Four Books I Read While Away For A Few Days

My wife, Jeana, and I had the privilege to be away for a few days over the Memorial Day holiday weekend. Our staff team was encouraged not to interrupt our time away through emails, text messages, calls, or via social network updates. I am thankful our team let us “escape” in such away — it served as a great blessing.

If I can make my way to a beach, and remain uninterrupted, I can read endlessly. This is exactly what I did several hours a day for several days in a row. During my time away I was able to read four books, plus listen to several hours of podcasts during my daily runs. During this time I have been ministered to and encouraged. I want to share with you what I read over these few days.

1. Leading On Empty: Refilling Your Tank and Renewing Your Passion

Wayne Cordeiro, Author

Every minister and, quite honestly, any person who has leadership responsibilities can gain something from this testimonial and helpful read. Pastor Cordeiro, who I enjoy listening to on his podcasts, gives readers a helpful and transparent word about his own life and leadership. God has used this man greatly and it is a great reminder to all of us how challenging ministry leadership can be. The counsel he provides in this book blessed me.

2. The Circle Maker: Praying Circles Around Your Biggest Dreams and Greatest Fears

Mark Batterson, Author

This is one of the most motivating books on prayer that I have read in years. As a committed prayer warrior and one who has written on prayer as well as prayer and fasting, I was ministered to greatly. This is a book that will be around for many years, one that any Christian can benefit from reading. We must return to the power of prayer, calling upon the God of Heaven to do mighty things among us. Batterson’s testimony of the continuous “God Stories” in and through his church will uplift you spiritually.

3. I Am A Church Member: Discovering the Attitude that Makes the Difference

Thom S. Rainer, Author

I had initially read Thom Rainer’s book when I was asked to endorse it. I then took it to my staff, telling them to get ready for it because it is a winner! As General Editor of the Bible Studies For Life Curriculum Series, I appealed to my Bible Studies For Life advisory council that we need this book to become a six-week series in our three-year scope and sequence. Praise God, we are doing it!

Listen friends, I believe in this book. My team and I have ordered 500 copies to give to leaders of our church and I’m encouraging them to let it be a summer read for them. Additionally, I will encourage these leaders to pass it on to another church member upon completion. On top of this, I am informing our team this week that I want us to give this book to each family who joins our Cross Church family.

This is a winner book! Our people need it! I need it! The church needs it!

Read this book! You can read it in less than one hour!

4. 7 Men: And the Secret of Their Greatness

Eric Metaxas, Author

This is one great read! Quite honestly, this book needs to be taught in our senior high schools all over our nation. It highlights seven great men and the qualities that made them great. Eric Metaxas does a splendid job in writing an easy read of these historic figures and how they have been used in their lives powerfully. They have each left a legacy.

I love reading biographies. This book provides the biographies of seven men, their distinctiveness, and their contribution to society. How we need these kinds of leaders today. Read this book. It is worth the journey and the time!

One More Thing — Growing Through Listening To Podcasts While Running

I am not a great runner, but I run. While I run, I listen to others that can teach me the Word of God. I listen to all kinds of people talk about all kinds of things. I hear them share their heart as they preach in churches and at conferences. I also learn about leadership through various podcasts.

Most days I was able to run at least an hour which at times can allow me to listen to two podcasts. What I have been so blessed by is how God uses the diversity of Christian leaders minister to me during this time.

I listen to people who are much younger than me, much older than me, and much smarter than me (which is not too hard!). I learn. I grow. I pray. I am mentored by all of them.

Therefore, not just in time while I’m away, but through working out five or six days a week, I am able to listen to hours and hours of the Word of God coming into my life from God’s people. I am challenged intellectually. I become overwhelmed spiritually. God teaches me. Thank God that while bodily exercise profits just a little, godliness is profitable in all things. As I combine the bodily and spiritual growth moments, God grows me in Him daily.

Never Stop Growing,

Ronnie W. Floyd