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Todd's Blog
Read a good book lately?January 6th, 2010 by Todd JohnsonA new year for me means, among other things, a stack of books on my “to read” list. I try to keep my book diet more balanced than my food diet, sadly. I’ve got six books going right now that fall into various categories. My current stack looks like this: PASTORAL: DEVOTIONAL: BIOGRAPHY: So I was wondering if anyone else has read a good book or is planning to read something in the coming year that might inspire a few of us to read it as well. 25 Responses to “Read a good book lately?”Leave a Reply  About ToddName: Todd Johnson Verse of the Week“For the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh but have divine power to destroy strongholds” - 2 Cor 10:4 ESV NowReading: “Spurgeon’s Practical Wisdom” by C.H.S “Voices from the Past ” Edited by Richard Rushing “50 People Every Christian Should Know” by Warren Wiersbe “The Narnian – The Life and Imagination of C.S. Lewis” by Alan Jacobs Listening: Evan Wickham – Above the Sky Archives:
 
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Hi Todd,
I really appreciate how you post the books you read. It’s inspiring and comforting. I heard C.J. Mahanney say once to read good books is to love God with your mind, and you’re a great example to follow. Have you read the Challies review on The Trellis today?
I just finished “Why We Love the Church” and thought it worth reading. Not every chapter sterling, but some shouldn’t be missed. Those guys are refreshing.
Yesterday I started “In the Face of God” by Michael Horton. I’ve heard a lot about him but this is my first book by him. The first chapter was pretty mind-blowing in a good way.
I’m also almost done with “Crazy Love” by Frances Chan. It’s very good. Again, not every chapter a great work, but worth the read. I’m pretty impressed with his passion.
Tim just read “Instruments in the Redeemer’s Hands” by Paul David Tripp. This is an excellent book for anyone dealing with people in conflict and sin.
We’d be willing to loan out any of the above books, and I don’t care if you mark them, or wear them, but I do want them back. (Doesn’t it seem like you always lose your favorite books because you want others to read them so badly?)
PS I gave the book you quoted from on Sunday to my son-in-law for Christmas. It’s funny, because he had just read the part on legalism and told me about it. Weird, huh?
So sorry, I could really get annoying in this post. But, I love books and love to talk about them. Just cut me off when you need to. One more. This is an excellent follow up to “Shepherding A Child’s Heart” by Tedd Tripp. It’s more for parents of teens, and is one of those books I so wish I’d read when my older kids were young. I had a lot of “Aha” moments, reading it, and wished I could do much of my parenting over.
“Age of Opportunity” by Paul David Tripp
“Age of Opportunity” by Paul David Tripp – thanks Michele, it’s now on my list.
Michele, I think we are officially Todd’s Blog groupies. Haha
I am going to have to come back to these recommendations later since I’m currently reading (and listening) to a few myself.
I actually tried to post on The City marketplace yesterday (or the day before?) looking for audiobooks for my commute. I have one I can lend out or trade that I highly recommend called “For Women Only” (CD) – got it from FamilyLife’s Weekend To Remember conference. It focuses on the differences between men and women and offers Christian advice for women.
Another recommendation: The Purpose Driven Life, by Rick Warren which is a popular devotional…chapter a day, which takes 20+ mins. Ever since I read that book, I look at life a little differently….it puts your focus on heaven and living to please God.
Hi Todd, Just read “The Faith” What we believe and why it`s important. By Chuck Colson ,good read -Jim
I am currently reading “The Magnificent Obsession” by Ann Graham Lotz. It is a study on the life of Abraham.A couple of devotinals I’m reading is the Narrated Bible in Chronological Order. Also the one year Christian History book. The mens study in the book of Acts has spawned an interest in the history of the church. I also just finished Going Rouge by Sara Palin. This book helped me see how politcs and the media really work and how her faith in Jesus saw her through.
Two books by Tozer:
and then to his bible. EXCELLENT!!
The Radical Cross – This will send the reader to his knees, (if I could get there)
The Mystery of the Holy Spirit – Learning to listen, and be taught by the Holy Spirit. Beautifully writen. EXCELLENT also!! Is there anything by Tozer that is not EXCELLENT?
Todd.. Couple suggestions for summer reading when on vacation.
1. Beyond The River/Ann Hagedorn
Story and life of Pastor John Rankin, and family in Ripley, Ohio. Placing a lantern each night for nearly forty years, to guide fugitive slaves to freedom beyond the river. At one time reading his bible, he asked the Lord to explain it to him. It was “the war before the war”
2. Born Fighting/Jim Webb (How the Scots – Irish shaped America.
Product of decades of research. It is the first book I have read, (reading now) that has chronicle the epic journey of these remarkable people. Story line staring before the Romans conquered England, to the present day here in America. They were a fighting bunch, they were… for what was right!
Blessings…
ps… I might of goofed, on sending two bloggs on these books… if so… sorry!
Hey guys… (err… girls and Todd so far)
I just finished “Total Church” by Tim Chester and Steve Timmis. Its a call to make the cross and community the focus of the local church. The chapters on “gospel centered community” were the highlight for me. Some of their ideas on minimizing theology and apologetics frustrated me, but over all a thought provoking read.
Ironically I am curently reading “Shepherding a Child’s Heart.” Its fantastic so far. Also trying to finish “Mortification of Sin” by Owen. It has been grueling but beneficial.
Anyone know any good books on the Eldership verse Overseer debate? I don’t want to read something that hasn’t been recommended. Good post Todd.
Currently reading “Prayer: Does it Make a Difference?” by Phillip Yancey – It’s more of a pilgrim’s journey to understand prayer than a theological treatise on the subject. I love his writing style – very conversational.
Just started “Total Church” by Tim Chester and Steve Timmis – so far, so good.
Recently read “The Tangible Kingdom” by Hugh Halter. Great book about bringing the church to the people. Definitely a fresh (some would say “radical”) look at opportunities for outreach.
Next on my list: “The Divine Conspiracy” by Dallas Willard about (as per the cover) the “true meaning of discipleship”. Three different people at church recommended this to me.
Mike and Jeff—”Total Church” sounds intriguing. I’ll have to check it out.
Mike–Biblical Eldership by Alexander Straugh is pretty thourough. You’d like it. I don’t own it any more, darn it, but do have the smaller condensed booklet on it. I’ll get it to you if you’re interested. Also, there’s a good re-write of Mortification that’s way more readable called “The Enemy Within”, I own it, but Steve has it now. Are you interested or do you want to finish the the original?
TW–I love Tozer and have never heard of those, they sound great.
Total Church is excellent. Todd – you have GOT to read it. Oh, wait…
Michelle- Tom gave me the new “Mortification”. I started to read it and now cant find it (there’s a lot of cluttered books in my house) so I will just finish the one I can find
Saw your Padres getting into their car at the market today. I continue to pray for them and their needs.
Do I smell a “Total Church” book club brewing?
What do you think about this advice from C.S. Lewis on the reading of old books vs. contemporary books? …
“Naturally, since I myself am a writer, I do not wish the ordinary reader to read no modern books. But if he must read only the new or only the old, I would advise him to read the old… A new book is still on trial and the amateur is not in a position to judge it. It has to be tested against the great body of Christian thought down the ages, and all its hidden implications have to be brought to light… It is a good rule, after reading a new book, never to allow yourself another new one till you have read an old one in between. If that is too much for you, you should at least read one old one to every three new ones…”
“It has to be tested against the great body of Christian thought down the ages”
Why? Is “old” thought better or more correct or more perfect than current thoughts? I think the only comparing needed is straight from the Word of God.
I disagree with him.
My group at work is starting “After God’s Own Heart.” by Mike Bickle. This will be interesting to read in conjunction with Duane’s series this month.
I shall stand away whilst Shauna is struck by lightening.
Oh, and thanks, Mike. I appreciate your speaking up for them. Thank you so much.
Shauna- I think What Lewis is saying (and correct me if im wrong) is that a “new” book is still untested. The great idea’s that it might be espousing could still, in the light of church history, be false or faulty.
I think about it similar to preachers. I love John Piper. I listen to his sermons and read his books. I look to him as an authority in the body of Christ. Yet, if he goes sideways before he dies, and starts preaching that Jesus isn’t God for example. Well then I will be forced to reconsider everything I learned from him and reject things that are false.
Church history is an important part of our Christian walk. Old “thoughts” have been tested by fire. The jury is still out on all “new” thoughts. And when in doubt I say go to the old ones. Hope that helps
Michele, haha!
It’s not that I don’t respect experienced wisdom…but I don’t put more value on it than, for example, the faith of a child….or a new christian. If what someone is expressing is biblically supported, that’s good enough for me. The Holy Spirit works through different types of people and I don’t think someone’s personal history should discredit what God has spoke through them.
I think what I didn’t like about Lewis’ quote is that he put so much importance on a specific opinion, that it should be required – like when Todd said he didn’t want to read Peretti because someone said he HAD to – by the way, his books are some of my favorites ever
Todd, How’s that Thornwell biography? =)
I read an excellent book this last year by Martyn Lloyd-Jones called “The All-Sufficient God: Sermons on Isaiah 40″. It portrayed so much of God’s glory in the Gospel, that why it became my favortie Lloyd-Jones book. If I could I would buy us all a copy. =)
Matt – The Thornwell bio has been interesting in that it is a time and a place that I’ve never read about before. I’m enjoying it.
And D.M.L.J has never disappointed, had he? I need to read vol.2 of his bio again sometime soon.
Nice. Glad to hear you’re enjoying the bio. And no, never been disappointed with the doctor. I just started vol. 1 of his bio, …I think I’m in love. haha
I agree with Lewis. Another benefit to an “old” book is that we have a pretty good idea of how the author, now deceased, finished the race.
Todd, thanks for posting the C.S. Lewis quote. Very wise advice from him and you were wise for posting it. Couple of wise guys.
Todd, im such a fan, i went and ordered a bunch of the books you are reading cause i want to be on the same page as you! ha luv ya.