Week Four and I’m Still On Three

Well, my grand plans of becoming a consistent reader have been going well. See my old post here about my great one-book-per-week challenge. However, as the title suggests, as of today (Monday) I’m officially behind in my great challenge. However, in my defense, the past week was about as active of a week as I could have had so, considering the circumstances, I still feel good about what I was able to accomplish. On top of that - I tackled a bit of an epic book so I think this time it’s a one-per-TWO-week span.

Insights? For one - I must admit that I have, for the longest time, had a love-hate thing with TV & movies. At times it is good to sit back and really unwind…but the problem is that there aren’t that many good and wholesome films that really add anything to life. This weekend I saw a film that I’m still regretting sitting through (I regret not walking out) and it’s not even worth stating the name of the 2 hour experience that was an absolute waste of time…although I always enjoy time spent with friends. Maybe it’s time for another TV/Movie fast…like a mental detox.

Ok - back to the book experiment. I thought it would be good to recap what I’ve read so far…

WEEK ONE - “The Big Idea” by Dave Ferguson.

This was a fantastic read and more-so towards the end when the author really started putting the general concept together. This is a book designed for church leadership and I picked it up because the title has become a bit of a buzzword around the office. If you are a pastor or in lay leadership…this is a great example of a church that puts a lot of thought and prayer into stating a clear “big” idea to the entire church on a week to week basis.

WEEK TWO - “Desiring God” by John Piper.

This book is actually one that I started when I journeyed to India a couple of years ago and never completed. For those that read a lot of Christian doctrine/theology books, John Piper is a name that is well known and respected. One thing I’ve always enjoyed is the use of clever “word twists” and his sub-title provided just the kind of twist to get me hooked… “Meditation of a Christian Hedonist”. The great thing is that those two last words are so commonly thought to be at polar opposites that for John to use the term “Christian Hedonist” is almost like saying “I’m freezing hot”. However, John takes the reader on a journey to discover what he’s really driving at which is scripturally based and sound doctrine. While many of us may not be comfortable with the term “hedonist” - the larger point is that as Christians, we must recognize that God is glorified in our joy. To “trudge” through life and claim to be a “Christ follower” is at odds with the kind of life Christ called us to live. While life is not about us - what a great gift to be alive to please our heavenly father through a life filled with true, authentic joy…based in Him. I could go on - but to get a true sense of the message, I highly recommend that you put this book on your to-read list…you won’t regret it.

WEEK THREE (AND FOUR) - “The Robe” by Lloyd C. Douglas

Here’s another rare book in my collection that I have had for awhile but never read. It’s a novel that was published in 1942 and is the story of a Roman soldier who was there at Christ’s crucifixion. This book is quickly becoming a favorite and the author has woven a wonderful tale that captures the emotions and surroundings of an event that has literally shaken human history…and all this from the perspective of a pagan Roman soldier who took part in the brutal crucifixion of the Jew named Jesus of Galilee. The perspective is unique in that the narrative is not from a Christian or Jewish perspective but rather from that of one, a Roman citizen, who comes from an entirely different perspective, culture and social standing. Truly fascinating.

If any other brave souls out there want to join me in this…please feel free to leave a comment and we can keep tabs on our “adventures in print”.

(0) Comments Permalink