Best Books RE-READ in 2017

I re-read 18 books last year. Here are the two best books RE-READ in 2017. I first read ALL IN in 2013 and JESUS CONTINUED in 2014. I appreciated them more the second time!

All In: You are One Decision Away from a Totally Different Life

By Mark Batterson

Mark Batterson makes a case for the fact that Christians often say they are following Jesus when they really are inviting Jesus to follow them. Many of us have "bought in" to Christianity but we haven’t "sold out." Missionaries a century ago bought a one way ticket on board a ship when going to the mission field. And they each packed all their belongings in a coffin. They didn’t expect to return.

Batterson says: “Jesus didn’t die to keep us safe. He died to make us dangerous.” All In is a challenging book with many stories and biblical examples of those who did go “All In”; totally committed and giving their all to Christ. As I read this book two songs came to mind – “I have decided to follow Jesus, no turning back, no holding back” and “Take my life and let it be consecrated, Lord to thee…” 

This book will teach and inspire us to consecrate ourselves to Him and do everything for His glory.

Jesus Continued: Why the Spirit inside you is better than Jesus beside you

By J. D. Greear

This is an excellent book about the Holy Spirit. The book is divided into three sections: The Missing Spirit, Experiencing the Holy Spirit and Seeking the Holy Spirit. Throughout the book Greear weaves Bible stories or references and the words of well known scholars, as well as sharing his own experiences and stories. For example, a touching story to illustrate God’s adoption of us brings this concept to life as he tells of he and his wife adopting four siblings at once. 

Are there times when you can’t feel God’s presence? Greear says “If you are a believer the feeling of being alone is always an illusion.” The section on seeking the Holy Spirit is challenging. We long for revival and for Holy Spirit power. “Revival is the intensification of the normal operations of the Holy Spirit.” Greear outlines steps to revival. These are not easy steps – think humility and repentance. “The Holy Spirit… is power for those who know they are powerless.”

This is a life changing book.

Blessings, Dottie