It is summertime in America – the lazy days of summer. A time in Minnesota when people like to head north to the cabin, sit by the lake and take the time to enjoy a good book. Or maybe like me, you are still in quarantine because of COVID 19. My wife and I are still in isolation, not just because of the government recommendations, but by order of our two daughters. So whether you are on vacation at the cabin or stuck at home, summer is a great time to catch up on some reading.
Let me mention a few books I have been reading lately.
LIVING THE LIFE OF FIRE – An Autobiography
By Reinhard Bonnke
My wife Dorothy and I have been reading this book together, and although we have not quite finished yet, we highly recommend it as it is truly inspirational.
Reinhard Bonnke “was born in the war-torn country of Germany and called by God to the bush of Africa as a child. His obedience to the Holy Spirit enabled him to preach the message of salvation to over 1,600,000 people in a single service in Lagos, Nigeria. As the founder of ‘Christ for All Nations,’ he has had the privilege of leading over 78 million people to salvation in his Gospel Crusades and witnessed countless New Testament signs and wonders. His life is a model for generations of preachers to come, and his life story will inspire Christians everywhere to believe for God’s maximum.”
His story is extensive, with over 550 pages. However, it is truly inspirational. The next Langstaff Letter will include some of his story.
THE LAST HOUR – An Israeli Insider Looks at the End Times
By Amir Tsarfati
Amir Tsarfati “was born in Israel and has lived there most of his life. Since fulfilling his mandatory service in the Israeli Defense Forces, he has continued as a major in the IDF reserves. Amir has been the CEO of Sar El Tours and Conferences and was a chief tour guide in Israel for twenty years.” Dr. David Jeremiah, in the forward to the book, declares, “I have read hundreds of prophetic books in my ministerial lifetime, but I have never read a book like ‘The Last Hour.’ This is a prophetic book written by a Jewish believer.” Dr. Jeremiah goes on to say, “This book is thoughtfully written, and it takes what could be confusing and makes is understandable.”
I must confess that in recent times, I have been drawn back to look at teaching on the End Times. Perhaps it is the events of recent times, such as the COVID 19 pandemic, but more and more we are facing uncertain times where the whole world is being shaken up. This is the time to go back and study what the Bible has to say about the End Times.
100 BIBLE VERSES THAT MADE AMERICA
By Robert J. Morgan
This is a fascinating book that details how “the Bible played an essential role in American history from the Mayflower to modern times – America’s moral and intellectual foundation.” Each of the 100 chapters is built around stories connected to a specific Bible verse, some of them you already know, but others are waiting for you to discover them. Dr. Jack Graham of Prestonwood Baptist Church in Dallas, Texas, describes it as “inspiring and exciting descriptions of great Americans and their faith and the principles that made our nation great.” The book covers a variety of stories, including famous figures of history, together with little known heroes of the faith that have been largely forgotten. I discovered things I did not know about the place of faith in the history of the United States.
THE ORACLE
By Jonathan Cahn
Many readers will be familiar with the writings of New York Times best-selling author Jonathan Cahn, whose first explosive bestseller ‘The Harbinger’ shed light on the events of 9/11. Cahn seeks to open up, what are for many people, the mysteries of Scripture, bringing forth messages of prophetic importance.
In his latest book, ‘The Oracle,’ Cahn “seeks to do just that – unveil what he describes as ‘The Jubilean Mystery.’ It is written more like a novel and tells the story around seven doors, each unfolding a mystery. It was for me a little frustrating as I prefer a more straightforward approach, but none the less, it was fascinating material that goes back to the place of Mark Twain in the prophetic program right up to President Donald Trump and this modern age, as he weaves together the mystery of the prophetic events surrounding modern Israel.
OVERCOMER
By Chris Fabry
On a lighter note, I enjoyed reading “Overcomer,’ a fictional book based on the motion picture by Alexander and Stephen Kendrick, the creators of ‘War Room.’
This book tells of an experience that brought instant change to Coach John Harrison when his basketball state championship team was shut down. “Filled with a powerful mix of faith, a twist of humor, and a ton of heart,” it is “an inspiring family drama that dares to leave you filled with hope, inspired to dream, and asking the question, ‘What do you allow to define you?'” I watched the movie and read the book and enjoyed them both.
IN HIS GRIP – An Autobiography
By Harry Westcott
Harry Westcott succeeded me as President of Vision Ministries in Australia, when I moved to the United States in 1980. I had the privilege of writing the foreword to his autobiography and started by stating, “You have heard the phrase ‘When God made him, He threw away the mold.’ That is undoubtedly true of Harry. He is unique, and he is different.”
My wife, Dorothy, and I were greatly blessed as we read this book together. There were times we laughed out loud, and other times, we had tears in our eyes over events in their lives. Harry is a real Aussie, coming out of a rural background in Western New South Wales. He has been bold and adventurous, willing to do things that were, at times, controversial, like praying for the dead to be raised.
If you live in Australia, you can get a copy by emailing harrywestcott80@gmail.com for details.
A CLOSING WORD
The Bible says, ‘study to show thyself worthy,’ and although this undoubtedly speaks of studying the Word of God, I believe we also need to read books that will sharpen our understanding of the Word and inspire us in our service of the King.
I encourage you to turn off the TV, put down your cell phone and pick up a good book this summer. May God bless you as you do!
Make sure to comment and share with me the books that you have been reading lately.
Kairos Ministries 
I thoroughly enjoyed hearing of the books that you and Dorothy have been reading. I also was reading prophetic books of end time events during the shut down. Jonathon Cain is an interesting author and speaker.I am interested in reading “Last Hour.” His return is always on a Christian’s radar and the pandemic seemed to really get the attention of the body of Christ. Thank you so much for continuing to share. You are a true leader as you lead as long as you have strength and breath.
Ron and I are still pastoring. The whole pandemic thing really caused us to do things that we had never done before, talk to a camera from our kitchen, do church in a parking lot with braving the weather, doing drive through communion, having leaders who refuse to come to church and having to find new people who would step up and help us with the ministry. We are finally back in the building and appreciating a building like never before.
I hadn’t lead worship for many years but when our worship leader would not come to church , I had to step back in the role. It was a shock to my system but actually enjoying it now. Lost most of the worship team as there were 4 members is that family who would not come to church. We have never lost our need for the Lord!
Hope you enjoy your summer! We will never forget the time that you invested in our ministry.
Love and Blessings, Pastor Ron and Mary