I have had a wonderful holiday season celebrating Christmas with family and ringing in a New Year. However, it was busy and 2019 came in a hurry. So I had to hit the ground running with family matters, ministry matters, and work matters. That means that I fell behind with my book review. So I apologize that it is late. But hey, better late than never, right?
Two years ago I “upped the ante” on my reading goals to try and read a book per month. And that first year trying (2017) I came close but in the end did not meet the goal. So I set that same goal for this past year and I am proud to announce that I did it!! I was able to absorb a book per month. So I completed 12 books. So I have broken this review into two parts so it is not so overwhelming.
The Things of Earth: Treasuring God by Enjoying His Gifts by Joe Rigney – This book seemed interesting to me because this is a personal battle that rages within me. Sometimes I find it hard to enjoy gifts, trips, buying things etc because in the back of my mind I’m always thinking, this money, time, energy could be better used for the Kingdom. Joe Rigney confesses to a similar problem in his life as the catalyst to explore this topic. The book starts with basic theologically to provide the foundation and framework for his later arguments. But after you get through those chapters, he does an excellent job of weaving personal testimony and humor into the book. You ultimately walk away with a renewed sense of Westminsters first catechism question, that our end truly is to glorify God and enjoy him forever. And one of those ways to enjoy him is embrace a healthy, non-idolatrous view of his gifts.
Robert Chapman: Apostle of Love by Robert Peterson – This was the first of several biographies/autobiographies that I read this year and that is fast becoming my favorite genre. This little known English theologian and pastor will really inspire you. There is not much recorded about Mr. Chapman because he destroyed a lot of his writings so as not to bring glory to himself. But one can gather that he was a stand up man and mentor when he is spoken highly of and an influence on the likes of C.H. Spurgeon and George Muller. The author does a great job of highlighting the Mr. Chapman’s simple life, and humble service to the King. And even though he is not well known, he did in fact perform several missionary trips to Spain and even missionary walks all through Scotland to meet people and tell them about Jesus. The author also includes some cool maps and pictures for those you like geography and visuals. I really enjoyed this book and the man this book is written about.
The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe by C.S. Lewis – What can I say. This is a classic. I hadn’t read it since I was a kid but I decided to make it an evening family read aloud story for after dinner time but before bedtime. I loved this book all over again and my kids especially loved it. How can you not?! It has magic, mystery, emotion, adventure, suspense, and so much more. C.S. Lewis is a master story teller and handles allegory and metaphor superbly. I almost appreciate this book more as an adult, especially when Aslan begins to tell the children about the deep magic before time that the White Witch didn’t know about. Almost made me tear up… So if you haven’t read it, you must and if you have read it, read it again!
The Hiding Place by Corrie Ten Boom – Another biography. Another incredible person of faith in history. Although, after reading this book I learned that Corrie’s sister Betsie is just as if not more prolific of a hero than I previously knew. Many of you may know the story, but Corrie grew up in the Netherlands during WW2 and ultimately was sent, along with her family, to concentration camps for helping shelter Jews who were trying to escape persecution and extinction from Hitler’s regime. Corrie recounts with detail the environments, emotions, and happenings of her captivity. And while that is overwhelming in itself as you imagine the horror and pain and suffering she endured, there is always this convicting hope as she tangibly relies on the grace and power of God. And not only relies on, but live out and shares this good news with her very captors. I was also challenged by her Dad as he faithfully led his family. A fantastic autobiography.
John G. Paton: Missionary to the Cannibals of the South Seas by Paul Schlehlein – I really enjoyed this book. I think it is also a great intro biography to understanding the man, the legend that is John G. Paton. This is one of the men in history that you just get pumped about because of their reckless abandon to Christ and his Gospel. A late 19th, century missionary from Scotland, John was called to bring the Gospel to the cannibalistic tribes of the South Pacific islands – modern day Vanuatu. The biography chronicles his early life at home, talks about the influence of his father (that was the most challenging part of the book – a good Dad goes along way and John had one), and then talks about some of his adventures in the islands. The book also touches on how to approach missions from his life and ministry. It’s not an exhaustive biography by any stretch (you can read John’s autobiography for more detail and adventurous stories) but this book gives you a great understanding of a great missionary.
The Insanity of God by Nik Ripken – This was a super popular book several years ago but I am now just getting around to reading it. And it is definitely a good book. This book is a powerful testimony of a families obedience as well as their journey to understand the thought process and perseverance of many of our persecuted brothers and sisters in Christ all over the world. It is definitely a thought provoking and challenging read but it is also really encouraging and inspiring.
