Every year I read a pile of books, some from friends, others for ministry and preaching, and still others that really peak my interest. Here is my pile of books for 2010 with some comments: 

• The Power of His Presence by Ray Stedman - I'm currently reading this--its a devotional book compiled from his sermons, which were always expository, deep, and convicting. I regularly read his sermons at raystedman.org. 
  
• Love and Respectby Emmerson Eggerich - This is long overdue, but a terrific marriage book. I'm currently reading it. Its an amazing exposition really of the well-known but often misapplied instruction in Ephesians. 
• Dug Down Deep by Joshua Harris - I've always enjoyed Josh's writing, preaching, and ministry. I can't wait to read his fresh take on the importance of solid theology. 
• If God is Good - by Randy Alcorn - Nobody tackles tough, unexplored issues with biblical clarity like Randy Alcorn. I thoroughly enjoyed Heaven. 
• Forgotten God - Francis Chan - I've not ready anything by Chan, but have heard a few of his sermons. And a lot of people are telling me he writes with thought-provoking clarity. 
• Prayer, Does it Make Any Difference? - Philip Yancey - I love Yancey's writing and I'm intrigued by his take on prayer. 
• Humility - CJ Mahaney - I've heard this is a fantastic book. 
• Fire and Rain, the Wild-Hearted Faith of Elijah - Ray Pritchard - Ray is a good friend of mine and a terrific pastor, author, and speaker.
  
• Benjamin Franklin - An American Life - Walter Isaacson. I love history, especially American history. 
• Franklin and Winston - Jon Meacham - Ditto, this is a relationship that kept the Allied Powers strong. 

Who knows if I'll get to all of these and honestly I'll probably read other books not here that I haven't thought of. I'll probably sprinkle a few novels in there as well. 

 I really take New Year's seriously. I love this time of year, because it gives me an opportunity to reflect on what God has done in the last year and to set new goals for the next year. I know that by February most of us ditch our resolutions, but I don't think that means we shouldn't ever set goals. So here are mine: 

1. Make a concerted effort to lose a significant amount of weight. Time to put the fork down. 
2. Spend more and better time in the Word. 
3. Serve my wife and kids with less eye-rolling and more of a Christ-like attitude. 
4. Read more good books, even ones that are more of a discipline to read. 
5. Care more about things on God's heart, like the work of the church and the salvation of souls and less about things God already has under control, like politics and world events. 
6. Be less inhibited about sharing my faith with those God has placed in my world. 
   

What are your resolutions? I'd like to hear them. Facebook me or email me.