Day 17 : Seven short books that encourage me to go from IS to COULD BE

I’ll bet you know most of these books, but I’m not trying to tell you what you don’t know. When I find something that helps, I return to it over and over, and try to get everything I can from it.

Romans by Paul. Romans gives me a big picture perspective of what God is up to, and helps me see where I fit.

Psalms by David and others. Gives me the example of a godly man’s emotions and responses on the journey of hope.

War of Art by Steven Pressfield. Creative, stuck people love this one. The book punches you in the face in message and style. It inspires you to get to work. I don’t agree with everything he says about why we procrastinate, and be warned about the language. This might not be for you, but this is one of the books that changed my life. I’ve read it three times

Jesus Calling by Sarah Young. A little phone call from Jesus every day, giving you his perspective on what you’re thinking.

Poke the Box by Seth Godin. You don’t need permission to do what you want to do, to follow your hope. Start now. Initiate. Get going. He explains how the world has changed in your favor. Your excuses are gone.

My Utmost for His Highest by Oswald Chambers. Again, perspective. I rotate reading this with Jesus Calling as my yearly devotional. Challenging, encouraging, inspiring, and practical. If I had to pick one book to keep besides the Bible, this would be it.

The Autobiography of George Muller. His story of radical trust in God for practical everyday needs, not just for himself, but for thousands of orphans. He says his way may not be for everyone, but I was shocked at my pathetic view of faith and prayer.

What books have helped you?

--------

To receive each day of 31 Days of Scary Hope: encouragement to go from IS to COULD BE, delivered to your email inbox, or to subscribe in a reader, click HERE.

Comments

[emily freeman]

Walking on Water by Madeleine L'Engle - Her words enlarge my perspective on the mystery of God and how you cannot separate art from living.

A Severe Mercy by Sheldon Vanauken - I read this book in college and, though it's been a while, I can still remember how it helped to shape my understanding of love - what it is and isn't.

And of course, Jesus Calling and The War of Art. For all the reasons you said.

[Joy Manoleros]

I'm with Emily - "Walking on Water" and "War of Art". Powerful truth. "Art & Fear" (Bayles & Orland) is really good, too.