Recommended Reading
Here are ten books that will impact your life. Some of the books that have influenced me the most are intentionally left off the list. If you are new to spiritual formation, you need to read some of these first. I will share the others at a later date.
Revolution of Character
by Dallas Willard and Don Simpson
This book is re-write of Willard's "Renovation of the Heart". Many find the University of Southern California professor to be difficult to read. Here he teams up with Simpson to create a shorter version of "Renovation" that is much simpler to read.
To me this is a foundational book that every Christ follower should read. It dives into what it takes to transform a person's character into the character of Christ.
To me this is a foundational book that every Christ follower should read. It dives into what it takes to transform a person's character into the character of Christ.
Stand Against the Wind
This is cool little book. Great content, but I really like the design. It is short at only 128 pages, but if it were in regular type it would be half that number. It is a quick read and worth the time you invest in reading it.
Practicing the Presence of God
by Brother Lawrence
This is a life changing book. It supplied the one element that I believe was missing from my walk with Christ. Originally written in the 1500's, this book was compiled from letters between Brother Lawrence and a priest. This edition in the photo has been updated with today's language and many in my Renovating Life class found it easier to read than some of the other editions available. 112 pages
God is Closer Than You Think
by John Ortberg
In his easy to read style and clarity, Ortberg explores how one can invite God into every moment of the day. This simple book provides ways that you can begin to see God in the activity of the day. 192 pages.
Invitation to the Jesus Life
by Jan Johnson
Johnson has become one of my favorite authors because she focuses on ways of putting things into action. Here she examines qualities of Jesus and offers suggestions on how to build those characteristics into your life. An excellent work. 256 pages.
The Barbarian Way
by Erwin McManus
I will never forget the moment I completed the first chapter of this book. I was sitting in my truck waiting on my son to get out of pre-school. Something within the text struck deep at the core of my soul, and I wept.
This is one of the two books that I required my Renovating Life students to read. It challenges you to be bold and to fight for the heart of your king. Your potential is limitless when you join God where He is working. 160 pages
This is one of the two books that I required my Renovating Life students to read. It challenges you to be bold and to fight for the heart of your king. Your potential is limitless when you join God where He is working. 160 pages
Crazy Love
by Francis Chan
This is a very challenging book. Chan describes at length the sorry state of lukewarm Christians who strive for a life characterized by control, safety and an absence of suffering. You cannot read this book without feeling convicted about how Christianity is so often lived out. 192 pages
Shaped by the Word
by M. Robert Mulholland
An excellent book on reading and studying the Scriptures. Mulholland explores how we can pull more from the Bible by approaching it differently than we have typically been taught. 179 pages.
The Great Omission
by Dallas Willard
This book is a collection of articles that were written by Willard for various publications. They deal with the one area that he believes is missing from mainstream Christianity, a call to discipleship. Discover what it means to be a student of Jesus in this well written book. 256 pages.
Prayer: Does It Make a Difference?
by Philip Yancey
One thing about Yancey is that he is not afraid to share the struggles he has experienced in his prayer life. This proves to be very useful in that you can find encouragement in the way he was able to work through it all. He writes an excellent book that will strengthen your prayer life. This work is much longer than the other books I have suggested, but it is well worth the read. 352 pages.