1. Poems of Ralph Waldo Emerson
I think Emerson's better at essays than poetry -- but who am I to criticize? His poems are better than mine!
2. America's New Preacher: T. D. Jakes by Shayne Lee.
It's the biogaphy of the flamboyant African American pastor of The Potter's House in Dallas.
3. Joseph Smith by Robert V. Remini
This biography of the Mormon founder leaves me scratching my head. Why would anybody follow such a messed up person? By the way, there are strong Methodist roots in the Mormon movement.
4. Given Poems by Wendell Berry
I love to Kentucky poet, and am trying to read everything he wrote.
5. Walking with the Giants by Warren Wiersbe
This is a great collection of biographies of outstanding preachers -- mostly 19th century. It inspires my preaching, writing, and prayer life.
6. Lewis Tappan and the Evangelical War Against Slavery by Bertram Wyatt Brown
Brown tells the story of the religious abolitionist movement in America. He brings in some of the Wesleyan Methodist leaders -- Orange Scott and LaRoy Sunderland. A good and insightful read. I discovered, in this book, a connection linking Wesleyan Methodism with the founding of the Seventh Day Adventist movement as well as the Jehovah's Witnesses.
Friday, December 01, 2006
Friday, November 03, 2006
October
1. The Northwoods Journal of Charles C. Hamilton this was the daily observations of a young student from Moody, who came to the Hayward area in the winter of 1892, to minister to the guys working in the logging camps. A delightful read with famliar landmarks.
2. The Magician's Nephew, by C. S. Lewis -- the first of the Chronicles -- but we read it next to last.
3. Open Horizons, essays by my favorite naturalist, Sigurd Olson.
4. Diary of Bishop Frederic Baraga. Fun read, but a bit of repetitive plodding. Baraga was the great missionary to the Lake Superior region. He was missional!
5. Dick Bong: Ace of Aces a small biography of WWII's top flying ace.
6. Son of the Wilderness by Linnie Marsh Wolfe -- This is the biography of John Muir. Did you know he was a preacher's kid?
7. This Tree Will Be Here a Thousand Years collection of poems by Robert Bly
8. In a Pit with a Lion on a Snowy Day, by Mark Batterson -- Wow! Hot off the presses, this is a MUST read! Batterson really captures the imagination, and inspires courage to attempt great things for God.
2. The Magician's Nephew, by C. S. Lewis -- the first of the Chronicles -- but we read it next to last.
3. Open Horizons, essays by my favorite naturalist, Sigurd Olson.
4. Diary of Bishop Frederic Baraga. Fun read, but a bit of repetitive plodding. Baraga was the great missionary to the Lake Superior region. He was missional!
5. Dick Bong: Ace of Aces a small biography of WWII's top flying ace.
6. Son of the Wilderness by Linnie Marsh Wolfe -- This is the biography of John Muir. Did you know he was a preacher's kid?
7. This Tree Will Be Here a Thousand Years collection of poems by Robert Bly
8. In a Pit with a Lion on a Snowy Day, by Mark Batterson -- Wow! Hot off the presses, this is a MUST read! Batterson really captures the imagination, and inspires courage to attempt great things for God.
Saturday, September 30, 2006
September
1. My God and I, by my former Fuller prof, Lewis Smedes.
This is a delightful theological memoir from a fascinating man. He died shortly after he finished this work.
2. The Complete Poems of Stephen Crane
Crane was a creative genius, but his writings reveal a dark cynicism. His daddy was a Methodist preacher -- but somehow, it didn't all get translated right into Stephen's heart. Nevertheless, a good writer who makes one think.
3. Double Tap, by Steve Martini
Since Grisham isn't cranking them out fast enough, I've resorted to second-tier crime novelists. Martini keeps things moving along, but I felt like I'd wasted my time. Sort of like eating Fritos, when Thanksgiving Dinner is in the oven.
4. Power Motivation, by my good friend, Timothy Johnson (president of MCMA)
This is a witty and inspiring collection of essays on ministry and Christian leadership.
5. The 360 Degree Leader, by John Maxwell
Classic Maxwell. When finished, I felt like taking on the whole world! I thank God for this man who has taught me so much about effective leadership.
6. La Pointe: Village Outpost on Madeline Island, by Hamilton Nelson Ross
A fairly well-written history of this historic village. I read it looking for information on a couple of missional heroes of the 19th Century: Rev. Leonard Hemenway Wheeler and Father Frederic Baraga. I was not disappointed.
7. Walden, by Henry David Thoreau
Actually, I'm only half way through -- and I started in July. It's a slow read, as I often stop after a paragraph or two. Thoreau was a bit mixed up theologically -- but he sure knew how to draw meaning from nature.
This is a delightful theological memoir from a fascinating man. He died shortly after he finished this work.
2. The Complete Poems of Stephen Crane
Crane was a creative genius, but his writings reveal a dark cynicism. His daddy was a Methodist preacher -- but somehow, it didn't all get translated right into Stephen's heart. Nevertheless, a good writer who makes one think.
3. Double Tap, by Steve Martini
Since Grisham isn't cranking them out fast enough, I've resorted to second-tier crime novelists. Martini keeps things moving along, but I felt like I'd wasted my time. Sort of like eating Fritos, when Thanksgiving Dinner is in the oven.
4. Power Motivation, by my good friend, Timothy Johnson (president of MCMA)
This is a witty and inspiring collection of essays on ministry and Christian leadership.
5. The 360 Degree Leader, by John Maxwell
Classic Maxwell. When finished, I felt like taking on the whole world! I thank God for this man who has taught me so much about effective leadership.
6. La Pointe: Village Outpost on Madeline Island, by Hamilton Nelson Ross
A fairly well-written history of this historic village. I read it looking for information on a couple of missional heroes of the 19th Century: Rev. Leonard Hemenway Wheeler and Father Frederic Baraga. I was not disappointed.
7. Walden, by Henry David Thoreau
Actually, I'm only half way through -- and I started in July. It's a slow read, as I often stop after a paragraph or two. Thoreau was a bit mixed up theologically -- but he sure knew how to draw meaning from nature.
Thursday, August 31, 2006
August
1. No Little Places by Ron Klassen and John Koessler
This is an encouraging little book for pastors in small places. Good stuff!
2. Passion, Power and Purpose ed. by Joe Colson
A good reminder of the importance of preaching. Good foundational thoughts, as well as practical applications. I had the privilege of going to Israel a few years ago with Dr. Colson.
3. Ephraim's Founding Father by Paul and Frances Burton.
This is the sad but inspiring tale of Moravian pastor, Rev. A. M. Iverson, who founded the Door County village of Ephraim. I gleaned much wisdom concerning pastoral leadership from this biography. On vacation in Door County last month, I had the privilege of visiting Iverson's house, as well as his little girl's grave.
4. Gift from the Sea by Ann Morrow Lindbergh
Lindbergh, who married to the great aviator, Charles, writes deeply and beautifully. She reminds us of the call to simplicity and stillness.
5. The Last Battle by C. S. Lewis
The final book in the Chronicles of Narnia. Luke and Wes really enjoy me reading these aloud to them.
6. The Charismatic Century by Jack Hayford and S. David Moore
This is the story of the Pentecostal movement in America over the last 100 years -- an interesting study of fascinating characters. The charismatic movement certainly had it's share of kooks -- but what a revival!
7. The Complete Poems of Emily Dickinson
Dickinson was a master of the English language. Most of her poetry was found in her bedroom chest by her sister after her death. Her poetry grabs my heart!
This is an encouraging little book for pastors in small places. Good stuff!
2. Passion, Power and Purpose ed. by Joe Colson
A good reminder of the importance of preaching. Good foundational thoughts, as well as practical applications. I had the privilege of going to Israel a few years ago with Dr. Colson.
3. Ephraim's Founding Father by Paul and Frances Burton.
This is the sad but inspiring tale of Moravian pastor, Rev. A. M. Iverson, who founded the Door County village of Ephraim. I gleaned much wisdom concerning pastoral leadership from this biography. On vacation in Door County last month, I had the privilege of visiting Iverson's house, as well as his little girl's grave.
4. Gift from the Sea by Ann Morrow Lindbergh
Lindbergh, who married to the great aviator, Charles, writes deeply and beautifully. She reminds us of the call to simplicity and stillness.
5. The Last Battle by C. S. Lewis
The final book in the Chronicles of Narnia. Luke and Wes really enjoy me reading these aloud to them.
6. The Charismatic Century by Jack Hayford and S. David Moore
This is the story of the Pentecostal movement in America over the last 100 years -- an interesting study of fascinating characters. The charismatic movement certainly had it's share of kooks -- but what a revival!
7. The Complete Poems of Emily Dickinson
Dickinson was a master of the English language. Most of her poetry was found in her bedroom chest by her sister after her death. Her poetry grabs my heart!
Tuesday, August 01, 2006
July
1. An Evening in Ephesus, by Bob Emery
This is a dramatic commentary on the book of Revelation -- and is by far the most interesting Bible Commentary I've ever read. Emery espouses the preterist view of eschatology -- and after reading his persuasive arguments, I thought, "Almost, thou persuadest me to become a preterist."
2. Our Jealous God by Bill Gothard.
Gothard's a bit eccentric, and the title is "put-offish" but this little book was an excellent reminder of God's holiness, and his desire for us to love Him alone.
3. Narrative of the Anti-Slavery Experience of a Minister in the Methodist Episcopal Church by Lucius Matlack.
A firsthand account of the trials experienced by a young Methodist minister. They refused to ordain him because he was "abolitionist." Consequently, Matlack joined the new "Wesleyan Methodist" movement to oppose "the sum of all villianies"
4. Out of the Deep, by Charles Kingsley.
Essays by a 19th century Anglican pastor, writer, and poet, published by his wife after his death. Good grist for sermons here!
5. Norman Vincent Peale: Minister to Millions, by Arthur Gordon
The biography of the man who inspired my "positively speaking" newspaper columns. Though somewhat dated now, I found it an inspiring read. He was often criticized for being too positive -- but that was from the folks who were much too negative. Come to think of it, Joel Osteen is the 21st Century version of Peale (with a touch of Kenneth Hagin thrown in.) I don't agree with everything Peale says (or Osteen for that matter) -- but every time you come in contact with a mega-postive person, you walk away charged up with positive juice!
6. Collected Poems, by Wendell Berry
Berry, the rural Kentucky poet, is one of my three favorites.
7. The Return of the Prodigal Son, by Henri Nouwin
This is a powerful, deep, little book based on Rembrandt's painting of Christ's parable. This one is worth a triple read!
8. Dakota, by Kathleen Norris
Finally -- a woman author!! A kind friend recently pointed out that all books on my lists are by men! I made a resolution to change that and start reading from those who use both halves of the brain. Norris speaks of life on the Dakota prairie, and the spiritual lessons she derives from understanding the "desolate" places.
This is a dramatic commentary on the book of Revelation -- and is by far the most interesting Bible Commentary I've ever read. Emery espouses the preterist view of eschatology -- and after reading his persuasive arguments, I thought, "Almost, thou persuadest me to become a preterist."
2. Our Jealous God by Bill Gothard.
Gothard's a bit eccentric, and the title is "put-offish" but this little book was an excellent reminder of God's holiness, and his desire for us to love Him alone.
3. Narrative of the Anti-Slavery Experience of a Minister in the Methodist Episcopal Church by Lucius Matlack.
A firsthand account of the trials experienced by a young Methodist minister. They refused to ordain him because he was "abolitionist." Consequently, Matlack joined the new "Wesleyan Methodist" movement to oppose "the sum of all villianies"
4. Out of the Deep, by Charles Kingsley.
Essays by a 19th century Anglican pastor, writer, and poet, published by his wife after his death. Good grist for sermons here!
5. Norman Vincent Peale: Minister to Millions, by Arthur Gordon
The biography of the man who inspired my "positively speaking" newspaper columns. Though somewhat dated now, I found it an inspiring read. He was often criticized for being too positive -- but that was from the folks who were much too negative. Come to think of it, Joel Osteen is the 21st Century version of Peale (with a touch of Kenneth Hagin thrown in.) I don't agree with everything Peale says (or Osteen for that matter) -- but every time you come in contact with a mega-postive person, you walk away charged up with positive juice!
6. Collected Poems, by Wendell Berry
Berry, the rural Kentucky poet, is one of my three favorites.
7. The Return of the Prodigal Son, by Henri Nouwin
This is a powerful, deep, little book based on Rembrandt's painting of Christ's parable. This one is worth a triple read!
8. Dakota, by Kathleen Norris
Finally -- a woman author!! A kind friend recently pointed out that all books on my lists are by men! I made a resolution to change that and start reading from those who use both halves of the brain. Norris speaks of life on the Dakota prairie, and the spiritual lessons she derives from understanding the "desolate" places.
Friday, June 30, 2006
June
1. The Authority of Those Who Are Suffering -- a taped lecture by Catholic philosopher, Richard Rohr. Inspiring. Some theology questionable -- but meaty, nevertheless.
2. Custer Died for Your Sins, by Vine Deloria Jr.
A dated text which articulates the Native American perspective. Deloria is a good writer, using humor to drive the point home.
3. Logical Luther Lee and the Methodist War Against Slavery by Paul Leslie Kaufman
This is the biography a key founder of the Wesleyan Church. Well written and insightful. I have a phone call into Dr. Kaufman to discuss further details.
4. Digital Fortress by Dan Brown
An interesting story of intrigue, and helps me see Dan Brown in a different light. He's writing fiction, not theology, and is an outstanding story teller -- though a bit far-fetched at times.
5. Left Behind in a Megachurch World, by Ruth Tucker (2006)
This is the best book I've read all year! Great stuff! Tucker celebrates and encourages those who are serving in small places. She's a soul mate! We've made pilgrimage to the same places (i.e. Epworth in England), studied the same figures of history (i.e. Van Gogh), and love the same literature (i.e. Wendell Berry and Jan Karon.)
6. Sing Psalms, by Arden W. Mead.
My Episcopal friend, Art Hancock, loaned me this book as I prepared to do a "Psalms Service." I used one of the Psalms from it.
7. I Buried My Heart at Wounded Knee, by Dee Brown
I have heard of this book for years, but finally got around to reading it. Powerful. Convicting. Haunting. Makes me think see Anglo/Native American issues in a new light.
8. Narrative of the Life and Adventures of Henry Bibb: An American Slave, by Henry Bibb and Lucius Matlack.
This is the autobiography of a man who escaped the tyranny of slavery. I read it online. Though it rambled some, it vividly portrays the horrors of the 19th Century slave trade in a deeply personal way.
2. Custer Died for Your Sins, by Vine Deloria Jr.
A dated text which articulates the Native American perspective. Deloria is a good writer, using humor to drive the point home.
3. Logical Luther Lee and the Methodist War Against Slavery by Paul Leslie Kaufman
This is the biography a key founder of the Wesleyan Church. Well written and insightful. I have a phone call into Dr. Kaufman to discuss further details.
4. Digital Fortress by Dan Brown
An interesting story of intrigue, and helps me see Dan Brown in a different light. He's writing fiction, not theology, and is an outstanding story teller -- though a bit far-fetched at times.
5. Left Behind in a Megachurch World, by Ruth Tucker (2006)
This is the best book I've read all year! Great stuff! Tucker celebrates and encourages those who are serving in small places. She's a soul mate! We've made pilgrimage to the same places (i.e. Epworth in England), studied the same figures of history (i.e. Van Gogh), and love the same literature (i.e. Wendell Berry and Jan Karon.)
6. Sing Psalms, by Arden W. Mead.
My Episcopal friend, Art Hancock, loaned me this book as I prepared to do a "Psalms Service." I used one of the Psalms from it.
7. I Buried My Heart at Wounded Knee, by Dee Brown
I have heard of this book for years, but finally got around to reading it. Powerful. Convicting. Haunting. Makes me think see Anglo/Native American issues in a new light.
8. Narrative of the Life and Adventures of Henry Bibb: An American Slave, by Henry Bibb and Lucius Matlack.
This is the autobiography of a man who escaped the tyranny of slavery. I read it online. Though it rambled some, it vividly portrays the horrors of the 19th Century slave trade in a deeply personal way.
Saturday, June 03, 2006
May
1. Seven Practices of Effective Ministry by Andy Stanley.
This is an interesting little book packed full of good leadership insights and told with a great baseball story!
2. Sackett by Louis L'Amour
That was just for fun! I love these little westerns.
3. The Revival We Need by Oswald Smith
This is my second reading, and it was even better with the re-read. It reminds us of the necessity of revival in our land and churches.
4. Preacher and Prayer by E.M. Bounds
Another re-read -- but I needed the reminder. It's the best book on prayer available for pastors. (Note -- as prayer is the most important ministry a pastor has, it should be read every year!)
5. The Wilderness Within by David Mackes
This is the fabulous biography of Sigurd Olson, the naturalist and writer. I've read all of Sigurd Olson's books, and his biography helped me understand him at a deeper level. Interestingly, I discovered that Sigurd was a Baptist preacher's kid. His dad's narrowness drove him away from orthodoxy, I believe.
6. Confessions of a Reformission Rev by Mark Driscoll
This is a delightful book that tells the story of the lessons learned in launching and growing a missional church. Driscoll is a great writer, and really funny. Sometimes, he goes over the edge, I think. Doctrinally, we wouldn't match up exactly. Nevertheless, I gained some valuable insights from this excellent book.
This is an interesting little book packed full of good leadership insights and told with a great baseball story!
2. Sackett by Louis L'Amour
That was just for fun! I love these little westerns.
3. The Revival We Need by Oswald Smith
This is my second reading, and it was even better with the re-read. It reminds us of the necessity of revival in our land and churches.
4. Preacher and Prayer by E.M. Bounds
Another re-read -- but I needed the reminder. It's the best book on prayer available for pastors. (Note -- as prayer is the most important ministry a pastor has, it should be read every year!)
5. The Wilderness Within by David Mackes
This is the fabulous biography of Sigurd Olson, the naturalist and writer. I've read all of Sigurd Olson's books, and his biography helped me understand him at a deeper level. Interestingly, I discovered that Sigurd was a Baptist preacher's kid. His dad's narrowness drove him away from orthodoxy, I believe.
6. Confessions of a Reformission Rev by Mark Driscoll
This is a delightful book that tells the story of the lessons learned in launching and growing a missional church. Driscoll is a great writer, and really funny. Sometimes, he goes over the edge, I think. Doctrinally, we wouldn't match up exactly. Nevertheless, I gained some valuable insights from this excellent book.
Monday, May 01, 2006
April
1. Northern Exposure by Richard Warder
The tales of a northwoods Anglican priest in the logging camps of Ontario.
2. Spirit of the North various insights and quotes from Sigurd Olson
Sigurd helps me love and understand the depth of wilderness.
3. Imperfect Strangers by Stuart Wood
Just for fun -- a mystery novel in the genre of Grisham. Unlikely scenarios, but interesting.
4. The Silver Chair by C. S. Lewis
Continuing the the Chronicles, I'm enjoying reading these books out loud to my kids. Lewis was a masterful storyteller.
5. Transformation by Bob Roberts
This Texan Southern Baptist has written the best book on the mission of the church I've ever read. After every chapter, I want to leap up, run out the door, and change the world!
The tales of a northwoods Anglican priest in the logging camps of Ontario.
2. Spirit of the North various insights and quotes from Sigurd Olson
Sigurd helps me love and understand the depth of wilderness.
3. Imperfect Strangers by Stuart Wood
Just for fun -- a mystery novel in the genre of Grisham. Unlikely scenarios, but interesting.
4. The Silver Chair by C. S. Lewis
Continuing the the Chronicles, I'm enjoying reading these books out loud to my kids. Lewis was a masterful storyteller.
5. Transformation by Bob Roberts
This Texan Southern Baptist has written the best book on the mission of the church I've ever read. After every chapter, I want to leap up, run out the door, and change the world!
Wednesday, March 29, 2006
March
1. The Da Vinci Code by Dan Brown.
An interesting piece of fiction.
2. John Wesley by John Pollock.
This is one of the best Wesley biographies I've ever read.
3. The Voyage of the Dawn Treader by C.S. Lewis
I've been reading the chronicles to my kids -- fun! Adventure! Lots of double meanings.
4. A Walk to Remember by Nocholas Sparks
I picked it up at a rummage sale, at the prompting of my friend, Steve Gerich. A great book -- and touching.
5. The Cry of the World by Oswald Smith
This is a powerful and convicting missions text.
6. The Miracle of the Scarlet Thread by Richard Booker
Shows the theme of redemption through the Scriptures.
7. The Leadership Labyrinth by Judson Edwards
My friend, Pat Bennett, gave me this delightful little book on church leadership! Every preacher ought to read it -- for sanity.
8. What's the Difference? by John Piper
An interesting read on biblical masculinity and femininity. He has some direct hits, and a few off the target.
9. Leading Leaders by Aubrey Malphurs
This is a good book on how to work with leadership boards. Not the most inspiring text I've ever read -- but very informative and helpful.
An interesting piece of fiction.
2. John Wesley by John Pollock.
This is one of the best Wesley biographies I've ever read.
3. The Voyage of the Dawn Treader by C.S. Lewis
I've been reading the chronicles to my kids -- fun! Adventure! Lots of double meanings.
4. A Walk to Remember by Nocholas Sparks
I picked it up at a rummage sale, at the prompting of my friend, Steve Gerich. A great book -- and touching.
5. The Cry of the World by Oswald Smith
This is a powerful and convicting missions text.
6. The Miracle of the Scarlet Thread by Richard Booker
Shows the theme of redemption through the Scriptures.
7. The Leadership Labyrinth by Judson Edwards
My friend, Pat Bennett, gave me this delightful little book on church leadership! Every preacher ought to read it -- for sanity.
8. What's the Difference? by John Piper
An interesting read on biblical masculinity and femininity. He has some direct hits, and a few off the target.
9. Leading Leaders by Aubrey Malphurs
This is a good book on how to work with leadership boards. Not the most inspiring text I've ever read -- but very informative and helpful.
Tuesday, February 28, 2006
February
1. I Surrender All (Clay & Renee Cross) Excellent book on dealing with holy homes, and the destructive power of sexual sin. Clay and Renee are coming to our church this fall.
2. The Gospel in Leviticus (Seiss) Written decades ago, it unlocked the mysteries of Leviticus for me. I'm preaching through the Bible, and this book was tremendously helpful.
3. Ripe for Harvest (Lewis Drummond) Good book on revival.
4. Lighting Fires (Randy Clark) Helpful insights about "failure" in ministry as character development -- God uses the hard circumstances to prepare us for his greater work.
5. Man of Devotion: Francis Asbury (J. Smiley Collins) An inspiring biography of the early Methodist circuit rider and bishop. Made me want to go buy a horse!
6. God's Law in the Modern World (Kenneth Gentry Jr.) Interesting viewpoint from a postmillenialist. I picked up a couple of good insights on the Mosaic Law, but I don't buy everything he says.
7. Prince Caspian (C. S. Lewis) I've been reading the Chronicles of Narnia aloud to the kids -- and we all are hooked!
2. The Gospel in Leviticus (Seiss) Written decades ago, it unlocked the mysteries of Leviticus for me. I'm preaching through the Bible, and this book was tremendously helpful.
3. Ripe for Harvest (Lewis Drummond) Good book on revival.
4. Lighting Fires (Randy Clark) Helpful insights about "failure" in ministry as character development -- God uses the hard circumstances to prepare us for his greater work.
5. Man of Devotion: Francis Asbury (J. Smiley Collins) An inspiring biography of the early Methodist circuit rider and bishop. Made me want to go buy a horse!
6. God's Law in the Modern World (Kenneth Gentry Jr.) Interesting viewpoint from a postmillenialist. I picked up a couple of good insights on the Mosaic Law, but I don't buy everything he says.
7. Prince Caspian (C. S. Lewis) I've been reading the Chronicles of Narnia aloud to the kids -- and we all are hooked!
Tuesday, January 31, 2006
January
Books read in January 06:
1. Spiritual Preparation for Christian Leadership (E. Glenn Henson)
2. When Pride Still Mattered (David Maraniss) -- biography of Vince Lombardi
3. Christ Plays in 10,000 Places (Eugene Peterson) -- an outstanding theology of spiritual formation!
4. Tecumseh forgot the author -- biography of the great Native American leader
5. Big Dreams in Small Places (Tom Nebel) Church planting in rural communities
6. Travelling Mercies (Ann Lamont) -- well written but edgy
1. Spiritual Preparation for Christian Leadership (E. Glenn Henson)
2. When Pride Still Mattered (David Maraniss) -- biography of Vince Lombardi
3. Christ Plays in 10,000 Places (Eugene Peterson) -- an outstanding theology of spiritual formation!
4. Tecumseh forgot the author -- biography of the great Native American leader
5. Big Dreams in Small Places (Tom Nebel) Church planting in rural communities
6. Travelling Mercies (Ann Lamont) -- well written but edgy
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
