Congregation of YHWH - Huntsville, AL (Personal Growth page)

Most people recognize the importance of education. It is ingrained in us from an early age that "if you want to get ahead, you need to get a good education." To that end, people spend years of their lives and thousands upon thousands of dollars to gain a worldly education. Many also expend considerable time, effort, and money in developing their bodies - they buy health club memberships and dietary supplements, spend hours every week running, lifting weights, doing aerobics, etc. But relatively few people seem to carry that philosophy over into their personal lives; few are willing to invest even a fraction of that time, effort, and money into developing themselves as individuals, i.e., developing their CHARACTER.

It has been said that character is forged in the fires of adversity. The Scriptures support this concept and encourage us to "grow unto perfection." We are to be in a constant state of maturation, on a continual journey of personal growth, growing into the stature and fullness of Messiah. That's not an automatic process - it takes work ... commitment ... and it doesn't happen by accident. It takes planning. Therefore, it makes sense to have a personal growth program.

Below are a few books that are recommended reading for those individuals who are really interested in becoming the best they can be. Most of these books should be available through any major book outlet. Please note that, while these books are full of great ideas and motivational concepts, we in no way endorse anything in them that is contrary to Scripture. As always, prove all things, hold fast to that which is good, and study to show yourselves approved.

NOTE: Except for The Sacred Scriptures, none of these books utilize the Names of Yahweh and Yahshua. If you can get past that, you can benefit greatly from the ideas contained in them.

General (for everybody)

The Sacred Scriptures - Bethel edition - from the Assembly of Yahweh, Bethel, PA. One of our preferred translations of the Scriptures. To be successful, any personal growth program must begin and end with YHWH's Word. A word to the wise - don't EVER allow any of the other recommended readings below to overshadow the importance of the Scriptures in your life! They are merely "supplements" to your daily diet of Manna.

You Have Not Many Fathers by Dr. Mark Hanby. 'For though you have ten thousands instructors in Messiah, yet you have not many fathers...' (I Cor. 4:15). "The foundation of spiritual inheritance in the Kingdom of G-d is the relationship of a father and son. Those in ministry today must develop the heart of a father and raise up a generation of sons and daughters in a 'double-portion' anointing. You Have Not Many Fathers serves to 'turn the heart of the fathers to the children, and the heart of the children to their fathers, lest I come and smite the earth with a curse' (Mal. 4:6)."

Peak Performance Principles for High Achievers by John R. Noe. "This is John Noe's dramatic true story of how he transformed himself, sedentary and out-of-shape in his mid-thirties, into a dynamic leader - and how you can, too. Caution: the ideas in this book are hazardous to your complacency and self-satisfaction."

Seeds of Greatness by Denis Waitley. A classic! In it Denis shares ten simple but profound secrets for living a fruitful, happy, and successful life

Born to Win by Lewis Timberlake. "This book challenges the reader to count the cost, take the necessary steps, and begin climbing toward the top of self-esteem and peace with G-d and others."

Courage: Building the Character of a Champion by Edwin Louis Cole.

Ordering Your Private World by Gordon MacDonald. "In today's busy world, it is increasingly difficult to discover the inner peace and order that bring an outward sense of stability and joy. By working through five specific areas, MacDonald gives readers helpful advice for fighting the disorder within and finding personal growth and spiritual development."

Covenant Relationships by Keith Intrater. "A handbook on the Biblical principles of integrity and loyalty. It lays important foundations for congregational health and right spiritual attitudes. You will be drawn into a deeper understanding of the meaning of covenant and commitment to personal relationships."

Intercessory Prayer by Dutch Sheets. "Have you ever wondered if your prayers really count? Or why you never seem to get any answers? If so, then Intercessory Prayer will convince you that your prayers can, indeed, move heaven and earth."

How to Get Along with Difficult People by Florence Littauer. "In this thoroughly updated edition of her classic guide to getting along, popular communicator and bestselling author Florence Littauer shares unique and helpful insights for those who are discouraged and in need of hope."

The Magic of Thinking Big by David J. Schwartz. "Dr. Schwartz presents a carefully designed program for getting the most out of your job, your marriage and family life, and your community."

Bringing Out the Best in People by Alan Loy McGinnis. "Alan Loy McGinnis writes about twelve key principles gleaned from the lives of successful people--past and present--which can be used to motivate people to be and do their best."

For Men

Maximized Manhood by Edwin Louis Cole - "This is a book to men but for women -- because when a man changes, the entire family is blessed. Every woman should read this book." - Mrs. Nancy Cole. Dr. Cole speaks straight to the heart of men on taking responsibility for their words and deeds, how to be a leader in the home, at work, and in the Body of Messiah.

Point Man by Steve Farrar. The enemy has declared war on your family. If your family is going to make it through the jungle intact, they will need a trained, YHWH-appointed leader at the point. So equip yourself for battle. And learn how to lead your family successfully through the hazards and ambushes the enemy has planned.

Man of Velvet & Steel by Aubrey P. Andelin (Pacific Press) - [From the Back Cover]: "In these painful and confusing times it is all too easy to lose sight of the fundamental meaning of what it is to be a man and what it is to be a woman. Based on Christian ethics as taught in the Bible, Man of Steel and Velvet helps men and women gain a clearer perspective of true masculinity. It shows how the combined traits of the firmness of steel and the gentleness of velvet make a man who is a good provider and devoted husband, worthy of the respect of his wife and children."

If Only He Knew by Gary Smalley. Particularly recommended for married men. Gary explains a woman's deepest needs, shows a man how to meet those needs, and gives ten simple steps to strengthen any marriage.

The Hidden Value of a Man by Gary Smalley and John Trent, Ph.D. A man has great value and incredible impact on his family - and his world. Gary and John explore that influence and show men how to use their YHWH-given power to build strength, love, and unity in their families and the world.

Strong Men in Tough Times by Edwin Louis Cole. "Today's world is progressing technologically but regressing morally and spiritually. In the quest for self-gratification, men have lost the meaning of manhood. In Strong Men in Tough Times, Ed Cole points the way toward hope."

For Women

The King's Daughter: Becoming the Woman G-d Created You to Be by Diana Hagee - "Every woman has a divine destiny . . . Yet she cannot fulfill that purpose until she understands her value in G-d’s eyes." A twelve-week, interactive study looks at issues many women face today, reminds them of their inherent value as daughters of the one true King, and guides them in fulfilling G-d's destiny for their lives.

The Total Woman by Marabel Morgan - "(The author) shares how women can truly be treated as queen of the castle if they make their husbands the king. Her ideas are based on Biblical principles and outline the God-ordained sanctity of marriage and family. She offers practical, fun, sexy, ideas for keeping the fire burning in a marriage."

The Unique Woman by Edwin Louis Cole & Nancy Corbett Cole. "Woman was created with a uniqueness that can be heightened or regained through practical steps."

Spiritual Gifts

Your Spiritual Gifts Can Help Your Church Grow by C. Peter Wagner. "Identifies and discusses 27 spiritual gifts. Tells you how to find your gift and outlines how you can use gifts effectively. There are five steps to help you use your spiritual gifts to build (Yahweh's) Kingdom."

The Beginner's Guide to the Gift of Prophecy by Jack Deere. "Hearing (Yahweh's) voice. An authentic gift of prophecy - What is it? Who has it? Can you hear (Yahweh's) voice for yourself?"

The Voice of G-d by Cindy Jacobs. "Cindy Jacobs cuts through the confusion about prophecy and provides an uplifting, biblical picture of what it means to hear and act upon our Master's voice."

You Can Hear the Voice of G-d by Steve Sampson. "What did (Yahshua) mean when He said, 'My sheep hear My voice'? According to Steve Sampson, He meant exactly what He said - that His followers would know and recognize His voice. In You Can Hear the Voice of G-d, Sampson explores what the Bible teaches about the still, small voice of the Almighty."

Finances

The Total Money Makeover by Dave Ramsey. "Respected financial expert Dave Ramsey offers a comprehensive plan for getting out of debt and achieving financial health. Against a playful backdrop of fitness terminology, Dave gives solid, hard-hitting advice needed to make your goals a reality."

It's Not Working, Brother John by John Avanzini. This book identifies 25 things that can close the windows of heaven over our lives and prevent us from receiving the blessings that Yahweh has in store for His children.

War on Debt by John Avanzini. "In this book John Avanzini shows from Scripture that G-d does not want you burdened with the responsibility of debt and points the way to breaking out of the debt cycle."

Financial Tools

Budget Planner (CNN.com)

Debt-Reduction Planner (CNN.com)

Home Mortgage Calculator (Yahoo! Real Estate)

Recommended Sources

Below are some good sources for most of the books listed on this page. Shop around - many of these books can be purchased at well-below retail price:

Half.com - excellent source for new and used books at great discount prices
eBay - online auctions
ChristianBook.com
Books-a-Million