10 Books That Changed My Life
Growing up, I HATED reading. It probably had to do with assigned books from school, rather than the freedom to choose my own interests. It likely, also, had to do with the accelerated reader testing and comprehension assignments attached to even the best books. Nevertheless, I did not become a reader until later, sometime in college.
Now, however, I read all the time. I can devour a good book in a few days, and have bought so many more than I will every have time to read. I have physical books, kindle content, and even a massive digital library in Logos Bible Software that I’ll never make it through in this life.
This week, I want to take a break from my normal blogging routine to recommend some of the best books I have ever read, that have helped to shape the insights I share with you regularly.
To begin with, here are 10 Books that have changed my life:
Hosting the Presence by Bill Johnson
‘Hosting the Presence‘ is one of the greatest primers on living life filled with the Holy Spirit that I have ever read. In fact, when I read it for the first time, I immediately read it again, and then again, before I could move on to any other book. Using the picture of the Holy Spirit descending on Jesus in the form of a dove, Johnson explains that when we value the Holy Spirit’s presence in our life, we will do everything we do with Him in mind.
Experiencing the Father's Embrace by Jack Frost
‘Experiencing the Father’s Embrace‘ is an amazing book revealing the Father-heart of God over us. This is another book that I have read a number of times, and it is the first book I recommend to any person looking to me for counseling or inner healing. If a person wants me to disciple them personally, this book is required reading, and I cannot more highly recommend it to you, no matter who you are!
Called to Reign by Leif Hetland
Many years ago I noticed that God was teaching me things in three distinct areas of spirituality: identity in Christ, intimacy with Him, and our inheritance as co-heirs. These things filled my personal devotions and the sermons I preached. Imagine my surprise with I stumbled across Leif’s book, ‘Called to Reign: Living and Loving from a Place of Rest,’ and discovered that his main sections are Identity, Intimacy, Inheritance, and one I hadn’t explored, Destiny. He covers these topics in such an eloquent way, I had to read it twice. If you struggle to be who Christ says you are, or attain the vision He has given you for life, then you must read this book!
What's Wrong with Protestant Theology by Jon Mark Ruthven
‘What’s Wrong with Protestant Theology? Tradition vs Biblical Emphasis‘ is a very scholarly work which leads us to the simple conclusion that the Reformers went wrong by excluding the continuing, active voice of God in the lives of everyday believers. ‘Sola scriptura’ effectively silenced any contemporary communication from God to man. Yet, without the ongoing and direct leading of the Holy Spirit, we will never be able to fulfill the mission of Jesus for the church. For some, this may be a difficult book to read, due to its formal style, but will be worth the effort if you are looking for a well researched, theological approach to Pneumatology.
4 Keys to Hearing God's Voice by Mark Virkler
In 2012, I was living in Haiti, and growing in many areas of personal life ministry. One thing I was convinced of was that hearing God’s voice was my right as a believer, and should be natural part of the Christian life. However, I did not know where to begin. That is when I stumbled onto the book, ‘4 Keys to Hearing God’s Voice.’ These simple steps were so practical for me, that I began to practice them immediately. Having so many hours alone in the evenings to do nothing else, I spent long periods of time on the balcony of my guesthouse praying and listening for God’s response. Eventually, it became almost as easy to hear Him talking as it was to hear people around me. To this day, I still practice the journaling process I learned from this book. I am so thankful for it!
The Barbarian Way by Erwin McManus
‘The Barbarian Way‘ was one of the most influential books of my college life. It was not required reading for any class, but was passed around our dormitory by many young men who were inspired to do something great with their lives for the Lord. If you are already established on your journey in life, then pass this one by. However, if you need inspiration to rise up and do more, with boldness and passion, then maybe this book can help get you there.
Forgiveness by Rodney Hogue
This book set me free from so much extra baggage I carried around from the things done to me by others. It was so easy to blame people for everything wrong in life, and to play the victim card. However, once I learned the power of forgiveness from this little book, it changed my life in so many ways. ‘Forgiveness‘ by Rodney Hogue is now that I recommend and even require by people seeking counseling and inner healing. It might just help you in ways you didn’t know you needed it.
Experiencing God by Henry Blackaby
‘Experiencing God‘ was another breakthrough book for me and some of my friends early on in the Christian life, teaching us how to have a true relationship with God with scripture as our guide. It has been dubbed a modern classic by many. If you have never read this book for yourself, just ask around. I am sure you know some people who have. If you are looking to deepen your relationship with Him, then this might be a good place to look for help.
Created in God's Image by Anthony Hoekema
‘Created in God’s Image‘ was required reading for one of my Bible college counseling classes, and although I didn’t realize it at the time, this book fundamentally shaped my understanding of humanity’s original design and the destructiveness of sin. Although my theological framework is not as reformed as Hoekema’s, this book is still one I recommend to the pastors and leaders in our ministry.
The Simple Way by Shane Claiborne
‘The Simple Way‘ was my first look into Christianity outside of normal, modern church services. Although I cannot recommend all of the theology Claiborne holds to, I can truly say that this book inspired me to love others in ways I didn’t think possible, and to go out into the world to find those who needed the love of Christ, desperately, but may never be welcomed by everyday believers. At one point, it almost led me and a group of friends to become squatters in a rough neighborhood in Fort Worth for sake of the gospel. Be careful.
Photo by Sharon McCutcheon on Unsplash