Over the last 3 years I have read many great books that have had a big influence and impact on my life and walk with God.  It is my prayer that you add these to your library.   After you have actually read them of course!

It all began with, Wild At Heart, by John Eldredge

Then it was, The Shack, by William Young      My thoughts-  I know Mr. Young has received some flak from Christian leaders about this book.  Frankly, I find that distressing and a symptom of what is wrong with todays Church.  This is a fictional book!    It is not a book on doctrine nor was it intended to be.  Satan’s biggest lie from the beginning has been that God can’t be trusted.  That He is holding out on us!  Satan thought this and tried to take over.  We, as a people, have attempted the same thing- taking control of our lives because, deep down, we have bought into this lie.  As I was walking through the pain of my trials, God used this book to help debunk Satan’s lies.  God never intended for us to experience pain and suffering- He created paradise and we chose the lie.  This book helped me see God as a loving Father desiring relationship with me while I was walking through pain and suffering.

I don’t know the exact order from there so I will just give you the books by Author since I have read multiple books by some of the Authors.

John Eldredge-   Rasomed Heart Ministries-    

Walking with God; Sacred Romance, Desire, Epic, Waking The Dead , and The Way of The Wild Heart

My thoughts- If you are looking to go deeper into matters of your heart- To find healing and renewal- who you are and what your purpose is- Then, I can’t think of a better place to start.  John has a gift and with words and themes and is a great story teller.  I love how he uses his love of drama and weaves it into our lives in an effective and meaningful way.  I thank God for John and his ministry of the heart.  It has changed my life!

Mark Batterson – Pastor of – NCC   –  Wild Goose Chase , and – In the Pit with a Lion on a Snowy Day

My thoughts- Receiving Wild Goose Chase as a gift two days prior to my first trip to Denver was one of those moments I will never forget! – A divine appointment!  This book will inspire you in your pursuit of God!  It sure inspired me- I wrote a blog about it!  How I received the second book is equally wild.  My son Michael, when he saw that I had Wild Goose Chase, said- “Dad, I have his first book, I picked it up at a Starbucks a year and a half ago but have yet to read it.  I think you are supposed to read it!”- It was one of those books that people leave for others to read and pass on!  And here I am getting it just when I need it! Wow! God sure spoke to me through this book.  I was truly inspired and challenged to overcome my fears and chase the “God sized” opportunity before me.  To seize the day!  Shortly upon finishing this book I was on my way to Denver again to chase my “lion”!

Francis Chan  –  Pastor of Cornerstone Church of Simi Valley  Forgotten God– Reversing our Tragic neglect of the Holy Spirit  

 – My thoughts- I love pastor Chan and his spirit!  His book just added  fuel to my wild goose chase!

Craig Groeschel  – Pastor of Life Church.TV   What is God Really Like? – A compilation of reflections on what God is really like from pastors around the Country!

My Thoughts- Picked this up at Church.  What a great little book on God!  A great way to share your faith and encourage those who are seeking.

Ron Hall & Denver Moore       same kind of different As me.-  An amazing story sure to touch your heart- about  “a modern-day slave, an international art dealer, and the unlikely woman who bound them together”

My thoughts-  Be prepared to laugh and cry a lot!  Truly an inspirational and amazing story!

C. S. Lewis-Scholar, Author and Thealogian

Surprised By Joy– The Shape of My Early Life  – 

My thoughts-  Sue gave me this for my birthday.  A great, honest view into the life of an amazing man!  A great reminder of how patient and loving our Heavenly Father is.  Even when we doubt and choose to ignore Him, He patiently and lovingly draws us back- affirming His intention toward us is good and His love- pure!

Charles Martin–  Author- Charles Martin Books   Maggie, The Dead Don’t Dance, Wrapped in Rain, When Crickets Cry, Chasing Fireflies, Where the River Ends, and his newest book- The Mountain Between Us

 I met Charles in Highlands, NC one summer evening, 2 summers ago.  I was up helping my Dad with a house he was building to sell.  Charles was in town for a book signing, taking advantage of the cool summer air in the mountains.  Now, this man has a gift and I am so blessed to have met him and I have been so blessed by each of his novels.  He really knows how to tell a story and pull you into the trials of the stories characters.  I love how he weaves his faith into each book- it is seamless!  Warning!  Be prepared to be hooked!  I have read all his books, some of them took me only two days to read!  Guaranteed to have you laughing and crying!

Timothy Keller– Pastor- Redeemer Presbyterian     The Reason for God

My thoughts- What a great book to share with your agnostic and atheist friends!

Brother Yun with Paul Hattaway      The Heavenly Man –  “the remarkable true story of Chineese Christian Brother Yun” 

My thoughts- Be prepared to be stretched and challenged by this brother’s example of faith and dedication to Christ.  This book will rock your boat like a mission trip to a third world country!

 Donald Miller   Donald Miller Blog      

Blue Like Jazz-  Non religious thoughts on Christian  –  My thoughts –  I loved this book!  A must read for todays Church! 

 Alan RedpathBiography  The Making of A Man of God –   Lessons from the Life Of David

–  My Thoughts-  What a wonderful book!  If you want to go deeper in your relationship with God this book will help you get there!  Cheers to Mr. Redpath!

Paulo Coelho – paulocoelho website  

 The Alchemist – “To Realize One’s Destiny is a person’s only obligation.” 

–  My thoughts-  What an amazing book!  It is truly a magical read with an awesome message.  It is sure to encourage you on your path to your own personal legend.  For we each have a major part and role to play in God’s Epic Story.

 Brennan Manning   –  Website –   Abbas Child The Cry of  the Heart for intimate belonging

My thoughts-  Upon finishing this book I immediately re-read it!  It was necessary to chew on it for a time.  This book is so important today!  God has shown me that one of the biggest problems we humans face is, A Crisis of Identity!  Until we find our identity in Christ and His love for us- like the Apostle Paul did, we will never be free to walk in the fulness of life, In Christ, that He intends for His children and bride.  I am sure to “chew on” many more of Mr. Mannings books in the near future.

I am now “chewing on” The Furious Longing Of God   by Brennan – My Thoughts- Again, Brennan has stired and moved my heart to feel much-  To feel both pain and joy!  In the beginning of this book he mentions a prayer based on Song of Solomon 7:10 .  The mediatational prayer is very simple but profound,  “I am my beloved’s and His desire is for me”.  I believe that getting this truth deep down in our souls will truly transform our lives and the world.  I am Jon Michael Cannon. My God given name is Jonathan and I am my beloved’s and His desire is for me. 

 

J Philip Newell –  Website  Listening For The Heartbeat Of God- A Celtic Spirituality

My thoughts- An awesome writing on the history of Celtic spirituality.  I had one of those very rare “ah ha” moments when reading this book after Church one Sunday.  I was in downtown Charleston, at Marion Square and had a few minutes to read before I went to work.  The Celts saw all of creation as bearing the image and likeness of God.  Because He created all things and gives light and life to all- we should thus view all things, especially humans, as essentially created good in the likeness/image of God.  Prior to this way of seeing, my Christian teaching had focused on the depravity of man.  The Celts did not put blinders on regarding sin, but refused to agree that sin washed away the goodness and image we were created in. They held/hold that our created goodness was/is just clouded over or buried under sin.  That Jesus, is the great liberator who frees us to be all that God intended when He created us.  In Christ, we are now free to let the image of the Triune God come to the surface.  This way of seeing truly liberates us to love God by loving our neighbor.  We are able to know that beneath the most hardened criminal is the image and goodness of God buried under the weight of sin and shame.   I strongly encourage you to read this book!

 

Currently reading:  Sun Stand Still by Steven Furtick,  The Jesus I never Knew by Philip Yancey. 

PS. Using – Listening to your life by Frederick Buechner as one of my devotionals- Awesome stuff!

 

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