Merry Christmas Reading!

There are many wonderful things about the Christmas season--all which center around the coming of Jesus Christ to change our hearts, lives, nations, and eternal destinies.

The glorious music lifts our spirits; Our involvement with the less fortunate reminds us that God cares; Family gatherings point to the beauty of relationships; The wonder of the lights and decorations remind us that Jesus is the light--the colors--of the world.

For me, Christmas is also a time of increased reflection and purposeful reading. Since Jesus is also the treasure source of wisdom and knowledge (Colossians 2:3), it makes some sense to use this time of year to "fill up your tank" with a little extra knowledge gathering.

Here are some of my reading list suggestions for Christmas 2010. I've deliberately chosen a variety of books to whet your appetite.

Merry Christmas reading!

If you're interested in recent history and principles of leadership:

1. Decision Points - by former president George W. Bush

I have mixed feelings about our former president, but greatly enjoyed his candid and well written biography on the biggest decisions of his life--especially during his presidency. This is one of the best presidential "stories" I've ever read.

It begins with the details of his deliverance from alcohol and how he came to faith. Then it moves to family matters, launching a business, becoming the governor of Texas and finally, president of the United States. Much of the book is spent explaining to the reader how and why he made the biggest decisions of his presidency such as going after terrorists, invading Iraq, and dealing with an economic melt-down.

I don't agree with all his choices. But this book is truly a primer on leadership and how good leaders use principles, people and resources to make wise, far-reaching decisions.

There is much to learn about leadership from Decision Points. If you are a leader, this is your book of the year. Fascinating and enlightening.

By-the way - a poll came out today - Bush 47% approval, Obama 46%. My how things change!

Next, if you're interested in being a radical and joy-filled follower of Jesus:

2. Radical: Taking Back Your Faith From the American Dream - by David Platt

This amazing book has already sold nearly 400,000 copies. That's because it's authentic, real, practical, and life-changing.

I like everything about this book except the sub-title. I believe the real American dream is freedom to love and serve God--exactly what Platt describes.  But that's being nit-picky. 

Platt believes that the "American dream" has worked out pretty well for us, which is one of the reasons why Western ideals have gotten mixed up with Christian ideals.  But the road he’s calling people to is counter-intuitive: Give your riches back to God.  Share the story about Jesus as if it were the only way to God. Love your enemies. Be willing to lose your life serving others.

In the first part of the book, Platt shares a bit about his journey as a young pastor who decides to live the way Jesus called him to live.  He visits house churches in Asia, teaches the Bible as if it were the key to life, and desperately prays for God’s power rather than his own.

In the middle of book Platt discusses the sinful nature of man, Christ’s salvation,  and God’s plan to extend his glory throughout the earth (he's a strong Calvinist--but who cares).  Our role is to join God in his global purpose by giving up selfish wealth-gathering, sharing the Good News with others, and meeting peoples' needs.

I hear the echo of St. Francis of Assisi.

The last section is a call to a 'Radical Experiment.'  This is where the book shines.  Forget bungee jumping and pizza parties.  Platt calls the American church to real risk.  His challenge: take a full year and live it radically.  Find out for yourself how living a true Christian life will provide joy, meaning, and a close relationship to God.

Great example. Great advice. A Great God to serve. 

Become radical in 2011.

But if your interest lies more in overall character and matters of the heart:

3. America By Heart: Reflections on Family, Faith, and Flag - by Sarah Palin

It is amazing to me how the liberal press has created a negative caricature of the former Alaska governor and vice presidential candidate. I have many friends who have been blinded by this particular media bias--and I don't get it.

Everything I read and see of Sara Palin speaks of leadership experience, wisdom, faith, family values, common sense, strong intellect, good writer (she's a journalism major), tenacity, grit, and overall godly character. Sure, she makes her mistakes. But less than most politicians. She's a genuine rising star.

Shirley and I really enjoyed Going Rogue, her first book. But Governor Palin's second book, America by Heart is even better. It really gives you a clear window into her understanding of godly values and the need to build nations upon them.  Of the ten chapters in the book, three of them focus on God, faith, and prayer.

I have never read a book by a politician that was so faith-filled and God-centered as Sara Palin's America By Heart. Why would any believer not want her to achieve God's highest for her life?

To me, reading and listening to Sara Palin is like looking in the mirror--but she's much better looking!

This book contains many heart-felt chapters containing personal reflections on America's calling, the bravery and sacrifice of our military, the importance of freedom, family values, our place in history, constitutional principles, and even a touching chapter on prayer.  Wow.

Sara Palin is one of us who just could become the 45th US president of the United States. What would be bad about that?

And if you are still stuck in the lies of the media, turn on the TLC channel on Sunday nights and watch Sara Palin's Alaska. It's incredibly beautiful, heart-warming, character-oriented, and real. It will change your mind about Sara Palin--if you're open.

Others are interested in economics and the problems we are going through as the longest recession since World War II hits nineteen months in length. In that case, the book you need is:

4. Broke: The Plan to Restore our Trust, Truth, and Treasure - by Glenn Beck

There are many books on economics that I could recommend right now, but none has the depth, breadth and quality research of Fox TV's Glenn Beck's newest book. I believe Glenn is a forefront prophetic voice in the world today, especially on the dangers that America and Western civilization face. He is way ahead of the curve on most issues, which speaks of his leadership and importance.

Broke gives a great history of economic principles and the free enterprise heritage of the United States, then chronicles the conspiracy to bring us down as a nation. Beck argues that our country is financially broke, but that's just a side effect of a broken spirit, our broken faith in government, the broken promises of our leaders, and a broken political system.

We're especially broken because, as Abraham Lincoln warned us, we've forgotten God. Amazing that a libertarian Mormon is leading the charge for repentance. renewal, and reformation in our land.

God has some unusual messengers.

I'm still using this book for some late-night reading. It's beautifully done in full color with many photos, charts, graphs, and tid-bits from history. Glenn Beck does his homework and works extremely hard to get out his message through his growing media empire.

In this book, he provides hope that comes from knowing and applying God's truth. We have to fix ourselves first.  That means some serious introspection, and ultimately a series of actions that will unite all Americans around the concepts of serving and sacrifice.

Does that ring a bell at Christmastime?

Not bad for a recovering alcoholic from Marysville, Washington.

And finally, you can't quite read this book yet, but you can ready your heart for the most important book that I've ever written--on the subject of missions:

5. The Fourth Wave - by Ron Boehme

It's been sixteen years since I last produced a book, but I'm very excited about this one which will be released by YWAM Publishing in March 2011.

John Wesley, the founder of the Methodist Church, was once asked how long it takes to write a sermon. He said it takes at least twenty-five years because "it takes twenty-five years to make a man." If that's true, then it took me fifty-seven years to write this book which flows out of my lifetime in missions. The book began as a Master's thesis at Northwest University and was changed into a popular read to sound a trumpet call for missional activity in the 21st century.

My premise is that God has always used "waves" of renewal or missions outreach to bring redemption to the peoples of the world. The Early Church wave changed the Roman Empire; Beginning in the late eighteenth century, God launched three waves of modern missions that focused on the coastlands, then interiors, and then the unreached peoples of the globe.

Now a fourth wave has begun--with the center of the Church moving south and west. The Fourth Wave of Modern Mission will have seven amazing characteristics that you and I can participate in.

You'll have to get the book to find out what they are...

Here's my big picture premise in The Fourth Wave: As the Reformation of the 16th century restored the concept of the priesthood of all believers (all believers are ministers) , the movement of the Holy Spirit in the 21st century will restore the concept that all believers can be missional.

This is an exciting time to be alive. You need to find your place in God's missional plan.

But you'll have to wait for that one. Drop me a note and I'd be glad to send you a signed copy.

Until then, Merry Christmas reading!

"In Christ are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge (Colossians 2:3)."

Read. Grow, Love and serve the Christ-child who is the Coming King.