Influences

It seems like the conversation's been coming up more and more lately about books (other than Scripture) that have influenced me. First, you should know that absolutely nothing has been more influential and powerful in my life and personal spiritual growth than consistent time spent studying the Bible itself, learning what God has to say about Himself, his character, his promises, his plans. If you haven't already, start there.

But, as for other reading, I'm always a bit intimidated by this question because my list is more than a little eclectic, and not nearly as "deep" as I think it should be. But, for better or worse, here's my list - in no particular order!

The Ragamuffin Gospel by Brennan Manning ... I read this book for the first time in college, and it revolutionized my understanding of grace. I desperately needed that.

The Velveteen Woman by Brenda Waggoner ... I happened across this on early on in seminary, and it made me crave and strive for authenticity in all of my relationships with others.

You're God is Too Safe by Mark Buchanan ... The chapter on prayer left an indelible impression that continues to spur me on in intercession.

The Life You've Always Wanted by John Ortberg ... This is a book about spiritual disciplines for everyday people, and it was the impetus for much creativity in my personal life as well as public ministry.

God's Heart for the Nations by Jeff Lewis ... I still shake my head in wonder as I think of how my mind and heart swelled with the fresh understanding of God's passion for His Name and His Glory to be exalted in every people.

Believing God by Beth Moore ... If you are going to choose one of these to read for yourself, choose this one.

Sophie's Heart by Lori Wick ... This is a novel, a Christian fiction romance, but it contains a great scene in which one of the characters confesses his penchant toward jealousy and how it messes up his best intentions. I love the listener's response. She says, "I'm so glad jealousy is a sin." She goes on to explain that if he'd sat her down to tell her he had a deadly disease, there may be no cure, but because his problem was a sin, they have a Solution, a Savior who died for that. The rest of the story is good, but that scene was powerful for me.

Crazy Love by Francis Chan ... I liked this one because it left me with no excuses, no easy outs for living as a Christ-follower. Being radically, all out, sold out to Jesus is just plain biblical.

And the Word Came with Power by Joanne Shelter ... a powerful true story about the transformation of a remote people group introduced to Scripture in their own language.

I bet you're a little disappointed in my list, huh? Told you it wasn't much of one! As you can probably tell, most of these are books I read a number of years ago. I haven't stopped reading, but I think it takes some time to see what's going to stick with me, so I didn't include much from my recent reads. Something I've learned about myself is that I love stories, especially true ones; I learn well from them. I like to see faith played out. I'd be remiss if I didn't at least mention The Hiding Place by Corrie Ten Boom and Facing Terror by Carrie McDonnall.