“Familiarity breeds contempt.”  Most Christians are familiar with The Lord’s Prayer.  While this familiarity may not breed contempt, it probably breeds complacency.  R.C. Sproul’s book, The Prayer of the Lord, presents this familiar prayer a model for the Christian to communicate with God.  The reader will be left with neither contempt nor complacency.  Instead the reader will be spurred to pray and pray more intelligently and effectively.

Sproul is a noted theologian who has the ability to make deep theological truths accessible to every Christian.  When I  began reading this book, I did not put it down until I was finished.  I was challenged to think deeply yet practically about my own prayer life.

Of all of the possibilities the disciples could have chosen, they asked Jesus to teach them to pray.  Jesus honors their request by providing a model for them to pray.

As Sproul unpacks this prayer, he begins by discussing what we are to avoid in prayer.  The first chapter warns against hypocrisy and pagan practices in our prayers.

In chapter 2 the focus is upon the one to whom we are praying.  Sproul tackles the issues surrounding the fatherhood of God in a clear and helpful manner.

In chapters 3 through 5, Sproul unravels the three aspects of our prayers related to God.  We should pray regarding God’s name, God’s kingdom and God’s will.  Again, the author demonstrates an ability to wrestle with tough issues in a way that encourages to prayer more intelligently.

In chapters 6 through 8, we are taught to pray for our needs.  We need God’s daily provision, his forgiveness and his protection.

Chapter 9 brings the prayer back to the beginning with our focus on God.

Sproul adds a final chapter to answer potential questions that the reader might have about prayer.  He even includes an appendix to answer the question, “If God is sovereign, why pray?”

All that Sproul teaches can be summarized in how he answers the question of what rules are there in prayer.

There are really only two rules that you should have to keep in mind when you’re in prayer, two things that should drive and govern and control your prayer life with the Almighty.  You should remember who is being addressed and who is doing the speaking.  That is, the first thing you are to remember in prayer is who it is you’re talking to, because nothing will condition your prayer life more deeply than remembering that you’re in conversation with God, the sovereign Creator and Ruler of the universe.  Second, you are to remember who you are.  You are not God.  You are a creature.  So prayer is not a conversation between peers; it is not a fireside chat among equals.  This is the creature speaking to the sovereign Creator.

–page 15

I am confident that each reader that comes to this book with an eagerness to learn will have their prayer life enriched.  You will also be challenged to think more clearly about some of the key theological truths.  Deep but practical.  Practical teaching is provided on the will of God, on forgiveness and on several other aspects of Christian living.  This is one of the best books that I have read in some time.

Travis Collins is a Southern Baptist pastor in Richmond, Virginia.  He has served as a missionary in both Venezuela and Nigeria.  He moonlights as a football official calling high school games in Virginia.

In this book, Tough Calls: Game-Winning Principles for Leaders Under Pressure, Collins blends his ministry work with his officiating work to develop principles for leaders.  As a Christian who enjoys football (see my other website, Frank Analysis), I was intrigued with the prospects of this book.

Collins provides insights into being a wise and decisive leader.  The target audience is those who find themselves in leadership roles.  He does include helpful information for followers and for those who might light from the second position in an organization.

The 27 chapters are divided into 7 sections.  These sections explore the nature of leadership and decision making, the necessity of being poised as a leader, handling criticism and conflict, and dealing with people issues.  In the end, the final chapter is “Make the Call–It’s Your Job.” At the end of each chapter he has an application section called, “Just for Vocational Ministers.”  Others will also benefit from these application sections.

I loved this book.  Collins skillfully weaves stories from the world of sports officiating into his principles for leaders.  The reader will be challenged to provide wise leadership that is neither weak nor overbearing.  He presents a leadership that can listen and handle criticisms without taking them personally.  Bullies don’t get a free pass.  He presents principles for dealing with them, too.

Collins presents a leader that I would sign up to follow.  I would love to watch him in action – whether in the church or on the football field.  In a day in which leaders regularly fail and personalities often overtake principles, this is a refreshing reminder that principled leadership will lead to success.

You can click on one of the Amazon links in this article to purchase the book.  Amazon’s price is $11.69.  Amazon also lists links where you buy for the book used for as little as $3.95 or new for as little as $8.05.  I recommend that leaders get a copy.

You can also get your copy in the Pulpit 2 Pew Bookstore.

Tough Calls: Game-Winning Principles for Leaders Under Pressure

Recently I did a book review of Vicki Kuyper’s wonderful book which you can read by clicking here.

Wonderlust: A Spiritual Travelogue for the Adventurous Soul

The following is a Q&A with the author.

What inspired you to write Wonderlust?

I wrote this book because it was the kind of book I wanted to read, but couldn’t find. Although the general market carries a large selection of travelogues and travel-related titles, within the Christian market the only titles that ventured into other parts of the world seemed to be the biographies of missionaries. Although I enjoy reading those, I wanted more. I wanted to read about journeys that took me to parts of the world I was unfamiliar with, journeys that didn’t just offer information or vicarious adventure, but challenged me to fall more deeply in love with God and His world—and the people in it.

Also, for as far back as I can remember I’ve always experienced life as a series of parables. Since travel (especially international travel), means leaving the comfort zone of my usual routine, it’s usually a time when I’m intensely alert and aware, dependent on God and ready to learn. That’s probably why some of the most memorable “parables” of my life have happened on the road. I wanted to get these stories down on paper, so I wouldn’t forget what God had taught me. In the process, I felt that others—especially those who may not have had the chance to experience firsthand the amazing places I’ve seen—could learn from the lessons I’d been taught, as well as simply enjoy catching a unique glimpse of God and His world.

What would you like readers to take away from reading Wonderlust?

We’re all on a pilgrimage in this life, a journey that will either lead us closer, or farther away, from the heart of God. When we travel, we’re often more open to trying new things, paying attention to details, and allowing ourselves to be pulled out of our comfort zone. In other words, it’s the perfect opportunity for God to stretch our understanding of ourselves and Him. The more we get in the habit of treating each new day like a journey to a foreign country, the more open we’ll be to learn and grow.

My hope is that Wonderlust will do more than expand readers’ knowledge of, and interest in, the amazingly diverse world that surrounds us. I want to challenge readers to take a fresh look at the truth of Romans 1:20. If God’s invisible attributes are visible through all He has made, what can the world teach us about the character and power of our heavenly Father?  I hope this book will be a catalyst, that it will open the eyes of those who have an interest in travel to look for God, instead of just adventure, in each journey they take—even if that journey leads them no farther than their own backyard.

What is your favorite chapter in the book?

Every chapter has a very special place in my heart, because every journey God has taken me on has been a unique learning experience. Though I can’t really use the word “favorite” to describe it, the chapter on my trip to Morocco would probably be the one I’m most proud of. Perhaps that’s because it was the most difficult to write—and to live. This chapter was not part of the original outline for Wonderlust, but the more I wrote, the more this journey just seemed to belong in this book. I’ve met so many people who have experienced abuse and struggled with forgiveness, that I hope sharing my story will help others talk about, and deal with, pain from their own past.

What has been your favorite place that you have traveled?

I’ve often said that if I had two lives to live, one would be spent teaching English in Cambodia. Although visiting Angkor Wat was a longtime dream, and fascinating from your basic “tourist” point of view, it was meeting the people of Cambodia that was the biggest delight. Here were people who had experienced almost unfathomable heartache throughout the era of the “killing fields.” But, instead of being despondent or bitter, the people I spent time with seemed to have a deep sense of joy and a grasp on what was truly important in life. Even though their culture was so different from my own, I felt right at home there. Who knows? Someday I may wind up leading that “second life” in Cambodia. God’s filled my life with lots of unexpected twists and turns.

What do you do when you are not writing?

I’ve been married to a wonderful guy named Mark for almost 30 years and have two extremely fun grown children. I love spending time with them doing anything and everything. Also, I currently live in Phoenix, Arizona, and any time the temperatures dip below 110° I like to head for a good hiking trail. I also love to travel, as anyone who’s read Wonderlust can certainly guess. Whenever I can squeeze a trip in, particularly to somewhere I’ve never been before, you’ll find me with a suitcase in hand, usually stuffed with more books than clothing.

What is God teaching you these days?

The longer I’m in relationship with God and the closer I draw to Him, the more I realize how big He is and how little I know. In that respect, every day brings up new questions that keep me coming back to my heavenly Father and the Bible with an open heart, ready to learn. I think right now He’s showing me how little faith has to do with our feelings—how true faith is continuing to move ahead and draw closer to God on those days when it feels as though God is silent. Patience, perseverance and learning to be comfortable with the quiet are all lessons I’m in the midst of learning.

The Nehemiah Factor: 16 Characteristics of a Missional Leader

Frank Page is Pastor of First Baptist Church in Taylors, SC and was President of the Southern Baptist Convention from 2006 – 2008. As a proven leader, he offers a study in leadership in his book, The Nehemiah Factor: 16 Characteristics of a Missional Leader. The book is published by New Hope Publishers.

Using the biblical character, Nehemiah, as a model, Page identifies qualities which a leader should possess and develop.  It is intended for leaders who are “missional.”  He defines this term:

Missional is the buzzword in evangelical circles today…It is a way of looking at Christianity that integrates concern for both evangelism and social ministries.  It is a kind of acting out of the faith in daily life.  The word encompasses much of what Christians have simply thought of in the past as living out the Christ life.

–From Chapter 1, p. 19

Each chapter presents one characteristic from the life of Nehemiah and his project of rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem in difficult times.  Each chapter title begins, A Missional Leader with the following traits.

1. Is a Person of Godly Character
2. Is a Person of Calling
3. Is a Person of Vision
4. Is a Person of Christlike Concern
5. Is a Person of Spiritual Fruitfulness
6. Is a Person Who is a Team Worker
7. Is a Person of Prayer
8. Is a Person of Integrity
9. Is a Person of Comprehension
10. Is an Excellent Conflict Manager
11. Is a Person of Courage
12. Is a Person of Commitment
13. Is a Person of Communication
14. Is a Great Time Manager
15. Is Willing to Provide Accountability
16. Is a Person Who Celebrates Victory

The book is profitable to readers who desire to have more Christian influence in their worlds.  Each reader should evaluate the strength of each characteristic in his or her life.  Weaknesses should be targeted for improvement.  The result will be leading others as Nehemiah did in accomplishing great things for God’s kingdom.

The book is written in a folksy manner with plenty of anecdotes.  This method means that this book is a starting point for leadership studies.  One will have to read elsewhere to dig deeper.

A major deficiency in the book is Page’s critical comments about reformed theology or Calvinism.  The first chapter is titled, “A Missional Leader Is a Person of Godly Character.”  However much of the chapter was spent attacking Calvinism.  I still am not sure why this was relevant to the chapter title.  It seems that Page forgot that this was not one of his previous books, Trouble with the TULIP.

To readers of this blog, it is worth noting his discussion of Psalm 51 in chapter 8.

This prayer of restoration (Ps 51) reveals David had a heart like His (God’s).

– Page 135

Page reminds us that although integrity can be lost, David is an example of one who regained his integrity.

Vicki Kuyper is an experienced traveler and writer. Her journeys have taken her to 40 countries in 5 continents. In this book she is the reader’s travel guide through 30 chapters. Each chapter recounts a specific journey through places like Machu Picchu, Peru and Bangkok, Thailand.

Each chapter recounts not only the sights from the perspective of a tourist, but also a leg in her spiritual journey. Wonder, God’s Presence, and Remembrance are but three of the 30 chapter titles and points of emphasis. Each chapter includes reflection questions and actions at the end of that particular journey.

Kuyper is a skilled writer. She leads the reader to travel with her on each of her journeys. The mental pictures are vivid and clear. You see the sights. You feel the paths under your feet. You hear the sounds and the voices.

More importantly, the reader is led to discover more than a picture of another culture or land. Kuyper relates her own discoveries of God and his character. Along the way she discovers much about her self and her fellow human beings.

As a reader who loves to travel, I anticipated the arrival of this book in the mail. I was not disappointed. I escaped to places around the globe while seated in my reading chair. I was amazed at the wonder of God’s handiwork. I wrestled with issues related to my being a follower of Jesus. My compassion for people of other cultures was heightened. I was challenged to be more prayerful and more aware of God’s presence in my world.

In a few points in the book, perhaps Kuyper could have been stronger when faced with some religious practices and beliefs other than her own. This is a minor point since she wrestles with some of these practices in trying to understand the people around her. She clearly demonstrates her faith in God and longs for these people to come to faith in Christ through the cross.

If you enjoy reading a well written book that transports you to other places, this book is for you. If you want to be reminded of the glory of God revealed in creation, this book is for you. If you want God to probe your heart and mind, this book is for you.

I recently received 4 new books from New Hope Publishers.  I have agreed to provide reviews of these books on my blog.  So look for these in the coming days.

New Hope is the publishing arm of the WMU (Women’s Missionary Union).  They have been named Publisher of the Year by The Advanced Writers and Speakers Association.  The goal of the publisher is to challenge and equip readers to live out Christ’s love in life.

If you would like to read along as I read and review these books, you can click on one of the links to get your copy.

Wonderlust: A Spiritual Travelogue for the Adventurous Soul

In this book, author Vicki Kuyper combines her love of God with her love for travel.  In various journeys she relates what she learns of God while on an earthly journey.  I have peaked at the chapters of this one and cannot wait to get started on it.

Called and Accountable (Trade Book): Discovering Your Place in God’s Eternal Purpose

Authors Henry and Norman Blackaby combine to flesh out some of the ideas from Henry’s earlier work that also gave us Experiencing God.  I am sure to be challenged as I read this one.

The Nehemiah Factor: 16 Characteristics of a Missional Leader

Author Frank Page is a pastor and former president of the Southern Baptist Convention.  The book promises this, “Missional leadership is more than a buzzword.  Discover how it should be your natural leadership style.”

Tough Calls: Game-Winning Principles for Leaders Under Pressure

Travis Collins is a pastor and a football official.  In this book he relates notable moments in sports officiating with principles for spiritual leadership.

Choose the book that looks most appealing to you if you want to interact with me when I review them.  If you have not yet done so, then subscribe to this blog so you don’t miss anything.

Over at the blog In Light of the Gospel, James Grant is giving away 1 ESV Study Bible this Friday.  Click on the link above to enter for an opportunity to get a great study Bible.  This is the translation that I use.  I bought one of these study Bibles for my wife, Suzie.

If you don’t win the giveaway and want to purchase one, then return here and click on the picture of the Bible above.