I hate reading books, but every now and then I get in the mood and have to read fast because the mood passes quickly. Here is a list of books I have read and thoroughly enjoyed. I recommend all of them, but understand if you don’t read them. I’ll be honest, I probably wouldn’t read a book you recommend, but that is because I don’t like to read, not because I don’t like your recommendation.
Wild at Heart
-John Eldredge
A fresh look at a God who is wild, untamed and unpredictable. It was refreshing to see myself made in that image, and not in the “Mr. Rogers Jesus” image that is often advocated in Sunday school. I didn’t agree with everything, but I did agree that the church in America tends to be boring for men when as a highest goal it tells them to aspire to what…? being a nice guy?! Surely the God who created tidal waves, tigers, lions, tornados, the Grand Canyon, the Alps…all these wild things has a wild side too. I’d like to know that side of God, and be more like Him. Maybe it’s time for an adventure to the jungles of the Philippines to reach the hardest to reach tribes in the world. I don’t think that is too boring. I think God said, go into all the world and teach the good news. How awesome and freeing to know that my wild side is in the image of my Creator!
The Life You’ve Always Wanted
-John Ortberg
I wish I would have read this one sooner in my walk with the Lord…like pre-Bible school. It is a very well written book on what a Christian life lived by grace looks like. It was so good I’ve actually read it a few times.
Epic
-John Eldredge
This is my kind of book! Short and sweet. It is a quick view of the Epic history of man. We often don’t understand this world because we come into it in the middle of the story. John Eldredge does a great job with painting a picture of this epic tale we are a part of. It is a modern chronological approach to teaching the Bible.
Everybody’s Normal ‘Til You Get to Know Them
-John Ortberg
Except me of course. I’m always normal…right? Enough said. This was a great book that helped me understand difficult people by first understanding that I ought to accept everyone “as is” without trying to tweak them to be more normal…like me.
The Stranger on the Road to Emmaus
-John Cross
This isn’t an easy read, but it is a great study book that takes you on a journey through the Bible chronologically. It is good for going through one on one with a new believer or someone who is interested in what the Bible teaches. A very good book and study guide.
Love and Respect
-Emerson Eggerichs
“All you need is love” I’d like to take whoever said that back to the woodshed for a little chat! This book is a great tool for understanding the difference between a woman’s need for love and a man’s need for respect. When this isn’t understood it starts a crazy cycle of frustration that can be ended if we just understand what fuels this cycle of conflict. If we don’t stop it we just go round and round. One of the best marriage books I’ve ever read. Of course I’ve only read three, and haven’t even been married for two years yet, but this was one of the best.