Have you come across many end-of-the-year book lists yet?
This is the month when so many people post all the great books they read this year and you feel bad about your lack of reading.
I don’t want to make you feel bad about what you haven’t read. Who needs a list of books you SHOULD’VE read already? How about a list of books you CAN read in 2021?!? That could inspire you…and set you up for a tip below that could help you read more next year.
I’m not necessarily endorsing all of the books below, because I haven’t read them yet. Nevertheless, they look like good ones to check out. Here is a list to inspire your reading in 2021…
My first 5 books to read in 2021
Dynamics of Spiritual Life
Tim Keller said this was one of the most impactful books for his ministry. That’s saying a lot. It is a beast of a book, which won’t surprise anyone who knows or listens to Keller. It looks at the history of revivals and the elements that propelled their growth.
The Christian Life
I just read “Maturity” by Sinclair Ferguson and I will pass that book on to people often. I have loved his writing. He’s biblical and practical. So I’m looking forward to this other one he has written! It’s a look at how Christian doctrine is practical and shapes our lives.
Another Gospel
“Progressive Christianity” is becoming more popular and pervasive in America. Alisa Childers is a name I keep hearing as I explore how Christians are combating false ideas. She is becoming an influential voice as one who shares how she’s experienced the dangers of this movement. This book walks through several questions about Christianity that come up in our culture today.
The Gospel for Real Life
This is a book I’m reading with our staff. Jerry Bridges is a go-to author. You can’t go wrong with any of his series on the Gospel. This book is specifically about how to preach the Gospel to yourself daily.
The Glory of Christ
I was challenged this year by a statement that said we should read more books by people who are dead than who are alive. It got me thinking…what is being written today will be around in 100 years? Probably not much. Well, this one has lasted 350 years! I read “The Rare Jewel of Christian Contentment” and the “Heart of Christ” this past year and really enjoyed them. I am continuing through some of the Puritan Paperbacks with this one.
*These links will take you to Amazon. If you purchase a book I earn a commission at no extra charge to you! It helps keep this page running.
Put it into Practice
People sometimes mope about book lists and their reading and say, “I’m not much of a reader.”
The reality is reading is a muscle. It’s a skill and a discipline that can be learned. Check out this series I did about improving your reading. Here is a quick tip that can help you this next year:
Read with others
One of the habits that helped me the most in 2020 was reading alongside others. At least 3 different times I picked a book, set a weekly reading schedule, and texted or talked with other believers about what we were learning as we read. It kept me moving and sharpened my thinking.
As you look ahead to 2021, I’d highly recommend picking one of these books or one of your own and read them with other people. Just like working out, it helps to have some motivation and accountability.
If you want to read any of the books above with me and process through one of them together let me know! Let’s get after it.
