SUMMER READING LIST

Every summer I, as a teacher, would assign books for my students to read over the summer. Some of the students saw this as pure torture, yet my purpose was to keep their minds working and focused on learning.

This summer I have created a summer reading list for myself. I love to read, but often find myself so busy with ministry, graduate classes, and family that I just don't take the time. So this summer I am committed to reading at least 4 books.

I began with Crazy Love by Francis Chan. This is a must read for every believer! Francis really reveals what our relationship with our Heavenly Father should be and so many of us have it all mixed up.

I am currently reading a book which I know has been very controversial, it is called The Shack. At one point I was with all those "anti" groups, but then I went to the next chapter and read the book as it was written ... fiction revealing in human terms God's desire for a relationship with us. At one point the main character realized that he cannot change on his own and the character of God replies, "“You can’t, not alone. But together we will watch that change take place. For now I just want you to be with me and discover that our relationship is not about performance or you having to please me. I’m not a bully, not some self-centered demanding little deity insisting on my own way. I am good, and I desire only what is best for you. You cannot find that through guilt or condemnation or coercion, only through a relationship of love. And I do love you.”

My summer reading all seems to be pointing me to one point: I need to dwell on my relationship with the Father. He desires my attention and I need to be completely devoted to my relationship with Him!