Stephen C. Rice

I just completed a Mark Batterson book that rocked my world called In A Pit With A Lion On A Snowy Day. The book revolves around the story of Benaiah, a brave man found in the book of 2 Samuel. Benaiah ultimately became King David’s body guard largely because of a series of courageous acts. One time, armed only with a club, he killed a great Egyptian warrior who was armed with a spear. He also killed two of Moab’s mightiest warriors, but the book focuses on his encounter with a lion. He literally chased a lion into a pit on a snowy day and killed it.

This book challenges the reader to have a similar approach to following Jesus. Batterman seeks to model this approach in his life and he “chased one of his lions” in 1996 when he planted National Community Church in Union Station.

I highly recommend this book to every Jesus follower. The book reminded me somewhat of The Barbarian Way by Erwin McManus which also challenges believers to show courage in their walk with Christ. Listen to these quotes from Batterson’s book:

“Maybe we should stop asking God to get us out of difficult circumstances and start asking Him what He wants us to get out of those difficult circumstances.”

“Worship is forgetting about what’s wrong with you and remembering what’s right with God.”

“The more you’re willing to risk, the more God can use you. And if you’re willing to risk everything, then there’s nothing God can’t do in you and through you.”

This is book 4 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.

In his book, Practicing Greatness, Reggie McNeal explores seven disciplines of extraordinary spiritual leaders. He believes that spiritual leaders “practice greatness” when they practice these seven disciplines. Although his book can benefit any believer who is striving to improve, McNeal mainly targets spiritual leaders.

The book is well written and on target, but don’t expect clever words or catchy phrases. McNeal takes a straightforward approach to a discussion of the importance of the following seven disciplines for spiritual leaders:

1. Self-awareness
2. Self-mangagement
3. Self-development
4. Mission
5. Decision-making
6. Belonging
7. Aloneness

This is book 3 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.

I just finished John Ortberg’s book, The Life You’ve Always Wanted. I wish I had found this book when it was first written back in 1997 because I’m confident that it will influence my Christian walk throughout the rest of my life. Simply put, THIS IS A MUST READ!

In the book, Ortberg talks about the need for every Christian to experience real life change–transformation into the likeness of Christ. He explains that spiritual transformation comes through the practice of spiritual disciplines. Although there are many possible spiritual disciplines, Ortberg deals with the following ten: Celebration, Slowing, Prayer, Servanthood, Confession, Receiving Holy Spirit Guidance, Secrecy, Reflection on Scripture. Well-ordered heart, and Suffering

I can hardly wait to begin practicing these disciplines with this new understanding. Well, I’ve started on books three, four, and five. Stay tuned!

I am attempting to read a book-a-week in 2009 for a total of 52 books. The book I completed first is called 90 Minutes In Heaven. In this book, Don Piper recounts the tragic car accident that left him dead for an hour and a half.  During this time, the Southern Baptist minister tells about his experience in Heaven.

Piper’s description of Heaven is fascinating and believeable. Nothing from his experience seems to contradict the Bible’s description of Heaven, but his account does shed new light on Heaven.

The book reminded me that our loved ones who were believers are in a far better place that is beyond our earthly comprehension and understanding. What a beautiful place Heaven must be! The next book I am reading is The Life You’ve Always Wanted by John Ortberg.