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."