What I'm.... (and why)

Reading

1. The Prodigal God by Tim Keller

- another great book by Keller. Based on 'Parable of the Prodigal Son' which Keller rightly speaks of as 'The Parable of the Two Lost Sons'. I've got one chapter left.

2. Explore the Book by J. Sidlow Baxter

- It came with the highest recommendation by my good friend Pastor Tim Brown of Calvary Chapel Fremont. He said 'In all thy gettings, get Baxter'. I see why. A massive volume that takes a survey look at every book in the Bible. Thick and deep.

3. The New Testament and the People of God AND Jesus and the Victory of God by NT Wright

- The first two volumes in his series are both intelligent, deep, and challenging. NT Wright is both a historian and a theologian. He is controversial yes, but must be studied.

4. Look to the Rock by J. Alec Motyer

- Looking at the Old Testament through the Christo-centric lens. A great, scholarly work.

Listening To

Teachings

1. New Testament Theology by Dr. Gordon Fee

- Lectures done by Dr. Fee at Regent Seminary in Canada. He's very thorough and lectures like a preacher.

2. Sermons by John Stott

- The well known author also pastored All Saints Church in England for decades. His sermons are fabulous and the European mindset is much like what I am confronted with here in Marin.

Music

1. Ever Stays Red

- Unsigned band from Arizona that one of the young guys in the fellowship hipped me to. They are the Christian version of Coheed and Cambria. Emo, rock, metal. If I had a record label, I'd sign these guys and promote them to the ends of the earth. Super great band.

I'M PRETTY MUCH FIXATED ON EVER STAYS RED AND IT'S ALL I'M LISTENING TO

Pondering

1. Gospel-centered Communication

2. The overarching 'exile' theme of the Bible

3. Christ saturated parenting

Excited About

1. My wife and kids

2. The renewal of the ENTIRE CREATED ORDER

3. Eating better/feeling better

4. Starbucks (It's true!)

5. The Prospects for 2009

Hoping For

1. A Radial Move of the Spirit in my life, family, and community.

2. Calvary North Bay to be a true transformational community.

3. More intimacy and vulnerability with Christ, Lynn, my precious kids, and the body of Christ

4. A few extra minutes.


God bless you all and Merry Christmas