While thinking about packing for Cambodia, the most trouble I will have is figuring out which books I will take along. It is nice that e-books do not weigh anything, and I will be able to bring all of those with me, but we do have a couple bookshelves full of books, and I wish I could bring them all.

In thinking about that, I have provided my top five books I have ever read (I have the right to change my mind). These books are ranked based on how they have impacted me, the necessity I feel others to read them.

Jesus Killed My Church by Randy Bohlender (Free e-book right now)

 - This is in my top five because I do not know of any other book I would recommend more to those entering the full time ministry, especially but not limited to church ministry. I don't know of any other book nailing such a beautiful message about Jesus and how He sees ministry. To those training for ministry, this book is a must read.

Unto Death: Missions, Martyrdom and the Maturity of the Church by Dalton Thomas

 - This book has stirred my heart in many ways. Jesus is worth more than whatever we gain in life and whatever we lose in death. That is the message of this book. From a missions context, Dalton Thomas brings forth a sobering yet ignored Biblical truth that following Jesus demands us to deny ourselves and follow Him, even unto death.

Fire Within by Thomas Dubay

 - I put this book on my top five even though I would not recommend it to every person I meet. This book has been good for me in certain seasons of life. His language is heavy, and it might take some time to understand his terminology. He talks about prayer through two old saints, St. John of the Cross and St. Theresa of Avila. I have not read anyone so well learned through study and experience in the deepness of the spiritual life other than Thomas Dubay. If you discern a Spirit-nudge to read this book, in the right season it will surely give you a clear pathway into the deep things of God.

Onething by Dwyane Roberts

 - This simple book is my most read book. I have gone back to this book every couple years to re-align myself with the simple call of pursuing Jesus, and Jesus alone. It is an easy read. I would recommend it to anyone in any maturity.

The Life and Times of Jesus the Messiah by Alfred Edershiem

- This book I would recommend for any serious Bible student.  At times it is a little over my head. This book gives a background for the life of Jesus. The authors of the Gospel's were all writing to people who lived in the same geographical, cultural, and social area Jesus did. There are TONS of details assumed by the authors that leave us 21st century readers in ignorance. Example, when scripture says, "When King Herod heard this he was disturbed, and all Jerusalem with him." (referring to Herod's hearing about baby Jesus from the Magi), the 1st century readers (direct audience) know why this was a HUGE deal. You didn't have to remind them that Herod had killed EVERYONE who even blinked suspiciously if he thought they were a threat to his power. Almost all of his family was executed because of Herod's paranoia. However, 2,000 years later, when the text said Herod was "disturbed" we do not quite understand what that really meant.

The truth is though that there are plenty of Bible study books out there. This one however is detailed and written in a manner of awe that the life of Jesus deserves.

For your summer reading, feel free to ask more about any of these gems. I would love to tell you more.

Blessings!