A few days ago my wife and I decided to reinstitute a summer ritual for us—the weekly hike. We drove to Rocky Mountain National park early in the morning and set out on the trail. I started up the mountain with energy and bounce, but after the first uphill pull, my legs elected a rhythm of slower, steadier steps.
This particular trail borders a river, so the sounds of water and promises of cascades pulled us along. Multiple stream crossings encouraged us to go higher. At the payoff, Ouzel Falls, we rested in the mist and enjoyed our PB&J sandwiches.
In Paul’s closing remarks to the Roman church, he reminds us of the value of the Scriptures. Everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through the endurance taught in the Scriptures and the encouragement they provide we might have hope.
Paul reveals three brilliant gemstones gained from the Scriptures—endurance, encouragement, and hope.
I need endurance to stay true to the path. Eugene Peterson wrote an exceptional book on this topic that I recommend, A Long Obedience in the Same Direction: Discipleship in an Instant Society. Like hiking to the falls, my life in the Christian faith requires commitment to step the same direction, day after day, year after year.
At one point I turned a corner on the trail and laid eyes on the summits of snow-capped Long’s Peak and Mount Meeker, glorious in the blue sky above. They encouraged me to keep going, mirroring another valuable life lesson—just keep going.
Encouragement and endurance cultivate hope, that most blessed gift from the Lord. Like wildflowers along the trail, hope emerges despite less than ideal conditions, often when I least expect it, yet arriving when most needed.
Endurance, encouragement, hope—aspects of a good hike, and even better, qualities of a fulfilling life available though the Scriptures.
Romans 15 in week twenty-four of reading the Bible cover to cover
I remain confident of this; I will see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living. Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord.
These verses from Psalm 27 rise as some of my favorites in the Bible. David begins by reminding himself that the Lord is his light and salvation and stronghold; thus, he fears no one.
JRR Tolkien illustrated this truth in his Lord of the Rings trilogy. The battle of Helm’s Deep appears tragically lost. Tolkien, a devout Christian, wove Biblical truth throughout his books, and here depicts both standing strong in the midst of chaos, and the conquering appearance of the light of the Lord.
I’m reminded that this day is the only day I have. So, I choose to stand up, take heart, and wait for the Lord. I choose to remain confident in his goodness, whether I see it today or not.
Thanks to our friend, Mr. Covid, I read more books than usual this year. Plus, my wife helped me embrace listening to books, so I listened to several during the extra walks I enjoyed, thanks again to our friend. The following are several of my favorite books this year. Skip to the bottom for my most favorite of all. (And sorry for the lack of links – I figure if the book sound intriguing, you can find it easily).
Walkin’ Preacher of the Ozarks by Guy Howard
I learned about this book when I was asked to find a copy and send it to my aunt and my mother. The book is long out of print, but they knew the daughters of Guy Howard in high school back in the day. This book chronicles Howard’s call to preach in the backwoods Ozark mountain region of Missouri, then follows his adventures in starting churches and serving the men and women within reach. Howard walked everywhere – thus the title of the book – carrying the gospel into the hills and people’s hearts. Part of my heritage of being a preacher from the Ozarks, and I enjoy walking.
Jesus and the Disinherited by Howard Thurman
My wife first read this book and handed it to me. I never knew of Howard Thurman, but found myself spending inordinate time and thought in the words of this African-American pastor and teacher. He wrote for those whose “backs are against the wall.” He reminds me of the discipline necessary to see one another of different races as individuals, and to treat each other as so. It is said that Martin Luther King, Jr. carried a copy of this book throughout his public life.
Mark of the Christian by Francis Schaeffer
Every follower of Jesus would benefit from this short, powerful work by Francis Schaeffer. Convicting is the word that continues to come to mind, along with love.
Love Thy Body by Nancy Pearcey
Pushing against today’s narrative that portrays Christianity as hateful and harmful, Pearcey makes the case that Christianity undergirds the dignity of the body, doing so in accord with science. She delves into issues like transgenderism, homosexuality and abortion. She explains how we are “embodied beings,” not just a soul in a shell, our physical bodies matter. Pearcey jumps into the debate and shares why “affirming” is not the loving response it’s made out to be. She writes, “Our feelings do not define us. Our moral commitments do.” I took a lot of notes while working through this book.
Lonesome Dove by Larry McMurtry
Classic western, fabulous adventure. Over one thousand pages long, and when I finished, I wished for a thousand more.
Jesus Through Middle Eastern Eyes by Kenneth E. Bailey
Bailey takes us through the gospels while sharing how Middle Eastern Christians and traditions view the stories of Jesus. Insightful and filled with discovery. This is more of a commentary, and you can skip around and read whatever chapter interests you. This book made a nice addition to my shelf (actually shelves) of commentaries on the scriptures.
The Yellow Cap by Greg Stone
Greg Stone serves with Young Life and is a high school friend of mine. His book chronicles the story of a high school student who was severely injured in a car wreck. Greg follows him and his mother, and himself, through the long years of living in a coma, up until his death and final release. Throughout Greg paints a picture of eternity and the hope found in Jesus. It reminded me of The Shack and I enjoyed the hopefulness Greg brings to a tragic story.
Jayber Crow by Wendell Berry
I enjoy Wendell Berry, his country style and rural settings, and especially his wicked sharp insight into the world. This fun story about a fascinating character remains one of his best.
Seated with Christ by Heather Holleman
It’s good for me to remember how the Lord looks towards me and considers me, especially in light of the world around me. Heather brings the Lord into focus in this book, encouraging all along the way. This is one of those books to read slowly, a chapter a day, so the ideas soak into your mind and soul.
The Country of the Pointed Firs by Sarah Orne Jewett
I often read books by really good writers, both to enjoy their work and spur my development. This is one of those books. Beautifully written.
Rebel Yell by S.C. Gwynne
The best book I read in 2020. I hardly put down this biography of General Stonewall Jackson of the Confederate Armies during the American Civil War. When the war started, Jackson taught math and artillery at the Virginia Military Institute (which only recently removed his statue from its prominent location). He was killed during the war, but not before entering history as one of America’s greatest military leaders, North or South, before or since. How did a bumbling, socially awkward professor, ridiculed by his students, develop into a leader whose tactics are still studied today? Certain men appear destined for their times, and Jackson certainly seemed born for war. His accidental death helped turn the tide for the North. Despite being a Unionist, I found the story of his transformation from professor to general, and his subsequent audacious leadership, utterly fascinating.
A bookshelf at my office, one of many scattered around in my world.
‘Tis the season to talk books. I enjoy reading across several genres, and here’s a few I enjoyed this year. I share them in the order I read them and recommend each for your learning and pleasure:
Eat This Book – Eugene Peterson. The value of the scriptures from one of my favorite writers.
12 Rules for Life – Jordan Peterson. A controversial book, but one I would suggest every young man read. Growing up is hard to do, and this book lends a hand.
Gilead – Marilynne Robinson. And elderly pastor passes on wisdom to his young son.
The Cross and the Lynching Tree – James H. Cone. I’m learning and trying to understand the experiences of my brothers and sisters. This book helped me move deeper.
Gates of Fire – Steven Pressfield. A historical novel about the battle of Thermopylae and the final heroic stand of 300 Spartans. Not much better for late night page-turning.
At the Hands of Persons Unknown – Phillip Dray. I saw this book quoted often by other authors referencing lynchings. So I read the source. Serious and sickening, Dray uncovers the ugliness of this aspect of American history.
The Boys in the Boat – Daniel James Brown. A true story about rowers during the depression and on through their Olympic experience. I love a book that sticks it to Hitler.
Creative Confidence – Tom Kelley. Everyone can be creative. This book helps you figure out how to find creativity in yourself.
We Regret To Inform You That Tomorrow We Will Be Killed With Our Families – Philip Gourevitch. Stories from the Rwandan genocide of 1994. Mankind’s capacity for evil remains staggering.
Making Sense of God – Timothy Keller. An appeal to skeptics about the role of faith and religion in our lives. While not a skeptic, I always enjoy the encouragement and stimulation I get from reading Tim Keller.
The True Believer – Eric Hoffer. A study on mass movements. I’m working to further one (Christianity), so why not look for insight from a scholar who’s studied the phenomenon?
American Nations – Colin Woodard. The America we speak of is actually an amalgamation of 11 different nations. Fascinating to me as he nailed the regional affiliation of the Ozark Mountains where I grew up.
Hit Hard – Pat & Tammy McLeod. My friends’ personal story and insight on moving through life amidst ambiguous loss.
Lincoln on Leadership – Donald T. Phillips. Principles of leadership from the greatest leader in American history.
Red Famine – Anne Applebaum. Five million Ukrainians died from famine imposed by Stalin’s communist regime. Man-made tragedy on an unbelievable scale.
Disappearing Church – Mark Sayers. I loved the podcast, This Cultural Moment, so I read his book. Now I love his book. Wonderful insight into the world in which we minister.
Just Mercy – Bryan Stevenson. Fighting for justice in our justice system.
The Holy Bible (NIV Old Testament; David Bentley Hart’s New Testament) – Father, Son, Holy Spirit. Hart’s insightful translation of the New Testament, highly word-for-word, made me stop and think. Which is a good way to go about reading the Bible.
Join me in reading the Bible cover to cover in 2025. If you spend 30 minutes a day on social media, you can read through the Bible in a year. Download the 5 Day Bible Reading Plan, grab your Bible and join in. You’ll be glad you spent this year with the men and women of Scripture.
Seers, Sayers, Schemers & Saints
Stories to encourage you with the leadership experiences of overlooked men and women of the Bible. Their lives will inform your story, and move you to step out and lead.
GO: Following Jesus to the Ends of the Earth
This book contains reflections on the Lordship of Christ, the Great Commission, and a life of adventure and eternal significance. Read this book and you won't be able to sit still!
