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Christian growth is hard. Good thing we're not the first to take a crack at it. For thousands of years fellow believers have been leaving behind books filled with their experiences and insights about Christ. You'll be surprised how many people have walked through the exact experience you're going through, or felt the same thing you're feeling. Here are some all-purpose books to aid you on your journey. You'll want to pick and choose since they're not in any particular order. Try finding one that best fits your situation today, or maybe something you've never thought about before. But you're sure to find something that will prod you forward in your journey. Happy hunting.
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Celebration of Discipline
by Richard Foster
This is a must read for all Christians. I know the title sounds awful, but you’ll be surprised once you get into it. Foster shows us that the disciplines of the Christian life are not dull rules but actually are the pathways to real joy and abundant life. The other great thing about Foster is that he takes hard concepts and makes them easily readable. I found myself trying disciplines I had avoided because he makes them so accessible to normal people. READ THIS BOOK! |
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The Pursuit of God
by A.W. Tozer
Tozer was a firebrand of a preacher in the early part of the 20th century. He packs a one-two punch in that he's very easy to read, kind of like reading a sermon, but what he has to say will clock you upside the head. Never one to pander to the culture Tozer gives us a clarion call to follow God with everything we have. Give this little book a try. |
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The Practice of the Presence of God
by Brother Lawrence
All hail the divine dishwasher! Brother Lawrence lived as a kitchen attendant in a monastery over 400 years ago. His spiritual legacy stretches well beyond his pots and pans though. This unassuming and devout man made it his practice to spend every waking moment with God. This book is a collection of his letters and conversations, preserved by friends who recognized the value of this mans's deep walk with God. This is a classic that lives up to its name. |
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Rumors of Another World
by Philip Yancey
After The Great Divorce I’ve always had a fascination with the subject of Heaven. In one of his best Yancey points us to everyday situations that point decisively toward a reality beyond our humdrum physical world. You’ll quickly discover that life makes much more sense and better decisions can be made when we begin to focus on the heavenly reality that lies just beyond our vision. |
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The Screwtape Letters
by C. S. Lewis
This was my introduction to C. S. Lewis and have been hooked ever since. In this book Lewis writes from the perspective of an older demon trying to teach a younger demon how to tempt humans. This book will prompt you to think about how much Satan can get into our heads to distract us from following the Lord. Originally these letters were published weekly in a newspaper in England, so each letter is usually a self-contained topic and very short in length. If you’ve read it, go back and read it again, you’ll find that new sections hit you in new ways at different times of your life. |
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What's So Amazing About Grace
by Philip Yancey
I'm always a fan of an honest title. This book walks us through modern day stories of grace and "un-grace" and shows us the magnificence of Christ's sacrifice for us. Yancey also calls us out of our church walls and out into the streets where we can show the same kind of live to others. If grace has ever been an elusive concept to you, give this one a try.
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Knowing God
by J.I. Packer
Welcome to another classic. Now at first this is going to seem a little dry, but stick with it. It takes longer to chew a steak, but it's better than a french fry. Same thing here. Packer helps us understand some basic theology but all the while keeps our eyes firmly planted on our goal, a vibrant and active daily walk with Christ. I appreciate Packer for his keen insight and also for offering us some much needed depth. Dig in!
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Waking the Dead
by John Eldredge
This is probably the best book Eldredge has published so far. He's trying to help us understand that much of our daily struggle isn't just the daily grind. We're locked in a cosmic struggle that has eternal consequences. Waking up to that fact will change the way we handle problems and how we prioritize life. This book also has one of the most balanced approaches to spiritual warfare I've ever read. It's Biblical, it's thorough, and it avoids the traps of being either obsessed with casting out demons or denying their involvement completely. Warning: He does tend to be a bit counselor-ish at times, but give it a try anyway.
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Wisdom Hunter
by Randall Arthur
This may be the best book you've never heard of. I'm not too big on Christian fiction, but this book grabbed me and wouldn't let go. In fact, it's the only book I've read cover to cover in one sitting. The main character is the pastor of a large suburban church that seems very successful. But when a series of tragic circumstances wrecks his limited view of God he goes on a search for his missing grandchild as well as his faith. What emerges is a picture of church as it could be. This isn't the best written book in the world, but the ideas it conveys can go a long way is helping us understand what real faith and a real community of believers could look like. You most likely won't find this in your local Christian book store. But it's worth the extra effort to find it. Check it out.
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Into the Depths of God
by Calvin Miller
I'm rereading this one and am again floored by Miller's ability to accurately and poetically describe the Christan journey. If you're feeling a bit dry in your spiritual life then Calvin would like to be your big brother who throws you into the deep end. His pull-no-punches style is coupled with rich imagery to open a door into a deeper experience with God. And being a master storyteller Miller never lets the book get mired in mere principles. Instead he peppers his prose with real life stories which gives the book a personal feel that further helps you grasp the consepts he tackles here. This is a call to a fuller expereince of Christ, one that we would all do well to heed.
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