Books

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29
May 11

By Every Measure That Actually Counts

“God is not interested in numbers. He cares most about the faithfulness, not the size, of His bride. He cares about whether people are lovers of Him. And while I might be able to get people through the doors of a church or auditorium if I tell enough jokes or use enough visuals, the fact remains that I cannot convince people to be obsessed with Jesus. Perhaps I can talk people into praying a prayer, but I cannot talk anyone into falling in love with Christ. I cannot make someone understand and accept the gift of grace. Only the Holy Spirit can do that. So by every measure that actually counts, I need the Holy Spirit. Desperately.“

– Francis Chan in Forgotten God

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5
Feb 11

Servanthood



Due to a recommendation from my friend and fellow RVC pastor, Matt, I’m reading through In The Name Of Jesus, a short book adapted from a sermon by Henri Nouwen.

Nouwen was a successful, popular priest and theologian who left the academic world to live as a minister in a community of adults with mental handicaps. In the book, he describes how leaving the rational, ordered world of the seminary for the chaos and brokenness of life in community amongst people who bear their needs in plain sight each moment of the day. He distills these thoughts into three lessons on what true servant leadership entails and what is needed for the next generation of ministers.

It’s been a very challenging read so far. Much of the honesty, humility, and suffering we see in Jesus’ earthly ministry is missing (or hidden away) from modern church ministry. We often value strength and efficiency at the cost of honesty and intimacy.

I know I’m starting to view the way I lead (in our teams and our congregation) in a new way. How can I express my own brokenness and need for grace? In what ways can I allow myself to be led and ministered to by others in our community? Who can I share my pains, doubts, and struggles with? Can I let each ministry moment be a chance for the Holy Spirit to challenge and renew my heart?

Good questions to ask. You should read the book

Books / Positive Post Tuesday — No Comments
24
Feb 09

PPT: Romancing The Saints

romance

Today’s Positive Post is for a little devotional book titled, Romancing The Saints.  Romancing The Saints is written by my friend and former pastor, Gene Pensiero Sr.  In it, he outlines 4 aspects of Jesus’ romantic love for the Church as portrayed in scripture.  The overall drive of the book is to encourage believers to read their bibles with eyes open to see Christ’s romantic love for them on every page.

I spent the last few nights reading through this study and I highly recommend it.  You’ll leave with a renewed understanding of Christ’s passion for us shown not only in sacrifice, but also in everyday longing and romance.  It will encourage you to walk with Him everyday in anticipation of His coming.

Please check it out here and have a fabulously positive Tuesday!

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22
Oct 08

From My Reading

“A man grows and triumphs as his faith overcomes his fear. To believe God, to rest in the Word of God, to enjoy the promises of God is to conquer our fear. But to doubt God and to question His motives causes our faith to shrink until literally we cease to be believers–we are believers in name, but not in practice or action.”
-The Making Of A Man Of God by Alan Redpath (pg. 83)

Books — 3 Comments
6
Aug 08

New Book

A few days ago, I asked all my Twitter friends for new book suggestions.  I got lots of great answers:  Pop Goes The Church, It, Victorious Christian Living.  All good books.  But I didn’t buy any of those.

Instead, my book found me.

Sarah and I decided to make a quick trip to the Dollar (Holla!) Store for some classroom supplies.  As I skimmed the asiles looking for cheap, corney gifts to give people (and I found one for you) I stumbled across a nice hardbound copy of How Ronald Reagan Changed My Life.

The book is a collection of 10 life lessons the author gleaned from his time spent as one of Reagan’s speechwriters.  It’s not a biography and it’s not a lesson on foreign policy.  It’s a lesson on character and what it takes to be a man of courage and committment in trying times.  I’m excited to read it.

On a side note, I was a little miffed that a great Reagan-themed book had been relegated to the Dollar (Holla!) Store aisles, but then I found the stash of John Kerry’s book and felt justified.

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12
Feb 08

Epicenter

I just finished reading Epicenter by Joel Rosenberg. Rosenberg has gained much attention for writing a collection of political thrillers that–surprisingly enough–seem to come true. In Epicenter, he takes time to explain the biblical prophecies that inspired his novels and he shows how many of today’s headlines may be setting the stage for the events described thousands of years ago by Hebrew prophets.

It’s an easy, interesting read that I would suggest for anyone attempting to understand biblical prophecy and how it relates to the modern Middle East.

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22
Jan 08

On Being a Servant of God

I started reading Warren Wiersbe’s On Being a Servant of God last week. It’s been a great read so far:

If we aren’t careful, we can minister in such a way that we exploit the needs of others to get ourselves recognition, position, titles, honors, and privileges. Trust servants of God help others whether they themselves get anything out of it or not. Their concern is only that God be glorified and people trust Christ…

There was a time when Peter didn’t say, “What I do have I give you” (Acts 3:6). He said, “See, we have left all and followed You. Therefore what shall we have?” (Matt. 19:27). Selfishness says, “What will I get?” Service says, “What I have I’ll give to you.”