your Place in God’s Story by D.A. Carson (Baker). I heard about this book at the end of the year and got a copy. Now I’m reading it on my Kindle every chance I get. If you have never read a survey of the Bible’s story, or you simly like seeing it nicely done, this is a great resource. Easy-to-read, it summaries the key storyline and underscores the vital messages of God’s Word.
Want to get off to a great start in 2011? Read a book!
