It seemed like a good idea to share some of how God's been teaching me via the books I've read recently. Here are some thoughts on each of them
Crazy Love by Francis Chan
This book has sold all over the country and world, but if you listen to Chan talk about his decision to write it, he clearly shares that he never thought it would be as well-received as it has been. In it, Chan shares some of his reflections on what he thinks is going on in the church today in America, as well as how we can regain our footing. The title stems from his personal reflection on who God is and thus how His love for us is not just admirable or nice, but in a very real way - it is crazy. If you need a boost to your spiritual life, I highly recommend this book. Chan is bold and humble, two traits that are often hard to find on concert.
The Great Omission by Dallas Willard.
Willard is best known for his book The Divine Conspiracy, but he's written many others, and this one (in my opinion) is one of the finest. Willard is a philosophy professor in California, but he speaks and writes for many audiences, especially Christian. This book is more than the title might imply. He speaks to reality that conversion is not the only important life change in a Christian, but is the first of many in a life of discipleship. From there, he shares many insights into how to become a more fully-committed disciple, as well as how churches and their leaders can re-focus attention on the Great Commission. At about half-way through this book, I said to myself, "I'll need to go over this entire book again and take notes." Willard writes in a grandfatherly-way, speaking from his years of training, learning, education, and most of all from his own experience of becoming a disciple of Christ.
George Muller by Basil Miller
Two friends and I committed to reading a short biography each month for the entire summer. This was the first. As I am currently wrapping it up, I can summarize it by saying the Muller was more than just a man who cared for orphans, and perhaps the greatest legacy he has left was his life of total faith in God and his belief in bringing the Gospel to all people.
