My wife made an interesting comment to me tonight. She told me that I was becoming quite the reader lately. That is a true statement. I have been reading a lot of books lately. That got me to thinking about that.
When I was younger, I was an avid reader. I could read a book from cover to cover in one sitting. As I got older, and started driving and working, my reading of books waned, dare I say it even stopped completely. Oh I would read the newspaper everyday, but that was the extent of my reading.
When I started my ISOM (Illinois School of Ministry) classes in January, I had to read a text book and take tests from the pages that I had read. I started soaking that information up. I realized that if I am going to be a pastor, I want to be one of the most informed. So I started picking up other materials to read. Other Christian books, to help along my journey towards being a pastor.
I'm not talking like other educational books. I mean like Christain authors like Corrie Ten Boom, Toby Mac, and even Albert Pujols! I have been reading these books to see how great God has been in their lives. It gives me encouragement to see what God has done for them. The struggles that He has pulled them out of. The bad situations, the horror of certain situations. God was there amongst it all!
I read my Bible everyday! I get up early in the morning to do so. My day just isn't right, if I don't start it that way! Besides the Bible, I am reading Crazy Love by Francis Chan, and the Five Love Languages by Gary Chapman. I want to be well rounded with good Christian influences, when I start my ministry!
Of course I am going to rely on God to give me the word, to deliver to the people. I would just like to have some other information to fall back on. Other stories to tell about how great God is!
I praise You Lord, for these Christian authors and the work that they are putting out! GOD Bless!!
now that is good stuff! i have been finding this to be true of myself since starting classes as well!
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