My Favorite Read of 2024: Astonished by the Word
December 29, 2024
2024 was another year where I found myself wishing I had more time for reading—a recurring theme, it seems. Much of my reading this year was focused on partial sections of books as part of my dissertation research at Asbury Theological Seminary.
A significant portion of my study centered on the Gospel of Luke, including a deep dive into commentaries. One standout read was A Bird’s-Eye View of Luke and Acts: Context, Story, and Themes (#ad) which I completed cover to cover. I highly recommend it to anyone looking to explore the richness of these texts.
Would you like a review of the Luke commentaries I’ve worked through?
Another highlight was Jesus and the Powers: Christian Political Witness in an Age of Totalitarian Terror and Dysfunctional Democracies (#ad). I was thrilled to discuss this insightful book with Mike Bird himself—you can listen to our interview for more details.
On a different note, I started using the Libby app to borrow and listen to audiobooks from my local library. It’s been a fantastic way to fit more reading into a busy schedule.
My 2024 Favorite Read: Astonished by the Word
In early 2024, I had the privilege of reading Astonished by the Word: Reading Scripture for Deep Transformation (#ad), published in 2023 by my friend and mentor Brian Russell. I worked through most of the book alongside a group of preachers, and the discussions we shared made the experience even more impactful.
Brian is an exceptional Bible teacher, and I was fortunate to take several classes with him during my seminary years. His ability to bring Scripture to life is unparalleled. If you ever have the chance to attend one of his classes, don’t miss it. But if that’s not possible, this book is the next best thing.
Here are three helpful ideas from Astonished by the Word.
On Submission to God in Scripture
“Biblical authority is a way of life in which I willingly submit myself to the probing and investigation of the text. It is only then that the Bible truly functions as the Word of God for me and for my community (page 19).”
On Modern Idolatry
“The biggest hinderance to out growth in grace and personal witness is our denial of the idolatry in our lives. One of the tragedies of the success of the Church in the Western world is that the triumph of monotheism has hidden the reality of gods and goddesses all around us (79).”
On the Challenge of Reading Scripture
Our conversation with Scripture requires patient and persistent listening. We cannot control the speed of illumination and insight. Some passages will release their riches quickly and easily. Others will only do so slowly and with difficulty. In either case, we must be willing to be fully present with God and the text in a spirit of humility. and dogged resilience (155).”
Looking Ahead to 2025
2025 is already shaping up to be a monster year for reading. With my main research chapter for my doctoral work completed, I’ll have much more flexibility to explore books outside of academic requirements. There are even a few books I’m close to finishing now, but they’ll likely spill over into the new year.
I’m especially excited to dive into a couple of books recently published by my preaching friends. It’s always inspiring to see their work in print and engage with their insights.
- My Friend Ted Goshorn’s book is Raise Your Ebenezer: A Field Guide to Suffering (#ad)
- My Friend Ben Gosden’s book is Grace Rediscovered: Finding Hope and Healing Through Faith and Recovery (#ad)
What about you? What are you hoping to read in 2025? If you’re curious, I’d be happy to share a list of the books I plan to tackle.
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More From David
South Georgia Methodists United in Prayer
March 10, 2023
On Saturday, March 4th the Glennville Methodist Church hosted Dr. Brian Russell and Rev. Dr. Ted Goshorn for a Deeper in Prayer Conference. Methodist church members and pastors from over South Georgia gathered for this one day conference.
The conference focused on contemplative prayer and spiritual rhythms.
Brian and Ted are known speakers in their fields. Brian Russell is biblical studies professor at Asbury Theological Seminary. Ted Goshorn is the Sr. Pastor at Mulberry Street United Methodist Church. The presenters provided many different ways for us to engage in prayer. There were workshops in the morning and the afternoon with a catered lunch in between. We started and ended the day with worship by the talented Mary Anne Cabbage.
Highlights from the conference included practicing centering prayer multiple times, a Q & A time with the speakers, and a short hymn sing after the lunch break.
Here is a personal reflection from Glennville Methodist Church member Mary Catherine Banks that was featured in the church newsletter.
What an opportunity to learn a way to form a good habit that could change a life! Even though the word “habit” usually has a negative connotation, we were told about a positive one in which to enter into the presence of God through Centering Prayer every day. This new term means “setting aside a chosen period of time each day of total silence for a routine of going to God in prayer”. We were encouraged to intentionally and faithfully make this a real habit of the same time span each day in meditation and surrender to Him. By choosing a “prayer word” such as “Jesus”, we can say it to remind us to return to God when our random thoughts inevitably come into our minds to interfere with our focus on Him!
The purpose of this centered prayer is for us to become an instrument of love in our noisy world by letting go of what disrupts us from His spirit. We are meant to love God and ourselves so that love and forgiveness of others overflows. This paraphrased quote meant a lot to me. “Daily life is like a glass of stirred up muddy water! But when we sit in silence with God, that troubled mixture becomes settled and clear. We can then see to go about our day in the spirit of love”.
Mary Catherine Banks
From the feedback received, this conference seemed to add deep spiritual value to those who attended.
Three Question for Deep Spiritual Formation
February 16, 2022
As a pastor, I am professionally trained to study the bible, understand theology (some), preach, and offer pastoral care. However, there is one area where most pastors… maybe even most Jesus-followers are under trained in. This area is in trying to figure out what God is doing in our own life.
The other day I was listening to a podcast where my mentor, Brian Russell, was interviewing another pastor/author, Marc Alan Schelske. Marc was talking about his own spiritual formation and struggles as a pastor.
Marc also shared a tool he uses to help him process what God is doing in his life. He gave three questions he asked that are inspired by an ancient church father, St. Ignatius.
I found them so helpful I tweeted, blogged about, and made it the cover of the church newsletter. Marc offered the practice of time daily journaling through these questions.
#1 What happened in my life yesterday?
#2 Why did I respond or choose the way that I did?
#3 Who is God inviting me to be?
These questions have added value to my processing time with the Lord.
What practices do you find helpful in addition to your prayer and scripture reading?
David Donnan 