It seems that lately I have had an increasing number of people asking me to recommend books that deal with specific subjects. Some have even simply stated that they are having a hard time finding a good book to read. Well, out of the hundreds of books I have read over the last ten years the list below is made up of writings that stand above the rest. I consider these titles to be the most significant in my library. May they do for your walk with Christ what they have done for mine...
Christian Living:
Celebration of Discipline - Richard J. Foster
Driven by Eternity - John Bevere
Pursuit of God - A. W. Tozer
GodChasers - Tommy Tenney
Mere Christianity - C. S. Lewis
Excruciating Agony - Gene Edwards
The Prisoner in the Third Cell - Gene Edwards
Understanding the Anointing - Kenneth Hagin
The Imitation of Christ - Thomas de Kempis
The Practice of the Presence of God - Brother Lawrence
Spiritual Renewal:
The Bait of Satan - John Bevere
Rut, Rot or Revival - A. W. Tozer
Why Revival Tarries - Leonard Ravenhill
America is Too Young to Die - Leonard Ravenhill
Sodom Had No Bible - Leonard Ravenhill
Repairers of the Breach - Rod Parsley
Leadership:
Visioneering - Andy Stanley
21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership - John Maxwell
Developing the Leader Within You - John Maxwell
The Remnant - Larry Stockstill
Spiritual Authority:
Tale of Three Kings - Gene Edwards
Under Cover - John Bevere
Spiritual Authority - Watchman Nee
Prayer:
Prayer that Brings Revival - David Yongii Cho
Could You Not Tarry One Hour? - Larry Lea
Understanding the Purpose and Power of Prayer - Myles Munroe
Financial Planning:
Total Money Makeover - Dave Ramsey
Financial Peace University - Dave Ramsey
Fiction:
The Blessed Child - Bill Bright
The Screwtape Letters - C.S. Lewis
The Chronicles of Narnia - C.S. Lewis
Sunday, October 26, 2008
Thursday, October 23, 2008
Thanks...
Sunday night, I mentioned to all of you at HPC that Monday would be a big day for our church. I asked you to spend the day fasting and I know many of you did. I also know many of you were praying at 9am as I had requested, because I felt your prayers. Thank you for understanding the value of prayer as we attempt to see God's kingdom advanced in the earth.
Unfortunately, I am still not at liberty to share all of the details with you, but we are very close to the unveiling of a brand-new vision that will enable us to more effectively reach the Lake Cumberland and Green River regions. I do not mean to be secretive, but I do not want to bring anything before you until I have made absolutely for sure that God is speaking to me.
Thank you for continuing to pray for me to have clarity regarding God's will for HPC.
Unfortunately, I am still not at liberty to share all of the details with you, but we are very close to the unveiling of a brand-new vision that will enable us to more effectively reach the Lake Cumberland and Green River regions. I do not mean to be secretive, but I do not want to bring anything before you until I have made absolutely for sure that God is speaking to me.
Thank you for continuing to pray for me to have clarity regarding God's will for HPC.
Tuesday, October 21, 2008
On the Road Again...
I do not have words to describe how happy I am to be home. I have been gone for an entire week traveling almost 2,000 miles in order to take part in a couple of conferences.
My first journey was to Alva Wilson's Re-Eagle Conference which was held at Breezewood Church in Fayetteville, NC. It was a great conference. The word was fresh as well as revelatory and the host church's hospitality was great. The Vines' family truly know how to do it right! They even let me preach a little on Tuesday night. :)
I drove all day Thursday so I could be in HPC's service that night and then I had meetings throughout the morning on Friday. I then left late Friday afternoon with our A/V team for Nashville where we attended an Audio Seminar. By the way, I attended the Audio Seminar for one reason and one reason only: I am not about to let Adam Cravens ever think he knows more than me!!! :P
So, I'm home with Mandy and the kids for a few days, but this is October and that means any time at home is short-lived as I will have to be gone Wednesday night, Friday night and Wednesday-Thursday of next week.
FYI: The reason October tends to put me on the road so much is because it is the last month of the year that I keep a full travel schedule. The end result being that a lot of stuff gets crammed into one 30-day period.
I covet your prayers and I trust you will continue to interceed on behalf of the Kingdom ministry I am attempting to walk in.
My first journey was to Alva Wilson's Re-Eagle Conference which was held at Breezewood Church in Fayetteville, NC. It was a great conference. The word was fresh as well as revelatory and the host church's hospitality was great. The Vines' family truly know how to do it right! They even let me preach a little on Tuesday night. :)
I drove all day Thursday so I could be in HPC's service that night and then I had meetings throughout the morning on Friday. I then left late Friday afternoon with our A/V team for Nashville where we attended an Audio Seminar. By the way, I attended the Audio Seminar for one reason and one reason only: I am not about to let Adam Cravens ever think he knows more than me!!! :P
So, I'm home with Mandy and the kids for a few days, but this is October and that means any time at home is short-lived as I will have to be gone Wednesday night, Friday night and Wednesday-Thursday of next week.
FYI: The reason October tends to put me on the road so much is because it is the last month of the year that I keep a full travel schedule. The end result being that a lot of stuff gets crammed into one 30-day period.
I covet your prayers and I trust you will continue to interceed on behalf of the Kingdom ministry I am attempting to walk in.
There's Something Bigger Going On...
At some point a few years ago there was a significant shift in me. Before the shift I enjoyed pastoral ministry but I was more passionate about evangelistic ministry. Today I would have to say I am the exact opposite. I understand that I have a call on my life to fulfill certain evangelistic obligations but there is no place on earth I would rather preach than Higher Praise Church.
I believe the shift is in large part do to the release of a heaven-sent move of God to HPC. There is something in the the air! The atmosphere of expectancy is more electric than it has ever been before. Even before services you can sense that God is up to something and whatever it is one thing is for sure its big!
I am reminded of the prophetic song, "There's Something Bigger Going On..." Can you sense it? Feel it? Are you experiencing the same thing I am? I can't necessarily explain it, but I am most-assuredly experiencing God in a way that communicates very specifically to me that we are on the brink of the most significant release of the Holy Spirit's manifest presence we have ever encountered at Higher Praise Church!
I believe the shift is in large part do to the release of a heaven-sent move of God to HPC. There is something in the the air! The atmosphere of expectancy is more electric than it has ever been before. Even before services you can sense that God is up to something and whatever it is one thing is for sure its big!
I am reminded of the prophetic song, "There's Something Bigger Going On..." Can you sense it? Feel it? Are you experiencing the same thing I am? I can't necessarily explain it, but I am most-assuredly experiencing God in a way that communicates very specifically to me that we are on the brink of the most significant release of the Holy Spirit's manifest presence we have ever encountered at Higher Praise Church!
Have You Lost "IT"?
I may have never been more upset with my father than I was in April of this year. I was complaining about the fact that no one was responding to my altar calls. Furthermore, I couldn't understand why no one seemed to be attentive while I was preaching or why HPC's worship services seemed to be so dry and dogmatic.
I'm not for sure why my father finally decided to say something--maybe he was simply tired of listening to me complain. Irregardless of why, when he did choose to speak Dad's input set the stage for one of the most pivotal moments in the history of my ministry.
Dad is a man of few words, so his discourse began only with a question, "Do you really want to know what's wrong?"
To which I unwittingly responded, "Yes"
Graciously, but authoritavely he responded, "Eric, you're not anointed anymore."
To say I was upset would be a significant under-statement. I was enraged that the man whose opinion I respected the most was essentially telling me I had lost it.
I kicked and screamed and dared him to ever say such a thing to me again. All the while, very rudely communicating to the man who brought me into this world that he had no idea the price I had paid to walk in the anointing.
My father's response to my temper tantrum would forever change my life. Ironically, it only took him eleven words to do it, "Eric, you used to pay the price, but you don't anymore."
I immediately came home and told Mandy what a jerk my dad had been to me. I complained to her for three days, during which I never spoke to my father. Finally, meek little Mandy :) had heard enough as well. My wife's input led me to a very clear understanding that I truly had lost it.
As a result, in the month of May I began a journey back to the discarded values of my past. I once again found how important it is be sensitive to the Spirit of convicition. The reason being: when you lose it you quickly discover that "IT" is a He and His name is Holy Spirit. You also quickly learn that the Holy Spirit does not release His anointing upon filthy hearts.
Have you lost it? If so, I promise you the God of grace will help you to find it again? You simply have to come to the reality that you have changed--not God...
I feel it it important that I also give a shout out to Terry Mahan from The Father's House (Lakeland, FL). I was in Fayetteville, NC during October 13-15 at Alva Wilson's Re-Eagle Conference and it was not until Terry shared his own personal testimony that I realized how to more effectively communicate what happened to me earlier this year. Thanks Terry for helping me to understand how important IT really is!
I'm not for sure why my father finally decided to say something--maybe he was simply tired of listening to me complain. Irregardless of why, when he did choose to speak Dad's input set the stage for one of the most pivotal moments in the history of my ministry.
Dad is a man of few words, so his discourse began only with a question, "Do you really want to know what's wrong?"
To which I unwittingly responded, "Yes"
Graciously, but authoritavely he responded, "Eric, you're not anointed anymore."
To say I was upset would be a significant under-statement. I was enraged that the man whose opinion I respected the most was essentially telling me I had lost it.
I kicked and screamed and dared him to ever say such a thing to me again. All the while, very rudely communicating to the man who brought me into this world that he had no idea the price I had paid to walk in the anointing.
My father's response to my temper tantrum would forever change my life. Ironically, it only took him eleven words to do it, "Eric, you used to pay the price, but you don't anymore."
I immediately came home and told Mandy what a jerk my dad had been to me. I complained to her for three days, during which I never spoke to my father. Finally, meek little Mandy :) had heard enough as well. My wife's input led me to a very clear understanding that I truly had lost it.
As a result, in the month of May I began a journey back to the discarded values of my past. I once again found how important it is be sensitive to the Spirit of convicition. The reason being: when you lose it you quickly discover that "IT" is a He and His name is Holy Spirit. You also quickly learn that the Holy Spirit does not release His anointing upon filthy hearts.
Have you lost it? If so, I promise you the God of grace will help you to find it again? You simply have to come to the reality that you have changed--not God...
I feel it it important that I also give a shout out to Terry Mahan from The Father's House (Lakeland, FL). I was in Fayetteville, NC during October 13-15 at Alva Wilson's Re-Eagle Conference and it was not until Terry shared his own personal testimony that I realized how to more effectively communicate what happened to me earlier this year. Thanks Terry for helping me to understand how important IT really is!
Thursday, October 9, 2008
The Day of Atonement
Lev 23:26-28
And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying, Also on the tenth day of this seventh month (on the Hebrew calendar) there shall be a day of atonement: it shall be an holy convocation unto you; and ye shall afflict your souls (the word afflict in direct translation is referring to fasting) , and offer an offering made by fire unto the LORD. And ye shall do no work in that same day: for it is a day of atonement, to make an atonement for you before the LORD your God.
Deut 16:17
Every man shall give as he is able , according to the blessing of the LORD thy God which he hath given thee.
Today (October 9th) is the Day of Atonement. The Bible is very clear that is day is to be perpetually honored by every believer performing two acts of worship: 1.) Abstain from eating and drinking by fasting all day. 2.) Bring your best gift and present it to the Lord.
I sometimes find it amazing how things catch on across the Body of Christ. I believe this is in part because some hear God and other's just follow what they believe God revealed to someone else. I have been intrigued to flip through the tv channels and find countless ministers speaking about the significance of the Day of Atonement. I assure you that my decision to lead our church into this time of honoring a Biblical principle is not due to any outside influences. Instead during a time of prayer at the beginning of September I felt compelled to challenge HPC to prepare for honoring our Heavenly Father and the sacrifice of His Son on this very special day. Participation in the recognition of the Day of Atonement is not just a good idea or a fad. It is a Biblical commandment and those abusing it for financial gain for their ministries may find the judgment of God to be swift and significantly chastising.
Please consider spending today in prayer and fasting with me . We will gather together tonight @ 7pm for our regular mid-week service to share in the sacraments of Communion and worship during this special time.
And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying, Also on the tenth day of this seventh month (on the Hebrew calendar) there shall be a day of atonement: it shall be an holy convocation unto you; and ye shall afflict your souls (the word afflict in direct translation is referring to fasting) , and offer an offering made by fire unto the LORD. And ye shall do no work in that same day: for it is a day of atonement, to make an atonement for you before the LORD your God.
Deut 16:17
Every man shall give as he is able , according to the blessing of the LORD thy God which he hath given thee.
Today (October 9th) is the Day of Atonement. The Bible is very clear that is day is to be perpetually honored by every believer performing two acts of worship: 1.) Abstain from eating and drinking by fasting all day. 2.) Bring your best gift and present it to the Lord.
I sometimes find it amazing how things catch on across the Body of Christ. I believe this is in part because some hear God and other's just follow what they believe God revealed to someone else. I have been intrigued to flip through the tv channels and find countless ministers speaking about the significance of the Day of Atonement. I assure you that my decision to lead our church into this time of honoring a Biblical principle is not due to any outside influences. Instead during a time of prayer at the beginning of September I felt compelled to challenge HPC to prepare for honoring our Heavenly Father and the sacrifice of His Son on this very special day. Participation in the recognition of the Day of Atonement is not just a good idea or a fad. It is a Biblical commandment and those abusing it for financial gain for their ministries may find the judgment of God to be swift and significantly chastising.
Please consider spending today in prayer and fasting with me . We will gather together tonight @ 7pm for our regular mid-week service to share in the sacraments of Communion and worship during this special time.
Tuesday, October 7, 2008
The Someday Syndrome
I am not a fan of taking your sermon from someone else's publication, but I have to say I was recently challenged quite significantly by a section I found in Kerry and Chris Shook's book, "One Month to Live". In this best-seller they share a concept they developed to bring new life and vigor to their pastoral staff. The thought process was simple: challenge the staff to approach life and ministry for a thirty day period as though it were their last month to live. The results were staggering. However, during my time reading I found myself being challenged the most by one lingering sub-heading that refused to leave my mind: "The Someday Syndrome". This portion of the Shook family's writing focuses on the simple reality that millions of people are paralyzed by the idea that "someday" they will finally seek to accomplish their destiny. People suffering from this syndrome typically have conversations with themselves and others that sound something like this, "Someday, I will..." or "Someday, I'm going to..." Yet, in most cases SOMEDAY never comes!
Amazingly, words within the pages of a book (that I never had any intentions of reading) led me to be free from what can only be termed, "The Someday Syndrome". Now I challenge you to break the chains of this paralyzing spiritual condition, as well. After all, aren't you tired of being sick and tired? Isn't it time to finally, LIVE???
Jesus promised us an abundant life and yet so many of us settle for so much less than abundance in expectancy! We go through life hum-drum. Living with dulled senses and bored participatory acts rather than having a heart filled with excitement about what God has next for us. Furthermore, most of us live a lie. Frequently and deceptively telling ourselves that, "Someday, I'm going to really LIVE!"
Look around... You are blessed! As a matter of fact, the reason most of us are so numb is because we so often casaully and unappreciatively meander through temporal paradises. It is time to: SEEK the face of God. SEARCH your heart. SANCTIFY your life and STAND for the cause of Christ! In doing so, I promise you that you will stop saying, "Someday, I'm going to..." And as a benefactory result: you will find something worth DYING for which will lead you to find something worth LIVING for!
"A man who refuses to find something worth dying for, will never find anything worth living for..." --Anonymous
Look around... You are blessed! As a matter of fact, the reason most of us are so numb is because we so often casaully and unappreciatively meander through temporal paradises. It is time to: SEEK the face of God. SEARCH your heart. SANCTIFY your life and STAND for the cause of Christ! In doing so, I promise you that you will stop saying, "Someday, I'm going to..." And as a benefactory result: you will find something worth DYING for which will lead you to find something worth LIVING for!
"A man who refuses to find something worth dying for, will never find anything worth living for..." --Anonymous
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