God's Guest List: Welcoming Those Who Influence Our Lives

by Debbie Macomber

Who is on God’s “guest list” for your life . . . and why? The answers may surprise you.Through touching true stories and inspiring insight Debbie Macomber takes readers on a journey to discover the shaping influence others have on us and the power we have to shape and influence those whose paths cross ours.

Each of us have “influencers” that have affected our lives—some from a distance, some through word or deed, some through example, be it good or bad. Often we don’t even recognize the deep impact others have had and how God has used them to shape us into who we are. By pausing to recognize these influences we begin to grasp how God’s guest list had a purpose far beyond what we imagined. We begin to see the seeds of influence that grew into our personal values and character.

In some people God invites into our lives, we see only what appears to be painful or negative influence. We bear the scars of disappointment, hurt, betrayal, and pain. Here Macomber redirects our attention, opening our eyes to how those experiences prompted strength, resilience, resolve, decisions, and choices about how we would change and who we would become. In other instances, God has surprised us with just the people at just the right time to support, teach, lead, or love us, but perhaps we haven't quite recognized God's timing and work through these "guests."

But perhaps the greatest treasure this book holds is the power to grasp our own power to influence others, and even to anticipate what lives we have yet to touch. In the tradition of How to Win Friends and Influence People, Macomber casts a vision to seize every opportunity to be a positive and faithful influence on others. With this realization comes the willingness and anticipation to live with the door of our lives wide open to greet each new life God brings across the threshold.

God's Guest List is filled with true stories and rich insight that will forever change how you see the people in your life.

Genres: Nonfiction, Christian, Inspirational, Religion, Faith, Christian Living, Christian Non Fiction

190 pages, Hardcover

First published November 2, 2010

About the author

Debbie Macomber is a #1 New York Times bestselling author and one of today’s most popular writers with more than 200 million copies of her books in print worldwide. In her novels, Macomber brings to life compelling relationships that embrace family and enduring friendships, uplifting her readers with stories of connection and hope. Macomber’s novels have spent over 1,000 weeks on the New York Times bestseller list. Fifteen of these novels hit the number one spot.

In 2023, Macomber’s all-new hardcover publication includes Must Love Flowers (July). In addition to fiction, Macomber has also published three bestselling cookbooks, three adult coloring books, numerous inspirational and nonfiction works, and two acclaimed children’s books.

Celebrated as “the official storyteller of Christmas”, Macomber’s annual Christmas books are beloved and six have been crafted into original Hallmark Channel movies. Macomber is also the author of the bestselling Cedar Cove Series which the Hallmark Channel chose as the basis for its first dramatic scripted television series. Debuting in 2013, Debbie Macomber’s Cedar Cove was a ratings favorite for three seasons.

She serves on the Guideposts National Advisory Cabinet, is a YFC National Ambassador, and is World Vision’s international spokesperson for their Knit for Kids charity initiative. A devoted grandmother, Debbie and Wayne live in Port Orchard, Washington, the town which inspired the Cedar Cove series.

Reviews

[K.D. Absolutely · Rating 3 out of 5]

A nice inspiring book. The idea that this book primarily suggests is that we keep an eye on people who come into our lives because they might be God-sent. Meaning, they have roles to play in our lives that would make us better children of God.

At the start of this self-improvement book, Debbie Macomber (born 1948) recalls that she is a list person and when she was a lot younger she used to keep one with the names of people that she would like to meet. The result however, was not very encouraging because she met some people who totally ignored or pissed her off. So, she said, why not wait of God's list instead? So she prayed hard for God to send her the people who He thought would make her a better person. These maybe any of those people we encounter everyday whether at home, in the office, in school or on the streets. I wonder if Macomber has been to any Asian country. If you apply this technique, God must have too much longer lists for Asians because there are just too many people on the streets, malls, churches, gyms, offices, etc. compared to those similar places in the US or Europe!

But the idea seems to be doable still. Even authors of the books that we read could be the guests in God's list for us. Macomber tells the story of how she used to collect authors' signatures when she was younger. She also recalls how she started as a writer and the different problems that her family had to weather for them to remain whole and happy. All of those are very inspiring and encouraging. She used simple, meaningful words and she appeared sincere. So, this book made me resolved to change for the better and stop pissing off people. We all piss off people, right? Sometimes, consciously but most of the time unconsciously (we don't mean to). As they say, it's never too late to change as long as we change for the better.

It's January and it is now my self-declared tradition to read inspirational books to be reminded of how was I before when I was still Mr. Nice Guy. LOL.

[Oceana Reads Co. · Rating 2 out of 5]

There were a few touching stories in this but for the most part it didn’t interest me.

[Elizabeth · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed this inspirational and slightly instructive book that shows a nice perspective on how to view the people in our lives past, present, and future.

[Ruth · Rating 4 out of 5]

Debbie had kept a list of people that she thought that she would really like to meet. These were writers and singers and folks that she had been moved by or impressed by what she knew of them. As she became more well known herself she had an opportunity to meet some of the people on her list and found that they often fell short of what she imagined that they would be like. One example was a singer that she admired whose words had touched her heart. Upon meeting this person, she found that someone else had written those words that had touched her and that she was meeting an egotistical, arrogant, unlikeable person.

One day, she started wondering about the people that God had sent into her life and what each of those people meant to her. She wasn't thinking only of family but that anyone God invited into your life was there for a reason and had some meaning for you, even those "prickly people" that we meet might have a lesson to teach us. The book does challenge you to be reflective and think about the people who have touched your life in some way. You may not even know the names of some of them. It may even cause you to think about writing down some of these experiences and if the person is still alive, giving them a copy of what you have written.

I didn't quite enjoy this as much as One Simple Act but it was still great and very worthwhile reading. I do enjoy things that cause you to be reflective because I feel that that is an important thing to do in life. Thanks, Debbie.

[JoAnn J. A. Jordan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book explains the many gifts that God sends into our lives through the people He brings to us. It encourages us to be a gift to others and has action steps to facilitate our awareness of how we can influence others. The book is well written and a very quick read. It touches the heart with the stories it shares.

I recommend this book to anyone wanting to grow their relationships with others and with God.

[Trace · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 star rating

[Anne Wolters · Rating 5 out of 5]

Heartfelt, Beautiful visit with Debbie

I have read many of Debbie's heartwarming fiction stories over the years and have enjoyed the books that became Hallmark movies or series. This book however, is a visit into her own personal life and her relationship with God, including all the special people He has brought to her life that she refers to as guests. Absolutely one of her best books ever!!

[Athea54 · Rating 4 out of 5]

A thought provoking read causing you to reflect and reassess your awareness of the events and people in your life.

[Linda Shook · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such an inspiring and awesome book. So many people have come into my life (good and bad) and now I realize they were all part of God's plan for my life. Thank you Debbie!!

[Darlene · Rating 4 out of 5]

Having a hard time getting through this book, probably because it's short stories of various people who came into her life and impacted her life in some way.

[Dana · Rating 3 out of 5]

Macomber makes you think about all the people you have encountered throughout your life and how they have affected your path. Everyone from family members, childhood friends, teachers, coaches, our spouse(s), adult friends, neighbors and colleagues and how they have shaped your life through positive and negative influences. Her anedotal stories about herself and others show how God brings people into our lives, but we have to allow it. We all have a list of people we would like to meet, but many times the list God has for us might be quite different. The story that influenced me the most was in Chapter 1 about "Presents" when the woman dies and St. Peter takes her on a tour of heaven and she finds that there is a storeroom of gifts that God sent her on earth, but she never recognized them and failed to open them and know it is too late. Macomber states that they "don't always come gaily gift wrapped...come looking like challenges...often these gifts are people shaped." She also shares that the door swings both ways that we can also be a positive and spiritual influence to others. This book shows a new nonfiction writing side of Debbie Macomber that I was not aware of.

[Kathy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Debbie Macomber did an amazing job enlightening me on why people come across my path throughout my life time. People for one reason or another God has chosen for me to meet. Some I have held on too long and too tightly others I let go way to soon and yet others I was never the friend they needed at the time. Debbie Macomber's words allowed me to let go of those whom I was still trying to hold on to who were never meant to stay and to welcome others if but for a brief time and objectively look into the purpose of our meeting.

[Karen Bertke · Rating 5 out of 5]

I cannot say enough positive things about this book. I listened via Overdrive (library application). It was a fast "read" and very enjoyable. The stories about each type of person God invites into your life were so moving. I found myself agreeing as each person is described and swear that that exact person was in my life. This book reminded me to be reflective of my encounters with other people and to recognize the angels in my life as well as being an angel to someone else. Great read from any Christian.

[Shannon Kirsch · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the best books I have read and shared with several of my closest friends. Very thought provoking as we learn why, for better or worse, all we have come in contact with is by design. Whether it be for a brief amount of time or a lifelong friendship, All of something to offer: positive or negative. There are also people that were meant to come into our lives and we "missed" just because we judge quickly. Step out of your comfort zone and read this one.

[Wendy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is one of Debbie Macomber's non-fiction books. She asks us to make a list of 30 people whom God has placed in your life for one reason or another. She also says to be aware that we are on the guest list of other people so we are influential in some way to them. As I read this book, I thought about some of the people who I would include in my list and why but I don't think I could come up with 30. Very thought-provoking book!

[Jackie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very enjoyable, lots to think about relationships and who God has placed in our lives. A dear Sister in Christ gave me this book for my birthday, and I decided to read it over the Christmas break from Bible Study. Very uplifting.

[Heidi · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first non-fiction book that I have read by Debbie Macomber. It was full of so many truths and words of wisdom, and encouragement. It is a good book to read.

[Lois · Rating 5 out of 5]

In common with many other Type A personalities, the internationally renowned author of more than 100 novels, Debbie Macomber, who has more than 100 million books currently in print, is an inveterate list maker. In the past, she confesses, she drew up a list of all those people whom she had long admired and whom she wished to meet. However, by trial and error she came to realize that the guest list that she had drawn up for herself was much inferior to that which God had for her life. Now, Macomber invites us to keep ourselves open to all those people whom we encounter along the way, who unexpectedly bring us closer to Him in our daily path. She assures us that if we anticipate that each one of those whom we meet might be a person whom God has sent into our lives to teach us more about how best we can serve Him, we open ourselves up to a world of possibility.

For our lives to be fulfilling, we need to examine each aspect of our existence with a God focus. According to Macomber, “[t]he key to accomplishing any discipline in life, whether it is setting goals, losing weight, changing behavior, or discovering God’s guest list, is to be intentional, to be aware, and to be able to chart our findings.” She, therefore, encourages us to journal God’s guest list, even if all that we do is merely record the names of those whom we meet who really bring the presence of God on Earth into our lives. Though we might not be as gifted with the ability to write as Macomber undoubtedly is, we, too, all have our own gifts to present to the world. The spirit of being able to receive gracefully, as well as to give plenteously, is what the Christian life is all about.

Each of the fifteen chapters of God’s Guest List: Welcoming Those Who Influence Our Lives starts with a Bible verse that focuses on the central concern of that section of the text. Macomber then explores her own experiences, as well as those of others, related to the issue at stake, ending with a few lines on what we can take from the encounter. The author’s writing is fluent, warm and highly accessible. Although she is very much Christ-focused, Macomber’s approach is so welcoming and gentle that I would not hesitate to recommend this book, even to those who are, as yet, still rather uncertain about their faith. Not only is God’s Guest List: Welcoming Those Who Influence Our Lives truly a work well worth investing in, but, if you haven’t yet had the pleasure of reading Macomber’s other works, don’t be surprised if you feel the call to read others of her works once you have finished this—I know that I have.

[Leslie McKee · Rating 4 out of 5]

I recently had the honor of hearing Debbie speak, and she mentioned this book. I ordered a copy as soon as I could, as I was excited to check it out. While it wasn’t quite what I was expecting, I’m happy to have read it (and I’ll likely go through it more than once).

Overall, it’s a quick read, though there is a lot of information to reflect on and digest. The concept is thinking about the people God has placed in your life. When I saw her, Debbie spoke about the list she created of people she’d like to meet. She’s met about nineteen of the thirty people on that list, and she said many disappointed her, which led her to prayer. God told her to create another list, only, this time, let Him fill it out. That’s what she did, and that’s what she’s encouraging the reader to do. I plan on crafting my list in the near future. Going through the stories included in this thought-provoking book, I jotted down a few of the people I recognized in my own life. I’ve always heard (and I believe) that God brings people (even the “prickly” ones) into our lives for a reason and a season, and that’s reinforced by Macomber’s book/list.

Macomber’s writing is fluid and conversational, just like sitting and chatting with her over a cup of tea. I will certainly be checking out more of her nonfiction (and fiction) books as soon as possible.

[Christine · Rating 3 out of 5]

Inspiring book about the people that God puts into your life.

Favorite parts:

70% of Ann Landers readers would not have kids if they had to do it all over again. Macomber: I am guessing it wasn’t that the parents didn’t love their children but quite the opposite. They never expected that they would love so fiercely that it hurt.

A little girl is late arriving home and explains that her friend dropped her glass doll and the face broke. “I don’t know how to help her fix it. I just stopped to help her cry.”

Marriage notes
Am I helping my spouse to reach his goals? What one word describes our relationship right now? Are we communicating honestly and openly? Am I listening? What one thing do I wish I could do better as a spouse? Are we spending enough time together? Do we talk about us and not just the kids? Do we have fun together? Am I kind? Do I forgive and seek restoration?

[Mary J W Becker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you Debbie. This book reminded me to look back on all the guests God has sent me; I look forward to meeting them again in our heavenly home. And your honesty in sharing your family life is amazing. Most people, especially a gifted writer like yourself, would paint a near perfect life which many of us, your devoted followers, could never identify with. You show us how with God’s help we can navigate the rough seas and remain a close family. I’d like to share a cute joke which I was reminded of when I read Chapter 11. Why did God ask Abraham to kill his young son? Because if he had waited until he was a teenager, it wouldn’t have been as much of a sacrifice! Have a day filled with many blessings. Mary Jane Becker

[Chelsea Garay · Rating 5 out of 5]

All people passing through our lives can teach, inspire, remind, encourage or help us with something we need or want to aspire to be, whether physically, mentally, emotionally or spiritually. This book serves as a reminder and inspiration that the people with whom our lives intersect are there intentionally. The guest list of our lives is compiled of many different people and includes those from many years and circumstances, many of which we should take notice, because if we choose not to, we may be missing out on what the guest has for us.

[Norma Jean · Rating 5 out of 5]

Heartwarming and thought provoking.

The book gave me a perspective on the gifts God bestows on us and how we utilize these gifts. As in the people he puts in our path. Some people just for a moment in time and some for a lifetime. They are part of a guest list God gives us. Maybe some people test our patience, which could allow us to practice how to appropriately respond. There are those that encourage us when we need it most and perhaps a stranger passing by who offers us a smile to let us know there are good people in the world!

[Sheila · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love debbies stories...but didn't know she wrote inspirational books as well.....bascially the theme of this book comes down to people enter our lives for a reason...we learn from them whether they are pleasant, or a grumpy person that is hard to deal with....there is a lesson to be had by their presence i our live...it may be we learn how we don't want to act,or what we don't want to become...or we admire a certain trait in someone else that we want to have....and we want to be like....she will also say to

[Diana Davis · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book inspired me to look at who is in my life and who I meet in a different way. I love how she touched on all kinds of people giving stories that are so easy to relate to my life. We will meet all kinds of people throughout our lives and learning who is on God's list for us makes you really think about not only yourself and how you relate to people but how other people have an impact on your life.

[Patricia Vandenburg · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved it. You here from every person, from every walk of life, and feel as if you are with a group of friends sharing stories opinions and ideas. Since I am a nonfiction Spiritual writer and a huge fan of Debbie's I was ecstatic to see her ability to be s great ast one as the other being fiction and Romance. Way to go lady

[Marissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was the title that drew me to this wonderful book. I love how she shares personal stories of people who have influenced her life in different ways. She encourages the reader to do the same. It got me thinking about people in my life, past and present who have had a positive influence on my life. I really enjoyed reading this great book.

[Doris Lancaster · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book! So many tidbits of wisdom with Debbies wise words, and a bit of history of her life and lessons learned as well. I really enjoyed this book, and it would make a great gift to those who are Debbies fans as well as anyone wondering why we meet the people we do. I want this book in my library!

[Stacey E.]

DNF'd at 27%. This is a collection of stories of various people that touched the lives of the author and the people she knows. The stories are meant to be inspirational and to help us see how God places others in our lives. I didn't have an issue with this book but it was not what I was looking for. No rating since I did not finish.

[Edwina Lay · Rating 4 out of 5]

Gods Guest List Is a Amazing Book

I enjoyed reading this book so much. I have read it Twice. I am drawn to it and read it as a devotion many nights before my prayers. It helps me and encourages me every time I read it. I recommend
It to everyone.