Reading List: The Fall '16

Any time that you have spent on my blog (Thank You) and you will see that I love books. In fact, at times I'm still bewildered at my love for books because up until the time of Jesus calling me to Himself, I never enjoyed reading. I did it because I had to, but never really did any reading on my own and outside of the classroom. In fact, before my conversion the only books I had ever come to enjoy were Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger, In Cold Blood by Truman Capote, Cinderella Man by Jeremy Schaap, and Nothing's Sacred by Lewis Black. 

As a new Christian, I learned that I could read quickly and retain the content well. I thoroughly enjoy reading my Bible and journaling my thoughts, prayers, and process. During my infancy of my walk with the Lord I began to ask what other people were reading and I was presented with a few decent books here and there--a few that I wouldn't recommend, but the more I read and ask questions, the more I began to dive deeper into theology and its application as it relates to life today, not merely the study of it. 

Today, I thought I would hook you up with the "Fall 16" reading list (in no particular order). These are books that I have either already read this year or books that I will be reading as the end of the year approaches. I have been greatly inspired by many of these books and their authors and am eager to get to the pages of others; hope you enjoy. 

1. Dangerous Calling: Confronting the Unique Challenges of Pastoral Ministry by Paul David Tripp
I first read this book a few years ago while living in Denton, TX and it simply convicted the crap out of me. Paul Tripp not only gives light to the realities of pastoral ministries, but the temptations that many pastoral leaders battle as a result of the pressure put on them by themselves or others in addition the dangerous places leaders go when they step away from accountability and the preaching of the gospel to themselves.

2. Gospel Eldership: Equipping a New Generation of Servant Leaders by Robert H. Thune
I read this book earlier this summer and absolutely fell in love with it. It was deeply convicting to me as a pastor and leader; journaling and following through with the exercises help me tremendously. Bob Thune essentially breaks down the call to pastoral ministry by providing scriptural references that provide a start to what is to come and then he challenges (or encourages) you by asking questions that force you to evaluate your heart on your life, marriage, and leadership in light of the gospel. I'm not walking through this with several other men and it's been very fruitful. 

3. A Theology of Biblical Counseling by Heath Lambert
I stated reading this book a few weeks ago and so far it's a great read because as the title suggest, it's a walk through of counseling from a biblical perspective with sound doctrine. I think many have picked up books on counseling by christian authors and they're essentially self-help books or pockets of good advice absent of the gospel. Lambert makes the argument that counseling is a theology and by expanding on it's biblical implications we can better serve others who are in need. 

4. The Doctrine of Repentance by Thomas Watson
I will be the first to confess, I am horrible at repenting. By this, I mean, I struggle with setting time aside and actually repentant. When I drop the ball, I aim to quickly resolve the situation but am also genuine about it. However, I am quick to forget about repentance; it's like Catholic guilt--working off my sin which isn't' biblical. This book has helped me dive into the depth that is repentance and how it relates to my relationship with the Lord and as Watson argues is a means of grace. 

5. Holiness by J.C. Ryle
I have not started this book yet, but J.C. Ryle is a beast. He was a bishop in Liverpool during the 19th century and into the early 20th century and had a good reputation with the working class. What I have loved about his writing from articles or blurbs is that he's incredibly systematic--by this, I mean that his thoughts are well organized and detailed coupled with truth and grace. I love that in a person because it shows that they're not one or the other. Many who are systematic can be cold and abrupt and many who are only warm and gracious tend to shy away from the truth. J.C. Ryle is a great example of both gifts. 

6. Taking God At His Word by Kevin DeYoung
I recently wrote a review on Kevin's book. You can check it out here. In short, it's a great quick read that covers the doctrines of the sufficiency, clarity, authority, and necessity of scripture in a manner that is both simple and practical, but also weighty enough that if you choose to further study these doctrines, he provides sources. 

7. Experiencing the Trinity: The Grace of God for the People of God by Joe Thorn
I wrote a review on this book a few months back, you can check it out here. In short, I'm a big fan of Joe Thorn and what I love about his books is that he writes them in the form of a devotion--short and to the point regarding the topic at hand so that you can rest and meditate on what you just read. 

8. Manhood Restored: How the Gospel Makes Men Whole by Eric Mason
Dr. Mason makes a great point when he says that there isn't enough written about men and the gospel--if there were, the problem with prolonged adolescence would be fixed. I couldn't agree more. Dr. Mason's book is a great exhortation to men who find themselves lost in their adolescence at age 28. In other words, you're not a kid anymore! However, there are some things that we must consider before jumping on some of these "boys who can shave." There is real hurt and struggle-Dr. Mason provides great insight on the gospel as it relates to the whole man.

9. Friend of Sinners: An Approach to Evangelism by Harvey Turner
I do not have the gift of evangelism. I can evangelize, but evangelism is a struggle for me. Harvey Turner's new book is a must have because he is creating what he has told me to be a "gospel ruckus." This book was very challenging to me in light of evangelism to where it challenged me to step out in some areas and also reassured me that I'm doing okay in others. If evangelism is an area where you struggle with, I highly recommend it. Review coming out next month. 

10. The Valley of Vision: A Collection of Puritan Prayers and Devotions by Arthur Bennett
Right now, this is my go-to book for prayer and meditation. I love hearing stories of the Puritans and their prayer life; I'm envious because I wish to have a deep life of devotion and prayer. The Valley of Vision is an excellent source for extended prayer and learning on what more to pray on and how to pray.  

11. Spiritual Disciplines for the Christian Life by Donald Whitney
I'm currently reading this book and I am loving it. It looks a little intimidating because it's a little thick, but rest assured Donald Whitney keeps you engaged on the importance of Spiritual Disciplines and what they actually are (the reading of God's Word, prayer, etc.). While I haven't finished it, I highly recommend you pick up a copy because it deeply convicting and a helpful reminder of what we as Christians do what we do; it's not random but purposeful. 

12. A Meal with Jesus: Discovering Grace, Community, and Mission Around the Table by Tim Chester
I haven't started this book yet, but have been wanting to read it for some time. I found it at a Half Price books while in Dallas and immediately picked it up. I have read a few excerpts from the chapters in this books and they've been encouraging, especially for our missional community. Essentially, Chester's argument is that sharing a meal together is not only missional but theological--an important part of Christian fellowship. 

13. Morning and Evening by Charles Haddon Spurgeon
C.H. Spurgeon is one of my favorite theologians and as soon as I learned about him, I picked up everything I could. Morning and evening is an absolutely wonderful devotional. It takes you through the entire year and you read an excerpt in the morning and the another in the evening before going to bed. The purpose is to rest, apply, and meditate on the grace of God throughout our life; the daily. 

14. Am I Called? The Summons to Pastoral Ministry by Dave Harvey
I wrote a book review on this book several months ago, you can check it out here. This book was one of my favorites on pastoral leadership and ministry. In fact, I had my interns read through it and then submit a response. I think one of the most valuable chapters, to me, comes at the end where Harvey argues that a man waiting for a call is not a man sitting still. I think that's deeply profound especially after he's expanded on the biblical qualifications for men in pastoral leadership/ministry. 

15. Kingdom Come by Sam Storms
I just got this book in the mail the other day and I'm pretty excited about it. I'm a big Sam Storms fan and have had the privilege of meeting him a few times and he's absolutely gracious and kind. This book came as a recommendation that I saw on Joe Thorns Facebook page on the eschatology (the end times). In the past, I've held a very simple position on my perspective of eschatology and that is that one day Christ will return. Truthfully, I still hold that that perspective and I also wish to grow a deeper and better understanding of eschatology and I think this book will provide that insight. 

16. Adopted for Life: The Priority of Adoption for Christian Families and Churches by Russell Moore
Russell Moore is such a great write and a great representative of the Christian Faith. I love his books and there's actually one I've read that isn't mentioned here (maybe another post), but Adopted for Life is one I'm very excited to dive into because my wife and I are passionate about adoption. Our story is that we are not able to have biological kids, but God has provided us with a vibrant and amazing son (Chango) and we look to adopt more kids in our future as our family grows. For me, when I first understood what adoption meant it was like the gospel was even more crystal clear. I think this is going to be a fantastic book on the subject of adoption. My wife and I along with a few other friends are looking to raise awareness on adoption this fall in addition to starting a ministry of adoption in our church early next year. 

That's all I have. It's lengthy but I hope it helps! What have you read this year? Any books on your list before the year ends? Comment below!

Finances: The Scary "F" Word

Earlier this spring, my wife and I taught a 5-week class on marriage covering topics from communication to finances. The class had a great turnout with plenty of interaction and discussion. At the end of our time, we invited all who spoke and taught for a Q&A session followed by asking the class to give us feedback on their experience. We had a great response and one area that received a lot of attention was the discussion on finances.

Finances are a big deal and if we do not steward them well we can find ourselves in the result of some poor decisions that will inevitably affect our lives and the lives of those around us. In light of that, I wanted to give you 3 practical approaches to finances. In the weeks to follow, I will flesh out better details in each of these areas as I prepare to teach a class on Finance and the Gospel. My hope is to help you set a few easy goals and to challenge you in light of the gospel. 

Before starting, reflect on this question as you read this post: What is it that you value?

VALUE

As we think about what we value, we should quickly come to find where our heart lies. Money is a gift that we have been given to steward and while that carries responsibility, it can be very liberating. Consider what Jesus says about money and our hearts:

“Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. The eye is the lamp of the body. So, if your eye is healthy, your whole body will be full of light, but if your eye is bad, your whole body will be full of darkness. If then the light in you is darkness, how great is the darkness! No one can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and money.” (Matthew 6:19-24)

Further, consider Awake by Mumford and Sons where they sing "and where you invest your love you invest your life." Money is a gift and reminder of what Jesus has done for us in our lives therefore our heart must not rest in how much we make or what's in savings, but in the person and work of Jesus. 

Here are 3 practical things to think through regarding money and the gospel: 

GIVE

Giving is a response to the grace we have received so be sure to give generously and sacrificially. Tithing is not just a command, but an evaluation of our heart. When Jesus calls us to give to the church money that's already His, He's asking you to put to death your selfish desires. It's not about giving enough to stay holy, but giving to be more like Jesus.

Jesus gave the ultimate sacrifice by voluntarily dying in our place for our sins. When we give, it's not just because we can, but because we have been given so much more. 

My friend and pastor Mike used to work for a big-time medical equipment company and was making serious bank and several months ago he left that line of work to plant a church taking a significant pay cut. When I asked him what he's learned over the past few months when it's come to money he said, "if you have it, give it away. One day you'll have it and the next you won't so be sure to give it away-no strings."

After tithing to our church, paying our bills, and saving a little, my wife and I pray about how much to set aside so we can give away--whether to bless someone or when an unexpected emergency comes up for our friends and family, we can help. 

“Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.” (2 Corinthians 9:7)

SAVE and SPEND

This section is an entire blog post on it's own, but for the sake of time and length, here's what I'll say...

On saving: be sure to stash money on the side whether it's $10 or $100 a month. Make a plan and be consistent (monthly automatic transfers are the best here). As you save, be sure to keep your savings with an open hand (remember giving generously and sacrificially). When you open a savings account, you're making a wise decision and we must remember the gospel in light of our wisdom--keep an open hand. 

On spending: be sure to spend with wisdom and intentionality. A good idea is asking what you value tangibly. Money is a gift from God and the reality is that God hooks us up with good gifts. Gifts are not a sin.

So, what's your thing? For example, my wife and I love to travel and we intend to spend intentionally for trips we take. For us, this means saying "no" to a lot of things when we're home so that we can afford to save money for trips. An individual value for me are cigars. I say "no" to beer and eating out because to me, cigars are way better. Figure out what your thing is and spend wisely.

BUDGET and DEBT

Much like saving and spending, this will probably be its own post at some point and before jumping in, here's what you need to know about budget and debt: they're results of what you've been consistent in (spending or saving). 

On budget: budgeting is your reminder that this is real life. In fact, we should take this time to remember the great theologian Mike Tyson when he said "everyone has a plan until they're punched in the face."

When you begin to budget: (1) make a plan on what you need to spend and your goal for savings, (2) be consistent, and (3) life happens. Sometimes, the money you've been saving to go to New York needs to be used because of an unexpected emergency or circumstance. Remember that savings is an open hand. 

On debt: to the best of your ability, avoid debt. I'm talking about debt that comes from a lack of wisdom. In other words, you spend money compulsively, don't set goals, and think savings are for those who don't want to live life. Here's the truth about debt: (1) debt restricts giving, (2) debt can show a lack of trust in God; that He doesn't give you everything you need, and (3) it ties up or restricts movement for the future.

CONCLUSION

Money is an awesome gift that comes with serious responsibility; it can quickly go from being a gift to god. Value is just as important so we shouldn't begin with what our tangibles are rather with who Jesus is. Begin with the beauty and freedom of the gospel; obey and serve because you have first been loved.

As you begin to pray for wisdom and guidance, make a plan and set small goals about your future and Jesus will provide for you--not always monetarily, but you'll be taken care of and your eyes will be on Him because at the end of the day, that's the whole point. 

Recommended Reading: Money: God or Gift? by Jamie Munson

Book Review: Taking God At His Word by Kevin DeYoung

Kevin DeYoung is becoming one of my most enjoyable authors. This year, I have read two of his books (this being the second) and I simply enjoy his content and structure. Earlier this summer, I reviewed Just Do Something and thoroughly enjoyed it. If you'd like to read that review before jumping into this one, then click HERE. 

One of my favorite things about Kevin is that he is very clear about what you should expect out of his books. Much like his other books, he doesn't stray from that in this one. In the opening pages, he tells you exactly what this book is going to be about and where you'll be parked most of your time. I chose to read this book because I'll be teaching a class in October on "Understanding the Bible" at Logos Community Church and recently, several people have surrendered their lives to Jesus in addition to having many Christians who just began their walk with the Lord a few months ago. This class will serve a great start at opening their bible because for a new believer, the Word of God can be quite intimidating on top of not knowing where to begin. 

My first impression of this book was that Kevin was going to expand on the subject matter of my class--an easy way to understand the Bible and he doesn't quite start there. In fact, in the opening chapter he tells his readers to not expect deep theological content or bible study plans and content. Instead, he begins with Psalm 119; serving as the crux of the book in an effort to paint a picture of an individual is completely in love with the word of God and His law. I absolutely loved this! It forced me to slow down my previous notions because he is essentially beginning with the gospel and his intention is to get you to capture the joy that is found in God's Word because it was God who breathed it out (2 Timothy 3:16). 

Once he establishes and reminds you of the gospel as the foundation for this book, then he goes on expand on the doctrines of the sufficiency of Scripture, the clarity of Scripture, the authority of Scripture, and the necessity of Scripture (SCAN). What I enjoyed about his explanation on each of these doctrines is that they were clear and easy to understand while at the same time providing some challenging thoughts to process and opportunity for the reader to dive deeper into the meaning. 

Remember, I read this book to determine if it was good content for a class filled with several new believers. For some, I believe the content will be just the right amount--confirming their thoughts on the Word of God or helping them to better understand Spiritual Disciplines because they hunger for God. For others, it will serve the previously mentioned reason and will open doors to further education as they walk faithfully with the Lord. 

What About Grudem's Systematic Theology? 

Elliot Grudem's edited version of his fathers book, Systematic Theology is definitely a great book. I think everyone should own a copy because it's clear, concise, and appropriate for a doctrine class. I decided not to go with Grudem on this class for two reasons: 

(1) the content available by Grudem can be very intensive and many not be a great place for our people to start. Many of them do not come from a church background, much less had set foot in church before. I don't want to overload them.

(2) While I love Grudem's book, it does jump right into information regarding doctrine rather than beginning with the gospel. Again, our class is filled where the majority have heard the gospel for the first time several months ago; they're still on milk. In fact, our first day of class will simply be a preaching of the gospel as our foundation. I'm looking (not dismissing Grudem) to see transformation in light of the gospel not simply information provided. 

Final Thoughts

If you find yourself wanting to check out a short read with great insight and enough depth that may leave you desiring more, then I definitely recommend Taking God At His Word. It will be a great reminder to the truth that is the gospel and it will be a great encouragement to you in light of evaluating where you stand--is the Bible enough? Check the book out and tell me what you think. 

Recommended Reading: Just Do Something and Taking God At His Word by Kevin DeYoung; 20 Christian Beliefs by Wayne and Elliot Grudem; Systematic Theology by Wayne Grudem. 

Review: Cigar Saveur | September 2016

September is upon us and the first of the month is like Christmas to me because I get a box of really good cigars. To many, it doesn't sound like much, but to me it means that at some point during the day whether it's while I'm working on a project and taking a break, I'm going to have a really good stick to smoke. 

Now, many may soon come to find out that I live in the great country of Texas (south Texas to be exact) and it gets hot here. Really hot. So, it's true, Texans have to find creativity when it comes to smoking cigars. My method was simple: I have a small private gym and we recently bought a big fan--an industrial one. All I'm saying is that it saves lives.

For me, having that big fan over a cold drink and good smoke makes all the difference. 

La Herencia Cubana The Core
Alec Bradley Prensado
Joya de Nicaragua Antano 1970
Warped La Colmena

Here they are. The September 4. Before moving forward, if you're new or wonder why I promote Cigar Saveur, well it's because they provide excellent cigars at affordable prices. And if you're raising your eye brow on the curiosity of just how excellent they are, check out my previous reviews: June | July | August

However, there's only so much to say when it comes to receiving a great box of cigars so I'm looking to you for feedback: would you like to get simple and clear reviews on the cigars from Cigar Saveur? If so, let me know and I'll do it because I love helping others out--especially if you're new to the cigar world. 

As for the September 4 cigars, if you're asking me which to start with, I would very much encourage you to go with the Alec Bradley Prensado. It's a great stick; rich with lots of flavor output (right from the first draw) and plenty of smoke. You can't go wrong with a Prensado. 

Generation Adulting

When I was a kid, my mom used to have me make my bed a certain way every morning. The sheets under the comforter had to be tucked in and the pillows needed to be aligned neatly. The comforter had to be even on all sides and any additional pillows needed to be aesthetically pleasing. This was every single morning, including weekends. I hated it. 

Today, I have my son make his bed a certain way starting with his sheets and pillows followed by the aesthetics of the comforter and additional pillows. He does this every single morning at 6:00 (including weekends). Maybe my mom was a little OCD (or maybe I am), but here's one big lesson I am teaching my son that I was taught: responsibility. To many in my generation, this is a scary word and I am frankly tired of hearing about it. 

I remember cooking my own breakfast when I was in the 4th grade and by cooking, I mean taking out ingredients and putting them together to make a dish not pouring cereal in a bowl. I remember dusting and mopping our house and I vividly remember working on my Uncle's ranch, waking up in the early parts of the morning to feed all of the animals and handling several other chores. Today, my son cooks his own breakfast and washes his dishes and knows how to cut certain kinds of meat. 

This isn't a post about manhood (though it can be) and this isn't a post to suggest how awesome my mom is (even though she's pretty legit). This isn't even about how much cooler my 11 year old is than you. This is about adulthood and responsibility. 

It saddens me that we have established a word that defines the difficulty of ordinary life: adulting. "Adulting" is defined as "doing grown up things and hold responsibilities." Unfortunately, this term is not only comical, but accepted. While some may think that I am strict with my son on making a bed, the truth is I'm providing him with a job that entails responsibility. I really don't care if he makes his bed when he has his own home and family, but I do care about how he handles responsibility. 

The word "responsibility" doesn't scare him because it's an expectation; whether as a son or student. He understands that work ethic in the ordinary helps to develop him. He said he wants his first job in high school to be at In-N-Out because the burgers are amazing (which they are!). When you read through the general responsibilities on working at a restaurant, they include bussing tables, washing dishes, taking out the trash, and wiping tables down. What do you think he does when he's at home? Responsibility at home creates ownership. 

He wants to be a writer when he grows up so what does he do? Read. He loves to read books and this past year made it to the Multi-Million Word club at school for reading so many books. Responsibility doesn't scare this young man. Yet, there are boys and girls who are in their 20's and 30's who have no idea how to live in the ordinary. Sure, let's blame our parents for not being there and not being enough or point fingers elsewhere, but before doing that, remember you're an adult now. You don't have time to blame mom or dad because the eggs you're cooking are about to burn and you can't pay your light bill in complaints.

We've come so far with technology and communication that we are utterly self absorbed. If you're ready to write me off, save your energy and figure out how to wash your laundry. If you're pissed off at me, then relax by learning to clean your bathroom (please). 

I know far too many husbands who use "date night" as an excuse to take their wives out to dinner every night but forget to budget and balance their checking account. Way to go, bro. 

I know wives who live in homes that are filled with dirty clothes and sinks filled with dishes and complain about being tired after doing one load of laundry. Seriously? 

While I have appreciated the compliments about my son being a little man by many, I'm often confused and asking myself why is that impressive? It's what he's supposed to do. The ordinary is now supernatural.

Have we allowed the pride of our accomplishments to antiquate every day responsibility? 

If you think the mentioned examples are domestic activities then stop wondering why you're single or your wife is fed up.

My brother David once told me, "the older you get, the more responsibility you have." Friends, instead of complaining, do something. And if you don't know how then ask and learn so that you can then teach others. Mom and dad aren't here anymore to clean up after you. YOU wanted this so step up to the plate.