Finding & Choosing Good Books

baby readingIn one of those “end of the work week conversations” I asked a co-worker what her plans were over the weekend. “Relax and read a good book” was her answer. Obviously being a book lover and an author I asked what kind of books does she enjoy reading. “Religious books,” she replied. My ears were even more attentive. Our conversation, of course, led to mentioning my books and she was excited to download and read them over the weekend.

This conversation led me to write this post and ask these questions.

I’m curious to know what influences your choice of Christian literature and where you go to get it. I wonder how much effort we put towards the choice of literature, whether it be entertainment or educational. If you’re going to enjoy something, don’t compromise. If you want to learn a subject, again, don’t compromise. What I mean by “don’t compromise” is two-sided. Why eat stale bread when you can have fresh, out of the oven bread. Why read something that is shallow and a waste of time just because it is something to read. Find a book that grabs your attention and holds it, and … gives you enjoyment. More importantly, whether it is fiction or non-fiction, DON’T compromise truth; don’t compromise your values; and don’t compromise your character for temporal pleasure. The book can be written well, but does it cause you to compromise your faith, your values, and your character to read it?

As a Christian, you want to love your Savior and God; you’re a lover of righteousness and truth. Don’t feed on the bottom of the pond. In all things, at all times, let the Word of God from Philippians 4: 8-9 guide you.

“Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things. The things which you learned and received and heard and saw in me, these do, and the God of peace will be with you (NKJV).”

God made us to enjoy Him and to find joy in life. Our joy is fulfilled when we live life the way that He made it to be lived.

A Couple of Questions for the Book Reader:

1.  What are the influences / determining factors / criteria that you use to choose a Christian book to read?

Clarifying:

  • I am specifically referring to Christian books.
  • Examples of criteria include:  the cover of the book; the author; the publisher; the genre;  the price; reading a sample chapter for the writing style.

2.  Do you read to learn or for entertainment, or both?

Clarifying:

  • Fiction – entertainment and pleasure
  • Non-fiction – learning
  • If both, what percentage of each? 50/50? 80/20?
  • Do you purposefully rotate between Fiction and Non-fiction?

3. Where or How do you search to find the Christian book?

Clarifying:

  • Referrals – do you mostly read books that friends have recommended?
  • Blurbs –
  • Reviews –
  • Online Blogs and Book Forums –

4. Do you consider the theology (what is said about God and the things pertaining to your faith) within the book to be important, whether it is fiction or non-fiction?

Clarifying:

  • Does the author’s theological perspective carry any weight in your decision to read a book?
  • Does faith only matter if it is non-fiction, but not so much if fiction—for entertainment?

5. Do you read ebooks or paper, or both?

6.  Do you recommend books to friends?

Okay, there are more than “a couple” of questions. But they’re good ones. I think these questions are interesting and contemplative, and therefore helpful.

Back to my story.

Was I shamelessly promoting my books in my conversation with my co-worker? I could have been, but I don’t think that I was at all. I suggest my books because I believe that they serve a purpose–to help the reader know the living God and walk closely with Him, and most importantly—to glorify Jesus Christ. Why wouldn’t I recommend a book that I passionately believe would do those three things in a person’s life? You and I recommend the things that we enjoy all of the time. We’ll promote our sport’s team, a recipe, a restaurant, or song. Why wouldn’t I do that for a book?

A Favor?

I’d like to hear your answers and comments on these questions. I welcome your response either by commenting on this blog … OR … in an email at:  books@jeffbeardbooks.com.

Enjoy a good read and grow in joy.

(Photo from: flyhigh-by-learning.blogspot.com )

Here is One Reason to Pray

Psalm 34:15 “The eyes of the Lord are on the righteous, And His ears are open to their cry.”

I Peter 3:12 – “For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous, And His ears are open to their prayers;”

Excerpt from Chapter 3

of

A Reason to Pray at Mountianview

*****

“WHAT IF … the Lord is always waiting for you to pray to Him? WHAT IF … when you put your mind on Him and reached out to Him, He was right there waiting, listening, and welcoming you to share from your heart? Mark, what if?”

“I’d say that’s a pretty big ‘What if’! It’s quite a picture you’re painting.”

Paul couldn’t keep from smiling as he responded, “Well, that’s the picture that HE PAINTED in the verse that you just read: ‘His ears are open.’ He is never turned away from you, meaning He is watching and waiting to hear you pray … to Him.”

Mark stared at the verse as God’s words began shaping his thinking. Paul continued.

“And you know what else you can bank on from this verse? It tells you that your heavenly Father will never say, ‘I don’t have time for you right now, come back later.’ He will never say, ‘You’re late’ or ‘You should have been here earlier.’

“This verse is so full of life and insight into the heart of the Lord towards his children. When you read it, be reminded of these insights and they will help lift you to the clouds.”

Mark could feel his heart strengthened with hope. “Then I should never think that God is going to say something like, ‘Mark, you brought this mess on yourself. You’re going to have to get yourself out of it. Right?”

“No, never! The Scriptures say to cast your cares upon Him, for He cares for you. And in Hebrews 4:16, we are told to go to Him to, ‘obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.’ You see, we don’t have to struggle and wander about in fear. We can find mercy and grace to help when in need.”

Paul continued, “Now for the next layer of bricks. I want you to think about something over the next few days.”

Mark was ready, or least he thought that he was. “Mark, you are THE righteous that this verse is referring to. It does not mean that you are righteous because you are such a good person, but because of Jesus Christ. HE MADE YOU RIGHTEOUS in God’s eyes. In a nutshell, God provided everything. He’s done it all. Jesus’ sacrifice and resurrection has made you clean and acceptable. It has also opened a father-son relationship between you and God, which is completely and eternally unhindered and eternally binding. There are no speed bumps between you and the favor and the mercy of God. Nah, dah! Nothing!”

Mark looked across the room at the crucifix of Christ in the front of the chapel and thought about Paul’s words. This was the gospel that brought him to his knees years ago when he visited a local church near his home. It was the simple message that opened his eyes and led him to saving grace. That simple message of what Jesus Christ did for him on the cross always warmed his heart and quieted his mind. It could still stir his heart like it did that special day many years ago.

“I know what you’re saying is true, Paul, but I …” He stopped himself. He remembered the many dry experiences of praying and seeking God. Do I really want to step into this subject?

*****

Thoughts:

The character in this book is like many Christians, he doesn’t realize that the heart of God is aimed right at him. Even if it seems like his prayers are bouncing off the ceiling, they aren’t. The Father God delights in our prayers; He is calling us to fellowship with Him. Yet, we tend to shy away from bringing our requests to Him. We shy away from fellowshipping with Him each day, or even once a week.

I have the ear and the attention of the God of the universe listening and looking towards me. What a reason I have to run to Him and open up my heart to Him. I’m not going to wait until I fall into the next foxhole and cry out in desperation. I am going to make time today, and tomorrow, and the next day because the eyes of the Lord are upon me, and His ear is open to my prayers. Wow! Make that a double ‘Wow.’

It doesn’t matter how you gauge your prayer life—strong, weak, frequent, or non-existent. The two scriptures at the beginning of this post are like steroid shots to your faith. Grind these verses into your mind and repeat them to yourself when sit down to pray. Remind yourself of the promise of God, and of His love towards and for you. Sooner or later the promise of God will click in you and joy will conqueror your facial muscles and form a smile.

What are your thoughts on these scriptures and post?

Recommending a Couple of Good Reads

Have you seen the old Twilight Zone episode: Atomic Irony, where the main character (played by Burgess Meredith) loves to read books but can’t find the time or a place to read. He just wants to be left alone to read. The ending holds the punch. Here is a two-minute cap of that episode, if you dare to enter the TZ:  Atomic Irony.

I have no idea how that memory has survived locked up in some moldy, dungeon cell in my brain. You would expect some memories to give up and just die after a decade or two. Obviously there are some that won’t give up and go away, even though you starve and deny their exist. I’m digressing.

We all have favorite books that we recommend to our friends. Here are two from completely different categories.

#1.  Category:  Suspense novel

Title: Deadline, by Randy Alcorn (one of my favorite novelist).

The Publisher’s Description: “Involved in a tragic accident under suspicious circumstances, award- winning journalist Jake Woods teams with detective Ollie Chandler to uncover the truth. This alluring repackage of the Randy Alcorn bestseller finds Jake drawing upon all his resources in an ever- intensifying, dangerous murder investigation. Unaware of the imminent threat to his own life, Jake struggles for answers to the mystery at hand and is plunged into a deeper search for the meaning of his own existence.”

http://www.amazon.com/Deadline-Randy-Alcorn/dp/1590525922/ref=sr_1_3?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1375557610&sr=1-3&keywords=randy+alcorn+books

 

#2. Category: Biography

Title: George Muller of Bristol, by Arthur Tappan Pierson.

If you read biographies you know that the author can make the person’s life exciting or make him/her a bore. This is the former.  George’s life didn’t need much help, and Pierson went over and above. It is organized, wonderfully written with quotes, details when they mattered, and Pierson’s own commentary that showed his own spiritual maturity and knowledge of Muller. The book feed me as well as broke me. This book put George Muller on my hero list.  I have it marked up and pages tagged. In a nutshell, this book not only captured my heart, it cut my heart so that I may grow more towards Christ.

Who is George Muller? Click his name for a short audio and text bio.

http://www.amazon.com/George-Muller-Bristol-Hendrickson-Biographies/dp/1598562525/ref=sr_1_3?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1375552626&sr=1-3&keywords=george+muller+of+bristol

If you have read either one, tell me your thoughts.