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Ever since I was very young, books were important to me. I love reading books! And I know the Bible is the most crucial Book on earth. However, over the years I did learn a lot about God from many godly authors. People like: J. Lee Grady, Jack Hayford, Derek Prince, Neil T. Anderson, Peter Horrobin, J. C. Ryle, Caroline Leaf, Robert Morris, John C. Maxwell, John Owen, John Bevere, Jack Deere, Dallas Willard, Andrew Murray, Brian Bailey, Richard Wurmbrand, and my favourite—Leanne Payne (there are many other writers I will not mention).
In the last few years, I have read the biographies of A. W. Tozer and Charles Spurgeon. And I was surprised to see that they were ferocious readers. They used to read quite a few books every week. However, at the same time, they had hectic schedules. They had to preach every week— and very often even more than 2-3 times a week. Moreover, they did invest time in disciplining other people, writing books, speaking at different conferences, etc. And on top of everything else, they also had families and family duties. Nevertheless, they used to love reading books.
Leaders are readers
Just like many of you, I am also caught in many activities that take time. And very often I do not have the time I would like to have to read books. And, as I said before, the Bible is the most important book as it is the Word of God. Therefore, one of the rules that I apply to my life is this: every day I read the Bible and if I have spare time I read other books. And if I do not have time to read the Bible, then I will not have time to read other books either.
However, we all have time to read the Bible if we are honest and if we want to. Moreover, if reading the Bible is essential for us then we will make time for this. There is no excuse. Everyone who wants to draw closer to God needs to draw closer to the Word of God!
I want to share with you five books that impacted my life in 2017, besides the Bible:
The first of the five books: God’s generals’ vol. 5 by Roberts Liardon
In this book, I have read twelve compelling spiritual biographies of some of the most powerful ministers from the UK and America. One can learn what made them so powerful and how they succeeded and why some of them failed. I believe Roberts Liardon does a great job in revealing the strengths and the weaknesses of these mighty men of God. And there are a lot of things we can learn from William J. Seymour, Smith Wigglesworth, Evan Roberts, John G. Lake, Kathryn Kuhlman, John Alexander Dowie, Charles Parham, and the others. Therefore, I believe this is a must read for any minister and not only.
The second of the five books: The Spirit of the disciplines by Dallas Willard
I had to read this book for one of my Seminary courses at King’s University. And this book changed my perspective on the spiritual disciplines and gave me the answer for why are so important the spiritual disciplines? Therefore, I believe any serious Christian should read this book at least once in their life. Leanne Payne would even recommend people to read it on their knees. It is filled with precious gems one needs to grow spiritually.
The third of the five books: Spiritual Direction by Henri Nouwen
It was the first book I have read by Henri Nouwen. I found many good things in this book, even though I do not agree with many things Nouwen promotes.
The fourth of the five books: Ministry in the image of God by Stephen Seamands
I believe any believer who wants to do a specific ministry or wants to enter full-time ministry should read this book. Stephen Seamands is a man with vast experience and knowledge, and I am sure one can learn a lot from his teachings. And just let me share with you a short paragraph from his book: The ministry we have entered is the ministry of Jesus Christ, the Son, to the Father, through the Holy Spirit, for the sake of the church and the world.
The last one: 21 Irrefutable laws of leadership by John C. Maxwell
John Calvin Maxwell is an American author, speaker, and pastor who has written many books, primarily focusing on leadership. And his book 21 Irrefutable laws of leadership is probably his #1 best-selling book. In his book, he describes the rules that govern the world of a leader. And people who end up having success are the ones who know and apply these laws. It challenged my life.
Take what is good
A body has many members. And they are all important and have a purpose in the body. Moreover, I believe in the Body of Christ there are people called to be fingers— that is for writing. And I am so thankful for all the people who are called by God to share through writing what they received from the Lord. Furthermore, I am always amazed to see how much richness there is in all of us and how much we can learn from each other.
A word of caution: I do not agree all the time with all the authors I mentioned and with everything they said. I recommend wisdom and discernment when reading any book.
Let us thank God for the people He did raise up to write anointed books. And let us ask the Lordship of Jesus over the books we read and plan to read in 2018.
Do you agree?
P.S. What books impacted your life in 2017? What books do you plan to read in 2018? Or do you expect to write a book? I would love to hear your opinion, so please take a few minutes and reply to my post.
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I am a blogger, writer, minister, husband to Olguta, and most importantly, a child of God. I am also a certified Coach, Speaker, Trainer, and Teacher with The John Maxwell Team, and I am helping people reach their full potential.
Well, i love reading also.
The books that impacted my life last year are:
1. Andrew Wommack ” The beleiver’s authority, and what you didn’t learn in the church”
2. Marilyn Hontz” The shame lifter”
3. Robert D. Heidler ” Set yourself free”
Sonila,
I also read Robert Heidler’s book. Good book indeed. And Andrew Wommack is one of the Bible teachers I follow regularly. Thank you for sharing!
Onisim