Leaders are readers.
Hungry leaders stay hungry, and they seek nuggets of truth and ideas from other accomplished leaders. We live in an age of information.
Looking at the latest reports from Bowker they show that self-publishing has increased to pass the one million mark for the first time (per annum), this breaks down to an average of over 2,700 new books being launched every day.
The average leader reads one book per week and the high achievers read three to five books per month.
The following books are for prolific leaders and world-changers.
Let’s have a look at my top five must-read books for every spiritual leader.
1. The Bible — The Holy Word
The Bible is no ordinary book. The scriptures are God-inspired.
God placed His Spirit on people to write His Word. This means that God is the composer of the Bible. The Holy Scriptures are a trusted resource to interpret our times and the happenings of our times.
“For prophecy never came by the will of man, but holy men of God spoke as the Holy Spirit moved them.” (II Peter 1:21, NKJV)
The Bible is the most relevant book of the 21st century. Many consider the Bible antiquated or out of touch. It is far from that.
God’s word divides our soul and spirit-like a surgeon divides the marrow from bones. This symbolizes spiritual surgery for both our hearts and soul.
For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and discerns the thoughts and intents of the heart, (Hebrews 4:12, NKJ)
God talks to us through His Word. Prayer is how we talk to God, but when we read God’s Word, He talks to us.
Maybe you don’t believe that. Just try it.
2. The Practice by Seth Godin
The Practice is all about the creatives in life — you and me. This book is astounding and written with a code of repetitious inspiration. The Practice unlocks the potential of the readers and reintegrates encouragement over and over.
The Practice will unlock your personal confidence. Seth’s overlying message is that doing the work is everything. Every good thing happens when we do the work – every day.
Seth believes that greatness occurs as we practice. Seth says, “The practice is the game.” This book is astounding.
I highly recommend The Practice by Seth Godin.
3. Win the Day by Mark Batterson
Win the Day is the latest book by pastor and author Mark Batterson. Mark wrote another incredible book. He is certainly one of the best authors of the 2000s.
Win the Day assists Christ-followers to reach their goals and win their day. Mark is a remarkable coach with keen insight. Mark connects spirituality with everyday life and has an unusual gift to connect history and destiny.
Mark is the master of the history/destiny formula
The book is divided into the following categories, seven habits to help the reader “stress less and accomplish more.”
Two chapters are focused on the past, two on the present, and three on the future.
The chapter titles:
1. Flip the Script: If you want to change your life, start by changing your story.
2. Kiss the Wave: The obstacle is not the enemy; the obstacle is the way.
3. Eat the Frog: If you want God to do the super, you’ve got to do the natural.
4. Fly the Kite: How you do anything is how you’ll do everything.
5. Cut the Rope: Playing it safe is risky.
6. Wind the Clock: Time is measured in minutes; life is measured in moments.
7. Seed the Clouds: Sow today what you want to see tomorrow.
Be sure and favorite this book on Amazon.
4. Atomic Habits — James Clear
James Clear hit a grand slam with Atomic Habits. The writing is simple, powerful, and easy to understand. I have read many books on how habits are formed and sustained, but Atomic Habits are the best ever.
The book explains 3 layers to changing habits:
- Changing outcomes — results like losing weight, running, etc.
- Changing process — developing systems and routines that help people achieve goals
- Changing identity — changing some beliefs which drive actions.
James also adds how both good and bad habits are formed. He also gives workable solutions on how to overcome the bad stuff. It is truly enlightening.
Habits form through:
- Cues – triggers and signs in the environment; you need to make it obvious
- Cravings — motivations to pursue; you need to make habits attractive
- Response — actions we take
- Rewards — feedback, how to positively satisfy the craving
The book is practical, powerful, and insightful.
5. Overcome Bondage, Fear, and Addiction by Thomas McDaniels
America is dealing with fear, anxiety, hate, riots, disease, and political division. Violence and abuse fill our lives, and social media drives the narrative deeper.
Overcoming Bondage, Fear and Addiction is focused on the fears and stress that 2020 and COVID-19 uncovered. Overcome Bondage, Fear and Addiction provides practical and powerful solutions to fear and addiction.
Overcome Bondage, Fear and Addiction is a great resource to families struggling with these issues. This book is written for people of faith and gives biblical solutions and breakthrough strategies.
You can find Overcome Bondage, Fear, and Addiction by clicking here.
Books and reading
Reading stimulates the mind, reduces stress, increases knowledge, and improves your memory. Those are just a few benefits.
I pray the books above are a resource to you.
I also pray to have added some value to your life.
Read-on my friends.
This post first appeared here
