Some people love to read books – I’m not one of them. To be completely honest, I am much more interested in the latest issue of Southern Living or Real Simple Magazine than I am the dozens of books that I have been told are “must-reads.” I have found, however, that even though I don’t particularly like to read, I benefit greatly (more than words can even express) when I discipline myself to do it. Warren Wiersbe has said that his books, all carefully selected, are friends that converse with him and teach him. Here is a list of some of my closest “friends.” Each one of these volumes has had a tremendous impact on my life. As I make new “friends,” I will be sure to add them to the list.
Desiring God, John Piper
This book took me a really long time to read (it’s deep stuff!), but it was worth the effort.
Instruments in the Redeemers Hand, Paul Tripp
This book presents a refreshingly God-centered, biblical perspective on human behavior and counseling. Every Christian should read this book!
Holiness: Its Nature, Hindrances, Difficulties, and Roots, J.C. Ryle
This book was first published in 1877, so the language is very old fashioned and at times difficult to grasp, but it's worth the challenge. The words cut right to my heart and both challenged and encouraged me in the pursuit of holiness.
Knowing God, J.I. Packer
This is a wonderful book on who God is and what it means to know Him.
Lies Women Believe and the Truth That Sets Them Free, Nancy Leigh DeMoss
This is one of my favorite books to use in a one-on-one discipleship/mentoring setting because it is so comprehesive - it deals with just about every aspect of a woman's life. Every time I read it, I am amazed at how subtly the lies of this world have entered into my thinking. Nancy has does a marvelous job at exposing those lies and clearly presenting the truths of God's Word. Every woman should own a copy of this book!
The Knowledge of the Holy, A.W. Tozer
This book on the attributes of God is my favorite book of all time!
The Pursuit of God, A.W. Tozer
This is a brief, but challenging look at what it means to follow hard after God.
The Pursuit of Holiness, Jerry Bridges
I recommend you buy and read every book Jerry Bridges has written. The title of this one says it all. This is one of the most convicting books in my library. I ought to read it a few times a year!
Trusting God Even When Life Hurts, Jerry Bridges
This powerful and practical examination of the sovereignty of God will strengthen your faith and deepen your determination to trust God no matter what difficult circumstances you experience.
What’s So Amazing About Grace?, Philip Yancey
Yancey does a wonderful job at answering that question in this book.
When Godly People Do Ungodly Things, Beth Moore
Several years ago, my church experienced the tragedy of the senior pastor getting caught up in the sin of marital infidelity. Around the same time, this book came out and served as a very valuable tool in helping me understand how susceptible even godly people can be to the deceptive schemes of the enemy.
When I Don’t Desire God, John Piper
One of John Piper’s greatest contributions in my opinion is his consistent proclamation of the truth that the more satisfied we are in God, the more glorified He is in us. What happens, however, when I am not satisfied in God? What do I do when the passion just isn’t there? This book helps answer those questions. I recently went through a “dry” season in my walk with the Lord, and this book was a great help to me.