Number one is Stories from Japan by Al Hammond. He is now a professor at SJCC San Juan Christian College. He lives as a missionary in Japan for about 17 years after World War 2. He give precious insight into the Japanese people and their culture and their ability to embrace Christianity. We see the hardships and the funny stories along the way. He being the professor emeritus of Missions at SJCC, I think it is renamed William Jessup University now, has beautifully worked in some interesting principles regarding Missions and the philosophy of that time. It is interesting to see the way missionaries from other cultures and languages all wrestled with the idea of raising an indigenous church and then handing it off. I like that idea but I am not so sure that is what I have been called to. Pastor Travis says he is here until the Lord comes again. I don't know if I am that sure either. I am where the Holy Spirit has led me to be. If I fix my eyes on a time limit then I get two reactions. One; "Oh know I don't have much time quick shove the gospel down their throat and let's plant a church." The other reaction is like when I was in the military and I so wanted to go home that I got a really bad attitude. I would cry short any time a detail would come up. "Hey we need your help?" I'd sing, "SHORT!" meaning, I don't care and what's the point of getting involved when your just going to turn and leave. Why bother? So I don't like either of those attitudes. I want to be where God leads and stay there as long as he wants. The book is a pleasant read with many facts on Japan and also insight into our Lord Jesus and how much he loves the Japanese people. You can email Dr Hammond at "Alvin Hammond"
The next book is "LOVE" by Pastor Chuck Smith. The Universe has been created by a Loving God. He has redeemed a sinful mankind so that he can enjoy the pleasure of Loving us. He extends a hand of forgiveness and love to a dying and rebellious world. Pastor Chuck challenges us to look at the Love of God. My favorite quote is on page 171 that says, "Serving the Lord always follows loving the Lord."
I tried for years to serve the Lord out of duty and loyalty. It wasn't until after my First son's death and my daughters Heart transplant that I came to just give up on the works to prove my love and to just love the Lord. I have been seeking to just hangout with Jesus and walk in his Holy Spirit each day and he totally leads and directs me. I still don't listen from time to time...okay much of the time but I have found a greater joy in serving God not our of responsibility or out of duty to the Church and my Redeemer, which are noble causes and reasons worth serving for. But When I just simply fell in love with Jesus and sought his heart my days of serving became a lighter burden. People would put trips on me and say I should do this or that. I'd just pray and seek the heart of Jesus and if I didn't like it and all I didn't do it. It made people who feel they have God in a box very upset with me. Some even spread rumors. Love covers a multitude of sin. Not just one time but many times over and over. Just focus on Loving Jesus and then serve. It's a great way to not get the cart before the horse. Pastor Chuck is so articulate in explaining the complex very simply. This book is a great read that when re-read will feed your soul many times over. You can get it in the Chapel store or go to www.thewordfortoday.com and order online.The next book is by a great man of God and a personal friend. I had the privilege of spending many sweet moments of fellowship with Dr Richard Bennett drinking in the rich living water of Christ in every conversation. Dr. Bennett has written an excellent book called Food For Faith. This book is one of those nuggets of gold that has a rubber band attached to it with a 2X4 at the other end. You read the book and find it very refreshing and then you put it down and walk away chewing on the thoughts expressed using the scripture so articulately. Like a Hot sauce that has a bite after the morsel has been consumed so too this book has morsels of truth that you read it and walk away and then it hits you in the head driving the truth into your heart. It burns in your heart as you realize the truths regarding the Word of God and how precious it is to the Christian.
I wish all Christian's had to read a series of books after they are saved. This might fall into that category. The problem with new converts is getting them to understand that the Christian life is not meant to be an independent life where we synchronize our faith to what we like. The Christian life is utterly dependent on the Christ--centered life. Too many Christians are focused on appropriating the knowledge of God and what Christianity is all about, but they do not seem to understand how they will receive food for their faith as they read the Bible. A quote of his is; "All over the world-in classrooms, in lecture halls and in libraries-people are digesting academic information that provides them with much 'food for thought'. If we, in like manner, approach the Bible merely as a religious textbook, all we will receive is just that-food for thought. yet the Bible itself warns us that; knowledge puffs up, but it is love that builds up. 1 Corinthians 8:1 NIV. So do you want food for thought or food for faith. The book takes inductive Bible study to a deeper level and gives examples of practical ways to receive the food for faith. Dr. Bennetts book is a free book. You can't or shouldn't be able to buy it at any store. You can call Jody over Bob Hoekstra's office, at Living in Christ ministries or email from the web at http://www.livinginchrist.org/index.php. They have the books and they are ministry tools. The Bennetts are not desirous of folks to give these away as a gift that won't be read. They were written with a purpose expressly to get them into the hands of hungry souls that want to excel in their life in Christ. The price for salvation has been paid for and these books are dedicated the same way they are free because the price has been paid for. His other book Your Quest for God is in over 58 languages. With millions of copies going all over the world through the radio broadcasts of Trans World Radio and the Far East Broadcast Corporation. Read on Brothers and grow in the knowledge of Him
For you legalistic fans: My number one book to read everyday is the Bible. I know who you are...and so does Jesus watch out...
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