Books I'd Like to Re-Read

Other than the books of the Bible, I usually don't re-read books. I find there just isn't enough time for all the books I want to get too! But lately, there have been a few that have been calling me back.

These books had an impact on me at sometime in my life and I would love to read them again and see how I react a second time around.

I'm including 3 fiction reads and 3 non-fiction reads.


FICTION:

Not My Will by Francena H. Arnold

I read this as a young teen, maybe 14 or 15 years old. (I'm 48 now) It was a moving story of surrendering to God's will, which remains with me still. I'm looking forward to reading this story again.


The Last Sineater by Francine Rivers

This books deals with superstition. Superstition is when you put your trust in anything other than the Lord. Whether its a man-made item or a man-made idea. Superstition is something that gets a hold of all of us at some time in our lives.

This book deals with the superstitions of the Appalachia people in the 1850's. It was believed that a sineater was required to take the sins of the dead away, and so one man was appointed to live away from everyone else and only come into town when he heard the death bell.

This novel was extremely impactful for me as a young 20 something. It encouraged me, and reminded me that I need to put my trust in Christ alone.

*I actually just finished listening to this one on audio. And I loved it just as much the second time around. It's a novel filled with the Gospel, a rarity today. We need more novels like this one. Ones that share the whole of the Gospel, the precious saving Gospel.


To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee

I read this in highschool and remember loving it. Though I remember only bits and pieces of the story, the impression it had on me was great. Racism is a powerful evil in this world and its worth fighting against.

I'm excited to read this again and dive into the lives of these characters.


NON-FICTION:

My Utmost for His Highest by Oswald Chambers

This is my absolutely, hands-down, favorite devotional. It's filled with so much wisdom and it encouraged me to seek out the truth in God's Word. My love for Scripture grew after reading this and I now enjoy my time in my Bible more than I did before.

I'm looking forward to starting this again.


If by Amy Carmichael

This is a little book of what you could call 'poems of 'if's.' It is powerful and humbling, as you read of the depth of Christ's love for us, and how we fall so short. It made me so thankful for the Lord and what He has done.


The Treasure Principle by Randy Alcorn

This was a short and easy book that I recently read, but I would really like to read again. It had so many wonderful nuggets of wisdom when it comes to our money.

It's a book that reminds us this world is passing away, and what we do with our money has an eternal impact.

2017 Reading Goals

Last year I had 2 goals. One to read 55 books, which I accomplished and exceeded and the other was to read 13 books from different categories set by Tim Challies reading challenge. (You can read more about that HERE ) I read 12 1/2. So close, but I didn't quite make it.

I think it was because I left the harder theological books to the end of the year and didn't take into account how much time they would take to absorb. I'm half way through J.C. Ryle's 'Holiness' and have yet to read 'God's Love' by R.C. Sproul.

So one of my goals for 2017 is to get through these 2 books.

As well as setting my goal for reading 50 books this year, I've also make some other resolutions for the new year.

Firstly I'd like to do a little re-reading. I will be posting about that next week.

Secondly, I'd like to try and read more classic novels. At least one from Charles Dickens, One from Elizabeth Gaskell and one from Charlotte Bronte. These always take a bit more time but are often worth it.

Thirdly, I'd like to stick with reading mostly the books on my shelves. I've accumulated quite a few and need to focus on getting through them before purchasing others. Though I may buy one or two. : )

Fourthly, I'd like to read at least one biography, one history book and one memoir this year. I really enjoy these types of books so I will probably read more than one of each.

And lastly, but not least, I will be reading from my Bible. I just finished the Psalms and I'm onto the book of Hebrews. Here is what this book is about, quoted from the notes in my Bible:

"Many Jewish believers, having stepped out of Judaism into Christianity, want to reverse their course in order to escape persecution by their countrymen. The writer of Hebrews exhorts them to 'go on to perfection' (6:1). His appeal is based on the superiority of Christ over the Judaic system. 

Christ is better than the angels, for they worship Him. He is better than Moses, for He created him. He is better than the Aaronic priesthood, for His sacrifice was once for all time. He is better than the law, for He mediates a better covenant. 

In short, there is more to be gained in Christ than to be lost in Judaism. Pressing on in Christ produces rested faith, self-discipline, and a visible love seen in good works."

I love the first few verses of Hebrews. They remind me that God is personal and that He sent His Son for all who will come. Jesus is the brightness of God's glory. He is all we need.

I'll leave you with these first few powerful verses:

"God, who at various times and in various ways spoke in time past to the fathers by the prophets, has in these last days spoken to us by His Son, whom He has appointed heir of all things, through whom also He made the worlds; who being the brightness of His glory and the express image of His person, and upholding all things by the word of His power, when He had by Himself purged our sins, sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high."