A little over a decade or so ago I read a book that transformed my view of the Bible. The book was Philip Yancey’s “The Bible Jesus Read.” … I read another book recently that may change as dramatically the way I read the New Testament, or at least the Gospels. Lois Tverberg’s “Walking in the Dust of the Rabbi Jesus” helped to transport me to the time and culture of Jesus on earth.

I’m considering shutting down SWYW. That doesn’t mean I won’t continue to write. I will. It’s just I think I’ve gotten off course with my initial commission to write. It was two and half years ago that I sensed God telling me to write. Since then I’ve written a lot, some good, some not so good. Writing for me was supposed to be an artistic outlet, as well as a manner of pastoral communication — sharing the truths of Scripture using my own voice, as a preacher without a pulpit.

One of the hardest things I’ve had to accept about God is that he desires to be my friend. Father to me as one who was, in a way, fatherless — certainly. A comfort in times of distress — without question. A solid rock in an age of uncertainy — most assuredly. But one who wants to be my friend?

I selected the book Preparation for Eternity with God by Rick Streight because the topic has been of interest to me for over a year now — the subjects of heaven and hell and Christ’s return and our resurrection. I also wanted to read it because we’ll be beginning a sermon series next month at my church called “If I Die Before I Wake,” and the final message will be on the resurrection.

Many of my non-liturgical friends might be unaware that today is Ash Wednesday. If you read last year’s post about this time (“Fat Wednesday and Other Irreverent Ideas”), then you’d know we just began observing this day on the church calendar.

Every worship leader has stood before his or her congregation and wondered what it would be like if we all worshiped more throughout the week. What if our gathering on Sunday morning (or whatever day and time) comprised believers who loved and worshiped Jesus every day — not just for an hour once a week?

Where to begin with my review of Eric Metaxas’ “Bonhoeffer: Pastor, Martyr, Prophet, Spy?” How can 500 words or so really do justice to a 600-page analysis of the life of a Christian pastor who stood against Hitler and tried to guard his beloved Lutheran church from Nazi infiltration?

It took me a little longer than usual to get into John Grisham’s latest, “The Litigators,” but when I finally did, I sped through it like I do most of his novels.

I wrote last week about my renewed view of the role of a pastor and how I am prioritizing pastoring my own family. Pastors aren’t the only ones who should pastor their families. All fathers are called to the role of shepherd, to the responsibility of shepherding our children, as well as our wives. A wonderful resource to help with this is Voddie Baucham Jr.’s “Family Shepherds.”

Every pastor, or anyone wanting to become one, should read Eugene Peterson’s “The Pastor.” A fellow pastor friend of mine recommended it, saying Peterson’s writing reminded him of mine. I’m certainly one for flattery so I bought it immediately.