I am thrilled to share that one of my friends, Mike Dellosso, has a new book on the market -- The Hunted. This Christian thriller brings to mind other authors like Frank Peretti, Ted Dekker, and Stephen King. If you enjoy an exciting read that keeps true to the Christian faith, you will want get your copy and start reading right away. I promise; this is a page-turner. My stamp of approval is all over this one.

This past week, in between work, appointments, ministry work, and, well, life stuff, I've somehow managed to eek out some personal reading time. I'm reading four books at once. I know. I know. I'm an odd duck. I did state clearly that I love books. It's been awhile since I've indulged myself in fiction. In addition to Mike's new novel, I'm reading another fast-paced adventure/thriller by Robert Liparulo called Deadfall.

I'm also perusing two nonfiction books that supply solid answers to the questions and arguments that atheists so readily fire our way from their so-called cannon of reason.

What's so Great about Christianity? by Dinesh D'souza, and The Politically Incorrect Guide to the Bible, Robert J. Hutchinson, should be read by every believer who wants to refute common athiest complaints to Christian history and beliefs. I am amazed by the research that these two highly investigative men have invested in their work. I've also been surprised by just how much I didn't know about the Bible and the history of the Christian Church. We've got quite a legacy, friends. Good stuff!

I'd love to know what you're reading. Any suggestions? Don't worry; I still make time to study/read the Bible and do my devotions, even in the midst of my current reading frenzy.

I can't get God off my mind ... ever. For that I'm grateful, although, sometimes, I'm reminded (by God, of course) of areas in my life that still require some serious work -- heart work. It's difficult to walk close to God when you're trying to avoid His ever-present ability to peer into your soul, challinging you to surrender sin and draw closer to Him. And for me, even good Christian fiction can awaken and alert me to things that need to change.

I say the above because I've had a number of people, over time, question my desire to read fiction, yes, Christian fiction, too. I thoroughly understand that for some folks keeping to the Bible is what they choose to do, but, I don't think we should ever look down our noses if others choose to make additional reading choices. That just seems strange to me, yet, it's happened.

Personally, I believe, and have seen, more often than not, God using a variety of avenues to share His truths. Obviously, the Bible is His primary source. But we can glean much from other good books, stories, and articles. Jesus, after all, was a seasoned storyteller.

A good author can weave God's message through an exciting tale, leaving us with more than a taste of His truth and grace.

Not to mention, reading is such a great alternative to TV and over- indulging on the computer. Nothing quite compares to cracking the cover and smelling that new-book freshness, or the fragrance that emits from within the battered binding and fading pages of an ancient text. Ahhhhhh ... gotta love it! So ...

Go on! Turn off that TV. Grab a book. Read!