We need godly guidance in all areas of our lives, and Christian literature founded on biblical truths is a great resource for this guidance.
One of the best ways to grow our faith is by reading. There are all kinds of topics covered in nonfiction Christian literature concerning Christian living. Some books target women, others target men, and some cover topics relevant to both. Here are some books to help you grow in your Christian living:
Foundational Texts: Classic Christian Literature
The first book we should look to is the Bible, which is the foundation of our faith. It has all the answers we need for any issue we are dealing with. However, it’s important to choose the right Bible for you. There are all kinds of Bibles in different translations (NIV, NLT, King James, etc.).
For Christmas last year, I bought my husband a copy of The Every Man’s Bible (New Living Translation Version), and he loves it. He likes that it’s easier to understand (compared to his previous Bible) and that he can look up any topic he is struggling with. I have a Chicken Soup for the Soul Bible (NLT Version) that I have used for years, and I love it.
Devotionals for Daily Encouragement
Reading the Bible can feel daunting, and sometimes it’s hard to know where to start. Therefore, daily devotion can be helpful. They have helped me when I didn’t know where to start. Some good ones to start with are:
-Daily Hope Devotional: 365 Days of Purpose, Peace, and Promise by Rick Warren
-Devotional for Women: 90 Days of Encouragement by Terri Sterk
-Choose Wisely: A 31-Day Devotional: Learn How to Make Choices to Transform Your Life by Debby Sibert
-Awaken: 90 Days with the God Who Speaks by Priscilla Shirer
Biblical Study: In-Depth Comprehension of Scripture
Studying the Bible is a big undertaking and can be confusing to those new to Christianity and sometimes even for long-time Christians. Here are some books to help you get more out of studying your Bible:
-Bible Study Guide for Beginners by Brian Gugas
-How to Study the Bible by Robert M. West
-The Bible Recap: A One-Year Guide to Reading and Understanding the Entire Bible by Tara-Lee Cobble
Prayer and Spiritual Growth: Resources for Deepening Connection with God
Prayer should be a constant in our lives because it is how we connect with God. Here are some books to help you start, rekindle, or strengthen your prayer life:
-Fervent by Priscilla Shirer: I recommend this one a lot, but it’s one of my favorites, and I read it every year. This book teaches women how to have a battle plan for serious, specific, and strategic prayer.
-The Power of Simple Prayer: How to Talk to God About Everything by Joyce Meyer: This book will give you a new perspective on how to talk with God through simple, powerful prayer.
-Pray First: The Transformative Power of a Life Built on Prayer by Chris Hodges: This book will show you how to make prayer your first response rather than your last resort.
-Prayer Worrier: Turning Every Worry Into a Powerful Prayer by Jennifer Waddle: If you struggle with worry, this book is a must-read. Jennifer shares her own personal stories about struggling with worry since she was a child and teaches you how to turn every worry into a powerful prayer.
Overcoming Doubt: Books for Strengthening Trust in God
Sometimes trusting God can be difficult, especially when it feels like everything is going wrong. These titles will help you restore your trust in Him, that he has everything under control:
-Unshakeable Trust: Find the Joy of Trusting God at All Times, in All Things by Joyce Meyer: This book will help you break the barrier of self-reliance and give you the resources you need to trust in the Lord always and not lean on your own understanding.
-Trusting God Day by Day: 365 Devotions by Joyce Meyer
-Embracing Trust: The Art of Letting Go and Holding on to a Forever Faithful God by Joanna Weaver: This book is about giving God control of your life, trusting God, and putting your hope in him.
Books About Christian Living for Women
Sometimes, as women, we need books that speak directly to us. Women write the following books for women and cover different topics of Christian living:
-Girls with Swords by Lisa Bevere: This book is about carrying your cross like a hero and will teach you what it means to carry your cross, what it means to intercede, what it means to discern, why females are the target of the enemy, how to disarm the enemy, etc.
-Lioness Arising: Wake Up and Change Your World by Lisa Bevere: This book draws the parallels between women and female lions. Like lionesses, we take charge of our world, protect our kids, and empower the lions (men) in our lives. Also, like lionesses, we are a force to be reckoned with in groups. This book teaches women what it means to be a representation of strength, what it means to lend our voices to the silenced, and how to live in the light and hunt in the dark.
-Without Rival by Lisa Bevere: It seems like everyone gets caught up in comparison and competition, perceiving each other as rivals. This causes people to look for their identity in all the wrong places. Without Rival points people back to the genuine source of their spiritual identity and reminds them of how much God loves them. You will learn to live a life without comparison.
-For Such a Time As This: Being the Woman God Called You to Be by Candace A. Jones: If you struggle with your past or feel you have aborted God’s plan for your life, this book is for you. Drawing on stories from her own life, Candace helps the reader discover all you are supposed to be in your purpose in Jesus.
-Everlasting Life by Kristy Lair: This book is about growing into a healthier relationship with Jesus. Composed of three different parts, it focuses on increasing our intimacy with Jesus, not being mad at God rather allowing him to heal us, and the beauty of our destiny.
Books for Parents
If you are looking for some Christian living books for families, here are some fantastic titles to check out:
-How to Lead Your Family: A Guide to Men Wanting to Be More by Joel R. Beeke: This book gives men biblical foundations, encouragement, and advice to lead their families well.
-Parenting: 14 Gospel Principles That Can Radically Change Your Family by Paul David Tripp: This book gives parents a big picture view of how God intended parenting to be and shows parents that they need God’s grace rather than trying to be perfect.
-The Grumble Free Year by Tricia Goyer: This book will help your family go with the flow when things don’t go as planned, discover what really matters to you and your family, and how not to just survive but thrive together.
We need godly guidance in all areas of our lives, and Christian literature founded on biblical truths is a great resource for this guidance. I hope these titles will help you in your life today.
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