Something to think about
Here is a Spurgeon quote on READING:
“As the apostle says to Timothy, so also he says to every-one, ‘Give yourself to reading.’ … He who will not use the thoughts of other men’s brains proves that he has no brains of his own… You need to read. Renounce as much as you will all light literature, but study as much as possible sound theological works, especially the Puritanic writers, and expositions of the Bible… the best way for you to spend your leisure is to be either reading or praying.” C.H. Spurgeon
Please Share:
As a Christian, what is the most challenging book (besides the Bible) you have read and how did it help you in your spiritual walk?
If there are several important books that you have read, please feel free to share them all.
Good to be Home 
Here are a few books from my bookshelf: Brothers, we are NOT Professionals, by John Piper. This book encouraged me and reaffirmed my own belief that church should not be run like a business and it’s leaders should not strive for professionalism. Makers of Puritan History, by Marcus L. Loane. This book opened my eyes to the beauty of the Puritans and their writings. Blue Like Jazz, parts of this book made me cringe, it MUST be read with a lot of discernment, but parts of it opened my eyes and helped me through some issues. I especially benefitted from the chapter entitled “Love, How to really love other people.” By my Spirit, by Jonathan Goforth. Wonderful book that changed my life—Mr. Goforth was a missionary to China and he was able to witness a revival–in many cases, the first indication of the Spirit’s moving was the confession of sin by the LEADERS of the churches he visited. . . . .the extreme sensitivity toward personal sin (and not the sin of a brother or sister) was an amazing example to me at the time that I read it.
“The Purpose Driven life” This book and/or bible study really helped me as a fairly new beleiver find my purpose, spiritual gifts, and so very much more. It can help any christian at any time in their walk.
Shandra,
I am greatly enjoying “The Valley Of Vision, the Collection of Puritan Prayers and Devotions.” What sinple yet profound prayers they are. I will try to post one of them soon.
I’d like to read the books that you listed. Did you order them online or find them in a bookstore?
“Living Orthodoxy in the Modern World” by Dr. Andrew Walker
“Mere Christianity ” by CSLewis
is your profile pic of you………….if so, you are gorgeous!! And so young!
Many books I have read in the last 5 years have changed my life and my mind, some of which are Created for His Glory, a great in-depth look at “what is the purpose of my life”, written by Jim Berg; an old biography of Suzanna Wesley which I found at the library and changed my view of being “trapped with these children;” Calvin Johantgen’s Music and Ministry: a Biblical Counterpoint, which openend my eyes to the awesomeness of reflecting the glory of God and fulfilling the creation mandate with my life; Kay Arthur’s Lord, Heal my Hurt spawned a personal, in-depth Bible study that not only helped me deal with the sudden death of my mother, but resolve issues of bitterness and move toward an appreciation of God’s Sovereign workings through every circumstance of my life.
Hmmm… let me see. “Not by Chance” by Layton Talbert. It’s a heavy read, but really helped me deal with some issues I was having with the Sovereignty of God after I lost a baby. I had to put it down and step away from it for awhile several times, but it was very helpful. “For Women Only” by Shaunti Feldman. A Christian women interviewed men of all faiths and no faith at all for in-depth look at how men think and why they behave the way they do. It opened my eyes to some things about my husband that I never realized before. “The Power of A Praying Wife” by Stormie Omartian set my prayer life back in order after a deep hurt several years ago made it virtually non-existent. I’ve just started to read “Lies Women Believe” by Nancy Leigh DeMoss on the recommendation of my mother. It seems really good so far. It talks about some of Satan’s lies that we as women are most apt to believe.
Although not a challenging book, it’s more like a devotional, The Prayer of Jabez was life altering for me. As a convert to Catholocism, I spent my entire life until I was 26 without any religion at all. As soon as my eyes were opened I reveled in His Love and Works. I cannot tell you how many times he proved to me He was really there, how many miracles He made me aware of. It could not be more apparent how He was rewarding me for my faith. I joined a faith group with the woman who was appointed as my sponsor for the church. One of the books we read was The Prayer of Jabez by Bruce Wilkinson. The way it was discussed in the book made me realize how much I wanted to be an instrument of His will and how many blessings He grants me. To think of it makes me want to cry with tears of joy!
Jabez cried out to the God of Israel, “Oh, that you would bless me Indeed, Lord and enlarge my territory. That your hand would be with me. And that you would keep me from evil. So that I may not cause pain.” And the Lord granted his request.
Thank you for that question and for letting me share. Thanks to all the others who have shared as well so I might find another book that might lead to even greater enlightenment. I am aften in awe of your spirituallity. Your posts are always inspirational. I know God speaks to me and also to many others through you. When I started posting I envisioned a blog like yours. Maybe one day I’ll be so devinely creative! Does your faith allow you to be a minister or pastor? You must at least teach Sunday school. You really possess a great gift! ~Michelle
I came ready to list “valley of vision” and was delighted to find it already listed!
I have read many many books by C. S. Lewis, I could not pick just one. Also Jerry bridges is respected in my house. I like the mature honesty of Leslie Vernick, also have to throw in Tozer in this mix.
There have been many books that have influenced/impacted my life over the years but one of my favorites is The Pursuit of God by Tozer. Great question! I can’t wait to check out some of the suggested books.
“The Ragamuffin Gospel” by Brennan Manning; “Searching for God Knows What” and “To Own a Dragon” by Donald Miller; “The Pursuit of God” by A.W. Tozer; “Don’t Waste Your Life” by John Piper; “Till We Have Faces” by C.S. Lewis.
Each of these books met me where I was at a certain point in life. However, each of them is equally life-changing.
I don’t get a chance to do much in depth reading other than the Bible of course. But I have read “My Utmost for His Highest” by Oswald Chambers. It is a great example of a man studying Gods Word and seeking Him. I can’t believe how in depth his daily devotions were. It has helped me in many ways to know God better.
I have also been influenced by “The New Strong-Willed Child” by Dr. James Dobson. This has helped me to understand what makes a couple of my children tick. They are a gift from God and that He has given me this resource to help raise them. I also was strongly influenced by a Bible Study/Sunday School class on Parenting by Chip Ingram. It was on DVD with study guides. It was entitled “Effective Parenting in a Defective World” – I would highly recommend getting the book. It was a great series.
Some of my faves are “A Godward Life”, “Desiring God” and “Don’t Waste Your Life” all by John Piper. They are all so simple, but so profound and true. I also love “To Train Up a Child” by Michael and Debi Pearl, “My Heart Christ’s Home”, by Robert Boyd Munger, and “The Excellent Wife” by Martha Peace. The last one is especially useful as a reminder as to how far removed our society is today from what the bible says about being a Godly wife. It talks in very practical terms about submission and letting the husband be the spiritual leader of the home and what God requires of a Christian wife. Thanks for posing this question.~ Laurel
Wow…where to begin. I think of authors anything by Dobson, Colson, Swindol (Charles and Lucy), C.S Lewis, A.W. Tozer, “Foxe’s Book of Christian Martyrs”, “Lies Women Believe” is a good devotional book. I have recently been reading “Original Intent” by David Barton – this make you really think about how far this country has moved away from what the founding fathers believed. Another, probably lesser known, “God and Caesar – Biblical Faith and Political Action” my husband was assigned this book for his government class – very good book to help develop/reinforce your Christian worldview.
Books of the women of the Bible by Francine Rivers, The Signature of God by Grant Jeffrey, A chance to Die, a Biography of Amy Carmichael.
Nice site, have subbed.
Purple, I have read the beginning of the Stormie Omartian book Writer mentioned, and at my “hint” someone bought it for me recently. I know you would enjoy it! It is the kind of read you want to pass along.
hi there….
thanks for the quote on Spurgeon…I read it yesterday and can not get the phrase out of my mind and the Lord has used it in different ways today….such as I wanted to lay down, then I couldn’t sleep, then I wanted to play a game, but couldn’t just sit there….and here this little phrase rang through……—“the best way for you to spend your leisure is to be either reading or praying”….
So I picked up a good book instead!
anyways one book that helped me grow in my early years was the Hudson Taylor 2 vol. Biography, also recently….the Jonathan Edwards Biography, and The excellent wife has still been impacting me.
just thoought I’d share…talk to you later!