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This library is a list of books I enjoy reading and recommend. Please note that just because I like a book does not mean that I agree with all that the author has to say, that I am onboard with how they choose to express their faith or what they have to say about God. However, I think that it has been beneficial in my understanding of God, faith and life to read the wanderings of others.

Global Awareness:

Books…

Hudson Taylor’s Spiritual Secret By Howard Taylor J’s Notes: The story of Hudson Taylor missionary to China. His good work bears fruit into our generation. A story worth knowing.

 

“The Hole in Our Gospel” by Richard Stearns president of World Vision, USA…. you need to read this book!

Radical: Taking Back Your Faith from the American Dream By David Platt\ J’s Notes: Prepare to be challenged in how you are living and what it means to live an authentically, Biblical life.

“Every Man in This Village is a Liar” by Megan Stack… a war correspondent and good storyteller this author takes us on her travels after 9/11 in places such as: Afghanistan, Saudi Arabia, Lebanon, Israel, and Iraq. She is a poetic writer and I greatly enjoyed the insight of someone {particularily a woman} on the frontlines of war.

“The Glass Castle: a Memoir” by Jeanette Walls… a purely American story about a family living in poverty. Loved the truth behind homelessness found in this book. When you refuse to give money to the begger on the street have you considered that perhaps they chose to be homeless.

Videos…
“The Day My God Died”… sex trafficking in Bombay.

“Hotel Rwanda”… Where was America? Genocide and a man who saved a thousand during the Hutu/Tutsi conflict of 1994. I love this movie.

“Catch a Fire”….  “A drama about terrorism in Apartheid-era South Africa, revolving around a policeman and a young man who carries out solo attacks against the regime.” (imdb)

Spiritual Formation:

Beautiful Outlaw: Experiencing the Playful, Disruptive, Extravagant Personality of Jesus By John Eldredge J’s Notes: A book that looks at the personality of Jesus and how finding His personality will change how you read the gospels – and how you experience Christ in your life. I give this book 5 out of 5 stars. It is that good.

Not a Fan: Becoming a Completely Committed Follower of Jesus By Kyle Idleman J’s Notes: I do not want to just be a fan of Christ I want to be a head over heels follower – all in. It was my 2012 top pick!

Plan B: What Do You Do When God Doesn’t Show Up the Way You Thought He Would? By Pete Wilson

One Thousand Gifts: A Dare to Live Fully Right Where You Are By Ann Voskamp J’s Notes: the journey in chasing gratitude. How it will change your heart in the things of God and draw you closer to the transforming power of seeing God. This is an amazing book. Poetic and at times difficult to read… I took it one chapter at a time

 

“What’s So Amazing About Grace?” by Philip Yancey…struggle with forgiveness, bitterness, and judging? Read this book.

“The Magnificent Obsession: Embracing the God-Filled Life” by Anne Graham Lotz {a look at the life and faith of Abraham}

“My Heart’s Cry” by Anne Graham Lotz

“Walking with God” by John Eldredge {Walking with God through an entire year of the author’s life…his spiritual struggles, questions, prayers,
warfare.}

“Waking the Dead: The Glory of a Heart Fully Alive” by John Eldredge

“When the Heart Waits: Spiritual Direction for Life’s Sacred Questions” by Sue Monk Kidd

“Spiritual Direction: Wisdom for the Long Walk of Faith” by Henry Nouwen

“Hinds’ Feet on High Places” by Hannah Hurnard {a beautiful allegory}

“Uprising: A Revolution of the Soul“ by Erwin McManus

“New Seeds of Contemplation” by Thomas Merton

“No Greater Love” by Mother Teresa

“Mother Teresa: Come Be My Light” Edited with Commentary by Brian Kolodiejchuk {writings and letters from MT…a beautiful description of her journey in the midst of deep spiritual darkness. She forged ahead in ministering to the people of India despite the lack of feeling God’s presence. She is an example to those of us who are frustrated when God does not feel near.}

“Introduction to the Devout Life” by Francis de Sales {Nuggets of wisdom everywhere.}

“The Divine Conspiracy” by Dallas Willard

Spiritual Disciplines
“The Spirit of the Disciplines: Understanding How God Changes Lives” by Dallas Willard

“Celebration of Discipline: The Path to Spiritual Growth” by Richard Foster

“Hearing God: Developing a Conversational Relationship with God” by Dallas Willard

“The Discipline of Surrender:Biblical Images of Discipleship” by Douglas D. Webster

“The Practice of the Presence of God” by Brother Lawrence

Prayer

“Prayer” by Philip Yancey… this is so good.

“Prayer: Finding the Heart’s True Home” by Richard Foster

“Praying God’s Word: Breaking Free from Spiritual Strongholds” by Beth Moore

“The Valley of Vision” by Arthur Bennett {link is to online daily post from the book}

“The Power of the Praying Wife” by Stormie Omartian

“The Power of the Praying Parent” by Stormie Omartian

“Prayers From the Heart” by Richard J. Foster

“Lord, Teach Me to Pray in 28 Days” by Kay Arthur

“A Diary of Private Prayer” by John Baillie

“Contemplative Prayer” by Thomas Merton

Solitude

“Thoughts in Solitude” by Thomas Merton

“Out of Solitude: Three Meditations on the Christian Life” by Henri JM Nouwen

“The Wisdom of Wilderness: Experiencing the Healing Power of Nature” by Gerald G. May {while I do not condone every thought or insight in May’s writings… I love how he sees and experiences nature. Nature is a glorious display of the characteristics of God… He is not literally in the rock, or tree, or bird, or sky, but his beauty and creativity are richly displayed in what He has created.}

Bible Study Tools

“The Bible Jesus Read” by Philip Yancey {Walk through portions of the Old Testament. Loved this book An easy read filled with depth.}}

“What the Bible is All About” by Henrietta Mears

New Inductive Study Bible {Love this Bible…no study notes. The cross-referencing in this Bible is excellent!}

New Living Translation {One of my favorite translations, easy to read}

Any Bible Study by Kay Arthur {Unsure of how to read God’s Word…give the Inductive Study a try}

Vine’s Dictionary of the Bible… understand the original Greek and Hebrew

Bible Study Tools… a great website for finding Strong’s Words using the NAS translation (the numbers can be used with Vine’s Dictionary}

Blue Letter Bible …. another excellent resource.

Believer’s Bible Commentary

Matthew Henry Commentary… these can also be found online.

Psalms 1-72 | An Introduction and Commentary by Derek Kidner

Psalm 73-150 by Derek Kidner

New Scofield Study Bible (NKJV).,.. when I am trying to mix it up. I enjoy the study notes.

“Hard Sayings of the Bible” by Walter Kaiser

Spiritual Warfare/Cults

“The Kingdom of the Cults” by Walter Martin (a comprehensive book on some of the major cults: Jehovah’s Witness, Mormon, etc and why they are considered cults, how their “faith” differs from Jesus Christ, their history, as well as a look at each group’s “bible” or books as they compare to the Hebrew and Greek scriptures. Excellent Read. Highly recommend.)

“Lord, Is it Warfare? Teach Me to Stand” by Kay Arthur {A devotional study looking indepth at the book of Ephesians}

“Victory over the Darkness” by Neil T. Anderson

“Praying God’s Word: Breaking Free from Spiritual Strongholds” by Beth Moore {Praying through scripture based on themes of bondage (ie fear, doubt, sexual sins, etc. A powerful tool in learning how to pray God’s word over strongholds.)

“Angels” by Dr. David Jeremiah {Love how he walks through scripture identifying passages refering to angelic activity}

Devotional Helps
(short and sweet guidance for everyday of the year… I don’t usually do devotional type books, but I enjoy these little nuggets of wisdom. Some great quotes.)

“My Utmost For His Highest” by Oswald Chambers {link is to online daily reading}

“A Year with Dietrich Bonhoeffer” {I have fallen in love with this collection of Bonhoeffer’s writings. These excerpts are excellent.}

“The Joy of My Heart” by Anne Graham Lotz {Selections from a variety of Anne’s books}

Thoughts on Current State of “Church”

“They Like Jesus But Not the Church” by Dan Kimball… title says it all.

“Soul Survivor: How My Faith Survived the Church” by Philip Yancey…a list of people that influenced Yancey’s life and spiritual wanderings. Key figures such as Ghandi, Martin Luther King, Jr and Dr. Everett Koop are discussed. I loved this book. Very informative. Reads like a history book on racism and church wanderings.

“UnChristian: What a New Generation Really Thinks about Christianity” by David Kinnaman and Gabe Lyons (I’m a sucker for research)

“Quitting Church: Why the Faithful are Fleeing and What to do about it” by Julia Duin

Community

“Life Together” by Deitrich Bonhoeffer

“A Tale of Three Kings: A Study in Brokenness” by Gene Edwards… A beautiful “retelling” of David and Saul, David and Absalom. If you’ve been injured, especially within the church, this story offers much hope.

Marriage

“Sacred Marriage” by Gary Thomas

“Love and War” by John and Stasi Eldredge

Family

“Grace Based Parenting” by Dr. Tim Kimmel (so good)

“Raising Great Kids” by Dr. Henry Cloud and Dr. John Townsend

“Boundaries” by Dr. Henry Cloud and Dr. John Townsend

“Making Children Mind Without Losing Yours” by Dr. Kevin Leman

“Toxic Parents” and “Toxic InLaws” by Susan Forward, PhD (enlightening and helpful)

Women

“What Happens When Women Say ‘Yes’ to God by Lysa Terkeurst

“Made to Crave” by Lysa Terkeurst… food. or whatever holding the sole place in your life. Learn how to crave Jesus.

“My Heart’s Cry” by Anne Graham Lotz

“Breaking Free: Discover the Victory of Total Surrender” by Beth Moore

“Believing God” by Beth Moore

“Captivating: Unveiling the Mystery of a Woman’s Soul” by John and Stasi Eldredge

“Lies Women Believe: And the Truth that Sets Them Free” by Nancy Leigh DeMoss

This is Their Story

“The Spiritual Secret of Hudson Taylor” by Dr. and Mrs. Howard Taylor

“Parting the Waters” by Taylor Branch… history of Martin Luther King, Jr. and the Civil Rights Movement….this is a great read. Indepth. Well-Researched.

“Mother Teresa: A Simple Path” compiled by Lucinda Vardey

“Through Gates of Splendor” by Elisabeth Elliot

“Shadow of the Almighty: The Life and Testament of Jim Elliot“ by Elisabeth Elliot

“A Chance to Die: The Life and Legacy of Amy Carmichael” by Elisabeth Elliot

“Wingspread: Albert B. Simpson: A Study in Spiritual Altitude” by A. W. Tozer

“The Hiding Place” by Corrie Ten Boom

“The Cross and the Switchblade” by David Wilkerson

“Traveling Mercies: Some Thoughts on Faith” by Anne Lamott

“Plan B: Further Thoughts on Faith” by Anne Lamott (warning: Ms. Lamott will stretch your beliefs and ideas about faith, christianity and boundaries therein, but it is worth the stretching. Great reads.)

“Blue Like Jazz” by Donald Miller

“A Million Miles in a Thousand Years: What I Learned While Editing My Life” by Donald Miller

“Night” by Elie Wiesel (concentration camp survivor)

Just for Fun

“The Giver” Lois Lowry – the entire series

“Harry Potter”… don’t start. (I also love the movies)

“Pride and Prejudice” by Jane Austen (also love this BBC miniseries and Keira Knightley movie version)

“The Blindside: Evolution of the Game” by Michael Lewis

“The Help” by Kathryn Stockett (the movie was slow, but good)

“The Lord of the Rings” (Trilogy) by JRR Tolkien (Highly recommend the movie versions)

“The Chronicles of Narnia” by CS Lewis (movies also good)

“Little House on the Prairie” by Laura Ingalls Wilder {Loved these as a little girl…and a big girl!}

“Anne of Green Gables” by LM Montgomery

“Rocket Boys” by Homer Hickam {I enjoyed this movie and loved the book!}

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