What I Hope to Read in 2007…Will You Hold Me Accountable?

Reading Thirsty David’s post today where he asks for suggestions on what he should read this year got me to thinking about that same thing concerning myself. I have thought about this a little bit over the last several days, but nothing in the way of a really organized and specific plan has emerged (gotta be careful using that word!). I am really good at starting a reading project…and even better at not finishing it, or at least being real slow and taking a long time to complete it. So, to add a little extra incentive and accountability for myself by making it public, here is what I plan to read during the year of our Lord, 2007:

1. The Bible – I plan to read through the Bible twice this year. I started a month or so ago on my third trip through the Bible by reading the NIV Archaeological Study Bible. I have previously read through the ESV and NASB versions. It has been slow going during these festive days, so I am only in Exodus after having read Genesis and Job. Once I finish with the NIV, I plan to read through again using my new 1599 Geneva Bible with updated spelling (No, Thirsty, I am not copying you…I was already planning to do this before I read your post!).
2. Getting the Gospel Right, R.C. Sproul – This is one I started a while back, but have been very slow reading through.
3. A Method for Prayer, Matthew Henry – This is one of the most powerful books I have ever begun to read (another one started but not finished). I hope to keep this always close by for frequent reference. If you have not read this one, you owe it to yourself to get a copy.
4. Nine Marks of a Healthy Church, Mark Dever – I have read the small booklet version before (it is what God used to open my eyes to the reality of the unhealthy church we had been in for seven years), but I want to read the actual book this year.
5. The Gospel According to Jesus, John MacArthur
6. Willing to Believe, R.C. Sproul
7. Rockdale Community Church’s ‘Book of the Month’ – The elders of RCC (where we are members) recommend a book each month and order small quantities of each that can be purchased at cost. I will provide a link to the current month’s recommendation in the far right column on this site.
8. Mission Accomplished, Michael Horton – This was December’s ‘Book of the Month’ at RCC.
9. Pilgrim’s Progress, John Bunyan.

Well, there it is. My reading goals for 2007. Based on my past performance, I’d say it is a wee bit optimistic. But, I really would like to look back at the end of this year having read most, if not all, of these books. Not to sound overly spiritual or pious, but if need be, I will gladly forsake the rest of the list if it means reading through the Bible twice this year. My goal is not to receive accolades or braggin’ rights, but spiritual growth.

Will you help me? I have published this post as a way of going public and perhaps providing a little more accountability for myself in actually reading what I’ve listed here. But, how about dropping me an email every once in a while throughout this coming year and asking, “Hey Brian, how’s the reading schedule going?”. I’d be much obliged. Hey…let me know what you plan to read this year and I’ll do what I can to hold you to it. A little accountability and discipline does the soul well (even for those of you within the SBC! – big smile here).