Recommended Reading for the Ark Family

Camille Kellogg
Content Editor, Ark of Safety Web Ministry

Throughout the past year, our pastor has recommended a number of books for our church family to read, especially the ministers and leaders. Why should we read these Christian books? Because through them, we can hear from those whom God has given ― has gifted with ― knowledge and understanding of Him and His ways. While these publications in no way take the place of our daily reading of the Bible for our Christian edification and spiritual growth, they do enhance our pastor’s teaching and help give perspective to the vision of our church. These Christian books not only enhance our Bible studies and help us to know God, but also, with the Bible as support, they help us to live according to God’s will and give us help and guidance in the difficult or challenging areas of our lives.

The following nine (9) books are our reading list to date:

1. Prayer of Jabez. Bruce Wilkinson, Multnomah Publishers Inc, 2000. In this book, we discover how to release the miraculous power of God in our lives. The author introduces us to Jabez (1 Chronicles) whose bold, one-sentence prayer brought him extraordinary blessings and has changed thousands of believers' lives. We are encouraged to see what God will do for us when we put Jabez's prayer to work.

2. Secrets of the Vine. Bruce Wilkinson, Multnomah Publishers Inc, 2001.

This book is a powerful follow-up to The Prayer of Jabez. Dr. Wilkinson, through John 15, shows us how to make maximum impact for God. He demonstrates how Jesus is the Vine of life, discusses four levels of "fruit-bearing" or doing the good work of God, and reveals three life-changing truths that will lead us to new joy and effectiveness in His kingdom. The book is an eye-opener as to God’s hand in our lives, and it gives us surprising insights that will point us in a new direction to God's glory.

3. A Life God Rewards . Bruce Wilkinson, Multnomah Publishers Inc. This soul-stirring book leads us to some astonishing and biblical answers about the hereafter. The author gives a fresh view of the eternal existence we're investing in right now ― showing why it's worth serving God with all our heart for all our lives for a thousand percent return on investment.

4. God’s Armor Bearer, I & II. Terry Nance, Key Marketing Group. Often, leaders in the Bible chose loyal "armor bearers" to assist and protect them. Christian leaders today also need dedicated assistants to help turn visions into reality. This challenging 2-books-in-1 from Focus on the Harvest uses biblical examples of servant-hearted helpers to help us learn and develop the essential qualities of an integral team player.

5. God’s Plan for Your Finances. Dwight Nichols, Whitaker House Publishers, 1997. This book emphasizes what every Christian should know ― that God has already given us the power to make money in order to provide for our families, achieve our goals, and take the Gospel to the lost in the world. As believers, we have as part of our mission and calling to activate the power to produce wealth in order to help build God's kingdom. Nichols carefully explains the biblical view of money, practical steps to take in financial planning, and how people can get out of debt.

6. The God Chasers. Tommy Tenny, Destiny Image, 1998. A God Chaser is a person whose passion for God's presence presses him to chase the impossible in hopes that the “uncatchable” might catch him. A child chases a loving parent until, suddenly, the strong arms of the father enfold him. Throughout the pages of history there are chasers such as Moses, David, Paul, Job, and countless others who share an urgent hunger to know their Lord.

7. The God Catchers. Tommy Tenny, Thomas Nelson, 2001. In this book, we learn how to move from the pursuit of God to an up close and personal encounter with Him. He says, "God, in a sense, plays hide and seek. But like a loving parent, He always makes sure He can be found by those who take the time to look." We are guided through a step-by-step process, allowing us to rekindle the thrill of earnestly seeking God and the joy of finding Him. We learn practical applications that help us to understand that God's promises are found by those who seek Him and that church is about Him, not about us. We learn how to tap into the communion and power that flow from the presence of God.

8. The Purpose Driven Life.Rick Warren, Zondervan Corp., 2002 . In this remarkable best-seller, the author helps us understand God's purpose and plan for our lives so that we can learn to live the life for which we were created. Divided into 40 short chapters, the book can be read as a personal devotional or studied in a small group setting. This is a must-read the Christian family.

9. The Purpose Driven Church. Rick Warren, Zondervan Corp., 1995 . Every church is driven by something ― tradition, finances, programs, personalities, events, etc. But the author says that in order for a church to be healthy, it must become purpose-driven by Jesus Christ. Warren shares a tried and proven five-part strategy that will enable the church to grow. We learn some very practical insights and principles for growing a healthy church through a process that focuses on people-building rather than church-building. Warren says, "If you will concentrate on building people, God will build the church."

 

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