10 best of 2014

This was the first full year I was able to choose what I wanted to read and didn't have a stack of syllabi that dictated it for me!  Needless to say, I took advantage of the freedom.  Here were my 10 favorite's of 2014 in no particular order;

Crazy Busy  -DeYoung confesses from the outset he's probably the last person that should be writing on this topic, but his own struggles with the issue of busyness allowed the book to come from a perspective of  a fellow struggler rather than coming from someone who has the solutions.  The chapter on parenting is worth the price and highly convicting. 

Lion of War series -  A 5-book series that centers on David and his mighty men, Cliff Graham has written the first three (I'm combining the 3 into 1 for the sake of getting them in my top-3 for the year), with two still unwritten.  I read the first three quickly as Graham gives great insight into the bonds that build between men as they fight and serve together, while also sticking to the text as much as possible.  A great series that makes these characters come to life as you experience their failures, hurts, loss, and their God-given success and victory.   

The Great Divorce - C.S. Lewis' classic work on heaven and hell gives us a better glimpse into human nature and the  struggles we face with pride and idolatry.  One line continues to stick out from this book, "There are two types of people, those who say to God, "thy will be done," and those to whom God says, "thy will be done.""  The idea in the book is that perhaps  the gates of hell will be locked from the inside out.

Till We have Faces - Another C.S. Lewis class that was said to be one of his favorite books to write.  The book takes a look at the story of Cupid and Psyche from Greek mythology with a different perspective.  It reminds us of God's use of humility and brokenness in our own lives that brings to a point where we can see ourselves as God does.

The Hiding Place - This classic by Corrie Ten Boom chronicles the lives of the Ten Boom family in Nazi controlled Holland as they sought to protect Jews from being arrested and sent to concentration camps.  Corrie's willingness to admit her own doubts and struggles with faith in the midst of their circumstances not honestly was honest, but allowed her to come across, not as a hero, but as someone we all can empathize with as we see or experience our own trials and seasons of suffering.   

How God became King - N.T. Wright's work on the purpose of the Gospels looks at the true meaning of the gospels and their focus, not on Christ's death or resurrection, but the vast majority of them focus on His life.  His premise, is that their is something in the life of Jesus that we miss when we as Christians just want to fast forward and talk about Jesus death/resurrection.  His belief is that we miss the argument and the identity of Jesus when we skip or hurry through the details of his life as presented in the gospels.  Great book.

Counterfeit Gods  - Tim Keller's look at idolatry was helpful in thinking about my own struggles with sin, and being able to see patterns of idolatry taking place in the characters of Scripture as well.  He argues that all of sin at its core is idolatry and a worship issue.  This book was a great resource for self reflection. 

Visit the Sick -When I first became a pastor I knew visits were part of the job, but I didn't know what these were supposed to look like.  I talked to some pastor friends and got some insight from their experience, but never found a good resource on the subject, until I stumbled upon this book.  The book is short, but gives some concrete ideas for what these visits should look like and what the goals should be for the pastor as they take a visit.

Uncommon Union - This history of Dallas Theological Seminary is thorough yet dry, but gives a backdrop into my school that I am appreciative to have read.  UU explains so much of what I experienced and why DTS is the way it is.  I enjoyed this work and exploring more deeply the roots of my theology and the school where I spent so many years in preparation for ministry.   

Heaven  I have been wanting to finish Alcorn's book on Heaven for years, but never took the time until now.  The book is nearly 500 pages and explores Scriptures teachings on the subject.  Nearly any question one might have about the subject is explored and answered.  It was a great read that shaped my image of Heaven and excited my imagination about the world to come!

India Trip

In my experience, trying to boil down a trip of this magnitude, with the miles of travel it took, the opportunities for service, and engagement with cultural diversity always feels like an unfair task.  Unfair because I can’t do justice to the incredible brothers and sisters in Christ I was able to serve alongside.  Unfair because words on a page can’t properly express the sights, sounds, and smells of a land with such rich cultural and spiritual roots as India.  Unfair because the experience of serving in a far off place trimmed down to a few paragraphs of highlights and struggles seems superficial.  Since returning, I’ve often been asked, “how was India?”  Rather than providing an answer, I would much prefer to answer with a question, “How much do you want to know?”  

I write down these observations about our trip, and confess they fall short of expressing the experience, but wanted to pass them along to you, because you should know the needs of our broken and depraved world, and please know India is greatly in need.  Secondly, I wanted you to know because I wanted you to be encouraged that prayer was a protection over our team on this trip.  So my deepest thanks!

So here are a few observations;

• As I mentioned before, our team (of 6) worked with a ministry called Rahab’s Rope in Goa India.  There in Goa, RR partners with two preschools working in two different slums (Think of Slumdog Millionaire) around Goa.  The children who attend these schools are coming from Hindu or Muslim homes.  At the preschool, the kids learn Bible stories and Christian songs.  Families are okay with their kids being exposed to this because of education.  Families are so desperate to get a better life for their kids that they don’t mind Christian exposure if the education is strong.  As we partnered with the schools, they asked that everything we do connect back to the gospel.  Crafts, hygiene programs, or nutrition all was rooted in Scripture.  
• Amos talks about a drought in the land of the Word of God.  I felt that way about India.  In a land with over 1.2 billion people (which you feel the density of the population), the lack of churches is felt.  The pastor’s we interacted with were grateful for us being there and asked me to teach at Bible studies and prayer meetings because they longed for the Word of God.  Those were my highlights, having the opportunity to teach the Word was a humbling experience I’m grateful to have had.
• We visited two Hindu temples.  It was a weighty experience.  2 Corinthians 4:4 rang in my mind.  Those who were coming were blinded of the light of the gospel. All we were able to do was pray, that scales and blinders would be removed in the minds of those who came to worship or present offerings to these idols.  
• The trash and filth was everywhere.  Trash was all over the side of the roads, in fields, and decomposing, which added to the smell.  Dogs and cows were everywhere and free to roam where they wanted.  On more than one occasion our bus or taxi was forced to come to a stop because cows were in the middle of the road.  Sidenote; It added to the chaos that seemed to be the norm in the land.    

I got an extra day and flew to Bangalore and saw my good friend Dave Sangiah and his wife Phebey and his young son Arun.  The time went too fast, but I loved getting to see them and their ministry.  Dave’s been a great friend, and I’ve missed getting to see/talk to him as much now that he is in India.   They have a church they are shepherding and Dave is teaching at a local Bible School/Seminary.  We had a great Sunday morning of worship at their church.  I’m really excited for them and what God has in store for them in Bangalore.  Their ministry is providing great Bible teaching and laying a foundation for the gospel throughout India.  It would be a great ministry to consider supporting if you are looking at investing overseas.  

Finally, let me encourage you to go.  Short-term missions certainly have some flaws, but I can't imagine a better way for God to remind my heart of the importance of the Great Commission or the reminder that at the throne we will be surrounded by the redeemed from every tribe, tongue, and nation and the power that the unity we share amidst diversity can have.    Take a short trip through your church or a missions agency, you won't regret the experience!
As expressed earlier, I believe in the power of prayer and was indebted to those of you who prayed for our team.  Our God is gracious and good and our team is so thankful for your support!