Our devotion to God and our appreciation for Scripture is often inspired, informed, and deepened by hearing from great men and women of God from the past. Below are a few of the books that we’ve particularly enjoyed and would recommend to fuel your devotional life. These books can all be easily found on Amazon or Abe Books.
Christ of the Indian Road
by E. Stanley Jones
Jones arrived in India as a young and presumptuous missionary. After a crisis of meaning and faith, Jones learned to love the country and her people and attempted to contextualize Jesus Christ within the Indian culture. Instead of imposing Western culture and theology, Jones learned to see where Jesus was already at work in India and embrace that movement. With a mix of theology and inspiring stories, Christ of the Indian Road describes the work God’s doing around the world and renew your love for Jesus of Nazareth.
The Cross and the Switchblade
by David Wilkerson
David Wilkerson led a quiet life as a pastor in rural Pennsylvania until God called him to the streets of New York. After seeing scores of young kids looking to drugs, violence, and sex to fill their empty lives, Wilkerson dedicates himself to reaching these youth. The Cross and the Switchblade sobers, inspires, and gives hope through this incredible and true story.
Let Justice Roll Down
by John Perkins
His brother died in his arms, shot by a deputy marshal. He was beaten and tortured by the sheriff and state police. But through it all he returned good for evil, love for hate, progress for prejudice, and brought hope to black and white alike. The story of John Perkins is no ordinary story. Rather, it is a gripping portrayal of what happens when faith thrusts a person into the midst of a struggle against racism, oppression, and injustice. It is about the costs of discipleship–the jailings, the floggings, the despair, the sacrifice. And it is about the transforming work of faith that allowed John to respond to such overwhelming indignities with miraculous compassion, vision, and hope.
Mere Christianity
by C. S. Lewis
C.S. Lewis may be the most widely read Christian author. In Mere Christianity, Lewis gives reasoned and insightful explanations of the basic Christian beliefs giving fresh understanding to Christians and non-Christians alike.
My Utmost for His Highest
by Oswald Chambers
My Upmost for His Highest by Oswald Chambers is probably the most widely recommended daily devotional and for good reason. Each day has a short, potent idea to read, reflect on, and practice throughout the day. You can read My Utmost online.
The Normal Christian Life
by Watchman Nee
Watchman Nee was a prolific Chinese writer and Christian martyr. In The Normal Christian Life, Nee explains the meaning of Jesus’s death on the cross, how to reckon its reality in our lives, and how to walk this reality out the Christian life. Both insightful and practical, The Normal Christian Life will spur both new and lifelong Christians in their walk with God.
The Pursuit of God
by A. W. Tozer
Seeing Christianity as more than an intellectual enterprise, A. W. Tozer charges Christians to know God not just in doctrine or theory but in personal experience in practice. The Pursuit of God will challenge you, reveal unsurrendered parts of your life, and renew your passion for following Christ.
The Hiding Place
by Corrie Ten Boom
When the Nazis invaded Holland, Corrie ten Boom’s quiet life turned into a nightmare. Because she made her home a “hiding place” for Jews, she and her family were sent to a concentration camp. Refusing to despair, Corrie discovered how Jesus can turn loss to glory! This inspiring true story reminds us that a daily life with Jesus can equip us to persevere and even find power in the darkest of circumstances!