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As we begin this new year I invite you once again to embark on a journey to see God, the world, and even yourself, through other people's eyes. You might be wondering why we would ever want to do that. Indeed, why do we care what other people think? Let me remind you just three reasons.

First, reading good books is an exercise of humility. We are all, by God's design, limited beings. We have strengths as well as weaknesses. There are some things we see clearly. But we also have some blindspots. But, sadly, we often do not know what our blindspots are! Reading good books is our humble acknowledgement that we need the wisdom and the maturity of other believers, and [yes!] of unbelievers, too!

Second, reading good books is a ministry of love. We read not only to enrich our own mind and heart, but also that we may offer wisdom and insight to people around us. We read good books because we love our neighbors. We want to love our neighbors with wisdom and skill. Reading good books help us to do this.

Third, reading good books keeps your pastor honest! Admittedly, this is a selfish and self-serving reason. But I often find thoughtful questions from the congregation quite stimulating, and such questions encourage me to study with greater diligence. It seems to me, however, that the pastor's diligent study benefits the congregation also. Most pastors [myself included] desire more than anything to feed God's flock well. And a thoughtful and wise congregation is a tremendous blessing to the pastor.

There are, of course, many more reasons why we should read more. I trust that reading the books listed below will provide us all with many clear evidences of why reading is so important and enriching!

January

Rediscover Church: Why the Body of Christ Is Essential by Collin Hansen and Jonathan Leeman — Amazon | WTS Books. Note that we have complimentary copies of this book, courtesy of Crossway.

February

Ichthus — Jesus Christ, God's Son, The Savior by Sinclair Ferguson and Derek Thomas — Amazon | WTS Books.

March

Amusing Ourselves to Death: Public Discourse in the Age of Show Business by Neil Postman — Amazon

April & May

You're Only Human: How Your Limits Reflect God's Design and Why That's Good News by Kelly M. Kapic — Amazon | WTS Books.

June

A Small Book for the Anxious Heart: Meditations on Fear, Worry, and Trust by Edward T. Welch — Amazon | WTS Books.

July

Living Life Backward: How Ecclesiastes Teaches Us to Live in Light of the End by David Gibson — Amazon | WTS Books.

August

Rejoicing in Lament: Wrestling with Incurable Cancer & Life in Christ by J. Todd Billings — Amazon | WTS Books.

September & October

Rejoice and Tremble: The Surprising Good News of the Fear of the Lord by Michael Reeves — Amazon | WTS Books.

November

Work: Its Purpose, Dignity, and Transformation by Daniel M. Doriani — Amazon | WTS Books.

December

The Weight of Glory by C. S. Lewis — Amazon | WTS Books.

Extra

Surviving Religion 101: Letters to a Christian Student on Keeping the Faith in College by Michael J. Kruger — Amazon | WTS Books.

Truth We Can Touch: How Baptism and Communion Shape Our Lives by Tim Chester — Amazon | WTS Books.