The enormity of the evil rising up around us led me to this reading list. Together let's not give up! There is no more standing on the sidelines - the Coach has called everyone into the game.

It is time to: 

1. Victory in Spiritual Warfare: Outfitting Yourself for the Battle -Tony Evans 

One of the devil’s main tricks is to cause you to miss the goodness of God. Like he did with Eve in the garden, Satan wants to get you to question the value of all of the trees that God did provide by getting you to focus on the one tree He has said to avoid. Satan wants you to complain about what you don’t have because in focusing on what you don’t have, you will lose sight of what God has given you.

However, God instructs us how to counteract this scheme in Philippians 4:6-8.

2. Praying for Miracles- Carol Graham –

Do you know how to pray for miracles?

You shook your fist at God, or perhaps tears wet your pillow night after night.

But still, no answers to your prayers. 
 

Many engage in this exhausting effort, wondering if God will ever answer, whether He's listening or even cares.

Is there a secret on the effective way to pray?

No secret, but rather, a sure path to present petitions, to declare what is true and proclaim God's Word that already states the outcome.

Through this course, Carol Graham, author and speaker will present personal life stories to illustrate the powerful way in which God showcases His miracles.

You'll learn the difference between passive praying and powerful praying.

Many Christians do not know how to pray the answer according to God's word. This course will show you how.

3. Treasures of Healthy Living Bible Study - Annette Reeder

This treasure hunt takes you from Genesis to Revelation and uncover all references to food – God’s design of you and His goodness.

This printed version will open your mind and stomach to seeing what foods energize your day and why.
 

One testimony: This book teaches me the Bible is a cookbook!
Foods used in Scripture are for purposes of teaching and health. As you learn the story you learn the nutritional value.

4.  Renovation of the Heart - Dallas Willard

I have been reading this book for the past 6 months – It is a slow marinade that brings – what the author calls a transformation of the spirit – it is a work from the inside out – all in harmony with God’s design.
This fresh approach to spiritual growth explains the biblical reasons why Christians need to undergo change in 6 aspects of life:
Thought~~Feeling ~ Will ~ Body ~ Social context ~ Soul
 

Don’t settle for complacency.

This is about how to become an intentional apprentice of Jesus Christ – changing daily to walk with him

5. Hearing God - Dallas Willard – This is another favorite from Dallas Willard that has been a slow read and yet a flavorful filling. Each teaching takes you into God's Word for further study.
   
   We live in a time that hearing God should be more important than breathing.

Are we more anxious about tomorrow than to be at peace today? Just that comment helped me understand – we need to hear God.

All around us God is at work. The less we focus on individual actions and decisions and instead build our relationship with God the more we will hear and understand.

6. Redeeming Love – Francine Rivers – From one of my favorite authors is this story of Hosea and Gomer. She draws you in from the first word and keeps you turning pages quickly to follow the story.
   
   Stories take place in Biblical times and yet she makes you feel like you are int eh middle of the plot.
    
7. Spice for Life – Dr. Ed Nauman and Shiela Moorthy

Did you know cinnamon can be grown at home? 

I love books about food and this is a new favorite.

From cinnamon to basil – did you know there is a holy basil – that many religions and cult s actually worship – yet the medical benefits make it high on my list of spices to enjoy while cooking or making tea.

8. Beautiful Warrior; Finding Victory Over the Lies Formed Against You – Tina Yeager

Beautiful Warrior empowers you to break free from the insecurity that has you trapped. Pick up your shield―the Word of God, your identity in Christ, and healthy thought patterns―and become the divine heroine you were destined to be. With therapeutic tips, a solid biblical foundation, and empowering questions, women will be able to: 

9. Instant Pot for Mediterranean Cooking

If you want to know how to cook with an Instant pot or are a novice this is a great book.

I love Mediterranean cooking and trying new recipes.

This collection varies from simple to exquisite.

 love the Mediterranean flavor with the addition of Zaatar in the Bulgur with chickpeas, Spinach and Zaatar dish.

Or the lamb and lentil stew.

I love adventure in the kitchen without making every dish a challenge.

10. Discerning the Voice of God – Priscilla Shirer

You may notice a theme for this year’s reading list. We live in a noisy world – online and in our mind.  This is why 4 of my top 10 books are about hearing the voice of God and building that relationship.

Discerning the voice of God is written by one who knows – one who has learned the difference between the voices around us and the voices within us.

Priscilla Shirer has never pretended to be a know it all – but instead a know the One who knows it all. Her gift of writing and speaking bring us closer to knowing her and the struggles she overcame. She is a Christ reality writer.
The sections in this book include:

Realize the Way He Speaks,
Recognize the Sound of His Voice,
Remember What He Wants to Accomplish,
Ready Yourself for Even More. 

11. Then Sings My Soul – Robert Morgan – coming July 2020

Robert Morgan is an author I found while studying meditation for Christians. This book takes 150 of the greatest hymns and shares a devotion and history with each one. Your heart will be humming all day long as you uncover many treasured truths behind the story of these great hymns.

4 Steps to taking the written word and
making it applicable.

1. Read it out loud
2. Summarize the truths and add to your own notebook
3. Share the truths with someone. The more we share nuggets of truth or inspiration with others the deeper the truth becomes part of us.
4. Enjoy reading! – On the beach, while riding your stationary bike, on recording, in the car, or on the plane. I know you know how to read and where – but the point is – make it pleasurable to YOU.