I love to read—especially three-five books at a time. Many of the books I read at one time are theological, philosophical, or sociological; if I'm reading a novel, I find I have to read it a little more quickly since there is a distinct narrative to remember. Part of the reason I read so many at once is because my attention weans over time—especially if the book is long, drawn out or uses unnecessary big words (i.e. anything by Charles Dickens or seminary books). The other reason is, I feel mixing what you read can make a great meal—much like mixing spices for a particular food you would make. Many times mixing the wrong books can lead to a disaster or confusion, yet there are many times the right mix can be absolutely life changing. With that in mind, below are a list of eight readings that are (some I just finished) really doing it for me—thought I would share the love.
For more of what I’m reading, go to my facebook page and check out my virtual bookshelf. It includes books I’ve read over the past 18+months.
(These are all theological by nature. I love novels and will post a separate writing on that at another time.)
8. Francis Schaeffer: A Mind and Heart for God editor Bruce Little
Schaeffer is easily the greatest influence in my life to date. I cut my teeth on his writings and lectures in my most formidable years and have become better for it ever since. This is a short and easy to read set of five lectures given by different scholars and admirers of Schaeffer. If you’ve never read any of his stuff but want a taste of why you should, read this.
7. Morning and Evening by Charles Spurgeon
Spurgeon has been a great influence on countless ministers, but sadly isn’t experienced much outside of them. This is a wonderful daily devotional that has ministered to me countless times.
6. The Praying Life by Paul Miller
I read this at the beginning of the year, but am ready again to read it. The most practical book you will ever read on prayer. You literally will find yourself excited and ready to give it your all when you finish. Also, if you have never read his first book,
Love Walked Among Us, do it! I call LWAU my “Jesus Manifesto” book. Great, great read.
5. The Ten Commandments by J. Douma
Yeah, I know—big seminary book and boring title. Trust me I know. But just trust me—this is easily one of the top 10 books I’ve ever read. Whether you’re in seminary or working an 8-5 job, this book has incredible implications on how we live...right now.
4. Ordering Your Private World by Gordon MacDonald
I recently asked a list of pastors what were their top books on drawing lines in ministry and marriage—at the top of every list was this book. It's an easy read with very practical applications of how to “order your world.” Whether in ministry (the author’s reference point) or business, or school, or at home, this book is well worth the read.
3. The Essential Edwards Collection by Owen Strachan and Doug Sweeney
Jonathan Edwards has slowly become one of my heroes over the last several years. The way he handled his personal life, marriage and ministry is inspirational to me—the only problem is reading him directly is like trying to read in another language! I’ve seriously spent a year reading some of his stuff. With that said, a series of five books on his life, teachings and writings was just released, and they are fantastic. They are short and topical and go well with personal reading and discipleship time.
2. You Can Change by Tim Chester
I recently recommended this book so I won’t spend much time describing this book. It’s worth noting, few books have made as big of an impact to my personal life like this book.
1. The Bible by God
Here’s the deal—when it comes to devouring books by people writing about God or the Scriptures, I’m there; when it comes to actually reading the Bible with regularity...ehhh. I know, I know, I’m a pastor and shouldn’t we all just live in the Scriptures. Sure. Does it always happen? Nope. One of my New Year resolutions was to read through the Bible in a year—the trick was finding the right system. After researching several different systems, I settled on NavPress’
Discipleship Journal. The rhythm and regularity have been so good for my soul. Many times I would just wait for “impressions” on where to read next—and that’s good. But the problem is I found myself more often than not losing interest because I didn’t have the necessary structure to guide me so I could have those “impressionable” moments. The point isn’t to have this BIG accomplishment that you can pat yourself on the back with by reading the Bible in a year, the point is to develop rhythm and regularity. Just pick something that interests you (a plan) and go from there.
Read more from Robbyn Abedi, Young Adults Minister and Christ College faculty member, at abedis.posterous.com/.
Robbyn Abedi