Want to get spiritually formed? Here’s some good stuff to help. I formerly put my resources on my blogroll thingy, but figure it’s time to move them here and to use that blogroll to link to blogs. So here are some resources that have had a big impact on my spiritual formation. More to come:
If You Want to Know God, check this link out:
download.redeemer.com/pdf/learn/…
Ministries:
John Piper and his ministry. If you aren’t familiar with Piper, read Desiring God first. It’s one of those classics. Then read Future Grace. I read about every other book he writes, he’s that good. You can get the books and his sermons on the site: www.desiringgodministries.com
Larry Crabb I read his first book way back in the 80s: Effective Biblical Counseling — it really helped me understand why folks are anxious, angry, frustrated. Inside Out was a bestseller in the 90s. I’ve been most recently influenced by The Pressure’s Off and The PAPA Prayer. Some of my friends swear by Shattered Dreams. If I had one book to of his to recommend, it’d be Pressure’s Off… , especially if you feel under the weight of having to obey, obey, obey.
Redeemer Presbyterian Church also changed my life. There’s more to that story that I will tell another time, but Tim Keller was the best preacher I ever sat under. He spoiled me for life (haven’t heard a sermon since that keeps my attention like he did). I highly recommend listening to his sermons, checking out some of the ministries, and buying his books The Reason for God (especially if you aren’t sure about Christianity) and The Prodigal God. Check it all out at: www.Redeemer.com
Other Favorite Books about Faith:
The newest book to have a huge impact on my life: A Praying Life by Paul Miller.
Anything by Francis Schaeffer, especially How Shall We Then Live.
Anything by J.I. Packer, especially Evangelism and the Sovereignty of God and Knowing God.
Of course, you MUST read C.S. Lewis. Start with Mere Christianity. Screwtape Letters are good beginner stuff, too.
I’ll add more as they come to mind.
Longing for a Holiday at Sea 
The beauty of your heart wanting to help us reminds me of Crabb’s quote about Genesis in 66 LL where God says: “I have a good plan, and nothing will stop Me from carrying it to completion. You must live now in the tension between anguish and hope.” You do with real beauty!
I am very happy for anyone to send any of these links around. These guys have had a great influence on my life and I want to share the goods.
These links are great. Thank you so much. I hope you don’t mind but I emailed them to several colleagues (who are still living overseas) along with your web site address.
Regards,
Michelle
Your blog is an interesting look into your heart! I sense deep hunger mixed with anguish. I will pray.
o my gness. i guess i am a redeemer clone….similar list but u say it better.
its funny that you link a denver news site.
have a super wkend.
b
Longing: Thanks, friend, for stopping by. That news site is the Christian Onion. Very funny!