My Thanks for Your Generosity

A few years ago I set up my Amazon wishlist to help me organize a desired list of books for future reading. It has been a very valuable tool in not allowing important books to get away from me, even if it might be years before I actually purchase or read them. For instance, any time I receive a recommendation for reading or learn of a book that will be beneficial to study of a particular category, I simply jump on my Android app and with a click of a button, I “add it to my queue” for future reading. I have found the wishlist to be a significant asset as I seek to build my personal library, and also as a resource to share with others when I am recommending books.

A couple of years ago I decided to link my Amazon wishlist to the blog (right sidebar) as a way for people to contribute if they have found airō to be a blessing to them. While writing is something I love to do, I also love to read and understand it is of vital necessity to my ministry and to my personal growth. I like what Charles Spurgeon bluntly said in the following:

Give yourself unto reading. The man who never reads will never be read; he who never quotes will never be quoted. He who will not use the thoughts of other men’s brains, proves that he has no brains of his own. You need to read.

But reading costs money, and I don’t get paid to write, so it’s a tremendous blessing to receive a book gift in the mail to add to my library. Not only is the gracious donor contributing to my personal growth and study, but they are also contributing to my legacy.

One of my primary purposes for building a theologically-rich library is to pass it down to my children. I desire for my children to have access to the best historical and contemporary works, that they would be grounded in sound doctrine and develop and cultivate a biblical worldview. So anyone generously contributing to my library is not only a contributing factor in my sanctification, but Lord willing, will be a contributing factor to my children’s sanctification.

All said, I am overwhelmed with gratitude when I receive a gift in the mail. But, there have been several occasions where I do not have opportunity to express my gratitude to the donor since there is usually no contact information provided. So, I would like this short blog post to serve as a “thank you” to those who have purchased books for me in the past. Just yesterday I received two books – Martin Lloyd Jones’ Studies in the Sermon on the Mount and A.W. Pink’s The Sovereignty of God – but found no way to “say thanks”. Neither was I able to “say thanks” to the brother who purchased the book I am currently finishing up, Clifford McManis’ Biblical Apologetics. So, thank you, brothers, for your gracious gifts. I hope you and others who have previously purchased books for me will read this blog and know that I am extremely grateful for your generosity.

In the spirit of gracious giving, I would like to offer the reader a gift. Whether you have donated books or not, please leave a comment below informing me of what book(s) you are currently reading. This might be a fun way to share reading interests and expand one another’s reading lists. Next Saturday, September 13th, I will randomly draw three names from the group of participants and send them 100 Do You Know HIM?  Gospel tracts. Just make sure the email in your commenting credentials is valid and accessible so I can contact you should your name be drawn. 

In closing, Tim Challies has put together some helpful recommendations in building and maintaining a personal library. Check out the following two articles:

How to Organize a Personal Library

The Book Glutton

Ok, be sure to post your current reads in the comments below, and share this article to give others an opportunity to win some free tracts!