One More Year End List
I am both a list maker and a list reader. Lists summarize information into small manageable units for quick access and organization. Most will agree, for example, that following a list in the grocery store aids in staying on track with finances and time. Also, recording expenses helps to shed light on spending areas still in need of tweaking. In addition, documenting sermon highlights in brief bullet-points can assist an aging memory in quickly retrieving key points for consideration and personal application. One of my most important lists is the daily To-Do. This list gives shape and structure to my day. Reading the Bible and other good books always appear on that daily agenda. God is consistently faithful in providing the right resources to supplement His Word and enhance my understanding of biblical truth.
As I reflect on a few lists this last day of the year and offer a prayer of thanks to the Lord for gifted authors and His continued goodness and faithfulness in all things, here is one last list of some of my noteworthy books of 2011. What books made your list this year?
- The MacArthur Daily Bible
- Daily Readings from the Life of Christ – Vol. 3 by John MacArthur
- The Valley of Vision by Arthur Bennett & Max McLean
- Expository Listening by Ken Ramey
- The Mystery of Providence by John Flavel
- Triumphing Over Sinful Fear by John Flavel
- Overcoming Sin and Temptation by John Owen
- The Next Story – Life and Faith After the Digital Explosion by Tim Challies
- Practicing Affirmation by Sam Crabtree
- The Masculine Mandate – God’s Calling to Men by Richard D. Phillips
- Faithful Women and Their Extraordinary God by Noel Piper
- What is The Gospel by Greg Gilbert
- The Unwavering Resolve of Jonathan Edwards by Steven Lawson
- Wrestling With An Angel – A Story of Love, Disability and the Lesson of Grace by Greg Lucas
- Dug Down Deep by Joshua Harris
Happy New Year and Happy Reading!
January 3, 2012 at 9:00 pm
kathy, did that book on Edwards, The Unwavering Resolve of Jonathan Edwards, function more as a biography or did it focus on the actual resolutions of Edwards. looks like an interesting read.
January 4, 2012 at 8:31 pm
Hi Andrew,
The author includes a fair amount of biographical information while spotlighting and detailing Edward’s seventy resolutions. The book isn’t lengthy, but definitely a worthwhile introduction to this deeply devout pastor/teacher/husband/father who was passionate in pursuing holiness through rigorous spiritual and personal disciplines.
January 4, 2012 at 12:31 pm
That’s a great list of books! I’ve had my eye on “Practicing Affirmation” ever since I read about it on Desiring God. I probably should put it on my 2012 list.
January 4, 2012 at 8:45 pm
Thanks Luma,
It was a great read, although deeply convicting. In fact, it is still an ongoing challenge to find and affirm the commendable in those most difficult to love, but praise the Lord for His strength to persevere in love.
I hope this book makes your short list.
January 5, 2012 at 8:30 pm
Kathy, I enjoyed some of those same books this past year (some on your recommendation). I was thoroughly challenged by
Overcoming Sin and Temptation. The Next Story was also a great read. Dug Down Deep was another I enjoyed
Other good books from 2011. . .
The Mission of the Church – Gilbert and DeYoung
Faithful Pilgrim (John Bunyan Bio)
Einstein (bio) – Walter Isaacson
A Hunger for God – Piper
Worship Matters – Kauflin
Him We Proclaim – Johnson
Theodore Rex (Roosevelt bio) – Edmund Morris
Daniel, NIV Application Commentary – Tremper Longman
What Did You Expect – Tripp
The Bondage and Liberation of the Will – Calvin
**I was really into biographies this year I guess
January 7, 2012 at 11:03 am
Dan,
Thanks for sharing some of the books on your list. It is always encouraging and informative to hear about the good books that are inspiring others.
Recently, I purchased The Mission of the Church and am eager to begin it. Both of the authors seem to have a real desire for Christ’s church to be grounded biblically in the many important issues confronting it.
January 5, 2012 at 9:10 pm
Dan, how was the Einstein bio and what made you pick that to read? That’s great that you read so many bios. I need to do more reading in that category.
January 7, 2012 at 10:16 am
Hey Andrew! I just saw the title in Al Mohler’s reading list and it seemed interesting. Of course his list was about 120 books in one month. I’ve heard both Evangelicals and Atheists claim Einstein, and this book seemed to give some honest clarity to the point.