I began reading Kerry and Chris Shook’s book, One Month to Live, with really high expectations. I noticed that the book was a New York Times bestseller, so I expected the book to “bring it” and to wow me along the way. Although I enjoyed the book and found it helpful, it did not live up to my lofty expectations. Some of the strengths of the book were the quotes at the beginning of each section along with the solid Biblical truths about living our lives with intentionality and focus on the things of God.

I guess I found the book to be strong on inspiration, but weak on information. More “how to” instructions are needed to help the reader accomplish the subtitle, A No-Regrets Life. I do recommend that you read the book. Please let me know what you think about the book when you finish.

I decided to reread one of my favorite books written by Erwin McManus, The Barbarian Way. In my opinion, the book really targets men. You can sense it from the beginning with the title and the subtitle, The Barbarian Way: Unleash the Untamed Faith Within. See this post for earlier comments about the book.

One of my favorite stories in the book is the story about his son jumping off the roof. Here’s the story:

Early one evening Kim and I were in the front yard (of their two-story home) when all of a sudden, we heard a little voice calling for us from the roof. As soon as Kim saw him her nurturing instinct kicked in, and she started commanding him to get back inside. I have to admit I was kind of proud of him right then, but what he did next totally surprised me.

Looking past his mom, he asked me if he could jump. When Aaron shouted, “Dad, can I jump?” Kim answered on my behalf, “No, you can’t jump. Get back inside.” As if he hadn’t heard anything at all, he asked me again, “Dad, can I jump?” Now I know what I was supposed to do. A dad is never supposed to override the mom (I’m working on it). I’m just telling you what really happened. After all, he did ask me. I answered, “Yeah, go ahead.”

He said, “Really?” I said, “Yeah, sure. Go ahead and jump.” Kim looked at me as if I was out of my mind and asked, “What do you think you’re doing?” In a sort of explanation I asked Aaron, “Aaron, are you going to jump sometime?” He said, “Yeah, I think so.” I said, “Okay, I’d rather have you jump now so if you jump and break your legs, we can take you to the hospital.” It made perfect sense to me.

He responded, “Dad, do you think I’ll make it?” I said, “Oh, yeah, you’ll make it.” If I knew one thing for certain, it was that he would reach the ground. I just wasn’t sure in what condition. He said, “Okay, I’m going to jump.” I had one suggestion before he took off. I said, “Hey, buddy, try to clear the concrete and land on the grass. It’s softer.” He thought that was a good idea, stepped as far back as he could on the roof, and began running to jump. Just before his first step he yelled, “Dad, catch me,” and I said, “I’ll try.” And he jumped.

I almost caught him. It was so close. He just slipped right through my hands. I think I did slow his fall a little bit. In either case, he’s recovered well since then. I’m just kidding. He was fine. (Don’t try this at home.)

These paragraphs gives you a good feel for the book. It is a short, easy read that will likely help you to start dreaming big once again!

I 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!

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.