Are you a READER?

I heard a statistic that says that the average college graduate reads less than 1 book a year after they graduate from college. That’s SAD! Someone once said that if you want to hide something from a black man, put it in a book! That challenged me! I read at least 3 books a month and have for the last 10 years.

In the next 5 years, there are 3 things that will shape you more than anything else:

1. The places you go.

2. The people you meet.

3. The books you read!

So, what are you reading? I want to encourage you to make time EVERYDAY to exercise your mind and read something. My pastor has a reading plan that I have adopted: out of 5 books, 3 of them will be personal or ministry development, 1 biography and then 1 for fun book. Mix it iup and keep your reading fresh and exciting.

If you want to know a few good books that you should start with, let me offer a few suggestions. Here are a few of my favorite books that I have read in the last few years. You should go to the book store and pick these up so you can have them for your own personal library!

1. Weird by Craig Groeschel – This is the last book I read and it was so challenging. Craig challenges Christians to stop trying to live what the world would say is a "Normal Life" and to live a life that would be considered "Weird". He encourages us to honor God in all that we do and in the way we live.

2. Spiritual Leadership by J. Oswald Sanders – Every year I take a group of leaders through this book. It is the BEST leadership book ever written!

3. Driven by Eternity by John Bevere – This book will put life into perspective for you. The decision you make at the cross will determine where you spend eternity, how you live your life will determine how you spend eternity.

4. Heavenly Man by Brother Yun – He will challenge you to learn what it really truly means to live for Jesus in the midst of persecution!

5. Visioneering by Andy Stanley – When Angie and I were leaving our last pastorate and didn’t know where we were going to go or what we were going to do, we read this book together. God used Andy’s words to bring us comfort and offer us direction at the critical time in our life. I remember one time, we were driving down the road and became so overwhelmed with what we were reading that we pulled over and cried and thanked God for his direction and provision!

6. The Principle of the Path by Andy Stanley – EVERY COLLEGE and YOUNG ADULT needs to read this! Andy challenges us to make wise decisions. He says, "your direction, not your intentions, will determine your destination"! It’s so true!! Many young people think they know where the road they are on is going to lead them. But the reality of the fact is… you don’t know what you don’t know. Listen to people who have already gone down the road you are on.

7. It’s Not About Me by Max Ludado – This book will help you realize just how selfish you really are!

8. The Life You’ve Always Wanted by John Ortberg – This is a book that will encourage, challenge and instruct you on how to live in a way that will bring you the life that you want. Most people want to have a great life, but are not willing to do what it takes in order to have a great life! It’s all about DISCIPLINE!

9. 23 Minutes in Hell by Bill Wiese – If you ever had doubts about hell, this book will put them to rest. And, you will be encouraged to live your life in a way that will ensure you and everyone that you love never have to worry about going there.

10. Becoming a Contagious Christian by Bill Hybels – This book is a challenge to raise your game when it comes to sharing your faith with other people.

Well, there you have it. 10 great books that I think you should read. I love these books and I hope you do to. Once you read them, hit me back and tell me what you thought.

Word…

Pastor Alex