What I've Been Reading
One of the routines in my life that I have grown to love and appreciate is reading. It helps me to stay sharp and creative. I love how new books help to cultivate learning and growth. Every now and then I will write a post about good books, or books that I would recommend. Here are a few of the books that I have recently read (within the past few months) that you may find an interest in picking up yourself. Some are directed toward ministry leaders and pastors. Others are focused on business and leadership. And others focus on theology and heart cultivation and spiritual disciplines.I hope this summer you will take some time to read, grow and be refreshed!(I've included links to each book on Amazon. Simply click the image of the book)
10 Recent Recommended Reads:
The Return of the Prodigal Son: A Story of Homecoming | By Henri Nouwen
Luke 15 has been transformational in my life as a Jesus follower. With that said, I love studying and reading anything on the story of the merciful Father and his two sons. This is an excellent read, based on Henri Nouwen's interaction with Rembrandt's painting of the Prodigal Son. The Way of the Heart: The Spirituality of the Desert Fathers and Mothers | By Henri Nouwen
A friend and mentor of mine sent this book to me after I told him that I wasn't doing very well at carving out time for rest. This is a great book for those of us who have a tendency to rush through life. It deals with solitude, silence and prayer. Ego is the Enemy | By Ryan Holiday
This is an excellent read on the dangers of Ego that have been seen in leaders throughout the centuries. I enjoyed this one a lot! I would highly recommend this book to anyone in leadership roles. Gospel Fluency | By Jeff Vanderstelt
For anyone who is wanting to grow in their understanding of the Gospel, and how to integrate it into every part of their lives, I would highly recommend this book. Incarnate Leadership: 5 Leadership Lessons from the Life of Jesus | By Bill Robinson
Many of us have read more leadership books than we can count. I loved the approach of this book, because it took a look at leadership through the eyes of Jesus. If you are a pastor, or in a leadership position as a follower of Jesus, read this book! God Has a Name | By John Mark Comer
This has got to be one of my favorite recent reads. I haven't met John Mark Comer, but we both spoke at a conference earlier this year at Northwest University and I heard about some of the books that he had written. This book is full of insight and great theology. Read this book! Loveology: God. Love. Marriage. Sex. And the Never-ending Story of Male and Female. | By John Mark Comer
Since I enjoyed his other book so much, I read another book by John Mark called Loveology. If you are single, dating or married - this book will be both encouraging and insightful. These last three books are by Dave Gibbons. Dave is a new friend that I recently met, when he came to spend a little time with our executive team from Life Center. I was so inspired and encouraged by our time together, that I read all three of his books over a few days of vacation. Dave is creative, full of leadership insight and naturally-supernatural. I loved his books!The Monkey and The Fish: Liquid Leadership for a Third-Culture Church | By Dave Gibbons
Xealots: Defying the Gravity of Normality | By Dave Gibbons
Small Cloud Rising: How Creatives, Dreamers, Poets, and Misfits Are Awakening the Ancient Future Church | By Dave Gibbons
What about you?What are some of your favorite recent reads? Leave a comment below and share what you have been reading and why you liked it.