What I Am... Reading

Over the next few days and weeks I am going to do a series of posts called "What I Am.."  My purpose in these posts is to share some of what is happening in my life and what is shaping my thinking.  I would love to hear what is shaping you.  Please share with me "what you are..." by way of comments.

I have a fundamental belief that leaders are learners and learners are readers.  I am constantly in process with some book (or more likely books).  Here are a few that I have had on my desk, iPad and in my hands over the past few months:

The Lord and His Prayer by N.T. Wright:  Loved this book.  Wright's perspective on each line of the Lord's Prayer has really framed some of my praying these past few months.  I am most struck by the communal aspect of this prayer we have been reciting for years.

The Lord's Prayer by Thomas Watson:  This book was more of a challenge for me in that it contained language from a day gone by.  Despite the challenge of language it stretched me in my teaching as each of the sections were messages Thomas Watson preached.  I was awed by the depth.

Protege' by Steve Saccone:  I am in process with this book currently.  I am reading it looking for coaching advice for my mentor relationships in my life.  I am hoping to have my thinking on leadership development pushed and matured.

The Renovation of the Church by Kent Carlson and Mike Lueken:  Loved this book as well.  I found myself resonating with many of the thoughts and struggles the authors shared.  I believe that it is time for the church to re-think what in the world they are supposed to be doing.  It is time to stop blending in and start standing out.

When Heaven Invades Earth by Bill Johnson:  Another book I am in process with.  I appreciate the ministry of Bethel Church in Redding and am eager to learn from their experiences with the presence of God.  I am just a few chapters in but am finding it hard to put down.

The King Jesus Gospel by Scot McKnight:  I just got this book this week.  Scot McKnight has written so many great things that I am eager to dive into this one.

Washed and Waiting by Wesley Hill:  For me this was one of the most refreshing books I have read.  There were so many things I appreciated about Wesley Hill's handling of this issue I do not have time to write them all. For me it was refreshing to hear a call, regardless of one's struggles, to personal holiness.  The issue Hill deals with I believe is one of the most important issues of our time.

Earthen Vessels by Matthew Anderson:  I really enjoyed reading this book.  By no means would I make it a must read but I was very glad I had spent the time wrestling with the idea that everywhere we are our body is there, so it only stands to reason that God has something to say about our bodies.  We embody the gospel.  What a powerful concept.