Top Ten Books For Me In 2023
As we go into this new year, I thought I would take some time to recommend some of my favorite books I read last year. There were so many to choose from, but here are my top ten:
#1 - The Ruthless Elimination Of Hurry: How to Stay Emotionally Healthy and Spiritually Alive in the Chaos of the Modern World by John Mark Comer. This book was both prophetic and life changing. Very practical. Very challenging. I highly recommend it!
#2 -Son of Hamas: A Gripping Account of Terror, Betrayal, Political Intrigue, and Unthinkable Choices by Mosab Hassan Yousef and Ron Brackin. This is an incredible story of a son of a Hamas Leader, a Palestinian ex-militant who defected to Israel in 1997 and worked with Shin Bet, Israel’s domestic intelligence agency. Yousef converted to Christianity in the late 90’s but did not make this public until 2008, for fear his family members might be persecuted. This book is truly an informative first hand account of what is happening in the Middle East and why the “Jesus way” is the best way.
#3 - Jesus Skeptic: A Journalist Explores the Credibility and Impact of Christianity by John S. Dickerson and David Cochran Heath. This is a narrative that no one ever talks about anymore and an excellent book for anyone who is deconstructing their faith. It contains tremendous news that every believer in Jesus and every individual in the west needs to rediscover. Another one of the best books I have read in a long time.
#4 - Factfulness: Ten Reasons We're Wrong About the World and Why Things Are Better Than You Think by Hans Rosling and Richard Harries. Everyone needs to read this book. Things are bad in the world, yes. But they are not getting worse. They are actually getting better. This book challenges the American medias’ narratives and is a healthy balance to what is portrayed in the news.
#5 - Kingdom Race Theology: God's Answer to Our Racial Crisis by Tony Evans. I absolutely love Tony's biblical and healthy approach to this discussion. If I could have you read one book on the subject, this would be my recommendation
#6 - Sister Aimee: The Life of Aimee Semple McPherson by Daniel Mark Epstein. Aimee Semple McPherson is a fascinating historical character! She was a mega church pastor, a healing evangelist and the founder of the Foursquare denomination in the 1920’s.
#7 - The Unseen Realm by Dr. Michael S. Heiser. A very intriguing theological look at the ancient world's perspective on all things supernatural, angelic, and demonic.
#8 - Crucial Conversations: Tools for Talking When Stakes Are High by Kerry Patterson, Joseph Grenny, Ron McMillan, Al Switzler and Anna Fields. This is a great book for anyone who works on a staff, leads a team, or needs to have a difficult conversation from time to time.
#9 - Lost to the West: The Forgotten Byzantine Empire That Rescued Western Civilization by Lars Brownworth. For those who have wondered what the history of Christianity looked like after the third century.
#10 - Chasing Fear: A 31-Day Journey of Pursuing Freedom by Uncovering Hidden Roots of Fear by Melodie Leake. This is my all time favorite book by my all time favorite author.