1. Redeeming Your Time by Jordan Raynor

This book is a game-changer for time management and productivity. Jordan Raynor blends a biblical framework with practical strategies to help Christians steward their time well.

I first discovered Raynor in 2020 through his community, which is now known as the Mere Christians Community. His book has provided practical insights that have helped me balance my work as CEO of Five More Talents while also launching projects like this blog and the Bible Answers Project.

Key principles from this book that have transformed my approach to time management include:

• Commitment Tracking System – Inspired by Matthew 5:37, Raynor teaches how to let our “yes” be yes and “no” be no. I use Todoist to track and prioritize commitments.
• Daily and Weekly Reviews – Regular check-ins help me stay on track.
• Deep Work Blocks – Setting aside distraction-free time has boosted my productivity.
• Task Batching – Grouping similar tasks together improves efficiency.

2. The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry by John Mark Comer

While I don’t agree with Comer on everything, this book has deeply impacted my relationships and work life. Based on 1 Corinthians 13:4, “Love is patient,” Comer argues that hurry and impatience are root sins of our culture.

He challenges believers to slow down, embrace simplicity, and honor the Sabbath. This book made me reconsider everyday habits—why am I always rushing? By God’s grace, applying these principles has helped me grow in patience and deepen relationships with my wife and kids.

3. The City of God by St. Augustine

This theological masterpiece, written over 12 years, took me 17 years to finish. But I am glad I did.

It was written in response to the 410 AD sack of Rome and provides a vision of God’s eternal kingdom.

Augustine contrasts the “earthly city” with the “City of God,” showing how believers should focus on God’s kingdom rather than earthly power. The first ten books refute pagan critiques of Christianity, while the remaining books present a biblical vision of history, human nature, and God’s sovereignty.

One of the most profound insights from The City of God is Augustine’s argument that history is not merely a series of random events but part of God’s divine plan. He explains how the earthly city, dominated by pride and self-love, ultimately falls, whereas the City of God, built on humility and love for God, endures eternally.

Another key takeaway for me has been recognizing the role of both human and spiritual agents—angels and demons—in history, a perspective often neglected in modern thought..

I hope to one day produce or participate in a deep-dive podcast on Augustine’s City of God. If you’re interested, let me know!

4. Faith’s Checkbook by Charles Spurgeon

This devotional contains 365 daily readings centered on God’s promises. Spurgeon wrote it during a difficult season, emphasizing that he was no “dry-land sailor” but someone who knew life’s storms firsthand.

This book has encouraged both me and my wife, reminding us daily to trust in God’s faithfulness. “For we walk by faith, not by sight” (2 Corinthians 5:7).

Conclusion

Each of these books has shaped my faith and practice in different ways—Raynor on time stewardship, Comer on slowing down, Augustine on God’s kingdom, and Spurgeon on trusting His promises. If you’re looking for books to challenge and strengthen your walk with Christ, I highly recommend these.

Note: Generative AI was used in creating this post. First, I made an audio recording of what I wanted to say. Then, I transcribed the audio using TurboScribe.ai. Finally, I transformed the transcript into a blog post using ChatGPT.