BOOKS THAT CHANGE LIVES
Find here some of my "old friends" which have instructed my life, and the choices I've made.
Oldies but Goodies
The Practice of the Presence of God or Closer than a Brother by Brother Lawrence
These are different versions of the same book. It is a simple book written by a monk who cultivates the presence of God in his daily life as he goes about common tasks
The Cost of Discipleship by Deitrich Bonhoffer
I read this book early on in my Christian life. It’s a challenging read that deals with the high cost of grace, and the Sermon on the Mount.
Mere Christianity by C.S. Lewis
A Christian classic which provides a logical defense of the faith, and will strengthen any believer’s thinking and a great book to give those questioning Christianity. C.S. Lewis set out to disprove Christianity and found God instead.
Destined for the Throne by Paul Billheimer
Why we interceed
GRACE
The Prodigal God by Timothy Keller
Anything by Keller is gold. This book looks at the story of the prodigal son, from a light not often considered in sermons. It showcases the “prodigal” God---and His extravagant, reckless love that spent everything to save us.
One Way Love by Tullian Tchividjian
One of the best books on grace I’ve ever read. All of his books are gold too.
Grace Walk by Steve McVey
This is a workbook type study which takes you line upon line, precept upon precept through the doctrine of grace. I am not sure I believe all of it, but it presents things in a scriptural, logical way that unlocks understanding.
EMOTIONS
Enemies of the Heart by Andy Stanley
If I had only one book to give people to help them bring their emotional lives under the Lordship of Christ, it would be this book. It presents 4 emotional enemies: guilt, anger, greed, and jealousy in a unique way, and then presents their antidotes. It also relates these enemies to lust, and shows how they influence it. The book concludes with a section on how to raise children that are aware of their own heart health in relation to these enemies.
Boundaries by Cloud & Townsend
I stayed away from this book for a long time, thinking I already knew how to say “no” when I needed to. This book is about so much more than that, and boundaries are something a person has to understand to be emotionally healthy.
Changes that Heal by Henry Cloud
A Christian clinical psychologist explains attachment and bonding, self-image, and what adulthood should look like. “Safe” therapy from a solidly Christian perspective.
RELATIONSHIPS
A Tale of Three Kings by Gene Edwards
When other believers hurt you
The Bait of Satan by John Bevere
The importance of forgiveness
Under Cover/Honor’s Reward by John Bevere
Right relationship with spiritual authority
DESTINY
And David Perceived he was King by Dale Mast
A new favorite. Every person who has read it feels as if it's been written just for them in their present season.
Visioneering by Andy Stanley
Far and away the best book on destiny I’ve ever read. Principles are drawn from the life of Nehemiah.
Love Does by Bob Goff
Tremendously motivating book to get out there and LOVE PEOPLE! Master storyteller.
A Leader’s Life Purpose Workbook by Tony Stolzfus
Picked up this gem at Bethel Church in Redding. Everything you’ve heard about finding your destiny PLUS, all in a workbook form with exercises to help you define the vision you believe God is calling you to.
You were Born for This by Bruce Wilkinson and David Kopp
Practical advice for creating “miracles”
BIOGRAPHIES/MEMOIR
Chasing the Dragon by Jackie Pullinger
Missionary to China’s Forbidden City. Convicting. Great story.
Gladys Alward’s story.
I don’t remember what version I read. Her story is amazing.
Francis: The Journey and the Dream by Murray Bodo
I love reading about St. Francis and this book is lyrical and memorable.
Visions Beyond the Veil by HA Baker
I don’t always trust near death stories of heaven and hell, because many contradict one another, and frankly some are so legalistic as to be terrifying. This book relates visions of heaven and hell that Chinese children had, and how it effected their witness for Jesus.
MISCELLENEOUS
Disappointment with God by Philip Yancey
A book which “gets it” when I really needed to hear from someone who did.
The Singer Trilogy by Calvin Miller
A unique retelling of the NT story. Can’t describe it, you have to experience it. Each chapter begins with a pithy saying or short antecdote. Many of these I have remembered for years and they minister life to me. One example: "Learn this, my little friend, no man may burn a label into flesh and make it stay when heaven disagrees." - Calvin Miller, 'The Singer'
Photo credit: ANNA DEMIANENKO, Unsplash: https://unsplash.com/@annademy