Month: March 2009

Book: “Confessions of a Pastor”

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confession-of-a-pastor1I just completed my second book this year by Craig Groeschel. My motto for the future is “if Craig writes it, I’ll read it.” Obviously, I like his writing. He is transparent, honest, humble, risky, raw, and sometimes downright hillarious!

In his book, Confessions of a Pastor, Craig makes several confessions that many of us could make. Although the book is a must read for any pastor wanting to improve, the book would help any believer trying to grow as a disciple of Christ.

Here are nine confessions from the book:

  1. I can’t stand a lot of Christians.
  2. I have to work hard to stay sexually pure.
  3. Most of the time I feel incredibly lonely.
  4. I hate prayer meetings.
  5. I worry almost all the time.
  6. Sometimes I doubt God.
  7. I feel completely inadequate.
  8. I stink at handling criticism.
  9. I’m afraid of failure.

Sound interesting? The chapters are even better than the titles. Go ahead, buy the book!

Go Ahead and Pray

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prayerI’m about half way through Craig Groeschel’s book, Confessions of a Pastor. I’ll review the book when I finish it as a part of my series of posts called 52 Books In 2009. But, I want to go ahead and share a few of Craig’s thoughts on prayer. Here are a couple of paragraphs from his chapter called, I Hate Prayer Meetings:

If you feel insecure about your faltering prayer life, I’ve got great news for you: God’s waiting. Right now. At this moment. He wants to reveal Himself to you, and He wants you to reveal your heart to Him.

Pray. Pray creatively, openly, honestly. Pray long. Pray short. Sigh. Sing. Dance. Cry. Shout. Pray in the morning. During the day and in the evening. Pray in the car, while working, while doing chores. Laugh with Him. Cry with Him. Experience His presence. Let your attitudes, thoughts, energy, focus, attention, desire, and love be directed toward the One who loves you. Like breathing air, allow moment-by-moment fellowship to become a way of life–starting this very moment. Go ahead. Commuicate.

I hope Craig’s words helps you as you think about prayer.

Benefits of Living a Life of Purpose

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rick-warren21A few years ago I had the privilege of attending a Purpose Driven Church Conference on the campus of Saddleback Church in southern California.  It was one of those rare, life-changing weeks that come along far too seldom.  The founding pastor, Rick Warren, has written two best-selling books.  His latest is called  “The Purpose Driven Life.” This book is designed to be read over a period of 40 days.  Each lesson is just a few pages long and requires time to digest.  On Day Three, Rick shares five great benefits of living a purpose-driven life:

1.  Knowing your purpose gives meaning to your life.  We were made to have meaning.  This is why people try dubious methods, like astrology or psychics, to discover it.  When life has meaning, you can bear almost anything; without it, nothing is bearable.

2.  Knowing your purpose simplifies your life.  If defines what you do and what you don’t do.  Your purpose becomes the standard you use to evaluate which activities are essential and which aren’t.  People who don’t know their purpose try to do too much–and that causes stress, fatigue, and conflict. (See Ordering Your Private World and A Leader’s Real Test for further thoughts along these lines).

3.  Knowing your purpose focuses your life.  It concentrates your effort and energy on what’s important.  You become effective by being selective.

4.  Knowing your purpose motivates your life.  Purpose always produces passion.  Nothing energizes like a clear purpose.

5.  Knowing your purpose prepares you for eternity.  Many people spend their lives trying to create a lasting legacy on earth.  They want to be remembered when they’re gone.  Yet, what ultimately matters most will not be what others say about your life, but what God says.

Book: “The Day Christ Died”

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I just wrapped up Jim Bishop’s 1957 book, The Day Christ Died. Bishop’s book traces the 24-hour period leading up to the death and burial of Jesus. While reading the book, I decided to preach a series of messages called “24”. See 24:Jesus for more information about the series.

The book was absolutely fascinating. I recommend it to any Christian wanting to know the details of Jesus’ final hours. The book also provides a good overview of the Roman and Jewish world in the Palestine region. I was especially intrigued to learn more about the individual characters involved in the closing 24-hour drama of Jesus’ life. I will warn you that the book is lengthy and takes a great deal of concentration as you read.

This is book 10 of 52 of my quest to read 52 books this year. For more information on this quest please see One Book Per Week = 52 or this series of posts.