What I'm Reading Right Now
I’ve been on a bit of a preaching hiatus, as well as an extended vacation, so I haven’t posted in a while. So I thought it might be a good time for an update on what I’m reading.
First on the list is Pete Greig’s book, How to Pray: A Simple Guide for Normal People. Pete, known as the British Billy Graham and founder of the global 24-7 Prayer Movement, is fast becoming a major influence in my Christian life, along with CS Lewis, NT Wright, and Tim Keller. His writings are deeply spiritual, refreshingly humble, somewhat mystical—yet down-to-earth—incredibly practical, and balanced. I’ve never read anyone quite like him.
How to Pray delivers on the title and subtitle. Every chapter resonates with where I am on my faith journey, challenging me without making me feel like dirt for not being where I should be. I highly recommend it, along with all his works. My wife is listening to the audio version of his book, Dirty Glory, narrated by Pete, and says hearing him actually read the words adds another layer of blessing. If you pick it up, let me know what you think.
Second, I am slowly digesting Tell Her Story: How Women Led, Taught, and Ministered in the Early Church, by
, professor of New Testament at Northern Seminary. I consider myself fairly familiar with First Century culture in general, but I must admit that Professor Gupta is giving me more than a bit of surprising insight into the roles of women back then, both in the church and in society at large. Regardless of where you land on the third-tier issue of women in ministry, you will find his book helpful. By the way, Gupta is another balanced, down-to-earth voice in the midst of all this craziness that I’d encourage you to check out.
Finally, I am rereading, after many years, Tolkien’s seminal work, The Lord of the Rings, in one volume. I’m not gonna lie, it’s not an easy read for me. The backstory and world are so immense, the characters and plot so complex, that at times I get bogged down, but, much like Lewis’ Chronicles, it never fails to illustrate a spiritual truth or encourage me in some way.
What are you reading right now? Let me know in the comments.
Currently reading God Never Gives Up On You by Max Lucado. Always like his style of writing.
Why We Love Baseball by Joe Posnanski because I do love the game.
Never read Lord of the Rings or watched the movies but have considered doing on or the other sometime in 2026.
Tell Her Story was a great read and definitely opened my eyes and reshaped my thoughts.
Confession: I have never read The Lord of the Rings. I've only seen the movies, which makes me feel like a huge imposter on Substack because so many writers are much more well read. Some day!
Tell Her Story was my introduction to Gupta and his scholarship, which is excellent. I recently read his latest, The Affections of Christ Jesus: Love as the Heart of Paul's Theology. Another great read.