I have been reading and studying the Bible for many years.
I have also read numerous Christian books.
Here are some I like best.
The BIBLE; God's instruction manual for all of us. If you only read one book, this is it! Do yourself a favor, and keep reading it. The Bible tells us everything God wants us to know. My favorite translation is the New American Standard, but any translation you prefer is fine. Paraphrases aren't as accurate as translations. My favorite study Bible is the Life Application Bible, because it explains how we can apply Bible principles to our lives. You can even get someone to read the Bible to you! "Faith comes by hearing and hearing by the Word of God." Romans 10:17. Is your faith strong enough yet?
Rick Warren, The Purpose Driven Life (What on Earth Am I Here For?). Did you ever wonder why you are here and how you can live a meaningful life? Check this book out. It''s a New York Times best seller for good reason.
Henrietta C. Mears, What the Bible Is All About. A classic. Overview of each book of the Bible.
Stormie Omartian, The Power of a Praying Woman and The Prayer that Changes Everything. Wow! These books are excellent, and she has also written others. The books are very practical and encouraging giving prayers as examples that address real issues in our lives. She includes Bible Truth in her prayers, so she is not just "talking through her hat" but prays according to the will of God. She shares her own experiences instead of just teaching theories.
Charles Stanley, The Source of My Strength. Most of his books are very good. He clearly explains how to live the Christian life using the Bible as his base. Choose any topic that interests you. His "In Touch" television show which plays his sermons is excellent.
Charles Swindoll. His books are easy to understand and practical. One of my favorites is Grace Awakening.
Watchman Nee. The most helpful Christian book I ever read is The Release of the Spirit. A classic. It explains how God works in our lives and the purpose of pain. His books are "heavy duty", not for a day at the beach. Some don't care for him, but I really enjoy his books. He's much deeper and more thoughtful than most authors.
Philip Yancey, Disappointment with God. This is a very good book about suffering. It's hard to get into, mainly because his example of suffering is so lightweight compared to the suffering most people go through. If you keep reading to the end, I think you'll be pleased.
Barbara A. Johnson, Pain is inevitable but misery is optional so Stick a Geranium in Your Hat and Be Happy! This lady has had all kinds of problems including the sudden death of two of her sons in two separate accidents. See how she survived. Her books are corny but you can't help smiling and learning while you read.
Henry T. Blackaby, Experiencing God. How to experience God by having a close personal relationship with Him. Created to Be God's Friend is also excellent.
T. W. Hunt, The Mind of Christ. Explains how to renew your mind.
Andrew Murray, Abide in Christ. This is another classic author who is very encouraging. He also has written some excellent books on prayer.
Neil T. Anderson, Who I am in Christ . This is the person who wrote the "Who I Am in Christ" list. He explains what Christ has done for us and what our response should be. I also liked, The Common Made Holy, which he wrote with Robert L. Saucy. Skip the introduction, though.
V. Raymond Edman, They Found the Secret. A classic with chapters about many high-impact Christians and their personal encounters with Christ.
Brother Lawrence, The Practice of the Presence of God. Another classic. The title says it all.
James Dobson, What Wives Wish their Husbands Knew about Women. He has very good books about family relationships and raising children.
Joyce Meyer. Her "Enjoying Everyday Life" television show is devoted to practical Christian living. She talks about things we need to know but for some unknown reason never hear about in most churches.
Dr. David Jeremiah's TV show is called Turning Point. He, as my other favorites shows how God's grace and riches can be translated into our every day lives.
Worship music on tape or CD is also a big faith booster.
Now, I hope you'll buy some live-changing and enriching books.
Be thinking about others you can loan or give them to when you're finished.
