Equipping You for Effectiveness.
God’s Word tells us that the input of others helps plans succeed (Proverbs 15:22). We’ve curated this list of trusted sources and voices to help you renew your mind and lead with wisdom.
Books
Dressed to Kill
Rick Renner’s book Dressed To Kill is considered by many to be a true classic on the subject of scriptural warfare. The original version, which sold more than 400,000 copies, is a curriculum staple in Bible schools worldwide. Questions at the end of each chapter to guide you into deeper study In Dressed To Kill, Rick explains with exacting detail the purpose and function of each piece of Roman armor. In the process, he describes the significance of our spiritual armor not only to withstand the onslaughts of the enemy and but also to overturn the tendencies of the carnal mind.
The Autobiography of George Muller
I have a shelf of “favorites”–books that have impacted my life that I want to reread from time to time. The Autobiography of George Muller is one of those. His faith and perseverance demonstrated over YEARS while working with orphans as well as other kingdom endeavors is truly mind-blowing. I was inspired all over again to trust my Father, to walk by faith, and to believe and ask Him for BIG things. Another highly recommended read.
Shoe Dog
Shoe Dog is an AMAZING business tale–the true story of Phil Knight and his business journey with Nike. A hard core and determined entrepreneur, Phil Knight shares the joys, sorrows, challenges, failures of starting Nike as well as poignant end of life reflections in a down-to-earth and inspirational way.
Rethinking Sexuality
Rethinking Sexuality by Juli Slattery is a book about sexual discipleship in the church. One of the BEST books I have ever seen or encountered on the subject. Full of truth and full of grace–a rare combination around the explosive topics facing us today in regards to sexuality. Whether you are a parent, a discipler, a person needing healing, a learner, or a curious person, this book is SOLID and such a breath of fresh air! I highly recommend it.
Red Notice
Red Notice is a book of business intrigue, unbelievable corruption and amazing perseverance, and not only that, it reads like a first class novel, but it’s all TRUE! Highly recommend it!
Scary Close
Scary Close challenges treasured paradigms of relationships and self-protection. His style may be a stretch for some at first, but it is well worth persevering! Don’s vulnerability inspires others to take a closer look at the things that may hinder the type of relationship(s) we so desire. If you are a couple, you might want to consider reading it together as it is worth discussing.
Strengthen Yourself in the Lord
The Lord has been teaching me in a new way that “In His presence is fullness of joy!” (He’s been using this book Strengthen Yourself in the Lord: How to Release the Hidden Power of God in Your Life by Bill Johnson. So rich!! I highly recommend it!)
Elisabeth Elliott
Elisabeth Elliot…I never met her, but she deeply impacted my life and slowly became one of my heroes. I started reading her books while in the Philippines on a Teen Missions trip in high school–Passion and Purity was my first read. I then moved on to Shadow of the Almighty and These Strange Ashes, among others, in college and throughout my 20’s. These books marked me.
Media
Jailhouse Generosity with Pete and Deb Ochs
God has both humbled and used this couple to build his kingdom in unique ways, including starting a successful business in a maximum security prison in the US while also discipling and investing in the inmate employees.
Boundary Lines
This song, taken from Psalm 16, reminds all of us of this beautiful promise: “Your boundary lines have fallen in pleasant places, surely you have a delightful inheritance.”
My God is Awesome
I have been in “school” learning about faith recently, and this class has been a tough graduate level course. Having known and walked with Jesus since I was 5 years old, I thought my “faith” education was pretty well-rounded, but I was moved from the classroom to “the field” in this last season.
One Thing Remains
There was beauty there–in the midst of darkness and death. “Yea though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil for Thou art WITH me.” There’s no beauty apart from Him.
Beauty Will Rise
As I lifted my face from sifting hopelessly through the ashes, I saw Jesus standing right in front of me with His hand outstretched. He was asking me to dance…DANCE of all things. Seriously?? Can He not see that things are a little messy right now…and dark…and hopeless and that the last thing I feel like doing is dancing?? He does see, and He’s still asking. He wants me to dance…to dance on the ashes…with Him.
Apps
PrayerMate App
A friend of mine told me about this app, and at first I was a bit skeptical…well, maybe A LOT skeptical. I am not a techie type person, especially when it comes to spiritual activities. So, it took me awhile to actually try it out. However, when I finally did, I was immediately intrigued.
As I got into it I loved the options. I could create categories and tell the app how many items I wanted to pray for each time as well as how many items I wanted per prayer time in each category (I chose 15 per time with anything from 1 to 4 items per category, but you can set it up for any number that suits you).
I can take notes on each individual prayer item, which I often do–dates with specific things the Lord gave while praying. It has been such a blessing to go back and read some of those. I can also “archive” requests that have been answered and that I am no longer praying for. That allows me to review answers to prayer from time to time.
Blogs
A Permanent Enemy
I rarely make comments on political matters, as my brother Eric can heartily attest too (and he would also add it is “for good reason.” 🙂 However, Fred Smith, the president of the Gathering, wrote a blog that I believe is worth making note of in this season, both in the US and in South Africa. This blog is not partisan but more a commentary on our engagement with political and other matters.