I sat on the living room floor, eyes wide open, and captivated by every sentence my mom read. I can close my eyes and remember the passion and animation she spoke with while telling the story of the man who left everything to live in a jungle with tribal people, or the people who miraculously survived the dam breaking, or the family almost died in a shipwreck, or the lady who rescued little girls in India, and the list goes on and on. My heroes became those we were reading about, and my goals in life grew a little bit larger each day. It opened the door to a new world of imagination, curiosity, faith, and sacrifice. I hated when the time ended and the bookmark had to be placed. That is where my love for books began, and I am so grateful my mom took the time to read each day. It made a lasting impact on my life.
I could never agree with 100% of everything in a book (and that’s okay because sometimes I didn’t even agree with myself a year ago, or maybe even yesterday!). But this book list will challenge you, encourage you, and hopefully strengthen your faith. This list is a compilation of some of my favorites.
I have included links, but of course, you can often find a better deal if you don’t mind searching a little more.
Make time to read. You won’t regret it.
Blessings,
Erin
Spiritual Growth
The Book of Signs
by Dr. David Jeremiah
This book always puts my focus back on eternity. I’ve read it twice, and both times I didn’t want to put it down.
The Resilient Life
by Paul Chappell
If you are struggling with anxiety or walking through a trial, this book is a must.
Good Morning, Lord (Devotional)
by Adrian Rogers
This is the perfect one-page read to start the morning with. Pastor Rogers makes profound truths simple for anyone to understand. You will look forward to reading each day.
New Morning Mercies (Devotional)
by Paul David Tripp
This has always been a favorite devotional for me. I’ve been through it twice and I’m still challenged by it.
Trust and Obey (Devotional)
by Paul Chappell
I love this book. Paul has a great writing style and will make you ponder some deep truths.
They Found the Secret
by V. Raymond Edman
This is about some of the greatest heroes of faith. It will challenge you to give your all to the Lord and fall deeper in love with Him.
Hinds Feet on High Places
by Hannah Hurnard
This beautiful allegory tells us the steps to live in the “high places.” It is a must-read.
I Choose Peace
by Chip Ingram
This truths in this book changed my life when I was walking through a tough time. If you are in the middle of a hard season, read this.
Secrets of the Secret Place
by Bob Sorge
A timeless classic and an unparalleled resource for fueling your devotional prayer life. This book is must reading for anyone wanting fresh momentum in their quiet time with Jesus. In 52 short chapters, it defuses common struggles, equips, and inspires fervency for Jesus.
Fresh Wind, Fresh Fire
by Jim Cymbala
For anyone seeking to live at the center of God’s purposes, this book points the way to new spiritual vitality in the church and in your own life. Pastor Jim Cymbala knows this from personal experience. Back in the early 1970s his own church, the Brooklyn Tabernacle, was a struggling congregation of twenty. Then they began to pray — to really pray. Then God began to move, and street-hardened lives by the hundreds were changed with the love of Christ.
Self Help
12 Ways Your Phone is Changing You
by Tony Reinke
If you struggle with being addicted to your phone (and I think most people do), you will be amazed by how Tony opens your eyes to the damage it can cause and the statistics behind it.
Atomic Habits
by James Clear
There is a reason this book has over 120,000 reviews on Amazon. I think every person should read it. You will not want to put it down. It is not written from a Christian perspective but it has so much wisdom for creating habits. Grab a notebook to start taking notes.
Good Energy: The Surprising Connection Between Metabolism and Limitless Health
by Casey Means
To live free from frustrating symptoms and life-threatening disease, we need our cells to be optimally powered so that they can create “good energy” — the essential fuel that impacts every aspect of our physical and mental wellbeing. You’ll learn how to use inexpensive tools and technology to “see inside your body” and take action, six lifelong food principles you can implement no matter what your diet is like, how exposure to cold and heat helps build our body’s resilience, and so much more!
The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry
by John Mark Comer
Too often we treat the symptoms of toxicity in our modern world instead of trying to pinpoint the cause. A growing number of voices are pointing at hurry, or busyness as a root of much evil. Within the pages of this book, you’ll find a compelling emotional and spiritual case against hurry and in favor of a slower, simpler way of life.
The Beauty of Self-Control
by J.R. Miller
This was written in the 1800’s and is still applicable today. He has the most beautiful writing style, and every Christian will be motivated by this read.
Living Without Worry
by J.R. Miller
If you find yourself worrying again and again throughout the day, then this book is for you. God did not create us to worry. Start living your life to the full potential God made you to.
Parenting
How Can I Feel Productive as a Mom?
by Esther Engelsma
This short read will make you rethink your perspective on motherhood. It is not about getting more and more done each day but about spending time well as we do our “kingdom work.”
The Gift of the Blessing
by Gary Smalley and John Trent
This is a longer read, but there are so many truths in each chapter. You will learn about the power of spoken blessing and praying a blessing over those we love. It is very thought-provoking.
Loving the Little Years
by Rachel Jankovic
I have read this little book more than once. In the thick of diapers, meals, and a lot of little ones needing attention, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed, but Rachel has a way of helping you laugh and see the beauty of this special time.
Parenting with Mercy
by Michelle Brock
This is a small book packed with biblical truth. It will challenge every parent.
I Can’t Believe You Just Said That
by Ginger Hubbard
This is one of my favorite parenting books. Ginger brings every situation back to the Bible, and you will love her writing style.
Shepherding a Child’s Heart
by Tedd Tripp
The title of this book says it all. I have read it over and over again and still find it just as wonderful and insightful as the first time through.
The Five Love Languages of Children
by Gary Chapman and Ross Campbell
If you have children, get this book. It will help you understand how to show your child love in the way that speaks to them the most.
Home-Making
by J. R. Miller
I feel like this book is mis-titled and should’ve been called “The Family.” It has a chapter on husbands, wives, siblings, and what a Christian home should look like on a daily basis. It is a five-star recommendation.
The Read-Aloud Family
by Sarah Mackenzie
If you don’t currently read out loud to your children, you will probably start after you read this book! It is worth every minute.
Mama Bear Apologetics
by Hillary Ferrer
This book will help you understand your kid’s questions and help you to point them back to the Bible. A must-have for Mamas!
Marriage
Pray Big for Your Marriage
by Will Davis
This book has changed the way I pray for my husband. It is about praying big, specific, and consistent prayers. It will challenge every marriage.
Cherish
by Gary Thomas
This has always been a top favorite for Chad and me. It is beautifully written, and if followed, it will change your marriage.
Sacred Marriage
by Gary Thomas
This is a phenomenal book about growing closer to the Lord — together.
The Five Love Languages
by Gary Chapman
Of course, this is a classic, and if you haven’t read it yet, you need to. Learn how to love your spouse in the way that means most to him. It is one that you will keep referring back to.
Love is a Decision
by Gary Smalley and John Trent
Great stories and practical tips to help you grow closer to each other through challenging and happy times.
Missionary Biographies
Evidence Not Seen
by Darlene Deibler Rose
Hands down, one of my favorite missionary stories. She has always been a hero of mine. It is a tear-jerker, for sure.
Bruchko
by Bruce Olsen
This will challenge your faith in so many new ways. You will want to read it again and again.
God’s Smuggler
by Brother Andrew
You will not want to put this down, so don’t start reading late (trust me, you will stay up to finish. I’m speaking from experience!)
Through Gates of Splendor
by Elisabeth Elliot
The story of five men who were martyred for their faith. It is chilling but will inspire you to tell others about Jesus. He is worth dying for.
A Chance to Die: The Life and Legacy of Amy Carmichael
by Elisabeth Elliot
Amy Carmichael is someone I’ve always loved. Her story is remarkable. She was passionate about sharing the gospel — even when it was difficult. She loved people and sacrificed everything for them.
Homeschooling
Teaching from Rest: A Homeschooler’s Guide to Unshakable Peace
by Sarah Mackenzie
Parents who have made the decision to homeschool their children have done so out of great love for their children and a desire to provide them an excellent education in the context of a warm, enriching home. Yet so many parents (mainly mothers) who take up this challenge find themselves full of stress, worry, and anxiety. In this practical, inspirational book, Sarah Mackenzie addresses these questions directly, through her own study and her own struggle to raise six children.
Until the Streetlights Come On
by Ginny Yurich
The average American now spends just four to seven minutes outside each day, while we spend four to seven hours using devices with screens. Our physical, mental, emotional, and relational health has suffered–and so has that of our children. But there’s a solution— get outside! If you want your kids to grow up curious, resilient, and with a sense of adventure and community, it’s essential to make outside play a priority. This book shows you why & how.
The Call of the Wild and Free: A New Way to Homeschool
by Ginny Yurich
The homeschool approach of past generations is gone — including the stigma of socially awkward kids or a classroom setting replicated in the home. The new approach ought to be focused on a love of nature, reading great books, pursuing interests and hobbies, making the entire world a classroom, and prolonging the wonder of childhood, an appealing philosophy that is unpacked in the pages of this book.
