Through the years I have steadily turned back to certain books to feed my faith. I can’t help but think of the memories each title triggers. Two scared parents trying to raise two boys in a crazy world. A hungry girl trying to learn more about the Bible! A “yes” girl who let people run over her. A family trying to budget the little money they had. It wasn’t hard to think of the books that made the biggest impact in my life, I’ve listed them below and why they made a difference.
1. Experiencing God by Blackaby: One of the first real studies I did as a young mom! It grew me in areas I couldn’t have imagined. It is deep….so if you’re ready, dive in! It’s informative. Experiencing God: Knowing and Doing the Will of God, Revised and Expanded
2. There are several 90 Day Studies I have enjoyed. Each of these gave me a closer look into different people in the Bible. I loved the layout of these studies! A Scripture to start with, a place to “Stop And Consider”, a reading, a place to journal, and a closing prayer. I know some of Beth Moore’s studies can be lengthy but these were not. They were just what I needed before starting the day!
a. David 90 Days With A Heart Like His by Beth Moore David: 90 Days with A Heart Like His (Personal Reflections Series)
b. Jesus 90 Days With The One And Only by Beth Moore Jesus: 90 Days With the One and Only (Personal Reflections)
c. John 90 Days With The Beloved Disciple by Beth Moore John: 90 Days with the Beloved Disciple (Personal Reflections)
3. Devotionals: The first one is a current read and I’ve got to say…”I LOVE IT” and the second is a couples devotion that Wendel and I did when our boys were little. We would read it at night before going to bed. It had a scripture, a short read, and a question to talk about. I would recommend it to any married couple!
a. Awaken 90 Days With the God Who Speaks by Priscilla Shirer. AWAKEN is a great name for this book,you’ll find yourself saying…”Oh HELLO, you’ve got my attention”. Excellent writing that takes me straight to God! Soooo Goooood!! Awaken: 90 Days with the God who Speaks
b. Night Light by James and Shirley Dobson …just read a sample page and you will be loading it in your Amazon cart! Simple and innocent, like I’m listening to my grandparent’s advice. Who couldn’t use some of that? Night Light: A Devotional for Couples
4. Books We (www.pastorinthepasture and I) Often Recommend for Various Reason:
a. Boundaries by Dr. Henry Cloud. We recommend this time and time again, not only to couples but to singles as well. Someone have a little too much control, taking advantage, or having too much say in your life? This book will help you set healthy boundaries and thrive at making decisions. Boundaries Updated and Expanded Edition: When to Say Yes, How to Say No To Take Control of Your Life
b. You and Me Forever by Francis Chan & Lisa Chan. One of the best marriage books out there! A quote from the back of the book….”The way to have a great marriage is by not focusing on marriage”. Marriage at it’s highest calling, God’s calling as you serve Him. Life Changer!!! You and Me Forever: Marriage in Light of Eternity
c. The Kneeling Warrior: Winning Your Battles Through Prayer by David Ireland PhD. Ever been in a spot where the light stuff just wouldn’t do? This book is for you! A book that will truly bring you to your knees. The Kneeling Warrior: Winning Your Battles Through Prayer
d. 90 Minutes in Heaven by Don Piper. I read this shortly after losing my parents and a close personal friend. This book will paint a vivid picture of the reality of Heaven, told by someone who experienced it!! You won’t be able to put it down!! 90 Minutes in Heaven: A True Story of Death & Life
e. Battlefield of the Mind by Joyce Meyer. I came across this book while struggling with depression. I dog eared pages, high lighted sentences, marked up, and carried this little book around until I got it! Battlefield of the Mind: Winning the Battle in Your Mind
5. Books That Changed Our Family. I could go on and on about this short list. Many books have influenced our family but these five below hit the top. Our family was shaped by the pages of these books. We learned to love each other, to raise a family…boys at that, find our calling….after failing many times. We learned to make a budget and get out of debt….and do it all over again because we didn’t learn it the first time. We failed and tried again and tried again but we also triumphed and discovered new things and got inspired by the pages of these books.
a. Financial Peace by Dave Ramsey. The Financial Peace Planner: A Step-by-Step Guide to Restoring Your Family’s Financial Health
b. 48 Days to the Work You Love by Dan Miller 48 Days to the Work You Love: Preparing for the New Normal
c. Bringing Up Boys by Dr. James Dobson Bringing Up Boys: Practical Advice And Encouragement For Those Shaping The Next Generation Of Men
d. Growing Kids God’s Way by Gary Ezzo and Anne Marie Ezzo Growing Kids God’s Way: Reaching the Heart of Your Child With a God-Centered Purpose
e. The 5 Love Languages by Gary Chapman The 5 Love Languages: The Secret to Love that Lasts
But the #1 book of all……..……. The Bible! It has been the source we’ve constantly run to…..It’s the book that I have wept on and found answers in. It’s the book that offers hope! It’s the book that lead me to Jesus! I do have a favorite version though, and that is….., the NIV Study Bible. I love this easy to read version, the notes at the bottom, and a good concordance in the back. If you only pick one book…..that the book to have! Life Application Study Bible NIV, Personal Size
With that I will leave you with this….no matter where you begin to feed your faith remember we don’t do it alone.
“But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you.”
John 14:26
What are your favorite books that have helped you feed your faith? I would love to hear about them and why they were such a resource. Again, thank you for reading and remember…”Love God, Love People!”
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